Solar panel support structure

Abstract

To provide a solar power generation panel support structure which not only obviates the need to prepare a site just for installing a solar power generation panel, but also prevents snow accumulation from affecting on power generation by the solar power generation panel.SOLUTION: A solar power generation panel 6 is vertically supported by being fit into a gap between an upper groove frame 4c and a lower groove frame 5a provided in a lower installation frame 5. A wiring cable 6b connected to a junction box 6a provided on an upper portion of the solar power generation panel 6 is disposed inside 3a of a top rail 3 by passing through the inside of a cutout 4d provided on the upper groove frame 4c when the solar power generation panel 6 is fit into a gap between the upper groove frame 4c and the lower groove frame 5a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a photovoltaic panel support structure used for a handrail or exterior fence installed on a balcony. [Background technology]

[0002] A known example of a solar panel mounting stand for supporting solar panels is described in Patent Document 1. This solar panel mounting stand has a solar panel mounted on the top surface of a frame member assembled on a base member, and side covers attached to both the left and right sides of the frame member. A front sloped cover is attached to the front side of the frame member, and a rear sloped cover is attached to the rear side of the frame member, resulting in a shape that covers the entire frame member. The frame member is also configured so that the rear side is gradually higher than the front side, allowing the solar panel to be positioned at a downward slope from the rear side to the front side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6219450 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when solar panels are arranged at an angle as described above, not only must a space be secured for the solar panels, but if they are arranged in a snowy region, there is the problem that if snow accumulates on the solar panels, they will no longer be able to generate electricity.

[0005] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a solar panel support structure that not only does not require the preparation of a space solely for installing solar panels, but also prevents the generation of power by the solar panels from being affected by snow accumulation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above-mentioned object of the present invention can be achieved by the following means: Note that the numbers in parentheses are merely reference numerals of the embodiments described below, and the present invention is not limited to these.

[0007] According to the invention of claim 1, the handrail support posts (handrail posts 2) are provided at predetermined intervals, An upper mounting frame is provided at the top of these posts (handrail posts 2). (Top rail support 4) and, A lower mounting frame (5) is provided at the bottom of these posts (handrail posts 2), The upper mounting frame (Top rail support 4) and is integrally provided on one side thereof, and is hollow inside and has a U-shaped cross section facing downward. Upper groove frame (4c) and, The lower mounting frame (5) is provided with The inside is hollow and the cross section is an upward U-shaped Lower groove frame (5a) and, Thick Solar panels (6), a junction box (6a) provided on the upper part of the solar panel (6), The upper groove frame (4c) , which connects the inside of the upper groove frame (4c) with the outside. A notch (4d) is provided. Furthermore, The upper groove frame (4c) is provided with a reinforcing member (14) so ​​as to close a part of the notch (4d), The junction box (6a) is fitted into the upper groove frame (4c) and the lower part of the solar panel (6) is fitted into the lower groove frame (5a), whereby the solar panel (6) is supported vertically between the upper groove frame (4c) and the lower groove frame (5a), and at this time, The wiring (wiring cable 6b) connected to the junction box (6a) is The upper groove frame (4c) is exposed to the outside through the notch (4d) portion that is not covered by the reinforcing member (14), The upper mounting To the frame (top rail support 4) The present invention is characterized in that it is arranged to be placed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Next, the effects of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the reference symbols in parentheses are those of the embodiments described later, and the present invention is not limited to these.

[0010] According to the invention of claim 1, the solar panel (6) is supported vertically between the upper groove frame (4c) and the lower groove frame (5a), and at this time, the wiring (wiring cable 6b) is The upper groove frame (4c) is exposed to the outside through the notch (4d) portion that is not covered by the reinforcing member (14), Top mounting To the frame (top rail support 4) This not only eliminates the need to prepare a separate space for the solar panels, but also prevents them from being affected by snow accumulation.

[0011] moreover, Claim 1 According to the invention, The upper groove frame (4c) is provided with a reinforcing member (14) so ​​as to close a part of the notch (4d). Even if the notch (4d) is provided in the upper groove frame (4c), the durability of the upper groove frame (4c) can be maintained, thereby reducing the possibility that the solar panel (6) cannot be supported vertically between the upper groove frame (4c) and the lower groove frame (5a). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is an external front view showing a handrail according to an embodiment in which a photovoltaic power generation panel support structure according to the present invention is applied to a handrail. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the handrail according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of the handrail according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of the solar power generation panel according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 1A is a plan view of the top rail support according to the embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of the upper part of the handrail with the top rail removed according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a part of the upper part of the handrail with the top rail removed according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1(a) shows the annual power generation amount when the solar power generation panel according to the embodiment is installed at a 20° inclination, and FIG. 1(b) shows the annual power generation amount when the solar power generation panel according to the embodiment is installed vertically. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a handrail according to another embodiment, more specifically, a handrail fitted into the core of a photovoltaic power generation panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a solar panel support structure according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, when referring to directions such as up, down, left, and right, they refer to the directions when viewed from the front of the illustration.

