Connecting member and frame structure that can be attached to any position on the horizontal member.

Abstract

This invention provides a mounting system for solar power generation equipment that allows for the connection of horizontal and diagonal members without processing them at the construction site, even if the foundation is installed in a location deviating from the design site or if the mounting system is erected at an angle. [Solution] A mounting frame for a solar power generation facility is constructed using a connecting member having a clamping and fixing structure in which a pair of clamping plates are fitted together, the first clamping portion clamps and fixes the outer circumference of the horizontal member, and the second clamping portion clamps and fixes the end of the diagonal member, and a horizontal member having an expandable mechanism at its end that allows for expansion and contraction in the longitudinal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting member capable of easily connecting a diagonal member to an arbitrary position of a horizontal member in a pedestal of a photovoltaic power generation facility, and a pedestal structure constituted by using the connecting member, the diagonal member, and the horizontal member. In particular, the present invention relates to a pedestal structure capable of flexibly setting the attachment position of the diagonal member according to the configuration of the horizontal member.

[0002] In this specification, the “photovoltaic power generation facility” is defined as a facility that constitutes a pedestal by erecting a column from a foundation formed on the ground, and supports a solar cell panel on the pedestal. In this specification, the “pedestal” refers to a support structure for attaching a solar cell panel, and is defined to include not only the support structure alone but also a state in which a solar cell panel is attached thereto. In this specification, the “horizontal member” is a component of a pedestal for a photovoltaic power generation facility, and is a member horizontally installed between beams and columns constituting the pedestal for a photovoltaic power generation facility, and includes those constituted by a single member or a plurality of members. In this specification, the “diagonal member” is a component of a pedestal for a photovoltaic power generation facility, and is a reinforcing member that diagonally connects a column or a foundation constituting the pedestal and the horizontal member to suppress horizontal deformation, torsional deformation, etc. of the pedestal, and is defined to include braces and cross braces.

Background Art

[0003] Photovoltaic power generation facilities include various forms such as so-called megasolar (large-scale photovoltaic power generation facilities), small and medium-sized stand-alone photovoltaic power generation facilities, and farming-type photovoltaic power generation facilities in which solar cell panels are installed in the space above farmland as solar sharing and agriculture is carried out in the lower space. All of these are basically structured by providing a foundation on the ground and erecting a pedestal.

[0004] These solar power generation facilities are installed on a variety of sites, including farmland, forests, reclaimed land, vacant land, factory sites, and former residential lots. Therefore, they are not always installed on flat ground, but are often installed on uneven or sloping terrain. Solar power generation facilities installed on various types of terrain generally employ a structure in which pile foundations or direct concrete foundations are constructed, a mounting frame is erected on top of them, and then solar panels are mounted on top of that.

[0005] Furthermore, the mounting structure for solar power generation equipment consists of a frame structure with columns, beams, purlins, and braces as the main components on a foundation, and is generally 1 meter or more in height. In snowy regions, the height may be set to 2 meters or more from the standpoint of dealing with snow loads and ease of maintenance. In addition, for agricultural solar power generation equipment, solar panels are installed in the space above the farmland, and agriculture is carried out in the space below. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the amount of sunlight necessary for crops and to ensure that agricultural machinery such as tractors can move without obstruction, and there are known to be cases where the mounting structure is about 4 meters high.

[0006] As the height of the support columns increases, the center of gravity of the frame shifts upward. Therefore, if the frame is erected independently, it becomes an unstable structure that could be deformed by overturning moments or, in the worst case, topple over when subjected to horizontal loads from wind or earthquakes. To stabilize the frame, horizontal members are installed between multiple support columns, integrating multiple frames and increasing the overall rigidity of the frame.

[0007] However, even if the rigidity of the entire mounting structure is increased by horizontal members as described above, in mounting structures with tall support columns, horizontal restraint by horizontal members alone is insufficient to adequately suppress deformation, twisting, and buckling of the entire structure. In particular, when the support columns are tall, such as in mounting structures for agricultural solar power generation equipment, the risk of insufficient rigidity increases. To mitigate such risks, diagonal members are installed between multiple support columns or foundations and horizontal members to achieve the following effects: (1) suppression of horizontal deformation, (2) improvement of torsional rigidity, (3) suppression of support column buckling, (4) appropriate load transmission of external forces, and (5) prevention of overturning and uplift.

[0008] However, as mentioned above, solar power generation equipment is not always installed on flat ground, but is often installed on uneven or sloping ground. When installing pile foundations on ground with complex terrain, poor working conditions can cause the pile foundation positions to deviate from the design specifications, or the support columns to be erected at an angle. Furthermore, even with direct concrete foundations, if installed on soft ground, uneven settlement can occur, resulting in a non-level finished surface.

[0009] If support columns are erected on such a foundation, the mounting structure may shift or become distorted, resulting in misalignment and uneven tilting of the solar panels above, leading to reduced power generation efficiency. Furthermore, if the horizontal and diagonal members that make up the mounting structure are misaligned from their design positions, the load transfer between members becomes insufficient, making it difficult to ensure the rigidity of the mounting structure.

