Rainwater guide cover and solar power generation system

Abstract

The rainwater guide cover (5) covers the upper part of a part of the eaves side of the fixing device (3) that attaches the solar module (2) to the roof (500) and includes a top plate (41) that is arranged with a gap between it and the solar module (2), and a side plate (42) that is attached to the top plate (41), covers the eaves side of the solar module (2), and has a lower end that is arranged opposite the rain gutter (508).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rainwater guide cover used in a fixing device that fixes a solar module to an installation location, and a solar power generation system. [Background technology]

[0002] Photovoltaic power generation systems that generate electricity using multiple solar modules fixed to, for example, the roof of a house have been known. The solar modules include, for example, solar panels and frames that hold the periphery of the solar panels. As a technique for fixing such solar modules to a roof, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2018-109322 discloses a technique in which a base member is fixed between two adjacent solar modules on the roof, and a pressing member that presses down the edges of the two adjacent solar modules is fixed to the base member with bolts and nuts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-109322 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Such solar modules are installed on roofs, but if the solar modules are installed up to the edge of the roofing material, which is the eaves, rainwater running down the solar modules will not flow onto the top surface of the roofing material, but will instead flow down from the solar modules. In other words, the solar modules prevent rainwater from falling downward, but will instead draw a parabola and fall beyond the eaves. As a result, there is a risk that rainwater running down the solar modules will jump over the rain gutters installed under the eaves and fall, causing the gutters to fail and resulting in the rainwater being washed away from the eaves.

[0005] For this reason, the mainstream practice is to install solar modules at a specified distance from the bottom edge of the roofing material so that rainwater flows from the solar module through the roofing material into the gutter. For example, a distance of about 300 mm is maintained between the eaves edge of the roofing material and the solar module. However, maintaining a certain distance reduces the installation area available for the solar module. For this reason, there is a demand for technology that allows the distance to be set to 0 mm and solar modules to be installed up to the eaves edge of the roofing material.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a rainwater guide cover and a solar power generation system that allow solar modules to be installed up to the eaves-side end of the roof material and that can guide rainwater downward. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the rainwater guide cover includes: A rainwater guide cover used in a solar power generation system including: a solar module having a solar panel and a frame for holding the solar panel; and a fixing device having a rack member supporting the frame and a fixing metal fitting having a support portion that allows the frame to be arranged between the rack member, a top plate that covers an upper portion of a part of the eaves side of a fixing device that attaches a solar module to a roof and is arranged with a gap between the solar module and the fixing device; and a side plate that is provided on the top plate, covers the eaves side of the solar module, and has a lower end that is arranged opposite a rain gutter; an engaged portion that engages with an engaging portion provided on the fixing metal fitting in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the rack member and to an upper surface of the rack member; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a module cover and a solar module fixing device that enable a solar module to be installed up to the edge of the roof material on the eaves side and that can guide rainwater downward. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a solar power generation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the main configuration of the solar power generation system installed on a roof. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the fixing device and module cover of the solar power generation system, and is a flow chart showing an example of a method for installing the module cover. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration and installation method of the fixing device and module cover of the solar power generation system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a fixing device and a module cover of a solar power generation system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing an example of the configuration and installation method of the fixing device and module cover. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration and installation method of the fixing device and module cover of the solar power generation system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A module cover 5 and a solar power generation system 1 using the module cover 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the solar power generation system 1. Fig. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the main parts of the solar power generation system 1 installed on a roof 500. Fig. 3 shows the configuration of the fixing device 3 and module cover 5 of the solar power generation system 1, and is a flow chart showing an example of a method for installing the module cover 5.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the solar power generation system 1 is installed on a roof 500 of a house. First, a specific example of the roof 500 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the roof 500 includes, for example, a plurality of rafters 501, a soffit 502 provided below the eaves sides of the rafters 501, a fascia board 503 covering the ends of the rafters 501 and the soffit 502, sheathing boards 504 provided on the plurality of rafters 501, underlayment materials 505 provided on the sheathing boards 504, a plurality of straight roof materials 506 provided on the underlayment materials 505, and an eaves edge gutters 507 provided on the ends of the sheathing boards 504. The roof 500 also includes a rain gutter 508 provided on the fascia board 503 and below the eaves edge gutters 507.

[0012] Eaves edge water drain 507 is provided along the width direction of the eaves edge. Eaves edge water drain 507 has, for example, a base 507a arranged between sheathing board 504 and underlayment material 505 at the eaves edge, and a water drain board 507b hanging down from the end of base 507a on the eaves edge side. Water drain board 507b faces rain gutter 508 in the hanging direction.

[0013] Next, we will explain the solar power generation system 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the solar power generation system 1 includes a plurality of solar modules 2, a fixing device 3, and a module cover 5 provided on the plurality of fixing devices 3 on the eaves side. The fixing device 3 and the module cover 5 constitute a fixing device for a solar module.

