Stand

Abstract

To provide a frame capable of improving workability in installation.SOLUTION: A frame 1 for supporting and fixing a solar cell module 2 includes a support member 5 mounted across a plurality of foundations 3 fixed to an installation surface 100, and a plurality of crosspiece members 6 laid across the plurality of support members 5 in parallel with each other and mounted with the solar cell module 2. Each of the plurality of support members 5 has a lower surface portion fixed to the plurality of bases 3, an upper surface portion to which the plurality of crosspiece members 6 are attached, and a side surface portion connecting the lower surface portion and the upper surface portion. The side surface portion has a plate shape, and an end portion on the upper surface portion side is inclined with respect to an end portion on the lower surface portion side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a stand for supporting and fixing a solar cell module.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the popularity of household solar cell devices has been increasing, and many of these are installed on the roofs of houses. Since solar cell devices installed outdoors are exposed to wind, rain, etc., it is preferable that they be firmly fixed to installation surfaces such as the ground or a roof, and various installation structures have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional solar cell arrays include columnar support members that are vertically erected to support the four corners of the solar cell array on a horizontal installation surface, and vertical rail members and horizontal rail members that are connected to the upper part of the support members. The columnar support members are arranged on a foundation that functions as a base for the solar cell array.

[0005] In the above-described solar cell array, since each of a plurality of columnar support members is arranged on one foundation, there is a problem that the assembly work becomes complicated. Further, since each columnar support member is arranged on a separate foundation, there is a concern that due to factors such as displacement or inclination of the support members, the rails may not be accurately parallel to each other or horizontal with respect to the installation surface, resulting in torsion in the stand and the solar power generation panel. Such torsion causes a deterioration in the workability of installation and a decrease in the fixing strength of the solar cell module.

[0006] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a mounting system that can improve workability during installation and the fixing strength of solar cell modules. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The mounting frame according to this disclosure is a mounting frame for supporting and fixing solar cell modules, comprising: a support member attached across a plurality of bases fixed to an installation surface; and a plurality of cross members that are parallel to each other and span across the plurality of support members, to which the solar cell modules are attached, wherein each of the plurality of support members has a lower surface portion fixed to the plurality of bases, an upper surface portion to which the plurality of cross members are attached, and a side portion connecting the lower surface portion and the upper surface portion, and the end of the side portion on the upper surface portion side is inclined with respect to the end on the lower surface portion side.

[0008] In the frame according to this disclosure, the lower surface portion is provided with a lower hole into which the fixing portion of the base is inserted, and the lower hole may be configured as an elongated hole.

[0009] In the frame according to this disclosure, the upper surface portion is provided with an upper hole into which a connecting member is inserted, the upper hole is an elongated hole, and the support member and the crossbar member may be connected via the connecting member.

[0010] In the frame according to this disclosure, the support member may have a Z-shaped cross-section.

[0011] In the frame relating to this disclosure, the support member may have a C-shaped cross-section.

[0012] In the frame according to this disclosure, the lower surface portion may be provided with a lower hole into which the fixing portion of the base is inserted, and the upper surface portion may be provided with a notch at a position that overlaps with the lower hole when viewed from above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present disclosure, workability during installation and the fixing strength of the solar cell module can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] The top view of the photovoltaic power generation system using the pedestal according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] The side view of the photovoltaic power generation system using the pedestal according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] The side view of the support member. <y [Figure 4] The schematic bottom view of the support member. [Figure 5] The schematic top view of the support member. [Figure 6] The side view of the support member from a perspective different from that of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] The side view showing a modified example of the support member. [Figure 8] The perspective view of the cross member. [Figure 9] The perspective view of the support contact plate. [Figure 10] The exploded perspective view showing the structure for fastening the support member and the cross member using the support contact plate. [Figure 11] The perspective view of the fixing metal fitting. [Figure 12] The perspective view of the plate nut. [Figure 13] The exploded perspective view showing the fixing structure of the fixing metal fitting and the cross member. [Figure 14] The schematic side view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the first cross member in FIG. 2. [Figure 15] The schematic side view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the second cross member in FIG. 2. [Figure 16] The schematic top view of the photovoltaic power generation system in the first modified example. [Figure 17] The schematic explanatory view showing the positional relationship between the support member and the base. [Figure 18] The schematic top view of the photovoltaic power generation system in the second modified example. [Figure 19]This is a side view of a photovoltaic power generation system using a mounting frame according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view of a hooked crossbar member. [Figure 21] This is a schematic side view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the first hooked crossbar member in Figure 19. [Figure 22] This is a schematic side view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the second hooked crossbar member in Figure 19. [Figure 23] This is a schematic top view showing an enlarged view of one end of the support member in a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] This is a schematic top view showing an enlarged view of the other end of the support member in a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the first notch of the support member. [Figure 26] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the second notch in the support member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a photovoltaic power generation system using a mounting frame according to the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 is a top view of a photovoltaic power generation system using a mounting frame according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 2 is a side view of a photovoltaic power generation system using a mounting frame according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. In Figure 1, each component is shown in perspective for ease of viewing.

