Solar cell panel unfolding device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of obtaining a solar panel deployment device that can be miniaturized and housed. The solar cell panel deployment device comprises: a lower base part; an upper base part; a first lower link and a second lower link rotatably connected to the lower base portion; a first upper link connecting the first lower link and the upper base portion; and a second upper link that connects the second lower link and the upper base portion, where a connection point between the lower base portion and the first lower link is a first drive point, a connection point between the lower base portion and the second lower link is a second drive point, and a connection point between the upper base portion and the first upper link is a first upper node. When a connection point between the upper base portion and the second upper link is a second upper node, the first drive point and the first upper node can move up and down on the same straight line, and the second drive point and the second upper node can move up and down on the same straight line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a solar panel deployment device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a solar power generation device having a support body that supports a solar panel in a manner that allows it to be unfolded and retracted.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-008712 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a structure in which three solar panels are slidably folded and unfolded. There is still room for improvement in order to achieve further miniaturization.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to obtain a solar panel deployment device that can be miniaturized and stored.

[0006] The solar panel deployment device according to technical solution 1 comprises: a lower base portion, which is formed into an elongated strip and installed on the lower part of the solar panel; an upper base portion, which is formed into an elongated strip and installed on the upper part of the solar panel; a first lower connecting rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to one end of the lower base portion; a second lower connecting rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the other end of the lower base portion; a first upper connecting rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the other end of the first lower connecting rod, and the other end of which is rotatably connected to one end of the upper base portion; and a second upper connecting rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the first lower base portion. The other end of the lower connecting rod is rotatably connected to the other end of the upper base. When the connection point between the lower base and the first lower connecting rod is set as the first driving point, the connection point between the lower base and the second lower connecting rod is set as the second driving point, the connection point between the upper base and the first upper connecting rod is set as the first upper node, and the connection point between the upper base and the second upper connecting rod is set as the second upper node, the first driving point and the first upper node can move up and down on the same straight line, and the second driving point and the second upper node can move up and down on the same straight line.

[0007] In the solar panel deployment device described in technical solution 1, a lower base is installed at the lower part of the solar panel, and an upper base is installed at the upper part of the solar panel. A first lower connecting rod is rotatably connected to one end of the lower base, and a second lower connecting rod is rotatably connected to the other end of the lower base. Similarly, a first upper connecting rod is rotatably connected to one end of the upper base, and a second upper connecting rod is rotatably connected to the other end of the upper base. Here, the other end of the first lower connecting rod is connected to one end of the first upper connecting rod, and the other end of the second lower connecting rod is connected to one end of the second upper connecting rod. Thus, the upper base can be raised and lowered relative to the lower base via a four-bar linkage.

[0008] Furthermore, when the connection point between the lower base and the first lower connecting rod is designated as the first driving point, the connection point between the lower base and the second lower connecting rod is designated as the second driving point, the connection point between the upper base and the first upper connecting rod is designated as the first upper node, and the connection point between the lower base and the second upper connecting rod is designated as the second upper node, the first driving point and the first upper node can move up and down in a straight line, and the second driving point and the second upper node can also move up and down in a straight line. This allows the solar panel to be stored in a more compact form than with a sliding mechanism.

[0009] In technical solution 2, the solar panel deployment device is in the same manner as in technical solution 1, wherein one end of the lower base portion is connected to one end of the first upper connecting rod via a first auxiliary connecting rod, and the other end of the lower base portion is connected to one end of the second upper connecting rod via a second auxiliary connecting rod.

[0010] In the solar panel deployment device described in technical solution 2, one end of the lower base portion is connected to one end of the first upper connecting rod via a first auxiliary connecting rod, and the other end of the lower base portion is connected to one end of the second upper connecting rod via a second auxiliary connecting rod. Thus, the deployment and retraction of the four connecting rods are stabilized.

