Solar panels and solar panel assembly kits

Abstract

This invention provides a solar panel with a structure that not only offers excellent heat dissipation but also achieves both good rigidity and lightweight properties. [Solution] The solar cell panel is a solar cell panel that supports solar cells, comprising a substrate that supports the solar cells on its front surface and a frame provided on the back surface of the substrate, wherein the frame is constructed by combining a plurality of frame members 31 in a grid shape, and each frame member 31 comprises a pair of upright portions 32, a connecting portion 35 that connects the first edges 33 of the pair of upright portions 32 to each other, and flange portions 36 that protrude outward from the second edges 34 of the pair of upright portions 32, wherein the flange portions 36 are formed in a flat plate shape and are surface-bonded to the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a solar cell panel and a solar cell panel assembly kit.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a solar cell panel (solar panel in the same document) including a substrate (skin material in the same document) to which a solar cell is attached and a framework (rib in the same document) attached to the back side of the substrate. The ribs in the same document are each formed in a horizontally inverted U-shape (horizontally inverted C-shape) in cross-section and are assembled in a lattice pattern. The same document states that, due to the above structure of the solar cell panel, the heat dissipation can be improved compared to a type of solar cell panel having a honeycomb-shaped core material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the solar cell panel of Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of achieving both good heat dissipation and good rigidity and light weight of the solar cell panel.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a solar cell panel having a structure capable of achieving both good heat dissipation and good rigidity and light weight of the solar cell panel, and a solar cell panel assembly kit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present invention, a solar panel that supports solar cells, A substrate supporting the aforementioned solar cell on its front surface, The framework provided on the back side of the aforementioned substrate, Equipped with, The aforementioned framework is constructed by combining multiple structural members in a lattice shape. The aforementioned bone member is A pair of upright portions are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the bone member and each stands up from the back surface of the substrate, A connecting portion that connects the first edges, which are the edges on the upright side of the pair of upright portions, Flange portions that protrude outward from the second edge, which is the base edge of each of the pair of upright portions, Equipped with, The provided solar cell panel has a flange portion that is formed in a flat plate shape and is surface-bonded to the substrate.

[0007] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a solar panel assembly kit used for assembling a solar panel that supports solar cells, It comprises multiple frame members that, when combined in a grid shape, constitute a framework provided on the back side of the substrate that supports the solar cell on its front side, The aforementioned bone member is A pair of upright portions that are spaced apart from and facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the bone member, A connecting portion that connects the first edges, which are one edge of the pair of upright portions, A flange portion extending outward from the second edge, which is the other edge of each of the pair of upright portions, Equipped with, A solar panel assembly kit is provided in which the flange portion of one of the pair of upright portions and the flange portion of the other of the pair of upright portions are arranged on the same plane as each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve both good heat dissipation of the solar cell panel and good rigidity and light weight of the solar cell panel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a solar cell panel according to an embodiment, showing the front surface on which solar cell cells (solar cell units) are provided. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of a solar cell panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a rough exploded perspective view of a solar cell panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing a solar cell unit of a solar cell panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of a solar cell panel according to an embodiment, showing the back surface on which a framework is provided. [Figure 6] It is a rear view of a solar cell panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a rear view showing only a plurality of bone members constituting the framework of a solar cell panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a view showing a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the extending direction of the bone member (a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 7). [Figure 9] It is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 6. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is an exploded perspective view corresponding to FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(a) is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 9, and FIG. 12(b) is an exploded perspective view corresponding to FIG. 12(a). [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 12(a). [Figure 14] FIG. 14(a) is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 6, and FIG. 14(b) is an exploded perspective view corresponding to FIG. 14(a). [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 14(a). [Figure 16] It is a perspective view showing a state in which two solar cell panels are connected via a hinge. [Figure 17] FIG. 17(a) is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 16, and FIG. 17(b) is a view seen in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 16.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the solar cell panel 100 according to the present embodiment is a solar cell panel 100 that supports the solar cell 11. The solar cell panel 100 includes a substrate 20 that supports the solar cell 11 on the front surface 21 (FIG. 3), and a framework 30 provided on the back surface 22 (FIG. 5) of the substrate 20. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 6, and 7 (particularly FIG. 7), the framework 30 is configured by combining a plurality of bone members 31 in a lattice shape. As shown in FIG. 8, the bone member 31 includes a pair of upright portions 32 that are spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the bone member 31 and stand up from the back surface 22 of the substrate 20, and a connecting portion 35 that connects the first edge portions 34, which are the edge portions on the upright direction side of the pair of upright portions 32, to each other, and a flange portion 36 that projects outward from the second edge portion 34, which is the edge portion on the base end side of each of the pair of upright portions 32. The flange portion 36 is formed in a flat plate shape and is directly or indirectly surface-bonded to the back surface 22 of the substrate 20. In the case of the present embodiment, the flange portion 36 is directly surface-bonded (for example, adhered) to the back surface 22.

[0012] According to this embodiment, the solar cell panel 100 has a structure in which a framework 30 is provided on the back side surface 22 of the substrate 20, so that the heat dissipation of heat generated by the solar cells 11 is better compared to solar cell panels of the type having a honeycomb-shaped core material. The frame member 31 comprises a pair of upright portions 32, a connecting portion 35 that connects the first edges 33 to each other, and flange portions 36 that protrude outward from the second edges 34 of each of the pair of upright portions 32. In other words, the frame member 31 has a shape that includes a gate-shaped portion formed by the pair of upright portions 32 and the connecting portion 35, and a pair of flange portions 36 that protrude outward from the base end of the gate-shaped portion. For this reason, the frame member 31 has a structure that is lightweight yet has excellent rigidity (resistance to deformation). Thus, according to the solar cell panel 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to achieve not only good heat dissipation of the solar cell panel 100, but also good rigidity and light weight simultaneously. In addition, since the flange portions 36 that protrude outward from the second edge portions 34 of each of the pair of upright portions 32 are surface-bonded to the back surface 22 of the substrate 20, the lightweight, hollow frame members 31 can stabilize the shape of the substrate 20 over a wide area. Therefore, even when bending stress is applied to the solar cell panel 100, flapping of the substrate 20 can be effectively suppressed.