[0014] The solar modules 2 are attached to the roof 500 by fixing devices 3. The solar modules 2 are arranged, for example, in two directions: in the direction facing the ridge and eaves, and in a direction perpendicular to the direction facing the ridge and eaves, i.e., along the ridge and eaves. The number of solar modules 2 is set appropriately depending on the size of the installation location, the required output, etc.

[0015] The solar module 2 is configured in a plate shape. The solar module 2 includes, for example, a solar panel 10 and a frame 11. The solar panel 10 includes a plurality of plate-shaped cells 12 made up of solar cell elements, arranged in two directions. Note that in FIG. 1 , the solar panel 10 is shown with some of the cells 12 omitted. The solar panel 10 is configured in, for example, a rectangular plate shape.

[0016] 1, the frame 11 is provided on the edge of the solar panel 10. The frame 11 has a base material made of a conductive metal material and a protective layer provided on the surface of the base material to prevent corrosion. The protective layer is formed, for example, by plating the base material.

[0017] The frame 11 is formed to be thicker than the solar panel 10, for example, and holds the solar panel 10 on the upper end side.

[0018] 1 , the fixing device 3 includes, for example, a plurality of rack members 20 that are long in one direction, a plurality of first fixing brackets 21 provided on the eaves side of each rack member 20, and a plurality of second fixing brackets 22 arranged on the ridge side of the first fixing brackets 21 of each rack member 20. For example, the fixing device 3 fixes the solar modules 2 on the eaves side to the rack members 20 using the same number of first fixing brackets 21 and second fixing brackets 22 as the rack members 20, which are provided on the plurality of rack members 20 that hold the solar modules 2 on their upper surfaces. Furthermore, when a plurality of solar modules 2 are fixed in a line in the direction in which the eaves and ridge face each other (i.e., the extension direction of the rack members 20), the fixing device 3 fixes the solar modules 2 other than the solar module 2 on the eaves side using the same number of second fixing brackets 22 as the rack members 20, on each of the eave and ridge sides of the solar modules 2.

[0019] For example, two or more rack members 20 are provided for one solar module 2 in the direction along the ridge and eaves. In the example of FIG. 1, for example, two rack members 20 are provided for one solar module 2 in the direction along the eaves and ridge. For example, the rack members 20 are fixed across multiple roof materials 506 with their longitudinal direction aligned with the opposing direction of the ridge and eaves. The rack members 20 are formed to a length that allows multiple solar modules 2 to be arranged in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the opposing direction of the ridge and eaves). In the example of FIG. 1, the rack members 20 are formed to allow two solar modules 2 to be arranged.

[0020] The rack member 20 is made of a metal material. The rack member 20 has a pair of support plate portions 20a (upper surface portions) on its upper surface that contact the lower surface of the frame 11 of the solar module 2. The rack member 20 has a slit-shaped opening 20b that is long in one direction between the pair of support plate portions 20a that extend along the longitudinal direction. The rack member 20 is a hollow rectangular tubular tubular material with a shape in which the support plate portions 20a are continuous on the opposite side to the opening 20b.

[0021] That is, rack member 20 has a bottom wall 20c facing roof material 506, a pair of side walls 20d formed integrally with bottom wall 20c, and a pair of support plates 20a formed integrally at the upper ends of the pair of side walls 20d and forming slit-shaped openings 20b extending along the longitudinal direction of rack member 20. For example, rack member 20 has hole 20c1 formed in bottom wall 20c, which is a circular or elongated hole having a width that allows insertion of male thread 91a of bolt 91 and is smaller than the minimum width of head 91b of bolt 91. Bolt 91 for fixing first fixing bracket 21 and / or second fixing bracket 22 is inserted into hole 20c1 formed in bottom wall 20c, and bolt 91 is fixed to bottom wall 20c by tightening nut 92 onto bolt 91.

[0022] For example, metal materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, iron, etc., or resin materials can be used as the material of the rack member 20. In this embodiment, the rack member 20 is made by bending a rectangular metal plate that is long in one direction at multiple points along the longitudinal direction.

[0023] 2, the width of the first fixing bracket 21 is smaller than the width of the opening 20b formed in the rack member 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the first fixing bracket 21 is fixed to the rack member 20, for example, with fastening members such as bolts 91 and nuts 92. As a specific example, the first fixing bracket 21 includes a base 31, a wall 32 whose lower end is formed integrally with the base 31 and whose one main surface faces the solar module 2, a support 33 formed integrally with the upper end of the wall 32, and a pair of legs 34 formed integrally with the main surface (lower surface) of the base 31 that faces the bottom wall 20c of the rack member 20. The first fixing bracket 21 also includes a first engagement portion 35 formed integrally with the base 31 on the main surface of the wall 32 opposite the solar module 2, and a second engagement portion 36 formed integrally with the support 33 on the main surface of the wall 32 opposite the solar module 2. The first fixing metal fitting 21 is formed by extrusion molding, for example.