[0017] The mounting frame 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure comprises a support member 5 and a cross member 6, and supports and fixes a solar cell module 2 on an installation surface 100. Figure 1 shows a photovoltaic power generation system in which one solar cell module 2 is supported and fixed by the mounting frame 1. The installation surface 100 is a surface that is appropriately set as the area for installing the solar cell module 2, and is a horizontal surface such as the roof surface of a flat roof. In this embodiment, the installation surface 100 is the roof surface of a flat roof. For the purpose of explanation below, the direction horizontal to the installation surface 100 may be referred to as the horizontal direction X, the direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction X may be referred to as the vertical direction Y, and the direction perpendicular to the installation surface 100 may be referred to as the height direction Z.

[0018] The solar cell module 2 consists of, for example, a solar cell panel with a rectangular light-receiving surface that converts sunlight into photoelectric energy, and a frame that surrounds and holds the solar cell panel. The solar cell modules 2 are connected as appropriate by wiring (not shown), and the generated power is supplied to connected loads, etc., through the wiring.

[0019] The base 3 is fixed to the installation surface 100 and the support member 5 is attached to it. The base 3 has a fixing part 3a to which the support member 5 is attached. The fixing part 3a is, for example, a bolt for attaching a structure to the roof surface. The base 3 is installed using either a support beam method or an anchor disc method. In the support beam method, a support column equipped with a fixing part (bolt) is fixed to a beam located on the underside of the roofing material. Since the position of the support column is determined by the position of the beam, construction errors are small. In the anchor disc method, anchor bolts are fixed to the lightweight concrete flat roof panel (ALC panel), which is the roofing material of the flat roof. While the anchor disc method allows for a high degree of freedom in attaching anchor bolts after the fact, construction errors are more likely to occur, for example, an error of about ±5 to 10 mm may occur. In Figure 2, the base 3 is an anchor disc. Specifically, the anchor disc has a flat plate portion 3b that is in direct contact with the installation surface 100, which is fixed to the flat roof panel with screws or nails, and a fixing portion 3a (see Figure 4, described later) for fastening to the lower part (lower plate 5b) of the support member 5 extends upward. Note that the base 3 may also have components such as nuts and washers attached to the fixing portion 3a, and these components may be used to adjust the height at which the support member 5 is supported (height from the installation surface 100 to the lower plate 5b).

[0020] The support member 5 is a member (base plate) that is attached to two bases 3 (fixing parts 3a) that are spaced apart in the vertical direction Y. Figure 1 shows a configuration in which the frame 1 has two support members 5. When distinguishing between them, one (the left side in Figure 1) is sometimes called the first support member 51, and the other (the right side in Figure 1) is sometimes called the second support member 52. The two support members 5 are spaced apart in the horizontal direction X, with the first support member 51 positioned near the left end of the solar cell module 2, and the second support member 52 positioned near the right end of the solar cell module 2. The detailed structure of the support member 5 will be explained later with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

[0021] The support member 5 is supported at two points by two bases 3 spaced apart in the vertical direction Y. The distance between the two bases 3 (fixing parts 3a) (base distance KL) is a distance corresponding to the length of the solar cell module 2 in the vertical direction Y, for example, 900 mm. In this embodiment, the base distance KL is not constant and includes errors. For example, if the design is to arrange the bases 3 with a base distance KL of 900 mm, a construction error of approximately ±5 to 10 mm will occur. The support member 5 has a length that spans multiple bases 3 (fixing parts 3a) spaced apart in the vertical direction Y, and has a length that spans at least two bases 3 (fixing parts 3a). In this embodiment, a configuration in which one support member 5 is supported by two bases 3 has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and a configuration in which one support member 5 is supported by three or more bases 3 is also possible.

[0022] The crossbar member 6 has a length in the lateral direction X and is supported by multiple support members 5. Figure 1 shows a configuration in which the frame 1 has two crossbar members 6. When distinguishing between them, one (the lower side in Figure 1) is sometimes called the first crossbar member 61, and the other (the upper side in Figure 1) is sometimes called the second crossbar member 62. The two crossbar members 6 are spaced apart in the vertical direction Y and are arranged parallel to each other. The first crossbar member 61 is positioned along the front end of the solar cell module 2, and the second crossbar member 62 is positioned along the rear end of the solar cell module 2. In other words, the front end of the solar cell module 2 is supported by the first crossbar member 61, and the rear end is supported by the second crossbar member 62. The crossbar member 6 spans across the first support member 51 and the second support member 52. The length of the crossbar member 6 in the lateral direction X should be at least longer than the distance between the first support member 51 and the second support member 52. Furthermore, the length of the support member 6 in the lateral direction X may be changed according to the length and number of solar cell modules 2 installed, as long as it is long enough to support the solar cell modules 2. The detailed structure of the support member 6 will be explained later with reference to Figure 8.

