Frame separation device

Abstract

To provide a frame separation device capable of easily separating an outer frame from a solar cell module with a simple configuration regardless of the size of the solar cell module.SOLUTION: A frame separation device 100 includes a panel holding mechanism 10 that presses and holds a solar cell panel 2 of a solar cell module 1 inserted in the horizontal direction from the upper and lower surfaces, and a main body part 20 that fixes the panel holding mechanism 10 from the outside of an outer frame 3 of the solar cell panel 2 of the inserted solar cell module 1. Furthermore, the panel holding mechanism 10 includes a pressing cylinder 30 that presses the first side of the outer frame 3 of the solar cell panel 2 from the inside to the outside. The pressing cylinder 30 is located on the axis AY of the pressing direction of the panel holding mechanism 10 against the solar cell panel 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a frame separation device for separating an outer frame from a solar cell module in which the outer frame is fitted into the outer peripheral end of a solar cell panel.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, solar cell modules in which a metal outer frame (frame) is fitted into the outer peripheral end of a solar cell panel have been widely used. The solar cell panel has a plate-like laminated structure in which a solar cell laminate including a semiconductor substrate on which solar cell elements are formed, a glass substrate provided on the light receiving surface side thereof, and a backsheet provided on the non-light receiving surface side thereof are laminated.

[0003] The outer frame surrounds the periphery of the solar cell panel and is fixed to the outer peripheral end of the solar cell panel via, for example, a filler or a screw. Thereby, the solar cell module has improved water resistance and water stoppage property.

[0004] The service life of a solar cell module is 20 to 30 years, but due to natural disasters such as typhoons and snow accumulation, damage during installation work or operation, etc., a significant amount of recycling of solar modules is occurring. However, as described above, the solar cell module has a structure in which the solar cell panel and the outer frame are firmly fixed by a filler or a screw, and it is very difficult to disassemble and recycle it by the manual work of a disassembler.

[0005] Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a frame removal device provided with claw bodies that push out the left and right short side frames and the front and rear long side frames of a solar cell module fixed on a base portion outward to remove each frame from the main body of the solar cell module.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, the volume and weight of a solar cell module when the outer frame is not separated are extremely large. Furthermore, the frame removal device described in Patent Document 1 requires a large amount of power (device) to firmly fix the solar cell module in order to simultaneously remove the opposing long and short frame sides of the solar cell module. In addition, in order to prevent the solar cell module from rotating when the frame is removed, it is necessary to provide multiple fixing pads to fix the solar cell module, as in the frame removal device of Patent Document 1, or to firmly fix the central part of the solar cell module with a large amount of power. This inevitably leads to a complex configuration and a tendency for the entire device to be large.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a frame separation device that can easily separate the outer frame from a solar cell module, regardless of the size of the solar cell module, and with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The frame separation device of the present invention comprises the following means to achieve the above objective.

[0010] The frame separation device of the present invention separates the outer frame from the solar cell panel. The frame separation device comprises a panel holding mechanism that presses and holds the horizontally inserted solar cell panel from the top and bottom surfaces, and a main body that fixes the panel holding mechanism from the outside of the outer frame of the inserted solar cell panel.

[0011] The panel holding mechanism has a pressing cylinder that presses the first side of the outer frame of the solar cell panel from the inside out, and the pressing cylinder is located on the axis of the pressing direction of the panel holding mechanism relative to the solar cell panel.

[0012] In this configuration, because the pressing cylinder is positioned on the axis of the panel holding mechanism in the direction of pressing against the solar cell panel, a rotational moment is less likely to be generated in the solar cell panel when the pressing cylinder presses the first side of the outer frame of the solar cell panel from the inside to the outside. As a result, the outer frame 3 can be separated without the solar cell panel rotating, even without applying a large amount of force to press the solar cell panel.

[0013] Furthermore, in this configuration, the main unit fixes the panel holding mechanism from the outside of the outer frame of the solar panel into which it is inserted. Then, the solar panel is pressed from above and below by the panel holding mechanism, aligning with the position where the pressing cylinder applies pressure, and the pressure from the pressing cylinder acts on the outer frame of the solar panel. In other words, in this configuration, when separating the outer frame from the solar panel, the solar panel should be placed in the frame separation device aligning with the position where the pressing cylinder applies pressure.