[0024] The base 31 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate. A hole 31a is formed in the base 31, into which the male screw 91a of the bolt 91 can be inserted. For example, the inner diameter of the hole 31a formed in the base 31 is larger than the outer diameter of the male screw 91a so that the male screw 91a of the bolt 91 and the base 31 can be tilted from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the male screw 91a and the direction of the main surface of the base 31.

[0025] The wall portion 32 is formed in a rectangular plate shape and extends from the upper surface of the base portion 31 in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the base portion 31. One main surface of the wall portion 32 is formed so as to be able to abut against, for example, the frame 11 of the solar module 2. The other main surface of the wall portion 32 faces the module cover 5.

[0026] The support portion 33 is provided at the upper end of the wall portion 32 and protrudes toward the solar module 2 in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the wall portion 32. The lower surface of the support portion 33 is formed, for example, in a flat shape. The upper surface of the tip of the support portion 33, which is the end portion opposite the wall portion 32, is formed with an inclined upper surface opposite the base portion 31 so that the thickness decreases toward the tip. For example, when the first fixing bracket 21 is fixed to the rack member 20, the distance between the upper surface of the rack member 20 and the lower surface of the support portion 33 is slightly larger than the thickness of the frame 11 so that the solar module 2 can be inserted and arranged, i.e., slightly larger than the height of the frame 11 in the opposing direction between the upper surface of the rack member 20 and the lower surface of the support portion 33 when the solar module 2 is arranged on the rack member 20.

[0027] The legs 34 are provided on the main surface (lower surface) of the base 31 opposite to the main surface (upper surface) on which the wall 32 is provided. The pair of legs 34 are arranged side by side in one direction. As a specific example, the pair of legs 34 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the rack member 20. The distance between the pair of legs 34 is greater than the maximum width of the nut 92 so that the nut 92 can be placed thereon.

[0028] The first engagement portion 35 is formed to be able to engage with the module cover 5 in one direction. For example, the first engagement portion 35 is formed to be able to engage with the module cover 5 in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the rack member 20. As a specific example, the first engagement portion 35 includes a first extending portion 35a extending along the principal surface direction of the base 31 and formed integrally with the base 31 and the wall portion 32, and a first engagement wall 35b formed at the end of the first extending portion 35a opposite the base 31 and wall portion 32, and extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first extending portion 35a, i.e., a direction perpendicular to the principal surface direction of the base 31, in other words, a direction along the extension direction of the wall portion 32, i.e., the same direction as the wall portion 32, and extending upward. The first engagement wall 35b engages with the module cover 5 when the module cover 5 moves in a direction away from the first fixing bracket 21, thereby restricting the movement of the module cover 5. The main surface of the first engagement wall 35b facing the wall portion 32 is aligned along the main surface direction (extension direction) of the wall portion 32, for example.

[0029] The second engagement portion 36 is formed to be able to engage with the module cover 5 in one direction. For example, the second engagement portion 36 is formed to be able to engage with the module cover 5 in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the rack member 20. As a specific example, the second engagement portion 36 includes a second extension portion 36a that extends along the main surface direction of the base 31 and is formed integrally with the wall portion 32, and a second engagement wall 36b that is formed at the end of the second extension portion 36a on the side opposite to the base 31 and wall portion 32 side and extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the second extension portion 36a, i.e., a direction perpendicular to the main surface direction of the base 31, in other words, in the extension direction of the wall portion 32.

[0030] The upper surface of the second extending portion 36a is inclined as a relief portion, for example, to prevent interference with the module cover 5 when the module cover 5 is attached. The second engaging wall 36b engages with the module cover 5 and restricts movement of the module cover 5 when the module cover 5 moves in a direction away from the first fixing bracket 21. The main surface of the second engaging wall 36b facing the wall portion 32 is inclined, for example, with respect to the main surface direction (extension direction) of the wall portion 32 so as to move away from the wall portion 32 from the second extending portion 36a side toward the tip of the second engaging wall 36b.

[0031] The first fixing bracket 21 configured in this manner is fixed to the rack member 20 by inserting a bolt 91 fixed to the bottom wall portion 20c of the rack member 20 with a nut 92 into a hole 31a in the base 31, and fastening the upper surface of the base 31 with the nut 92.

[0032] The second fixing bracket 22 is fixed to the rack member 20 with, for example, a bolt 91 and a nut 92. The second fixing bracket 22 is formed so as to, for example, press the solar module 2 on the eaves side toward the rack member 20, allow the solar module 2 on the ridge side to be inserted, and restrict upward movement from the top surface of the rack member 20.

