Vehicle solar panel mounting structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a mounting structure for vehicle solar panels that reduces the risk of solar modules of solar panels installed on a vehicle being scattered, and that prevents the solar panels from receiving reaction forces from the vehicle body components when they move toward the vehicle body components. [Solution] The system comprises body components 18 and 27 that constitute a part of the vehicle body, a solar panel 30 having a glass 31 that is exposed to the outside of the vehicle body and a solar module 30S provided on the interior side of the glass, and a connecting member 40 that connects the body components and the solar module, wherein the connecting member has a panel-side mounting portion 41 connected to the solar module, a vehicle-side mounting portion 45 connected to the body components, and a flexible connecting portion 43 that connects the panel-side mounting portion and the vehicle-side mounting portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment structure for a solar panel for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses an attachment structure for a solar panel that attaches a solar panel to an attachment object via a bracket.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A solar panel includes glass and a solar module located inside the glass that generates electricity using sunlight. Therefore, when an object collides with the glass, a force may be applied from the solar module to the attachment object via the bracket, and the reaction force generated by the attachment object may be transmitted to the solar module via the bracket. In this case, there is a risk that the solar module (solar cell) may be damaged or a disconnection may occur.

[0005] Here, assume a case where the attachment structure of the solar panel of Patent Document 1 is applied to a vehicle. When attaching a solar panel to a vehicle in this way, the risk of the above problem occurring becomes higher.

[0006] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain an attachment structure for a solar panel for a vehicle that can reduce the risk of the solar module of the solar panel provided on the vehicle from scattering, and that can make it difficult for the solar panel to receive a reaction force from the vehicle body constituent member when the solar panel moves to the vehicle body constituent member side.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to claim 1 comprises a vehicle body component that constitutes a part of the vehicle body, a solar panel provided on the vehicle body component and having glass exposed to the outside of the vehicle body, and a solar module provided on the interior surface of the glass, and a connecting member that connects the vehicle body component and the solar module, wherein the connecting member has a panel-side mounting portion connected to the solar module, a vehicle body-side mounting portion connected to the vehicle body component, and a flexible connecting portion that connects the panel-side mounting portion and the vehicle body-side mounting portion.

[0008] In the vehicle solar panel mounting structure of claim 1, the solar panel comprises a glass exposed to the outside of the vehicle body and a solar module provided on the interior surface of the glass. In this specification, the glass also includes a cover member that coats the surface of the glass and is transparent.

[0009] Therefore, if, for example, a stone or the like collides with the glass, the glass may break. However, the mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to claim 1 includes a connecting member having a panel-side mounting portion connected to the solar module, a vehicle-side mounting portion connected to a vehicle body component, and a flexible connecting portion that connects the panel-side mounting portion and the vehicle-side mounting portion. Therefore, even if the glass breaks, the mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to claim 1 can reduce the risk of the solar module scattering outwards towards the vehicle body.

[0010] Furthermore, some vehicle body components, such as a hood, are movable. In this case, when the vehicle body component makes contact with other parts of the vehicle body while moving, an inertial force acts on the solar panel, causing the solar module to move toward the vehicle body component. However, since the connection portion of the connecting member is flexible, the force of movement of the solar module is transmitted to the vehicle body component via the connecting member, and there is little risk of the vehicle body component generating a large reaction force. Therefore, there is little risk of such a reaction force being transmitted to the solar module via the connecting member. Consequently, there is little risk of damage to the connection portion between the solar module and the panel-side mounting portion.

[0011] The mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to claim 2 is a clip fixed to the glass, wherein the vehicle body side mounting portion is capable of elastically deforming through a mounting hole formed in the plate-shaped vehicle body component from one side to the other side of the vehicle body component, and comprises a first engaging portion that contacts the other side after passing through the mounting hole, and a second engaging portion that contacts the one side after the first engaging portion passes through the mounting hole.

[0012] In the vehicle solar panel mounting structure of claim 2, the solar panel is positioned on the vehicle body component when the vehicle body side mounting portion, which is a clip, is attached to the mounting hole formed in the plate-shaped vehicle body component.