[0011] The solar panel deployment device described in technical solution 3, in technical solution 1 or 2, includes a receiving portion capable of accommodating the lower base portion, the upper base portion, the first lower connecting rod, the second lower connecting rod, the first upper connecting rod, and the second upper connecting rod.

[0012] In the solar panel deployment device described in technical solution 3, the solar panel, along with the lower base portion, the upper base portion, the first lower connecting rod, the second lower connecting rod, the first upper connecting rod, and the second upper connecting rod, can be housed together in the receiving portion, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the solar panel.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] As explained above, the solar panel unfolding device according to the present invention can store solar panels in a miniaturized state. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view of a vehicle to which the solar panel deployment device according to the embodiment is applied.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the stowed state of the unfolding mechanism in the implementation method.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the state of the deployment mechanism during the deployment process in the implementation embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 It means from Figure 3 The diagram shows the state of the unfolding mechanism during the unfolding process.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the state of the unfolding mechanism in the implementation method after it has been fully unfolded. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The solar panel deployment apparatus according to the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view of a vehicle V to which the solar panel deployment device 10 according to the embodiment is applied. Furthermore, arrows UP and RH in the figure represent the upward and rightward directions of the vehicle V, respectively. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the terms front-back, up-down, and left-right directions refer to the front-back direction of the vehicle, the up-down direction of the vehicle, and the left-right direction (width direction), respectively.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the solar panel deployment device 10 of this embodiment is provided on the side of the front of the vehicle V. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pair of left and right solar panel deployment devices 10 are provided, but this is not a limitation; it is also possible to have a structure in which only one side of the solar panel deployment device 10 is provided. However, from the viewpoint of maintaining good weight balance on both sides, it is preferable to provide identical solar panel deployment devices 10 on both sides.

[0023] The solar panel deployment device 10 in this embodiment is configured to rotate back and forth relative to the vehicle body of the vehicle V when viewed from above. Figure 1 In the image, the solar panel deployment device 10 is shown in a double-dotted line, indicating its state during rotation.

[0024] The solar panel deployment device 10 has a receiving part 12 for accommodating solar panels (not shown).

[0025] The solar panel has a light-receiving surface capable of receiving sunlight. This light-receiving surface is composed of multiple unit surfaces for power generation, thus generating electricity by receiving sunlight through the light-receiving surface. Furthermore, the solar panel is shaped to be accommodated in the receiving portion 12. For example, the solar panel can be configured to be rolled into a roll. Also, for example, the solar panel can be configured to be folded into a corrugated shape.

[0026] The receiving part 12 is mounted to the vehicle body via a hinge 18. Therefore, the receiving part 12 can be moved from a position close to the vehicle body towards... Figure 1 The position shown is rotated in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Then, after the vehicle V is driven to the designated power generation position and stopped, the housing 12 is rotated to... Figure 1 The solar panels are then deployed at the indicated positions.

[0027] A cover member is provided in the receiving part 12, and the opening of the receiving part 12 is closed by the cover member when the solar panel is received in the receiving part 12. Thus, it is configured to prevent foreign objects from entering the receiving part 12.

[0028] (Expanding organization)

[0029] Next, the main part of this embodiment, namely the unfolding mechanism 16, will be described. Figure 2 This diagram shows the stowed state of the unfolding mechanism 16. Figure 3 This diagram shows the state of the deployment mechanism 16 during its deployment process. The deployment mechanism 16, housed together with the solar panel in the housing 12, is a mechanism for deploying the solar panel towards the upper side of the vehicle. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the unfolding mechanism 16 is composed of a lower base 20, an upper base 22, a first lower connecting rod 24, a second lower connecting rod 26, a first upper connecting rod 28, a second upper connecting rod 30, a first auxiliary connecting rod 32, and a second auxiliary connecting rod 34.

