Fixtures and Fixing Devices

Abstract

A fixture (6) attaches a plate-like solar module (2) to an object to be attached and comprises: a support member (22) that has a pair of vertical wall portions (47) and a pair of placement portions (48) formed on the upper ends of the pair of vertical wall portions (47) and placing the solar module (2) and is disposed on the object to be attached; a presser member (23) that has a base (60) and a restricting portion (61) and is disposed between the pair of vertical walls (47), said base (60) being fixed through the support member (22) to the object to be attached by a fixing member, said restricting portion (61) being provided on the base (60) and restricting a movement in a direction away from the object to be attached of the solar module (2); and a pair of nails (44) that are formed on the pair of vertical wall portion (47), tilts with respect to the vertical wall portion (47), has ends, the distance (W1) between which is smaller than the width (W2) of the base (60), and is deformed by an external force.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixture and a fixing device for fixing a solar module to an installation location. [Background technology]

[0002] Photovoltaic power generation systems that generate electricity using multiple photovoltaic modules fixed to, for example, the roof of a house have been known for some time. As a technique for fixing photovoltaic 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 photovoltaic modules on a roof, and a pressing member that presses down the edges of the two adjacent photovoltaic modules is fixed to this 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] However, fixing with bolts and nuts has the following problem: To check whether any bolts or nuts have been left tightened, it is conceivable that an operator would manually check whether the bolts and nuts are loose, but manual checking work is inefficient.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fixing tool and a fixing device that make it easy to check if something has been left unfixed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the fixing device is a fixing device for attaching a plate-shaped solar module to an attachment target, and includes: a support member for being placed on the attachment target, the support member having a pair of vertical wall portions and a pair of mounting portions formed on the upper ends of the pair of vertical wall portions and on which the solar module is placed; a base fixed to the attachment target via the support member by a fixing member; a pressing member for being placed between the pair of vertical wall portions and provided on the base and having a regulating portion that regulates movement of the solar module in a direction away from the attachment target; and a pair of claws formed on the pair of vertical wall portions and inclined relative to the vertical wall portions, the distance between their tips being smaller than the width of the base, which are deformable by an external force; the pair of claws abut against the base before the base is fixed to the attachment target by the fixing member, and tilt the pressing member toward an attitude in which the regulating portion regulates movement of the solar module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a fixing tool and a fixing device that make it easy to check whether something has been left fixed can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a solar power generation system using a fixing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the solar power generation system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the fixing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the solar power generation system in a state before the solar module on the eaves side is fixed. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the configuration of the solar power generation system with the solar module fixed on the eaves side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing the configuration of the solar power generation system with the solar module on the ridge side inserted. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a front view showing the configuration of a support member used in the fixture of the fixing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the configuration of the support member. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the configuration of the support member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the dimensional configuration of the support member and the pressing member of the fixture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A fixing device 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a solar power generation system 1 using the fixing device 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the solar power generation system 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the solar power generation system 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fixing device 3. FIG. 4 is a side view of the solar power generation system 1 before the eaves-side solar module 2 is fixed. FIG. 5 is a side view of the solar power generation system 1 after the eaves-side solar module 2 is fixed. FIG. 6 is a side view of the solar power generation system 1 after the ridge-side solar module 2 is inserted. FIG. 7 is a front view of the support member 22 used in the fixture 6 of the fixing device 3. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the support member 22. FIG. 9 is a side view of the support member 22. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the dimensional configuration of the support member 22 and the pressing member 23 of the fixture 6. In FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6, the solar power generation system 1 or the fixing device 3 is shown with the right side facing the ridge side and the left side facing the eaves side.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the solar power generation system 1 is installed on a roof 200 of a house, as an example of an installation location. As shown in FIG. 2, the roof 200 includes, for example, a plurality of roofing materials 201. The roofing materials 201 are, for example, slates. The roofing materials 201 are provided on upper surfaces 203 of sheathing boards 202. The ridge-side end of the roofing material 201 is placed on the sheathing boards 202, and the eaves-side end is placed on another roofing material 201 that is closer to the eaves than the roofing material 201. As shown in FIG. 2, a first direction V1, which is the inclination direction of the upper surface 204 of the roofing material 201 with respect to the up-down direction, intersects with a second direction V2, which is the inclination direction of the upper surface 203 of the sheathing boards 202 with respect to the up-down direction.

[0011] 1, the solar power generation system 1 includes a plurality of solar modules 2, a plurality of fixing devices 3, and a plurality of decorative panels 5. The solar power generation system 1 may be configured to use a plurality of eaves side fixing devices different from the fixing device 3 as fixing devices for fixing the eaves side of the solar module 2 that is arranged closest to the eaves among the plurality of solar modules 2.

[0012] The multiple solar modules 2 are attached to the roof 200 by multiple fixing devices 3, or by multiple fixing devices 3 and multiple eaves-side fixing devices. The multiple solar modules 2 are arranged, for example, in both a third direction V3 parallel to the direction from the ridge to the eaves, and a fourth direction V4 perpendicular to the third direction V3. The number of solar modules 2 is set appropriately depending on the size of the installation location, the desired output, etc.