[0013] Furthermore, the solar cell panel 100 according to this embodiment further comprises solar cells 11 provided on the substrate 20 (on the front surface 21 of the substrate 20). Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to this example, and when the solar cell panel 100 is distributed, the solar cell 11 may not be provided on the substrate 20.

[0014] Furthermore, the frame 30 may be distributed in a state before the multiple frame members 31 constituting the frame are assembled (in the form of a solar cell assembly kit for assembling the solar cell panel 100). In other words, the solar cell panel assembly kit according to this embodiment is a solar cell panel assembly kit used for assembling a solar cell panel 100 that supports solar cells 11, and comprises a plurality of frame members 31 that are combined in a grid shape to form a framework 30 provided on the back surface 22 of a substrate 20 that supports the solar cells 11 on the front surface 21. The frame member 31 comprises a pair of upright portions 32 that are spaced apart from and facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the frame member 31, a connecting portion 35 that connects the first edges 33 of the pair of upright portions 32 to each other, and flange portions 36 that protrude outward from the other edge 34 of the pair of upright portions 32, wherein the flange portion 36 of one of the pair of upright portions 32 and the flange portion 26 of the other of the pair of upright portions 32 are arranged on the same plane. The solar panel assembly kit may or may not include the circuit board 20.

[0015] The solar panel 100 is used in space, for example, mounted on an artificial satellite. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the solar panel 100 may also be used on Earth.

[0016] The following provides a more detailed explanation.

[0017] The solar cells 11 may, for example, be attached to the front surface 21 of the substrate 20 as a solar cell unit 10 (Figure 4) in which multiple solar cells 11 are unitized, or individual solar cells 11 may be attached to the front surface 21 of the substrate 20. In the latter case, for example, an insulating film such as a Kapton film can be attached to the front surface 21 of the substrate 20, and the solar cells 11 can be attached on top of it. As shown in Figure 4, the solar cell unit 10, also known as an array sheet, has a structure in which multiple solar cells 11 are arranged in an array on a flat, thin plate-shaped unit substrate 12. The solar cells 11 are also formed in a thin plate shape, and the entire solar cell unit 10, which includes the unit substrate 12 and the solar cells 11, is also in a thin plate shape. The shape of the unit substrate 12 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is formed in a rectangular shape. Multiple solar cells 11 are evenly arranged over almost the entire surface of one side of the unit substrate 12 (for example, the area excluding the periphery). In this embodiment, the solar cell unit 10 has multiple rows of solar cells 11. For example, there are 6 solar cells 11 per row, arranged in 3 rows. However, the number and arrangement of solar cells 11 in the solar cell unit 10 are not limited to this example. The multiple solar cells 11 in the solar cell unit 10 are electrically connected to each other in series, for example, but the connection relationships of the multiple solar cells 11 in the solar panel 100 are not limited to this example.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, for example, multiple solar cell units 10 are arranged in an array on the front surface 21 of the substrate 20. As an example, three solar cell units 10 are arranged in five rows. In other words, as an example, the solar cell units 10 are arranged in 3 rows and 5 columns. Note that the number and arrangement of solar cell units 10 on the solar panel 100 are not limited to this example. The shape of the substrate 20 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is formed in a rectangular shape. Multiple solar cell units 10 are evenly arranged over almost the entire surface of the substrate 20. The overall shape of the frame 30 provided on the back surface 22 of the substrate 20 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is formed in a shape corresponding to the substrate 20. That is, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, it is formed in a rectangular shape. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the outline of the frame 30 coincides with, for example, the outline of the substrate 20. The solar cell 11 is exposed on the front surface of the solar panel 100. The frame 30 is exposed, for example, on the back surface of the solar panel 100. On the back side surface 22 of the substrate 20, the portion located within the grid frame 38 of the grid-shaped framework 30 is exposed on the back surface of the solar cell panel 100.

[0019] As shown in Figure 8, the upright portion 32, connecting portion 35, and flange portion 36 of the frame member 31 are each formed in a flat plate shape. The pair of upright portions 32 are, for example, facing each other parallel to one another. The connecting portion 35 is, for example, perpendicular to the upright portion 32. Each flange portion 36 is arranged on the same plane as the others, and is, for example, perpendicular to the upright portion 32 and parallel to the connecting portion 35. As an example, the cross-sectional shape of the gate-shaped portion formed by the pair of upright portions 32 and the connecting portion 35 is square. This allows the gate-shaped portion formed by the pair of upright portions 32 and the connecting portion 35 to exhibit good shape retention. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the width dimension of the connecting portion 35 (left-right dimension in Figure 8: dimension in the surface direction of the solar cell panel 100) may be larger than the width dimension of the upright portion 32 (up-down dimension in Figure 8: dimension in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 100), or the width dimension of the connecting portion 35 may be smaller than the width dimension of the upright portion 32. As an example, the width dimension of each flange portion 36 (left-right dimension in Figure 8: dimension in the surface direction of the solar cell panel 100) is smaller than the width dimension of the connecting portion 35, for example, about half the width dimension of the connecting portion 35. This allows for a moderate reduction in the area on the back surface 22 of the substrate 20 that is covered by the frame member 31 and thus the frame 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the width dimension of the flange portion 36 may be equal to the width dimension of the connecting portion 35, or it may be larger than the width dimension of the connecting portion 35. However, the pair of upright portions 32 may be inclined in a direction that brings them closer to each other in the upright direction. In this case, the connecting portion 35 and the flange portion 36 are not perpendicular to the upright portions 32, but the flange portions 36 are arranged on the same plane. In this case as well, it is preferable that the flange portion 36 and the connecting portion 35 are parallel to each other. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the gate-shaped portion formed by the pair of upright portions 32 and the connecting portion 35 is trapezoidal. Thus, the pair of upright portions 32 are either parallel to each other or diagonally to each other.