[0023] When viewing the solar power generation system from above, support plates 8 are attached to the points where the support member 5 and the cross member 6 intersect (four locations in Figure 1). The support plates 8 are components placed at the fastening points between the support member 5 and the cross member 6. The detailed structure of the support plates 8 will be explained later with reference to Figure 9.

[0024] The fixing bracket 4 shown in Figure 2 is a component for attaching the solar cell module 2 to the cross member 6. In this embodiment, the fixing bracket 4 is positioned at a location different from the intersection of the support member 5 and the cross member 6. However, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and the fixing bracket 4 may serve both the purpose of fixing the solar cell module 2 to the cross member 6 and the purpose of fixing the support member 5 and the cross member 6, which is the function of the support backing plate 8. The detailed structure of the fixing bracket 4 will be explained later with reference to Figure 11.

[0025] Figure 3 is a side view of the support member, Figure 4 is a schematic bottom view of the support member, Figure 5 is a schematic top view of the support member, Figure 6 is a side view of the support member from a different viewpoint than Figure 3, and Figure 7 is a side view showing a modified example of the support member. Note that in Figures 4 and 5, the ends are enlarged for easier viewing, and the central part is omitted. Also, Figures 6 and 7 show the support member 5 as seen from the left end to the right end in Figure 3.

[0026] The support member 5 has a lower surface portion (lower plate 5b) fixed to the base 3, an upper surface portion (upper plate 5c) to which the crossbar member 6 is attached, and a side portion (side plate 5a) connecting the lower plate 5b and the upper plate 5c. In this embodiment, the support member 5 has the lower plate 5b, upper plate 5c, and side plate 5a integrally formed. The side plate 5a is formed to connect the end of the lower plate 5b and the end of the upper plate 5c, and is formed, for example, by bending a flat plate. In other words, as shown in Figure 6, the cross-sectional shape of the support member 5 is C-shaped. Note that, as shown in Figure 6, the side plate 5a is not connected to the end of the upper plate 5c on the same side as the end of the lower plate 5b, but rather, as shown in the modified example of the support member 5 in Figure 7, it may be connected to the end of the upper plate 5c on the opposite side of the end of the lower plate 5b, and the cross-sectional shape of the support member 5 may be Z-shaped. Thus, the support member 5 can be shaped in two ways: either the upper plate 5c and the lower plate 5b extend in the same direction from the side plate 5a (C-shape), or they extend in opposite directions (Z-shape). In the case of the C-shape, the support member 5 is self-supporting, which has the advantage of making construction work easier. In the case of the Z-shape, the upper plate 5c does not get in the way when attaching the lower plate 5b to the base 3 (fixing part 3a), which has the advantage of allowing work to be done. In addition, the Z-shape allows the support members 5 to be stacked, which has the advantage of improving transportation efficiency.

[0027] The side plate 5a is roughly trapezoidal or triangular in a side view, and the end of the side plate 5a on the top plate 5c side is inclined relative to the end on the bottom plate 5b side. In a side view, one end of the side plate 5a (the left end in Figure 3) is shorter, and the other end (the right end in Figure 3) is longer. In other words, in the side plate 5a, the length from the bottom plate 5b to the top plate 5c at one end (first plate height TL1) is shorter than the length from the bottom plate 5b to the top plate 5c at the other end (second plate height TL2). As a result, the top plate 5c is inclined so that its height differs at one end and the other end. The inclination angle θ shown in Figure 3 indicates the angle at which the top plate 5c is inclined relative to the bottom plate 5b, and in this embodiment, it is set to 5 degrees. The inclination angle θ may be appropriately changed depending on the location where the solar power generation system is installed, for example, from 1 to 30 degrees. In this embodiment, the side plate 5a is plate-shaped, but it may also be frame-shaped, lattice-shaped, or fence-shaped, and its edges (ends) are continuous when viewed from the side, and its outer shape is approximately trapezoidal or triangular when viewed from the side.

[0028] As described above, the incline that was conventionally formed by two or more support columns can now be formed by a single support member 5. Furthermore, since the support member 5 is provided with an incline, the solar cell module 2 can be easily installed at an incline. In addition, if the support member 5 is formed from a bent flat plate, the various parts are connected and form a single unit, so high strength can be obtained. Furthermore, high strength can be obtained by making the sides of the support member 5 plate-like.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the bottom plate 5b is provided with a bottom hole into which the fixing part 3a is inserted. In this embodiment, corresponding to the two bases 3 (fixing part 3a), the bottom plate 5b is provided with two bottom holes (first bottom hole 5d and second bottom hole 5e) at one end and the other end. The distance between the first bottom hole 5d and the second bottom hole 5e is set to be approximately the same as the base distance KL (distance between fixing parts). Specifically, the first bottom hole 5d is a round hole with approximately the same diameter as the fixing part 3a, and the second bottom hole 5e is an elongated hole that is wider than the first bottom hole 5d. For example, for a fixing part 3a with a diameter of 12 mm, the diameter of the first bottom hole 5d is set to 13 mm. By making the first bottom hole 5d a round hole with approximately the same diameter as the fixing part 3a, the position for fixing to the base 3 (fixing part 3a) is determined. The second bottom hole 5e is an elongated slot that extends from one end (the left end in Figure 4) to the other end (the right end in Figure 4), allowing adjustment of the position to which it is fixed by the base 3. Specifically, the width of the second bottom hole 5e in the vertical direction Y is 30 mm. In this way, because the second bottom hole 5e is an elongated slot, even if there is a misalignment of the base 3 (fixing part 3a), the fixing part 3a can be inserted into the first bottom hole 5d, and the support member 5 can be fixed to the base 3 (fixing part 3a). Here, misalignment refers to a deviation in the distance between the two bases 3 (fixing parts 3a) (base distance KL) from the design value.