[0033] The module cover 5 covers, for example, the eaves-side side surface of the frame 11 of the solar module 2. The module cover 5 also covers at least a portion above the first fixing bracket 21, which is the upper portion of a portion of the eaves side of the fixing device 3. The module cover 5 is a rainwater guide cover that moves rainwater flowing over the upper surface of the solar module 2 inward and downward, and guides it to a rain gutter 508 provided on the eaves. The module cover 5 includes, for example, a top plate 41, a side plate 42, and an engaged portion 43. The top plate 41, the side plate 42, and the engaged portion 43 are formed, for example, to have the same length in one direction.

[0034] The top plate 41, for example, does not cover the upper surface of the solar panel 10 of the solar module 2, and does not cover the upper surface of the frame 11 of the solar module 2, or covers part of the upper surface of the frame 11. In other words, the top plate 41 is positioned so that the shadow cast by the top plate 41 does not cover the solar panel 10 when the sun is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the solar panel 10. The lower surface of the top plate 41 facing the rack member 20 is positioned higher than the upper surface of the frame 11 in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the rack member 20. This forms a gap between the top plate 41 and the upper surface of the solar module 2, allowing rainwater flowing over the solar module 2 to move below the top plate 41.

[0035] As a specific example, the top plate 41 is formed in a flat plate shape, and the upper surface is formed with an inclined shape so that the end (tip) on the solar module 2 side (ridge side) is tapered. When the module cover 5 is fixed to the first fixing bracket 21, the top plate 41 is separated from the upper end of the wall portion 32 of the first fixing bracket 21 and the upper surface of the second engagement portion 36. Furthermore, when the module cover 5 is fixed to the first fixing bracket 21, the tip of the top plate 41 is located, for example, at the top of the wall portion 32 and not at the top of the support portion 33. In other words, when the module cover 5 is fixed to the first fixing bracket 21, the tip of the top plate 41 is located in a position removed from above the solar module 2 supported by the first fixing bracket 21, that is, approximately flush with the edge of the frame 11 or closer to the eaves than the frame 11.

[0036] The side plates 42 are, for example, aligned in a direction perpendicular to the top surface of the rack member 20, in other words, aligned in the opposing direction of the rack member 20 and the support portion 33, or are inclined. The side plates 42 form a decorative cover that covers the eaves-side side surface of the frame 11. When the module cover 5 is fixed to the fixing device 3, the lower ends of the side plates 42 are positioned above the rain gutter 508. Furthermore, when the module cover 5 is fixed to the fixing device 3, the side plates 42 are positioned, for example, at a position farther from the roof 500 than the eaves edge gutters 507.

[0037] The engaged portion 43 includes, for example, a base portion 43a that is continuous with the top plate 41 and the side plate 42, a first engaged portion 43b provided on the base portion 43a, and a second engaged portion 43c provided on the base portion 43a.

[0038] The base 43a is formed integrally with the top plate 41, the side plate 42, the first engaged portion 43b, and the second engaged portion 43c. For example, the base 43a is formed in a shape that improves the rigidity of the top plate 41, the side plate 42, the first engaged portion 43b, and the second engaged portion 43c. For example, the base 43a includes a first base 43a1 that forms a rectangular hollow portion together with the top plate 41 and the side plate 42, and a second base 43a2 that is formed integrally with the first base 43a1 and forms a hollow portion that is smaller than the hollow portion formed by the first base 43a1.

[0039] The first base portion 43a1 is formed, for example, in an L-shape in a side view and is formed integrally with the top plate 41 and the side plate 42. The second base portion 43a2 is formed integrally with the side surface of the first base portion 43a1 opposite the side plate 42 and is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape together with a part of the first base portion 43a1. For example, the lower surface of the first base portion 43a1 opposite to the top plate 41 side and the lower surface of the second base portion 43a2 opposite to the top plate 41 side are formed on the same plane. In addition, the upper surface of the second base portion 43a2 facing the top plate 41 is formed with a gap between it and the top plate 41. The base 43a is not limited to a configuration in which a hollow portion is formed by the first base 43a1 and the second base 43a2. For example, the first base 43a1 and / or the second base 43a2 may be a columnar shape that is long in the longitudinal direction of the module cover 5 without forming a hollow portion.

[0040] The first engaged portion 43b is formed, for example, on the underside of the base portion 43a opposite the top plate 41. The first engaged portion 43b is formed in a plate shape. For example, when the module cover 5 is fixed to the first fixing bracket 21, the first engaged portion 43b is formed so as to be able to face the main surface of the first engaging wall 35b that faces the wall portion 32 in the longitudinal direction of the rack member 20.

[0041] The second engaged portion 43c is formed, for example, as a protrusion provided on the upper surface of the second base portion 43a2. The upper end of the second engaged portion 43c facing the top plate 41 is separated from the top plate 41 with a predetermined gap therebetween. The upper end surface of the second engaged portion 43c is formed flat, and the surface of the second engaged portion 43c facing the first base portion 43a1 is formed, for example, at the same inclination angle as the second engaging wall 36b. In addition, the surface of the second engaged portion 43c opposite to the first base portion 43a1 is formed flat and is formed flush with the surface of the second base portion 43a2 opposite to the first base portion 43a1.

