Solar panel deployment device

Abstract

To obtain a solar panel deployment device that can be miniaturized and stored. [Solution] The solar panel deployment device 10 includes a lower base portion 20, an upper base portion 22, a first lower link 24 and a second lower link 26 rotatably connected to the lower base portion 20, a first upper link 28 connecting the first lower link 24 and the upper base portion 22, and a second upper link 30 connecting the second lower link 26 and the upper base portion 22, wherein the connection point between the lower base portion 20 and the first lower link 24 is the first When the drive point is defined as P1, the connection point between the lower base portion 20 and the second lower link 26 is defined as the second drive point P2, the connection point between the upper base portion 22 and the first upper link 28 is defined as the first upper node P5, and the connection point between the upper base portion 22 and the second upper link 30 is defined as the second upper node P6, the first drive point P1 and the first upper node P5 are able to move up and down on the same straight line, and the second drive point P2 and the second upper node P6 are able to move up and down on the same straight line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar panel deployment device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a solar power generation device including a support that can support a solar panel (solar panel) in a deployable and storable manner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is configured to slide and store three panels in a sliding manner for storage and deployment, and there is room for improvement to further miniaturize.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to obtain a solar panel deployment device that can be miniaturized and stored.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The solar panel deployment device according to claim 1 comprises a lower base portion formed in an elongated shape and attached to the lower part of the solar panel, an upper base portion formed in an elongated shape and attached to the upper part of the solar panel, a first lower link with one end rotatably connected to one end of the lower base portion, a second lower link with one end rotatably connected to the other end of the lower base portion, a first upper link with one end rotatably connected to the other end of the first lower link and the other end rotatably connected to one end of the upper base portion, and a first upper link with one end rotatably connected to the other end of the second lower link The device has a second upper link which is connected to the lower base and whose other end is rotatably connected to the other end of the upper base, and the connection point between the lower base and the first lower link is designated as the first drive point, the connection point between the lower base and the second lower link is designated as the second drive point, the connection point between the upper base and the first upper link is designated as the first upper node, and the connection point between the upper base and the second upper link is designated as the second upper node, wherein the first drive point and the first upper node are able to move up and down on the same straight line, and the second drive point and the second upper node are able to move up and down on the same straight line.

[0007] In the solar panel deployment device according to claim 1, a lower base is attached to the lower part of the solar panel, and an upper base is attached to the upper part of the solar panel. A first lower link is rotatably connected to one end of the lower base, and a second lower link is rotatably connected to the other end of the lower base. Furthermore, a first upper link is rotatably connected to one end of the upper base, and a second upper link is rotatably connected to the other end of the upper base. Here, the other end of the first lower link is connected to one end of the first upper link, and the other end of the second lower link is connected to one end of the second upper link. As a result, the upper base can be raised and lowered relative to the lower base using a four-link mechanism.

[0008] Furthermore, when the connection point between the lower base and the first lower link is designated as the first drive point, the connection point between the lower base and the second lower link as the second drive point, the connection point between the upper base and the first upper link as the first upper node, and the connection point between the lower base and the second upper link as the second upper node, the first drive point and the first upper node are able to move up and down on the same straight line, and the second drive point and the second upper node are also able to move up and down on the same straight line. This allows the solar panel to be stored in a smaller size than in a sliding type.

[0009] The solar panel deployment device according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in claim 1, one end of the lower base portion and one end of the first upper link are connected by a first sub-link, and the other end of the lower base portion and one end of the second upper link are connected by a second sub-link.

[0010] In the solar panel deployment device according to claim 2, one end of the lower base portion and one end of the first upper link are connected by a first sub-link, and the other end of the lower base portion and one end of the second upper link are connected by a second sub-link. This ensures stable deployment and retraction of the four links.

[0011] The solar panel deployment device according to claim 3 comprises, in claim 1 or 2, a housing capable of housing the lower base portion, the upper base portion, the first lower link, the second lower link, the first upper link, and the second upper link.

