Frame separation device

Abstract

To provide a frame separation instrument which can be carried to an installation site of a solar cell module, and easily separate an outer frame from the solar cell module at the installation site.SOLUTION: A solar cell module 1 comprises: a solar cell panel 2; an outer frame 5 fitted at an outer peripheral end of the solar cell panel 2; and filler 4 which fixes the solar cell panel 2 to the outer frame 5. The outer frame 5 has a square shape constituted of four sides of a first side 5A, a second side 5B, a third side 5C, and a fourth side 5D to surround the surroundings of the solar cell panel 2. The outer frame 5 comprises: a fitted part 51 into which the outer peripheral end of the solar cell panel 2 is fitted; and a projection 52 projecting from the fitted part 51 to the inside of the solar cell panel 2. A frame separation instrument 100 comprises: a body part 110; a fixing part 120; a pressurizing part 130; and a projection 150. The pressurizing part 130 pressurizes the projection 52 of the first side 5A in a state in which the fixing part 120 fixes the projection 52 of the second side 5B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a frame separation tool for separating an outer frame from a solar cell module in which the outer frame is fitted onto the outer peripheral edge of a solar cell panel. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, solar cell modules in which a metal outer frame is fitted to the outer peripheral edge of a solar cell panel have been widely used. A solar cell panel has a plate-like laminated structure in which a solar cell laminate including a semiconductor substrate on which a solar cell element is formed, a glass substrate provided on the light-receiving surface side of the solar cell laminate, and a back sheet provided on the non-light-receiving surface side of the solar cell laminate are laminated.

[0003] The outer frame surrounds the periphery of the solar cell panel and is fixed to the outer peripheral edge of the solar cell panel via, for example, a filler or screws, thereby improving the water resistance and water stoppage of the solar cell module.

[0004] The useful life of a solar cell module is 20 to 30 years, and currently, a large amount of solar cell modules are being recycled. However, as mentioned above, the solar cell module has a structure in which the solar cell panel and the outer frame are firmly fixed with filler and screws, making it very difficult for dismantling companies to manually dismantle and recycle the modules.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a frame separation device having a pair of gripping tools that grip a solar cell module in opposing positions and pull it to peel off the outer frame. The frame separation device of Patent Document 1 is large and very heavy, so it is installed at the recycling plant of an industrial waste processor. Therefore, after a dismantling company transports the solar cell module from the installation site of the solar cell module to the recycling plant, the industrial waste processor separates the outer frame from the solar cell module using the frame separation device of Patent Document 1. This makes it possible to recycle the solar cell module. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-229211 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the volume and weight of a solar cell module before the outer frame is separated is extremely large, and therefore the frame separation device of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the efficiency of transportation from the installation site of the solar cell module to the recycling plant is low, and the transportation cost is high.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a frame separation tool that can be carried to a solar cell module installation site and that can easily separate an outer frame from a solar cell module at the installation site. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the frame separating device of the present invention comprises the following means.

[0010] (1) A frame separation tool of the present invention separates, from a solar cell panel, a rectangular outer frame having a fitting portion into which an outer peripheral edge of the solar cell panel is fitted and a protrusion portion that protrudes from the fitting portion to the inside of the solar cell panel. The frame separation tool includes a main body portion, a fixing portion, and a pressing portion.

[0011] The pressing portion is provided at a tip of the main body portion and abuts against a protruding portion on a first side of the outer frame. The fixing portion is provided on at least one of the main body portion and the pressing portion and sandwiches and fixes a protruding portion on a second side of the outer frame that is perpendicular to the first side. The pressing portion presses the protruding portion on the first side while the fixing portion fixes the protruding portion on the second side.

[0012] In this configuration, the dismantling contractor places the frame separation tool at the corner of the outer frame on the back surface (non-light receiving surface) of the solar cell module at the installation site. The fixing part and the pressing part are connected to a portable pressure tool such as a portable hydraulic pump by the dismantling contractor at the same installation site.

[0013] First, the dismantler drives the portable pressure tool, and the pressure of the portable pressure tool causes the fixing part to clamp and fix the protruding part of the second side. In other words, the frame separation tool is fixed to the outer frame.

[0014] Next, with the fixing portion fixing the protruding portion of the second side, the dismantling contractor applies pressure to the pressing portion using the portable pressure device. At this time, the pressing portion comes into contact with the protruding portion of the first side and presses the protruding portion of the first side.

[0015] The dismantler repeats the process for the remaining three sides, then finally pulls the fourth side off the solar panel, separating the outer frame from the solar panel.

[0016] In the above configuration, the frame separation tool has a volume that can be placed at a corner of the outer frame on the back surface (non-light-receiving surface) of the solar panel, and is lightweight enough for dismantling workers to carry.