[0013] 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 is configured by fixing a plurality of cells 12, each made up of solar cell elements, together in a plate shape. The solar panel 10 is configured in, for example, a rectangular plate shape.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 2, the frame 11 is provided on the edge of the solar panel 10. In Fig. 2, the solar module 2 is shown in cross section. 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.

[0015] The frame 11 includes, for example, an upper surface portion 13, a side surface portion 14, and a lower surface portion 15. The upper surface portion 13 is formed in a shape that surrounds the edge of the upper surface 16 of the solar panel 10, the edge of the lower surface 17, and the side surface 18. The side surface portion 14 extends downward from the upper surface portion 13. The lower surface portion 15 extends inward of the frame 11 from the lower end of the side surface portion 14.

[0016] 1 and 2, the fixing device 3 is provided, for example, between two solar modules 2 adjacent to each other in the third direction V3. The fixing device 3 fixes these two adjacent solar modules 2 to the roof 200.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fixing device 3 includes, for example, a base member 20, a fixing member 21 that fixes the base member 20 to the roof 200, a fixing tool 6, and a bolt 24 and a nut 25 as fixing members that fix the fixing tool 6 to the base member 20.

[0018] The base member 20 is an example of an object to which the solar module 2 is attached. The base member 20 is formed in a shape that is long in one direction, for example, in the third direction V3 when fixed to the roof 200. The length of the base member 20 in the longitudinal direction is set to a dimension that is shorter than the length of the solar module 2 along the third direction V3. The sheathing board 202 is an example of a base material of the roof 200 on which the roofing material 201 is provided.

[0019] The base member 20 includes, for example, a base portion 30, a pair of vertical wall portions 34, and a pair of flanges 31, as shown in FIGS.

[0020] The upper surface of the base 30 is formed as a flat surface. For example, when the base member 20 is fixed to the roof 200, the upper surface of the base 30 is formed as a flat surface that is parallel to the upper surface 203 of the sheathing board 202, which is an example of a base material. The base 30 is formed as a plate that is long in one direction. The base 30 includes a groove 35 and a restricting portion 36.

[0021] The groove 35 penetrates the base 30 and extends along the longitudinal direction of the base 30. For example, the groove 35 is disposed at the center in the width direction of the base 30 and extends in the longitudinal direction from near one end to near the other end of the base 30. The groove 35 positions a threaded portion 24c (described later) of the bolt 24 so that it can move in the longitudinal direction of the groove 35.

[0022] The groove 35 includes a first portion 37 and a second portion 38. The first portion 37 constitutes, for example, one end portion of the groove 35. The length and width of the first portion 37 along the longitudinal direction of the groove 35 are set to dimensions that allow a head portion 24a (described later) of the bolt 24 to pass through. The first portion 37 is provided at the end portion of the groove 35 on the eaves side when the base member 20 is fixed to the roof 200.

[0023] The second portion 38 constitutes the other end side of the groove 35 relative to the first portion 37. The length and width of the second portion 38 along the longitudinal direction of the groove 35 are set to dimensions that allow the threaded portion 24c to be disposed therein but prevent the head portion 24a from passing through. In this embodiment, for example, the width of the second portion 38 is set to a width that allows the base portion 24b (described later) of the bolt 24 to move. An edge of the second portion 38 along one longitudinal direction in the width direction is linearly continuous with the edge of the first portion 37.

[0024] The restricting portion 36 is configured to be able to restrict rotation of the bolt 24. The restricting portion 36 is provided, for example, on the underside of the base 30. The restricting portion 36 includes, for example, a pair of vertical wall portions 36a provided on both longitudinal edges of the second portion 38. The width between the pair of vertical wall portions 36a is set to a width that allows the base 24b of the bolt 24 to be disposed therebetween and restricts rotation of the bolt 24 when the inner surfaces of the pair of vertical wall portions 36a abut against the outer surface of the base 24b.

[0025] In another example, the restricting portion 36 may be formed by the inner surface of the groove 35. For example, if the thickness of the base 30 is such that at least a portion of the base 24b is disposed within the groove 35 when the bolt 24 and the nut 25 are fastened, the inner surface of the groove 35 comes into contact with the base 24b, thereby restricting the rotation of the bolt 24.

[0026] The pair of vertical wall portions 34 are formed, for example, on edges along the longitudinal direction of the base 30. The vertical length of the pair of vertical wall portions 34 is set to a dimension such that the upper surface of the base 30 is a plane parallel to the upper surface 203 of the sheathing board 202 when the base member 20 is fixed to the roof 200. In the example of this embodiment, the vertical length of the vertical wall portions 34 is set to a dimension that gradually increases from one end on the eaves side, i.e., one end on the first portion 37 side, to the other end.

[0027] The pair of flanges 31 are formed on the lower edges of the outer surfaces of the pair of vertical wall portions 34. The pair of flanges 31 are formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate. One or more holes 32 are formed in each flange 31, through which the fixing member 21 is inserted. The holes 32 are formed, for example, at one end side and the other end side of the flange 31 in the longitudinal direction.

[0028] The fixing members 21 are, for example, screws. The fixing members 21 are inserted into the holes 32 and fastened to the roof material 201 and the sheathing boards 202, thereby fixing the base member 20 to the roof material 201 and the sheathing boards 202.