[0030] The lower base portion 20 is formed into a long strip and is installed on the lower part of the solar panel (see reference). Figure 1 Furthermore, the upper base portion 22 is formed to be approximately the same length as the lower base portion 20, and is mounted on the upper part of the solar panel (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0031] The first lower connecting rod 24 is formed in the shape of an elongated strip, and one end of the first lower connecting rod 24 is rotatably connected to one end of the lower base portion 20 at the first driving point P1. Furthermore, the other end of the first lower connecting rod 24 is rotatably connected to the first upper connecting rod 28 at the connection point P3.

[0032] The second lower connecting rod 26 is formed in the shape of an elongated strip, and one end of the second lower connecting rod 26 is rotatably connected to the other end of the lower base portion 20 at the second driving point P2. Furthermore, the other end of the second lower connecting rod 26 is rotatably connected to the second upper connecting rod 30 at the connection point P4.

[0033] The first upper link 28 is formed in the shape of a strip, and one end of the first upper link 28 is rotatably connected to the first lower link 24 at connection point P3. Furthermore, the other end of the first upper link 28 is rotatably connected to one end of the upper base portion 22 at the first upper node P5.

[0034] The second upper link 30 is formed in the shape of a strip, and one end of the second upper link 30 is rotatably connected to the second lower link 26 at connection point P4. Furthermore, the other end of the second upper link 30 is rotatably connected to the other end of the upper base portion 22 at the second upper node P6.

[0035] Here, in the deployed state of the deployment mechanism 16, the first upper node P5 is located above the vehicle at the first drive point P1, and the second upper node P6 is located above the vehicle at the second drive point P2. Then, during the deployment process, the first lower link 24 intersects with the second lower link 26, and the first upper link 28 intersects with the second upper link 30.

[0036] The first connecting rod 32 connects one end of the lower base portion 20 to one end of the first upper connecting rod 28. Specifically, the width of the first connecting rod 32 is narrower than that of the first lower connecting rod 24, and it is formed into a long strip. One end of the first connecting rod 32 is rotatably connected to the lower base portion 20 via a first connecting shaft 33 through a connection point P7. The first connecting shaft 33 is a short rod-shaped component that connects the first drive point P1 and the connection point P7.

[0037] Furthermore, the other end of the first connecting rod 32 is rotatably connected in the first upper connecting rod 28 to a connection point P9 that is closer to the end than the connection point P3.

[0038] The second connecting rod 34 connects the other end of the lower base portion 20 to one end of the second upper connecting rod 30. Specifically, the width of the second connecting rod 34 is narrower than that of the second lower connecting rod 26, and it is formed into a long strip. One end of the second connecting rod 34 is rotatably connected to the lower base portion 20 via the second connecting shaft 35 through the connection point P8. The second connecting shaft 35 is a short rod-shaped component that connects the second drive point P2 and the connection point P8.

[0039] Furthermore, the other end of the second connecting rod 34 is rotatably connected in the second upper connecting rod 30 to a connection point P10 that is closer to the end than the connection point P4.

[0040] An actuator 36 is provided at a position lower than the lower base portion 20. The actuator 36 rotates about an axis with the paper depth direction as the axis when it is operated.

[0041] A first rod 38 and a second rod 40 are mounted on the actuator 36. The first rod 38 is a rod-shaped component for transmitting power, and one end 38A of the first rod 38 is rotatably connected to the actuator 36.

[0042] The other end 38B of the first link 38 is rotatably connected to the first auxiliary link 32 via the third connecting shaft 37 at connection point P7.

[0043] The second rod 40 is a rod-shaped component for transmitting power, and one end 40A of the second rod 40 is rotatably connected to the actuator 36. Specifically, one end 40A of the second rod 40 is connected to one end 38A of the first rod 38 at a position 180 degrees relative to the rotation axis of the actuator 36.

[0044] The other end 40B of the second link 40 is rotatably connected to the second auxiliary link 34 via the fourth connecting shaft 39 at connection point P8.

