Panel support structure, solar panel unit and building structure

Abstract

To provide a panel support structure, a solar panel unit, and a building structure capable of installing a solar panel on an outer wall so as to suppress the deterioration of the appearance of the whole outer wall of a building and to suppress the reduction of a power generation amount due to a shadow caused by an obstacle around the building.SOLUTION: A panel support structure 3 is provided with an exterior wall surface material 31 constituting an exterior wall surface of an exterior wall of a building and a support structure 32. The exterior wall surface material 31 is a member that allows light transmission. The support structure 32 has a first support part 4 supporting the exterior wall surface material 31 and a second support part 5 supporting the solar panel 2 so as to face the inner surface opposite to the outer surface facing the outside of the outer wall surface material 31 supported by the first support part 4. The second support part 5 supports the solar panel 2 so as to be movable in the surface direction in which the exterior wall surface material 31 spreads.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel support structure for supporting solar panels, a solar panel unit including the same, and a building structure. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the use of solar panels for power generation has been attracting attention from the perspective of environmental issues such as measures against global warming. As a result, the number of buildings such as houses equipped with solar panels is increasing. When solar panels are applied to buildings, they are sometimes attached not only to roofs but also to exterior walls, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-51807 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A solar panel is a flat structure with multiple solar cells electrically connected in series. When viewed from the front, the solar panel has a unique appearance consisting of the black solar cells and the silver connecting tape. Therefore, when a solar panel is attached to the exterior wall of a building, the overall appearance of the exterior wall is diminished.

[0005] Furthermore, compared to roofs, the exterior walls of buildings are more susceptible to shadows from surrounding buildings, utility poles, trees, etc. Therefore, when solar panels are attached to the exterior walls of a building, they are more likely to be shaded by surrounding obstacles. Because solar panels have a structure in which multiple solar cells are electrically connected in series, any shaded areas on the solar panel may reduce the amount of power generated by the solar panel.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a panel support structure, a solar panel unit, and a building structure that enable solar panels to be installed on an exterior wall so as to prevent the overall appearance of the exterior wall of the building from being impaired and to prevent a decrease in power generation due to shadows caused by obstacles around the building. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A panel support structure according to one aspect of the present invention is a structure attached to an exterior wall of a building for supporting solar panels. The panel support structure includes a support structure having an exterior wall surface material that constitutes the exterior surface of the exterior wall and allows light to pass through, a first support portion that supports the exterior wall surface material, and a second support portion that supports the solar panel so as to face the inner surface opposite to the outer surface of the exterior wall surface material supported by the first support portion. The second support portion supports the solar panel so as to be movable in the surface direction of the exterior wall surface material.

[0008] According to this panel support structure, the solar panel is supported so that it faces the inner surface of the exterior wall material that constitutes the exterior wall surface of the building. This allows the solar panel to be covered by the exterior wall material from the outside, making it less visible than if the solar panel were exposed to the outside. This prevents the installation of unusual-looking solar panels on the exterior wall from detracting from the overall appearance of the exterior wall. Furthermore, the second support portion that supports the solar panel supports the solar panel so that it can move in the direction of the surface of the exterior wall material. This makes it possible to support the solar panel in a position that avoids the shadow being cast on the solar panel, even in cases where a shadow cast by an obstacle around the building casts on the solar panel. This makes it possible to install the solar panel on the exterior wall in a way that prevents a reduction in power generation due to a shadow cast by an obstacle around the building.

[0009] In the above panel support structure, the exterior wall surface material may be configured to allow light to pass through while having partially different transmittances for the light.

[0010] In this embodiment, light can be allowed to enter the solar panels arranged inside the exterior wall surface material, while the exterior wall surface material can make the solar panels difficult to see from the outside.

[0011] In the above panel support structure, the second support portion may include a peripheral wall extending inward from the exterior wall surface material so as to surround an axis perpendicular to the exterior wall surface material, thereby forming a storage chamber between the exterior wall surface material and the peripheral wall wall, and a panel support member that supports the solar panel when the solar panel is placed in the storage chamber.

[0012] In this aspect, the solar panel is housed in the storage chamber formed by the peripheral wall, so the solar panel can be protected by the storage chamber.

[0013] In the above panel support structure, the panel support member may extend in a first direction along the surface direction and support the solar panel so that the solar panel can move in the first direction, and the peripheral wall may have a side wall member that extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the surface direction and supports the panel support member so that the panel support member can move in the second direction.

[0014] In this embodiment, the panel support member supported by the side wall members that make up the peripheral wall supports the solar panel while it is housed in the storage chamber formed by the peripheral wall. In this state, the solar panel can be moved in a first direction along the panel support member, and the panel support member can be moved in a second direction along the side wall members. This allows the solar panel to be moved in the direction of the surface of the exterior wall surface material. Therefore, if a shadow is cast on the solar panel by an obstacle around the building, the solar panel can be freely moved within the range of the exterior wall surface material to a position where the solar panel is not cast in shadow.