[0042] For example, the length from the upper end of the second engaged portion 43c to the lower surface of the second base portion 43a2 is formed to be the same length as the length from the upper surface of the rack member 20 to the lower surface of the second extension portion 36a of the second engaging portion 36 when the first fixing bracket 21 is fixed to the rack member 20.

[0043] The first engaged portion 43b and the second engaged portion 43c engage with the first engaging wall 35b of the first engaging portion 35 and the second engaging wall 36b of the second engaging portion 36 in the longitudinal direction of the rack member 20 and in a direction away from the wall portion 32.

[0044] Next, a method for attaching the module cover 5 configured as above will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in step ST11 in Fig. 3, first, bolt 91 is inserted into hole 20c1 in bottom wall 20c of rack member 20 from the underside of bottom wall 20c, and bolt 91 and nut 92 are tightened to secure bolt 91 to bottom wall 20c. Next, male screw 91a is inserted into hole 31a in base 31 of first fixing bracket 21, first fixing bracket 21 is placed inside rack member 20, and nut 92 is screwed onto male screw 91a to temporarily secure. At this time, because the inner diameter of hole 31a in base 31 is larger than the outer diameter of male screw 91a, first fixing bracket 21 can be tilted toward the ridge side, as shown in step ST11 in Fig. 3. Furthermore, by tilting the first fixing bracket 21 toward the ridge side, the distance between the upper surface of the rack member 20 and the second engaging portion 36 becomes greater than the distance between the lower surface of the second base portion 43a2 of the module cover 5 and the upper end of the second engaged portion 43c.

[0045] Next, as shown in step ST12 of Figure 3, the first engaged portion 43b of the module cover 5 is positioned opposite the first engaging wall 35b of the first engaging portion 35 of the first fixing bracket 21, and the second engaged portion 43c of the module cover 5 is engaged with the second engaging wall 36b of the second engaging portion 36 of the first fixing bracket 21.

[0046] Next, as shown in step ST13 of FIG. 3, the nut 92 above the base 31 is tightened. This presses the base 31 with the nut 92, causing the pair of legs 34 of the first fixing bracket 21 to abut against the bottom wall 20c of the rack member 20, and the first fixing bracket 21 is fixed to the rack member 20. At this time, the distance between the upper surface of the rack member 20 and the second engaging portion 36 is the same as the distance between the lower surface of the second base 43a2 and the upper end of the second engaged portion 43c. Therefore, the second base 43a2 and the second engaged portion 43c are held in the opposing direction of the rack member 20 and the second engaging portion 36 by the rack member 20 and the second extending portion 36a of the second engaging portion 36, and the inclined surface of the second engaging wall 36b abuts against the inclined surface of the second engaged portion 43c.

[0047] As a result, the module cover 5, rack member 20, and first fixing bracket 21 are held in two directions: the longitudinal direction of rack member 20 and the direction perpendicular to the top surface of rack member 20. At this time, for example, first engaging wall 35b and first engaged portion 43b move apart. When a force is applied to the module cover 5 in a direction away from first fixing bracket 21, the engagement between second engaging wall 36b and second engaged portion 43c prevents the module cover 5 from coming off the first fixing bracket 21. Even if further force is applied and the module cover 5 moves from the first fixing bracket 21, the first engaged portion 43b abuts against first engaging wall 35b, restricting movement of the module cover 5 in a direction away from wall portion 32 and preventing the module cover 5 from coming off the first fixing bracket 21.

[0048] The module cover 5 and solar power generation system 1 configured in this manner can guide rainwater to the rain gutter 508 by the module cover 5. Specifically, as shown by arrow F1 in FIG. 2 , rainwater flowing over the solar panel 10 of the solar module 2 flows over the frame 11. At this time, a gap is generated between the frame 11 and the module cover 5, so the rainwater moves into the module cover 5. The rainwater that flows into the module cover 5 is then guided downward along the rack member 20 and / or the side plate 42 and / or engaged portion 43 of the module cover 5. As a result, the rainwater moves into the rain gutter 508.

[0049] Therefore, in the solar power generation system 1, when the solar module 2 is installed on the eaves side of the roof 500, even if the distance from the eaves side edge of the roof material 506 to the solar module 2 is 0 mm, rainwater will not drip down from the eaves edge, and the module cover 5 can guide the rainwater to the rain gutter 508. Therefore, by using the module cover 5, the solar power generation system 1 can increase the installation area on the roof 500 in which the solar module 2 can be installed.

[0050] In addition, the upper surface of the tip side of the top plate 41 of the module cover 5 is inclined. Therefore, in winter, snow that has accumulated on the solar module 2 is likely to climb up onto the top plate 41 due to the inclination of the top plate 41 of the module cover 5. As a result, as shown by arrow F2 in Fig. 2, snow on the solar module 2 moves along the inclination of the solar module 2, passing over the top plate 41 and falling under the eaves, preventing damage to the solar module 2 and module cover 5 due to snow accumulation.