[0014] Therefore, the frame separation device of the present invention allows for easy separation of the outer frame from the solar cell module, regardless of the size of the solar cell module, and with a simple configuration.

[0015] Furthermore, the panel holding mechanism of the frame separation device of the present invention has an adjustment part for adjusting the direction of the pressing cylinder.

[0016] This configuration allows the orientation of the pressing cylinder to be adjusted so that it is perpendicular to the first edge of the solar panel's outer frame when the pressing cylinder presses the first edge from the inside out, depending on the angle between the pressing cylinder and the first edge. As a result, even if the solar panel is installed slightly misaligned with the frame separation device, the outer frame can be separated from the solar panel without moving the solar panel or generating a rotational moment in the solar panel.

[0017] Furthermore, the frame separation device of the present invention is provided with a sliding mechanism on the mounting surface of the main body that allows the main body to slide in the longitudinal direction of the mounting table on which it is placed.

[0018] With this configuration, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the operation of separating the outer frame from the solar panel and the convenience of the frame separation device.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] The present invention can easily separate the outer frame from the solar cell module with a simple configuration regardless of the size of the solar cell module.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a frame separation device 100 and a solar cell module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an external side view of the frame separation device 100. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the external upper surface of the frame separation device 100 shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an external side view of the frame separation device 100 in a state where the solar cell module 1 is held by a panel holding mechanism 10. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the frame separation device 100 showing a state where a pressing cylinder 30 slides in the direction of arrow X in the frame separation device 100 shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of the frame separation device 100 provided with a slide mechanism 40.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, the frame separation device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0022] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a frame separation device 100 and a solar cell module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 1 shows an example in the case where two frame separation devices 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention are installed.

[0023] First, the configuration of the solar cell module 1 will be described.

[0024] The solar cell module 1 comprises a solar cell panel 2, an outer frame 3 fitted to the outer edge of the solar cell panel 2, and a wiring cable (not shown) for transmitting the electromotive force generated by the solar cell panel 2 to the outside. Although the solar cell panel 2 is a component of the solar cell module 1, in the following description, "solar cell panel 2" includes the solar cell module 1.

[0025] The solar cell panel 2 has a plate-like laminated structure in which a solar cell laminate including a semiconductor substrate on which solar cell elements are formed, a glass substrate provided on the light-receiving side thereof, and a back sheet provided on the back side (non-light-receiving side) thereof are laminated.

[0026] The outer frame 3 is a quadrilateral (a rectangle in this embodiment) composed of four sides: the first side 3A, the second side 3B, the third side 3C, and the fourth side 3D, and surrounds the solar cell panel 2. Both ends of the first side 3A are joined to the ends of the fourth side 3D and the second side 3B, for example, with screws or metal fittings. Both ends of the second side 3B are joined to the ends of the third side 3C and the first side 3A, for example, with screws or metal fittings. Both ends of the third side 3C are joined to the ends of the fourth side 3D and the second side 3B, for example, with screws or metal fittings. Both ends of the fourth side 3D are joined to the ends of the third side 3C and the first side 3A, for example, with screws or metal fittings. The material of the outer frame 3 is a metal such as aluminum.

[0027] Next, we will describe the configuration of the frame separation device 100 that separates the outer frame 3 from the solar cell module 1.

[0028] Figure 2 is an external side view of the frame separation device 100 shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic view of the external top view of the frame separation device 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0029] The frame separation device 100 includes a panel holding mechanism 10 that presses and holds the solar panel 2 of the solar cell module 1, which is inserted horizontally (in the direction of arrow X), from the top and bottom surfaces, and a main body 20 that fixes the panel holding mechanism 10 from the outside of the outer frame 3 of the solar panel 2 of the inserted solar cell module 1.

[0030] The material of the frame separation device 100 is, for example, a metal such as carbon steel.