[0020] Here, the connecting portions 35 of the multiple structural members 31 that make up the frame 30 are arranged on the same plane. Furthermore, the flange portions 36 of the multiple structural members 31 that make up the frame 30 are arranged on the same plane as each other. In other words, in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 100, the dimensions of the multiple frame members 31 constituting the frame 30 are equal to each other, and these frame members 31 are arranged at the same position relative to each other. Therefore, the rigidity of the frame 30 is more uniform throughout its entirety, and the front and back surfaces of the frame 30 are flush with each other. The front surface of the frame 30 is formed by an assembly of the surfaces of the flange portions 36 of the multiple frame members 31 that are on the substrate 20 side (the lower surface in Figure 8). The back surface of the frame 30 is formed by an assembly of the surfaces of the connecting portions 35 of the multiple frame members 31 that are on the opposite side from the substrate 20 (the upper surface in Figure 8). Furthermore, the frame 30 can be joined to the back surface 22 of the substrate 20 without impairing the flatness of the substrate 20. Moreover, since the back surface of the frame 30, that is, the back surface of the solar cell panel 100, is flush with the surface, it becomes easier to reduce the total thickness when multiple solar cell panels 100 are stacked together, for example.

[0021] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the multiple frame members 31 constituting the frame 30 include peripheral frame members 31a, which are frame members 31 located on the outer edge of the solar cell panel 100, and inner frame members 31b, which are frame members 31 located inside the outer edge of the solar cell panel 100. Of these, the peripheral bone member 31a extends continuously between adjacent corners 70 (Figure 6) in the outer shape of the solar cell panel 100. On the other hand, at the intersection of the inner bone members 31b, at least one of the inner bone members 31b that extends in the longitudinal or transverse direction is separated. In other words, since the outer periphery of the frame 30 is composed of a single frame member 31 from end to end (between adjacent corners 70), good rigidity can be ensured at the periphery of the frame 30. On the other hand, in the inner part of the frame 30, the structure is made by joining multiple frame members 31 together, which makes it easy to realize a structure in which the front and back surfaces of the frame 30 are flush with each other, as described above.

[0022] As shown in Figure 7, the framework 30 forms a grid frame with 4 rows and 5 columns, as an example. The four peripheral bone members 31a, which are arranged on the outer edge of the bone member 31, each extend continuously between adjacent corners 70 (Figure 6) in the outer shape of the solar cell panel 100. The inner bone members 31b, which are located inside the four peripheral bone members 31a, are arranged in a 3x4 configuration in Figure 7. Each row of the inner bone member 31b contains, from left to right, an inner bone member 31b of the length of one column, an inner bone member 31b of the length of three columns, and an inner bone member 31b of the length of one column. In Figure 7, the leftmost row of inner bone members 31b contains, from top to bottom, an inner bone member 31b of one row length, an inner bone member 31b of two rows length, and an inner bone member 31b of one row length. Similarly, in Figure 7, the rightmost row of inner bone members 31b consists of, from top to bottom, an inner bone member 31b of one row length, an inner bone member 31b of two rows length, and an inner bone member 31b of one row length. In the other rows of the inner bone member 31b (the second and third plate rows from the bottom left in Figure 7), four inner bone members 31b, each with a length of one row, are arranged. Thus, within the plane of the entire frame 30, the frame members 31 tend to extend continuously with longer dimensions towards the outer periphery, which efficiently increases the rigidity of the entire frame 30. Furthermore, the solar cell panel 100 is rectangular in shape, and the spacing between the rows of frame members 31 (vertical spacing in Figure 7) is narrower at both ends in the shorter direction compared to the central part in the shorter direction. As a result, the structure of the frame 30 has higher rigidity towards the outer periphery within the entire plane, which efficiently increases the overall rigidity of the frame 30.

[0023] As mentioned above, as an example, the solar cell unit 10 is arranged in a 3x5 grid (see Figure 1). Furthermore, as mentioned above, the framework 30 forms a grid frame with 4 rows and 5 columns, as an example. Furthermore, while the frame members 31 of each row are arranged along the spacing of the solar cell units 10 in each row, the frame members 31 of each row are arranged across the solar cell units 10 rather than along the spacing of the solar cell units 10 in each row (see Figure 2).

[0024] The solar cell panel 100 is equipped with a component mounting section for attaching components to the solar cell panel 100. The component mounting section includes a hinge mounting section 50 (see Figures 5, 10, etc.) and a holding section 40 (see Figures 5, 10, etc.). A hinge 60 (Figure 16) is attached to the hinge mounting section 50, which rotatably connects multiple solar panels 100 to each other in a closed state where they overlap each other (state shown in Figure 16) and in an unfolded state where they are unfolded (not shown). The holding portion 40 is a portion that holds a penetrating member (not shown) which is provided in a state that penetrates the multiple solar cell panels 100 in the closed state and maintains the multiple solar cell panels 100 in the closed state.

[0025] As shown in any of Figures 9 to 13, the holding portion 40 comprises a cylindrical portion 44 through which the through member passes, a block member 41 that holds the cylindrical portion 44, a connecting plate member 42 provided on the back side of the block member 41, and an intervening plate member 43 provided on the front side of the block member 41. The block member 41 is arranged in the same layer as the frame member 31 in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 100. The connecting plate member 42 is positioned opposite the substrate 20 and connects the block member 41 and the frame member 31 arranged around the block member 41. More specifically, the connecting plate member 42 is positioned across the block member 41 and the connecting portion 35 of the frame member 31 arranged around the block member 41, and is surface-jointed to both the block member 41 and the connecting portion 35. The intervening plate member 43 is interposed between the block member 41 and the substrate 20.