[0017] Therefore, the frame separation tool of the present invention can be carried to the installation site of the solar cell module, and can easily separate the outer frame from the solar cell module at the installation site. Therefore, the dismantling company can transport the solar cell panel from which the outer frame has been separated to the recycling plant. In other words, it is not necessary to transport the solar cell module from which the outer frame has not been separated to the recycling plant, and transportation costs can be reduced.

[0018] (2) The frame separating device of the present invention includes a protrusion provided on the main body part rearward of the fixing part. When the pressing part presses the protrusion on the first side, the protrusion comes into contact with the protrusion on the second side to prevent the main body part from rotating.

[0019] When the pressing portion presses the protruding portion of the first side, a rotation moment may be generated around the point fixed by the fixing portion. In this configuration, even if the frame separating device tries to rotate due to the rotation moment, the protrusion can prevent the frame separating device from rotating.

[0020] A frame separation tool having this configuration can more reliably separate the outer frame from the solar cell module. Effect of the Invention

[0021] The present invention can be carried to a solar cell module installation site, and the outer frame can be easily separated from the solar cell module at the installation site. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a frame separation tool 100 and a solar cell module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the SS line shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the frame separation device 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the frame separation device 100 shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is an external perspective view of a frame separation tool 100 disposed at a corner of an outer frame 5 on the rear surface of the solar cell panel 2 shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the line TT shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the frame separation tool 100 shown in FIG. 6 taken along line TT when a cylinder 123 of a fixing portion 120 slides in the direction of an arrow Z. FIG. [Figure 8] 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the line UU shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line UU when the cylinder 131 of the pressing portion 130 in the frame separation tool 100 shown in FIG. 8 slides in the direction of the arrow Y. FIG. [Figure 10]6 is a perspective view of the appearance of the frame separation tool 100 when a cylinder 131 of a pressing portion 130 in the frame separation tool 100 shown in FIG. 5 slides in the direction of an arrow Y. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] A frame separation device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0024] Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a frame separation tool 100 and a solar cell module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line SS shown in Fig. 1. First, the configuration of the solar cell module 1 will be described.

[0025] The solar cell module 1 comprises a solar cell panel 2, an outer frame 5 fitted around the outer peripheral edge of the solar cell panel 2, a filler 4 for fixing the solar cell panel 2 to the outer frame 5, and a wiring cable (not shown) for transmitting the electromotive force generated in the solar cell panel 2 to the outside.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the solar cell panel 2 has a plate-like laminated structure in which a solar cell laminate 21 including a semiconductor substrate on which a solar cell element is formed, a glass substrate 23 provided on the light-receiving surface side of the solar cell laminate, and a backsheet 22 provided on the back surface side (non-light-receiving surface side) of the solar cell laminate are laminated.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the outer frame 5 is in a quadrangular shape (rectangular in this embodiment) composed of four sides, a first side 5A, a second side 5B, a third side 5C, and a fourth side 5D, and surrounds the periphery of the solar cell panel 2. Both ends of the first side 5A are joined to the ends of the fourth side 5D and the second side 5B, for example, with screws or metal fittings. Both ends of the second side 5B are joined to the ends of the third side 5C and the first side 5A, for example, with screws or metal fittings. Both ends of the third side 5C are joined to the ends of the fourth side 5D and the second side 5B, for example, with screws or metal fittings. Both ends of the fourth side 5D are joined to the ends of the third side 5C and the first side 5A, for example, with screws or metal fittings. The material of the outer frame 5 is a metal such as aluminum.

[0028] 2, the outer frame 5 has a fitting portion 51 into which the outer peripheral edge of the solar cell panel 2 is fitted, and a protruding portion 52 that protrudes from the fitting portion 51 to the inside of the solar cell panel 2. The first side 5A, the second side 5B, the third side 5C, and the fourth side 5D all have the same configuration.

[0029] The outer frame 5 is fixed to the outer peripheral edge of the solar cell panel 2 via, for example, a filler 4. The filler 4 is made of, for example, butyl rubber. This improves the water resistance and water stoppage properties of the solar cell module 1.

[0030] In this embodiment, the solar cell panel 2 and the outer frame 5 are fixed to each other by the filler 4, but this is not limited to this. In practice, it is also assumed that the solar cell panel 2 and the outer frame 5 are fixed to each other by other means such as screws.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the frame separation tool 100 that separates the outer frame 5 from the solar cell panel 2 will be described.

[0032] Fig. 3 is an external perspective view of the frame separation tool 100 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an external perspective view of the frame separation tool 100 shown in Fig. 1.