[0010] Thus, if the installation position of the pile foundation deviates from the design value, or if the direct foundation tilts, the construction site may need to reinstall the foundation, or leave the foundation as is and cut or extend the horizontal or diagonal members to accommodate the shifted section of the erection. In addition, if members are fastened together with bolts, it will be necessary to redrill the fastening holes that have shifted position. As a result, extra work is required, work efficiency deteriorates, and this can lead to increased costs and delays in the construction schedule.

[0011] In particular, in structures where diagonal members are fixedly attached to predetermined positions on horizontal members, it is difficult to flexibly accommodate deviations in the foundation position or support column position at the site. If the mounting position assumed during the design phase does not match the actual mounting position, there is a problem that the diagonal members cannot be effectively positioned due to their structure. In other words, in conventional mounting systems for solar power generation equipment, it is difficult to attach diagonal members to arbitrary positions on horizontal members, and there is a problem that the placement of diagonal members cannot be flexibly adjusted according to construction errors or terrain conditions.

[0012] Therefore, as a means of solving the above-mentioned problems, related technology is disclosed in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-105680 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] The solar panel mounting frame disclosed in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "disclosed mounting frame") comprises a plurality of foundations installed on the ground, front support columns, rear support columns, and diagonal support columns erected on them, a vertical beam connecting the upper ends of each support column, and a horizontal beam positioned perpendicularly above the vertical beam. Each support column has an extension mechanism that can be locked at any position in the height direction, and the upper end of the diagonal support column is rotatably provided with a sliding member (mounting member) that can slide along the vertical beam. The vertical beam has a cylindrical shape with a square cross-section, and a guide groove with a roughly U-shaped cross-section is formed on its side in the axial direction. The mounting member has an H-shaped cross-section, and the vertical beam is fitted between the upper webs and fixed by screwing it in with bolts and nuts.

[0015] Therefore, since the length of each support column in the disclosed mounting frame can be extended or retracted to any desired position, even if the ground is uneven, the positional displacement of the upper structure, including the vertical and horizontal beams, and even the solar power generation panels, can be suppressed to a certain extent by adjusting the length of each support column and moving the mounting members along the vertical beams.

[0016] However, this disclosed support structure is limited to those erected on direct foundations with a relatively large surface area, and therefore cannot be erected on pile foundations with a small surface area. Furthermore, this disclosed support structure allows for height adjustment of each support column and adjustment of the mounting position of the diagonal support columns, but it does not allow for the attachment of diagonal members to horizontal members at arbitrary positions. In other words, in the disclosed support structure, the mounting position of the diagonal support columns depends on guide grooves formed in the vertical beams, and the mounting position of the diagonal members cannot be freely set according to the structure of the horizontal members or construction conditions.

[0017] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a connecting member that allows diagonal members to be easily connected to any position on the horizontal members without complicating the structure of the horizontal members, even in cases of foundation installation errors or inclination of the support columns, and a frame structure using said connecting member, etc. In other words, the configuration of the present invention is as follows. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] The connecting member described in claim 1 is a connecting member for connecting a diagonal member and a horizontal member in a mounting frame for a solar power generation facility, and has a configuration in which a pair of clamping plates are fitted together and integrated by a fastening member, and when the pair of clamping plates are integrated, it has a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion that are integrally formed at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the clamping plates, the first clamping portion clamps and fixes the outer circumference of the horizontal member from the outer circumference side, and the second clamping portion clamps and fixes the end of the diagonal member.

[0019] andEach of the clamping plates has fitting protrusions and fitting holes that can be fitted to each other at the head. The first clamping portion has an inner concave portion corresponding to the outer shape of the horizontal member, and the outer side of the concave portion is formed in a shape that protrudes outward. The second clamping portion is formed such that a clamping surface corresponding to the outer shape of the end portion of the diagonal member extends substantially in the vertical direction. On the inner surface of each clamping plate in the first clamping portion, a convex portion that protrudes inward is formed to clamp and fix the horizontal member. In each clamping plate in the second clamping portion, a fastening hole through which a fastening member for clamping and fixing the end portion of the diagonal member is inserted is provided, and a convex portion that protrudes inward in the inner direction of each clamping plate is formed around the fastening hole.

[0020] Claim 2 The connecting member according to the above is the connecting member according to claim 1 In the connecting member according to claim

[0021] [[ID=XX]]Claim 3 The gantry structure according to claim or 2 includes at least the connecting member according to any one of claims 1

[0022] Claim 4 The gantry structure according to claim 3 is characterized in that a telescopic portion provided with a telescopic mechanism that enables telescoping along the longitudinal direction of the horizontal member is formed at one end or both ends of the horizontal member according to claim

Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the connecting member of the present invention, even when the foundation is displaced from the designed position or inclined, and the gantry erected thereon is displaced from the reference position, the horizontal member and the diagonal member can be easily connected. That is, by fitting a pair of clamping plates to each other and integrating them with a fastening member to clamp and fix the outer periphery of the horizontal member, and clamping and fixing the end of the diagonal member with the same connecting member, it is possible to connect the diagonal member at any position along the longitudinal direction of the horizontal member.