[0015] In the above panel support structure, the second support portion may further include a first position adjustment portion for adjusting the position of the solar panel supported by the panel support member in the first direction, and a second position adjustment portion for adjusting the position of the panel support member supported by the side wall member in the second direction.

[0016] In this aspect, the position of the solar panel supported by the panel support member in the first direction can be adjusted by the first position adjustment unit. Also, the position of the panel support member supported by the side wall member in the second direction can be adjusted by the second position adjustment unit. In other words, when the solar panel is supported by the panel support member supported by the side wall member, the position of the solar panel relative to the exterior wall surface material can be adjusted by the first position adjustment unit and the second position adjustment unit.

[0017] In the panel support structure, the first position adjustment unit may include a contact member having a contact surface that laterally contacts a side end surface in the first direction of the solar panel supported by the panel support member. In this case, the panel support member has a mounting portion to which the contact member can be attached so that the contact surface is positioned at a predetermined position.

[0018] In this aspect, when adjusting the position of a solar panel supported by a panel support member in the first direction, the abutting member is abutted from the side against the side end surface in the first direction of the solar panel. In this case, the abutting member is attached to the attachment portion of the panel support member so that the abutting surface is located at a predetermined position. This makes it possible to adjust the position of the solar panel in the first direction depending on the position in the first direction of the abutting surface of the abutting member relative to the panel support member.

[0019] In the above panel support structure, the first position adjustment unit may be configured to have a first operated unit to which an operating force is applied, and a first transmission unit that transmits the operating force applied to the first operated unit to the solar panel as a force for moving in the first direction.

[0020] In this aspect, when adjusting the position of the solar panel supported by the panel support member in the first direction, an operating force is applied to the first operated part. The operating force applied to the first operated part is transmitted to the solar panel by the first transmission part as a force for moving in the first direction. In this case, the solar panel is moved in the first direction in response to the operating force applied to the first operated part, thereby making it possible to adjust the position of the solar panel in the first direction.

[0021] In the above panel support structure, the second position adjustment unit may be configured to have a second operated unit to which an operating force is applied, and a second transmission unit that transmits the operating force applied to the second operated unit to the panel support member as a force for moving in the second direction.

[0022] In this aspect, when adjusting the position of the panel support member supported by the side wall member in the second direction, an operating force is applied to the second operated portion. The operating force applied to the second operated portion is transmitted to the panel support member by the second transmission portion as a force for moving in the second direction. In this case, the position of the panel support member in the second direction can be adjusted by moving the panel support member in the second direction in response to the operating force applied to the second operated portion.

[0023] A solar panel unit according to another aspect of the present invention includes a solar panel and the above-described panel support structure that is attached to an exterior wall of a building and that supports the solar panel.

[0024] This solar panel unit is equipped with the above-mentioned panel support structure, which prevents the overall appearance of the building's exterior wall from being impaired, and allows the solar panels to be installed on the exterior wall in a way that prevents a decrease in power generation due to shadows caused by obstacles around the building.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a building structure includes an exterior wall and the solar panel unit described above installed on the exterior wall. Since the building structure includes the solar panel unit described above, it is possible to prevent the overall exterior wall of the building structure from being spoiled in appearance, and to provide a building structure in which solar panels are installed so as to prevent a decrease in power generation due to shadows cast by surrounding obstacles. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a panel support structure, a solar panel unit, and a building structure that enable solar panels to be installed on an exterior wall so as to prevent the overall appearance of the exterior wall of a building from being impaired and to prevent a decrease in power generation due to shadows caused by obstacles around the building. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a building structure equipped with a solar panel unit to which a panel support structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4]10 is a perspective view showing a contact member that constitutes a first position adjustment portion provided in the panel support structure. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the first position adjustment section, corresponding to FIG. 2; FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the first position adjustment section, corresponding to FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the first position adjustment section, corresponding to FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the first position adjustment section, corresponding to FIG. 3. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The following describes a panel support structure, a solar panel unit, and a building structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, directional relationships will be described using XYZ Cartesian coordinate axes. The X-axis direction is parallel to a horizontal plane, the Y-axis direction is perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane, and the Z-axis direction is an up-down direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. One side in the X-axis direction will be referred to as the "+X side," and the other side opposite the one side in the X-axis direction will be referred to as the "-X side." One side in the Y-axis direction will be referred to as the "+Y side," and the other side opposite the one side in the Y-axis direction will be referred to as the "-Y side." One side in the Z-axis direction will be referred to as the "-Z side," and the other side opposite the one side in the Z-axis direction will be referred to as the "+Z side."

