Fixing member and fixing method

Abstract

To provide a fixing member capable of reducing labor for fixing a photovoltaic power generation device.SOLUTION: A fixing member 1 of the present invention is used for fixing a photovoltaic power generation device 2 on an installation surface 3. The fixing member 1 comprises a first fixing portion 51 for fixing a first outer peripheral portion 50 constituting 50% or more of an outer periphery of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 and a second fixing portion 53 for fixing a second outer peripheral portion 52 constituting the remainder of the outer periphery of the photovoltaic power generation device 2, so that fixing the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 51 and fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 53 can be performed independently.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing member for fixing a photovoltaic power generation device, and a fixing method for fixing a photovoltaic power generation device using the fixing member.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a state where linear frames are arranged along each of the four sides of a rectangular photovoltaic power generation device (for example, Patent Document 1), the photovoltaic power generation device has been fixed to an installation surface.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when arranging linear frames along each of the four sides of the photovoltaic power generation device as described above, it is necessary to adjust the positions of the four frames, which is time-consuming.

[0005] In particular, when the photovoltaic power generation device has flexibility, there is a desire to maintain the flexibility of the photovoltaic power generation device during storage, so it may not be possible to attach frames to the four sides of the photovoltaic power generation device in advance. In this case, when fixing the photovoltaic power generation device to the installation surface, it is necessary to perform both the adjustment of the position of the photovoltaic power generation device on the installation surface and the adjustment of the positions of the above four frames. Moreover, since these position adjustments need to be performed in a state where the shape of the photovoltaic power generation device is not stable due to the flexibility of the photovoltaic power generation device, it has been extremely time-consuming to fix the photovoltaic power generation device.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above matters, and an object thereof is to provide a fixing member for fixing a solar power generation device installed on an installation surface, the fixing member capable of reducing the labor for fixing the solar power generation device, and a fixing method for fixing the solar power generation device using the fixing member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention includes the subject matters described in the following items.

[0008] Item 1. A fixing member for fixing a solar power generation device installed on an installation surface, a first fixing portion for fixing a first outer peripheral portion that forms 50% or more of the outer periphery of the solar power generation device; a second fixing portion for fixing a second outer peripheral portion that forms the remaining portion of the outer periphery of the solar power generation device; and a fixing member capable of independently performing the fixing of the first outer peripheral portion by the first fixing portion and the fixing of the second outer peripheral portion by the second fixing portion.

[0009] Item 2. The first fixing portion includes a first frame and a pressing member, the second fixing portion includes a second frame and a third frame whose position relative to the second frame can be changed, fixing the first outer peripheral portion by disposing one side or the entire width of the first frame on the first outer peripheral portion and pressing the first frame toward the installation surface side by the pressing member, and disposing the second outer peripheral portion on the second frame fixed to the installation surface, and adjusting the position of the third frame together with the second frame to a position where the second outer peripheral portion is sandwiched, so as to independently fix the second outer peripheral portion. The fixing member according to Item 1.

[0010] Item 3. The first fixing portion includes a first frame and a second frame whose position relative to the first frame can be changed, the second fixing portion includes a third frame and a pressing member, The first outer periphery is disposed on the first frame fixed to the installation surface, and the position of the second frame is adjusted together with the first frame to a position sandwiching the first outer periphery, thereby fixing the first outer periphery; and the width one side or the entire width of the third frame is disposed on the second outer periphery, and the pressing member presses the third frame toward the installation surface side, thereby fixing the second outer periphery. The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein the above can be performed independently.

[0011] Item 4. The fixing member according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the third frame has a linear shape with a width larger than that of the photovoltaic power generation device.

[0012] Item 5. The first fixing portion includes a first frame and a first pressing member. The second fixing portion includes a second frame and a second pressing member. The width one side or the entire width of the first frame is disposed on the first outer periphery, and the frame is pressed toward the installation surface side by the first pressing member, thereby fixing the first outer periphery; and the width one side or the entire width of the second frame is disposed on the second outer periphery, and the second frame is pressed toward the installation surface side by the second pressing member, thereby fixing the second outer periphery. The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein the above can be performed independently.

[0013] Item 6. The fixing member according to claim 5, wherein the second frame has a linear shape with a width larger than that of the photovoltaic power generation device.

[0014] Item 7. The first fixing portion includes a first frame fixed to the installation surface and a second frame whose position relative to the first frame can be changed. The second fixing portion includes a third frame fixed to the installation surface and a fourth frame whose position relative to the third frame can be changed. The first outer periphery is disposed on the first frame fixed to the installation surface, and the first outer periphery is fixed by adjusting the position of the second frame to a position where the first outer periphery is sandwiched together with the first frame; and the second outer periphery is disposed on the third frame fixed to the installation surface, and the second outer periphery is fixed by adjusting the position of the fourth frame to a position where the second outer periphery is sandwiched together with the third frame. The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein the above can be performed independently.

[0015] Item 8. The fixing member according to item 7, wherein the fourth frame has a linear shape that is wider than the photovoltaic device.

[0016] Item 9. The photovoltaic device is the fixing member according to any one of items 1 to 8 and has flexibility.

[0017] Item 10. A fixing method for fixing the photovoltaic device on an installation surface using the fixing member according to items 1 to 9, A first step of fixing the first outer periphery of the photovoltaic device installed on the installation surface by the first fixing portion; A fixing method having a second step of fixing the second outer periphery of the photovoltaic device by the second fixing portion after the first step.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, the labor for fixing the photovoltaic device can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1(A) is a plan view showing a state in which a photovoltaic power generation device 2 is fixed to an installation surface 3 using a fixing member 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1(A). FIG. 1(C) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 1(A).

[0021] (Installation surface 3) In the present embodiment, the photovoltaic power generation device 2 installed on the installation surface 3 is fixed using the fixing member 1. The installation surface 3 is constituted by the surface of a building material. Examples of the building material include a roofing material, a wall material (such as a metal siding material, a ceramic siding material, a sandwich panel, etc.), a partition, a door material, a fence material, a floor material, etc. Examples of the roofing material include roofing materials used for, for example, a corrugated roof, a slate roof, a roof deck, a tile batten roof, a standing seam roof, etc. The roof may be a vertical tile roof or a horizontal tile roof. Note that the present invention is not limited to the above building materials for the member having the installation surface 3, and the installation surface 3 may be constituted by the surface of a paving body forming a road, or may be the surface of a structure such as an automobile, a train, or a ship. Also, in the illustrated example, the installation surface 3 is a plane, but it may be a curved surface. Also, the material of the member constituting the installation surface 3 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, metal, resin, asphalt, or concrete.

[0022] (Photovoltaic power generation device 2) The photovoltaic power generation device 2 is in a sheet shape. As used in this specification, "sheet shape" means a shape in which the thickness of the object is 10% or less of the maximum length between the outer edges in a plan view. For example, when the shape in a plan view is rectangular, "the maximum length between the outer edges in a plan view" means the length of the diagonal. Also, for example, when the shape in a plan view is circular, "the maximum length between the outer edges in a plan view" means the length of the diameter. In this specification, film shape, foil shape, film-like shape, etc. are also included in "sheet shape".

[0023] The photovoltaic power generation device 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. However, the present invention does not particularly limit the shape of the photovoltaic power generation device 2, and the photovoltaic power generation device 2 may be, for example, substantially circular in a plan view, elliptical in a plan view, polygonal in a plan view, etc.

[0024] The photovoltaic power generation device 2 has flexibility (the property that the object can be bent). In the present invention, that the photovoltaic power generation device 2 has flexibility means that the photovoltaic power generation device 2 has a flexural strength of 10 MPa or more, or that the photovoltaic power generation device 2 has a flexural modulus of 100 MPa or more. The flexural strength of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is more preferably 20 MPa or more, and more preferably 50 MPa or more. Also, the flexural strength of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is preferably 200 MPa or less, more preferably 150 MPa or less, and more preferably 50 MPa or less. Also, the flexural modulus of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is more preferably 500 MPa or more. Also, the flexural modulus of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is preferably 10000 MPa or less, more preferably 5000 MPa or less. When evaluating the flexibility of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 by flexural strength, the flexural modulus may not be included in the above range. When evaluating the flexibility of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 by flexural modulus, the flexural strength may not be included in the above range. The measuring method of the flexural strength and flexural modulus of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is measured in accordance with JIS K 7171. The bending radius of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is preferably 10 cm or less, and the bending radius of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is measured using an R caliper (radius measuring instrument), etc.

[0025] FIG. 2(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the photovoltaic device 2 is cut. FIG. 2(B) is an enlarged view of the a portion of FIG. 2(A). FIG. 2(C) is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the power generation unit 10 is cut along the line A-A of FIG. 2(A).

[0026] The photovoltaic device 2 has a power generation unit 10 and a sealing agent 11 disposed between a backsheet 8 disposed on the installation surface 3 side and a barrier sheet 9 disposed on the side opposite to the installation surface 3, and the sealing agent 11 is filled around the power generation unit 10. A sealing edge material 12 for sealing between the outer peripheral edge of the barrier sheet 9 and the outer peripheral edge of the backsheet 8 is provided at the outer peripheral edge of the photovoltaic device 2. The photovoltaic device 2 generates power in the power generation unit 10 when the light irradiated on the outer surface 13 of the barrier sheet 9 enters the power generation unit 10.

[0027] (Backsheet 8) The backsheet 8 has a barrier performance against water vapor and a protection performance against external force. The backsheet 8 may have light transmittance, but light transmittance is not necessarily required. As used herein, "having light transmittance" means that the light transmittance is greater than 15% with respect to the peak wavelength of the light before incidence. Examples of the material of the backsheet 8 include synthetic resins such as thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, general-purpose plastics, engineering plastics, and vinyl resins (e.g., polyvinyl chloride), natural resins, rubbers, metals, carbon, and pulp.