[0024] Further, according to the gantry structure of the present invention, since the lower end of the diagonal member can be fixed to the foundation or the column, it can be applied not only directly to the foundation but also to the gantry erected on the pile foundation with a small placement area. Furthermore, by providing a telescopic portion that allows longitudinal expansion and contraction at the end of the horizontal member, even when the installation position of the gantry is displaced, additional operations such as cutting, adding, or re-drilling fastening holes for the horizontal member and diagonal member at the construction site can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to improve work efficiency, shorten the construction period, and reduce costs, and it is possible to smoothly erect the gantry even on terrain with severe installation conditions such as uneven or sloping ground.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a schematic view showing a part of the overall layout of a solar power generation facility. [Figure 2] It is a side view showing the correlation between the erection distance of the gantry and the arrangement position of the connecting member. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing the connection state between the diagonal member and the horizontal member whose lower end is fixed to the foundation. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of a pair of clamping plates constituting the connecting member of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the connecting member in which a pair of clamping plates of Embodiment 1 are fitted together. [Figure 6] It is a view showing a state in which the horizontal member and the diagonal member are clamped and fixed by the connecting member of Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This figure shows the state in which the connecting member of Embodiment 1 is clamped and fixed at any position along the longitudinal direction of the horizontal member. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of a pair of clamping plates that constitute the connecting member of Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the connecting member formed by fitting together a pair of clamping plates according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] This figure shows the state in which the horizontal member and diagonal member are clamped and fixed by the connecting member of Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] This figure shows the state in which the connecting member of Embodiment 2 is clamped and fixed at any position along the longitudinal direction of the horizontal member. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of a pair of clamping plates that constitute the connecting member of Embodiment 3. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the connecting member formed by fitting together the pair of clamping plates of Embodiment 3. [Figure 14] This figure shows the state in which the horizontal member and diagonal member are clamped and fixed by the connecting member of Embodiment 3. [Figure 15] This figure shows the state in which the connecting member of Embodiment 3 is clamped and fixed at any position along the longitudinal direction of the horizontal member. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view of a pair of clamping plates that constitute the connecting member of Embodiment 4. [Figure 17] This figure shows the state in which the horizontal member and diagonal member are clamped and fixed by the connecting member of Embodiment 4. [Figure 18] This is a diagram of an expansion joint formed at the end of a horizontal structural member. [Figure 19] This is a side view showing the connection state of the support structure on a sloping ground, with a portion of it enlarged. [Figure 20] This is a side view showing the connection state of the support structure on a sloping ground, with the vertical positions of the diagonal and horizontal members reversed, and a portion of it is shown in an enlarged view. [Figure 21] This is a side view showing the connected state of a frame with expandable sections formed at both ends of the horizontal members, and a portion of it is shown in an enlarged view. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The following describes embodiments of the connecting member and the mounting frame for solar power generation equipment according to the present invention, with reference to the drawings. The connecting member according to the present invention has a configuration in which horizontal members and diagonal members are clamped and fixed by a pair of clamping plates, and has the technical feature that it can be positioned at any position along the longitudinal direction of the horizontal member. Therefore, the connecting member of the present invention and the mounting frame for solar power generation equipment using it as a component are not limited to the embodiments described below, but encompass various forms that possess the said technical features.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the overall layout of the solar power generation equipment 10, and Figure 2 is a side view showing the correlation between the erection distance of the two mounting frames 20 and the placement position of the connecting members 70 in the configuration of the solar power generation equipment shown in Figure 1. Although Figure 2 shows two mounting frames 20, the function and effect of the connecting members of the present invention remain unchanged even in cases where three or more mounting frames are connected by horizontal and diagonal members. Therefore, below, as a typical example, the connecting members in the case of connecting two mounting frames will be described.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a configuration in which two support frames 20 are erected on a pile foundation 30, a horizontal member 50 is erected between the support frames 20, one end 62 of the diagonal member 60 is fixed to a predetermined position on the support column 21, and the other end 63 of the diagonal member 60 is fixed to a connecting member 70, with two diagonal members 60 connected to predetermined positions on the horizontal member 50. A telescopic section 120, which will be described later, is formed at one end of the horizontal member 50. The erection distance between the support frames 20 shown in Figure 2(a) is shorter than the erection distance between the support frames 20 shown in Figure 2(b). Furthermore, even if the erection distance between the support frames 20 is different, the structure allows the horizontal member 50 and the diagonal member 60 to be connected by positioning the connecting member 70 at a desired position along the longitudinal direction of the horizontal member 50, without having to reinstall the pile foundation 30 or cut or extend the horizontal member 50 or the diagonal member 60.

