Vehicle-mounted structure of solar cell modules

Abstract

To provide an on-vehicle structure of a solar cell module that can suppress or prevent deformation of the solar cell module in a direction perpendicular to an in-plane direction due to thermal expansion etc. of the solar cell module while preventing the positional deviation of the solar cell module due to vibrations etc. during travel of a vehicle.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle structure of a solar cell module comprises: a rectangular plate-shaped solar cell module; a joint member for joining the solar cell module to a vehicle body; and a holding member for fixing the solar cell module to the vehicle body using the joint member. The joint member joins the solar cell module to the vehicle body at one point. The holding member has: a body part arranged having a gap to the solar cell module in the in-plane direction of the solar cell module; and an engagement part engaged with at least a part of rims of the solar cell module from a surface side in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction of the solar cell module, the engagement part being extended from the body part to the center side in the in-plane direction of the solar cell module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an in-vehicle structure of a solar cell module. More specifically, the present invention relates to an in-vehicle structure of a solar cell module that can prevent displacement of the solar cell module due to vibrations during vehicle travel and suppress or prevent deformation of the solar cell module in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction of the solar cell module due to thermal expansion or the like of the solar cell module.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a solar cell mounting structure has been proposed that can improve the stability of a solar cell module mounted on a vehicle body (see Patent Document 1). In such a solar cell mounting structure, the solar cell module includes an adhesive portion that fixes a pair of opposing end portions of the light transmissive plate member to the vehicle body side, a main body portion connected to the center side of the back surface of the light transmissive plate member, and a fixing member having a fixing end portion fixed to the vehicle body side. According to such a solar cell mounting structure, the light transmissive plate member is adhesively fixed to the vehicle body side, and the central side of the light transmissive plate member is fixed to the vehicle body side by the fixing member. Therefore, the number of fixing points of the solar cell module to the vehicle body can be increased, and the stability of the solar cell module with respect to the vehicle body can be improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the solar cell mounting structure as described in Patent Document 1, stress is applied between a plurality of fixing points due to thermal expansion or the like of the solar cell module in the in-plane direction. Therefore, there is a problem that the solar cell module is deformed in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction due to the stress.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art, and aims to provide an in-vehicle structure for a solar cell module that can prevent displacement of the solar cell module due to vibrations during vehicle operation, while suppressing or preventing deformation of the solar cell module in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction due to thermal expansion of the solar cell module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of diligent research to achieve the above objective, the inventors of the present invention have found that the above objective can be achieved by providing a joining member that joins the solar cell module and the vehicle body at one point, and a predetermined holding member that fixes the solar cell module to the vehicle body between the joining member, and have completed the present invention.

[0007] In other words, the vehicle-mounted structure of the solar cell module of the present invention comprises a rectangular plate-shaped solar cell module, a joining member for joining the solar cell module to the vehicle body, and a holding member for fixing the solar cell module to the vehicle body between the joining member. The connecting member joins the solar cell module to the vehicle body at a single point. The holding member has a main body portion that is positioned between itself and the solar cell module in the in-plane direction of the solar cell module, and an engaging portion that extends from the main body portion toward the center in the in-plane direction of the solar cell module and engages with at least a part of the edge of the solar cell module from the surface side in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction of the solar cell module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, since the solar cell module and the vehicle body are joined at one point by a joining member and the aforementioned holding member which fixes the solar cell module to the vehicle body between the joining member, it is possible to provide an on-board structure for a solar cell module that can prevent displacement of the solar cell module due to vibrations during vehicle operation, while suppressing or preventing deformation of the solar cell module in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction due to thermal expansion of the solar cell module. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view showing a first embodiment of the vehicle-mounted structure of the solar cell module of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the in-vehicle structure of the solar cell module, cut along the line II-II. [Figure 3] This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a part of the first embodiment of the in-vehicle structure of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a part of a second embodiment of the in-vehicle structure of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a part of a third embodiment of the in-vehicle structure of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of a third embodiment of the vehicle-mounted structure of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic plan view showing a second embodiment of the vehicle-mounted structure of the solar cell module of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the solar cell module shown, cut along the line VIII-VIII. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The vehicle-mounted structure of the solar cell module of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings cited below are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0011] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a first embodiment of an in-vehicle structure for a solar cell module, showing the solar cell module positioned on the roof panel of a vehicle. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the in-vehicle structure for the solar cell module shown in Figure 1, cut along line II-II. The upper cross-sectional view in Figure 2 shows the distance between the retaining member and the solar cell module when the temperature of the solar cell module is low, for example, when the solar cell module is not generating power. On the other hand, the lower cross-sectional view in Figure 2 shows the distance between the retaining member and the solar cell module when the temperature of the solar cell module is high, for example, when the solar cell module generates heat due to power generation and expands due to thermal expansion.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle-mounted structure 1 of the solar cell module in this embodiment includes a rectangular plate-shaped solar cell module 10, joining members 20 such as bolts for joining the solar cell module 10 to the vehicle body 40, and a frame-shaped holding member 30 for fixing the solar cell module 10 to the vehicle body 40 between the joining members 20. In the illustrated example, the solar cell module 10 is arranged across the entire surface of the roof panel 41 of the vehicle body 40.