[0028] The longitudinal elastic modulus of the backsheet 8 is preferably 2400 MPa or more, more preferably 3000 MPa or more. Also, the longitudinal elastic modulus of the backsheet 8 is preferably 4200 MPa or less, more preferably 3100 MPa or less. Examples of the material of the backsheet 8 include synthetic resins such as thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, general-purpose plastics, engineering plastics, and vinyl resins (e.g., polyvinyl chloride). Also, in addition to synthetic resins, for example, natural resins, rubbers, metals, carbon, and pulp may be used as the material of the backsheet 8.

[0029] The thickness of the backsheet 8 is preferably 50 μm or more, more preferably 100 μm or more. Also, the thickness of the backsheet 8 is preferably 2000 μm or less, more preferably 1000 μm or less.

[0030] (Power generation unit 10) The power generation unit 10 includes a power generation cell 20 which is a photoelectric conversion element utilizing the photovoltaic effect. In the present embodiment, the power generation unit 10 is composed of a photoelectric conversion unit in which a plurality of power generation cells 20 are arranged in the plane direction of the solar power generation device 2 (for example, the longitudinal direction or the width direction of the solar power generation device 2). Note that the power generation unit 10 may be composed of one power generation cell 20.

[0031] (Power generation cell 20) The power generation cell 20 includes a light-transmitting base material 21, a light-transmitting conductive layer 22, a power generation layer 23, and an electrode 24. The light-transmitting base material 21, the light-transmitting conductive layer 22, the power generation layer 23, and the electrode 24 are laminated in this order along the direction from the barrier sheet 9 toward the backsheet 8. That is, the light-transmitting base material 21 is disposed to face the barrier sheet 9, and the electrode 24 is disposed to face the backsheet 8.

[0032] (Light-transmitting base material 21) The light-transmitting base material 21 supports the light-transmitting conductive layer 22, the power generation layer 23, and the electrode 24. The light-transmitting base material 21 has light-transmitting properties. The light-transmitting property of the light-transmitting base material 21 only needs to have a light transmittance greater than 15% with respect to the peak wavelength of the light before incidence, but is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 80% or more. In this specification, when the light transmittance is 80% or more with respect to the peak wavelength of the light before incidence, it is regarded as "transparent".

[0033] Examples of the material of the light-transmissive substrate 21 include inorganic materials, organic materials, and metal materials. Examples of the inorganic materials include quartz glass and non-alkali glass. Examples of the organic materials include plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene, polyimide, polyamide, polyamideimide, liquid crystal polymer, and cycloolefin polymer, and polymer films. Examples of the metal materials include stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and silicon.

[0034] The thickness of the light-transmissive substrate 21 is not particularly limited as long as it can support the light-transmissive conductive layer 22, the power generation layer 23, and the electrode 24. For example, it may be 10 μm or more and 300 μm or less.

[0035] The light-transmissive substrate 21 is a substrate required in the manufacturing process of the power generation cell 20 and is not necessarily an essential configuration. The light-transmissive substrate 21 may be used, for example, only during the manufacturing process of the solar power generation device 2, or may be removed after manufacturing or during manufacturing. In the case of removal, a substrate having no light-transmittance may be used instead of the light-transmissive substrate 21.

[0036] (Light-transmissive conductive layer 22) The light-transmissive conductive layer 22 is a conductive layer and functions as a cathode. The light-transmissive conductive layer 22 has light-transmittance. The light-transmissive conductive layer 22 is preferably transparent.

[0037] Examples of the light-transmissive conductive layer 22 include transparent materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), and Nesa film. The light-transmissive conductive layer 22 is formed on the surface of the light-transmissive substrate by, for example, sputtering, ion plating, plating, coating, or the like.

[0038] Further, as the light-transmissive conductive layer 22, it may be configured to have light transmissivity by forming a pattern capable of transmitting light while using an opaque material. Examples of the opaque material include platinum, gold, silver, copper, aluminum, rhodium, indium, titanium, nickel, tin, zinc, or alloys containing these. Examples of the pattern capable of transmitting light include a lattice shape, a linear shape, a wavy shape, a honeycomb shape, a round hole shape, etc.

[0039] The thickness of the light-transmissive conductive layer 22 is preferably, for example, 30 nm or more and 300 nm or less. When the light-transmissive conductive layer 22 is 30 nm or more and 300 nm or less, good conductivity can be obtained while maintaining high flexibility.

[0040] (Power generation layer 23) The power generation layer 23 is a layer that causes photoelectric conversion by irradiation with light, and generates electrons and holes from excitons generated by absorbing light. As shown in FIG. 2(B), the power generation layer 23 includes a hole transport layer 30, a photoelectric conversion layer 31, and an electron transport layer 32. The hole transport layer 30, the photoelectric conversion layer 31, and the electron transport layer 32 are laminated in this order along the direction from the light-transmissive conductive layer 22 toward the electrode 24.

[0041] (Hole transport layer 30) The hole transport layer 30 extracts holes generated in the photoelectric conversion layer 31 to the light-transmissive conductive layer 22, and prevents electrons generated in the photoelectric conversion layer 31 from moving to the light-transmissive conductive layer 22. As the material of the hole transport layer 30, for example, a metal oxide can be used. Examples of the metal oxide include titanium oxide, molybdenum oxide, vanadium oxide, zinc oxide, nickel oxide, lithium oxide, calcium oxide, cesium oxide, aluminum oxide, etc. In addition, other delafossite-type compound semiconductors (CuGaO2), copper oxide, copper thiocyanate (CuSCN), vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), graphene oxide, etc. may also be used. Further, a p-type organic semiconductor or a p-type inorganic semiconductor can also be used as the material of the hole transport layer 30.

[0042] The thickness of the hole transport layer 30 is preferably, for example, 1 nm or more and 1000 nm or less, more preferably 10 nm or more and 500 nm or less, and still more preferably 10 nm or more and 50 nm or less. If the thickness of the hole transport layer 30 is 1 nm or more and 1000 nm or less, the transport of holes can be achieved.

[0043] (Photovoltaic conversion layer 31) The photovoltaic conversion layer 31 (photoactive layer) is a layer that converts the absorbed light into electricity. The material of the photovoltaic conversion layer 31 is not particularly limited as long as it can convert the absorbed light into electricity. For example, amorphous silicon, perovskite, non-silicon-based materials (semiconductor material CIGS), etc. are used. Further, the photovoltaic conversion layer 31 may have a tandem-type laminated structure in which these are combined. The photovoltaic conversion layer 31 using a non-silicon-based material uses a semiconductor material CIGS containing copper (Cu), indium (In), gallium (Ga), and selenium (Se), and it is easy to reduce the thickness of the photovoltaic conversion layer.

[0044] Hereinafter, as an example of the case where the power generation unit 10 contains an organic component, the case where a perovskite compound containing an organic component is included in the photovoltaic conversion layer 31 of the power generation unit 10 will be described. The photovoltaic conversion layer 31 containing a perovskite compound has an advantage that the dependence of the power generation efficiency on the angle of incident light (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the incident angle dependence) is relatively low. Thereby, in the present embodiment, higher power generation efficiency can be obtained.

[0045] The perovskite compound is a perovskite crystal structure and a structure having a crystal similar thereto. The perovskite crystal structure is represented by the composition formula ABX3. In this composition formula, for example, A represents an organic cation, B represents a metal cation, and X represents a halogen anion. However, the A site, B site, and X site are not limited thereto.

[0046] The organic group of the organic cation constituting site A is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include alkylammonium derivatives and formamidinium derivatives. The organic cation constituting site A may be one type or two or more types.

[0047] The metal of the metal cation constituting site B is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Cu, Ni, Mn, Fe, Co, Pd, Ge, Sn, Pb, Eu, etc. The metal cation constituting site B may be one type or two or more types.

[0048] The halogen of the halogen anion constituting site X is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include F, Cl, Br, I, etc. The halogen anion constituting site X may be one type or two or more types.

[0049] The thickness of the photoelectric conversion layer 31 is preferably, for example, 1 nm or more and 1000000 nm or less, more preferably 100 nm or more and 50000 nm or less, and still more preferably 300 nm or more and 1000 nm or less. When the thickness of the photoelectric conversion layer 31 is 1 nm or more and 1000000 nm or less, the photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved.

[0050] (Electron transport layer 32) The electron transport layer 32 extracts the electrons generated in the photoelectric conversion layer 31 to the electrode 24 and prevents the holes generated in the photoelectric conversion layer 31 from moving to the electrode 24. As the electron transport layer 32, for example, it is preferable to contain either a halogen compound or a metal oxide.

[0051] Examples of the halogen compound include lithium halides (LiF, LiCl, LiBr, LiI), sodium halides (NaF, NaCl, NaBr, NaI), etc. Examples of the elements constituting the metal oxide include titanium, molybdenum, vanadium, zinc, nickel, lithium, potassium, cesium, aluminum, niobium, tin, barium, etc. Also, an n-type organic semiconductor or an n-type inorganic semiconductor can be used as the material of the electron transport layer 32.

[0052] The thickness of the electron transport layer 32 is preferably, for example, 1 nm or more and 1000 nm or less, more preferably 10 nm or more and 500 nm or less, and still more preferably 10 nm or more and 50 nm or less. If the thickness of the electron transport layer 32 is 1 nm or more and 1000 nm or less, the transport of electrons can be realized.

[0053] (Electrode 24) The electrode 24 has conductivity and functions as an anode. The electrode 24 can extract electrons from the photoelectric conversion layer 31 in response to the photoelectric conversion generated by the photoelectric conversion layer 31. The electrode 24 may be formed of a light-transmitting material or a light-blocking material. However, if the electrode 24 is formed of a light-blocking material, the light-shielding property of the solar power generation device 2 can be further improved (that is, the incidence of light from the opposite side of the surface 6 to the power generation unit 10 can be further suppressed). Examples of the material of the electrode 24 include platinum, gold, silver, copper, aluminum, rhodium, indium, titanium, nickel, tin, zinc, or alloys containing these.

[0054] (Barrier sheet 9) The barrier sheet 9 has light-transmitting properties and is preferably transparent. The barrier sheet 9 has a barrier performance against water vapor and a protection performance against external forces.