[0029] Figure 3 shows a state in which a frame 20 is erected on a direct foundation 31, and a diagonal member 61, with its lower diagonal end 64 fixed to the same direct foundation 31, is connected to a predetermined position on a horizontal member 50. Even when the diagonal member 61 provided between the direct foundation 31 and the horizontal member 50 is fastened and fixed to a connecting member 70 in this manner, the function and effect of the connecting member 70 remain unchanged. Therefore, as a typical example, a diagonal member 60 in which one diagonal end 62 (see Figure 2) is fixed to a predetermined position on a support column 21 and connected to a horizontal member 50 will be described below, but the same content applies to the connecting member 70 in the configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0030] <Connecting member of Embodiment 1> This will be explained with reference to Figures 4 through 7. As shown in Figure 4, the connecting member 70 of Embodiment 1 has a relatively simple configuration, with a pair of clamping plates 71 as its main components, and the only other components being fastening members (bolts, nuts, etc., the same applies hereinafter) 77 shown in Figures 6 and 7. This configuration of the connecting member 70 is the same in other embodiments as well.

[0031] The clamping plate 71 has a shape that accommodates the case where the horizontal member 50 is a circular steel pipe. The material of the clamping plate 71 is not particularly limited as long as sufficient strength is ensured so that it does not easily deform or break, but steel (SS400, STK400, etc.) is preferred. The forming method can also be any method such as cutting or casting, and is not particularly limited as long as sufficient strength is ensured so that it does not easily deform or break. Since these materials and forming methods are the same for other embodiments, their descriptions will be omitted from here on.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the outer shape of the clamping plate 71 is curved inward from approximately the center to the top in the vertical direction, and correspondingly the outer side is shaped to protrude. This is because, as shown in Figure 6(a), when a pair of clamping plates 71 are fitted together to form a connecting member 70, the inner surface of the clamping plate 71 is curved to conform to the outer shape of the horizontal member 50 so that the outer surface of the horizontal member 50 and the inner surface of the connecting member 70 come into contact over a relatively wide area.

[0033] The clamping plate 71 is shaped to extend approximately vertically from approximately the center downwards. On both edges in the width direction on the outside, rising portions 78 are formed to follow the outer contour from the point where the outward projection begins on the upper vertical side to the bottom. On the head, a fitting projection 72 and a fitting hole 73 are formed adjacent to each other for fitting a pair of clamping plates 71 together. A single diagonal member fastening hole 74 is formed on the lower side.

[0034] The rising portion 78 is not a functionally essential component and therefore does not need to be present. However, if the rising portion is inevitably formed during the molding process of the clamping plate 71 by flange processing or the like, it may be included as a component, even though it is not a mandatory component. When the rising portion 78 is included as a component, it is expected to improve the strength of the clamping plate 71 and increase its rigidity. Furthermore, the description of the rising portion here is also applicable to other embodiments, so these descriptions will be omitted from here on.

[0035] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the connecting member 70 is formed by fitting the fitting projections 72 formed on each of a pair of clamping plates 71 into the corresponding fitting holes 73. A first clamping portion 75 is formed above the approximate center in the vertical direction of the connecting member 70, and a second clamping portion 76 is formed below the approximate center in the vertical direction. The horizontal member 50 is clamped and fixed to the first clamping portion 75, and the diagonal member end 63 on the connecting member side is clamped and fixed to the second clamping portion 76 (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the term "diagonal member end" will be used to mean the diagonal member end on the connecting member side, not the support column side).

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the fitting hole 73 is shaped so that the fitting projection 72 can be inserted into the fitting hole 73, with its bottom edge, viewed from the vertical direction, being slanted to allow the widest part of the fitting projection 72 to pass through. Furthermore, the upper part of the fitting hole 73 is narrowed to the same width as the neck of the fitting projection 72 so that the neck of the fitting projection 72 can be fitted into the upper part of the fitting hole 73 after the fitting projection 72 has been inserted into the fitting hole 73. Note that the shapes of the fitting projection 72 and the fitting hole 73 are not limited to the shapes shown, as long as they allow for easy and secure fitting.

[0037] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, it is preferable that the diagonal member end 63 is formed into a plate shape so as to contact almost the entire area of ​​a pair of opposing surfaces that constitute the second clamping portion 76 and extend substantially in the vertical direction. Furthermore, it is necessary that a fastening hole (not shown) is formed in the diagonal member end 63 through which a fastening member 77 for fixing to the connecting member 70 is inserted. It is preferable that the fastening hole formed in the diagonal member end 63 is formed in a position such that when it is clamped and fixed to the connecting member 70, the tip of the diagonal member end 63 does not protrude too much from the outer edge of the connecting member 70. This also applies to the following embodiments, so their descriptions will be omitted from here on.