[0033] The frame separation tool 100 includes a main body 110, a fixing part 120, a pressing part 130, and a protrusion 150. The material of the frame separation tool 100 is, for example, a metal such as carbon steel. The volume of the frame separation tool 100 is smaller than the volume of the solar cell module 1. It is more preferable that the volume of the frame separation tool 100 is smaller than the volume of the solar cell panel 2. The longitudinal length of the frame separation tool 100 is shorter than the length of the short side (the second side 5B in this embodiment) of the rectangular solar cell panel 2. The weight of the frame separation tool 100 is smaller than the weight of the solar cell module 1. It is more preferable that the weight of the frame separation tool 100 is smaller than the weight of the solar cell panel 2. The weight of the frame separation tool 100 is a weight that can be carried by a dismantling contractor, for example, 10 kilograms.

[0034] The main body 110 is in the shape of a long cylinder and has a front end 111 and a rear end 112 .

[0035] Fixing portion 120 is provided on pressing portion 130. Fixing portion 120 has top plate 121A with an opening, bottom plate 121B, cylindrical housing 122 inserted into the opening of top plate 121A, and cylinder 123 inserted into housing 122 so as to be slidable.

[0036] In this embodiment, one fixing portion 120 is provided in the pressing portion 130, but this is not limited to the present embodiment. In practice, one fixing portion 120 may be provided in the main body portion 110. Also, a plurality of fixing portions 120 may be provided. For example, one fixing portion 120 may be provided in the pressing portion 130 and one fixing portion 120 may be provided in the main body portion 110.

[0037] In addition, although the tip surface of the cylinder 123 is flat in this embodiment, this is not limited to this. In practice, the tip surface of the cylinder 123 may have a protrusion so that the protruding portion 52 can be clamped more reliably.

[0038] The pressing part 130 includes a cylindrical housing 139 provided at the tip 111 of the main body 110, and a cylinder 131 slidably inserted inside the main body 110 and the housing 139. The cylinder 131 protrudes from the housing 139. The tip surface of the cylinder 131 has a groove 131A into which the protruding part 52 fits when the cylinder 131 abuts against the protruding part 52 of the first side 5A.

[0039] In this embodiment, the cylinder 131 has the groove 131A, but the present invention is not limited to this. In practice, the tip end surface of the cylinder 131 may be flat.

[0040] The protrusion 150 is provided on the main body 110 closer to the rear end 112 than the fixing portion 120 .

[0041] In this embodiment, the frame separating tool 100 includes the protrusion 150, but is not limited thereto. In practice, the frame separating tool 100 may not include the protrusion 150, for example, when there is no possibility that the frame separating tool 100 will rotate due to a rotation moment described later.

[0042] In the solar cell module 1 configured as above, the solar cell panel 2 and the outer frame 5 are firmly fixed by the filler 4, and the sides 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D of the outer frame 5 are also firmly fixed to each other. Therefore, the solar cell module 1 has a structure that makes it very difficult for a dismantler to manually dismantle and recycle it.

[0043] Therefore, in this embodiment, a dismantling contractor places the frame separation tool 100 at a corner of the outer frame 5 on the back surface (non-light receiving surface) of the solar cell panel 2 at the installation site of the solar cell module 1. The fixing part 120 and the pressing part 130 are connected to a portable pressure tool (not shown) by the dismantling contractor at the installation site. The portable pressure tool is, for example, a portable hydraulic pump.

[0044] FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the frame separation tool 100 arranged at a corner of the outer frame 5 on the back surface of the solar cell panel 2 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the line TT shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the line TT when the cylinder 123 of the fixing part 120 slides in the direction of the arrow Z in the frame separation tool 100 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the line UU shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the line UU when the cylinder 131 of the pressing part 130 slides in the direction of the arrow Y in the frame separation tool 100 shown in FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of the frame separation tool 100 when the cylinder 131 of the pressing part 130 slides in the direction of the arrow Y in the frame separation tool 100 shown in FIG. 5.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, after placing the frame separating tool 100 at a corner of the outer frame 5 on the back surface (non-light receiving surface) of the solar cell panel 2, the dismantling contractor drives the portable pressure tool to apply pressure to the cylinder 123. When the cylinder 123 slides in the direction of the arrow Z (direction perpendicular to the back surface of the solar cell panel 2) due to the pressure of the portable pressure tool, the tip surface of the cylinder 123 abuts against the protruding portion 52 of the second side 5B (see Fig. 7). Then, the fixing portion 120 clamps and fixes the protruding portion 52 of the second side 5B between the tip surface of the cylinder 123 and the bottom plate 121B due to the pressure of the portable pressure tool. In other words, the frame separating tool 100 is fixed to the outer frame.