[0013] The mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to claim 3 is as described in claim 1, wherein the panel-side mounting portion faces one surface of the plate-shaped vehicle body component and is fixed to the solar module, the connecting portion passes through a through hole formed in the vehicle body component so as to be movable relative to it, and the vehicle body-side mounting portion faces the other surface of the vehicle body component from the other surface side and has a larger diameter than the through hole.

[0014] In the vehicle solar panel mounting structure of claim 3, when a force is applied to the solar panel in a direction approaching the vehicle body component, the connecting portion absorbs this force by moving relative to the vehicle body component inside the through hole formed in the vehicle body component. Therefore, this force is less likely to be applied to the vehicle body component. As a result, there is little risk of the vehicle body component generating a large reaction force and this reaction force being transmitted to the solar module via the connecting member. Furthermore, when a force is applied to the solar panel in a direction away from the vehicle body component, the vehicle body-side mounting portion, which has a larger diameter than the through hole, does not pass through the through hole and move to one side of the vehicle body component. Therefore, there is little risk of the solar module being scattered in this case.

[0015] The mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in claim 1, the panel-side mounting portion is bonded to the solar module, and a part of the connection portion is a low-rigidity portion with lower rigidity compared to the other parts of the connection portion.

[0016] In the vehicle solar panel mounting structure of claim 4, when a force is applied to the solar panel in a direction that separates it from the vehicle body components, the low-rigidity portion, which is part of the connection, deforms to absorb this force. Therefore, in this case, there is little risk of the panel-side mounting portion detaching from the solar module due to this force. As a result, the solar module is less likely to be scattered.

[0017] The mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to claim 5 is the same as in claim 1, wherein one surface in the thickness direction of the flexible panel-side mounting portion is a first surface that is bonded to the solar module, and at least one recess is formed on the second surface, which is the other surface in the thickness direction of the panel-side mounting portion.

[0018] In the vehicle solar panel mounting structure of claim 5, when a force is applied to the solar panel in a direction that separates it from the vehicle body components, the panel-side mounting portion, which has a recess and is flexible, deforms to absorb this force. Therefore, in this case, there is little risk of the panel-side mounting portion detaching from the solar module due to this force. As a result, the solar module is less likely to be scattered.

[0019] The mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to claim 6 is, in claim 1, a support member having an opposing portion that faces the solar module while being separated from the solar module, and the panel-side mounting portion is located in the space between the solar module and the opposing portion and has a larger diameter than the through hole provided in the opposing portion. The connecting portion penetrates the through hole so as to be movable relative to it.

[0020] In the vehicle solar panel mounting structure of claim 6, when a force is applied to the solar panel in a direction that separates it from the vehicle body component, the opposing portion (through hole) of the support member fixed to the solar module absorbs this force by moving relative to the connection portion. Therefore, in this case, there is little risk of the panel-side mounting portion detaching from the solar module due to this force. Furthermore, since the panel-side mounting portion has a larger diameter than the through hole provided in the opposing portion, the scattering of the solar module is prevented by the panel-side mounting portion and the opposing portion.

[0021] The mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to claim 7 is further characterized in that, in claim 1, the panel-side mounting portion includes a temporary holding portion capable of temporarily holding a part of the connection portion.