[0029] The fixture 6 includes a support member 22 placed on the base member 20, and a pressing member 23 that presses the upper surface portion 13 of the frame 11, which is an example of the upper surface 16 of the solar module 2.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the support member 22 is placed on the upper surface of the base 30. The support member 22 includes a support portion that supports a portion of the underside of the solar module 2, which is an example of the main surface of the solar module 2 on the base member 20 side, for example, a portion of the edge portion. That is, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6, the support member 22 places the solar module 2 and is arranged on the base member 20. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 9, the support member 22 includes, for example, a support member base 41, a pair of support portions 42, and a pair of claws 44. The support member 22 is formed of a conductive material. The support member 22 is formed of, for example, aluminum, iron, or resin. The support member 22 is preferably made of a material that can be pressed, for example, a steel material primarily containing iron.

[0031] The support member base 41 is placed on the upper surface of the base 30. The support member base 41 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate. Specifically, the support member base 41 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate that is short in the width direction of the base member 20, i.e., long in the longitudinal direction of the base member 20. The length (width) of the support member base 41 in the short direction is greater than the width of the base 30. The support member base 41 has a hole 45 into which the threaded portion 24c of the bolt 24 is disposed. The support member base 41 also has a guided portion 46 that is disposed in the groove 35 of the base member 20 and guides the support member 22 to move along the groove 35. The guided portion 46 has a width that is set to be smaller than the width of the groove 35 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the groove 35, for example, and is formed to be movable within the groove 35 along the longitudinal direction of the groove 35. The guided portion 46 is formed, for example, by bending a portion of the support member base 41 downward toward the groove 35.

[0032] The support portions 42 support the two solar modules 2 on their upper surfaces. Specifically, the support portions 42 support a portion of the edge portion of the lower surface of each of two adjacent solar modules 2 aligned in the third direction V3. The pair of support portions 42 are formed on both ends of the support member base 41 in the short side direction (fourth direction V4). The support portions 42 include, for example, a vertical wall portion 47 and a mounting portion 48.

[0033] The vertical wall portion 47 is formed in a plate shape rising from the support member base 41. The mounting portion 48 is provided at the upper end of the vertical wall portion 47. A hole 47a is formed in the vertical wall portion 47. For example, a ground wire is fixed to the hole 47a formed in one of the pair of vertical wall portions 47, and for example, wiring of the solar module 2 is fixed to the hole 47a formed in the other of the pair of vertical wall portions 47. For this reason, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 , the hole 47a to which the ground wire is fixed is formed with a smaller diameter than the hole 47a to which the wiring is fixed. For example, the hole 47a is arranged on the ridge side of the vertical wall portion 47. The number, shape, size, etc. of the holes 47a can be changed as appropriate depending on the various wires to be fixed and the purpose.

[0034] A part of the edge of the lower surface of the solar module 2 is placed on the mounting portion 48. The mounting portion 48 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate with a part cut out that extends in the opposite direction to the opposing direction of the pair of vertical wall portions 47 (fourth direction V4). The mounting portion 48 is cut out, for example, on the central side in the longitudinal direction of the support member base 41 (direction perpendicular to the opposing direction of the pair of vertical wall portions 47, third direction V3), and has a first protrusion 48a provided in the cutout portion and a second protrusion 48b provided on the eaves side of the first protrusion 48a in the third direction V3.

[0035] The first protrusion 48a is formed, for example, with a sharp point so that its tip can damage the protective layer on the surface of the side surface portion 14 of the frame 11 of the ridge-side solar module 2 (one of the solar modules). As a specific example, the first protrusion 48a is formed, for example, in a triangular shape on a portion of the mounting portion 48, such as two sides of a right-angled triangle or an isosceles triangle. The first protrusion 48a is, for example, inclined toward the upper surface of the mounting portion 48 and in a direction intersecting the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the mounting portion 48, and extends toward the ridge side. Such a first protrusion 48a is formed, for example, by cutting out the center of the mounting portion 48 into the shape of two sides of a triangle and then bending it by press working. When the solar module 2 supported on the ridge side of the support member 22 is mounted on the mounting portion 48, the first protrusion 48a breaks through the protective layer on the eaves-side side surface of the frame 11 and abuts against the base material of the frame 11.

[0036] The base end of the first protrusion 48a, which is continuous with the mounting portion 48, is provided at the portion on the eaves side of the mounting portion 48 where the solar module 2 is to be mounted, or at a portion facing the first restricting portion 62 of the pressing member 23. The tip of the first protrusion 48a is located above the upper surface of the mounting portion 48 and up to the position where the side portion 14 of the frame 11 of the solar module 2 on the ridge side of the mounting portion 48 is positioned, or slightly towards the ridge side from the position where the side portion 14 of the frame 11 of the solar module 2 on the ridge side is positioned.

[0037] The second protrusions 48b are formed, for example, with a sharp point so that their tips can damage the protective layer on the surface of the underside 15 of the frame 11 of the solar module 2 (the other solar module) on the eaves side. As a specific example, the second protrusions 48b are formed, for example, so that a portion of the mounting portion 48 is triangular, for example, shaped like two sides of a right-angled triangle or an isosceles triangle. The second protrusions 48b are formed, for example, perpendicular to the upper surface of the mounting portion 48 and protrude upward. Such second protrusions 48b are formed, for example, by cutting out a portion of the mounting portion 48 into the shape of two sides of a triangle and then bending it by press working. When the solar module 2 supported on the eaves side of the support member 22 is mounted on the mounting portion 48, the second protrusions 48b break through the protective layer on the surface of the underside of the frame 11 and come into contact with the base material of the frame 11.