[0055] The barrier sheet 9 has flexibility. The material used for the barrier sheet 9 preferably has a longitudinal elastic modulus of 100 Pa or more and 10000 MPa or less, more preferably 1000 MPa or more and 5000 MPa or less. Specifically, examples of the material of the barrier sheet 9 include plastic films, vinyl films, and the like.

[0056] The thickness of the barrier sheet 9 is preferably 50 μm or more, more preferably 100 μm or more. Also, the thickness of the barrier sheet 9 is preferably 2000 μm or less, more preferably 1000 μm or less. When the thickness of the barrier sheet 9 is 50 μm or more and 2000 μm or less, it is easy to set the bending strength of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 to 50 MPa or more and 150 MPa or less.

[0057] (Sealing agent 11) The sealing agent 11 prevents water from entering the power generation layer 23 from the periphery of the power generation layer 23. The sealing agent 11 has light transmittance and is preferably transparent. Note that the sealing agent 11 does not necessarily have to cover all of the power generation unit 10. For example, when a part of the power generation unit 10 is exposed from the sealing agent 11, the exposed part may be covered with a sealing edge material 12 or the like.

[0058] Examples of the material of the sealing agent 11 include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefin, butyl rubber, silicone resin, polyvinyl butyral, acrylic resin, polyisobutylene resin, SBS resin, SIBS resin, epoxy resin, and the like.

[0059] The lateral elastic modulus of the sealing agent 11 is preferably 0.01 or more and 500 MPa or less, more preferably 0.05 or more and 250 MPa or less, and even more preferably 0.1 or more and 100 MPa or less. By doing so, the sealing agent 11 deforms in the plane direction following the thermal expansion and contraction caused by the temperature difference between the back sheet 8 and the barrier sheet 9. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the back sheet 8 and the barrier sheet 9 from peeling off from the sealing agent 11 due to the shear stress generated by thermal expansion and contraction. The "lateral elastic modulus" referred to in the present application is, for example, a value calculated from the longitudinal elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio obtained by the tensile test method.

[0060] From another perspective, the encapsulant 11 can also be defined by viscosity. The viscosity of the encapsulant 11 is preferably 11,000 mPa·S or more and 700,000 mPa·S or less, more preferably 26,000 mPa·S or more and 450,000 mPa·S or less, and still more preferably 40,000 mPa·S or more and 110,000 mPa·S or less.

[0061] Examples of the material of the encapsulant 11 in this case include polyolefin, butyl rubber, silicone resin, polyvinyl butyral, acrylic resin, polyisobutylene resin, and the like. The "viscosity" referred to in this specification is a value measured at an environmental temperature of 23°C in accordance with the rotational viscometer method of JIS Z8803.

[0062] The backsheet 8 and the barrier sheet 9 are adhered via the encapsulant 11, and the adhesive strength is preferably 0.1 N / 10 mm or more and 10 N / 10 mm or less in a peel test. In particular, when it is constructed in a bent state, the shear stress generated in the photovoltaic power generation device 2 becomes larger. Therefore, by adopting the adhesive strength within the above range in the peel test, peeling can be effectively suppressed for a long period. The peel test is performed in accordance with JIS Z 0237.

[0063] From the perspective of enhancing the effect of suppressing peeling, the thickness of the encapsulant 11 is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 30 μm or more, and still more preferably 50 μm or more. On the other hand, the thickness of the encapsulant 11 is preferably 300 μm or less, more preferably 200 μm or less, and still more preferably 100 μm or less. By setting the thickness of the encapsulant 11 to 10 μm or more, a sufficient escape margin for shear stress during thermal expansion and contraction can be ensured. By setting the thickness of the encapsulant 11 to 300 μm or less, the weight of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 can be reduced, thereby improving workability and constructability.

[0064] Note that the sealing agent 11 is not necessarily required and may not be provided. When the sealing agent 11 is not provided, in the photovoltaic power generation device 2, for example, only the power generation unit 10 is disposed between the barrier sheet 5 and the back sheet 6, and the barrier sheet 5 and the back sheet 6 are each adhered to the power generation unit 10.

[0065] (Sealing edge material 12) The sealing edge material 12 has a structure in which a first adhesive portion 40 adhered to the outer surface 13 of the barrier sheet 9, a sealing portion 41 that seals between the barrier sheet 9 and the back sheet 8, and a second adhesive portion 42 adhered to the outer surface 14 of the back sheet 8 are sequentially connected.

[0066] Examples of the material of the sealing edge material 12 include tape materials made of butyl rubber, silicone rubber, and the like.

[0067] The sealing edge material 12 is not necessarily required. For example, the edge portion of the barrier sheet 5 may be bent toward the back sheet 6 side, and the bent tip may be joined to the back sheet 6. Alternatively, the edge portion of the back sheet 6 may be bent toward the barrier sheet 5 side, and the bent tip may be joined to the barrier sheet 5. By doing so, the sealing edge material 12 becomes unnecessary.

[0068] (Operation of the photovoltaic power generation device 2) According to the above-described photovoltaic power generation device 2, when the light irradiated on the outer surface 13 of the barrier sheet 9 enters the power generation unit 10, the photoelectric conversion layer 31 of the power generation layer 23 absorbs the light and performs photoelectric conversion, thereby generating electrons and holes in the photoelectric conversion layer 31. The electrons are extracted to the electrode 24 (anode) through the electron transport layer 32, and the holes are extracted to the transparent conductive layer 22 (cathode) through the hole transport layer 30, so that a current flows from the transparent conductive layer 22 to the electrode 24 (that is, power generation is performed).

[0069] In the photoelectric conversion unit that constitutes the power generation unit 10, an extension 24a is provided on the electrode 24 (anode) of each power generation cell 20 (Fig. 2(C)). The extension 24a of the electrode 24 extends toward the translucent conductive layer 22 (cathode). In two adjacent power generation cells 20, 20, the extension 24a of the electrode 24 of one cell 20 is joined to the translucent conductive layer 22 of the other cell 20. Due to this joining, while the solar power generation device 2 is irradiated with light, current flows from the translucent conductive layer 22A at one end of the power generation unit 10 (photoelectric conversion unit) to the electrode 24A at the other end of the power generation unit 10 (the flow of current is indicated by an arrow in Fig. 2(C)). The current is taken out via a power distribution line (not shown).

[0070] By configuring the power generation unit 10 from the above-described photoelectric conversion unit, even if a defect occurs in some of the power generation cells 20, the amount of electricity taken out from the power generation unit 10 can be stabilized.

[0071] Instead of providing the extension 24a on the electrode 24 (anode) of each power generation cell 20, an extension extending toward the electrode 24 (anode) side may be provided on the translucent conductive layer 22 (cathode) of each power generation cell 20. In this case, in two adjacent power generation cells 20, 20, the extension of the translucent conductive layer 22 of one cell 20 is joined to the electrode 24 of the other cell 20. Even in this case, the same effect as above can be obtained.

[0072] When providing the translucent base material 21 to the power generation unit 10, from the viewpoint of facilitating the manufacture of the power generation unit 10, as shown in Fig. 2(C), it is preferable to support the translucent conductive layer 22, the power generation layer 23, and the electrode 24 of each power generation cell 20 on a common translucent base material 21.

[0073] When the power generation unit 10 is constituted by one power generation cell 20, the current flowing from the electrode 24 to the translucent conductive layer 22 is taken out via a power distribution line.

[0074] Note that the solar power generation device 2 may include a plurality of power generation units 10. In this case, the plurality of power generation units 10 are arranged in the plane direction of the solar power generation device 2 and are electrically connected in series or in parallel.

[0075] When the power generation unit 10 is composed of a photoelectric conversion unit, in order to connect a plurality of power generation units 10 in series, in two adjacent power generation units 10, 10, a translucent conductive layer 22A at one end of one power generation unit 10 and an electrode 24A at one end of the other power generation unit 10 are connected via a power distribution line. When connecting a plurality of power generation units 10 in parallel, the translucent conductive layers 22A, 22A at the ends of two adjacent power generation units 10, 10 and the electrodes 24A, 24A at the ends of the two adjacent power generation units 10, 10 are respectively connected via a power distribution line.

[0076] When the power generation unit 10 is composed of one power generation cell 20, in order to connect a plurality of power generation units 10 in series, in two adjacent power generation units 10, 10, the translucent conductive layer 22 of one power generation unit 10 and the electrode 24 of the other power generation unit 10 are connected via a power distribution line. When connecting a plurality of power generation units 10 in parallel, the translucent conductive layers 22, 22 of two adjacent power generation units 10, 10 and the electrodes 24, 24 of the two adjacent power generation units 10, 10 are respectively connected via a power distribution line.

[0077] Note that when the power generation unit 10 is composed of either the above-mentioned photoelectric conversion unit or one power generation cell 20, the distance between two adjacent power generation units 10, 10 may be more than 0 mm, preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, still more preferably 10 mm or more, and even more preferably 15 mm or more. Also, the distance between two adjacent power generation units 10, 10 is preferably 100 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or less, and still more preferably 20 mm or less.

[0078] (Fixing member 1) The fixing member 1 includes a first fixing portion 51 for fixing a first outer peripheral portion 50 that forms 50% or more of the outer periphery of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 in a state where the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is installed on the installation surface 3, and a second fixing portion 53 for fixing a second outer peripheral portion 52 that forms the remaining portion of the outer periphery of the photovoltaic power generation device 2. The fixing of the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 51 and the fixing of the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 53 can be performed independently. This embodiment shows a case where the first outer peripheral portion 50 is a portion along three sides of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 and the second outer peripheral portion 52 is a portion along one side of the photovoltaic power generation device 2. However, the first outer peripheral portion 50 can be various portions that form 50% or more of the outer periphery of the photovoltaic power generation device 2, and the second outer peripheral portion 52 can also be various portions that form the remaining portion of the outer periphery of the photovoltaic power generation device 2. Note that the above-mentioned "remaining portion of the outer periphery of the photovoltaic power generation device 2" includes not only the "outer peripheral range A - B" obtained by removing the "outer peripheral range B constituted by the first outer peripheral portion 50" from the "outer periphery A of the photovoltaic power generation device 2", but also the "outer peripheral range A - B - C" obtained by removing the "outer peripheral range C having a certain length" from the "outer peripheral range A - B". From the viewpoint of fixing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 without rattling, it is preferable that the total length of the above-mentioned range C is 10% or less of the perimeter of the outer periphery A.