[0012] In the solar panel deployment device according to claim 3, the solar panel can be stored in the storage section together with the lower base section, upper base section, first lower link, second lower link, first upper link, and second upper link, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the solar panel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] As described above, the solar panel deployment device according to the present invention allows for the storage of solar panels in a miniaturized state. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view showing a vehicle to which a solar panel deployment device according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This figure shows the stored state of the deployment mechanism in the embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows the deployment mechanism in the process of being deployed according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows the state during the unfolding process, as the unfolding mechanism progresses from the state shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This figure shows the completed deployment state of the deployment mechanism in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] A solar panel deployment device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing a vehicle V to which the solar panel deployment device 10 according to the embodiment is applied. The arrows UP and RH in the figure indicate the upward and rightward directions of the vehicle V, respectively. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the forward / backward, up / down, and left / right directions refer to the forward / backward direction of the vehicle, the up / down direction of the vehicle, and the left / right direction of the vehicle's width direction, respectively.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the solar panel deployment device 10 of this embodiment is provided on the side of the front of the vehicle V. In this embodiment, a pair of left and right solar panel deployment devices 10 are provided, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the solar panel deployment device 10 is provided on only one side is also possible. However, from the viewpoint of maintaining a good balance of weight on the left and right sides, it is preferable to provide similar solar panel deployment devices 10 on both the left and right sides.

[0018] The solar panel deployment device 10 of this embodiment is configured to be rotatable back and forth in a plan view with respect to the vehicle body of the vehicle V. In FIG. 1, the solar panel deployment device 10 in a state during rotation is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0019] The solar panel deployment device 10 includes a housing portion 12 that houses a solar panel (not shown).

[0020] The solar panel has a light-receiving surface capable of receiving sunlight, and since this light-receiving surface is composed of a plurality of cell surfaces for power generation, power generation is performed when the light-receiving surface receives sunlight. Also, the solar panel is formed in a shape that can be housed in the housing portion 12. For example, the solar panel may be formed in a shape that can be wound into a roll. Also, for example, the solar panel may be formed in a shape that can be folded like a bellows.

[0021] The housing portion 12 is attached to the vehicle body via a hinge 18. For this reason, the housing portion 12 is rotatable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle from a position close to the vehicle body to the position shown in FIG. 1. Then, after the vehicle V is driven to a predetermined power generation position and stopped, the housing portion 12 is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 1, and then the solar panel is deployed.

[0022] A lid member is provided on the housing portion 12, and the opening of the housing portion 12 is closed by the lid member in a state where the solar panel is housed in the housing portion 12. Thereby, it is configured to suppress foreign matter from entering the housing portion 12.

[0023] (Deployment mechanism) Next, the deployment mechanism 16, which is the main part of this embodiment, will be described. Figure 2 shows the deployment mechanism 16 in its stored state, and Figure 3 shows the deployment mechanism 16 in the process of being deployed. The deployment mechanism 16 is housed in the housing section 12 together with the solar panel and is a mechanism for deploying the solar panel to the upper side of the vehicle. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the deployment mechanism 16 is composed of a lower base section 20, an upper base section 22, a first lower link 24, a second lower link 26, a first upper link 28, a second upper link 30, a first sub-link 32, and a second sub-link 34.

[0024] The lower base portion 20 is formed in an elongated shape and is attached to the bottom of the solar panel (see Figure 1). The upper base portion 22 is formed to be approximately the same length as the lower base portion 20 and is attached to the top of the solar panel (see Figure 1).

[0025] The first lower link 24 is formed in an elongated shape, and one end of the first lower link 24 is rotatably connected to one end of the lower base portion 20 at the first drive point P1. The other end of the first lower link 24 is rotatably connected to the first upper link 28 at the connection point P3.

[0026] The second lower link 26 is formed in an elongated shape, and one end of the second lower link 26 is rotatably connected to the other end of the lower base portion 20 at the second drive point P2. The other end of the second lower link 26 is rotatably connected to the second upper link 30 at the connection point P4.

[0027] The first upper link 28 is formed in an elongated shape, and one end of the first upper link 28 is rotatably connected to the first lower link 24 at connection point P3. The other end of the first upper link 28 is rotatably connected to one end of the upper base portion 22 at first upper node P5.

[0028] The second upper link 30 is formed in an elongated shape, and one end of the second upper link 30 is rotatably connected to the second lower link 26 at connection point P4. The other end of the second upper link 30 is rotatably connected to the other end of the upper base portion 22 at second upper node P6.

[0029] In this configuration, with the deployment mechanism 16 deployed, the first upper node P5 is located above the first drive point P1 on the vehicle, and the second upper node P6 is located above the second drive point P2 on the vehicle. In the deployment process, the first lower link 24 and the second lower link 26 intersect, and the first upper link 28 and the second upper link 30 intersect.