[0014] <Outline of the solar panel support structure> The solar panel support structure according to this embodiment not only eliminates the need to prepare a space just for installing the solar panel, but also prevents the generation of power by the solar panel from being affected by snow accumulation. Note that in this embodiment, the solar panel support structure will be described using an example in which it is applied to a handrail.

[0015] <Explanation of applying the solar panel support structure to a handrail> Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the solar power generation panel support structure 1 has handrail posts 2 installed upright on a balcony parapet P at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in the figure) of the parapet P. Then, as shown in Fig. 1, a top rail 3 is attached to the top of these handrail posts 2 over the entire predetermined intervals. As shown in Fig. 2, this top rail 3 has a hollow interior 3a and is roughly semi-elliptical in cross section with a right-hand slope.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 3, the handrail support post 2 has a hollow rectangular tube shape in cross section, with screw holes 2a formed in the four corners of its inner wall. As shown in Fig. 2, a top rail support 4, which has a generally flat cross section, is fixed to the upper end surface of the handrail support post 2 with a screw B1 that is threaded into the screw hole 2a shown in Fig. 2. Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 2, a right locking piece 4a is integrally and uprightly formed on the right side of the top rail support 4, and a left locking piece 4b is integrally and uprightly formed on the left side of the top rail support 4. As shown in Fig. 2, a right locking piece 3b that locks with the right locking piece 4a is formed upright on the right side of the top rail 3, and a left locking piece 3c that locks with the left locking piece 4b is formed upright on the left side of the top rail 3. Thus, the right locking piece 3b is locked to the right locked piece 4a, and the left locking piece 3c is locked to the left locked piece 4b, whereby the top rail 3 is attached to the top of the handrail support 2.

[0017] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, an upper groove frame 4c having a generally downward U-shape in cross section is integrally formed with the top rail receiver 4 on the left side of the top rail receiver 4.

[0018] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, a lower mounting frame 5 having a generally rectangular cross section is provided at the bottom of the handrail support post 2. As shown in Fig. 2, a lower groove frame 5a having a generally U-shaped cross section facing upward is provided on this lower mounting frame 5 in a position opposite the upper groove frame 4c. And as shown in Fig. 2, a screw fixing frame 5b having a left-facing U-shaped cross section is provided on the right side of this lower groove frame 5a. Thus, as shown in Fig. 2, a screw B2 is screwed into this screw fixing frame 5b, and by screwing the screw B2 into the handrail support post 2, the lower mounting frame 5 is attached to the bottom of the handrail support post 2.

[0019] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the solar panel 6 is fitted between the upper groove frame 4c and the lower groove frame 5a in a staggered manner. This allows the solar panel 6 to be supported vertically between the upper groove frame 4c and the lower groove frame 5a. As shown in FIG. 2, a pre-attached bead 7 is provided in the upper groove frame 4c before fitting the solar panel 6 to prevent contact between the solar panel 6 and the metal part of the upper groove frame 4c. After fitting the solar panel 6 into the upper groove frame 4c, a sealant 8 is provided in the upper groove frame 4c to fix the solar panel 6 in place. As shown in FIG. 2, a pre-attached bead 9 is provided in the lower groove frame 5a before fitting the solar panel 6 to prevent contact between the solar panel 6 and the metal part of the lower groove frame 5a. After the solar panel 6 is fitted into the lower groove frame 5a, a ceiling 10 is provided inside the lower groove frame 5a to fix the solar panel 6 in place. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, a spacer 11, against which the lower end surface of the solar panel 6 abuts, is provided in advance inside the lower groove frame 5a.

[0020] Thus, as shown in Fig. 2, when the solar panels 6 are fitted between the upper groove frame 4c and the lower groove frame 5a in a staggered manner, a plurality of solar panels 6 (seven in the illustrated example) are arranged side by side, as shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, an aluminum joint frame 12 of a conventionally known structure shown in Fig. 3 is attached to the joints between adjacent solar panels 6. Also, as shown in Fig. 3, a lower mounting frame cover 13 is attached to the lower mounting frame 5 at the portion where the handrail support post 2 is located.