[0013] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the joining member 20 joins the center of gravity 10g of the solar cell module 10 to the center 41c of the roof panel 41.

[0014] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the holding member 30 has a main body portion 30A and an engaging portion 30B. In the present embodiment, the main body portion 30A is disposed with a gap S provided therebetween and the solar cell module 10 in the in-plane direction of the solar cell module 10 (the left-right direction in FIG. 2). Further, the engaging portion 30B extends from the main body portion 30A toward the center side in the in-plane direction of the solar cell module 10, and engages with the edge portions 10a of the solar cell module 10 in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the vehicle body 10 at the edge portions 10a of the solar cell module 10 in the surface side in the direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction of the solar cell module 10, that is, the four edge portions 10a (see FIG. 1), and holds the solar cell module 10. Here, the direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction of the solar cell module 10 is the direction indicated by the arrow Z in FIG. 2, and the surface side in that direction is the upper side in FIG. 2. Further, the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 10 is the direction indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 1, and the left-right direction of the vehicle body is the direction indicated by the arrow Y in FIG. 1.

[0015] Next, the advantages of the present embodiment will be described. According to the present embodiment, since the joining member 20 that joins the center of gravity 10g of the solar cell module 10 and the center 41c of the roof panel 41 of the vehicle body 40, and the holding member 30 having the main body portion 30A and the engaging portion 30B described above are provided, as shown in FIG. 2, even when the temperature of the solar cell module becomes high, expansion (contraction) due to thermal expansion or the like to the outside of the solar cell module can be tolerated. As a result, while preventing displacement of the solar cell module due to vibrations or the like during vehicle travel, deformation of the solar cell module in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction of the solar cell module due to thermal expansion or the like of the solar cell module, specifically, occurrence of breakage or lifting can be suppressed or prevented.

[0016] Further, according to the present embodiment, when the solar cell module 10 is disposed over the entire surface of the roof panel 41 of the vehicle body 40, since the joining member 20 joins the center of gravity 10g of the solar cell module 10 and the center 41c of the roof panel 41, there is an advantage that stress applied to the joining member 20 can be reduced when the solar cell module 10 is disposed over the entire surface of the roof panel 41 of the vehicle body 40.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the engaging portion 30B engages with the four edges of the vehicle body 40 in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction at the edge 10a of the solar cell module 10, there is an advantage that the displacement of the solar cell module due to vibrations during vehicle travel can be more reliably prevented.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the vicinity of the edge of the solar cell module in the first embodiment of the vehicle-mounted structure of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, in the vehicle-mounted structure of the solar cell module of the first embodiment, the solar cell module 10 has a solar cell 11, a light-transmitting member 12, and a sealing material 13, and the solar cell 11 is fixed to the light-transmitting member 12 with the sealing material 13. Further, the holding member 30 has bolts 31 and nuts 32, and is fixed to the vehicle body 40 (roof panel 41) with these. The solar cell module 10 holds the position of the solar cell module 10 in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction of the solar cell module 10 by sandwiching the light-transmitting member 12 between the engaging portion 30B of the holding member 30 and the vehicle body 40 (roof panel 41). On the other hand, by providing a gap S between the light-transmitting member 12 and the main body portion 30A of the holding member 30 in the in-plane direction of the solar cell module 10, expansion (contraction) due to thermal expansion or the like in the in-plane direction of the solar cell module 10 is allowed. In order to secure the mounting space for the solar cell 11, a cushioning spacer 33 such as resin may be provided between the light-transmitting member 12 and the vehicle body 40 (roof panel 41).