[0046] Next, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, with the fixing part 120 fixing the protruding part 52 of the second side 5B, the dismantling contractor applies pressure to the cylinder 131 of the pressing part 130 using a portable pressure tool. When the cylinder 131 of the pressing part 130 slides in the direction of the arrow Y (the direction in which the second side 5B extends) due to the pressure of the portable pressure tool, it comes into contact with the protruding part 52 of the first side 5A of the outer frame 5 (see Figs. 9 and 10). Then, with the fixing part 120 fixing the protruding part 52 of the second side 5B, the cylinder 131 of the pressing part 130 presses the protruding part 52 of the first side 5A in the direction of the arrow Y using the pressure of the portable pressure tool. The pressing force is, for example, 7 MPa or more.

[0047] At this time, it is preferable that the cylinder 131 of the pressing part 130 slides while pressing until at least half of one side is peeled off. This is because if at least half of one side is peeled off, the dismantling contractor can easily peel off one side completely even by manual work.

[0048] Thereafter, the dismantling contractor repeats the same work for the remaining three sides 5B, 5C, and 5D, and finally manually peels off the four sides 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D completely from the solar cell panel 2. In this way, the outer frame 5 is separated from the solar cell panel 2.

[0049] In the above configuration, the frame separation tool 100 has a volume that can be placed at a corner of the outer frame 5 on the back surface (non-light receiving surface) of the solar cell panel 2, and has a weight that can be carried by a dismantling contractor.

[0050] Therefore, the frame separation tool 100 can be carried to the installation site of the solar cell module 1, and can easily separate the outer frame 5 from the solar cell module 1 at the installation site. Therefore, the dismantling company can transport the solar cell panel 2 from which the outer frame 5 has been separated to a recycling plant. In other words, it is not necessary to transport the solar cell module 1 from which the outer frame 5 has not been separated to the recycling plant, and transportation costs can be reduced.

[0051] The dismantling company also separates the wiring cable from the solar cell module 1 before or after separating the outer frame 5. The dismantling company transports the wiring cable and the outer frame 5 to a second-hand shop or the like for sale.

[0052] In addition, in the above configuration, when pressing portion 130 presses protruding portion 52 of first side 5A, a rotational moment is generated around the point fixed by fixing portion 120 (see arrow C in FIG. 10). If frame separation tool 100 rotates, it becomes difficult for the dismantling contractor to separate outer frame 5 from solar cell module 1.

[0053] Therefore, the frame separating device 100 is provided with a protrusion 150. When the pressing portion 130 presses the protrusion 52 of the first side 5A, the protrusion 150 comes into contact with the protrusion 52 of the second side 5B, preventing rotation of the frame separating device 100. In this configuration, even if the frame separating device 100 attempts to rotate due to a rotation moment, the protrusion 150 can prevent the frame separating device 100 from rotating.

[0054] Therefore, the frame separation tool 100 can separate the outer frame 5 from the solar cell module 1 more reliably.

[0055] In addition, the tip surface of the cylinder 131 of the pressing part 130 has a groove 131A into which the protruding part 52 fits when it comes into contact with the protruding part 52 of the first side 5A. This allows the pressing part 130 to more reliably press the protruding part 52 of the first side 5A in the direction of the arrow Y. As a result, the first side 5A of the outer frame 5 is peeled off from the solar cell panel 2.

[0056] Therefore, the frame separation tool 100 can separate the outer frame 5 from the solar cell module 1 more reliably.

[0057] Finally, the above-mentioned description of the embodiment should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above-mentioned embodiment. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Solar cell module 2. Solar panel 4...Filling material 5 Outer frame 51 ... Fitting portion 52...Protrusion 100...Frame separation device 110... Main body 120...Fixed part 130 Pressing section 150...protrusion

Claims

1. A frame separation tool for separating a rectangular outer frame from a solar cell panel, the frame having a fitting portion into which an outer peripheral end of the solar cell panel is fitted and a protrusion portion protruding from the fitting portion to an inside of the solar cell panel, comprising: A main body portion, a pressing portion provided at a tip of the main body portion and abutting against the protruding portion of the first side of the outer frame; a fixing portion provided on at least one of the main body portion and the pressing portion, the fixing portion sandwiching and fixing the protruding portion of a second side of the outer frame that is perpendicular to the first side, The pressing portion presses the protruding portion of the first side while the fixing portion fixes the protruding portion of the second side.

2. a protrusion provided on the main body portion toward a rear end side of the fixing portion, The frame separating tool according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusion abuts against the protruding portion of the second side when the pressing portion presses against the protruding portion of the first side, thereby preventing rotation of the main body portion.

Images