[0022] In the vehicle solar panel mounting structure of claim 7, when the solar panel is attached to a vehicle body component while the panel-side mounting portion is connected to the solar module, the risk of the connection portion interfering with this work can be reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] The mounting structure of the solar panel for a vehicle according to the present invention has an excellent effect that it can reduce the risk of the solar module of the solar panel installed on the vehicle from scattering, and when the solar panel moves to the side of the vehicle body component, the solar panel is less likely to receive a reaction force from the vehicle body component.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the front part of a vehicle to which the mounting structure of the solar panel for a vehicle according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] It is a bottom view of a part of the hood of the vehicle. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow 3-3 in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of the glass and the solar module. [Figure 5] It is a schematic perspective view of the tip of the first connecting member. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow 6-6 in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] It is a schematic perspective view of the tip of the second connecting member. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 of the first modification example. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 8 when the solar panel moves upward. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 of the second modification example. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 of the third modification example. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 of the fourth modification example. [Figure 13] It is a bottom view when viewed along the arrow A in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 when the end of the connection part of the first connecting member of the fifth modification example is temporarily held by the temporary holding part. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 of the fifth modification example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In each figure, arrows FR indicate the front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, arrow LH indicates the left side of the vehicle in the lateral direction, and arrow UP indicates the top of the vehicle in the vertical direction. In the following description, the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and vertical direction refer to the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and vertical direction of the vehicle, respectively.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the front of the vehicle body 12 of the vehicle 10 is provided with a hood (bonnet) (vehicle body component) 14 that can be opened and closed over the engine compartment. The rear end of the hood 14 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 12 around a pivot axis that extends in the left-right direction.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the hood 14 comprises a metal body 16. The body 16 includes a hood panel outer (body component) 18 and a hood panel inner (body component) 27, both of which are metal plates and have a substantially rectangular planar shape.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a recess 19, which is roughly rectangular in plan view and recesses toward the hood panel inner 27, is formed in the portion of the upper surface of the hood panel outer 18 that is located on the inner side of the outer peripheral edge. That is, the hood panel outer 18 has a bottom surface component 21 that is located one level below the outer surface component 20 that constitutes the outer surface of the hood 14 and is roughly rectangular in plan view and constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 19. As shown in Figure 2, a support portion 22 is provided at the corner where the left edge and front edge of the bottom surface component 21 intersect. Furthermore, a through hole 23, which is roughly rectangular in plan view, is formed in the bottom surface component 21. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, a second mounting hole (mounting hole) (through hole) 24, which is a circular through hole, is formed in the support portion 22.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a through-hole 28, which is roughly rectangular in plan view, is formed in the portion of the hood panel inner 27 located on the inner side of the outer edge. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, a circular through-hole, the first mounting hole 29, is formed on the left side of the hood panel inner 27.

[0030] A solar panel 30 is provided in the recess 19 of the body 16, having a plan view shape that is slightly smaller than the recess 19 and is substantially rectangular. As shown in Figure 4, the solar panel 30 of this embodiment and the various modifications described later comprises a glass 31 made of tempered glass, which is a substantially rectangular plate material that constitutes its outer surface (top surface), a group of solar cells 32 fixed to the lower surface of the glass 31 and having a plan view shape that is substantially rectangular, a back sheet 33 fixed to the lower surface of the group of solar cells 32, a packing 34 which is a frame fixed to the outer edge of the glass 31, and a light-transmitting sealing material 35 (not shown in Figure 3). The group of solar cells 32, the back sheet 33, and the sealing material 35 are components of the solar module 30S. As shown in Figure 4, the group of solar cells 32 of this embodiment and the various modifications described later has a plurality of solar cells 32S, and the entire solar cell 32S is covered with the sealing material 35. In other words, a large number of solar cells 32S, glass 31, and backsheet 33 are integrated by a sealing material 35. As is well known, each solar cell 32S performs power generation using sunlight. The overall planar shape of the solar cell group 32 is smaller than that of the glass 31, and the planar shape of the backsheet 33 is substantially the same as that of the overall solar cell group 32. The overall planar shape of the solar cell group 32 and the planar shape of the backsheet 33 are substantially the same as the through holes 23 and 28. The glass 31 may be laminated glass in which a pair of glass plates are laminated with an interlayer in between. Examples of organic resins constituting the interlayer include ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, a portion of the first connecting member (connecting member) 40, which is a single molded resin product, is fixed near the left edge of the lower surface of the back sheet 33 of the solar panel 30.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the first connecting member 40 has a panel-side mounting portion 41, a connecting portion 43, and a vehicle body-side mounting portion 45. The first connecting member 40 is flexible. The panel-side mounting portion 41 is a plate-like portion with a substantially rectangular planar shape, and its upper surface is fixed to the vicinity of the left edge of the lower surface of the back sheet 33 via adhesive 49. One end of the strip-shaped connecting portion 43 is fixed to the panel-side mounting portion 41. The other end of the connecting portion 43 is fixed to the vehicle body-side mounting portion 45. The vehicle body-side mounting portion 45 comprises a conical main body portion 46 with its top cut into a flat shape, and a cylindrical portion 47 connected to one surface of the main body portion 46 and having a smaller diameter than the main body portion 46. The end of the cylindrical portion 47 opposite to the main body portion 46 is fixed to the connecting portion 43. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 47 is smaller than the diameter of the first mounting hole 29, and the outer diameter of the end of the main body portion 46 on the side of the cylindrical portion 47 is larger than the diameter of the first mounting hole 29.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2, 6, and 7, a portion of the second connecting member (connecting member) 50 is fixed near the corner where the left edge and front edge of the lower surface of the back sheet 33 of the solar panel 30 intersect.

