Solar power generator for vehicle

Abstract

The solar power generator according to the present invention is installed on a base carrier on the roof of a vehicle, and comprises a frame, a clamp that fixes the frame to the base carrier, a slide rail, and a solar power generation panel.　The solar power generation panel comprises a fixed panel that is fixed on the frame and positioned at the uppermost part, and a movable panel that is positioned under the fixed panel. The slide rail comprises a fixed rail that is fixed to the frame, and a movable rail that supports the movable panel so that the movable panel can be deployed and retracted. Thus, it is possible to provide a solar power generator for a vehicle that can increase the amount of power generated by a solar power generation panel, while preventing design degradations.

Description

Vehicle solar power generation equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar power generation device for a vehicle, and more particularly to a solar power generation device for a vehicle that can be retrofitted to an electric vehicle.

[0002] Electric vehicles such as EVs and PHVs that can be charged from an external power source are known, and solar panels are installed on the roofs of these vehicles to supply electricity generated by sunlight to the drive battery and auxiliary battery.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-165948

[0004] However, if solar panels are installed only on the roof of a vehicle, the amount of power generated by the solar panels is limited, and if solar panels are also installed on the hood or sides of the vehicle, the design of the vehicle is diminished.

[0005] The present invention was made in consideration of the problems associated with the conventional technology, and its purpose is to provide a solar power generation device for a vehicle that can increase the amount of power generated by the solar power generation panel while preventing a decline in design by installing the solar power generation panel only on the roof of the vehicle.

[0006] As a result of extensive research into achieving the above-mentioned objective, the inventor discovered that the above-mentioned objective could be achieved by providing a movable solar power generation panel that can be deployed and stored in addition to a solar power generation panel fixed to the roof of a vehicle, and thus completed the present invention.

[0007] That is, the solar power generation device of the present invention is a solar power generation device installed on a base carrier on the roof of a vehicle, and includes a frame, a clamp for fixing the frame to the base carrier, a slide rail, and a solar power generation panel. The solar power generation panel has a fixed panel fixed to the frame and located at the top, and a movable panel located below the fixed panel, and the slide rail has a fixed rail fixed to the frame and a movable rail that supports the movable panel and deploys and retracts the movable panel.

[0008] According to the present invention, a fixed solar power generation panel and a movable solar panel that is supported by slide rails below the solar power generation panel and can be deployed and stored are provided, thereby making it possible to provide a solar power generation device for a vehicle that can increase the amount of power generated by the solar power generation panel while preventing a decline in design.

[0009] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which a movable panel of the solar power generation device for a vehicle of the present invention is stored. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which the movable panel of the solar power generation device for a vehicle of the present invention is unfolded. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a solar power generation device for a vehicle having a plurality of movable panels. It is a system configuration diagram of the solar power generation device for a vehicle of the present invention.

[0010] The vehicle solar power generation device of the present invention is a retrofittable vehicle solar power generation device that is installed on a base carrier on the roof of a vehicle and can be used as is without modifying the vehicle's charging system, and includes a frame, clamps that secure the frame to the base carrier, slide rails, and a solar power generation panel.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the solar power generation panel is configured with multiple power generation panels arranged approximately parallel to one another in the vertical direction, with a fixed panel fixed to a frame at the top and a movable panel that can be deployed and stored below this fixed panel.

[0012] The slide rail has a fixed rail fixed to the frame and a movable rail supporting the movable panel, and the movable rail slides to deploy and retract the movable panel.

[0013] The movable panel protrudes from the fixed panel when deployed, as shown in Figure 2, increasing the panel area and enhancing solar power generation capacity when parked. Also, as shown in Figure 1, the movable panel tucks under the fixed panel when stored, preventing increased air resistance during driving or in strong winds and preventing damage to the movable panel due to wind resistance.

[0014] Furthermore, since the solar power generation device for vehicles of the present invention is attached to the base carrier of the roof of the vehicle by means of a clamp, it can be easily attached to and detached from the vehicle.

[0015] Therefore, for example, when driving on a highway for a long period of time, it is expected that the amount of power consumed due to increased air resistance will be greater than the amount of power generated by sunlight.Also, when parking for a long period of time, such as when camping, it can be easily attached and solar-generated power can be used.

[0016] The number of the movable panels is not limited to one as shown in FIG. 3, but may be multiple layers depending on the required area of ​​the photovoltaic power generation panel.