[0021] Therefore, while conventional handrails require a glass plate to be fitted between the upper groove frame 4c and the lower groove frame 5a in a staggered manner to prevent falls, the present embodiment employs a staggered fitting of the solar panels 6. This not only achieves the purpose of preventing falls but also provides electricity, killing two birds with one stone. Furthermore, since the solar panels 6 are arranged vertically, rather than at an angle as in the past, snow does not accumulate on the solar panels 6. This prevents snow accumulation from affecting power generation by the solar panels 6. Another advantage is that there is no need to prepare a separate space for installing the solar panels.

[0022] However, simply fitting the solar panel 6 between the upper groove frame 4c and the lower groove frame 5a in a tight fit would expose the wiring of the solar panel 6 to the outside. This not only detracts from the aesthetic appearance, but could also lead to premature deterioration of the wiring or short circuits due to external factors such as wind and rain, which could reduce the power generation efficiency of the solar panel 6. Therefore, in this embodiment, the following measures are taken.

[0023] That is, as shown in Fig. 4, a junction box 6a is provided at the upper center of the solar power generation panel 6, which is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. This junction box 6a is a box-shaped member for wiring the output wires drawn from the solar power generation panel 6. In other words, since the output wires coming out of the solar power generation panel 6 are connected to the junction box 6a, when the junction box 6a is provided at the upper center of the solar power generation panel 6, as shown in Fig. 4, the junction box 6a and the solar power generation panel 6 need to be in direct contact. Then, as shown in Fig. 4, a distribution cable 6b for transmitting the power generated by the solar power generation panel 6 is connected to this junction box 6a.

[0024] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5(a), a notch 4d having a horizontally elongated, generally rectangular shape in plan view is provided in the central portion of the upper groove frame 4c of the top rail receiver 4. That is, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the upper groove frame 4c has a notch 4d having an inverted L-shape in cross section.

[0025] Thus, by providing a junction box 6a above the center of the solar panel 6 and providing a notch 4d in the center of the upper groove frame 4c of the top rail support 4, the wiring cable 6b can be placed within the interior 3a of the top rail 3, as shown in FIG. 2. That is, when the solar panel 6 is fitted between the upper groove frame 4c and the lower groove frame 5a shown in FIG. 2, the junction box 6a is fitted into the upper groove frame 4c, as shown in FIG. 2. As a result, the wiring cable 6b connected to the junction box 6a can be passed through the notch 4d of the upper groove frame 4c, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Thus, the wiring cable 6b is pulled out toward the right locking piece 4a of the top rail support 4, as shown in FIG. 2. As a result, the wiring cable 6b can be placed within the interior 3a of the top rail 3, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] Therefore, this prevents the wiring cable 6b provided on the solar power generation panel 6 from being exposed to the outside, thereby not spoiling the aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the power generation efficiency of the solar power generation panel 6 decreases due to early deterioration of the wiring cable 6b or a wiring short circuit.

[0027] However, providing the notch 4d in the upper groove frame 4c may cause a problem with the strength of the upper groove frame 4c, making it impossible to support the solar panel 6 vertically between the upper groove frame 4c and the lower groove frame 5a. To address this issue, in this embodiment, a reinforcing member 14 is provided in the notch 4d of the upper groove frame 4c, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown in FIG. 6, the reinforcing member 14 is composed of a horizontally elongated rectangular mounting plate 14a and a T-shaped cover plate 14b integrally formed with the mounting plate 14a. As shown in FIG. 6, the mounting plate 14a has a pair of circular screw insertion holes 14a1. The mounting plate 14a is attached to the top rail support 4 by threading the screws B3 (shown in FIG. 2) into the screw insertion holes 14a1.

[0028] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the cover plate 14b is arranged on the upper groove frame 4c so as to cover the notch 4d. However, if the notch 4d were completely covered, the wiring cable 6b would not be able to be pulled out toward the right-side engaging piece 4a of the top rail support 4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, even if the upper surface of the notch 4d is completely covered, the side surface of the notch 4d is partially covered. That is, to avoid interfering with the pulling out of the wiring cable 6b toward the right-side engaging piece 4a of the top rail support 4, as shown in FIG. 6, only a portion of the side surface of the notch 4d is covered. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, this cover plate 14b is attached to the upper groove frame 4c with screws B4. This allows the reinforcing member 14 to be provided in the notch 4d portion of the upper groove frame 4c, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0029] Therefore, by providing the reinforcing member 14 in the notch 4d of the upper groove frame 4c in this way, the durability of the upper groove frame 4c can be maintained even if the notch 4d is provided in the upper groove frame 4c, thereby reducing the possibility that the solar panel 6 cannot be supported vertically between the upper groove frame 4c and the lower groove frame 5a.