[0034] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second connecting member 50 has a vehicle body side mounting portion 51 and a main body portion 55, both made of resin. The vehicle body side mounting portion 51 is a cone-shaped member (clip) with its top cut into a flat shape. The outer circumferential surface of the vehicle body side mounting portion 51 has a first annular groove 52 and a second annular groove 53, both forming annular grooves. The second annular groove 53 has a larger diameter than the first annular groove 52. The upper surface of the vehicle body side mounting portion 51 is fixed to the lower surface of the glass 31 with adhesive. The flexible main body portion 55 integrally includes a panel side mounting portion 56 and a connecting portion 57. The panel side mounting portion 56 is a plate-shaped portion with a substantially rectangular planar shape, and its upper surface is fixed to the vicinity of the corner of the lower surface of the back sheet 33 via adhesive 58. One end of the strip-shaped connecting portion 57 is fixed to the center of the panel side mounting portion 56. A circular through-hole, or mounting hole 57A, is formed at the other end of the connecting portion 57. The diameter of the mounting hole 57A is approximately the same as the second annular groove 53 of the vehicle body mounting portion 51, and is smaller than the outer diameter of the maximum diameter portion (upper end) of the vehicle body mounting portion 51. The second annular groove 53 of the vehicle body mounting portion 51 is fitted into the outer peripheral edge of the mounting hole 57A of the connecting portion 57. This integrates the vehicle body mounting portion 51 and the main body portion 55.

[0035] The solar panel 30, which is integrated with the first connecting member 40 and the second connecting member 50 in this manner, is fixed to the hood 14, for example, in the following manner.

[0036] First, adhesive 59 is applied to the outer circumference of the lower surface of the glass 31. Next, the solar panel 30 is brought closer to the recess 19 from above the hood 14, with the outer circumference of the solar panel 30 positioned directly above the outer circumference of the recess 19. As the solar panel 30 is moved further towards the bottom surface of the recess 19, as shown in Figure 6, the first engaging portion 51A (small diameter end), which is the lower end of the vehicle body mounting portion 51, elastically deforms and passes downward through the second mounting hole 24 of the support portion 22, and the first annular groove 52 of the vehicle body mounting portion 51 fits onto the outer circumference of the second mounting hole 24 of the support portion 22 (see Figure 6). As a result, the first engaging portion 51A contacts the lower surface of the support portion 22, and the second engaging portion 51B, which is located between the first annular groove 52 and the second annular groove 53 of the vehicle body mounting portion 51, contacts the upper surface of the support portion 22. Specifically, the solar panel 30 is positioned in the recess 19 (bottom component 21) by the mounting portion 51 on the vehicle body. Furthermore, the adhesive 59 comes into contact with the upper surface of the bottom component 21 of the hood panel outer 18, and the packing 34 adheres tightly to the outer edge of the recess 19. This fixes the solar panel 30 to the body 16 (recess 19).

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the vehicle body side mounting portion 45 of the first connecting member 40 is brought closer from below the hood panel inner 27, and the upper end (small diameter end) of the main body portion 46 is pushed into the first mounting hole 29 of the hood panel inner 27. As a result, the main body portion 46 elastically deforms and penetrates the first mounting hole 29 upward, and the cylindrical portion 47 is positioned inside the first mounting hole 29.

[0038] (Mechanism of action and effect) Next, the operation and effects of the embodiment will be described.