[0030] Figure 4 shows a configuration in which one of the two bottom holes is round and the other is elongated, but the configuration is not limited to this, and both bottom holes may be elongated. Also, in the case of a configuration in which one support member 5 is supported by three or more bases 3, all bottom holes may be elongated. By making multiple bottom holes elongated, the amount of adjustment is increased. The method for correcting errors due to misalignment of the base 3 by making the bottom holes elongated will be explained later with reference to Figure 16.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the top plate 5c is provided with a top hole into which the connecting member 7 (see Figure 13, described later) is inserted. In this embodiment, corresponding to the two crossbar members 6, the top plate 5c is provided with two top holes (first top hole 5f and second top hole 5g) at one end and the other end. The first top hole 5f and the second top hole 5g are elongated holes that extend from one end (left end in Figure 5) to the other end (right end in Figure 5). Even if the multiple support members 5 cannot be installed parallel to each other due to misalignment of the base 3, the insertion position of the connecting member 7 can be shifted in the vertical direction Y, allowing the crossbar members 6 to be arranged parallel to each other. A specific correction method will be explained with reference to Figure 16, described later.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, the top plate 5c is provided with plate locking portions (first plate locking portion 5h and second plate locking portion 5i) that are partially cut and bent upward. The first plate locking portion 5h is provided near the first top hole 5f, and the second plate locking portion 5i is provided near the second top hole 5g. When assembling the frame 1, the cross members 6 can be temporarily fixed in a roughly aligned state by hooking and locking them onto the plate locking portions.

[0033] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the crossbar member.

[0034] As shown in Figure 8, the crossbar member 6 has a boundary wall 6a near the center in the width direction. A rail section 6b with a U-shaped cross-section is formed on one side of the boundary wall 6a, and an elongated hole 6f is formed at the bottom of the rail section 6b. Multiple elongated holes 6f are provided along the direction in which the rail section 6b extends. The rail section 6b has a width slightly wider than the depth of the fixing bracket 4 and the support plate 8, and the fixing bracket 4 and the support plate 8 can be placed inside the rail section 6b. The upper end of the side wall 6c of the rail section 6b is a first base section 6e on which the lower surface of the front end of the solar cell module 2 is placed, as shown in Figure 14, which will be described later.

[0035] On the other side of the boundary wall 6a, as shown in Figure 15 (described later), a second base portion 6g is formed on which the lower surface of the rear end of the solar cell module 2 is placed. The second base portion 6g is formed in a stepped shape and is set at the same height as the first base portion 6e. The boundary wall 6a stands perpendicular to the upper surface of the second base portion 6g.

[0036] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the support plate.

[0037] The support plate 8 comprises a base plate 8a, a first upright plate 8b extending vertically from one end of the base plate 8a, and a second upright plate 8c extending vertically from the other end of the base plate 8a. The base plate 8a is provided with a perforation 8d into which the connecting member 7 is inserted. As described above, the depth of the base plate 8a is slightly shorter than the width of the rail section 6b. In addition, extension plates 8e extending toward the second upright plate 8c are provided at both ends of the first upright plate 8b.

[0038] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure in which a support plate is used to fasten a support member and a crossbar member.

[0039] When assembling the frame 1, the crossbar member 6 is placed on the support member 5 such that its elongated hole 6f aligns with the top hole (first top hole 5f or second top hole 5g) provided in the top plate 5c. The support backing plate 8 has its bottom plate 8a inserted inside the rail section 6b. With the bottom plate 8a, rail section 6b, and top plate 5c stacked, the crossbar member 6 can be fixed to the support member 5 by inserting connecting members 7, such as bolts, into the perforations 8d, elongated hole 6f, and top holes of the support backing plate 8 and fastening them with nuts from the opposite side. In Figure 10, the connecting members 7 are shown inserted from below the top plate 5c and fastened with nuts from above the support backing plate 8, but the configuration is not limited to this, and the connecting members 7 may also be inserted from above the support backing plate 8. Also, although Figure 10 shows the first top hole 5f, the crossbar member 6 can be similarly fixed to the support member 5 using the second top hole 5g as well.