[0019] Next, the advantages of this example will be described. According to this example, even in a solar cell module in which the solar cell is fixed to the light-transmitting member with a sealing material, while preventing the displacement of the solar cell module due to vibrations during vehicle travel, it is possible to suppress or prevent deformation of the solar cell module in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction of the solar cell module due to thermal expansion or the like, and a holding member can be formed with a simple configuration using bolts or the like.

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the edge of the solar cell module in a second embodiment of the vehicle-mounted structure of the solar cell module of the first embodiment. Note that the lower cross-sectional view in Figure 4 shows the upper cross-sectional view in Figure 4 cut along the in-plane direction of the light-transmitting member 12.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the vehicle-mounted structure of the solar cell module of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the vehicle-mounted structure of the solar cell module of the first embodiment, except that the mounting positions of the bolts 31, etc., are the same as the positions where the light-transmitting member 12 is sandwiched between the engaging portion 30B of the retaining member 30 and the vehicle body 40 (roof panel 41), and furthermore, a circular hole is provided in the light-transmitting member 12 so that a gap 10c for expansion and contraction is formed between the light-transmitting member 12 of the solar cell module 10 and the bolt 31.

[0022] Next, the advantages of this example will be explained. According to this example, in addition to the advantages of the first embodiment, even if the mounting position of the bolts, etc. is the same as the position where the light-transmitting member is sandwiched between the engaging portion and the roof panel, the retaining member can be formed with a simple configuration using bolts, etc.

[0023] Figure 5 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the edge of the solar cell module in the third embodiment of the vehicle-mounted structure of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. Note that the lower cross-sectional view in Figure 5 shows the upper cross-sectional view in Figure 5 cut along the in-plane direction of the light-transmitting member 12. Figure 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a part of the third embodiment of the vehicle-mounted structure of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. In Figure 6, the main body and engaging portion of the holding member are omitted.

[0024] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the vehicle-mounted structure of the solar cell module of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the vehicle-mounted structure of the solar cell module of the second embodiment, except that a notch 10b is provided in the light-transmitting member 12 so that an expansion gap 10c is formed between the light-transmitting member 12 and the bolt 31 of the solar cell module 10. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the notch direction of the notch 10b is extended in the direction in which the joining member 20 is provided.

[0025] Next, the advantages of this example will be explained. In addition to the advantages of the second embodiment, this example eliminates the need to provide a gap for shrinkage, thereby increasing the area on which solar cells can be mounted. Furthermore, since the direction of the notch in the notch portion extends in the direction in which the joining member is provided, the area on which the light-transmitting member is held down by the holding member can be increased without reducing the mounting area of ​​the solar cells.

[0026] Here, we will explain the specifications and material types of each component in more detail.

[0027] (Solar cells) For example, a silicon-based solar cell can be used as the solar cell 11. However, it is not limited to silicon-based solar cells, and conventionally known solar cells such as compound or organic types can be used.

[0028] (Light-transmitting material) For example, glass or resin can be used as the light-transmitting member 12. From the viewpoint of weight reduction, engineering plastics such as acrylic, polyimide, and polycarbonate can be suitably used. From the viewpoint of weather resistance and weight reduction, polycarbonate can be suitably used in particular.

[0029] (Sealing material) For example, ethylene vinyl acetate resin or polyvinyl butyral resin can be used as the encapsulant 13. However, the encapsulant is not limited to these materials, and conventionally known encapsulants that can be used as encapsulants for solar cells can also be used.