[0039] The solar panel 30 of this embodiment includes a glass 31 exposed to the outside of the vehicle 10, a group of solar cells 32 provided on the interior side of the glass 31, a back sheet 33 provided on the interior side of the solar cell group 32, and a sealing material 35. Therefore, if a stone on the road surface kicked up by the wheels of the vehicle 10 collides with the glass 31 while the vehicle is in motion, the glass 31 may break.

[0040] However, the entire solar cell group 32 is attached to the backsheet 33 via a sealing material 35. Therefore, even if the glass 31 cracks, the sealing material 35 prevents the solar cell group 32, backsheet 33, and sealing material 35 from separating into multiple parts. Furthermore, the first connecting member 40 has a panel-side mounting portion 41 fixed to the backsheet 33, a vehicle-side mounting portion 45 connected to the hood 14 (hood panel inner 27), and a flexible connecting portion 43 that connects the panel-side mounting portion 41 and the vehicle-side mounting portion 45. Furthermore, the second connecting member 50 has a panel-side mounting portion 56 fixed to the backsheet 33, a vehicle-side mounting portion 51 connected to the hood 14 (hood panel outer 18), and a flexible connecting portion 57 that connects the vehicle-side mounting portion 51 and the panel-side mounting portion 56. Therefore, even if the glass 31 is damaged, the first connecting member 40 and the second connecting member 50 prevent the solar module 30S from moving significantly away from the hood 14 to the outside of the vehicle. As a result, there is little risk of the solar module 30S scattering towards the periphery of the vehicle body 12.

[0041] Furthermore, the hood 14 on which the solar panel 30 is installed is movable relative to the vehicle body 12. That is, the hood 14 can be opened and closed between a closed position that closes the engine compartment relative to the vehicle body 12 and an open position that exposes the engine compartment. When the hood 14 moves from the open position to the closed position, the hood 14 comes into contact with a part of the vehicle body 12, generating an inertial force on the solar panel 30, causing the solar panel 30 to move toward the hood panel inner 27. However, since the connection portion 43 of the first connecting member 40 and the connection portion 57 of the second connecting member 50 are flexible, the moving force of the solar panel 30 is transmitted to the hood panel outer 18 (bottom surface component 21) and the hood panel inner 27 via the first connecting member 40 and the second connecting member 50, and there is little risk of the hood panel outer 18 and the hood panel inner 27 generating a reaction force. Therefore, there is little risk of damage to the connection portion between the solar module 30S and the panel-side mounting portion 41, or damage to the solar module 30S, due to such a reaction force.

[0042] The mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to the embodiment has been described above, but the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from its spirit.

[0043] For example, the present invention may be implemented in the first modified form shown in Figures 8 and 9. In the mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel of the first modified form, a support portion 22A is formed on the bottom surface component 21 of the hood panel outer 18 of the hood 14, which is located one level lower than the other parts of the bottom surface component 21. Furthermore, a first mounting hole (through hole) 29 is formed in the support portion 22A.

[0044] The first connecting member (connecting member) 60 of the first modified example has a panel-side mounting portion 61, a connecting portion 62, and a vehicle body-side mounting portion 63. The first connecting member 60 is flexible. The panel-side mounting portion 61 is a plate-like portion with a substantially rectangular planar shape, and its upper surface is fixed to the left edge of the lower surface of the back sheet 33 via adhesive 58. One end of a cylindrical connecting portion 62 is fixed to the end of the panel-side mounting portion 61 opposite to the back sheet 33. A conical vehicle body-side mounting portion 63, with its top cut into a flat shape, is fixed to the other end of the connecting portion 62. The outer diameter of the connecting portion 62 is smaller than the diameter of the first mounting hole 29, and the outer diameter of the end of the vehicle body-side mounting portion 63 on the connecting portion 62 side is larger than the diameter of the first mounting hole 29. The connecting portion 62 is located within the first mounting hole 29 and the vehicle body-side mounting portion 63 is located below the support portion 22A.