[0051] In this way, the module cover 5 forms a gap below the top plate 41 that allows rainwater to flow, and by reducing the gap between the top plate 41 and the frame 11, it is possible to move snow over the top surface of the top plate 41. In other words, the module cover 5 allows rainwater and snow to move along different routes.

[0052] Furthermore, the module cover 5 can be fixed to the rack member 20 and the first fixing bracket 21 by placing the engaged portion 43 between the first fixing bracket 21 and the rack member 20 with the base 31 temporarily fastened with the nut 92, and then fastening the nut 92. In other words, the module cover 5 can be fixed in conjunction with the work of fixing the first fixing bracket 21 to the rack member 20 with the nut 92. Therefore, the module cover 5 can be easily fixed to the first fixing bracket 21.

[0053] As described above, the module cover (rainwater guide cover) 5 and the solar power generation system 1 allow the solar module 2 to be installed up to the edge of the roof material 506 on the eaves side, and also allow rainwater to be guided to the rain gutter 508 below.

[0054] In the above example, the module cover 5 is held and fixed to the first fixing bracket 21 by engaging the engaged portion 43 with the first engaging portion 35 and second engaging portion 36 of the first fixing bracket 21. However, the method of fixing the module cover 5 to the first fixing bracket 21 is not limited to the above example. Various configurations can be applied to the method of fixing the module cover 5 to the first fixing bracket 21, as long as it is possible to hold a portion of the module cover 5 by the rack member 20 and the first fixing bracket 21 in a direction perpendicular to the top surface of the rack member 20, and to hold the module cover 5 by the first fixing bracket 21 in at least two directions along the main surface direction of the top surface of the rack member 20 (the longitudinal direction of the rack member 20) in which the first fixing bracket 21 and the module cover 5 move apart.

[0055] For example, the second embodiment shown in Fig. 4 will be described. As shown in Fig. 4, the first fixing bracket 21 does not have the second engagement portion 36, but has a high first engagement wall 35b of the first engagement portion 35, and has two or more engagement protrusions 35c at different positions in the height direction on the surface of the first engagement wall 35b that faces the wall portion 32. The engagement protrusions 35c extend from the first engagement wall 35b to the wall portion 32 and are formed in an L-shape in a side view toward the first extending portion 35a, with the lower end formed into a V-shaped inclined surface.

[0056] The module cover 5 has, as the engaged portion 43, a plate-shaped substrate 43d extending from the underside of the top plate 41, and two or more engaged protrusions 43e that engage with the engaging protrusions 35c at different positions in the height direction on the surface of the substrate 43d that faces the side plate 42. The lower end of the substrate 43d is a surface that conforms to the main surface of the top plate 41, and when the module cover 5 is fixed to the first fixing bracket 21, the surface conforms to the upper surface of the rack member 20.

[0057] The engaged protrusion 43e has an upper surface with the same inclination angle as the lower surface of the engaging protrusion 35c. In this way, the first fixing bracket 21 and the module cover 5 may be made engageable with the engaging protrusion 35c and the engaged protrusion 43e at two or more different positions in the height direction. Furthermore, when the first fixing bracket 21 is fixed to the rack member 20, the distance between the lower surface of the lower engaging protrusion 35c and the rack member 20 is made the same as the distance between the upper surface of the lower engaged protrusion 43e and the lower surface of the board 43d.

[0058] With this configuration, as shown in step ST21 of FIG. 4 , the substrate 43d of the module cover 5 is placed between the wall portion 32 and the first engaging wall 35b of the first fixing bracket 21, which are temporarily fastened with nuts 92. Then, as shown in step ST22, by engaging each engaging protrusion 35c with the engaged protrusion 43e and fastening the nut 92 on the base 31, the module cover 5 is held by the lower engaged protrusion 43e and the rack member 20. Furthermore, the engaged portion 43 has the substrate 43d facing the first engaging wall 35b, and the inclined upper surfaces of the two or more engaged protrusions 43e abut against the inclined lower surfaces of the engaging protrusions 35c. Therefore, when the module cover 5 attempts to move away from the first fixing bracket 21 toward the opposite side from the ridge, the first engaging portion 35 and the engaged portion 43 engage, restricting the movement and preventing the module cover 5 from falling off the first fixing bracket 21.

[0059] Furthermore, the module cover 5 configured in this manner can be configured so that the substrate 43d is inserted from above between the wall portion 32 of the first fixing bracket 21 and the first engagement wall 35b, thereby reducing the distance between the top plate 41 and the support portion 33. Therefore, the fixing device 3 and module cover 5 can reduce the gap between the frame 11 of the solar module 2 and the top plate 41, allowing the height of the module cover 5 to be lowered. Therefore, the module cover 5 can make it easier for accumulated snow to climb up the top plate 41 while maintaining its ability to guide rainwater.