[0045] Then, the unfolding mechanism 16, including the lower base portion 20, the upper base portion 22, the first lower connecting rod 24, the second lower connecting rod 26, the first upper connecting rod 28, the second upper connecting rod 30, the first auxiliary connecting rod 32, the second auxiliary connecting rod 34 and the actuator 36, is configured as a whole to be accommodated in the receiving portion 12.

[0046] exist Figure 2 In its stored state, if actuator 36 is activated, then as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the rotational force is transmitted to the first drive point P1 via the first link 38. Here, a bevel gear (not shown) is provided at the first drive point P1, and the first lower connecting rod 24 meshes with the bevel gear and rotates clockwise around the first drive point P1. On the other hand, the first connecting shaft 33 meshes with the bevel gear and rotates counterclockwise around the first drive point P1.

[0047] Furthermore, the rotational force generated by the actuator 36 is transmitted to the second drive point P2 via the second rod 40. A bevel gear (not shown) is provided at the second drive point P2 in the same manner as the first drive point P1. The second lower connecting rod 26, which meshes with the bevel gear, rotates counterclockwise around the second drive point P2, and the second connecting shaft 35 rotates clockwise.

[0048] Figure 4 It means from Figure 3 The diagram shows the states during the deployment process of the unfolding mechanism 16. Figure 4As shown, if the operation proceeds as planned, the first lower connecting rod 24 rotates clockwise around the first driving point P1, and the second lower connecting rod 26 rotates counterclockwise around the second driving point P2. Consequently, the angle between the lower base portion 20 and the first lower connecting rod 24 increases to approximately 60 degrees. Simultaneously, the angle between the lower base portion 20 and the second lower connecting rod 26 also increases to approximately 60 degrees. At this point, the angles between the lower base portion 20 and the first lower connecting rod 24 and the lower base portion 20 and the second lower connecting rod 26 become approximately the same.

[0049] The rotation of the first lower connecting rod 24 and the second lower connecting rod 26 is linked to the rotation of the first upper connecting rod 28 and the second upper connecting rod 30, causing them to rotate and stand upright. This causes the upper base portion 22 to move relative to the lower base portion 20 towards the upper side of the vehicle. The upper base portion 22 is mounted on the upper part of the solar panel; therefore, as the upper base portion 22 rises, the solar panel unfolds upwards (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0050] In this embodiment, in the unfolding mechanism 16, the first driving point P1 and the first upper node P5 move up and down on the same straight line, and the second driving point P2 and the second upper node P6 move up and down on the same straight line.

[0051] Therefore, the solar panel is configured to unfold upwards without the upper base portion 22 shifting left or right relative to the lower base portion 20.

[0052] If from Figure 4 If we expand on this state further, it becomes... Figure 5 The state. Figure 5 This diagram shows the unfolding mechanism 16 in the embodiment after it has been fully unfolded. Figure 5 As shown, in the fully unfolded state, connection point P3 and connection point P4 are separated from each other. At this time, the angle between the lower base portion 20 and the first lower connecting rod 24 and the angle between the lower base portion 20 and the second lower connecting rod 26 are approximately the same at 85 degrees.

[0053] Here, a force is applied to the first lower link 24 to rotate clockwise around the first drive point P1, so an upward force is exerted on the first upper link 28 at the connection point P3.

[0054] On the other hand, a force is applied to the first connecting shaft 33 to rotate counterclockwise around the first driving point P1, so a downward force is exerted on the first upper connecting rod 28 via the first auxiliary connecting rod 32 at the connection point P9. Then, the force acting on the connection point P3 and the force acting on the connection point P9 are in balance.

[0055] effect

[0056] Next, the function of the solar panel deployment device according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0057] In the solar panel deployment device 10 according to this embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a lower base portion 20 is installed at the lower part of the solar panel, and an upper base portion 22 is installed at the upper part of the solar panel. Furthermore, a first lower connecting rod 24 is rotatably connected to a first driving point P1 at one end of the lower base portion 20, and a second lower connecting rod 26 is rotatably connected to a second driving point P2 at the other end of the lower base portion 20.