[0045] For example, when the hood 14, which is in the open position, moves to the closed position, an inertial force is exerted on the solar panel 30. This inertial force causes the solar panel 30 to move toward the bottom component 21 (support portion 22A). In this case, the connecting portion 62 moves downward relative to the first mounting hole 29 (support portion 22A), absorbing the force of movement of the solar panel 30 toward the bottom component 21. Therefore, there is little risk that the first connecting member 60 will violently collide with the bottom component 21 (support portion 22A) due to this inertial force, causing the bottom component 21 to generate a large reaction force, and that this reaction force will be transmitted to the solar module 30S via the first connecting member 60. Therefore, there is little risk that the connection between the solar module 30S and the panel-side mounting portion 61 will be damaged, or that the solar module 30S will be damaged, due to such a reaction force.

[0046] Furthermore, the glass 31 may break due to, for example, the hood 14 moving from the open position to the closed position, or due to a stone or the like colliding with the solar panel 30. The wind W (wind pressure) passing through the gap between the glass 31 (gasket 34) and the hood panel outer 18 (recess 19) may lift the solar panel 30 upward relative to the bottom component 21 (see Figure 9). In this case, the upper end (large diameter portion) of the vehicle body mounting portion 63 does not penetrate upward through the first mounting hole 29 but contacts the lower surface of the support portion 22A. Therefore, the vehicle body mounting portion 63 prevents the solar panel 30 from moving significantly away from the hood 14 to the outside of the vehicle.

[0047] The present invention may also be implemented in the form of the second modified example shown in Figure 10. In the mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel of the second modified example, the flexible first connecting member (connecting member) 65 has a panel-side mounting portion 41, a connecting portion 66 with one end connected to the center of the panel-side mounting portion 41, and a vehicle body-side mounting portion 45 (not shown) connected to the other end of the connecting portion 66. The cylindrical portion 47 of the vehicle body-side mounting portion 45 passes through the first mounting hole 29 of the hood panel inner 27, and the main body portion 46 is located above the hood panel inner 27.

[0048] The end portion of the first connecting member 65 near the panel-side mounting portion 41 of the connecting portion 66 is composed of a thin-walled portion (low-rigidity portion) 67, which is thinner than the rest of the connecting portion 66. Therefore, the thin-walled portion 67 has lower rigidity and is more prone to bending compared to the rest of the connecting portion 66.

[0049] For example, when the solar panel 30 is lifted upward relative to the bottom component 21 by wind passing through the gap between the glass 31 (gasket 34) and the hood panel outer 18 (recess 19) as described above, the thin-walled portion 67 of the connecting portion 66 flexes significantly, suppressing the generation of a force between the back sheet 33 and the panel-side mounting portion 41 that would cause them to separate from each other. Therefore, in such a case, there is little risk of the back sheet 33 separating from the panel-side mounting portion 41 and the solar module 30S scattering towards the periphery of the vehicle body 12.

[0050] The present invention may also be implemented in the third modified form shown in Figure 11. In the mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel of the third modified form, the flexible first connecting member (connecting member) 70 has a panel-side mounting portion 71, a connecting portion 43 with one end connected to the central part of the panel-side mounting portion 71, and a vehicle body-side mounting portion 45 (not shown) connected to the other end of the connecting portion 43. The cylindrical portion 47 of the vehicle body-side mounting portion 45 passes through the first mounting hole 29 of the hood panel inner 27, and the main body portion 46 is located above the hood panel inner 27.

[0051] The front shape of the panel-side mounting portion 71 (shape when viewed along the vertical direction in Figure 11) is approximately rectangular. One surface of the flexible panel-side mounting portion 71 in the thickness direction is a planar first surface 72 that is fixed to the back sheet 33 via adhesive 58. The other surface of the panel-side mounting portion 71 in the thickness direction is a curved second surface 73. The thickness of the panel-side mounting portion 71 gradually decreases from the inner circumference to the outer circumference. Furthermore, the second surface 73 has a plurality of concentric annular grooves (recesses) 74 formed therein. The cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of each annular groove 74 is, for example, U-shaped or V-shaped. Therefore, the panel-side mounting portion 71 is more easily deformed than when annular grooves 74 are not formed.