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1 , a panel support structure 3 according to this embodiment is applied to a solar panel unit 1. The solar panel unit 1 is applied to a building structure 100 and installed on an exterior wall of the building structure 100. The exterior wall has an exterior wall surface extending in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. In this case, the direction perpendicular to the exterior wall surface of the exterior wall is the Y-axis direction, with the +Y side in the Y-axis direction being the outside of the building structure 100 and the -Y side in the Y-axis direction being the inside of the building structure 100. The exterior wall surface of the exterior wall can be composed of, for example, multiple exterior wall panels having a specified size. When installing the solar panel unit 1 on the exterior wall, the size of the solar panel unit 1 is set to be equal to or smaller than the specified size of the exterior wall panel. When the size of the solar panel unit 1 is set to be the same as the specified size of the exterior wall panel, the solar panel unit 1 is arranged in the same order as the exterior wall panel. On the other hand, when the size of the solar panel unit 1 is set to be smaller than the specified size of the exterior wall panel, the solar panel unit 1 is arranged so as to fit into an opening pre-formed in the exterior wall panel.

[0030] The solar panel unit 1 includes a solar panel 2 and a panel support structure 3 for supporting the solar panel 2.

[0031] The solar panel 2 is a panel for generating electricity using sunlight. The solar panel 2 is a flat plate-like structure having a structure in which a plurality of solar cells are electrically connected in series. A terminal box 21, to which wiring 22 is connected, is attached to the surface of the solar panel 2 opposite to the light incident surface where sunlight is incident. Electricity generated by the solar panel 2 is collected in the terminal box 21 and supplied from the terminal box 21 to the inside of the building structure 100 via the wiring 22.

[0032] The panel support structure 3 is a structure for supporting the solar panel 2. The panel support structure 3 is attached to the exterior wall of the building structure 100. By attaching the panel support structure 3 supporting the solar panel 2 to the exterior wall, the solar panel 2 can be installed on the exterior wall.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the panel support structure 3 includes an exterior wall surface material 31 and a support structure 32.

[0034] The exterior wall surface material 31, like the exterior wall panel, is a flat plate-like member that constitutes the exterior wall surface of the exterior wall of the building structure 100. The exterior wall surface material 31 is supported by the first support parts 4 of the support structure 32 so as to extend in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. When the exterior wall surface material 31 is supported by the first support parts 4, the outer surface facing the +Y side (outside) constitutes the exterior wall surface of the exterior wall of the building structure 100. The exterior wall surface material 31 is configured to allow light to pass through. It is preferable that the exterior wall surface material 31 is configured to have characteristics that allow light to pass through while having partially different transmittances of the light. An exterior wall surface material 31 with such characteristics can be made from materials that have light diffusion properties, such as frosted glass or decorative glass, that diffuse light, or materials such as polarizing glass that have polarization properties that allow light polarized in a specific direction to pass through.

[0035] In the following description, the surface direction in which the exterior wall surface material 31 extends will be described with a first direction along the surface direction being the X-axis direction, and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the surface direction being the Z-axis direction.

[0036] The support structure 32 includes a first support portion 4 for supporting the exterior wall surface material 31 and a second support portion 5 for supporting the solar panel 2.

[0037] The first support portion 4 supports an end portion (one end portion) on the −Z side and an end portion (the other end portion) on the +Z side in the Z-axis direction of the exterior wall surface material 31, respectively.

[0038] The second support part 5 supports the solar panel 2 so that it faces the inner surface opposite to the outer surface facing the +Y side (outside) of the exterior wall surface material 31 supported by the first support part 4. In this case, the second support part 5 supports the solar panel 2 so that it can move in the surface directions (X-axis direction and Z-axis direction) along which the exterior wall surface material 31 extends.

[0039] As described above, in the panel support structure 3, the solar panel 2 is supported by the second support member 5 so as to face the inner surface of the exterior wall surface member 31 supported by the first support member 4. This allows the solar panel 2 to be covered by the exterior wall surface member 31 from the +Y side (outside), making the solar panel 2 less visible compared to when the solar panel 2 is exposed to the outside. In this case, the exterior wall surface member 31 is configured to have properties that allow light to pass through while having partially different transmittances for that light. This allows light to enter the solar panel 2 arranged inside the exterior wall surface member 31, while making the solar panel 2 less visible from the +Y side (outside). This prevents the installation of the solar panel 2 on the exterior wall from deteriorating the appearance of the entire exterior wall.

[0040] Furthermore, the second support portion 5 that supports the solar panel 2 supports the solar panel 2 so that it can move in the surface directions (X-axis direction and Z-axis direction) of the exterior wall surface material 31. As a result, in cases where a shadow is cast on the solar panel 2 due to obstacles around the building structure 100 (other buildings, utility poles, trees, etc.), it is possible to support the solar panel 2 in a position that does not cast a shadow on the solar panel 2. Therefore, it is possible to install the solar panel 2 on the exterior wall in a way that prevents a decrease in power generation due to shadows cast by obstacles around the building structure 100.

[0041] Next, the second support portion 5 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The second support portion 5 is configured to include a panel support member 6 and a peripheral wall .