[0038] Then, the diagonal member end 63 is clamped by the second clamping portion 76 of the connecting member 70, and the fastening member 77 is inserted through the fastening hole formed in the diagonal member end 63 and the diagonal member fastening hole 74 formed in the connecting member 70 and fastened, thereby firmly fixing the diagonal member 60 and the connecting member 70. At the same time, as the diagonal member end 63 is fastened by the fastening member 77, the horizontal member 50, which is clamped by the first clamping portion 75, is also fixed securely by the increased pressing force from the opposing surfaces. In this way, there is no need to provide fastening holes in the horizontal member itself and insert fastening members, and the horizontal member 50 and the diagonal member 60 are securely fixed by a relatively simple procedure of fitting the fitting projection 72 into the fitting hole 73 and fastening the diagonal member end 63.

[0039] In Figures 4 to 7, the shapes of the pair of clamping plates 71 and the connecting member 70 formed by fitting them together are shaped so that the inside is curved, assuming that the horizontal member 50 is a circular steel pipe. However, the connecting member 70 is not only compatible with cases where the horizontal member 50 is a circular steel pipe, but can also be shaped to accommodate the outer shape of steel pipes and structural steel (hereinafter referred to as "steel pipes, etc.") with other cross-sectional shapes, such as square steel pipes and channel steel. Therefore, as an example demonstrating that the horizontal member 50 can be used with steel pipes, etc. with other cross-sectional shapes, Embodiment 2 describes a connecting member 80 compatible with a square steel pipe.

[0040] Furthermore, although the diagonal members 60 are shown as circular steel pipes in Figure 7, diagonal members with other cross-sectional shapes are acceptable as long as the ends 63 of the diagonal members are formed into a plate shape. In addition, when applying the connecting members 70, the materials of the horizontal members 50 and diagonal members 60 are not particularly limited, and as long as the necessary strength is ensured, steel (SS400, STK400, etc.), stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc., may be appropriately selected.

[0041] <Connecting member of Embodiment 2> This will be explained with reference to Figures 8 to 11. The clamping plate 81 of Embodiment 2 is characterized by its shape, which accommodates the case where the horizontal member 51 is a square steel pipe. Therefore, the following will mainly describe the differences from Embodiment 1, and the common parts will be briefly described or omitted.

[0042] As shown in Figure 8, the outer shape of the clamping plate 81 is such that the inside is recessed in a U-shape from approximately the center to the top in the vertical direction, and the outside is molded to protrude in a corresponding U-shape. This is because, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, when a pair of clamping plates 81 are fitted together to form a connecting member 80, the inner surface of the clamping plate 81 is molded in a U-shape to conform to the outer shape of the horizontal member 51 so that the outer surface of the horizontal member 51 and the inner surface of the connecting member 80 come into contact over a relatively wide area.

[0043] Similar to Embodiment 1, the clamping plate 81 is formed to extend approximately vertically from approximately the center downwards. Furthermore, on both edges in the width direction on the outside, rising portions 88 are formed to follow the outer contour from near where the outward U-shaped projection begins on the upper vertical side to the bottom. On the head, a fitting projection 82 and a fitting hole 83 for fitting a pair of clamping plates 81 together are formed adjacent to each other. Additionally, one diagonal member fastening hole 84 is formed on the lower side.

[0044] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the connecting member 80 is formed by fitting the fitting projections 82 formed on each of a pair of clamping plates 81 into the opposing fitting holes 83. A first clamping portion 85 is formed above the approximate center in the vertical direction of the connecting member 80, and a second clamping portion 86 is formed below the approximate center in the vertical direction. The horizontal member 51 is clamped and fixed to the first clamping portion 85, and the end portion 63 of the diagonal member is clamped and fixed to the second clamping portion 86.

[0045] Other details, such as the fitting method, the shape of the diagonal member end and fastening holes, the connecting mechanism, and the material, are the same as in Embodiment 1 and are therefore omitted from the description. As illustrated above, the connecting member 70 of Embodiment 1 is applied to a horizontal member 50 made of a circular steel pipe, and the connecting member 80 of Embodiment 2 is applied to a horizontal member 51 made of a square steel pipe. Thus, the connecting member of the present invention can also be applied to horizontal members having other cross-sectional shapes.

[0046] <Connecting member of Embodiment 3> This will be explained with reference to Figures 12 to 15. The connecting member 90 of Embodiment 3 is characterized in that a horizontal member pressing portion 94 and a diagonal member pressing convex portion 95a are formed on the clamping plate 71 of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the following will mainly describe the differences from Embodiment 1, and the common parts will be briefly described or omitted.

[0047] The clamping plate 91 has a shape that accommodates the case where the horizontal member 50 is a circular steel pipe. As shown in Figure 12, the outer shape of the clamping plate 91 is curved inward from approximately the center to the top in the vertical direction, and the outer side is formed to protrude in a corresponding manner. Furthermore, it is formed to extend approximately in the vertical direction from approximately the center to the bottom. In addition, rising portions 99 are formed on both edges in the width direction of the outer side, and a fitting projection 92 and a fitting hole 93 are formed adjacent to each other on the head.