[0052] For example, as described above, when the solar panel 30 is lifted upward relative to the bottom component 21 by wind passing through the gap between the glass 31 (gasket 34) and the hood panel outer 18 (recess 19), the panel-side mounting portion 71, which has an annular groove 74 formed on the second surface 73, deforms in accordance with the movement of the solar cell group 32. This suppresses the generation of a force between the back sheet 33 and the panel-side mounting portion 71 that would cause them to separate from each other. Therefore, in such a case, there is little risk of the back sheet 33 separating from the panel-side mounting portion 71 and the solar module 30S scattering towards the periphery of the vehicle body 12.

[0053] The present invention may also be implemented in the form of a fourth modified example shown in Figures 12 and 13. In the mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel of the fourth modified example, a metal support member 75 having a U-shaped cross-section is fixed to the back sheet 33. The lower end of the support member 75 is formed by a flat, opposing portion 76 that is separated downward from the back sheet 33. A circular mounting hole (through hole) 77 is provided in the opposing portion 76.

[0054] The first connecting member (connecting member) 80 of the fourth modified example comprises a panel-side mounting portion 81, a connecting portion 43 with one end connected to the panel-side mounting portion 81, and a vehicle body-side mounting portion 45. The cylindrical portion 47 of the vehicle body-side mounting portion 45 passes through the first mounting hole 29 of the hood panel inner 27, and the main body portion 46 is located above the hood panel inner 27. The panel-side mounting portion 81 is located in the space between the back sheet 33 (adhesive 49) and the opposing portion 76, and the end of the connecting portion 43 on the panel-side mounting portion 81 side movably passes through the mounting hole 77. The outer diameter of the lower end (large diameter end) of the panel-side mounting portion 81 is larger than the diameter of the mounting hole 77.

[0055] For example, as described above, when the solar panel 30 is lifted upward relative to the bottom component 21 by wind passing through the gap between the glass 31 (gasket 34) and the hood panel outer 18 (recess 19), the opposing portion 76 (mounting hole 77) moves relative to the connection portion 43 in various directions. That is, the opposing portion 76 may slide relative to the connection portion 43 in the axial direction of the mounting hole 77, or it may move relative to the connection portion 43 in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction of the mounting hole 77, or it may rotate relative to the connection portion 43 around the axis of the connection portion 43. This suppresses the generation of a force between the back sheet 33 and the support member 75 that would cause them to separate from each other. Therefore, in such cases, there is little risk of the back sheet 33 separating from the support member 75 and the solar module 30S scattering towards the periphery of the vehicle body 12.

[0056] The present invention may also be implemented in the form of a fifth modified example shown in Figures 14 and 15. In the mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel of the fifth modified example, the first connecting member 85 has a temporary holding portion 86 with a U-shaped cross-section that is fixed to the panel-side mounting portion 41. The temporary holding portion 86 is elastically deformable.

[0057] As shown in Figure 14, the end 43A of the connecting part 43 opposite to the panel-side mounting part 41 can be inserted into the temporary holding groove 87 of the temporary holding part 86, and the end 43A can be temporarily held by the temporary holding part 86. With the end 43A temporarily held by the temporary holding part 86, the solar panel 30 can be attached to the body 16 (recess 19) as described above, while the adhesive 59 is in contact with the upper surface of the bottom surface component 21 of the hood panel outer 18, so that the packing 34 is in close contact with the outer peripheral edge of the recess 19.

[0058] After this, the end portion 43A is removed from the temporary holding portion 86, and as shown in Figure 15, the vehicle body side mounting portion 45 of the first connecting member 40 is brought closer to the first mounting hole 29 from below the hood panel inner 27, and the upper end portion (small diameter end portion) of the main body portion 46 is pushed into the first mounting hole 29, thereby positioning the main body portion 46 above the hood panel inner 27 and positioning the cylindrical portion 47 inside the first mounting hole 29.