[0026] As shown in any of Figures 9 to 11 or Figures 14(a) to 15, the hinge mounting portion 50 comprises a block member 51, a connecting plate member 52 provided on the back side of the block member 51, and an intervening plate member 53 provided on the front side of the block member 51. The block member 51 is arranged in the same layer as the frame member 31 in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 100. The connecting plate member 52 is positioned opposite the substrate 20 and connects the block member 51 and the frame member 31 arranged around the block member 51. More specifically, the connecting plate member 52 is positioned across the block member 51 and the connecting portion 35 of the frame member 31 arranged around the block member 51, and is surface-jointed to both the block member 51 and the connecting portion 35. The intervening plate member 53 is interposed between the block member 51 and the substrate 20.

[0027] Thus, the component mounting portion (holding portion 40, hinge mounting portion 50) comprises a block member arranged in the same layer as the frame member 31 in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 100, and a connecting plate member arranged facing the substrate 20 and connecting the block member and the frame member 31 arranged around the block member. The connecting plate member is arranged across the block member and the connecting portion of the frame member arranged around the block member, and is surface-bonded to the block member and the connecting portion, respectively. Furthermore, the component mounting section (holding section 40, hinge mounting section 50) includes an intervening plate member that is interposed between the block member and the substrate 20.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, for example, the retaining portion 40 is provided at four locations among the intersections where the inner bone members 31b intersect in a cross shape.

[0029] As shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), the block member 41 of the holding portion 40 is formed in a cross-shaped planar form, for example, and an insertion hole 41b is formed in the center of the block member 41 into which the cylindrical portion 44 (see Figure 13) is inserted. The block member 41 is a solid member and has a thickness dimension equivalent to that of the frame member 31. More specifically, the sum of the thickness dimension of the block member 41 and the thickness dimension of the interfacing plate member 43 is the same as the thickness dimension of the frame member 31. In the block member 41, the tip portions of the parts extending in the cross direction (four directions) are fitted into the interior (between extensions 37 and extensions 37) of one end of each of the bone members 31 that are arranged on the four sides of the block member 41.

[0030] The connecting plate member 42 of the holding portion 40 is formed in a planar shape that generally corresponds to the block member 41 and is arranged overlapping the back side of the block member 41. However, the connecting plate member 42 has a portion that protrudes outward from the block member 41 when viewed in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 100 (see Figure 12(a), etc.). Of these, the portions of the block member 41 that protrude in the cross direction (four directions) are positioned to span from the back surface of the block member 41 to the back surface of the connecting portions 35 of the frame members 31 that are arranged around the four sides of the block member 41, and are surface-joined (adhered) to the back surface of the block member 41 and the back surface of the connecting portions 35 of the frame members 31 (see Figures 12(a), 13, etc.). As a result, the frame members 31 arranged around the four sides of the holding portion 40 are connected via the connecting plate member 42 and the block member 41. On the other hand, the portion of the block member 41 that protrudes between the cross-shaped protrusions of the block member 41 is the overhang portion 42a. The overhang portion 42a does not overlap with either the block member 41 or the frame member 31, and faces the substrate 20 via the intervening plate member 43. Having such an overhang portion 42a makes it possible to achieve better bending deformation resistance of the solar cell panel 100. In the central part of the connecting plate member 42, for example, an insertion hole 42b is formed that is slightly larger in diameter than the insertion hole 41b of the block member 41 (and slightly larger in diameter than the outer diameter of the flange portion 46b of the second cylindrical member 46, which will be described later).

[0031] The intervening plate member 43 of the holding portion 40 is surface-bonded (adhered) to the front surface of the block member 41, and also surface-bonded (adhered) to the back surface 22 of the substrate 20. In other words, the block member 41 and the substrate 20 are joined via the intervening plate member 43. In the central part of the interfacing plate member 43, for example, an insertion hole 43b is formed that is slightly larger in diameter than the insertion hole 41b of the block member 41. The interposing plate member 43 is positioned in the same layer as the flange portion 36 of the frame member 31 in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 100 (see Figure 13). The intervening plate member 43 is formed in a planar shape that generally corresponds to that of the block member 41, and is positioned overlapping the surface side of the block member 41. However, the intervening plate member 43 has an overhang 43a that protrudes outward from the block member 41 when viewed in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 100 (see Figure 12(a), etc.). The interposing plate member 43 has an overhanging portion 43a that extends from the block member 41, which provides a gradient in the rigidity change of the solar cell panel 100 between the area where the block member 41 is placed and its surroundings, thereby suppressing damage to the substrate 20 when bending stress is applied to the solar cell panel 100. The width dimensions of the protruding portions 43a extending from the block member 41 in the cross direction (four directions) are set to be the same as the width dimension of the frame member 31 (see Figure 12(a)). The tip surfaces of these protruding portions 43a are positioned in close proximity to the tip surfaces of the flange portions 36 of the frame member 31. The interposing plate member 43 has protruding portions 43a that extend from the block member 41, even between the parts of the block member 41 that protrude in the cross direction. In the central part of the interfacing plate member 43, for example, an insertion hole 43b is formed that is slightly larger in diameter than the insertion hole 41b of the block member 41 (and slightly larger in diameter than the outer diameter of the flange portion 45b of the first cylindrical member 45, which will be described later).

[0032] Here, at least the upright portions 32 of the frame members 31 arranged on all four sides around the block member 41 have extensions 37 (Figures 12(a), 12(b), and 13) that overlap with the interfacing plate member 43 when viewed in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 100. More specifically, the connecting portions 35 of these frame members 31 also have extensions 37. In other words, notches are formed in the flange portions 36 of the frame members 31, and a portion of the interfacing plate member 43 fits into these notches. Because the bone member 31 has an extension 37, the change in rigidity at the boundary between the holding portion 40 and the surrounding bone member 31 is not localized to a single point at the tip of the bone member 31, but rather changes within a certain range in the direction of extension of the bone member 31. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the boundary between the holding portion 40 and the surrounding bone member 31 from becoming excessively weak.