[0030] Therefore, according to the present embodiment described above, the solar power generation panel 6 is supported vertically between the upper groove frame 4c and the lower groove frame 5a, and at this time, the wiring cable 6b is passed through the notch 4d provided in the upper groove frame 4c and arranged inside the interior 3a of the top rail 3. This not only eliminates the need to prepare a space just for installing the solar power generation panel 6, but also makes it possible to prevent power generation by the solar power generation panel 6 from being affected by accumulated snow.

[0031] Considering the angle of sunlight, it is effective in terms of power generation efficiency to arrange the solar power generation panel 6 at an angle as in the past.

[0032] Therefore, the present inventors used Laplace System's simulation software "Solar Pro" to conduct a power generation simulation for solar panels 6 installed at a 20° incline and vertically. The results are shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8(a) shows the annual power generation amount when solar panels 6 are installed at a 20° incline, and FIG. 8(b) shows the annual power generation amount when solar panels 6 are installed vertically. Based on this, the power generation amount was calculated to be 82,556.24 kW when solar panels 6 are installed at a 20° incline and 59,793.07 kW when solar panels 6 are installed vertically. Therefore, although it is effective to install solar panels 6 at an incline as in the past, it was found that even when solar panels 6 are installed vertically, the annual power generation amount obtained was about 70% of the amount obtained when solar panels 6 are installed at an incline.

[0033] Therefore, considering the advantage that there is no need to prepare a space just for installing the solar panels, this can be considered a sufficient amount of power generation. Therefore, by incorporating the solar panels 6 into the handrails that are essential for buildings, as in this embodiment, it is possible to obtain environmentally friendly electricity that does not generate CO2 for a long period of time.

[0034] <Description of Modifications> It should be noted that the solar panel support structure 1 illustrated in this embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims. For example, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the solar panel support structure 1 is applied to a handrail, but the above-described configuration can also be applied directly to an exterior fence. In other words, this also has the advantage of killing two birds with one stone, as it not only achieves the purposes of privacy and intrusion prevention, but also provides electricity.

[0035] In addition, in the handrail illustrated in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, an example in which the solar panel 6 is installed at a location away from the center and toward the left in the figure is shown. However, this is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to a center-mounted handrail in which the solar panel 6 is installed at the center, as shown in FIG. 9. Note that while the shape of FIG. 9 is slightly different from that of FIG. 2, the functions are the same, so the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 are used and their explanations are omitted. However, unlike the case shown in FIG. 6, the cover plate 14b of the reinforcing member 14 has an inverted T-shape. That is, in FIG. 6, the notch 4d on the top surface is entirely covered by the cover plate 14b, and the notch 4d on the side surface is partially covered by the cover plate 14b. However, in FIG. 9, the opposite is true. That is, the notch 4d on the top surface is partially covered by the cover plate 14b, and the notch 4d on the side surface is entirely covered by the cover plate 14b. 9, the junction box 6a can be protruded from the upper surface side of the cutout 4d, and the wiring cable 6b can be drawn out toward the cover plate 14b. Therefore, even in this way, the wiring cable 6b can be arranged inside the interior 3a of the top rail 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 1. Solar panel support structure 2 Handrail posts 3 Top Ray L 4 Top rail support (upper mounting frame) 4c Upper groove frame 4d notch 5 Lower mounting frame 5a Lower groove frame 6. Solar panels 6a Junction box 6b Wiring cable (wiring) 14 Reinforcement member

Claims

[Claim 1] Support columns provided at predetermined intervals; an upper mounting frame provided on the upper part of these support columns; a lower mounting frame provided at the bottom of the support columns; an upper groove frame that is integrally provided on one side of the upper mounting frame and has a hollow interior and has a U-shaped cross section facing downward; a lower groove frame having an upward U-shaped cross section and formed with a hollow interior, the lower mounting frame being provided with a Solar panels and a junction box provided on an upper portion of the solar panel, The upper groove frame is provided with a notch that connects the inside of the upper groove frame to the outside, and further The upper groove frame is provided with a reinforcing member so as to close a part of the notch, The junction box is fitted into the upper groove frame, and the lower part of the solar panel is fitted into the lower groove frame, so that the solar panel is supported vertically between the upper groove frame and the lower groove frame. A solar panel support structure in which the wiring connected to the junction box is placed on the upper mounting frame by passing from inside the upper groove frame through the cutout portion that is not blocked by the reinforcing member and being exposed to the outside.

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