[0038] The pair of claws 44 are provided on the pair of support portions 42. The pair of claws 44 are provided opposite each other in the width direction of the support member 22 (the opposing direction of the pair of vertical wall portions 47, the fourth direction V4). The claws 44 are integrally provided on the support portion 42, and their tips are located closer to the center of the support member 22 than the inner surfaces of the vertical wall portions 47. The gap between the pair of claws 44 in the opposing direction (the width direction of the support member 22, the fourth direction V4) gradually decreases from the upper side (the placement portion 48) toward the lower side (the support member base 41). That is, the claws 44 are inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the inner surfaces of the vertical wall portions 47 so as to slope downward. In other words, the distance between the pair of claws 44 in the opposing direction is the same as the distance between the pair of vertical wall portions 47 at the upper ends of the claws 44, and is smaller than the distance between the pair of vertical wall portions 47 at the lower ends of the claws 44.

[0039] 10, the distance W1 between the lower ends of the pair of claws 44 is smaller than the width W2 of the base 60 of the pressing member 23 in the fourth direction V4, which will be described later, so as to restrict downward movement of the pressing member 23 beyond the claws 44. The pair of claws 44 are formed so as to be elastically deformable by an external force.

[0040] For example, the upper ends of the claws 44 are continuous with the vertical wall portion 47. As a specific example, the upper ends of the claws 44 are punched out so as to be continuous with the vertical wall portion 47, such as a rectangular shape, a U-shape, or a V-shape, with a portion of the vertical wall portion 47 excluding one side, as shown in FIG. 9 , and are then plastically deformed by bending to form a predetermined angle smaller than 90° with respect to the vertical wall portion 47, thereby forming the claws 44 integrally with the vertical wall portion 47. Such a pair of claws 44 is provided at a position where the pressing member 23 is inclined with respect to the support member base 41 by abutting against a base 60 (described later) of the pressing member 23. As a specific example, the pair of claws 44 are provided on the center side of the vertical wall portion 47 in the longitudinal direction (third direction V3).

[0041] 2 to 6, the pressing member 23 is placed on the support member base 41 of the support member 22. The pressing member 23 is configured to be able to restrict movement of the solar module 2. The pressing member 23 includes, for example, a base 60 and a restricting portion 61. The pressing member 23 is formed of, for example, iron, aluminum, or stainless steel.

[0042] The base 60 constitutes, for example, the lower end of the pressing member 23. When the support member 22 is disposed, the base 60 is disposed on the pair of claws 44, and is fastened by the bolt 24 and the nut 25, so that the base 60 moves against the pair of claws 44 onto the support member base 41 and is disposed on the support member base 41. The base 60 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate that is long in a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the base member 20 (longitudinal direction, third direction V3). The width W2 of the base 60 (the length in the short direction of the base 60) is smaller than the distance between the upper ends of the pair of claws 44 in the opposing direction and is larger than the distance W1 between the lower ends of the pair of claws 44 in the opposing direction. The base 60 has a hole 60a formed therein that is shaped so that the threaded portion 24c of the bolt 24 can be inserted therethrough but the head portion 24a and nut 25 of the bolt 24 cannot be inserted therethrough. As a specific example, the hole 60a is formed as a circular hole with a diameter larger than the diameter of the threaded portion 24c and smaller than the minimum width of the head portion 24a. The diameter of the hole 60a is such that, with the threaded portion 24c in place, the pressing member 23 can be displaced between a first state P1 and a second state P2, which will be described later.

[0043] The restricting portion 61 is provided on the base portion 60 and configured to be able to restrict movement of the solar module 2. The restricting portion 61 includes, for example, a first restricting portion 62 and a second restricting portion 63.

[0044] The first restricting portion 62 is formed in a shape that rises upward from one end of the base 60, in other words, the eaves side of the base 60, as a specific example, from the eaves side edge of the upper surface of the base 60. For example, the first restricting portion 62 extends from the base 60 in a direction at an angle of 90° to the base 60. The first restricting portion 62 is formed in, for example, a rectangular plate shape. The ridge-side surface of the first restricting portion 62 abuts against the eaves-side side surface portion 14 of the ridge-side solar module 2, thereby restricting movement of this solar module 2 toward the eaves side. A restricting protrusion 62a that faces part of the edge of the underside of the ridge-side solar module 2 is provided on the ridge-side surface of the first restricting portion 62.

[0045] The restricting protrusions 62a are formed, for example, in a stepped or flat shape with upper surfaces at different height positions. In the present embodiment, the restricting protrusions 62a are formed in a stepped shape that slopes down toward the base 60 in a direction away from the first restricting portion 62. In the second state P2 in which the pressing member 23 is tilted by the pair of claws 44, at least a portion of the restricting protrusions 62a is positioned above the upper surface of the mounting portion 48 of the support member 22, and restricts movement of the solar module 2 when the ridge-side solar module 2 is inserted. In the first state P1 in which the pressing member 23 climbs over the pair of claws 44 and the base 60 abuts against the support member base 41, the restricting protrusions 62a are positioned below the upper surface of the mounting portion 48 of the support member 22, and are formed so that the ridge-side solar module 2 can be inserted.