[0042] The panel support member 6 is a member that extends in the X-axis direction. The panel support member 6 supports the solar panel 2 so that the solar panel 2 is movable in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, a pair of panel support members 6 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the Z-axis direction. The pair of panel support members 6 respectively support an end 2A (one end) on the -Z side and an end 2B (the other end) on the +Z side of the solar panel 2 in the Z-axis direction so that the solar panel 2 is movable in the X-axis direction. That is, of the pair of panel support members 6, the panel support member 6 arranged on the -Z side supports the end 2A on the -Z side of the solar panel 2, and the panel support member 6 arranged on the +Z side supports the end 2B on the +Z side of the solar panel 2. When supported by the pair of panel support members 6, the solar panel 2 is movable in the X-axis direction along which each panel support member 6 extends.

[0043] Specifically, each of the pair of panel support members 6 has a panel guide groove 61 that is a groove extending in the X-axis direction. The panel support member 6 arranged on the -Z side of the pair of panel support members 6 has a panel guide groove 61 that is open facing the +Z side. On the other hand, the panel support member 6 arranged on the +Z side of the pair of panel support members 6 has a panel guide groove 61 that is open facing the -Z side. In this case, with the -Z side end 2A of the solar panel 2 inserted into the panel guide groove 61 of the panel support member 6 arranged on the -Z side, and the +Z side end 2B of the solar panel 2 inserted into the panel guide groove 61 of the panel support member 6 arranged on the +Z side, the pair of panel support members 6 support the solar panel 2 so that it can move along the panel guide groove 61.

[0044] The peripheral wall 7 is a frame-shaped member that extends from the exterior wall surface member 31 toward the -Y side (inward) so as to surround the periphery of the Y axis perpendicular to the exterior wall surface member 31, thereby forming, between the exterior wall surface member 31, a storage chamber that can store a solar panel 2 supported by a pair of panel support members 6. In this case, when the solar panel 2 is accommodated in the storage chamber formed by the peripheral wall 7, the pair of panel support members 6 support the solar panel 2 so that it can move along the panel guide groove 61. In this way, when the solar panel 2 is accommodated in the storage chamber formed by the peripheral wall 7, the solar panel 2 can be protected. The peripheral wall 7 supports the pair of panel support members 6. The peripheral wall 7 has a pair of side wall members 71, an upper wall member 72, and a lower wall member 73.

[0045] The pair of sidewall members 71 are members that are disposed spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction and extend in the Z-axis direction. The pair of sidewall members 71 support the +X side end (one end) and the -X side end (the other end) of the pair of panel support members 6 in the X-axis direction, respectively, so that the pair of panel support members 6 are movable in the Z-axis direction. That is, in the pair of sidewall members 71, the sidewall member 71 disposed on the +X side supports the +X side end of the pair of panel support members 6, respectively, and the sidewall member 71 disposed on the -X side supports the -X side end of the pair of panel support members 6, respectively. While supported by the pair of sidewall members 71, the pair of panel support members 6 are movable in the Z-axis direction along which each sidewall member 71 extends.

[0046] Specifically, each of the pair of side wall members 71 has a guide groove 711 that is a groove extending in the Z-axis direction. Of the pair of side wall members 71, the side wall member 71 that is arranged on the +X side has a guide groove 711 that is open facing the -X side. On the other hand, of the pair of side wall members 71, the side wall member 71 that is arranged on the -X side has a guide groove 711 that is open facing the +X side. In this case, with the +X side ends of the pair of panel support members 6 inserted into the guide groove 711 of the side wall member 71 arranged on the +X side and the X side ends of the pair of panel support members 6 inserted into the guide groove 711 of the side wall member 71 arranged on the -X side, the pair of side wall members 71 support the pair of panel support members 6 so as to be movable along the guide groove 711.

[0047] The bottom wall member 73 extends in the X-axis direction and connects the -Z side ends of the pair of side wall members 71. The bottom wall member 73 has a wiring accommodating groove 731 and a support member accommodating groove 732 that extend in the X-axis direction and are adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction. The wiring accommodating groove 731 is a groove for accommodating the wiring 22 of the solar panel 2 supported by a pair of panel support members 6 that are supported by the pair of side wall members 71. Openings 7311 that communicate with the wiring accommodating groove 731 are formed in the end (one end) on the +X side in the X-axis direction and the end (the other end) on the -X side. The wiring 22 accommodated in the wiring accommodating groove 731 is drawn out to the outside of the wiring accommodating groove 731 through the openings 7311. The support member accommodating groove 732 is a groove that communicates with the guide grooves 711 formed in the pair of side wall members 71. The support member accommodating groove 732 is capable of accommodating the panel support member 6 that is disposed on the −Z side of the pair of panel support members 6 that are supported by the pair of side wall members 71.

[0048] The upper wall member 72 extends in the X-axis direction and connects the +Z side ends of the pair of side wall members 71. The upper wall member 72 has a support member accommodating groove that is a groove that extends in the X-axis direction, similar to the lower wall member 73. This support member accommodating groove of the upper wall member 72 communicates with the guide grooves 711 formed in the pair of side wall members 71, and can accommodate the panel support member 6 that is positioned on the +Z side of the pair of panel support members 6 supported by the pair of side wall members 71.