[0079] FIG. 3(A) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged view of the C range in FIG. 1(B). FIG. 3(B) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged view of the D range in FIG. 1(C).

[0080] The first fixing portion 51 includes a first frame 54 and a pressing member 55.

[0081] The first frame 54 has a bent shape along the first outer peripheral portion 50 (FIG. 1(A)). One side 56 of the width of the first frame 54 is disposed on the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2, and the other side 57 of the width of the first frame 54 extends outside the photovoltaic power generation device 2.

[0082] The first frame 54 is formed of metal or resin. As the metal for forming the first frame 54, it is preferable to use a hard metal such as aluminum, cast iron, or stainless steel. As the resin for forming the first frame 54, it is preferable to use a hard resin reinforced with carbon fiber or glass fiber. Also, when the first frame 54 is formed of resin, it is preferable to color the first frame 54 black in order to enhance the weather resistance of the first frame 54. Further, the first frame 54 may be formed of wood.

[0083] The pressing member 55 is a member that presses the first frame 54 toward the installation surface 3 side. In the present embodiment, the pressing member 55 is constituted by a bolt or a stud made of metal or resin in which a small-diameter shaft portion 59 extends from a large-diameter head portion 58. The tip side of the shaft portion 59 that penetrates the other side 57 of the width of the first frame 54 is penetrated under the installation surface 3, and the head portion 58 is pressed against the first frame 54, whereby the first frame 54 is pressed by the pressing member 55 toward the installation surface 3 side, and the first outer peripheral portion 50 is fixed. Note that the entire width of the first frame 54 may be disposed on the first outer peripheral portion 50. In this case, by penetrating the tip side of the shaft portion 59 that penetrates the first frame 54 and the first outer peripheral portion 50 under the installation surface 3, the head portion 58 is pressed against the first frame 54, and the first outer peripheral portion 50 is fixed. The number and installation positions of the pressing members 55 are appropriately set according to the length of the first frame 54 and the like. When a plurality of pressing members 55 are provided as shown in FIG. 1(A), it is preferable to arrange the pressing members 55 at equal intervals in the length direction of the first frame 54. Also, the pressing member 55 may be constituted by a clamp that sandwiches the first frame 54 and "an object (such as a building material) constituting the installation surface 3".

[0084] FIG. 4(A) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged E range in FIG. 1(B). FIG. 4(B) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged F range in FIG. 1(C). FIG. 5(A) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged state in which the frames 60, 62 provided in the second fixing portion 53 are open. FIG. 5(B) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged state in which the frames 60, 62 are closed.

[0085] The second fixing part 53 includes a second frame 60 and a third frame 62 connected to the second frame 60 via a hinge 61. The second fixing part 53 can open and close the second frame 60 and the third frame 62 about the hinge 61, so that the position of the third frame 62 relative to the second frame 60 can be changed. The second frame 60 and the third frame 62 are linear along the second outer peripheral part 52. The second fixing part 53 arranges the second outer peripheral part 52 of the solar power generation device 2 on the second frame 60 fixed to the installation surface 3, and adjusts the position of the third frame 62 to a position where the second outer peripheral part 52 is sandwiched together with the second frame 60 by closing the third frame 62 about the hinge 61 to tilt it toward the second frame 60 (the position where the second outer peripheral part 52 is sandwiched between the frames 60 and 62), so that the second outer peripheral part 52 can be fixed.

[0086] The second frame 60, the hinge 61, and the third frame 62 are formed of metal or resin, and are preferably formed of a hard metal such as aluminum, cast iron, or stainless steel, or a hard resin reinforced with carbon fiber or glass fiber. When the second frame 60, the hinge 61, and the third frame 62 are formed of resin, in order to enhance their weather resistance, it is preferable that the colors of the second frame 60, the hinge 61, and the third frame 62 be black. Also, the second frame 60, the hinge 61, and the third frame 62 may be formed of wood.

[0087] In this embodiment, the second frame 60 is pressed against the installation surface 3 side by a pressing member 63 (FIG. 4(A)) provided on the second fixing part 53, so that the second frame 60 is fixed to the installation surface 3.

[0088] The pressing member 63 is composed of a bolt or a rivet made of metal or resin in which a large-diameter head 64 and a small-diameter shaft portion 65 extend. The tip side of the shaft portion 65 penetrating the second frame 60 is penetrated under the installation surface 3, and the head 64 is pressed against the second frame 60, whereby the second frame 60 is pressed and fixed to the installation surface 3 side by the pressing member 63. The number and installation positions of the pressing members 63 are appropriately set according to the shape of the second frame 60. When a plurality of pressing members 63 are provided, it is preferable to arrange the pressing members 63 at equal intervals in the length direction of the second frame 60. Further, the pressing member 63 may be composed of a clamp that sandwiches the second frame 60 and the "object (such as a building material) constituting the installation surface 3".

[0089] Note that the second frame 60 may be fixed to the installation surface 3 by adhering the second frame 60 to the installation surface 3.

[0090] In this embodiment, the hinge 61 is constituted by a coil spring. A cylindrical body 66 is provided on the second frame 60, and a fitting portion 67 that can be fitted into the cylindrical body 66 is provided on the third frame 62. The coil spring constituting the hinge 61 biases the second frame 60 and the third frame 62 in the opening direction of the second frame 60 and the third frame 62. With the second outer peripheral portion 52 disposed on the second frame 60 fixed to the installation surface 3, as the closing operation of tilting the third frame 62 toward the second frame 60 about the hinge 61 is performed, by fitting the fitting portion 67 into the cylindrical body 66, a state in which the second outer peripheral portion 52 is sandwiched between the second frame 60 and the third frame 62 is maintained. In the illustrated example, the fitting portion 67 is constituted by the shaft portion of a rivet 68 that penetrates the first frame 54, but the fitting portion 67 may be constituted by a bar material integrally formed with the first frame 54. The number and installation positions of the set of the above-described cylindrical body 66 and fitting portion 67 are appropriately set according to the shapes of the frames 60 and 62. When a plurality of sets of the above-described cylindrical body 66 and fitting portion 67 are provided, it is preferable to arrange the sets of the cylindrical body 66 and fitting portion 67 at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the frames 60 and 62. Note that the hinge 61 does not necessarily have to be constituted by a coil spring, and various hinges that enable the opening and closing of the second frame 60 and the third frame 62 can be applied as the hinge 61. Also, the means for maintaining the state in which the second frame 60 and the third frame 62 are closed (the state in which the third frame 62 is tilted toward the second frame 60) is not limited to the above-described cylindrical body 66 and fitting portion 67. For example, when the hinge 61 is a hinge that biases the frames 60 and 62 in the closing direction of the frames 60 and 62, the state in which the frames 60 and 62 are closed (the state in which the third frame 62 is tilted toward the second frame 60) can be maintained by the function of the hinge 61, so the above-described cylindrical body 66 and fitting portion 67 can be omitted.

[0091] Also, from the viewpoint of preventing a part of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 from extending outside the third frame 62 and fluttering due to wind or the like, the third frame 62 preferably has a linear shape that is wider than the photovoltaic power generation device 2.

[0092] When the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is fixed to the installation surface 3 using the above-described fixing member 1, a first step of fixing the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 51 and, after the first step, a second step of fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 53 are performed.

[0093] In the above-described first step, one width side 56 of the first frame 54 is arranged on the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 arranged on the installation surface 3, and the first frame 54 is pressed toward the installation surface 3 by the pressing member 63, whereby the first outer peripheral portion 50 is fixed (see FIG. 3).

[0094] In the above-described second step, with the second frame 60 fixed to the installation surface 3 by the pressing member 63, the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 arranged on the installation surface 3 as shown in FIG. 5(A) is arranged on the second frame 60, and then, as shown in FIG. 5(B), a closing operation is performed in which the third frame 62 is tilted toward the second frame 60 about the hinge 61 to sandwich the second outer peripheral portion 52 between the second frame 60 and the third frame 62, whereby the second outer peripheral portion 52 is fixed (the fitting of the fitting portion 67 into the cylindrical body 66 is performed along with the above-described closing operation).

[0095] (Function and effect) According to the fixing member 1 according to the above-described embodiment, since the number of fixing portions used for fixing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is only 2 (since the fixing portions used for fixing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 are only the first fixing portion 51 and the second fixing portion 53), the labor required for adjusting the positions of the fixing portions can be reduced, so that the labor for fixing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 to the installation surface 3 can be reduced.

[0096] Moreover, according to the fixing member 1 according to the above embodiment, the fixing of the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 51 (that is, by arranging the one side 56 of the width of the first frame 54 on the first outer peripheral portion 50 and pressing the first frame 54 toward the installation surface 3 by the pressing member 63 to fix the first outer peripheral portion 50), and the fixing of the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 53 (that is, by arranging the second outer peripheral portion 52 on the second frame 60 fixed to the installation surface 3 and sandwiching the second outer peripheral portion 52 between the second frame 60 and the third frame 62 by a closing operation of tilting the third frame 62 toward the second frame 60 to fix the second outer peripheral portion 52) can be performed independently. Therefore, after performing the first step of fixing the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 51 as described above, the second step of fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 53 can be performed. And since the first outer peripheral portion 50 fixed by the first fixing portion 51 forms 50% or more of the outer periphery of the photovoltaic power generation device 2, even if the photovoltaic power generation device 2 has flexibility, the operation of fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 53 can be performed in a state where the shape of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is stable. According to the fixing member 1, the labor for fixing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 to the installation surface 3 can be reduced also for the above reason.