[0017] The vehicle solar power generation device preferably has a housing. By housing the slide rail and the movable panel in the housing, wind can be prevented from entering between the fixed panel and the movable panel when the device is stored, thereby reducing wind noise during driving.

[0018] Furthermore, if the housing is waterproof, it is possible to prevent breakdowns in electronic devices such as the control device described below, and corrosion and damage to various parts such as the slide rails.

[0019] The housing may be a separate member from the frame or may be a member formed integrally with the frame. The top surface of the housing may be formed by a fixed panel.

[0020] The deployment direction of the movable panel may be such that it is deployed in the front of the vehicle and exposed to the outside of the housing, or may be such that it is deployed to the side of the vehicle and exposed to the outside of the housing.

[0021] When the movable panel is deployed in front of the vehicle, it acts as a canopy that prevents sunlight from shining into the vehicle through the windshield, preventing the temperature inside the vehicle from rising and reducing discomfort when getting in. When the movable panel is deployed to the side of the vehicle, it can provide shade to the side of the vehicle.

[0022] When the movable panel is deployed in front of the vehicle, it is located above the driver's line of sight and is easily overlooked, so a stopper is provided on the slide rail to prevent the tip of the movable panel from protruding further forward than the front end of the vehicle, thereby avoiding the risk of other vehicles colliding with the movable panel while parking.

[0023] The slide rail preferably includes a slide lock mechanism and a spring that biases the movable panel in a direction to accommodate the movable panel.

[0024] The slide lock mechanism prevents the movable panel from being stored in the housing by the spring when the movable panel is deployed, and by simply manually releasing this slide lock mechanism, the biased spring allows the movable panel to be easily stored in the housing.

[0025] Furthermore, even if an abnormality occurs, the movable panel can be stored in the housing simply by releasing the slide lock mechanism, so the movable panel can be stored quickly and easily, and danger in the event of an abnormality can be avoided.

[0026] The solar power generation system for vehicles can include, within the housing, a storage battery, a solar charger, a power conversion device, an actuator, a charging cable, and a control device for controlling these components, as needed. Figure 4 shows a system configuration diagram of the solar power generation system for vehicles.

[0027] The control device and the actuator provided on the slide rail may be configured so that the control device operates the actuator to deploy and retract the movable panel, thereby enabling the movable panel to be automatically deployed and retracted according to the situation.

[0028] For example, based on the amount of power generated by the solar panels, the movable panels can be deployed when power is being generated to further increase the amount of power generated, and can be retracted when power is not being generated, such as at night or during rainy weather, thereby preventing the movable panels from accidentally breaking down.

[0029] In addition, when the control device detects that the distortion of the slide rail has exceeded a predetermined value using a distortion sensor or pressure sensor installed on the slide rail, the movable panel can be stored to prevent the movable panel from being blown away by strong winds and being damaged.

[0030] Furthermore, if the slide rail is equipped with the above-mentioned slide lock mechanism and spring in addition to the actuator, even if the actuator fails, the movable panel can be stored by manually or by using a control device to release the slide lock mechanism.

[0031] The vehicle solar power generation device can include a storage battery within the housing. If the vehicle solar power generation device itself has a storage battery, it can store the power generated by the solar power generation panel and can supply power even when the solar power generation panel is not generating power.

[0032] When the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery reaches or exceeds the upper charge limit, the control device stops the supply of electricity generated by the solar panel to the storage battery. This prevents the storage battery from overcharging and breaking down. The amount of electricity stored in the storage battery can be known from its voltage value.

[0033] When charging of the storage battery from the solar power generation panel is stopped, the control device preferably operates the actuator to store the movable panel, thereby preventing accidental damage to the movable panel.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the solar power generation panel and the storage battery are connected via a solar charger, and the control device controls the output voltage and output current of the solar power generation panel using the solar charger, performs maximum power point tracking control of the solar power generation panel, and controls charging by reducing the voltage to a level that can be charged into the storage battery.

[0035] The vehicle solar power generation device may include a power converter within the housing, which converts the voltage of the storage battery into a voltage appropriate for an external power supply destination and supplies the converted voltage to the external power supply destination.

[0036] Examples of supply voltages include DC 48V, DC 20V, and DC 12V for charging the drive battery and auxiliary battery of an electric vehicle, as well as AC 100V and AC 200V for supplying to home electrical appliances.