[0049] The support member accommodating grooves 732 of the lower wall member 73 and the support member accommodating grooves of the upper wall member 72 have shapes that accommodate the panel support members 6 so that the entire solar panel 2 supported by the pair of panel support members 6 is exposed. As a result, when the panel support member 6 arranged on the -Z side is accommodated in the support member accommodating groove 732 of the lower wall member 73, or when the panel support member 6 arranged on the +Z side is accommodated in the support member accommodating groove of the upper wall member 72, the entire solar panel 2 is exposed. This makes it possible to prevent the lower wall member 73 and the upper wall member 72 from interfering with the incidence of light on the solar panel 2.

[0050] As described above, in the second support section 5, the pair of panel support members 6 support the solar panel 2 movably in the X-axis direction, and the pair of side wall members 71 support the pair of panel support members 6 movably in the Z-axis direction. As a result, in the second support section 5, with the solar panel 2 supported by the pair of panel support members 6 supported by the pair of side wall members 71, it is possible to move the solar panel 2 in the X-axis direction along the panel guide grooves 61 of the pair of panel support members 6, and it is also possible to move the pair of panel support members 6 in the Z-axis direction along the guide grooves 711 of the pair of side wall members 71. As a result, it is possible to move the solar panel 2 on the -Y side (inner side) of the exterior wall surface material 31 supported by the first support section 4 in the surface directions (X-axis and Z-axis directions) of the exterior wall surface material 31. Therefore, when a shadow caused by an obstacle around the building structure 100 is cast on the solar panel 2, the solar panel 2 can be freely moved within the range of the exterior wall surface material 31 to a position where the solar panel 2 is not cast in shadow.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the second support portion 5 further includes a first position adjustment portion 8 and a second position adjustment portion 9.

[0052] The first position adjustment unit 8 is a mechanism for adjusting the position in the X-axis direction of the solar panel 2 supported by the pair of panel support members 6 in the second support unit 5. The first position adjustment unit 8 is provided corresponding to at least one of the pair of panel support members 6. In this embodiment, the first position adjustment unit 8 is provided corresponding to each of both panel support members 6 of the pair of panel support members 6.

[0053] The second position adjustment unit 9 is a mechanism for adjusting the positions in the Z-axis direction of the pair of panel support members 6 supported by the pair of side wall members 71 in the second support unit 5. The second position adjustment unit 9 is provided corresponding to at least one of the pair of side wall members 71. In this embodiment, the second position adjustment unit 9 is provided corresponding to each of both side wall members 71 of the pair of side wall members 71.

[0054] In the second support section 5, which is configured to include the first position adjustment section 8 and the second position adjustment section 9, the position in the X-axis direction of the solar panel 2 supported by the pair of panel support members 6 can be adjusted by the first position adjustment section 8. Furthermore, the position in the Z-axis direction of the pair of panel support members 6 supported by the pair of side wall members 71 can be adjusted by the second position adjustment section 9. In other words, in a state in which the solar panel 2 is supported by the pair of panel support members 6 supported by the pair of side wall members 71, the position of the solar panel 2 with respect to the exterior wall surface material 31 can be adjusted by the first position adjustment section 8 and the second position adjustment section 9.

[0055] The second position adjustment portion 9 has a pair of second position adjustment shaft members 91 and a second position adjustment insertion member 92 .

[0056] The pair of second position adjustment shaft members 91 are shaft members that are disposed spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction and extend in the Z-axis direction. The pair of second position adjustment shaft members 91 extend from the lower wall member 73 to the +Z side. The pair of second position adjustment shaft members 91 extend in the Z-axis direction so as to penetrate the +X side end (one end) and the -X side end (the other end) of the pair of panel support members 6 in the X-axis direction, respectively. That is, of the pair of second position adjustment shaft members 91, the second position adjustment shaft member 91 disposed on the +X side extends in the Z-axis direction so as to penetrate the +X side end of the pair of panel support members 6, respectively, and the second position adjustment shaft member 91 disposed on the -X side extends in the Z-axis direction so as to penetrate the -X side end of the pair of panel support members 6, respectively. The pair of second position adjustment shaft members 91 are formed, for example, by bolts having male threads formed thereon.

[0057] The second position adjustment inserting members 92 are inserted through each of the pair of second position adjustment shaft members 91 and are arranged on both sides of the pair of panel support members 6. That is, four second position adjustment inserting members 92 are inserted through the second position adjustment shaft member 91 arranged on the +X side of the pair of second position adjustment shaft members 91. For the second position adjustment shaft member 91 arranged on the +X side, two second position adjustment inserting members 92 are arranged on both sides, sandwiching the -Z side panel support member 6, and the remaining two second position adjustment inserting members 92 are arranged on both sides, sandwiching the +Z side panel support member 6. Similarly, four second position adjustment inserting members 92 are inserted through the second position adjustment shaft member 91 arranged on the -X side of the pair of second position adjustment shaft members 91. In the second position adjustment shaft member 91 arranged on the -X side, two second position adjustment insertion members 92 are arranged on both sides, sandwiching the panel support member 6 on the -Z side, and the remaining two second position adjustment insertion members 92 are arranged on both sides, sandwiching the panel support member 6 on the +Z side.