[0048] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, a first clamping portion 96 is formed on the upper side and a second clamping portion 97 on the lower side of a connecting member 90, which is formed by fitting together a pair of clamping plates 91. On the inner surface of the first clamping portion 96 of each pair of clamping plates 91, a horizontal member pressing portion 94 is formed for clamping and fixing the horizontal member 50, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. This horizontal member pressing portion 94 is composed of a horizontal member pressing convex portion 94a and a horizontal member pressing hole 94b that abut against the outer surface of the horizontal member 50.

[0049] As shown in Figure 14, the horizontal member pressing portion 94 is preferably provided at two locations in the longitudinal direction of the horizontal member 50, located in the approximately central region of the left and right sides of the outer peripheral surface of the cross-section of the horizontal member 50 when clamped, on the inner surface of each clamping plate 91. By protruding toward the outer peripheral surface of the horizontal member 50, a pressing force is applied to the horizontal member 50. Note that the horizontal member pressing portion 94 may be provided at locations other than the central region shown in the figure, for example, in the diagonal region of the outer peripheral surface of the cross-section of the horizontal member 50, as long as it is firmly fixed, and it is not limited to two locations, but may be provided at one to three or more locations. The size of the pressing portion may also be appropriately determined according to the location and number of the pressing portions.

[0050] Furthermore, although the horizontal member pressing protrusion 94a is formed in a roughly frustoconical shape in the figure, it may be of any other shape as long as the pressing force is reliably transmitted to the horizontal member 50. Also, the horizontal member pressing hole 94b is not an essential component, and the horizontal member pressing section 94 may be one without the horizontal member pressing hole 94b. For example, if a hole is inevitably formed during the process of forming the horizontal member pressing protrusion 94a by burring or the like, there is no need to deliberately close the hole, and that hole may be used as a component for the horizontal member pressing hole 94b.

[0051] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, a diagonal member pressing portion 95 for clamping and fixing the diagonal member end 63 is formed on the inner surface of the second clamping portion 97 of each pair of clamping plates 91. This diagonal member pressing portion 95 is composed of a diagonal member pressing convex portion 95a that abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the diagonal member end 63 and a diagonal member fastening hole 95b.

[0052] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the diagonal member pressing portion 95 is provided at one location on the inner surface of each clamping plate 91, centered approximately in the middle of the second clamping portion 97 and extending over almost the entire area. It is formed to protrude toward the outer surface of the end portion 63 of the diagonal member when clamped, and applies a pressing force to the end portion 63 of the diagonal member. The diagonal member pressing convex portion 95a is formed in a roughly frustoconical shape, but other shapes and sizes may be used as long as the pressing force is reliably transmitted to the end portion 63 of the diagonal member.

[0053] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the diagonal member end 63 is clamped in the second clamping portion 97 of the connecting member 90, and the fastening member 98 is inserted through the fastening hole formed in the diagonal member end 63 and the diagonal member fastening hole 95b formed in the connecting member 90 and fastened, thereby firmly fixing the diagonal member 60 and the connecting member 90. At the same time, as the diagonal member end 63 is fastened by the fastening member 98, a pressing force is transmitted to the horizontal member 50 by the horizontal member pressing convex portion 94a that abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the horizontal member 50 which is clamped in the first clamping portion 96, and the horizontal member 50 is securely fixed to the connecting member 90. In this way, the horizontal member 50 and the diagonal member 60 are securely connected by a relatively simple procedure of just fitting the fitting projection 92 into the fitting hole 93 and fastening the diagonal member end 63.

[0054] In Figures 12 to 15, the shape of the connecting member 90 is formed so that the inside is curved, assuming that the horizontal member 50 is a circular steel pipe. However, even if the steel pipe has other cross-sectional shapes, such as square steel pipes or channel steel, it can be formed to correspond to the outer shape of these various cross-sectional shapes.

[0055] <Connecting member of Embodiment 4> This will be explained with reference to Figures 16 and 17. The connecting member 100 of Embodiment 4 is characterized in that a base-shaped protrusion 105a is formed on the clamping plate 91 of Embodiment 3. Therefore, the following will mainly describe the differences from Embodiments 1 to 3, and the common parts will be briefly described or omitted.

[0056] Two base-shaped protrusions 105a for supporting the horizontal member 50 are formed on the inner surface of the approximately central region in the vertical direction of each pair of clamping plates 101, and two base-shaped holes 105b are formed on the outer surface thereof. Of these, the base-shaped protrusions 105a are formed to project toward the lower outer peripheral surface of the cross-section of the horizontal member 50 when clamped, and support the horizontal member 50.

[0057] The technical significance of this base convex portion 105a lies in the fact that when a horizontal member 50 with a circular cross-section is clamped by the first clamping portion 107 of the connecting member 100, a clearance may occur between the lower end surface of the connecting member 100 and the lower end surface of the horizontal member 50 in the first clamping portion 107. In such a case, there is a risk that the horizontal member 50 may move downward within the first clamping portion 107. Therefore, by providing the base convex portion 105a and supporting the clamped horizontal member 50 from below, the downward movement of the horizontal member 50 is suppressed, resulting in a more stable clamping and fixing effect of the horizontal member 50.