[0058] Furthermore, at the first upper node P5, one end of the upper base portion 22 is rotatably connected to the first upper connecting rod 28, and at the second upper node P6, the other end of the upper base portion 22 is rotatably connected to the second upper connecting rod 30. Moreover, at connection point P3, the other end of the first lower connecting rod 24 is connected to one end of the first upper connecting rod 28, and at connection point P4, the other end of the second lower connecting rod 26 is connected to one end of the second upper connecting rod 30. Thus, the upper base portion 22 can be raised and lowered relative to the lower base portion 20 via a four-bar linkage.

[0059] Furthermore, the first driving point P1 and the first upper node P5 can move up and down along the same straight line, and the second driving point P2 and the second upper node can also move up and down along the same straight line. This allows the solar panel to be stored in a more compact form than with a sliding mechanism.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one end of the lower base portion 20 is connected to one end of the first upper connecting rod 28 via a first auxiliary connecting rod 32, and the other end of the lower base portion 20 is connected to one end of the second upper connecting rod 30 via a second auxiliary connecting rod 34. Thus, the deployment and retraction of the four-link system are stabilized.

[0061] Moreover, in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the solar panel, along with the lower base portion 20, the upper base portion 22, the first lower connecting rod 24, the second lower connecting rod 26, the first upper connecting rod 28, and the second upper connecting rod 30, can be accommodated together in the receiving portion 14, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the solar panel.

[0062] The solar panel deployment device according to the present invention has been described above, but it can of course be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in this embodiment, it is designed such that the first lower connecting rod 24 and the first connecting shaft 33 rotate in opposite directions by means of a bevel gear, but it is not limited to this and can also be implemented by other mechanisms.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a solar panel deployment device 10 is provided at the front of the vehicle V, but it is not limited to this. The solar panel deployment device 10 may also be provided at the rear of the vehicle V or at the center of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] Symbol Explanation

[0065] 10-Solar panel deployment device, 14-Housing part, 20-Lower base part, 22-Upper base part, 24-First lower connecting rod, 26-Second lower connecting rod, 28-First upper connecting rod, 30-Second upper connecting rod, 32-First auxiliary connecting rod, 34-Second auxiliary connecting rod, P1-First driving point, P2-Second driving point, P5-First upper node, P6-Second upper node.

Claims

1. A solar panel deployment device, characterized in that, have: The lower base portion is formed into a long strip and is installed on the lower part of the solar panel; The upper base portion is formed into a long strip and is installed on the upper part of the solar panel; The first lower connecting rod has one end rotatably connected to one end of the lower base portion; The second lower connecting rod has one end rotatably connected to the other end of the lower base portion; The first upper connecting rod has one end rotatably connected to the other end of the first lower connecting rod, and the other end rotatably connected to one end of the upper base portion; and The second upper connecting rod has one end rotatably connected to the other end of the second lower connecting rod, and the other end rotatably connected to the other end of the upper base portion. The connection point between the lower base and the first lower connecting rod is designated as the first driving point. The connection point between the lower base and the second lower connecting rod is designated as the second driving point. The connection point between the upper base and the first upper connecting rod is designated as the first upper node. When the connection point between the upper base and the second upper connecting rod is set as the second upper node... The first driving point and the first upper node can move up and down along the same straight line. The second driving point and the second upper node can move up and down on the same straight line.

2. The solar panel deployment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the lower base portion is connected to one end of the first upper connecting rod via a first auxiliary connecting rod. The other end of the lower base portion is connected to one end of the second upper connecting rod via a second auxiliary connecting rod.

3. The solar panel deployment device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It has a receiving portion that can accommodate the lower base portion, the upper base portion, the first lower connecting rod, the second lower connecting rod, the first upper connecting rod, and the second upper connecting rod.

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