[0060] As another example, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. As shown in Figure 5, the first fixing metal fitting 21 may not have the first engagement portion 35 and the second engagement portion 36, and the module cover 5 and the first fixing metal fitting 21 may be configured to be able to slide relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the module cover 5, so that the first fixing metal fitting 21 and the module cover 5 can be engaged in a direction away from the first fixing metal fitting 21.

[0061] For example, such a first fixing bracket 21 may not have the first engaging portion 35 and the second engaging portion 36, but may have a plurality of engaging protrusions 37 with surfaces in two intersecting directions on the surface of the wall portion 32 opposite the surface facing the solar module 2, and the module cover 5 may have a plurality of engaged protrusions 44 on the inner surface of the side plate 42 that engage with the plurality of engaging protrusions 37. Note that the module cover 5 may also be configured so that the plurality of engaged protrusions 44 are provided on a base plate 43d provided on the top plate 41 described above, rather than on the side plate 42.

[0062] The engaging protrusion 37 and the engaged protrusion 44 may have surfaces that can come into contact with each other in at least two directions. For example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, two engaging protrusions 37 and two engaged protrusions 44 are provided. For example, the lower engaging protrusion 37 has an extending portion 37a extending from the side surface of the wall portion 32 and an engaging wall 37b extending downward at the end of the extending portion 37a, and is formed in an L-shape in side view. The lower engaged protrusion 44 protrudes from the side plate 42 and extends upward at the end, and is formed in an L-shape in side view.

[0063] The lower engaging protrusion 37 and engaged protrusion 44 are formed so as to be able to come into contact with each other in the vertical direction along the wall portion 32 and in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The upper engaging protrusion 37 has an extending portion 37a protruding from the side surface of the wall portion 32 and two engaging walls 37b extending in the vertical direction at the ends of the extending portion 37a, and is formed in a T-shape in a side view. The upper engaged protrusion 44 protrudes from the side plate 42 and has an L-shaped side plate-side engaged protrusion 44a extending upward at its end, and a top plate-side engaged protrusion 44b protruding downward from the top plate 41. The upper engaging protrusion 37 and engaged protrusion 44 are formed so as to be able to come into contact with each other in the vertical direction and in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. 6, the engaging wall 37b extending upward of the upper engaging protrusion 37 and the top-plate-side engaged protrusion 44b of the upper engaged protrusion 44 may be configured to be inclined with respect to the wall portion 32, and to abut in the vertical direction and in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Also, multiple engaging protrusions 37 may have the same shape, and multiple engaged protrusions 44 may have the same shape.

[0064] The first fixing bracket 21 and module cover 5 configured in this way have engaging protrusions 37 and engaged protrusions 44 that engage with each other through relative sliding movement in the longitudinal direction of the module cover 5, which enables the first fixing bracket 21 and module cover 5 to be formed using a minimum amount of material and to be firmly fixed together. Note that the engagement of the first fixing bracket 21 and module cover 5 is performed, for example, before the first fixing bracket 21 is fixed or temporarily fastened to the rack member 20, but it may also be performed after the first fixing bracket 21 has been temporarily fastened to the rack member 20.

[0065] As another example, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. As shown in steps ST31 and ST32 in Fig. 7, the module cover 5 may be configured to be rotated and installed to cover the first fixing bracket 21 that is temporarily fixed to the rack member 20.

[0066] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the first fixing bracket 21 does not have the first engaging portion 35 and the second engaging portion 36, but has two engaging protrusions 37 with surfaces in two intersecting directions on the surface of the wall portion 32 opposite the surface facing the solar module 2, and the module cover 5 can be configured to have two engaged protrusions 44 on the inner surface of the side plate 42 that engage with the lower of the two engaging protrusions 37 at a lower position and with the upper engaging protrusion 37 at an upper position.

[0067] 7, the lower engagement protrusion 37 has an extending portion 37a that protrudes from the side surface of the wall portion 32 and an engagement wall 37b that protrudes downward from the end of the extending portion 37a, and is formed in an L-shape in side view. The upper engagement protrusion 37 has an extending portion 37a that protrudes from the side surface of the wall portion 32 and an engagement wall 37b that protrudes upward from the end of the extending portion 37a and has an upper end side that is inclined toward the wall portion 32, and is formed in a substantially L-shape in side view.

[0068] The lower engaged protrusion 44 protrudes from the side plate 42 and is formed in an L-shape in side view, with its end extending upward. The upper engaged protrusion 44 has a plate-shaped side plate-side engaged protrusion 44a that protrudes downward from the side plate 42 and is inclined downward, and a top plate-side engaged protrusion 44b that protrudes downward from the top plate 41 and is inclined at its lower end toward the side plate 42.