[0046] The eaves-side surface of the first restricting portion 62 abuts against the ridge-side side surface portion 14 of the eaves-side solar module 2, thereby restricting movement of this solar module 2 towards the ridge side.

[0047] The first restricting portion 62 may come into contact with the side surface portion 14 of the solar module 2 in a state in which the solar module 2 is attached to the base member 20. Alternatively, the first restricting portion 62 may have a gap between itself and the side surface portion 14, and may restrict movement of the solar module 2 by coming into contact with the side surface portion 14 when the solar module 2 moves a predetermined distance toward the eaves side or the ridge side.

[0048] The second restricting portion 63 is formed, for example, on the upper end of the first restricting portion 62. The second restricting portion 63 restricts movement of the solar module 2 in a direction away from the base member 20 by coming into contact with the upper surface portion 13 of the frame 11, which is an example of a main surface of the solar module 2 on the side opposite to the base member 20. The second restricting portion 63 includes, for example, a third restricting portion 65 and a fourth restricting portion 66.

[0049] The third restricting portion 65 is formed in a plate shape extending from the first restricting portion 62 toward the ridge side. The third restricting portion 65 faces the base 60 and the restricting protrusion 62a in the longitudinal direction of the first restricting portion 62. The distance between the third restricting portion 65 and the restricting protrusion 62a is set to a dimension greater than the dimension (thickness) of the frame 11 of the solar module 2 in the up-down direction, which allows the solar module 2 to be inserted at an angle between the third restricting portion 65 and the restricting protrusion 62a when the pressing member 23 is in the first position P1, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2. Furthermore, the distance between the third restricting portion 65 and the restricting protrusion 62a is set to a dimension greater than the thickness of the frame 11, which prevents the solar module 2 from being inserted at an angle between the third restricting portion 65 and the restricting protrusion 62a when the pressing member 23 is in the second position P2, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0050] Here, the oblique posture of the solar module 2 refers to a posture in which the longitudinal direction (main surface direction) of the solar module 2 is inclined relative to the extension direction of the third regulating portion 65 and the regulating protrusion 62a, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 2, and one end of the solar module 2 on the ridge side is positioned higher than one end on the eaves side.

[0051] When the solar module 2 is attached to the fixture 6, the third restricting portion 65 is separated from the upper surface of the solar module 2 (frame 11) with a gap therebetween, and when the solar module 2 is moved upward a predetermined distance, it comes into contact with the solar module 2, thereby restricting movement of the solar module 2. Note that the third restricting portion 65 may be configured to come into contact with the upper surface portion 13 of the solar module 2.

[0052] The fourth restricting portion 66 is formed in a plate shape extending toward the eaves side. When the restricting portion 61 is in the first state P1, the fourth restricting portion 66 faces the support member base 41 of the support member 22. When the restricting portion 61 is in the first state P1, the distance between the fourth restricting portion 66 and the mounting portion 48 is set to the same distance as the thickness of the edge of the solar module 2. For example, when the solar module 2 is attached to the fixing device 6, the fourth restricting portion 66 abuts against the upper surface portion 13 of the solar module 2 and presses the solar module 2, thereby fixing the solar module 2.

[0053] When the bolts 24 and nuts 25 inserted through the grooves 35 of the base member 20, the holes 45 of the support member 22, and the holes 60a of the base 60 are fastened, the pressing member 23 configured as described above presses the pair of claws 44 with the base 60, deforming the pair of claws 44 and assuming a first state P1 in which the base 60 abuts against the upper surface of the support member base 41. Here, the first state P1 is a state in which the restricting portion 61 can restrict movement of the solar module 2. In this embodiment, the first state P1 is a posture of the pressing member 23 in which the first restricting portion 62 can abut against the side surface portion 14 of the frame 11 of the solar module 2 and the fourth restricting portion 66 of the second restricting portion 63 abuts against the upper surface portion 13 of the frame 11 of the solar module 2 on the eaves side.

[0054] Furthermore, the holding member 23 is in a temporarily fastened state, and before reaching the first state P1, it is in a second state P2 in which the base 60 is positioned on the pair of claws 44 and the first restricting portion 62 is inclined relative to the upper surface of the support member base 41. Here, the temporarily fastened state means that the holding member 23 is positioned on the support member 22 and the nuts 25 and bolts 24 are partially threaded, but the nuts 25 and bolts 24 are not fully fastened. In the second state P2, the holding member 23 is in a position that is inclined toward the ridge side relative to the first state P1. In the second state P2, the holding member 23 has a larger gap between the fourth restricting portion 66 and the upper surface portion 13 of the solar module 2 compared to the first state P1.