[0033] As shown in Figures 11 and 13, the cylindrical portion 44 is composed of a first cylindrical member 45 on the front side and a second cylindrical member 46 on the back side. The first cylindrical member 45 and the second cylindrical member 46 are each formed in a cylindrical shape. A portion of the second cylindrical member 46 in its axial direction is inserted (fitted) into the through hole 41b of the block member 41 and is adhesively fixed to the block member 41. In the second cylindrical member 46, the portion that is not inserted into the through hole 41b has a flange portion 46b with a larger diameter than the inner diameter of the through hole 41b and a second fitting portion 46a. The second fitting portion 46a is formed, for example, in a convex shape with a frustoconical shape. The first cylindrical member 45 is inserted (fitted) into the through hole 41b of the block member 41 in its axial direction and is adhesively fixed to the block member 41. In the first cylindrical member 45, the portion that is not inserted into the through hole 41b is a flange portion 45b with a larger diameter than the inner diameter of the through hole 41b. A first fitting portion 45a is formed on the flange portion 45b. The first fitting portion 45a is formed in a concave shape that can be fitted with the second fitting portion 46a. When multiple solar panels 100 are stacked on top of each other, the first fitting portion 45a of one solar panel 100 fits together with the second fitting portion 46a of the other solar panels 100. A portion of the flange portion 46b fits into the insertion hole 42b of the connecting plate member 42, and a portion of the first fitting portion 45a fits into the insertion hole 43b of the interfacing plate member 43 (Figure 13). As shown in Figure 3, the substrate 20 has an insertion hole 23 with dimensions equivalent to the insertion hole 43b, and a portion of the flange portion 45b fits into the insertion hole 23.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, for example, the hinge mounting portion 50 is provided at two locations within the intersection (i.e., corner portion 70) where the peripheral bone members 31a intersect in an L-shape.

[0035] As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), the block member 51 of the hinge mounting portion 50 is formed in a planar shape that is, for example, roughly L-shaped. Mounting holes 51a (Figure 14(b)) for attaching the hinge 60 are formed on the side surface of the block member 51. The block member 51 is a solid member and has a thickness equivalent to that of the frame member 31. More specifically, the sum of the thickness of the block member 51 and the thickness of the interfacing plate member 53 is the same as the thickness of the frame member 31.

[0036] The connecting plate member 52 of the hinge mounting portion 50 covers the entire back surface of the block member 51 and is formed in a shape that protrudes outward from the block member 51 when viewed in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 100. In the connecting plate member 52, the portions of the block member 51 that protrude in the L-shape (two directions) are positioned to straddle the back surface of the block member 51 and the back surface of the connecting portion 35 of the frame members 31 which are arranged in the two directions of the block member 51, and are surface-joined (bonded) to the back surface of the block member 51 and the back surface of the connecting portion 35 of the frame members 31, respectively (Figures 14(a) and 15). As a result, the frame members 31 which are arranged in the two directions around the hinge mounting portion 50 are connected via the connecting plate member 52 and the block member 51. The connecting plate member 52 has, for example, a triangular overhang portion 52a. The overhang portion 52a does not overlap with the block member 51, nor does it overlap with either the connecting portion 35 or the flange portion 36 of the frame member 31. A portion of the eaves 52a faces the substrate 20 directly, while the other portion faces the substrate 20 via an intervening plate member 53. Having such an eaves 52a makes it possible to achieve better bending deformation resistance of the solar cell panel 100.

[0037] The intervening plate member 53 of the hinge mounting portion 50 is surface-bonded (adhered) to the front surface of the block member 51, and also surface-bonded (adhered) to the back surface 22 of the substrate 20. In other words, the block member 51 and the substrate 20 are joined via the intervening plate member 53. The interposing plate member 53 is positioned in the same layer as the flange portion 36 of the frame member 31 in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 100 (see Figure 15). The intervening plate member 53 is formed, for example, in a planar shape that generally corresponds to the block member 51, and is arranged overlapping the surface side of the block member 51. However, the intervening plate member 53 has an overhang 53a that protrudes outward from the block member 51 when viewed in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 100 (see Figure 14(a), etc.). The interposing plate member 53 has an overhanging portion 53a that extends from the block member 51, which provides a gradient in the rigidity change of the solar cell panel 100 between the area where the block member 51 is placed and its surroundings, thereby suppressing damage to the substrate 20 when bending stress is applied to the solar cell panel 100. The width dimensions of the protruding portions 53a that extend in the L-shape (two directions) of the block member 51 are set to be the same as the width dimension of the frame member 31 (see Figure 14(a)). The tip surfaces of these protruding portions 53a are positioned in close proximity to the tip surface of the flange portion 36 of the frame member 31.