[0069] The lower engaging projection 37 and engaged projection 44 are formed so as to be able to come into contact with each other in the vertical direction and in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The extension 37a of the upper engaging projection 37 and the ridge of the engaging wall 37b engage with the side plate-side engaged projection 44a in the vertical direction and perpendicular to the vertical direction, and in the direction in which the wall 32 and the side plate 42 approach each other. The inclined surface at the upper end of the engaging wall 37b comes into contact with the inclined surface at the tip of the top plate-side engaged projection 44b in the vertical direction and perpendicular to the vertical direction, and in the direction in which the wall 32 and the side plate 42 move apart.

[0070] With this configuration, as shown in step ST31 of Figure 7, the support portion 33 of the first fixing bracket 21, to which the nut 92 has been temporarily fastened, is covered by the underside of the module cover 5, and then, as shown in step ST32, the module cover 5 is rotated to engage the two engaging protrusions 37 and the two engaged protrusions 44, and the nut 92 is tightened, thereby making it possible to hold the engaged protrusions 44 between the rack member 20 and the engaging protrusions 37 of the first fixing bracket 21 in the vertical direction, and also making it possible to abut the engaging protrusions 37 and the engaged protrusions 44 in the direction away from the first fixing bracket 21.

[0071] The first fixing bracket 21 and module cover 5 configured in this manner can be fixed to the first fixing bracket 21 by placing the module cover 5 over the temporarily attached first fixing bracket 21 and tightening the nut 92.

[0072] As shown in these several embodiments, the fixing device 3 and the module cover 5 can be fixed at multiple locations in a direction perpendicular to the top surface of the rack member 20, and can be configured to engage in at least two directions: the longitudinal direction of the rack member 20 (the direction facing the eaves and ridge) and the direction perpendicular to the top surface of the rack member 20.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the disclosed elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1...Solar power generation system, 2...Solar module, 3...Fixing device, 5...Module cover (rainwater guide cover), 10...Solar panel, 11...Frame, 12...Cell, 20...Rack member, 20a...Support plate portion, 20b...Opening, 20c...Bottom wall portion, 20c1...Hole, 20d...Side wall portion, 21...First fixing bracket, 22...Second fixing bracket, 31...Base, 31a...Hole, 32...Wall portion, 33...Support portion, 34...Leg portion, 35...First engagement portion, 35a...First extension portion, 35b...First engagement wall, 35c...Engagement protrusion, 36...Second engagement portion, 36a...Second extension portion, 36b...Second engagement wall, 37...Engagement Coupling projection, 37a...extending part, 37b...engaging wall, 41...top plate, 42...side plate, 43...engaged part, 43a...base, 43a1...first base, 43a2 ...Second base, 43b...First engaged part, 43c...Second engaged part, 43d...Substrate, 43e...Engaged protrusion, 44...Engaged protrusion, 44a...Side plate side cover Engagement protrusion, 44b...Top plate side engaged protrusion, 91...Bolt, 91a...Male screw, 91b...Head, 92...Nut, 500...Roof, 501...Rafter, 502...Eave ceiling, 504...Shelling board, 505...Lumber, 506...Roofing material, 507...Eaves drain, 507a...Base, 507b...Drain board, 508...Rain gutter.

Claims

1. A rainwater guide cover for use in a solar power generation system comprising: a solar module having a solar panel and a frame for holding the solar panel; and a fixing device having a rack member for supporting the frame and a fixing bracket having a support portion that allows the frame to be positioned between the rack member, a top plate that covers an upper portion of a part on the eaves side of the fixing device that attaches the solar module to a roof and is disposed with a gap between the solar module and the top plate; a side plate provided on the top plate, covering the eaves side of the solar module, the lower end of which is disposed opposite a rain gutter; an engaged portion that engages with an engaging portion provided on the fixing metal fitting in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the rack member and to an upper surface of the rack member; Equipped with a rainwater guide cover.

2. The rainwater guide cover according to claim 1 , wherein the rainwater guide cover has a plurality of the engagement portions.

3. The rainwater guide cover according to claim 1 or 2; The solar module; the fixing device; A solar power generation system comprising:

4. The solar power generation system according to claim 3, wherein the engaging portion of the fixing bracket engages with the engaged portion provided on the rainwater guide cover in the extending direction of the rack member and in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the rack member.

5. the fixing metal fitting comprises a base portion fixed to the rack member with a fastening member, and a wall portion provided on the base portion and facing the solar module, the wall portion having the support portion provided on an upper end thereof, the engaging portion includes a first engaging portion that is provided on the side of the wall portion opposite to the side on which the solar module is provided and extends in the same direction as the wall portion, and a second engaging portion that is provided on the side of the wall portion opposite to the support portion and extends in the same direction as the wall portion, the engaged portion is held between the rack member and the second engaging portion, and includes a first engaged portion and a second engaged portion that engage with the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion in a direction away from the wall portion, The solar power generation system according to claim 4.

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