[0055] Furthermore, when the presser member 23 moves from the second state P2 to the first state P1, the pair of claws 44, which have a spacing W1 smaller than the width W of the base 60, are pressed by the base 60 and elastically deformed, so that the spacing W1 between the pair of claws 44 becomes larger than the width W2 of the base 60. When the base 60 passes over the pair of elastically deformed claws 44, the pair of claws 44 return to their original state, and the spacing W1 between the pair of claws 44 becomes smaller than the width W2 of the base 60. As a result, when the presser member 23 moves from the second state P2 to the first state P1, and then moves from the first state P1 to the second state P2, the base 60 abuts against the restored pair of claws 44, thereby restricting the movement to the second state P2.

[0056] The bolt 24 and the nut 25 are an example of a fixing member that fixes the support member 22 and the presser member 23 to the base member 20. The bolt 24 has, for example, a head portion 24a and a threaded portion 24c on which an internal thread is formed. The bolt 24 and the nut 25 are fastened together via the base member 20, the support member 22, and the presser member 23, thereby fixing the support member 22 and the presser member 23 to the base member 20. When fastened, the bolt 24 and the nut 25 press the presser member 23 downward, elastically deforming the pair of claws 44, and moving the presser member 23 from the second state P2 to the first state P1 against the pair of claws 44.

[0057] The bolt 24 has an abutment portion that abuts against the restricting portion 36 to restrict rotation of the bolt 24. The abutment portion is provided, for example, between the head portion 24a and the threaded portion 24c of the bolt 24. The bolt 24 is, for example, a square-headed round head bolt, and has the head portion 24a, a base portion 24b, which is an example of an abutment portion, and the threaded portion 24c. The base portion 24b is formed in a polygonal shape, for example, a rectangular shape, or has a pair of flat surfaces formed in symmetrical positions that abut against the pair of restricting portions 36. The diameter of the circumscribing surface of the base 24b is larger than the width of the groove 35, and the widths of the paired (symmetrically positioned) two of the multiple flat surfaces formed on the base 24b are smaller than the width of the groove 35.

[0058] The bolt 24 is oriented such that, for example, the head 24a is disposed below the base 30 of the base member 20, and the threaded portion 24c is inserted through the groove 35 of the base member 20, the hole 45 of the support member 22, and the hole 60a of the presser member 23. The nut 25 is threaded onto, for example, a portion of the threaded portion 24c above the base 60. The nut 25 is fastened to the bolt 24 via the support member base 41 of the support member 22 and the base 60 of the presser member 23.

[0059] The decorative panel 5 covers the fixing device 6 located closest to the eaves. If the solar power generation system 1 has an eaves-side fixing device in addition to the fixing device 3, the decorative panel 5 covers the eaves-side fixing device. Here, the eaves-side fixing device fixes, for example, the solar module 2 located closest to the eaves edge. The eaves-side fixing device is an example of a fixing device that fixes the solar module 2. The eaves-side fixing device may be the fixing device 6.

[0060] Next, we will explain the process of fixing the solar module 2 to the roof 200 using the fixing device 3. In this explanation, the solar module 2 arranged on the eaves side of the fixing device 3 (holding member 23) will be referred to as the first solar module 2A, and the solar module 2 arranged on the ridge side of the fixing device 3 will be referred to as the second solar module 2B.

[0061] The worker first places the multiple eaves side fixing devices and multiple fixing devices 3 in positions to be fixed on the roof 200. At this time, the pressing member 23 of the fixing device 3 is in the second state P2, as shown in Fig. 4. The worker places the eaves side end of the first solar module 2A on the eaves side fixing device 3 or the eaves side fixing device, and places the ridge side end of the first solar module 2A on the placing portion 48 of the support member 22 of the fixing device 3 that is on the ridge side of the fixing device 3 or eaves side fixing device on which the eaves side end of the first solar module 2A is placed.

[0062] At this time, the worker moves the support member 22 and pressing member 23 of the fixing device 3, on which the ridge-side end of the first solar module 2A is placed, along the groove 35. By doing this, the worker adjusts the positions of the support member 22 and pressing member 23 to appropriate positions with respect to the solar module 2A, for example, positions where the frame 11 and the first restricting portion 62 abut. When the first solar module 2A is placed on the mounting portion 48, the second protrusion 48b breaks the protective layer of the frame 11 and abuts against the base material of the frame 11. This establishes electrical conductivity between the base material of the frame 11 and the support member 22.

[0063] Next, the worker fastens the bolt 24 and nut 25 that are inserted through the groove 35 of the base member 20, the hole 45 of the support member 22, and the hole 60a of the base 60, thereby fixing the support member 22 and the pressing member 23 to the base member 20. Fastening the bolt 24 and nut 25 causes the base 60 of the pressing member 23 to press against the pair of claws 44. When the pair of claws 44 pressed against the base 60 elastically deforms, the base 60 climbs up onto the pair of claws 44. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5 , the pressing member 23 moves from the second state P2 to the first state P1. The pressing member 23 in the first state P1 sandwiches the eaves-side solar module 2A between itself and the support member 22, fixing the first solar module 2A.

[0064] Next, the worker visually checks the multiple fixing devices 3 that fix the first solar module 2A, and confirms that the bolts 24 and nuts 25 are fastened. If the bolts 24 and nuts 25 are not fastened and are in a temporary fastening state, as shown in Fig. 4, the pressing member 23 is in the second state P2, and therefore the first restricting portion 62 and the second restricting portion 63 are inclined with respect to the upper surface of the mounting portion 48 of the support member 22 (the upper surface of the solar module 2), and the worker can easily visually check the temporary fastening state.