[0097] Moreover, according to the fixing member 1 according to the above embodiment, since the frames 60, 62 of the second fixing portion 53 can be opened and closed, the fixing and removal of the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 can be easily performed. Therefore, it is advantageous in facilitating the replacement of the photovoltaic power generation device 2.

[0098] Note that the third frame 62 included in the second fixing portion 53 is not limited to the "frame connected to the second frame 60 via the hinge 61 composed of the coil spring" described above, and can be various frames whose position with respect to the second frame 60 can be changed.

[0099] For example, the third frame 62 included in the second fixing portion 53 may be connected to the second frame 60 via a hinge composed of pins. In this case, since the frames 60 and 62 can be opened and closed about the pins (hinges), the position of the third frame 62 relative to the second frame 60 can be changed. Then, the second fixing portion 53 arranges the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the solar power generation device 2 on the second frame 60 fixed to the installation surface 3, and by performing a closing operation of tilting the third frame 62 toward the second frame 60 about the pins (hinges) to adjust the position of the third frame 62 to a position where it sandwiches the second outer peripheral portion 52 together with the second frame 60, the second outer peripheral portion 52 can be fixed.

[0100] Further, the third frame 62 included in the second fixing portion 53 may be detachably attached to the second frame 60 using bolts. In this case, since the third frame 62 is detachable from the second frame 60, the position of the third frame 62 relative to the second frame 60 can be changed. Then, the second fixing portion 53 arranges the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the solar power generation device 2 on the second frame 60 fixed to the installation surface 3, and by attaching the third frame 62 to the second frame 60, adjusts the position of the third frame 62 to a position where it sandwiches the second outer peripheral portion 52 together with the second frame 60, so that the second outer peripheral portion 52 can be fixed. In the above case, in order to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the third frame 62 to the second frame 60, it is preferable to reduce the number of the above bolts (for example, it is preferable to set the number of the above bolts to 3 or less. Alternatively, when the pressing member 55 (FIGS. 1 and 3(A)) included in the first fixing portion 51 is composed of bolts, the number of the above bolts (bolts for attaching the third frame 62 to the second frame 60) provided per unit length of the third frame 62 (FIGS. 1 and 4) is preferably less than 50% of the number of the pressing members 55 provided per unit length of the first frame 54 (FIGS. 1 and 3).

[0101] Also, the third frame 62 included in the second fixing portion 53 may be provided so as to be slidable on the second frame 60. In this case, since the third frame 62 is slidable on the second frame 60, the position of the third frame 62 with respect to the second frame 60 can be changed. Then, the second fixing portion 53 arranges the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the solar power generation device 2 on the second frame 60 fixed to the installation surface 3, and by adjusting the position of the third frame 62 to a position where the second outer peripheral portion 52 is sandwiched together with the second frame 60 by the sliding of the third frame 62, the second outer peripheral portion 52 can be fixed.

[0102] The third frame 62 included in the second fixing portion 53 may be locked on the second frame 60 using a locking mechanism ( "the third frame 62 is locked on the second frame 60" means "the third frame 62 is fixed on the second frame 60"). In this case, since the locking mechanism can switch between locking the third frame 62 and releasing the locking, the position of the third frame 62 with respect to the second frame 60 can be changed. Then, the second fixing portion 53 arranges the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the solar power generation device 2 on the second frame 60 fixed to the installation surface 3, and by locking the third frame 62 by the locking mechanism, the position of the third frame 62 is adjusted (fixed) to a position where the second outer peripheral portion 52 is sandwiched together with the second frame 60, so that the second outer peripheral portion 52 can be fixed. In the above case, it is preferable that the locking mechanism can switch between locking the third frame 62 and releasing the locking by a simple operation.

[0103] As described above, even when the third frame 62 included in the second fixing portion 53 is changed, the fixing and removal of the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the solar power generation device 2 can be easily performed, which is advantageous for facilitating the replacement of the solar power generation device 2.

[0104] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be variously modified. Hereinafter, modified examples of the present invention will be described. In the following description, differences from the above-described embodiments will be described, and parts common to the above-described embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0105] FIG. 6(A) is a plan view showing a state where the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is fixed to the installation surface 3 using the fixing member 70 according to a modified example of the present invention. FIG. 6(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 6(A). FIG. 6(C) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 6(A). FIG. 7(A) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged range C of FIG. 6(B). FIG. 7(B) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged range D of FIG. 6(C). FIG. 7(C) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged range E of FIG. 6(B). FIG. 7(D) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged range F of FIG. 6(C).

[0106] The fixing member 70 (FIG. 6) according to the modified example includes a first fixing portion 71 for fixing the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 and a second fixing portion 72 for fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 in a state where the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is installed on the installation surface 3, and it is possible to independently perform the fixing of the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 71 and the fixing of the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 72.

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), the first fixing portion 71 includes a first frame 73 and a second frame 75 connected to the first frame 73 via a hinge 74. The first fixing portion 71 can change the position of the second frame 75 with respect to the first frame 73 by being able to open and close the first frame 73 and the second frame 75 about the hinge 74.

[0108] In the illustrated example, the first fixing portion 71 includes one first frame 73 and three second frames 75A, 75B, and 75C (FIG. 6(A)). The first frame 73 has a bent shape along the first outer peripheral portion 50 (the first frame 73 has a bent shape along all of the straight portions 50A, 50B, and 50C of the first outer peripheral portion 50 described later). The second frame 75A has a linear shape along the "straight portion 50A of the first outer peripheral portion 50" that forms one side in the longitudinal direction of the photovoltaic power generation device, the second frame 75B has a linear shape along the "straight portion 50B of the first outer peripheral portion 50" that forms one side in the width direction of the photovoltaic power generation device, and the second frame 75C has a linear shape along the "straight portion 50C of the first outer peripheral portion 50" that forms the other side in the longitudinal direction of the photovoltaic power generation device. Each of the second frames 75A, 75B, and 75C is connected to the first frame 73 via a hinge 74 and is tiltable about the hinge 74. Note that the number of the second frames 75 is not limited to 3 and can be appropriately changed according to the shape of the first outer peripheral portion 50 (for example, when the first outer peripheral portion 50 is composed of n straight portions, the number of the second frames 75 is n).

[0109] The above-described first fixing portion 71 can fix the first outer peripheral portion 50 by arranging the first outer peripheral portion 50 on the first frame 73 fixed to the installation surface 3 and adjusting the positions of the third frames 75A, 75B, and 75C to the positions where the second outer peripheral portion 52 is sandwiched together with the second frame 60 by a closing operation of tilting each of the second frames 75A, 75B, and 75C toward the first frame 73 (the positions where the second outer peripheral portion 52 is sandwiched by the third frames 75A, 75B, and 75C and the second frame 60).

[0110] The first frame 73, the hinge 74, and the second frame 75 are formed of metal or resin, and are preferably formed of a hard metal such as aluminum, cast iron, or stainless steel, or a hard resin reinforced with carbon fiber or glass fiber. When the first frame 73, the hinge 74, and the second frame 75 are formed of resin, in order to enhance their weather resistance, it is preferable that the colors of the first frame 73, the hinge 74, and the second frame 75 be black. Also, the first frame 73, the hinge 74, and the second frame 75 may be formed of wood.

[0111] In the illustrated example, the first frame 73 is fixed to the installation surface 3 by pressing the first frame 73 toward the installation surface 3 side with a pressing member 76 (FIG. 7(A)) provided on the first fixing portion 71. The pressing member 76 has the same structure as the pressing member 63 shown in FIG. 4(A). As shown in FIG. 7(A), the tip side of the shaft portion 77 passing through the second frame 60 is penetrated under the installation surface 3, and the head portion 78 is pressed against the second frame 60, whereby the first frame 73 is pressed and fixed to the installation surface 3 side by the pressing member 76. The number and installation position of the pressing members 76 are appropriately set according to the shape of the first frame 73. When a plurality of pressing members 76 are provided, it is preferable to arrange the pressing members 76 at equal intervals in the length direction of the first frame 73. Also, the pressing member 76 may be constituted by a clamp that sandwiches the first frame 73 and "the object (such as a building material) constituting the installation surface 3".

[0112] In the illustrated example, the hinge 74 (Figs. 7(A) and 7(B)) connecting each of the second frames 75A, 75B, and 75C to the first frame 73 is constituted by a coil spring. A fitting portion 80 (Fig. 7(B)) is provided on the second frames 75A, 75B, and 75C, and a cylindrical body 79 for fitting each of the fitting portions 80 (Fig. 7(B)) is provided on the first frame 73. The coil spring constituting the hinge 74 biases the first frame 73 and the second frames 75 in the opening direction of the first frame 73 and the second frames 75. With the first outer peripheral portion 50 disposed on the first frame 73 fixed to the installation surface 3, as the closing operation of tilting the second frames 75A, 75B, and 75C toward the first frame 73 is performed, each of the fitting portions 80 provided on the frames 75A, 75B, and 75C is fitted into the cylindrical body 79, thereby maintaining a state in which the first outer peripheral portion 50 is sandwiched between the first frame 73 and the second frames 75A, 75B, and 75C. In the illustrated example, the fitting portion 80 is constituted by the shaft portion of a rivet 81 passing through the second frame 75, but the fitting portion 80 may be constituted by a bar material integrally formed with the second frame 75. The number and installation positions of the set of the above-described cylindrical body 79 and the fitting portion 80 are appropriately set according to the shapes of the frames 73 and 75. When a plurality of sets of the above-described cylindrical body 79 and the fitting portion 80 are provided, it is preferable to arrange the sets of the cylindrical body 79 and the fitting portion 80 at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the frames 73 and 75. Note that the hinge 74 does not necessarily have to be constituted by a coil spring, and various hinges enabling the opening and closing of the first frame 73 and the second frames 75 can be applied as the hinge 74. Also, the means for maintaining the state in which the first frame 73 and the second frames 75 are closed (the state in which the second frames 75 are tilted toward the first frame 73) is not limited to the above-described cylindrical body 79 and the fitting portion 80. For example, when the hinge 74 is a hinge that biases the frames 73 and 75 in the closing direction of the frames 73 and 75, the state in which the frames 73 and 75 are closed (the state in which the second frames 75 are tilted toward the first frame 73) can be maintained by the function of the hinge 74, so the above-described cylindrical body 79 and the fitting portion 80 can be omitted.