[0058] The base convex portion 105a may be provided in one to three or more locations, as long as it is firmly supported. In the figure, the base convex portion 105a is formed in a rectangular prism shape, but it may be of other shapes or sizes as long as the horizontal member 50 is firmly supported. Also, the base hole 105b is not an essential component, and the base hole 105b may be omitted. For example, if a hole is inevitably formed during the process of forming the base convex portion 105a, there is no need to deliberately close the hole, and the hole may be used as a component for the base hole 105b.

[0059] Furthermore, the base convex portion 105a may be formed on the connecting member 70 of Embodiment 1. Also, the technical significance of the base convex portion 105a is not limited to those described above, and it may be formed for other purposes, such as improving ease of assembly.Therefore, the base convex portion may also be formed on a connecting member that supports a horizontal member having a cross-sectional shape that does not easily create clearance when clamped.

[0060] <Embodiment 5> This will be explained with reference to Figures 18 to 21. Embodiment 5 relates to a mounting frame for a solar power generation facility, comprising at least the connecting members 70, 80, 90, and 100 (hereinafter referred to as "connecting members 70, etc.") of Embodiments 1 to 4, diagonal members 60 and 61 (hereinafter referred to as "diagonal members 60, etc.") that are clamped and fixed by these connecting members 70, etc., and horizontal members 50 and 51 (hereinafter referred to as "horizontal members 50, etc.") that are clamped and fixed by these connecting members 70, etc. A feature of this mounting frame is that an expandable portion 120 is formed at one or both ends of the horizontal members 50, etc., which is equipped with an expandable / contractable mechanism that allows the horizontal members 50, etc. to expand and contract along the longitudinal direction.

[0061] As shown in Figure 18, the telescopic section 120 consists of a main body 121 having a cylindrical outer shape and a screw rod 122 that is screwed into the main body 121 and is movable in the axial direction. For example, a right-hand thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the main body 121, and a left-hand thread is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the screw rod 122, and these are screwed together. By rotating the main body 121, the right-hand and left-hand threads move forward and backward simultaneously, causing the screw rod 122 to move axially relative to the main body 121, and thus the length of the telescopic section 120 is adjusted. Alternatively, the section may be extended or retracted by rotating the screw rod 122.

[0062] The end of the main body 121 of the expandable section 120 is formed with a horizontal member side fixing end 124a for fixing to a horizontal member 50 or the like, and a horizontal member side fastening hole 124b is formed in the horizontal member side fixing end 124a. The horizontal member side fixing end 124a and the end of the horizontal member 50 or the like are fixed by inserting a fastening member (not shown) through the horizontal member side fastening hole 124b and a fastening hole (not shown) formed in the end of the horizontal member 50 and fastening them together.

[0063] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 18 to 21, a support-side fixed end 123a is formed at the end of the screw rod 122 for connecting to the support mounting plate 125a of the support column 21, and a support-side fastening hole 123b is formed in the support-side fixed end 123a. The support-side fixed end 123a and the support mounting plate 125a are fixed by inserting a fastening member 125b through this support-side fastening hole 123b and a fastening hole (not shown) formed in the support mounting plate 125a of the support column 21 and fastening them together. The telescopic section 120 is a structure in which it is fastened to the end of the horizontal member 50 etc. by a fastening member as shown in Figure 18, or a structure in which the telescopic section is integrally formed with the horizontal member 50 etc. by processing the end of the horizontal member 50 etc. without using a fastening member.

[0064] As shown in Figure 19, if the mounting frame 20 for a solar power generation facility includes a configuration in which horizontal members 50 etc. and diagonal members 60 etc., with an expandable section 120 formed at the end, are connected by connecting members 70 etc., then even if the pile foundations 30 are installed at a point where the distance between the two pile foundations 30 is greater than the design value, in uneven or sloping ground where it is difficult to install the foundation at the design position, the expandable section 120 can be extended to fix the horizontal members 50 etc. to the support columns 21 without having to extend them at the construction site.

[0065] Furthermore, by using connecting members 70, etc., in order to accommodate the extended horizontal members 50, etc., the two connecting members 70, etc. can be moved closer to the support column than the initially planned position for connecting to the horizontal members 50, etc., and connected there. This allows the diagonal members 60, etc. to be connected to the horizontal members 50, etc. without having to add extensions at the construction site.