[0038] Here, at least the upright portions 32 of the frame members 31, which are arranged in two directions around the block member 51, have extensions 37 (Figures 14(a), 14(b), and 15) that overlap with the interfacing plate member 53 when viewed in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 100. More specifically, the connecting portions 35 of these frame members 31 also have extensions 37. In other words, notches are formed in the flange portions 36 of the frame members 31, and a portion of the interfacing plate member 53 fits into these notches. Because the frame member 31 has an extension 37, the change in rigidity at the boundary between the hinge mounting portion 50 and the surrounding frame member 31 is not localized to a single point at the tip of the frame member 31, but rather changes within a certain range in the direction of extension of the frame member 31. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the boundary between the hinge mounting portion 50 and the surrounding frame member 31 from becoming excessively fragile.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, the back side of the frame 30 is also provided with connecting plate members 81, 82, and 83 in addition to connecting plate members 42 and 52. These connecting plate members 81, 82, and 83 are positioned at the intersections of the frame 30, straddling the space between the frame members 31 (between the connecting parts 35) and connecting the frame members 31 to each other. The connecting plate member 81 is, for example, formed in an octagon shape and is positioned at the location where the inner bone members 31b intersect in a cross shape. The connecting plate member 82 is formed, for example, in the shape of a home plate and is positioned at the location where the peripheral bone member 31a and the inner bone member 31b intersect in a T-shape. The connecting plate member 83 is formed in the shape of a pentagon, for example, by cutting off a portion (the tips of the two 45-degree angles) from a right triangle, and is positioned in the area where the peripheral bone members 31a intersect in an L-shape, but where the hinge mounting portion 50 (connecting plate member 52) is not provided. These connecting plate members 81, 82, and 83 also have canopy portions 81a, 82a, and 83a, respectively. The canopy portions 81a, 82a, and 83a do not overlap with the connecting portion 35 and the upright portion 32 of the frame member 31, and either face the base plate 20 via the flange portion 36 or face the base plate 20 directly.

[0040] Here, as shown in Figures 6 and 9, when comparing the area of ​​the canopy portion 52a of the connecting plate member 52, the area of ​​the canopy portion 82a of the connecting plate member 82, and the area of ​​the canopy portion 42a of the connecting plate member 42, the area of ​​the canopy portion 42a is the smallest, followed by the area of ​​the canopy portion 82a, and then the area of ​​the canopy portion 52a is the largest. In other words, the area of ​​the eaves portion 82a located at the intersection with the highest density of solar cells 11 (a cross-shaped intersection) is the smallest, and the area of ​​the eaves portion 52a located at the intersection with the lowest density of solar cells 11 (an L-shaped intersection) is the largest. Therefore, for some eaves, the area of ​​the eaves is smaller the more densely packed and higher heat dissipation is required in those areas. Therefore, the solar panel 100 has a structure that enables better heat dissipation.

[0041] Thus, the solar cell panel 100 is provided on the back side of the frame 30 at the intersections of the frame 30, and includes connecting plate members 42, 52, and 82 that are arranged to straddle between the frame members 31 and connect the frame members 31, or that are arranged to straddle between the frame members 31 and other members (block members 41, 51) and connect the frame members 31 and the other members. The connecting plate members 42, 52, and 82 have overhang portions 42a, 52a, and 82a that, when viewed in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 100, either protrude outward from the frame member 31 (or its connecting portion 35) or protrude outward from the frame member (or its connecting portion 35) and other members (block member 41, connecting plate member 52). The connecting plate members 42, 52, and 82 include at least two of the following: a first connecting plate member (connecting plate member 42) positioned at a location where multiple bone members 31 intersect in a cross shape; a second connecting plate member (connecting plate member 82) positioned at a location where multiple bone members 31 intersect in a T shape; and a third connecting plate member (connecting plate member 52) positioned at a location where multiple bone members 31 intersect in an L shape. If we define the first condition as the area of ​​the eaves portion 42a of the first connecting plate member (connecting plate member 42) being smaller than the area of ​​the eaves portion 82a of the second connecting plate member (connecting plate member 82), the second condition as the area of ​​the eaves portion 82a of the second connecting plate member (connecting plate member 82) being smaller than the area of ​​the eaves portion 52a of the third connecting plate member (connecting plate member 52), and the third condition as the area of ​​the eaves portion 42a of the first connecting plate member (connecting plate member 42) being smaller than the area of ​​the eaves portion 52a of the third connecting plate member (connecting plate member 52), then all three conditions are satisfied. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and may satisfy at least one of the first, second, and third conditions.

[0042] Next, using Figures 16 to 17(b), we will describe the structure in which two solar panels 100 are connected by two hinges 60. The hinge 60 has a pair of arms 61 and a rotating shaft portion 62 that connects these arms 61 so that they can rotate relative to each other. For each hinge 60, one arm 61 is attached to the hinge mounting portion 50 of one solar panel 100, and the other arm 61 is attached to the hinge mounting portion 50 of the other solar panel 100, thereby connecting the two solar panels 100 by the two hinges 60. The rotational axis directions of the rotational axis portions 62 of the two hinges 60 are aligned.

[0043] When the two solar panels 100 are in the closed position, a through member (not shown) is provided that penetrates the holding portion 40 of the two solar panels 100. By removing this through-member from the holding part 40 using electrical methods or other means, the two solar panels 100 transition from a closed state to an unfolded state. At that time, the upper solar panel 100 in Figures 16 and 17(a) opens in the direction of arrow A shown in Figures 16 and 17(a). For example, the two solar panels 100 can be deployed to a state where they are positioned on the same plane as each other. The rotating shaft 62 has a spring (not shown), such as a coil spring, and the biasing force of this spring causes the two solar panels 100 to unfold automatically.

[0044] Here, as shown in Figures 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11, a vibration-damping pad 80 is provided on the back side of the frame 30. The vibration-damping pads 80 are provided, for example, at four locations on the periphery of the frame 30. As shown in Figure 17(b), when the two solar panels 100 are closed, the vibration damping pad 80 of one solar panel 100 and the vibration damping pad 80 of the other solar panel 100 are in contact with each other. Thus, the solar cell panel 100 includes vibration suppression pads 80 provided on the opposing surfaces of multiple (for example, two) solar cell panels 100 when they are closed.

[0045] As shown in Figure 9, the vibration suppression pad 80 is provided on the connecting plate member 82. When viewed in the thickness direction of the solar panel 100, the center of the vibration-suppressing pad 80 overlaps with the connecting portion 35 of the frame member 31. This prevents deformation of the eaves portion 82a due to pressure applied to the vibration-suppressing pad 80 when the two solar panels 100 are maintained in a closed state. More preferably, the majority of the area of ​​the vibration-suppressing pad 80 overlaps with the connecting portion 35 and does not substantially overlap with the eaves portion 82a.