[0113] The second fixing portion 72 includes a third frame 82 and a pressing member 83.

[0114] The third frame 82 is linear along the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 (FIG. 6(A)). As shown in FIGS. 7(C) and 7(D), one width side 84 of the third frame 82 is disposed on the second outer peripheral portion 52, and the other width side 85 of the third frame 82 extends outside the photovoltaic power generation device 2.

[0115] The third frame 82 is formed of metal or resin. As the metal for forming the third frame 82, it is preferable to use a hard metal such as aluminum, cast iron, or stainless steel. As the resin for forming the third frame 82, it is preferable to use a hard resin reinforced with carbon fiber or glass fiber. When the third frame 82 is formed of resin, it is preferable to make the color of the third frame 82 black in order to enhance the weather resistance of the third frame 82. Also, the third frame 82 may be formed of wood.

[0116] The pressing member 83 is a member that presses the third frame 82 toward the installation surface 3 side. In the illustrated example, the pressing member 83 is composed of a bolt or a stud made of metal or resin in which a small-diameter shaft portion 87 extends from a large-diameter head portion 86. The tip side of the shaft portion 87 that penetrates the other width side 85 of the third frame 82 is penetrated under the installation surface 3, and the head portion 86 is pressed against the third frame 82, whereby the third frame 82 is pressed by the pressing member 83 toward the installation surface 3 side, and the second outer peripheral portion 52 is fixed. Note that the entire width of the third frame 82 may be disposed on the second outer peripheral portion 52. In this case, the tip side of the shaft portion 87 that penetrates the third frame 82 and the second outer peripheral portion 52 is penetrated under the installation surface 3, whereby the head portion 86 is pressed against the third frame 82, and the second outer peripheral portion 52 is fixed. The number and installation position of the pressing members 83 are appropriately set according to the shape of the third frame 82. When a plurality of pressing members 83 are provided as shown in FIG. 6(A), it is preferable to arrange the pressing members 83 at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the third frame 82. Further, the pressing member 83 may be composed of a clamp that sandwiches the third frame 82 and "an object (such as a building material) constituting the installation surface 3". Note that, in order to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the third frame 82, it is preferable to reduce the number of the pressing members 83 (for example, it is preferable that the number of the pressing members 83 is three or less).

[0117] Also, from the viewpoint of preventing a part of the solar power generation device 2 from extending outside the third frame 82 and fluttering due to wind or the like, the third frame 82 preferably has a linear shape with a width larger than that of the solar power generation device 2.

[0118] When the solar power generation device 2 is fixed to the installation surface 3 using the fixing member 70 of the above-described modification, a first step of fixing the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 71 and, after the first step, a second step of fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 72 are performed.

[0119] In the above-described first step, the first frame 73 is fixed to the installation surface 3 by the pressing member 76, the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is disposed on the first frame 73, and a closing operation is performed to tilt each of the second frames 75A, 75B, and 75C toward the first frame 73, sandwiching the portions 50A, 50B, and 50C of the first outer peripheral portion 50 between the first frame 73 and the second frames 75A, 75B, and 75C, respectively, thereby fixing the first outer peripheral portion 50. (Fitting each fitting portion 80 provided on the frames 75A, 75B, and 75C into the cylindrical body 79 is performed along with the above-described closing operation.)

[0120] In the above-described second step, one width side 84 of the third frame 82 is disposed on the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 disposed on the installation surface 3, and the third frame 82 is pressed toward the installation surface 3 by the pressing member 83, thereby fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52.

[0121] According to the fixing member 70 according to the above-described modification, since the number of fixing portions used for fixing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is only two (since the fixing portions used for fixing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 are only the first fixing portion 71 and the second fixing portion 72), the labor required for adjusting the positions of the fixing portions can be reduced. Thereby, the labor for fixing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 to the installation surface 3 can be reduced.

[0122] According to the fixing member 70 according to the modification example, the fixing of the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 71 (that is, the first outer peripheral portion 50 is disposed on the first frame 73 fixed to the installation surface 3, and the second frame 75 is inclined toward the first frame 73 side. By sandwiching the first outer peripheral portion 50 between the first frame 73 and the second frame 75 during the closing operation, the second outer peripheral portion 52 is fixed), and the fixing of the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 72 (that is, the width one side 84 of the third frame 82 is disposed on the second outer peripheral portion 52, and the third frame 82 is pressed toward the installation surface 3 side by the pressing member 83 to fix the second outer peripheral portion 52) can be performed independently. Therefore, after performing the first step of fixing the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 71 as described above, the second step of fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 72 can be performed. Since the first outer peripheral portion 50 fixed by the first fixing portion 71 forms 50% or more of the outer periphery of the photovoltaic power generation device 2, even if the photovoltaic power generation device 2 has flexibility, the operation of fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 72 can be performed in a state where the shape of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is stable. According to the fixing member 70, the labor for fixing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 to the installation surface 3 can be reduced for the above reasons.

[0123] According to the fixing member 70 according to the modification example, since the frames 73 and 75 of the first fixing portion 71 can be opened and closed, the fixing and removal of the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 can be easily performed. Therefore, it is advantageous in facilitating the replacement of the photovoltaic power generation device 2.

[0124] Note that the second frame 75 included in the first fixing portion 71 is not limited to the "frame connected to the first frame 73 via the hinge 74" described above, and can be various frames whose positions with respect to the first frame 73 can be changed.

[0125] For example, the second frame 75 included in the first fixing portion 71 may be connected to the first frame 73 via a hinge composed of pins. In this case, since the frames 73 and 75 can be opened and closed about the pins (hinges), the position of the second frame 75 with respect to the first frame 73 can be changed. Then, the first fixing portion 71 arranges the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 on the first frame 73 fixed to the installation surface 3, and by performing a closing operation of tilting the second frame 75 toward the first frame 73 about the pins (hinges) to adjust the position of the second frame 75 to a position where it sandwiches the first outer peripheral portion 50 together with the first frame 73, the first outer peripheral portion 50 can be fixed.

[0126] Further, the second frame 75 included in the first fixing portion 71 may be detachably attached to the first frame 73 using bolts. In this case, since the second frame 75 is detachable from the first frame 73, the position of the second frame 75 with respect to the first frame 73 can be changed. Then, the first fixing portion 71 arranges the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 on the first frame 73 fixed to the installation surface 3, and by attaching the second frame 75 to the first frame 73 using bolts, adjusts (fixes) the position of the second frame 75 to a position where it sandwiches the first outer peripheral portion 50 together with the first frame 73, so that the first outer peripheral portion 50 can be fixed. In the above case, in order to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the second frame 75 to and from the first frame 73, it is preferable to reduce the number of the above bolts (for example, it is preferable to set the number of the above bolts to 3 or less). When the pressing member 83 (FIGS. 6 and 7(C)) of the second fixing portion 72 is composed of bolts, the number of the pressing members 83 provided per unit length of the third frame 82 (FIGS. 6, 7(C), and 7(D)) is preferably less than 50% of the number of the above bolts (the bolts for attaching the second frame 75 to the first frame 73) provided per unit length of the second frame 75 (FIGS. 6, 7(A), and 7(B)).

[0127] Further, the second frame 75 included in the first fixing portion 71 may be provided so as to be slidable on the first frame 73. In this case, since the second frame 75 is slidable on the first frame 73, the position of the second frame 75 with respect to the first frame 73 can be changed. Then, the first fixing portion 71 arranges the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 on the first frame 73 fixed to the installation surface 3, and by sliding the second frame 75, the position of the second frame 75 together with the first frame 73 is adjusted to a position that sandwiches the first outer peripheral portion 50, so that the first outer peripheral portion 50 can be fixed.

[0128] Further, the second frame 75 included in the first fixing portion 71 may be locked on the first frame 73 using a locking mechanism (the phrase "the second frame 75 is locked on the first frame 73" means "the second frame 75 is fixed on the first frame 73"). In this case, since the locking mechanism can switch between locking the second frame 75 and releasing the lock, the position of the second frame 75 with respect to the first frame 73 can be changed. Then, the first fixing portion 71 arranges the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 on the first frame 73 fixed to the installation surface 3, and by locking the second frame 75 by the locking mechanism, the position of the second frame 75 is adjusted (fixed) to a position that sandwiches the first outer peripheral portion 50 together with the first frame 73, so that the first outer peripheral portion 50 can be fixed. In the above case, it is preferable that the locking mechanism can switch between locking the second frame 75 and releasing the lock by a simple operation.

[0129] As described above, even when the second frame 75 included in the first fixing portion 71 is changed, the fixing and removal of the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 can be easily performed, which is advantageous for facilitating the replacement of the photovoltaic power generation device 2.

[0130] FIG. 8(A) is a plan view showing a state in which the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is fixed to the installation surface 3 using the fixing member 90 according to a modified example of the present invention. FIG. 8(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 8(A). FIG. 8(C) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 8(A). FIG. 9(A) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged C range in FIG. 8(B). FIG. 9(B) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged D range in FIG. 8(C). FIG. 9(C) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged E range in FIG. 8(B). FIG. 9(D) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged F range in FIG. 8(C).

[0131] The fixing member 90 (FIG. 8) according to the modified example includes a first fixing portion 91 for fixing the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 and a second fixing portion 92 for fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 in a state where the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is installed on the installation surface 3, and it is possible to independently perform the fixing of the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 91 and the fixing of the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 92.