[0065] Next, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2 , the worker inserts the second solar module 2B between the third restricting portion 65 and the mounting portion 48 in an orientation in which the top surface of the second solar module 2B is inclined relative to the top surface of the mounting portion 48. At this time, the first protrusions 48a break the protective layer on the side surface portion 14 of the frame 11 of the second solar module 2B and come into contact with the base material, thereby establishing electrical conduction between the base material of the frame 11 of the second solar module 2B and the support member 22. This establishes electrical conduction between the first solar module 2A and the second solar module 2B via the support member 22. Next, the worker lowers the ridge-side end of the second solar module 2B and places it on the mounting portion 48 of the support member 22 that faces the ridge-side end of the second solar module 2B.

[0066] Next, the worker fixes the ridge side end of the second solar module 2B with the fixing device 3, in the same manner as the above-mentioned work of fixing the ridge side end of the first solar module 2A with the fixing device 3. By repeating the above steps, the worker completes the work of fixing the first solar module 2A and the second solar module 2B using the fixing device 3, and sequentially fixes the solar modules 2 to the roof 200 from the eaves side toward the ridge side.

[0067] The solar modules 2 arranged in a row in the third direction V3 are electrically connected via the support members 22 of the fixing devices 3 and the frames 11. A worker attaches an earth wire to the support member 22 of the fixing device 3 closest to the ridge, for example, and grounds the solar modules 2 arranged in a row from the eaves side to the ridge side, which are electrically connected via the support members 22 of the fixing devices 3. The earth wire is electrically connected to and fixed in, for example, a hole 47a for fixing the earth wire formed in one vertical wall portion 47 of the support member 22. This completes the work of fixing the solar modules 2 to the roof 200 using the fixing devices 3.

[0068] In the fixing device 3 configured as described above, when the bolts 24 and nuts 25 are not fastened and are in a temporary fastening state, the pair of claws 44 tilts the holding member 23, causing the holding member 23 to assume the second state P2. Therefore, the worker can visually confirm that the holding member 23 is in the second state P2, and can recognize that the bolts 24 and nuts 25 are not fastened. This allows the worker to easily check whether the bolts 24 and nuts 25 have been fastened, i.e., whether the fixing device 6 has been fastened, thereby enabling the checking work to be performed efficiently. In particular, since multiple fixing devices 3 are used to fix one solar module 2, checking for missed fastenings takes time as the number of solar modules 2 to be installed increases, but the fixing device 3 reduces the time required for the checking work.

[0069] Furthermore, the pair of claws 44 has a restoring force. The distance W1 between the pair of claws 44 is smaller than the width W of the base 60. Therefore, the pair of claws 44 can restrict the holding member 23 from moving to the second state P2 after it has reached the first state P1, and therefore the holding member 23 can be prevented from coming off the support member 22 when the nut 25 is loosened or when the bolt 24 and the nut 25 are replaced.

[0070] Furthermore, since the pair of claws 44 can be molded at the same time as the support member 22 is molded by press working, the support member 22 can be manufactured easily and inexpensively.

[0071] Furthermore, the fixing device 3 fixes the support member 22 together with the pressing member 23 to the base member 20 using the bolts 24 and nuts 25. This prevents the support member 22 and the pressing member 23 from shifting, thereby improving the efficiency of the work of fixing the solar module 2.

[0072] Furthermore, the fixing device 3 has a base member 20 provided between the two solar modules 2, and the first restricting portions 62 abut against the side portions 14 of the solar modules 2 on the ridge side and eaves side, thereby restricting movement of the solar modules 2 in the third direction V3. Furthermore, the fixing device 3 has a base member 20 provided between the two solar modules 2, and the second restricting portions 63 abut against the top surface portions 13 of the solar modules 2 on the ridge side and eaves side, or are spaced apart with a gap, thereby restricting upward movement of the solar modules 2. Therefore, movement of two solar modules 2 can be restricted with one fixing device 3.

[0073] Furthermore, the upper surface of the base 30 of the base member 20 is formed on a plane that is parallel to the sheathing board 202 when the base member 20 is fixed to the roof material 201. Therefore, the solar module 2 can be fixed parallel to the sheathing board 202.

[0074] Furthermore, the base member 20 allows the supporting members 22 and the pressing members 23 in a temporarily fixed state to move along the grooves 35, so that the positions of the supporting members 22 and the pressing members 23 can be adjusted during the work of fixing the solar module 2. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the base member 20 when adjusting the positions of the supporting members 22 and the pressing members 23, and the efficiency of the work of fixing the solar module 2 can be improved.

[0075] Furthermore, the base member 20 is configured so that the upper surface of the base 30 is parallel to the sheathing board 202 due to the vertical length of the vertical wall portion 34, so the configuration of the base member 20 can be simplified.

[0076] The groove 35 has a first portion 37 through which the head portion 24a can be inserted. This allows the bolt 24 to be replaced without removing the base member 20 from the roof 200. Furthermore, the base member 20 has a restricting portion 36 that restricts the rotation of the bolt 24. This improves the efficiency of the tightening work of the bolt 24 and the nut 25. Furthermore, the restricting portion 36 has a pair of vertical wall portions 36a formed on a pair of edges of the groove 35. This allows the configuration of the restricting portion 36 to be simplified.