[0030] The first sub-link 32 connects one end of the lower base portion 20 to one end of the first upper link 28. Specifically, the first sub-link 32 is narrower and longer than the first lower link 24, and one end of the first sub-link 32 is rotatably connected to the lower base portion 20 at connection point P7 via the first connecting shaft 33. The first connecting shaft 33 is a short rod-shaped member that connects the first drive point P1 and the connection point P7.

[0031] Furthermore, the other end of the first sub-link 32 is rotatably connected to a connection point P9, which is located further out than the connection point P3, in the first upper link 28.

[0032] The second sub-link 34 connects the other end of the lower base portion 20 to one end of the second upper link 30. Specifically, the second sub-link 34 is narrower and longer than the second lower link 26, and one end of the second sub-link 34 is rotatably connected to the lower base portion 20 via the second connecting shaft 35 at connection point P8. The second connecting shaft 35 is a short rod-shaped member that connects the second drive point P2 and the connection point P8.

[0033] Furthermore, the other end of the second sub-link 34 is rotatably connected to a connection point P10, which is located further out than the connection point P4, in the second upper link 30.

[0034] An actuator 36 is provided below the lower base portion 20. When the actuator 36 is activated, it rotates around an axis with the paper depth direction as the axial direction.

[0035] The actuator 36 is fitted with a first rod 38 and a second rod 40. The first rod 38 is a rod-shaped member for transmitting power, and one end 38A of the first rod 38 is rotatably connected to the actuator 36.

[0036] The other end 38B of the first rod 38 is rotatably connected to the first sub-link 32 at connection point P7 via a third connecting shaft 37.

[0037] The second rod 40 is a rod-shaped member for transmitting power, and one end 40A of the second rod 40 is rotatably connected to the actuator 36. Specifically, one end 40A of the second rod 40 is connected to one end 38A of the first rod 38 at a position 180 degrees around the rotation axis of the actuator 36.

[0038] The other end 40B of the second rod 40 is rotatably connected to the second sub-link 34 at connection point P8 via the fourth connecting shaft 39.

[0039] Furthermore, the entire deployment mechanism 16, including the lower base portion 20, the upper base portion 22, the first lower link 24, the second lower link 26, the first upper link 28, the second upper link 30, the first sub-link 32, the second sub-link 34, and the actuator 36, is configured to be housed in the housing portion 12.

[0040] In the stored state shown in Figure 2, when the actuator 36 is activated, rotational force is transmitted to the first drive point P1 via the first rod 38, as shown in Figure 3. Here, a bevel gear (not shown) is provided at the first drive point P1, and the first lower link 24 rotates clockwise around the first drive point P1 by meshing with this bevel gear. On the other hand, the first connecting shaft 33 rotates counterclockwise around the first drive point P1 by meshing with the bevel gear.

[0041] Furthermore, the rotational force generated by the actuator 36 is transmitted to the second drive point P2 via the second rod 40. The second drive point P2 is equipped with a bevel gear (not shown), similar to the first drive point P1, and the second lower link 26, which meshes with this bevel gear, rotates counterclockwise around the second drive point P2, causing the second connecting shaft 35 to rotate clockwise.

[0042] Figure 4 shows the state during the deployment of the deployment mechanism 16, as it progresses from the state shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, as the deployment progresses, the first lower link 24 rotates clockwise around the first drive point P1, and the second lower link 26 rotates counterclockwise around the second drive point P2. As a result, the angle between the lower base portion 20 and the first lower link 24 increases to approximately 60 degrees. At the same time, the angle between the lower base portion 20 and the second lower link 26 also increases to approximately 60 degrees. At this time, the angle between the lower base portion 20 and the first lower link 24 and the angle between the lower base portion 20 and the second lower link 26 are approximately the same.

[0043] As the first lower link 24 and the second lower link 26 rotate, the first upper link 28 and the second upper link 30 also rotate upward, causing the upper base portion 22 to move upward relative to the lower base portion 20. Since the upper base portion 22 is attached to the top of the solar panel, the solar panel is unfolded upward as the upper base portion 22 rises (see Figure 1).

[0044] In this embodiment, the deployment mechanism 16 is configured such that the first drive point P1 and the first upper node P5 move up and down on the same straight line, and the second drive point P2 and the second upper node P6 move up and down on the same straight line. Therefore, the upper base portion 22 does not shift left or right relative to the lower base portion 20, allowing the solar panel to be deployed upward.