[0040] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket.

[0041] The fixing bracket 4 has a base plate 4a, side walls 4b extending vertically from both ends of the base plate 4a, and an upright plate 4c extending vertically from one side of the base plate 4a. The base plate 4a is provided with a perforation 4d into which the connecting member 7 is inserted. As described above, the depth of the base plate 4a is slightly shorter than the width of the rail section 6b.

[0042] A receiving portion 4e extending outward is formed at the upper end of the side wall 4b. The height of the receiving portion 4e is set so that when the fixing bracket 4 is placed on the rail portion 6b of the cross member 6, it is at the same height as or slightly lower than the first base portion 6e and the second base portion 6g of the cross member 6.

[0043] The upper end of the upright plate 4c has two first engaging portions 4f extending toward the bottom plate 4a and a second engaging portion 4g extending toward the opposite side of the first engaging portions 4f. The two first engaging portions 4f are provided on both sides of the upper end of the upright plate 4c, and the second engaging portion 4g is provided in the center of the upper end of the upright plate 4c, with the two first engaging portions 4f and the second engaging portion 4g being arranged alternately. In addition, contact plates 4h extending toward the side wall 4b are provided at both ends of the upright plate 4c. The fixing bracket 4 is fixed to the crossbar member 6 using plate nuts 20, as shown in Figure 13, which will be described later.

[0044] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a plate nut.

[0045] The plate nut 20 has a flat main plate 20a and a first projection piece 20b and a second projection piece 20c extending upward from the main plate 20a, and a nut hole 20d into which the connecting member 7 is inserted is provided near the center of the main plate 20a. The main plate 20a is in contact with the outer bottom surface of the rail portion 6b of the crossbar member 6, and the distance between the first projection piece 20b and the second projection piece 20c is slightly longer than the rail portion 6b.

[0046] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the fixing structure of the fixing brackets and crossbar members.

[0047] The fixing bracket 4 is positioned so that the upright plate 4c faces the boundary wall 6a, and the bottom plate 4a is inserted inside the rail section 6b. With the bottom plate 4a and rail section 6b stacked, the plate nut 20 is placed on the bottom side of the rail section 6b. In other words, the cross member 6 is sandwiched between the fixing bracket 4 and the plate nut 20, and the positions are aligned so that the perforation 4d, the elongated hole 6f, and the nut hole 20d overlap. Then, the fixing bracket 4 can be fixed to the cross member 6 by inserting a connecting member 7 such as a bolt from the top surface in the order of perforation 4d, the elongated hole 6f, and the nut hole 20d and fastening it.

[0048] Figure 14 is a schematic side view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the first crossbar member in Figure 2, and Figure 15 is a schematic side view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the second crossbar member in Figure 2.

[0049] The solar cell module 2 has projections on its sides that engage with the fixing bracket 4, and has a first projection 2a on the front end and a second projection 2b on the rear end. The projections are L-shaped with their tips bent upward, and they catch and engage with the first engaging portion 4f and the second engaging portion 4g of the fixing bracket 4.

[0050] As shown in Figure 14, at the front end, the solar cell module 2 has its lower surface resting on the receiving portion 4e and the first base portion 6e, and the first projection 2a is engaged with the first engaging portion 4f. Also, as shown in Figure 15, at the rear end, the solar cell module 2 has its lower surface resting on the second base portion 6g, and the second projection 2b is engaged with the second engaging portion 4g.

[0051] Next, we will explain the installation procedure for a solar power generation system.

[0052] First, bases 3 are installed at appropriate locations on the installation surface 100. At this time, various components are attached and adjusted as needed so that the height at which each base 3 supports the support member 5 is the same. Specifically, in the case of the support beam method, the base 3 is a support column equipped with a bolt (fixing part), and adjustment is made by attaching components such as nuts and washers to the bolt. In the case of the anchor disc method, adjustment is made by attaching components such as nuts and washers to the anchor bolt (fixing part 3a). Next, the fixing part 3a is inserted into the hole on the bottom surface of the support member 5 and the support member 5 is placed on the base 3. Here, the support member 5 is temporarily fixed to the base 3 so that the position of the support member 5 can be adjusted later. Then, the first cross member 61 is placed on the support member 5, and after adjusting with nuts, etc., so that the height of the first cross member 61 from the installation surface 100 is approximately uniform and the first cross member 61 is approximately parallel to the horizontal direction X, the support member 5 is fixed to the base 3. Next, a support plate 8 is placed at the intersection of the support member 5 and the first cross member 61, and then the first cross member 61 is fixed to the support member 5. Similarly, the second cross member 62 is temporarily fixed to the support member 5. Furthermore, the fixing bracket 4 is attached to the first cross member 61 to prepare for the installation of the solar cell module 2.