[0031] The panel holding mechanism 10 comprises a lifting section 11, a pressing plate 12, a support section 13, a body section 14, a fixing plate 15, and a base end section 16.

[0032] The lifting section 11 protrudes vertically upward from the base end 16 and is provided to be vertically movable relative to the fixed plate 15 from the base end 16. The lifting section 11 is a movable part composed of, for example, a hydraulic cylinder. Alternatively, the lifting section 11 may be a movable part composed of a combination of a link mechanism and an actuator within the base end 16. In this case, the actuator can be, for example, a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuator. Alternatively, an appropriate lifting mechanism (including manual operation) may be used as the configuration of the lifting section 11.

[0033] The pressing plate 12 is a flat metal member fixed to the vertically upper end surface of the lifting section 11 via a cylindrical support section 13. As the pressing plate 12 rises due to the lifting section 11, it contacts the lower surface (back surface) of the solar cell panel 2 and presses against it. It then fixes and holds the solar cell panel 2 between itself and the fixing plate 15, which will be described later.

[0034] Furthermore, in order to prevent damage to the solar panel 1 when fixing the solar panel 2 and to more securely fix the solar panel 2, a cushioning member made of resin material may be provided on the contact surface with the solar panel 2 on both or either the pressing plate 12 or the fixing plate 15.

[0035] The body section 14 is a cylindrical housing composed of an upper body section 14a and a lower body section 14b, and is connected to and fixed to the main body section 20. The upper body section 14a and the lower body section 14b are connected via annular connecting sections 17a and 17b, so that the lower body section 14b is rotatable relative to the upper body section 14a. A fixing plate 15, which is a flat metal member, is fixed to the vertically downward end surface of the lower body section 14b.

[0036] Furthermore, the panel holding mechanism 10 includes a pressing cylinder 30 that presses the first side of the outer frame 3 of the solar cell panel 2 from the inside out. The pressing cylinder 30 is installed in openings 14c and 14d provided on the side surface of the lower body 14b, so as to penetrate the lower body 14b horizontally. In other words, the pressing cylinder 30 is installed integrally with the panel holding mechanism 10.

[0037] The pressing cylinder 30 is located on the axis AY of the panel holding mechanism 10 in the direction of pressing against the solar cell panel 2 (direction of arrow Y in Figure 2) (see Figures 2 and 3). The pressing cylinder 30 comprises a housing 30a and a cylinder 30b that is slidably inserted into the housing 30a. The cylinder 30b protrudes from the housing 30a. The tip surface of the cylinder 30b has a groove so that when it comes into contact with an edge of the outer frame 3, that edge fits into it. The pressing cylinder 30 is connected by an operator to a portable pressure device (not shown) at the installation site. The portable pressure device is, for example, a portable hydraulic pump.

[0038] In this embodiment, the pressing cylinder 30 has a groove, but it is not limited to this. In implementation, the tip surface of the pressing cylinder 30 may be flat.

[0039] Furthermore, the panel holding mechanism 10 has an adjustment unit 18 for adjusting the orientation of the pressing cylinder 30. The adjustment unit 18 is a lever provided on the side of the lower body 14b, and by gripping and manually operating it, the operator can rotate the lower body 14b relative to the upper body 14a (see Figure 3). As the lower body 14b rotates, the orientation of the pressing cylinder 30 is adjusted.

[0040] The main body 20 comprises a support column 20a, a connecting portion 20b, and a base portion 20c.

[0041] The support column 20a is located outside the outer frame 3 of the solar panel 2 when the solar cell module 1 is inserted horizontally (in the direction of arrow X) into the panel holding mechanism 10. The connecting portion 20b is connected to the body portion 14 of the panel holding mechanism 10, and the base portion 20c is connected to the base end portion 16 of the panel holding mechanism 10.

[0042] The panel holding mechanism 10 is then fixed in such a way that the connecting portion 20b and the base portion 20c extend inward from the support portion 20a located on the outside of the outer frame 3 of the solar cell panel 2 toward the inside of the solar cell module 1. In other words, the main body portion 20 is roughly U-shaped when viewed from the side of the frame separation device 100 (in the direction of arrow Z in Figure 3).