[0059] In this way, the end portion 43A is temporarily held in place by the temporary holding portion 86, allowing the solar panel 30 to be attached to the body 16 (recess 19). This prevents the connection portion 43 from being pinched between the solar panel 30 and the body 16 (recess 19), making it possible to attach the solar panel 30 to the body 16. Therefore, the worker can smoothly perform the attachment work of the solar panel 30 to the body 16.

[0060] The mounting structure for the vehicle solar panel in the embodiment and all its variations may comprise only the first connecting member.

[0061] The shape of the recess formed on the second surface 73 of the panel-side mounting portion 71 may be different from the shape of the annular groove 74.

[0062] The mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel of the present invention may be applied to a vehicle body component other than the hood 14. For example, the mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel may be applied to the roof portion (vehicle body component) 12R (see Figure 1) of the vehicle body 12. When the mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel is applied to the roof portion 12R, the solar panel 30 is immovable relative to the vehicle body 12.

[0063] The connection between the first connecting member and the second connecting member may be a metal wire connecting the panel-side mounting portion and the vehicle body-side mounting portion. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 10 vehicles 12 car bodies 14. Hood (bonnet) (vehicle body component) 18. Hood panel outer (vehicle body component) 24 Second mounting hole (mounting hole) (through hole) 27. Hood panel inner (vehicle body component) 30 solar panels 30S Solar Module 31 Glass 40 First connecting member (connecting member) 41 Panel-side mounting section 43 Connection part 45 Mounting part on the vehicle body 50 Second connecting member (connecting member) 51. Mounting part on the vehicle body (clip) 56 Panel-side mounting section 57 Connection part 60 First connecting member (connecting member) 61 Panel-side mounting section 62 Connection part 63 Mounting part on the vehicle body 65 First connecting member (connecting member) 66 Connection part 67 Thin wall part (low rigidity part) 70 First connecting member (connecting member) 71 Panel-side mounting section 72 Page 1 73 2nd page 74 Annular groove (recess) 75 Support member 76 Opposite section 77 Mounting holes (through holes) 80 First connecting member (connecting member) 81 Panel-side mounting section 85 First connecting member 86 Temporary holding part

Claims

1. Body components that make up part of the vehicle body, A solar panel having a glass provided on the vehicle body component and exposed to the outside of the vehicle body, and a solar module provided on the inside surface of the glass, A connecting member that connects the vehicle body component and the solar module, Equipped with, The aforementioned connecting member, The panel-side mounting portion connected to the solar module, A vehicle body side mounting portion connected to the aforementioned vehicle body component, A flexible connecting portion that connects the panel-side mounting portion and the vehicle body-side mounting portion, A mounting structure for vehicle solar panels having the following characteristics.

2. The aforementioned mounting portion on the vehicle body side is A mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to claim 1, comprising: a first engaging portion that can penetrate a mounting hole formed in a plate-shaped vehicle body component while elastically deforming from one side of the vehicle body component to the other side, and which contacts the other side after penetrating the mounting hole; and a second engaging portion that contacts the one side after the first engaging portion has penetrated the mounting hole, and a clip that is fixed to the glass.

3. The panel-side mounting portion faces one surface of the plate-shaped vehicle body component and is fixed to the solar module. The connecting portion passes through the through hole formed in the vehicle body component in a manner that allows relative movement. The mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle body side mounting portion faces the other surface of the vehicle body component and has a larger diameter than the through hole.

4. The panel-side mounting portion is bonded to the solar module. The mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to claim 1, wherein a part of the connection portion is a low-rigidity portion with lower rigidity compared to other parts of the connection portion.

5. One surface in the thickness direction of the flexible panel-side mounting portion is the first surface that is bonded to the solar module. The mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to claim 1, wherein at least one recess is formed on the second surface, which is the other surface in the thickness direction of the panel-side mounting portion.

6. A support member having a portion that faces the solar module while being separated from the solar module is fixed to the solar module. The panel-side mounting portion is located in the space between the solar module and the opposing portion and has a larger diameter than the through hole provided in the opposing portion. The mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion penetrates the through hole so as to be movable relative to it.

7. The mounting structure for a vehicle solar panel according to claim 1, wherein the panel-side mounting portion comprises a temporary holding portion capable of temporarily holding a part of the connection portion.

Images