[0046] Next, we will describe examples of materials used for each part of the solar panel 100. The substrate 20, unit substrate 12, connecting plate members 42, 52, 81, 82, 83, interfacing plate members 43, 53, connecting plate member 81, and frame member 31 are made of, for example, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Block members 41 and 51 are made of, for example, carbon. The cylindrical portion 44 (first cylindrical member 45 and second cylindrical member 46) is made of a metal such as aluminum or titanium.

[0047] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also includes various modifications, improvements, and other forms as long as the objectives of the present invention are achieved. For example, although the above description illustrates an example in which two solar panels 100 are connected in a deployable manner, three or more solar panels 100 may be connected in a deployable manner. Furthermore, the solar panel 100 does not necessarily need to be used in a manner where multiple panels can be connected together; it may also be used individually (as a single panel).

[0048] This embodiment encompasses the following technical concepts. (1) A solar cell and a solar panel that supports the solar cell, A substrate supporting the aforementioned solar cell on its front surface, The framework provided on the back side of the aforementioned substrate, Equipped with, The aforementioned framework is constructed by combining multiple structural members in a lattice shape. The aforementioned bone member is A pair of upright portions are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the bone member and each stands up from the back surface of the substrate, A connecting portion that connects the first edges, which are the edges on the upright side of the pair of upright portions, Flange portions that protrude outward from the second edge, which is the base edge of each of the pair of upright portions, Equipped with, The flange portion is formed in a flat plate shape and is surface-bonded to the substrate in the solar cell panel. (2) The connecting portion is formed in the shape of a flat plate, The connecting portions of the plurality of bone members are arranged on the same plane. The solar cell panel according to (1), wherein the flange portions of the plurality of structural members are arranged on the same plane. (3) The plurality of frame members include peripheral frame members which are frame members arranged on the outer edge of the solar cell panel, and inner frame members which are frame members arranged inside the outer edge of the solar cell panel, The peripheral frame member extends continuously between adjacent corners in the outer shape of the solar cell panel. The solar cell panel according to (2), wherein at the intersection of the inner frame members, at least one of the inner frame members extending in the vertical or horizontal direction is separated. (4) The solar panel is equipped with a component mounting section for attaching components, The aforementioned component mounting portion is A block member is arranged in the same layer as the frame member in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel, A connecting plate member is positioned opposite the substrate and connects the block member and the frame member arranged around the block member, Equipped with, The solar cell panel according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the connecting plate member is arranged across the block member and the connecting portion of the frame member arranged around the block member, and is surface-joined to the block member and the connecting portion, respectively. (5) The solar panel according to (4), wherein the connecting plate member has an overhang portion that protrudes outward from the block member when viewed in the thickness direction of the solar panel. (6) The part mounting portion is, The system includes an interposing plate member interposed between the block member and the substrate, The solar panel according to (4), wherein the interposing plate member has an overhang that protrudes outward from the block member when viewed in the thickness direction of the solar panel. (7) The interposing plate member is arranged in the same layer as the flange portion of the frame member in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel, The upright portion of the frame member has an extension that overlaps with the interposing plate member when viewed in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel, as described in (6). (8) The solar cell panel according to (7), wherein the connecting portion of the frame member also has the extension portion. (9) The component mounting portion includes a hinge mounting portion, The solar panel according to (4), wherein a hinge is attached to the hinge mounting portion, which rotatably connects a plurality of solar panels to each other in a closed state where they overlap and in an unfolded state. (10) The solar panel according to (9), wherein the component mounting portion includes a holding portion that is provided in a state that penetrates the plurality of solar panels in the closed state and holds a penetrating member that maintains the plurality of solar panels in the closed state. (11) A connecting plate member is provided at the intersection of the frame on the back side of the frame, and is positioned to straddle between the frame members and connect the frame members, or is positioned to straddle between the frame member and another member and connect the frame member and the other member, The connecting plate member has an overhang portion that, when viewed in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel, protrudes outward from the frame member, or protrudes outward from both the frame member and the other members. As the aforementioned connecting plate member, A first connecting plate member is positioned at the location where the multiple bone members intersect in a cross shape, A second connecting plate member is positioned at the location where the multiple bone members intersect in a T-shape, A third connecting plate member is positioned at the location where the multiple bone members intersect in an L-shape, It includes at least two of the following: The first condition is that the area of ​​the overhang portion of the first connecting plate member is smaller than the area of ​​the overhang portion of the second connecting plate member. The second condition is that the area of ​​the eaves portion of the second connecting plate member is smaller than the area of ​​the eaves portion of the third connecting plate member. If the third condition is that the area of ​​the eaves portion of the first connecting plate member is smaller than the area of ​​the eaves portion of the third connecting plate member, A solar panel according to any one of (1) to (3) above, which satisfies at least one of the conditions described above: the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition. (12) The solar panel according to (10), further comprising vibration-suppressing pads provided on the opposing surfaces of the plurality of solar panels in the closed state. (13) The solar panel according to any one of (1) to (3), further comprising the solar cells provided on the substrate. (14) A solar panel assembly kit used for assembling a solar panel that supports solar cells, It comprises multiple frame members that, when combined in a grid shape, constitute a framework provided on the back side of the substrate that supports the solar cell on its front side, The aforementioned bone member is A pair of upright portions that are spaced apart from and facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the bone member, A connecting portion that connects the first edges, which are one edge of the pair of upright portions, A flange portion extending outward from the second edge, which is the other edge of each of the pair of upright portions, Equipped with, A solar panel assembly kit in which the flange portion of one of the pair of upright portions and the flange portion of the other of the pair of upright portions are arranged on the same plane as each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 10 Solar Cell Units 11 solar cells 12 Unit Boards 20 circuit boards 21 Front side 22 Back side 23 Through hole 30 Frame 31. Structural members 31a Peripheral bone member 31b Inner structural member 32 Standing part 33 First edge 34 Second edge 35 Connecting part 36 Flange section 37 Extension 38 Grid frame 40 Retaining part (part mounting part) 41 Block members 41b Through hole 42 Connecting plate member 42a Eaves 42b Through hole 43 Interfacing plate member 43a Overhang 43b Through hole 44 Cylinder part 45 First cylindrical member 45a 1st fitting part 45b Flange section 46. ​​Second cylindrical member 46a 2nd fitting part 46b Flange section 50. Hinge mounting section (part mounting section) 51 Block members 51a Mounting hole 52 Connecting plate member 52a Eaves 53 Interfacing plate member 53a Overhang 60 hinge 61 Arm 62 Rotation axis 70 corners 80 Vibration damping pads 81 Connecting plate member 81a Canopy section 82 Connecting plate member 82a Eaves 83 Connecting plate member 83a Eaves 100 solar panels