[0043] Furthermore, the longitudinal length of the connecting portion 20b and the base portion 20c only needs to be at least as long as the total length of the cylinder 30b of the pressing cylinder 30, thereby enabling miniaturization of the entire frame separation device 100.

[0044] Next, we will explain the operation of the frame separation device 100, which separates the outer frame 3 from the solar panel 2.

[0045] Figure 4 is an external side view of the frame separation device 100 in which the solar cell module 1 is held by the panel holding mechanism 10. Figure 5 is an external perspective view of the frame separation device 100 shown in Figure 4, in which the pressing cylinder 30 has slid in the direction of arrow X.

[0046] In the frame separation device 100, which is placed on a mounting base 19 of a predetermined height, the solar cell module 1 is installed in the frame separation device 100 by inserting it horizontally (in the direction of arrow X) into the gap between the pressing plate 12 and the fixing plate 15 of the panel holding mechanism 10.

[0047] Next, the lifting section 11 of the panel holding mechanism 10 is raised, and the pressing plate 12 is brought into contact with the lower surface (back surface) of the solar cell panel 2. Subsequently, the lifting section 11 is raised further, and the pressing plate 12 presses against the solar cell panel 2, fixing and holding the solar cell panel 2 between it and the fixing plate 15 (see Figures 4 and 5(a)).

[0048] Next, the operator drives the portable pressure device and applies pressure to the pressing cylinder 30. When the pressing cylinder 30 slides in the direction of arrow X (the direction in which the fourth side 3D extends) due to the pressure from the portable pressure device, it comes into contact with the first side 3A of the outer frame 3 (see Figure 5(b)). Then, with the panel holding mechanism 10 fixing the solar cell panel 2, the pressing cylinder 30 presses the first side 3A in the direction of arrow X due to the pressure from the portable pressure device. The pressing force is, for example, 7 MPa or more.

[0049] In this case, it is preferable that the pressing cylinder 30 slides while pressing until at least half of one side is peeled off. This is because once at least half of one side is peeled off, the worker can easily peel off the other side completely by hand.

[0050] Subsequently, the worker repeats the same process on the remaining three sides 3B, 3C, and 3D, and finally, manually separates all four sides 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D from the solar panel 2. This separates the outer frame 3 from the solar module 1.

[0051] In this embodiment, the frame separation device 100 has a pressing cylinder 30 positioned on the axis AY of the pressing direction (direction of arrow Y in Figure 2) of the panel holding mechanism 10 against the solar cell panel 2. As a result, when the pressing cylinder 30 presses the first side of the outer frame 3 of the solar cell panel 2 from the inside to the outside, it is difficult for a rotational moment to be generated in the solar cell panel 2. Therefore, the outer frame 3 can be separated without the solar cell panel 2 rotating, even without pressing the solar cell panel 2 with a large amount of power.

[0052] In this configuration, the main body 20 secures the panel holding mechanism 10 from the outside of the outer frame 3 of the solar cell panel 2 into which it is inserted. Then, the panel holding mechanism 10 presses the solar cell panel 2 from above and below, aligning with the position where the pressing cylinder 30 applies pressure, and the pressure from the pressing cylinder 30 acts on the outer frame 3 of the solar cell panel 2.

[0053] In other words, in this configuration, when separating the outer frame 3 from the solar panel 2, the solar panel 2 should be placed on the frame separation device 100 in accordance with the position where the pressing cylinder 30 applies pressure.

[0054] Therefore, the frame separation device 100 of this embodiment can easily separate the outer frame 3 from the solar cell module 1 regardless of the size of the solar cell module 1, and with a simple configuration. Furthermore, because the frame separation device 100 of this embodiment has a simple configuration, it is possible to make it smaller compared to similar devices.

[0055] Furthermore, the adjustment unit 18 of the panel holding mechanism 10 in this embodiment allows the direction of the pressing cylinder 30 to be perpendicular to the first side of the outer frame 3 of the solar cell panel 2 when the pressing cylinder 30 presses the first side of the outer frame 3 from the inside to the outside, according to the angle of contact between the pressing cylinder 30 and the first side. As a result, even if the solar cell panel 2 is installed slightly misaligned with the frame separation device 100, the outer frame can be separated from the solar cell panel 2 without moving the solar cell panel 2 and without generating a rotational moment in the solar cell panel 2.