[0030] (Jointing member) For example, bolts and nuts can be used as the joining members 20. However, the joining members are not limited to such members, and conventionally known adhesives or welded joints (materials) that can be used as joining members for solar cell modules can also be used.

[0031] (Retaining member) For example, metal or fiber-reinforced resin can be used as the retaining member 30. The retaining member may be integrated with the vehicle body by welding or adhesive, or it may be fixed to the vehicle body using bolts or the like as described above.

[0032] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the vehicle-mounted structure of the solar cell module according to the second embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as described above, and detailed inventions are omitted.

[0033] (Second Embodiment) Figure 7 is a schematic plan view illustrating a second embodiment of the on-board structure for a solar cell module, showing the solar cell module positioned on the door panel of a vehicle. In Figure 7, arrow X indicates the vehicle height direction (vertical direction of the vehicle body), and arrow Y indicates the vehicle width direction (horizontal direction of the vehicle body). Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the on-board structure for the solar cell module shown in Figure 7, cut along line VIII-VIII. The left cross-sectional view in Figure 8 shows the distance between the retaining member and the solar cell module when the temperature of the solar cell module is low, for example, when the solar cell module is not generating power. On the other hand, the right cross-sectional view in Figure 8 shows the distance between the retaining member and the solar cell module when the temperature of the solar cell module is high, for example, when the solar cell module generates heat due to power generation and expands due to thermal expansion. In Figure 8, arrow Z indicates the direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction of the solar cell module.

[0034] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in the vehicle-mounted structure 2 of this embodiment, the solar cell module 10 is arranged over the entire widthwise and a portion of the heightwise direction of the back door 42 of the vehicle body 40, and the joining member 20 joins the lower end of the solar cell module 10 on the centerline in the widthwise direction to one point on the centerline of the back door 42, except that the structure has the same configuration as the vehicle-mounted structure 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engaging portion 30B engages with the edge portion 10a of the solar cell module 10 at vertical and horizontal positions on the vehicle body 40 (back door 42), and the main body portion 30A in the downward direction of the vehicle body 40 is in contact with the solar cell module 10 in the in-plane direction of the solar cell module 10.

[0035] Next, the advantages of this embodiment will be described. According to this embodiment, since the solar cell module 10 is provided with a joining member 20 that joins the lower end of the solar cell module 10 on the centerline in the vehicle width direction and on the centerline of the back door 42 at one point, and a holding member 30 having the main body portion 30A and engaging portion 30B as described above, as shown in Figure 8, even if the temperature of the solar cell module rises, it is possible to allow expansion (contraction) of the solar cell module due to thermal expansion upwards. As a result, it is possible to prevent displacement of the solar cell module due to vibrations during vehicle operation, while suppressing or preventing deformation of the solar cell module in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction due to thermal expansion of the solar cell module.

[0036] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the solar cell module 10 is positioned on a part of the back door 42 of the vehicle body 40, the joining member 20 joins the lower end of the solar cell module 10 on the centerline in the vehicle width direction to one point on the centerline of the back door 42. Therefore, the same effect can be obtained simply by providing a gap S on the upper side in the vehicle height direction and on the left and right sides in the vehicle width direction.

[0037] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the engaging portion 30B engages with the edges 10a of the solar cell module 10 at vertical and horizontal positions on the vehicle body 40, and the main body portion 30A in the downward direction of the vehicle body 40 contacts the solar cell module 10 in the in-plane direction of the solar cell module 10, so the main body portion 30A in the downward direction can support the solar cell module. This reduces the stress on the joining member 20.

[0038] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to some embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0039] The core of this invention is to prevent displacement of the solar cell module due to vibrations during vehicle operation, while suppressing or preventing deformation of the solar cell module in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction, by ensuring that no stress is applied between the joint member and the holding member that fix the solar cell module due to thermal expansion of the solar cell module.