[0053] When installing the solar cell module 2, lift the rear end and insert the front end towards the fixing bracket 4, sliding the first projection 2a below the first engaging portion 4f. Then, lower the rear end of the solar cell module 2 onto the second support member 62 and adjust the position of the second support member 62. While pressing the second support member 62 against the solar cell module 2, fix it to the support member 5 via the support plate 8 positioned at the intersection with the support member 5. Finally, attach the fixing bracket 4 to the second support member 62 to support and fix the solar cell module 2. At this time, the second projection 2b can be locked by the second engaging portion 4g of the fixing bracket 4 attached to the second support member 62.

[0054] As described above, the support member 5 is attached across multiple bases 3, and the crossbar member 6 is spanned across multiple support members 5. Two parallel crossbar members 6 then hold the opposing side edges of the solar cell module 2, respectively. By attaching a single support member 5 across multiple bases 3 in this way, the position and orientation of the support member 5 can be easily determined, improving work efficiency during installation.

[0055] Next, the first and second modified examples, in which the number of solar cell modules 2 supported and fixed by the mounting frame 1 is changed, will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 18.

[0056] Figure 16 is a schematic top view of the photovoltaic power generation system in the first modified example, and Figure 17 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the support member and the base.

[0057] In the first modified example, two solar cell modules 2 are arranged horizontally in the X direction and supported and fixed by a mounting frame 1. The first support member 51 is positioned near the left end of the solar cell module 2 on the left side, and the second support member 52 is positioned near the right end of the solar cell module 2 on the right side. The first and second support members 61 and 62 are longer than in the configuration shown in Figure 1, so that they span across the first and second support members 51 and 52, respectively.

[0058] Next, the adjustment of the position of the support member 5 when the position of the base 3 is shifted will be explained based on the virtual support member 52k. The virtual support member 52k shown in Figure 16 corresponds to the second support member 52 when the position of the base 3 corresponding to the second lower surface hole 5e is shifted in the lateral direction X. Compared to the second support member 52 shown by the solid line when it is positioned as designed, the virtual support member 52k is positioned diagonally (intersecting direction) with respect to the vertical direction Y to match the shifted base 3.

[0059] Figure 17 schematically shows the positional relationship of the support member 5 when the position of the base 3 is shifted, and for the support member 5, the lower plate 5b fixed to the base 3 is shown separately. For example, if the position of the base 3 corresponding to the second lower hole 5e is shifted in the lateral direction X relative to the position of the base 3 corresponding to the first lower hole 5d, the distance between the two bases 3 (fixing part 3a) (base distance KL) will be greater than the design value. Also, if it is shifted in the vertical direction Y, the base distance KL will be either larger or smaller than the design value. In this way, even if there is a positional shift of about 5 to 10 mm in the lateral direction X or vertical direction Y of the base 3 (fixing part 3a), the support member 5 can be fixed to the base 3 (fixing part 3a) because the lower holes are elongated holes. Here, when the support member 5 is fixed according to the position of the base 3 (fixing part 3a), the first support member 51 and the second support member 52 may not be installed parallel to each other. However, since the top surface hole is an elongated hole, the connection position between the support member 5 and the cross member 6 can be adjusted to position the cross member 6 parallel to the horizontal direction X. Therefore, even if the first support member 51 and the second support member 52 are not installed parallel to each other, the cross member 6 can be positioned parallel to the horizontal direction X, and distortion of the mounting frame 1 can be avoided. Also, even if the first support member 51 and the second support member 52 are not installed parallel to each other, the first cross member 61 and the second cross member 62, which span across the first support member 51 and the second support member 52, can be positioned parallel to each other, and distortion of the mounting frame 1 can be avoided. In this way, even if there is an error in the installation position of the support columns, twisting of the mounting frame 1 and the solar panels will not occur, the fixing strength of the solar panels can be maintained for a long period of time, and safety can be enhanced.

[0060] Figure 18 is a schematic top view of a photovoltaic power generation system in the second modified example.

[0061] In the second modification, three solar cell modules 2 are arranged horizontally in the X direction and supported and fixed by a mounting frame 1. In the second modification, there are three support members 5, and in addition to the first support member 51 and the second support member 52, there is also a third support member 53. The first support member 51 is positioned near the left end of the solar cell module 2 positioned on the left side, the second support member 52 is positioned below the solar cell module 2 positioned in the center, and the third support member 53 is positioned near the right end of the solar cell module 2 positioned on the right side. The first and second support members 61 and 62 are longer than the configuration shown in Figure 16 so that they span across the first support member 51, the second support member 52, and the third support member 53, respectively. When the support members 6 span across the three support members 5, if there is an error in the height of each top plate 5c, appropriate leveling adjustments are made. For example, washers are placed on the underside of the support member 6 (between it and the support members 5). Leveling adjustments may be performed as needed, even in the first modified example or the component arrangement shown in Figure 1.

[0062] (Second Embodiment) Next, a photovoltaic power generation system using a mounting frame according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Since the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 18, the explanation will be omitted, and only the differences will be described.