[0056] In this embodiment, when adjusting the orientation of the pressing cylinder 30 by the adjustment unit 18, the lower body 14b can rotate 360 ​​degrees relative to the upper body 14a, meaning there is no limit to the rotation angle. However, the lower body 14b may be configured to limit its rotation to 90 degrees. For example, the device can be configured to adjust from a state where the pressing cylinder 30 is facing the support column 20a, i.e., when the solar cell panel 2 is installed on the frame separation device 100, the pressing cylinder 30 is perpendicular to the first side 3A of the outer frame 3 (hereinafter referred to as "state (1)"). The lower body 14b can then rotate to 90 degrees, so that when the solar cell panel 2 is installed on the frame separation device 100, the pressing cylinder 30 is perpendicular to the first side 3D of the outer frame 3 (hereinafter referred to as "state (2)"). The device can also be adjusted from state (2) back to state (1). This allows the two sides (the first side 3A and the fourth side 3D in this embodiment) that form the corners of the outer frame 3 of the solar cell panel 2 to be efficiently separated with minimal movement.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, only the solar cell module 1 is moved relative to the frame separation device 100 and installed on the frame separation device 100, but this is not the only possible configuration.

[0058] Figure 6 shows an example of a frame separation device 100 equipped with a sliding mechanism 40.

[0059] For example, a sliding mechanism 40 is provided on the mounting surface of the main body 20, allowing the main body 20 to slide in the longitudinal direction of the mounting base 19 on which the main body 20 is placed. In other words, a longitudinal sliding mechanism 40 is provided on the contact surfaces of the base portion 20c of the main body 20 and the mounting base 19, making it possible to slide the frame separation device 100 in the longitudinal direction of the mounting base 19.

[0060] The sliding mechanism 40 may be, for example, a slide rail equipped with an inner rail (on the base portion 20c side) and an outer rail (on the mounting base 19 side). The slide rail may be of the roller type or bearing type, and steel or stainless steel is preferred as the material.

[0061] This configuration is particularly useful when two frame separation devices 100 are used, as shown in Figure 6. Specifically, when a solar cell module 1 is installed in one frame separation device 100, the other frame separation device 100 can be slid to match the size of the solar cell module 1, making it possible to simultaneously perform the separation work on two sides of the outer frame 3 of the solar cell module 1. This improves work efficiency and the convenience of the frame separation device 100.

[0062] Finally, the above-described embodiments should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims, not by the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the scope of the invention is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1. Solar cell module 2. Solar panels 3. Outer frame 3A... First side 3B...2nd side 3C...Third side 3D...4th side 10. Panel holding mechanism 11. Lifting section 12. Pressing plate 13...Support part 14. Torso 14a...Upper section 14b...lower torso 15...Fixing plate 16...Proximal end 17a, 17b...connection section 18...Adjustment section 19... Mounting platform 20. Main body 20a...Strut part 20b...Connection part 20c... Base part 30. Pressing cylinder 30a... enclosure 30b...Cylinder 40...Slide mechanism 100... Frame separation device

Claims

1. In a frame separation device for separating the outer frame from a solar panel, A panel holding mechanism that presses and holds the solar cell panel, which is inserted horizontally, from the top and bottom surfaces, It comprises a main body that secures the panel holding mechanism from the outside of the outer frame of the inserted solar cell panel, The panel holding mechanism includes a pressing cylinder that presses the first side of the outer frame of the solar cell panel from the inside outwards, and an adjustment unit that adjusts the orientation of the pressing cylinder. A frame separation device characterized in that the pressing cylinder is located on the axis of the panel holding mechanism in the pressing direction relative to the solar cell panel.

2. The frame separation device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting surface of the main body is provided with a sliding mechanism that allows the main body to slide in the longitudinal direction of the mounting table on which the main body is mounted.

Images