[0132] The first fixing part 91 (Figs. 9(A) and 9(B)) has the same features as the first fixing part 51 shown in Figs. 1 and 3, and includes a first frame 93 and a first pressing member 94 (the first frame 93 has the same features as the first frame 54 shown in Fig. 3, and the first pressing member 94 has the same features as the pressing member 55 shown in Fig. 3). The first fixing part 91 can fix the first outer peripheral part 50 by arranging one side 95 of the width of the first frame 93 on the first outer peripheral part 50 and pressing the first frame 93 toward the installation surface 3 side by the first pressing member 94. Similarly to the description of the first fixing part 51 shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the entire width of the first frame 93 can be arranged on the first outer peripheral part 50 and the first frame 93 can be pressed toward the installation surface 3 side by the first pressing member 94 to fix the first outer peripheral part 50. Also, the number and installation position of the first pressing members 94 are appropriately set according to the length of the first frame 93, etc. When providing a plurality of first pressing members 94, it is preferable to arrange the first pressing members 94 at equal intervals in the length direction of the first frame 93. Further, the first pressing member 94 may be constituted by a clamp that sandwiches the first frame 93 and the "object (building material, etc.) constituting the installation surface 3". Also, in order to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the first frame 93, it is preferable to reduce the number of the first pressing members 94 (for example, it is preferable that the number of the first pressing members 94 is 3 or less).

[0133] The second fixing portion 92 (Figs. 9(C) and 9(D)) has the same features as the second fixing portion 72 shown in Figs. 6 and 7, and includes a second frame 96 and a second pressing member 97 (the second frame 96 has the same features as the third frame 82 shown in Figs. 6, 7(C), and 7(D), and the second pressing member 97 has the same features as the pressing member 83 shown in Figs. 6 and 7(C)). The second fixing portion 92 can fix the second outer peripheral portion 52 by disposing one width side 98 of the second frame 96 on the second outer peripheral portion 52 and pressing the second frame 96 toward the installation surface side by the second pressing member 97. Similarly to the description of the second fixing portion 72 shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the entire width of the second frame 96 may be disposed on the second outer peripheral portion 52, and the second outer peripheral portion 52 may be fixed by pressing the second frame 96 toward the installation surface 3 side by the second pressing member 97. Also, the number and installation positions of the second pressing members 97 are appropriately set according to the length of the second frame 96, etc. When providing a plurality of second pressing members 97, it is preferable to arrange the second pressing members 97 at equal intervals in the length direction of the second frame 96. Further, the second pressing member 97 may be constituted by a clamp that sandwiches the second frame 96 and an "object (such as a building material) constituting the installation surface 3". Also, in order to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the second frame 96, it is preferable to reduce the number of the second pressing members 97 (for example, it is preferable that the number of the second pressing members 97 is 3 or less). Also, when the first pressing member 94 (Figs. 8, 9(A)) of the first fixing portion 91 and the second pressing member 97 (Figs. 8, 9(C)) of the second fixing portion 92 are constituted by bolts, the number of the second pressing members 97 provided per unit length of the second frame 96 (Figs. 8, 9(C), 9(D)) is preferably less than 50% of the number of the first pressing members 91 provided per unit length of the first frame 93 (Figs. 8, 9(A), 9(B)).

[0134] Also, from the viewpoint of preventing a part of the solar power generation device 2 from extending outside the second frame 96 and fluttering due to wind or the like, the second frame 96 preferably has a linear shape with a width larger than that of the solar power generation device 2.

[0135] When the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is fixed to the installation surface 3 using the fixing member 90 of the above-described modification example, a first step of fixing the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 91 and, after the first step, a second step of fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 92 are performed.

[0136] In the above-described first step, the one-width side 95 of the first frame 93 is arranged on the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 arranged on the installation surface 3, and the first frame 93 is pressed toward the installation surface 3 by the first pressing member 94, whereby the first outer peripheral portion 50 is fixed.

[0137] In the above-described second step, the one-width side 98 of the second frame 96 is arranged on the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 arranged on the installation surface 3, and the second frame 96 is pressed toward the installation surface 3 by the second pressing member 97, whereby the second outer peripheral portion 52 is fixed.

[0138] Also, since the number of fixing portions used for fixing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is only 2 even with the fixing member 90 according to the above-described modification example, the labor required for adjusting the positions of the fixing portions can be reduced, and thus the labor for fixing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 to the installation surface 3 can be reduced.

[0139] Also, according to the fixing member 90, the fixing of the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 91 (that is, by arranging the one-width side 95 of the first frame 93 on the first outer peripheral portion 50 and pressing the first frame 93 toward the installation surface 3 side by the first pressing member 94 to fix the first outer peripheral portion 50), and the fixing of the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 92 (that is, by arranging the one-width side 98 of the second frame 96 on the second outer peripheral portion 52 and pressing the second frame 96 toward the installation surface 3 side by the second pressing member 97 to fix the second outer peripheral portion 52) can be performed independently. Therefore, after performing the first step of fixing the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 91 as described above, the second step of fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 92 can be carried out. Thus, similar to the example described above, even if the solar power generation device 2 has flexibility, the operation of fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 92 can be performed in a state where the shape of the solar power generation device 2 is stable. According to the fixing member 90, the labor for fixing the solar power generation device 2 to the installation surface 3 can be reduced also for the above reason.

[0140] FIG. 10(A) is a plan view showing a state in which the solar power generation device 2 is fixed to the installation surface 3 using the fixing member 100 according to a modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 10(A). FIG. 10(C) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 10(A). FIG. 11(A) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged range C of FIG. 10(B). FIG. 11(B) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged range D of FIG. 10(C). FIG. 11(C) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged range E of FIG. 10(B). FIG. 11(D) is an enlarged view showing an enlarged range F of FIG. 10(C).

[0141] The fixing member 100 (FIG. 10) according to the modified example includes a first fixing portion 101 for fixing the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the solar power generation device 2 and a second fixing portion 102 for fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the solar power generation device 2 in a state where the solar power generation device 2 is installed on the installation surface 3, and the fixing of the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 101 and the fixing of the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 102 can be performed independently.

[0142] The first fixing part 101 (Figs. 10, 11(A), 11(B)) has the same features as the first fixing part 71 shown in Figs. 6 and 7, and includes a first frame 103 (Fig. 11(A)) and a second frame 105 connected to the first frame 103 via a first hinge 104. The first fixing part 101 can open and close the first frame 103 and the second frame 105 about the first hinge 104, so that the position of the second frame 105 relative to the first frame 103 can be changed (the first frame 103 has the same features as the first frame 73 shown in Fig. 7, the first hinge 104 has the same features as the hinge 74 shown in Fig. 7, and the second frame 105 has the same features as the second frame 75 shown in Figs. 6 and 7). The first fixing part 101 arranges a first outer peripheral part 50 on the first frame 103 fixed to the installation surface 3, and adjusts the position of the second frame 105 to a position where the first outer peripheral part 50 is sandwiched together with the first frame 103 by a closing operation of tilting the second frame 105 toward the first frame 103 (a position where the first outer peripheral part 50 is sandwiched between the frames 103 and 105), so that the first outer peripheral part 50 can be fixed.

[0143] In the illustrated example, similar to the first fixing part 71 shown in Fig. 6, the first fixing part 101 (Figs. 10, 11(A), 11(B)) includes one first frame 103 and three second frames 105A, 105B, 105C (Fig. 10(A)). The first frame 73 has a bent shape along the first outer peripheral part 50, the second frames 105A, 105B, 105C each have a linear shape along the straight parts 50A, 50B, 50C of the first outer peripheral part 50, and each of the second frames 75A, 75B, 75C is connected to the first frame 73 via the first hinge 104 and can tilt about the first hinge 104. However, the number of the second frames 105 is not limited to 3 above and can be appropriately changed according to the shape of the first outer peripheral part 50 (for example, when the first outer peripheral part 50 is composed of n straight parts, the number of the second frames 105 is n).

[0144] The second fixing part 102 (FIGS. 10, 11(C), 11(D)) has the same features as the second fixing part 53 shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, and includes a third frame 106 and a fourth frame 108 connected to the third frame 106 via a second hinge 107. The second fixing part 102 can open and close the third frame 106 and the fourth frame 108 about the second hinge 107, so that the position of the fourth frame 108 relative to the third frame 106 can be changed (the third frame 106 has the same features as the second frame 60 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second hinge 107 has the same features as the hinge 61 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the fourth frame 108 has the same features as the third frame 62 shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5). The second fixing part 102 arranges the second outer peripheral part 52 on the third frame 106 fixed to the installation surface 3, and adjusts the position of the fourth frame 108 to a position where the second outer peripheral part 52 is sandwiched together with the third frame 106 by a closing operation of tilting the fourth frame 108 toward the third frame 106 (a position where the second outer peripheral part 52 is sandwiched between the frames 106 and 108), so that the second outer peripheral part 52 can be fixed.

[0145] From the viewpoint of preventing a part of the solar power generation device 2 from extending outside the fourth frame 108 and the part of the solar power generation device 2 from fluttering due to wind or the like, the fourth frame 108 preferably has a linear shape with a width larger than that of the solar power generation device 2.

[0146] When the solar power generation device 2 is fixed to the installation surface 3 using the fixing member 100 of the above modification, a first step of fixing the first outer peripheral part 50 by the first fixing part 101 and, after the first step, a second step of fixing the second outer peripheral part 52 by the second fixing part 102 are performed.

[0147] In the above-described first step, the first frame 103 is fixed to the installation surface 3, the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is disposed on the first frame 103, and a closing operation is performed to tilt each of the second frames 105A, 105B, and 105C toward the first frame 103, sandwiching the portions 50A, 50B, and 50C of the first outer peripheral portion 50 between the first frame 103 and the second frames 105A, 105B, and 105C, thereby fixing the first outer peripheral portion 50.

[0148] In the above-described second step, the third frame 106 is fixed to the installation surface 3, the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is disposed on the third frame 106, and a closing operation is performed to tilt the fourth frame 108 toward the third frame 106, sandwiching the second outer peripheral portion 52 between the third frame 106 and the fourth frame 108, thereby fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52.

[0149] Also, in the fixing member 100 according to the above-described modification, since the number of fixing portions used for fixing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is only two, the labor required for adjusting the positions of the fixing portions can be reduced, and thus the labor for fixing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 to the installation surface 3 can be reduced.