Claims

1. A solar cell and a solar panel that supports the solar cell, A substrate supporting the aforementioned solar cell on its front surface, The framework provided on the back side of the aforementioned substrate, Equipped with, The aforementioned framework is constructed by combining multiple structural members in a lattice shape. The aforementioned bone member is A pair of upright portions are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the bone member and each stands up from the back surface of the substrate, A connecting portion that connects the first edges, which are the edges on the upright side of the pair of upright portions, Flange portions that protrude outward from the second edge, which is the base edge of each of the pair of upright portions, Equipped with, The flange portion is formed in a flat plate shape and is surface-bonded to the substrate in the solar cell panel.

2. The aforementioned connecting portion is formed in a flat plate shape, The connecting portions of the plurality of bone members are arranged on the same plane. The solar cell panel according to claim 1, wherein the flange portions of the plurality of frame members are arranged on the same plane as each other.

3. The plurality of frame members include peripheral frame members which are frame members arranged on the outer edge of the solar cell panel, and inner frame members which are frame members arranged inside the outer edge of the solar cell panel. The peripheral frame member extends continuously between adjacent corners in the outer shape of the solar cell panel. The solar cell panel according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the inner skeletal members extending in the vertical or horizontal direction is separated at the intersection of the inner skeletal members.

4. The solar panel is equipped with a component mounting section for attaching components, The aforementioned component mounting portion is A block member is arranged in the same layer as the frame member in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel, A connecting plate member is positioned opposite the substrate and connects the block member and the frame member arranged around the block member, Equipped with, The solar cell panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting plate member is arranged across the block member and the connecting portion of the frame member arranged around the block member, and is surface-joined to the block member and the connecting portion, respectively.

5. The solar panel according to claim 4, wherein the connecting plate member has an overhang portion that protrudes outward from the block member when viewed in the thickness direction of the solar panel.

6. The aforementioned component mounting portion is The system includes an interposing plate member interposed between the block member and the substrate, The solar panel according to claim 4, wherein the interposing plate member has an overhang that protrudes outward from the block member when viewed in the thickness direction of the solar panel.

7. The interfacing plate member is arranged in the same layer as the flange portion of the frame member in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel. The solar panel according to claim 6, wherein the upright portion of the frame member has an extension that overlaps with the interposing plate member when viewed in the thickness direction of the solar panel.

8. The solar cell panel according to claim 7, wherein the connecting portion of the frame member also has the extension portion.

9. The aforementioned component mounting section includes a hinge mounting section. The solar panel according to claim 4, wherein a hinge is attached to the hinge mounting portion, which rotatably connects a plurality of solar panels to each other in a closed state where they overlap and in an unfolded state.

10. The solar panel according to claim 9, wherein the component mounting portion includes a holding portion that holds a penetrating member that is provided in a state that penetrates the plurality of solar panels in the closed state and maintains the plurality of solar panels in the closed state.

11. The frame is provided with a connecting plate member at the intersection of the frame, which is located on the back side of the frame and is positioned to straddle the frame members and connect them, or is positioned to straddle the frame members and other members and connect them, The connecting plate member has an overhang portion that, when viewed in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel, protrudes outward from the frame member, or protrudes outward from both the frame member and the other members. As the aforementioned connecting plate member, A first connecting plate member is positioned at the location where the multiple bone members intersect in a cross shape, A second connecting plate member is positioned at the location where the plurality of bone members intersect in a T-shape, A third connecting plate member is positioned at the location where the multiple bone members intersect in an L-shape, It includes at least two of the following: The first condition is that the area of ​​the overhang portion of the first connecting plate member is smaller than the area of ​​the overhang portion of the second connecting plate member. The second condition is that the area of ​​the overhang portion of the second connecting plate member is smaller than the area of ​​the overhang portion of the third connecting plate member. If the third condition is that the area of ​​the overhang portion of the first connecting plate member is smaller than the area of ​​the overhang portion of the third connecting plate member, A solar panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which satisfies at least one of the first, second, and third conditions.

12. The solar panel according to claim 10, further comprising vibration-suppressing pads provided on the opposing surfaces of the plurality of solar panels in the closed state.

13. The solar panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the solar cell provided on the substrate.

14. A solar panel assembly kit used for assembling solar panels that support solar cells, It comprises multiple frame members that, when combined in a grid shape, constitute a framework provided on the back side of the substrate that supports the solar cell on its front side, The aforementioned bone member is A pair of upright portions that are spaced apart from and facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the bone member, A connecting portion that connects the first edges, which are one edge of the pair of upright portions, A flange portion extending outward from the second edge, which is the other edge of each of the pair of upright portions, Equipped with, A solar panel assembly kit in which the flange portion of one of the pair of upright portions and the flange portion of the other of the pair of upright portions are arranged on the same plane as each other.

Images