[0058] In addition, when the pair of second position adjustment shaft members 91 are constituted by bolts, the second position adjustment inserting member 92 is constituted by a nut having a female thread that can be threaded onto the male thread of the bolt.

[0059] When the second position adjustment unit 9 adjusts the positions in the Z axis direction of the pair of panel support members 6 supported by the pair of side wall members 71, an operating force is applied to second position adjustment inserting members 92, which are an example of a second operated portion. The operating force applied to the second position adjustment inserting members 92 is transmitted to the pair of panel support members 6 as a force for moving in the Z axis direction by a pair of second position adjustment shaft members 91, which are an example of a second transmitting portion. Specifically, the operating force is applied to the second position adjustment inserting members 92 inserted into a pair of second position adjustment shaft members 91 that penetrate the pair of panel support members 6, thereby adjusting the positions of the second position adjustment inserting members 92 on the pair of second position adjustment shaft members 91. In this case, the second position adjustment unit 9 can adjust the positions of the pair of panel support members 6 in the Z axis direction by moving the pair of panel support members 6 sandwiched between the second position adjustment inserting members 92 in the Z axis direction in accordance with the adjustment of the positions of the second position adjustment inserting members 92 on the pair of second position adjustment shaft members 91.

[0060] The first position adjustment unit 8 can be configured by an abutting member 81 having a shape that can be inserted into the panel guide grooves 61 of the pair of panel support members 6. As shown in FIG. 1 , the abutting member 81 has abutting surfaces 811 that, when inserted into the panel guide grooves 61, abut from the side against a side end surface 2C1 of an end 2C (one end) on the +X side of the solar panel 2 supported by the pair of panel support members 6 and a side end surface 2D1 of an end 2D (the other end) on the -X side of the solar panel 2. The panel guide grooves 61 of the pair of panel support members 6 constitute attachment portions of the pair of panel support members 6 to which the abutting member 81 can be attached. When the abutting member 81 is inserted into the panel guide grooves 61 of the pair of panel support members 6 from the +X side, the abutting surface 811 of the abutting member 81 abuts against the side end surface 2C1 of the end 2C on the +X side of the solar panel 2 from the +X side. On the other hand, when the abutment member 81 is inserted into the panel guide groove 61 of a pair of panel support members 6 from the -X side, the abutment surface 811 of the abutment member 81 abuts against the side end surface 2D1 of the -X side end 2D of the solar panel 2 from the -X side.

[0061] When adjusting the position in the X-axis direction of the solar panel 2 supported by the pair of panel support members 6, the first position adjustment unit 8 brings the abutment member 81 into contact with the side end faces 2C1, 2D1 in the X-axis direction of the solar panel 2 from the side. In this case, the abutment member 81 is inserted into the panel guide groove 61 of the pair of panel support members 6 so that the abutment surface 811 is positioned at a preset position. In this way, the first position adjustment unit 8 can adjust the position in the X-axis direction of the solar panel 2 depending on the position in the X-axis direction of the abutment surface 811 of the abutment member 81 with respect to the pair of panel support members 6.

[0062] Specific configurations of the contact member 81 include those shown in FIGS. 4(A), 4(B), and 4(C).

[0063] 4(A) is composed of a plurality of block bodies each having a shape that can be inserted into the panel guide grooves 61 of the pair of panel support members 6. In this case, the length of each block body along the X-axis direction is set to be different. The position of the abutment surface 811 of the abutment member 81 relative to the pair of panel support members 6 in the X-axis direction can be adjusted depending on the length of the block body to be inserted into the panel guide grooves 61 of the pair of panel support members 6.

[0064] 4(B) is configured by a connecting body in which a first member 812 having an abutment surface 811 is connected to a second member 813 via a spring member 814. In this case, the position of the abutment surface 811 of the abutment member 81 relative to the pair of panel support members 6 in the X-axis direction can be adjusted depending on the degree of compressive deformation of the spring member 814 in the connecting body inserted into the panel guide grooves 61 of the pair of panel support members 6.

[0065] 4(C) is configured as an assembly of a nut member 815 having an abutment surface 811 and a bolt member 816 that can be threaded onto the nut member 815. In this case, with the assembly inserted into the panel guide grooves 61 of the pair of panel support members 6, the position of the abutment surface 811 of the abutment member 81 relative to the pair of panel support members 6 in the X-axis direction can be adjusted depending on the degree of threading of the nut member 815 and the bolt member 816.

[0066] Next, a first modified example of the first position adjustment unit 8 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The first position adjustment unit 8A according to the first modified example includes a pair of mounting members 8A1, a pair of belt shaft members 8A2, a belt member 8A3, and an operated member 8A4. In the first position adjustment unit 8A, the operated member 8A4 constitutes a first operated unit to which an operating force is applied, and the pair of mounting members 8A1, the pair of belt shaft members 8A2, and the belt member 8A3 constitute a first transmission unit that transmits the operating force to the solar panel 2 as a force for moving it in the X-axis direction.