[0066] Furthermore, if the horizontal members 50 etc. are manufactured in advance to match the design value when the telescopic section 120 is extended to a predetermined length, even if the pile foundation 30 is installed at a point where the distance between the two pile foundations 30 is closer than the design value, the horizontal members 50 etc. can be fixed to the support column 21 without cutting or processing them at the construction site by shortening the telescopic section 120.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, if the tilt angle of the solar panel 40 is large and the solar panel 40 interferes with the horizontal members 50, etc., the vertical positions of the diagonal members 60, etc. and the horizontal members 50, etc. may be swapped to create a mounting structure in which the solar panel 40 and the diagonal members 60, etc. do not interfere with each other. Even in this case, the horizontal members 50, etc. on which the expandable portion 120 is formed will perform the same function as described above.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, expandable sections 120 may be formed at both ends of the horizontal member 50, etc. In this case, the length of the horizontal member 50, etc. can be adjusted to a greater extent than the length of the horizontal member 50, etc. which has an expandable section 120 at only one end. For example, even if the pile foundations 30 are installed at a point where the distance between the two pile foundations 30 is greater than the design value, the horizontal member 50, etc. can be fixed to the support column 21 without having to extend it at the construction site by extending the expandable sections 120 formed at both ends.

[0069] Furthermore, by using connecting members 70, etc., to accommodate horizontal members 50, etc. that have been extended beyond their design position, the two connecting members 70, etc. can be moved significantly towards the support column from the originally planned position for connecting to the horizontal members 50, etc., and connected. This allows for connection to the horizontal members 50, etc. without having to add diagonal members 60, etc. at the construction site. Although not shown in the diagram, the same function can be achieved not only with pile foundations 30 but also when direct foundations 31 are installed off-center from the planned location, by using horizontal members 50, etc. with the expansion section 120 formed therein. [Industrial applicability]

[0070] The horizontal members equipped with connecting members and expansion / contraction mechanisms according to the present invention can be connected without processing the horizontal members or diagonal members at the construction site, even if the foundation is installed at a location offset from the design point or if the mounting frame is erected at an incline. Therefore, the present invention can be widely used in the field of manufacturing and construction of mounting frames for solar power generation equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 10. Solar power generation equipment 20 mounting units 21 Post 22 Main building materials 23 Beam 24 Reinforcement material 25 Horizontal member mounting plate 26. Bracing plate 30 Pile foundation 31 Direct foundation 40 solar panels 50 Horizontal structural members (circular steel pipes) 51 Horizontal structural members (square steel pipes) 60 Diagonal material (post fixed type) 61 Diagonal member (foundation fixed type) 62 Diagonal end (post side) 63 End of diagonal member (connecting member side) 64 Diagonal end (foundation side) 70 Connecting member (Embodiment 1) 71, 81, 91, 101 Holding plate 72, 82, 92, 102 Attachment projections 73, 83, 93, 103 fitting holes 74, 84, 95b, 106b Diagonal fastening hole 75, 85, 96, 107 1st clamping part 76, 86, 97, 108 2nd clamping part 77, 87, 98, 109 Fastening members 78, 88, 99, 110 riser section 80 Connecting member (Embodiment 2) 90 Connecting member (Embodiment 3) 94, 104 Horizontal member pressing section 94a, 104a Horizontal member pressing convex part 94b, 104b Horizontal member pressing holes 95, 106 Diagonal member pressing section 95a, 106a Convex part pressed against diagonal member 100 Connecting member (Embodiment 4) 105a Base convex part 105b Base hole 120 Telescopic part 121 Main Unit 122 Screw Rod 123a Fixed end on pillar side 123b Pillar side fastening hole 124a Horizontal member side fixed end 124b Horizontal member side fastening hole 125a Support plate 125b Fastening member

Claims

1. A connecting member for connecting diagonal members and horizontal members in a mounting frame for solar power generation equipment, It has a configuration in which a pair of clamping plates are fitted together and integrated by a fastening member, When the pair of clamping plates are integrated, the clamping plates are provided with a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion that are integrally formed at a distance from each other in the vertical direction. The first clamping portion clamps and fixes the outer circumference of the horizontal member from the outer circumference side, The end of the diagonal member is clamped and fixed by the second clamping portion. Each of the clamping plates is provided with a fitting projection and a fitting hole on its head that can be fitted together with each other. The first clamping portion has an inner recess corresponding to the outer shape of the horizontal member, and the outer side of the recess is shaped to protrude outward. The second clamping portion is formed such that the clamping surface, which corresponds to the outer shape of the end of the diagonal member, extends substantially in the vertical direction. Each clamping plate in the first clamping section has a convex portion that protrudes inward in order to clamp and fix the horizontal member. The connecting member is characterized in that each clamping plate in the second clamping portion is provided with a fastening hole through which a fastening member for clamping and fixing the end of the diagonal member is inserted, and a convex portion is formed around the fastening hole that protrudes inward from each clamping plate.

2. In the connecting member according to claim 1, The connecting member is characterized in that each clamping plate has a convex portion formed on its inner surface, which constitutes a base for supporting the horizontal member that is clamped and fixed by the first clamping portion.

3. A connecting member according to either claim 1 or 2, A mounting structure for a solar power generation facility, characterized in that it includes at least a configuration in which horizontal members and diagonal members are connected by the connecting member.

4. A mounting structure for a solar power generation facility, characterized in that one or both ends of the horizontal member described in claim 3 have an expandable section formed thereon, which is equipped with an expandable mechanism that allows the horizontal member to expand and contract along its longitudinal direction.

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