[0037] The control device preferably stops the supply of power to the outside when the amount of stored power in the storage battery is below a lower discharge limit, thereby preventing the storage battery from being over-discharged and accelerating deterioration.

[0038] The vehicle solar power generation device preferably includes a charging cable that can be connected to a charging port of the vehicle. By connecting the vehicle solar power generation device to the charging port of the vehicle with a charging cable that runs outside the vehicle, it becomes possible to supply power from the storage battery to the vehicle's drive battery and auxiliary battery via the power conversion device, thereby extending the vehicle's cruising range.

[0039] The charging cable may be fixedly connected to the power conversion device or may be a detachable cable that can be connected to the power conversion device. In addition, if the charging cable is long enough, it can supply power not only to the vehicle equipped with the vehicle solar power generation device but also to other vehicles.

[0040] When the charging cable is connected to the charging port of the vehicle, the control device preferably converts the voltage of the storage battery and supplies the voltage to the outside when the amount of stored power in the storage battery is equal to or greater than a charging start voltage. The control device then stops supplying power to the outside when the amount of stored power in the storage battery reaches a lower discharge limit, and resumes supplying power when the amount of stored power in the storage battery is restored by the solar power generation panel and reaches or exceeds the charging start voltage. This charging start voltage is a voltage value lower than the charging upper limit.

[0041] This means that even if the storage battery has a low stored amount of power and is unable to charge the vehicle's drive battery, etc., if the charging cable is connected to the vehicle's charging port, the vehicle's drive battery, etc. can be automatically charged when the solar power generation panel generates power and the storage battery's stored amount increases.

[0042] In addition, it is preferable that the control device unfolds the movable panel to increase the amount of power generated by the solar power generation panel when the charging cable is connected to the vehicle's charging port, and retracts the movable panel when the charging cable is disconnected.

[0043] By deploying and retracting the movable panel depending on whether or not the charging cable is connected to the vehicle's charging port, it is possible to automatically deploy and retract the movable panel without having to deploy it when the vehicle is stopped for a short time.

[0044] The vehicle solar power generation system is preferably provided with a residential outlet, which allows it to be used with general household electrical appliances.

[0045] The housing is preferably provided with cooling fins, which allow heat generated by electronic devices such as power converters and control devices to escape to the outside of the housing, thereby preventing breakdowns in the electronic devices.

[0046] Furthermore, if the cooling fins are provided on the underside of the housing, the electronic device can be cooled by the air flowing between the housing and the roof of the vehicle, and the design can be prevented from being impaired.

[0047] The control device preferably includes a memory unit that stores the amount of power generated by the solar panel over time, the amount of power stored in the storage battery, the amount of power supplied to the outside, and the time when the charging cable was connected to the charging port.

[0048] This makes it possible to predict the power usage patterns of users of vehicle solar power generation devices, and before the amount of power supplied to the outside increases, the movable panels of the solar power generation panels can be deployed to increase the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery, in preparation for supplying to the outside.

[0049] In addition, when the charging cable is connected to the vehicle's charging port, the supply from the storage battery to the drive battery is terminated by the time the charging cable is to be removed from the charging port, which is predicted from the information stored in the memory unit, i.e., the time the user is predicted to start driving the vehicle.

[0050] When the supply of power to the drive battery ends, the amount of power stored in the storage battery is at the lower discharge limit. This prevents excess power from being stored in the storage battery while the vehicle is running, making it possible to extend the vehicle's cruising range.

[0051] In addition, solar power is generated by fixed panels while the vehicle is traveling, increasing the amount of electricity stored in the battery, so electricity can be used immediately upon arrival.

[0052] The control device preferably includes a communication unit that communicates with an external device such as a smartphone via a mobile phone line, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the like.

[0053] The control device transmits the information stored in the storage unit in response to a request from an external device connected via wireless communication, thereby enabling the user to know information such as the amount of power stored in the storage battery from the external device.

[0054] It is also possible for the external device to issue an instruction to the control device to supply power from the storage battery to the vehicle's drive battery.

[0055] When the charging cable is connected to the charging port of the vehicle, the control device receives instructions from the external device and supplies power from the storage battery to the vehicle's drive battery.

[0056] This means that even when the charging cable is connected to the charging port in a different pattern from that stored in the memory unit, the power from the storage battery can be transferred to the drive battery and the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery can be reduced to the lower discharge limit by the time the user wants to drive the vehicle, thereby extending the vehicle's driving range.