[0067] The pair of mounting members 8A1 are members that are respectively attached to the +X side end 2C (one end) and the -X side end 2D (the other end) of the solar panel 2 supported by the pair of panel support members 6. The pair of mounting members 8A1 are provided corresponding to the -Z side end 2A and the +Z side end 2B of the solar panel 2, respectively.

[0068] The pair of belt shaft members 8A2 are shaft members that correspond to each of the pair of panel support members 6, are arranged spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction, and extend in the Z-axis direction. The pair of belt shaft members 8A2 are respectively provided to protrude from an end (one end) on the +X side and an end (the other end) on the -X side of each of the pair of panel support members 6. That is, for the panel support member 6 arranged on the -Z side of the pair of panel support members 6, the belt shaft member 8A2 extending toward the +Z side is provided at the +X side end and the -X side end of the panel support member 6. Similarly, for the panel support member 6 arranged on the +Z side of the pair of panel support members 6, the belt shaft member 8A2 extending toward the -Z side is provided at the +X side end and the -X side end of the panel support member 6.

[0069] The belt member 8A3 is a linear member made of a wire, chain, or the like, provided corresponding to each of the pair of panel support members 6. The belt member 8A3 is capable of circular movement in the X-axis direction by being stretched over a pair of belt shaft members 8A2 with each end fixed to a pair of mounting members 8A1, respectively.

[0070] The operated member 8A4 is fixed to the belt member 8A3, and is a member to which an operating force is applied when moving the belt member 8A3 in a circular motion.

[0071] When the first position adjustment unit 8A adjusts the position in the X-axis direction of the solar panel 2 supported by the pair of panel support members 6, an operating force is applied to the operated member 8A4. The operating force applied to the operated member 8A4 is transmitted to the solar panel 2 as a force for moving in the X-axis direction via the belt member 8A3, the pair of belt shaft members 8A2, and the pair of mounting members 8A1. Specifically, when the operating force is applied to the operated member 8A4, the belt member 8A3 fixed to the pair of mounting members 8A1 attached to the solar panel 2 moves in the X-axis direction. In this case, the first position adjustment unit 8A can adjust the position of the solar panel 2 in the X-axis direction by moving the pair of mounting members 8A1 in the X-axis direction in accordance with the rotational movement of the belt members 8A3.

[0072] Next, a second modified example of the first position adjustment unit 8 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The first position adjustment unit 8B according to the second modified example includes a pair of mounting members 8B1, a pair of bearing members 8B2, a first position adjustment shaft member 8B3, and a first position adjustment insertion member 8B4. In the first position adjustment unit 8B, the first position adjustment insertion member 8B4 constitutes a first operated portion to which an operating force is applied, and the pair of mounting members 8B1, the pair of bearing members 8B2, and the first position adjustment shaft member 8B3 constitute a first transmission portion that transmits the operating force to the solar panel 2 as a force for moving it in the X-axis direction.

[0073] The pair of mounting members 8B1 are members that are respectively attached to the +X side end 2C (one end) and the -X side end 2D (the other end) of the solar panel 2 supported by the pair of panel support members 6. The pair of mounting members 8B1 are provided corresponding to the -Z side end 2A and the +Z side end 2B of the solar panel 2. The pair of mounting members 8B1 have a mounting portion 8B11 that is attached to the solar panel 2, and an extension portion 8B12 that extends from the mounting portion 8B11 to the -Y side.

[0074] The pair of bearing members 8B2 are members that correspond to each of the pair of panel support members 6 and are arranged spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. The pair of bearing members 8B2 are provided at a +X side end (one end) and a -X side end (the other end) of each of the pair of panel support members 6. That is, for the panel support member 6 that is arranged on the -Z side of the pair of panel support members 6, the bearing member 8B2 is provided at a +X side end and a -X side end of the panel support member 6, respectively. Similarly, for the panel support member 6 that is arranged on the +Z side of the pair of panel support members 6, the bearing member 8B2 is provided at a +X side end and a -X side end of the panel support member 6, respectively. The pair of bearing members 8B2 have a fixing portion 8B21 that is fixed to the panel support member 6 by a screw member SC, and a bearing portion 8B22 that extends from the fixing portion 8B21 in a direction away from the panel support member 6 and supports the first position adjustment shaft member 8B3.

[0075] The first position adjustment shaft member 8B3 is a shaft member extending in the X-axis direction. The first position adjustment shaft member 8B3 extends in the X-axis direction so as to penetrate through each of the extending portions 8B12 of the pair of mounting members 8B1. The ends of the first position adjustment shaft member 8B3 in the X-axis direction are fixed to the bearing portions 8B22 of the pair of bearing members 8B2 by screw members SC or the like. The first position adjustment shaft member 8B3 is formed, for example, by a bolt having a male thread formed thereon.