[0045] Further unfolding from the state shown in Figure 4 results in the state shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the completed unfolding state of the unfolding mechanism 16 in the embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, in the completed unfolding state, connection point P3 and connection point P4 are separated from each other. At this time, the angle between the lower base portion 20 and the first lower link 24 and the angle between the lower base portion 20 and the second lower link 26 are approximately the same, which is approximately 85 degrees.

[0046] Here, a force is applied to the first lower link 24 that rotates clockwise around the first drive point P1, so an upward force acts on the first upper link 28 at connection point P3. On the other hand, a force is applied to the first connecting shaft 33 that rotates counterclockwise around the first drive point P1, so a downward force acts on the first upper link 28 at connection point P9 via the first sub-link 32. The forces acting at connection point P3 and the forces acting at connection point P9 are in equilibrium.

[0047] (action) Next, the operation of the solar panel deployment device according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0048] In the solar panel deployment device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, a lower base portion 20 is attached to the lower part of the solar panel, and an upper base portion 22 is attached to the upper part of the solar panel. A first lower link 24 is rotatably connected to a first drive point P1 at one end of the lower base portion 20, and a second lower link 26 is rotatably connected to a second drive point P2 at the other end of the lower base portion 20.

[0049] Furthermore, at the first upper node P5, one end of the upper base portion 22 is rotatably connected to the first upper link 28, and at the second upper node P6, the other end of the upper base portion 22 is rotatably connected to the second upper link 30. Moreover, at connection point P3, the other end of the first lower link 24 is connected to one end of the first upper link 28, and at connection point P4, the other end of the second lower link 26 is connected to one end of the second upper link 30. As a result, the upper base portion 22 can be raised and lowered relative to the lower base portion 20 using a four-link mechanism.

[0050] Furthermore, the first drive point P1 and the first upper node P5 are capable of vertical movement along the same straight line, and the second drive point P2 and the second upper node are also capable of vertical movement along the same straight line. This allows the solar panel to be stored in a smaller size than in a sliding type system.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one end of the lower base portion 20 and one end of the first upper link 28 are connected by the first sub-link 32, and the other end of the lower base portion 20 and one end of the second upper link 30 are connected by the second sub-link 34. This ensures stable deployment and retraction of the four links.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the solar panel can be housed in the storage section 14 together with the lower base section 20, upper base section 22, first lower link 24, second lower link 26, first upper link 28, and second upper link 30, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the solar panel.

[0053] The solar panel deployment device according to the present invention has been described above, but it goes without saying that it can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in this embodiment, the first lower link 24 and the first connecting shaft 33 are rotated in opposite directions by a bevel gear, but the invention is not limited to this and may be implemented by other mechanisms.

[0054] Furthermore, although the solar panel deployment device 10 is provided at the front of the vehicle V in this embodiment, it is not limited to this, and the solar panel deployment device 10 may also be provided at the rear of the vehicle V or in the central part of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10 Solar panel deployment device 14. Detention Unit 20 Lower base section 22 Upper base section 24. First bottom link 26. Second bottom link 28. Top Link 30. Second upper link 32 Sublink 1 34 Second Sublink P1 First drive point P2 Second drive point P5 1st upper node P6 2nd Upper Node

Claims

1. A lower base portion formed in an elongated shape and attached to the bottom of the solar panel, An upper base portion formed in a long shape and attached to the top of the solar panel, A first lower link, one end of which is rotatably connected to one end of the lower base portion, A second lower link, one end of which is rotatably connected to the other end of the lower base portion, A first upper link having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the first lower link and the other end rotatably connected to one end of the upper base portion, A second upper link, one end of which is rotatably connected to the other end of the second lower link and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the other end of the upper base portion, It has, The connection point between the lower base portion and the first lower link is defined as the first drive point. The connection point between the lower base portion and the second lower link is defined as the second drive point. The connection point between the upper base portion and the first upper link is defined as the first upper node. When the connection point between the upper base portion and the second upper link is defined as the second upper node, The first drive point and the first upper node are capable of moving up and down along the same straight line. A solar panel deployment device in which the second drive point and the second upper node are capable of vertical movement along the same straight line.

2. One end of the lower base portion and one end of the first upper link are connected by a first sub-link. The solar panel deployment device according to claim 1, wherein the other end of the lower base portion and one end of the second upper link are connected by a second sub-link.

3. The solar panel deployment device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a housing capable of housing the lower base portion, the upper base portion, the first lower link, the second lower link, the first upper link, and the second upper link.

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