[0057] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Solar power generation panel 11 Fixed panel 12 Movable panel 2 Slide rail 21 Fixed rail 22 Movable rail 23 Spring 24 Slide lock mechanism 25 Actuator 26 Strain sensor (pressure sensor) 3 Frame (housing) 4 Clamp 5 Solar charger 6 Storage battery 7 Power conversion device 71 Charging cable 72 Residential outlet 8 Control device 81 Memory unit 82 Communication unit 100 Base carrier 200 Vehicle battery 210 Charging port 300 Home appliance 400 External device

Claims

1. A solar power generation device installed on a base carrier on the roof of a vehicle, A frame, a clamp for fixing the frame to the base carrier, a slide rail, and a solar power generation panel, The solar power generation panel has a fixed panel fixed to the frame and positioned at the top, and a movable panel positioned below the fixed panel, The slide rail has a fixed rail fixed to the frame and a movable rail supporting the movable panel, and deploys and stores the movable panel.

2. At least the slide rail and the movable panel are housed in a housing, the movable panel is deployed forward of the vehicle and exposed to the outside of the housing, 2. The solar power generating device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a stop member provided on the slide rail prevents the tip of the movable panel from protruding forward beyond the tip of the vehicle.

3. At least the slide rail and the movable panel are housed in a housing, 2. The solar power generating device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the movable panel is deployed to a side of the vehicle and exposed to the outside of the housing.

4. At least the slide rail and the movable panel are housed in a housing, The vehicle solar power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the slide rail is provided with a slide lock mechanism and a spring biased in a direction to store the movable panel, and the movable panel is stored within the housing by releasing the slide lock mechanism.

5. At least the slide rail and the movable panel are housed in a housing, A control device and an actuator are provided in the housing, The actuator is provided on a slide rail, 2. The solar power generating device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control device operates the actuator to deploy and retract the movable panel.

6. 6. The solar power generation device for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the control device operates the actuator based on the amount of power generated by the solar power generation panel to deploy and retract the movable panel.

7. 6. The solar power generating device for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the control device operates the actuator to retract the movable panel when the distortion of the slide rail is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

8. A storage battery is provided in the housing, 6. The solar power generating device for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the power generated by the solar power generating panel is stored in the storage battery.

9. 9. The solar power generation device for a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the control device stops charging the storage battery from the solar power generation panel when the amount of charge in the storage battery is equal to or greater than an upper charge limit.

10. 10. The solar power generation device for a vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the control device operates the actuator to store the movable panel when charging of the storage battery from the solar power generation panel is stopped.

11. A power conversion device is provided in the housing, 10. The solar power generating device for a vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the voltage of the storage battery is converted and supplied to an external device.

12. 12. The solar power generating device for a vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the control device stops supplying power to the outside when the amount of charge stored in the storage battery is below a lower discharge limit value.

13. 13. The solar power generating device for a vehicle according to claim 12, further comprising a charging cable for connection to a charging port of the vehicle.

14. When the charging cable is connected to the vehicle's charging port, 14. The solar power generating device for a vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the control device converts the voltage of the storage battery when the amount of charge in the storage battery is equal to or greater than a charge start voltage value, and supplies the converted voltage to an external device.

15. 13. The vehicle solar power generating device according to claim 12, further comprising a residential outlet.

16. The solar power generating device for a vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that the housing is provided with cooling fins.

17. The control device includes a storage unit, The vehicle solar power generation device according to claim 12, characterized in that the memory unit stores the amount of power generated by the solar power generation panel, the amount of power stored in the storage battery, the amount of power supplied to the outside, and the time when the charging cable was connected to the charging port over time.

18. The control device includes: When the charging cable is connected to the vehicle's charging port, Based on a pattern of connecting the charging cable to the charging port predicted from the information stored in the storage unit, 18. The solar power generating device for a vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the supply of power from the storage battery to the driving battery of the vehicle is terminated by a predicted time when the amount of power in the driving battery of the vehicle is about to start decreasing.

19. The control device includes a communication unit, 18. The solar power generating device for a vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the information stored in the memory unit is transmitted to an external device.

20. The control device includes: When the charging cable is connected to the vehicle's charging port, 20. The solar power generating device for a vehicle according to claim 19, wherein power is supplied from the storage battery to a drive battery of the vehicle in response to an instruction from an external device.