[0063] Figure 19 is a side view of a photovoltaic power generation system using a mounting frame according to the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0064] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it uses a hooked crossbar member 9 instead of the crossbar member 6, and the solar cell module 2 is attached to the hooked crossbar member 9 without using fixing brackets 4. The hooked crossbar member 9, like the crossbar member 6, has a length in the lateral direction X and is supported by a plurality of support members 5. Figure 19 shows a configuration having two hooked crossbar members 9, and when distinguishing them, one (the lower side in Figure 19) is sometimes called the first hooked crossbar member 91, and the other (the upper side in Figure 19) is sometimes called the second hooked crossbar member 92. The two hooked crossbar members 9 are spaced apart in the vertical direction Y, the first hooked crossbar member 91 is positioned along the front end of the solar cell module 2, and the second hooked crossbar member 92 is positioned along the rear end of the solar cell module 2.

[0065] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the hooked crossbar member.

[0066] The hooked crossbar member 9 has a boundary wall 9a in the center in the width direction. The upper end of the boundary wall 9a is provided with a first hook portion 9b extending diagonally downward on one side (the first base portion 9d side) and a second hook portion 9c extending diagonally downward on the other side (the second base portion 9e side).

[0067] On one side of the boundary wall 9a, a first base portion 9d, a rail portion 9f, and an upper plate portion 9h are formed in order from the boundary wall 9a side. The first base portion 9d is a plane extending laterally from the boundary wall 9a, and the lower surface of the front end of the solar cell module 2 is placed on it, as shown in Figure 21 which will be described later. The rail portion 9f has a U-shaped cross-section, and an elongated hole 9g is formed at the bottom of the rail portion 9f. Multiple elongated holes 9g are provided along the direction in which the rail portion 9f extends. The upper plate portion 9h is a plane extending laterally from the side wall of the rail portion 9f, and the lower surface of the front end of the solar cell module 2 is placed on it.

[0068] On the other side of the boundary wall 9a, as shown in Figure 22 (described later), a second base portion 9e is formed on which the lower surface of the rear end of the solar cell module 2 is placed. The second base portion 9e is set at the same height as the first base portion 9d. The second base portion 9e has a recess 9j that is recessed compared to its surroundings. A side wall portion 9k extends downward from the end of the second base portion 9e, and the lower end of the side wall portion 9k abuts against the upper plate 5c of the support member 5.

[0069] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when assembling the frame 1, the hooked rail member 9 is placed on the support member 5 such that the elongated hole 9g overlaps the top hole. The support backing plate 8 has its bottom plate inserted inside the rail portion 9f. With the bottom plate, rail portion 9f, and top plate 5c stacked, connecting members 7 such as bolts are inserted into the perforations, elongated hole 6f, and top hole of the support backing plate, and fastened with nuts or the like from the opposite side to secure them. In this embodiment, the shape of the support backing plate 8 may be modified in detail, such as depth and height, to match the rail portion 9f of the hooked rail member 9.

[0070] Figure 21 is a schematic side view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the first hooked crossbar member in Figure 19, and Figure 22 is a schematic side view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the second hooked crossbar member in Figure 19.

[0071] As shown in Figure 21, at the front end of the solar cell module 2, the lower surface is placed on the first base portion 9d and the upper plate portion 9h, and the first projection portion 2a is engaged with the first hook portion 9b. Also, as shown in Figure 22, at the rear end of the solar cell module 2, the lower surface is placed on the second base portion 9e, and the second projection portion 2b is engaged with the second hook portion 9c.

[0072] Figure 19 shows a configuration in which both the front and rear ends of the solar cell module 2 are secured by hooked crossbar members 9. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and either the front or rear end may be secured by a crossbar member 6, and the other by hooked crossbar member 9. In other words, a configuration in which crossbar members 6 and hooked crossbar members 9 are mixed is also possible.

[0073] (Third embodiment) Next, a photovoltaic power generation system using a mounting frame according to the third embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Since the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first and second embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 22, a detailed explanation will be omitted, and only the differences will be described.

[0074] Figure 23 is a schematic top view showing an enlarged view of one end of the support member in a third embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 24 is a schematic top view showing an enlarged view of the other end of the support member in a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a notch is provided in the upper plate 5c of the support member 5. Specifically, the upper plate 5c has a notch that overlaps with the lower hole when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the support member 5 has a shape (C-shape) in which the upper plate 5c and the lower plate 5b extend in the same direction from the side plate 5a.

[0076] The top plate 5c has a first notch 5j positioned to overlap with the first bottom hole 5d, and a second notch 5k positioned to overlap with the second bottom hole 5e. The first notch 5j and the second notch 5k are designed to be significantly larger than the first bottom hole 5d and the second bottom hole 5e. Specifically, the vertical Y width of the first notch 5j and the second notch 5k is approximately twice that of the second bottom hole 5e. For example, if the vertical Y width of the second bottom hole 5e is 30 mm, the vertical Y width of the first notch 5j and the second notch 5k is set to 43-60 mm.