[0077] The support member 22 has a mounting portion 48 on which the eaves-side and ridge-side solar modules 2 are mounted, and is formed with a first protrusion 48a for electrical continuity with the base material of the frame 11 of the ridge-side solar module 2 and a second protrusion 48b for electrical continuity with the base material of the frame 11 of the eaves-side solar module 2. This allows electrical continuity between each solar module 2 and the support member 22 to be achieved simply by placing each solar module 2 on the support member 22, and the fixing device 3 makes it easy to perform the electrical continuity work.

[0078] Furthermore, the first protrusions 48a and the second protrusions 48b formed on the support member 22 can be formed by bending a part of the mounting portion 48 when pressing the support member 22. Therefore, the support member 22 can be manufactured easily and inexpensively.

[0079] Furthermore, since the first protrusion 48a is electrically conductive with the base material of the side portion 14 of the frame 11 of the solar module 2 on the ridge side, the first protrusion 48a can be prevented from obstructing the insertion of the solar module 2 when the solar module 2 is inserted between the support member 22 and the pressing member 23.

[0080] Furthermore, the pressing member 23 has a restricting protrusion 62a on the first restricting portion 62 that prevents the insertion of a solar module 2 that is in an oblique position in the second position P2. This allows the fixing device 3 to prevent the solar module 2 from being erroneously placed between the support member 22 and the pressing member 23 when the bolts 24 and nuts 25 have not been tightened.

[0081] As described above, the fixing device 3 having the fixing tool 6 according to the embodiment makes it easy to check whether the fixing tool 6 has been left in place.

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In the above example, the pair of claws 44 are integrally formed on the pair of vertical wall portions 47 of the support member 22 by bending or the like, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pair of claws 44 may be formed separately from the pair of vertical wall portions 47 and, after the support member 22 is formed, fixed to the vertical wall portions 47 by welding, fastening with fastening members such as screws or rivets, or bonding with an adhesive or the like. Furthermore, ... configured to plastically deform or break and not restore their original shape when pressed by the presser member 23.

[0083] That is, 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]

[0084] 1...Solar power generation system, 2, 2A, 2B...Solar module, 3...Fixing device, 5...Decorative panel, 6...Fixing tool, 10...Solar panel, 11...Frame, 12...Cell, 13...Upper surface portion, 14...Side portion, 15...Lower surface portion, 16...Upper surface, 17...Lower surface, 18...Side, 20...Base member, 21...Fixing member, 22...Support member, 23...Member, 24...Bolt, 24a...Head portion, 24b...Base, 24c...Threaded portion, 25...Nut, 30...Base, 31...Flange, 32...Hole, 34...Vertical wall portion, 35 ...groove, 36...regulating portion, 36a...vertical wall portion, 37...first portion, 38...second portion, 41...base for support member, 42...support portion, 44...claw, 45...hole, 46...guided portion, 47...vertical wall portion, 47a...hole, 48...placing portion, 48a...first protrusion, 48b...second protrusion, 60...base, 60a...hole, 61...regulating portion, 62...first restricting portion, 62a...regulating protrusion, 63...second restricting portion, 65...third restricting portion, 66...fourth restricting portion, 200...roof, 201...roofing material, 202...sheathing board, 203...top surface, 204...top surface.

Claims

1. A fixture for attaching a plate-shaped solar module to an attachment target, a support member that is placed on the mounting object and that has a pair of vertical wall portions and a pair of mounting portions that are formed at upper ends of the pair of vertical wall portions and on which the solar module is mounted; a base portion fixed to the mounting target by a fixing member via the support member, and a pressing member disposed between the pair of vertical wall portions, the pressing member having a restricting portion provided on the base portion and restricting movement of the solar module in a direction away from the mounting target; a pair of claws formed on the pair of vertical wall portions, inclined relative to the vertical wall portions, the distance between the tips of which is smaller than the width of the base portion, and deformable by an external force; Equipped with The pair of claws abut against the base before the base is fixed to the mounting object by the fixing member, and tilt the pressing member toward an attitude in which the regulating portion regulates the movement of the solar module.

2. The fixture according to claim 1 , wherein the claws are elastically deformed by the external force.

3. 2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the regulating portion comprises a first regulating portion provided on the base, rising from the base, and facing a side surface of the solar module, and a second regulating portion provided on the first regulating portion and facing a main surface of the solar module opposite the mounting target.

4. the first restricting portion is disposed between two adjacent solar modules, the second restricting portion includes a third restricting portion facing one of the two solar modules and a fourth restricting portion facing the other of the two solar modules; The fixture of claim 3.

5. 5. The fixing device according to claim 4, further comprising: a first protrusion formed on the mounting portion and electrically connected to a side surface of one of the two solar modules; and a second protrusion electrically connected to a bottom surface of the other of the two solar modules.

6. The fixture according to claim 5 , wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are formed by a part of the mounting portion.

7. The fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 6; At least one of the fixing member and the mounting object which is a base member fixed to an installation location of the solar module; A fixing device comprising:

Images