[0150] Also, according to the fixing member 100, the fixing of the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 101 (that is, arranging the first outer peripheral portion 50 on the first frame 103 fixed to the installation surface 3, and tilting the second frame 105 toward the first frame 103 to sandwich the first outer peripheral portion 50 between the first frame 103 and the second frame 105 to fix the first outer peripheral portion 50) and the fixing of the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 102 (that is, arranging the second outer peripheral portion 52 on the third frame 106 fixed to the installation surface 3, and tilting the fourth frame 108 toward the third frame 106 to sandwich the second outer peripheral portion 52 between the third frame 106 and the fourth frame 108 to fix the second outer peripheral portion 52) can be performed independently. Therefore, after performing the first step of fixing the first outer peripheral portion 50 by the first fixing portion 101 as described above, the second step of fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 102 can be performed. Thus, similar to the example described above, even if the solar power generation device 2 has flexibility, the work of fixing the second outer peripheral portion 52 by the second fixing portion 102 can be performed in a state where the shape of the solar power generation device 2 is stable. According to the fixing member 100, the labor for fixing the solar power generation device 2 to the installation surface 3 can be reduced for the above reasons.

[0151] Moreover, according to the fixing member 100 according to the modification, since the frames 103 and 105 of the first fixing portion 101 can be opened and closed, the fixing and removal of the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the solar power generation device 2 can be easily performed. Since the frames 106 and 108 of the second fixing portion 102 can be opened and closed, the fixing and removal of the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the solar power generation device 2 can be easily performed. Therefore, the replacement of the solar power generation device 2 can be easily performed.

[0152] Note that the second frame 105 included in the first fixing portion 101 is not limited to the "frame connected to the first frame 103 via the first hinge 104" described above, and can be various frames whose positions relative to the first frame 103 can be changed.

[0153] For example, similar to the description of the second frame 75 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second frame 105 provided in the first fixing portion 101 may be connected to the first frame 103 via a hinge composed of pins, or may be detachably attached to the first frame 103 using bolts, or may be slidably provided on the first frame 103, or may be locked on the first frame 103 using a locking mechanism. Even in such a case, the position of the second frame 105 with respect to the first frame 103 can be changed, and the first fixing portion 101 can be made into "a structure in which the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the solar power generation device 2 is arranged on the first frame 103 fixed to the installation surface 3, and by adjusting the position of the second frame 105 together with the first frame 103 to a position sandwiching the first outer peripheral portion 50, the first outer peripheral portion 50 can be fixed". When attaching the second frame 105 to the first frame 103 using bolts, it is preferable to reduce the number of bolts (for example, it is preferable that the number of the above bolts is 3 or less) in order to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the second frame 105 to the first frame 103. Further, it is preferable that the above locking mechanism can switch between locking the second frame 106 and releasing the locking with a simple operation.

[0154] Even when the second frame 105 provided in the first fixing portion 101 is changed as described above, the fixing and removal of the first outer peripheral portion 50 of the solar power generation device 2 can be easily performed, which is advantageous for facilitating the replacement of the solar power generation device 2.

[0155] Also, the fourth frame 108 provided in the second fixing portion 102 is not limited to the "frame connected to the third frame 106 via the second hinge 107" described above, and can be various frames whose positions with respect to the third frame 106 can be changed.

[0156] For example, similar to the description of the third frame 62 shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the fourth frame 108 provided in the second fixing portion 102 may be connected to the third frame 106 via a hinge composed of pins, or may be detachably attached to the third frame 106 using bolts, or may be slidably provided on the third frame 106, or may be locked on the third frame 106 using a locking mechanism. Even in such a case, by making it possible to change the position of the fourth frame 108 with respect to the third frame 106, the second fixing portion 102 can be made into "a structure in which the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the solar power generation device 2 is arranged on the third frame 106 fixed to the installation surface 3, and the position of the fourth frame 108 is adjusted together with the third frame 106 to a position that sandwiches the second outer peripheral portion 52, thereby enabling the second outer peripheral portion 52 to be fixed". When attaching the fourth frame 108 to the third frame 106 using bolts, it is preferable to reduce the number of the above-mentioned bolts (for example, it is preferable to set the number of the above-mentioned bolts to 3 or less) in order to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the fourth frame 108 to and from the third frame 106. Also, when the second frame 105 of the first fixing portion 101 is attached to the first frame 103 using bolts, the number of bolts (bolts for attaching the fourth frame 108 to the third frame 106) provided per unit length of the fourth frame 108 (FIGS. 10, 11(C), 11(D)) is preferably less than 50% of the number of bolts (bolts for attaching the second frame 105 to the first frame 103) provided per unit length of the second frame 105 (FIGS. 10, 11(A), 11(B)). Also, the above-mentioned locking mechanism is preferably one that can switch between locking the fourth frame 108 and releasing the locking with a simple operation.

[0157] Even when the fourth frame 108 provided in the second fixing portion 102 is changed as described above, since the fixing and removal of the second outer peripheral portion 52 of the solar power generation device 2 can be easily performed, it is advantageous for facilitating the replacement of the solar power generation device 2.

[0158] Also, in the above example, after first fixing the frame provided by the fixing members 1, 70, 90, 100 at the position where it is desired to fix the frame, the photovoltaic power generation device 2 may be fixed using the fixed frame. By doing so, since the frame is fixed, the installation position of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is uniquely determined, making it easier to align the photovoltaic power generation device 2.

[0159] Also, in the above example, after temporarily fixing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 at the position where it is desired to fix it, the frame provided by the fixing members 1, 70, 90, 100 may be fixed in accordance with the position of the photovoltaic power generation device 2 (the temporary fixing of the above photovoltaic power generation device 2 may be simply placing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 on the installation surface 3, or may be simply adhering the photovoltaic power generation device 2 to the installation surface 3 using a curing tape material or the like). By doing so, since the photovoltaic power generation device 2 is temporarily fixed, it becomes easier to position the frame.

[0160] When transporting the photovoltaic power generation device 2, it is preferable to transport the photovoltaic power generation device 2 without attaching the frame provided by the fixing members 1, 70, 90, 100 to the photovoltaic power generation device 2 (for example, transporting the photovoltaic power generation device 2 in a rolled state, and then, when installing the photovoltaic power generation device 2 on the installation surface 3, it is preferable to fix the photovoltaic power generation device 2 using the frame provided by the fixing members 1, 70, 90, 100).

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0161] 1, 70, 90, 100 Fixing members 2 Photovoltaic power generation device 3 Installation surface 51, 71, 91, 101 First fixing portion 53, 72, 92, 102 Second fixing portion 54 First frame 55 Pressing member 60 Second frame 61 Hinge 62 Third frame

Claims

1. A fixing member for fixing a photovoltaic power generation device installed on an installation surface, comprising a first fixing portion for fixing a first outer peripheral portion that forms 50% or more of the outer periphery of the photovoltaic power generation device, and a second fixing portion for fixing a second outer peripheral portion that forms the remaining part of the outer periphery of the photovoltaic power generation device, wherein the fixing of the first outer peripheral portion by the first fixing portion and the fixing of the second outer peripheral portion by the second fixing portion can be performed independently.

2. The first fixing portion includes a first frame and a pressing member, the second fixing portion includes a second frame and a third frame whose position relative to the second frame can be changed, fixing the first outer peripheral portion by arranging one side or the entire width of the first frame on the first outer peripheral portion and pressing the first frame toward the installation surface side by the pressing member; and arranging the second outer peripheral portion on the second frame fixed to the installation surface, and adjusting the position of the third frame to a position where the second outer peripheral portion is sandwiched together with the second frame to fix the second outer peripheral portion, which can be performed independently. The fixing member according to claim 1.

3. The first fixing portion includes a first frame and a second frame whose position relative to the first frame can be changed, the second fixing portion includes a third frame and a pressing member, fixing the first outer peripheral portion by arranging the first outer peripheral portion on the first frame fixed to the installation surface and adjusting the position of the second frame to a position where the first outer peripheral portion is sandwiched together with the first frame; and fixing the second outer peripheral portion by arranging one side or the entire width of the third frame on the second outer peripheral portion and pressing the third frame toward the installation surface side by the pressing member, which can be performed independently. The fixing member according to claim 1.

4. The third frame is linear and has a width larger than that of the photovoltaic power generation device. The fixing member according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The first fixing portion includes a first frame and a first pressing member, the second fixing portion includes a second frame and a second pressing member, Placing one side or the entire width of the first frame on the first outer peripheral portion and pressing the frame toward the installation surface by the first pressing member to fix the first outer peripheral portion; and placing one side or the entire width of the second frame on the second outer peripheral portion and pressing the second frame toward the installation surface by the second pressing member to fix the second outer peripheral portion can be performed independently. The fixing member according to claim 1.

6. The fixing member according to claim 5, wherein the second frame is linear and has a width larger than that of the solar power generation device.

7. The first fixing portion includes a first frame fixed to the installation surface and a second frame whose position relative to the first frame can be changed. The second fixing portion includes a third frame fixed to the installation surface and a fourth frame whose position relative to the third frame can be changed. Placing the first outer peripheral portion on the first frame fixed to the installation surface and adjusting the position of the second frame to a position where the first outer peripheral portion is sandwiched together with the first frame to fix the first outer peripheral portion; and placing the second outer peripheral portion on the third frame fixed to the installation surface and adjusting the position of the fourth frame to a position where the second outer peripheral portion is sandwiched together with the third frame to fix the second outer peripheral portion can be performed independently. The fixing member according to claim 1.

8. The fixing member according to claim 7, wherein the fourth frame is linear and has a width larger than that of the solar power generation device.

9. The solar power generation device according to claim 1 has flexibility.

10. A fixing method for fixing the solar power generation device on an installation surface using the fixing member according to claim 1, comprising: a first step of fixing the first outer peripheral portion of the solar power generation device installed on the installation surface by the first fixing portion; and a second step of fixing the second outer peripheral portion of the solar power generation device by the second fixing portion after the first step.

Images