[0077] Figure 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the first notch of the support member, and Figure 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the second notch of the support member. In Figures 25 and 26, the tip of the electric screwdriver DR used in the construction work is extracted and schematically shown.

[0078] Figures 25 and 26 show the state during the construction work of attaching the support member 5 to the base 3. When fixing the support member 5, it is preferable to use a tool such as an electric screwdriver DR when attaching the nut which is the fixing part 3a. However, as shown in Figure 25, in areas where the gap between the lower plate 5b and the upper plate 5c is narrow, the upper plate 5c interferes, making it difficult to insert the electric screwdriver DR. In this case, if a notch is provided in the upper plate 5c, a tool such as an electric screwdriver DR can be inserted through the notch, and the work can be done without the upper plate 5c becoming an obstacle.

[0079] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the first notch 5j and the second notch 5k are roughly rectangular when viewed from above, but are not limited to this, and may be trapezoidal, for example.

[0080] Furthermore, the configuration may be such that only one of the first notch 5j and the second notch 5k is provided, rather than both. For example, the configuration may be such that the first notch 5j is provided but the second notch 5k is not provided, and in this configuration, it is preferable to use an electric screwdriver DR with a movable tip. When an electric screwdriver DR with a movable tip is used, as shown in Figure 26, in areas where the gap between the lower plate 5b and the upper plate 5c is wide, the electric screwdriver DR can be tilted and inserted to avoid the upper plate 5c.

[0081] Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and do not constitute a limiting interpretation. Accordingly, the technical scope of this disclosure is not to be interpreted solely by the embodiments described above, but is defined based on the claims. This includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1. Stand 2 Solar cell modules 3. Base 4 Fixing brackets 5. Support Member 5a Side plate 5b Bottom plate 5c Top plate 5d 1st bottom hole 5e 2nd bottom hole 5f 1st top hole 5g 2nd top hole 51 First support member 52 Second support member 53 Third support member 6. Crossbar members 61 First crossbar member 62 Second crossbar member 7 Connecting members 8. Support plate 9. Hooked crossbar member 91 First hooked crossbar member 92 Second hooked crossbar member 20 Plate nuts 100 Installation surface

Claims

1. A mounting frame for supporting and fixing solar cell modules, A support member that is attached across multiple bases fixed to the mounting surface, It comprises a plurality of cross members that are spanned across a plurality of the support members in parallel to each other, and to which the solar cell modules are attached, Each of the multiple support members has a lower surface portion fixed to the multiple bases, an upper surface portion to which the multiple cross members are attached, and a side portion connecting the lower surface portion and the upper surface portion. The aforementioned side portion is such that the end on the upper side is inclined relative to the end on the lower side. The lower surface portion is provided with a lower hole into which the fixing portion of the base is inserted. A mounting frame characterized by the following features.

2. A frame according to claim 1, The aforementioned lower hole is an elongated hole. A mounting frame characterized by the following features.

3. A mounting frame for supporting and fixing solar cell modules, A support member that is attached across multiple bases fixed to the mounting surface, It comprises a plurality of cross members that are spanned across a plurality of the support members in parallel to each other, and to which the solar cell modules are attached, Each of the multiple support members has a lower surface portion fixed to the multiple bases, an upper surface portion to which the multiple cross members are attached, and a side portion connecting the lower surface portion and the upper surface portion. The aforementioned side portion is such that the end on the upper side is inclined relative to the end on the lower side. The upper surface portion is provided with an upper hole into which a connecting member is inserted. The aforementioned upper surface hole is an elongated hole. The support member and the crossbar member are connected via the connecting member. A mounting frame characterized by the following features.

4. A mounting frame for supporting and fixing solar cell modules, A support member that is attached across multiple bases fixed to the mounting surface, It comprises a plurality of cross members that are spanned across a plurality of the support members in parallel to each other, and to which the solar cell modules are attached, Each of the multiple support members has a lower surface portion fixed to the multiple bases, an upper surface portion to which the multiple cross members are attached, and a side portion connecting the lower surface portion and the upper surface portion. The aforementioned side portion is such that the end on the upper side is inclined relative to the end on the lower side. The support member has a Z-shaped cross-section. A mounting frame characterized by the following features.

5. A mounting frame for supporting and fixing solar cell modules, A support member that is attached across multiple bases fixed to the mounting surface, It comprises a plurality of cross members that are spanned across a plurality of the support members in parallel to each other, and to which the solar cell modules are attached, Each of the multiple support members has a lower surface portion fixed to the multiple bases, an upper surface portion to which the multiple cross members are attached, and a side portion connecting the lower surface portion and the upper surface portion. The aforementioned side portion is such that the end on the upper side is inclined relative to the end on the lower side. The support member has a C-shaped cross-section. A mounting frame characterized by the following features.

6. A frame according to claim 1, The upper surface portion is provided with a notch at a position that overlaps with the lower surface hole when viewed from above. A mounting frame characterized by the following features.

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