[0076] The first position adjustment inserting members 8B4 are inserted through the first position adjustment shaft member 8B3 and are arranged on both sides of each of the extending portions 8B12 of the pair of mounting members 8B1. That is, four first position adjustment inserting members 8B4 are inserted through the first position adjustment shaft member 8B3. Two first position adjustment inserting members 8B4 are arranged on both sides of the extending portion 8B12 of the mounting member 8B1 on the +X side of the first position adjustment shaft member 8B3, and the remaining two first position adjustment inserting members 8B4 are arranged on both sides of the extending portion 8B12 of the mounting member 8B1 on the -X side of the first position adjustment shaft member 8B3.

[0077] When the first position adjusting shaft member 8B3 is configured by a bolt, the first position adjusting inserting member 8B4 is configured by a nut having a female thread that can be threaded onto the male thread of the bolt.

[0078] In the first position adjustment unit 8B, when adjusting the position in the X-axis direction of the solar panel 2 supported by the pair of panel support members 6, an operating force is applied to the first position adjustment inserting member 8B4. The operating force applied to the first position adjustment inserting member 8B4 is transmitted to the solar panel 2 as a force for moving in the X-axis direction via the pair of mounting members 8B1, the pair of bearing members 8B2, and the first position adjustment shaft member 8B3. Specifically, the operating force is applied to the first position adjustment inserting member 8B4 inserted through the first position adjustment shaft member 8B3 that penetrates the extending portions 8B12 of the pair of mounting members 8B1 attached to the solar panel 2, thereby adjusting the position of the first position adjustment inserting member 8B4 on the first position adjustment shaft member 8B3. In this case, the first position adjustment unit 8B can adjust the position of the solar panel 2 in the X-axis direction by moving a pair of mounting members 8B1 sandwiched between the first position adjustment inserting members 8B4 in the X-axis direction in accordance with adjustment of the position of the first position adjustment inserting members 8B4 on the first position adjustment shaft member 8B3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 Solar panel unit 2. Solar panels 3 Panel support structure 31 Exterior wall surface materials 32 Support structure 4 First support part 5 Second support part 6 Panel support member 7 Peripheral wall 71 Side wall member 8,8A,8B 1st position adjustment section 81 Contact member 811 Contact surface 8A1 Mounting member (first transmission part) 8A2 Belt shaft member (first transmission part) 8A3 Belt member (first transmission part) 8A4 Operated member (first operated part) 8B1 Mounting member (first transmission part) 8B2 Bearing member (first transmission part) 8B3 First position adjusting shaft member (first transmission part) 8B4 First position adjustment insertion member (first operated part) 9 Second position adjustment section 91 Second position adjusting shaft member (second transmission part) 92 Second position adjustment insertion member (second operated part) 100 Building Structure X 1st direction Y Second direction

Claims

1. A panel support structure for supporting solar panels attached to an exterior wall of a building, comprising: An exterior wall surface material that constitutes an exterior wall surface of the exterior wall and allows light to pass through; a support structure having a first support portion that supports the exterior wall surface material and a second support portion that supports the solar panel so as to face an inner surface opposite to an outer surface facing outward of the exterior wall surface material supported by the first support portion; The second support portion is The solar panel is supported so as to be movable in the surface direction of the exterior wall material, a peripheral wall extending inward from the exterior wall surface material so as to surround an axis perpendicular to the exterior wall surface material, thereby forming a storage chamber between the exterior wall surface material and the peripheral wall; A panel support structure comprising: a panel support member that supports the solar panel when the solar panel is accommodated in the storage chamber.

2. The panel support structure according to claim 1 , wherein the exterior wall surface material is configured to allow light to pass through while having a transmittance that varies partially with the light.

3. the panel support member extends in a first direction along the surface direction and supports the solar panel so that the solar panel is movable in the first direction; The panel support structure of claim 1 or 2, wherein the peripheral wall extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the planar direction, and has a side wall member that supports the panel support member so that the panel support member is movable in the second direction.

4. The second support portion is a first position adjustment unit for adjusting a position of the solar panel supported by the panel support member in the first direction; The panel support structure according to claim 3 , further comprising: a second position adjustment portion for adjusting a position of the panel support member supported by the side wall member in the second direction.

5. the first position adjustment unit has an abutment member having an abutment surface that abuts laterally against a side end surface in the first direction of the solar panel supported by the panel support member, The panel support structure according to claim 4 , wherein the panel support member has a mounting portion to which the abutment member can be mounted so that the abutment surface is disposed at a preset position.

6. The first position adjustment unit is a first operated portion to which an operating force is applied; The panel support structure according to claim 4 , further comprising: a first transmission portion that transmits an operating force applied to the first operated portion to the solar panel as a force for moving in the first direction.

7. The second position adjustment unit is a second operated portion to which an operating force is applied; A panel support structure as described in any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising a second transmission part that transmits the operating force applied to the second operated part to the panel support member as a force for moving in the second direction.

8. Solar panels and A solar panel unit comprising: a panel support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the panel support structure being attached to an exterior wall of a building and for supporting the solar panel.

9. The exterior wall and A building structure comprising: a solar panel unit according to claim 8 , which is installed against the exterior wall.

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