[0040] Therefore, as long as no stress is applied between the joining member and the holding member that fix the solar cell module, the specifications and materials of the joining member and the holding member are not particularly limited.

[0041] The stress on the joint member changes depending on the size of the solar cell module, its mounting position and angle on the vehicle body, and the degree of engagement between the solar cell module and the retaining member. Therefore, the position of the joint member can be adjusted as appropriate according to that stress. Furthermore, the mounting position is not limited to the roof panel or rear panel of the vehicle body, but may also be on the side panel of the vehicle body.

[0042] Furthermore, while we have described an example of a retaining member having an integrated frame-shaped main body and engaging portion that engages with the entire edge of the solar cell module, it is also possible to use a retaining member having a divided frame-shaped main body and engaging portion that engages with a part of each of the four sides of the edge of the solar cell module (for example, the central part or the ends (i.e., the four corners)).

[0043] Furthermore, the components described above are not limited to those shown in each embodiment. It is possible to change the details of the specifications of the solar cell, light-transmitting member, sealing material, bonding member, holding member, and vehicle body, and to apply the components of each embodiment to other embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0044] 1,2 Vehicle-mounted structure of solar cell modules 10 solar modules 10a Edge 10b Notch 10cm gap 10g center of gravity 11 solar cells 12 Light-transmitting member 13. Sealing material 20 Joining members 30 Retaining member 30A Main Unit 30B Engagement part 31 volts 32 nuts 33 Spacers 40 car bodies 41 Roof Panel 41c center 42 Back door S interval

Claims

1. The system comprises a rectangular plate-shaped solar cell module, a joining member for joining the solar cell module to the vehicle body, and a holding member for fixing the solar cell module to the vehicle body between the joining member. The above-mentioned joining member connects the solar cell module and the vehicle body at one point, between the center of gravity of the solar cell module and the center of the roof panel of the vehicle body. The above-mentioned holding member is characterized by having a main body portion that is positioned with a gap between it and the four edges of the solar cell module in the in-plane direction of the solar cell module, and an engaging portion that extends from the main body portion toward the center in the in-plane direction of the solar cell module and engages with the edges of the four edges of the solar cell module at positions in the front-rear and left-right directions of the vehicle body from the surface side in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction of the solar cell module.

2. The on-board structure for a solar cell module according to claim 1, characterized in that the solar cell module is arranged across the entire roof panel of the vehicle body.

3. A rectangular plate-shaped solar cell module, a joining member for joining the solar cell module to the vehicle body, and a holding member for fixing the solar cell module to the vehicle body between the joining member, The above-mentioned joining member connects the solar cell module and the vehicle body, with the lower end of the solar cell module on the centerline in the vehicle width direction and one point on the centerline of the rear panel or back door of the vehicle body. The above-mentioned retaining member has a main body and an engaging portion, The main body is positioned such that, in the in-plane direction of the solar cell module, it contacts the solar cell module in the downward direction of the vehicle body, and is spaced apart from the other edges of the solar cell module. A vehicle-mounted structure for a solar cell module, characterized in that the engaging portion extends from the main body toward the center in the in-plane direction of the solar cell module and engages with the edges of the four sides of the solar cell module at positions in the front-rear and left-right directions of the vehicle body, from the surface side in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction of the solar cell module.

4. The on-board structure for a solar cell module according to claim 3, characterized in that the solar cell module is arranged over the entire width direction and a part of the height direction of the rear panel or back door of the vehicle body.

5. The retaining member has a bolt and is fixed to the vehicle body with the bolt, The vehicle-mounted solar cell module according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the solar cell module has a notch at its edge that forms a gap between itself and the bolt.

6. The automotive solar cell module according to claim 5, characterized in that the direction of the notch in the notched portion extends in the direction in which the joining member is provided.

7. The solar cell module comprises a solar cell, a light-transmitting member, and a sealing material, The vehicle-mounted structure of a solar cell module according to claim 1, characterized in that the solar cell is fixed to the light-transmitting member with the sealing material.

8. The vehicle-mounted structure for a solar cell module according to claim 7, characterized in that the light-transmitting member includes polycarbonate.

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