Panel support device

Abstract

A panel support device (1) is used to hold and install a panel (40) having a wire cord with respect to an existing transparent member (30) fixed to a frame part (20). The panel support device (1) is provided with a first support member (1B) and a second support member (1A) that are disposed with a mutual gap therebetween. Each of the first support member (1B) and the second support member (1A) is fixed to the frame part (20) and has a groove that can store at least a portion of an end section of the panel (40). At least one of the first support member (1B) and the second support member (1A) is provided with a storage space that can store the wire cord.

Description

Panel Support Device

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel support device.

[0002] Photovoltaic power generation has been seen as a promising way to effectively utilize natural energy in response to environmental issues. Silicon (Si)-based solar cell modules are at the center of such power generation, and crystalline and thin-film solar cells are known as types of silicon power generation layers. A new type of solar cell that uses a crystalline material called perovskite has also attracted attention.

[0003] The technology described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 aims to easily install a solar cell module on an existing transparent member, specifically, transparent window glass.

[0004] The solar cell module of Patent Document 1 is formed by laminating a transparent plate, two or more translucent resin interlayers, and a translucent film equipped with a translucent adhesive layer in this order, with photovoltaic cells disposed between the two or more resin interlayers, and the adhesive layer being attached to an existing transparent member for installation. This makes it possible to retrofit the solar cell module by simply attaching it to the existing transparent member.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-048222

[0006] However, in the installation method of adhering the adhesive layer of a solar cell module to an existing transparent member, as in Patent Document 1, it is not possible to completely prevent air from entering between the transparent member and the solar cell module during installation, and air bubbles remain between the transparent member and the solar cell module after installation. This results in a problem of poor appearance of the transparent member. Furthermore, when the entire solar cell module is directly adhered to the transparent member, it is difficult to remove the solar cell module from the transparent member, making it difficult to replace the solar cell module or restore the transparent member to its original state. Furthermore, the force generated during removal, i.e., the force of peeling the solar cell module body from the transparent member, may damage the solar cell module body or the transparent member. Furthermore, the wiring cord is exposed between adjacent solar cell modules, leaving room for improvement in appearance.

[0007] The above-mentioned problems can occur not only when a solar cell module is installed on an existing transparent member, but also when a panel with a wiring cord (e.g., dimming glass, glass with built-in LEDs, heat-generating glass, glass with built-in blinds, flat-screen televisions, flat-screen LCD panels, etc.) is installed on an existing transparent member.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a panel support device that allows panels to be easily and attractively added to existing transparent members.

[0009] The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following configuration: [1] A panel support device for holding and installing a panel having a wiring cord on an existing transparent member fixed to a frame, the panel support device comprising: a first support member and a second support member arranged at a distance from each other, the first support member and the second support member each being fixed to the frame and having a groove portion capable of accommodating at least a portion of an edge of the panel, and at least one of the first support member and the second support member comprising a storage space portion capable of accommodating the wiring cord.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a panel support device that allows panels to be easily added to existing transparent members with good appearance.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example in which a solar cell module is installed on an existing window glass using a panel support device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a lower holder 1B. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example in which a solar cell module is installed on an existing window glass using a panel support device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example in which a solar cell module is installed on an existing window glass using a panel support device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a front view of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example in which a solar cell module is installed on an existing window glass using a panel support device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a front view of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 14. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. 14. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 14. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 14. FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing an example in which a solar cell module is installed on an existing windowpane using a panel support device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a front view of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXII-XXII in FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 21. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIV-XXIV in FIG. 21. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV in FIG. 21. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI in FIG. 21. Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing an example in which a solar cell module is installed on an existing windowpane using a panel support device according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 28 is a front view of Fig. 27. Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIX-XXIX in Fig. 28. Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXX-XXX in Fig. 28. Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXI-XXXI in Fig. 28. Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXII-XXXII in Fig. 28. Fig. 33 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the upper holder in Figs. 29 to 31.Fig. 34 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the lower holder in Figs. 29 to 31. Fig. 35 is an enlarged view of the upper right and upper left parts of Fig. 28. Fig. 36 is an enlarged view of the lower right and lower left parts of Fig. 28.

[0012] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and it goes without saying that various improvements and modifications may be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0013] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example in which a solar cell module is installed on an existing window glass using a panel support device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 2.

[0014] 1 to 7 , the panel support device 1 holds and installs a solar cell module 40 (panel) having a wiring cord 45 on an existing window glass 30 (transparent member) fixed to a frame 20. In this embodiment, the first support member of the panel support device 1 is a holder 1B disposed on the lower side, and the second support member is a holder 1A disposed on the upper side.

[0015] The frame portion 20 includes a left frame 25 and a right frame 27 that extend in the direction of gravity (the vertical direction in FIGS. 1 and 2). In this embodiment, the frame portion 20 includes the left frame 25 and the right frame 27. In addition to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27, the frame portion 20 may also include an upper frame and a lower frame that extend in the left-right direction, which is perpendicular to the direction of gravity, to connect the left frame 25 and the right frame 27. Examples of the frame portion 20 to which the window glass 30 is fixed include a frame, a stile, a frame, a mullion, a sash, etc.

[0016] The window glass 30 is a rectangular glass plate that is fitted and fixed in the opening of the frame 20. Specifically, the left and right edges of the window glass 30 are fitted into fitting grooves 25a, 27a formed in the left and right frames 25, 27.

[0017] The left frame 25 and the right frame 27 have fitting grooves 25a, 27a on their rear sides (toward the rear of the paper in FIG. 2 ) and fixing grooves 25b, 27b on their front sides (toward the front of the paper in FIG. 2 ) in the front-to-back direction, which is perpendicular to the direction of gravity and the left-to-right direction. The fitting grooves 25a, 27a and the fixing grooves 25b, 27b are adjacent to each other in the front-to-back direction and are generally U-shaped, opening inward in the left-to-right direction when viewed from the top-to-bottom direction. Both left and right edges of the window glass 30 are fitted into the fitting grooves 25a, 27a via sealant 29. As described below, a pair of holders 1A, 1B are fixed in the fixing grooves 25b, 27b.

[0018] The existing transparent member is not limited to the window glass 30, but may be, for example, a transparent resin plate. Examples of transparent resin plate include polycarbonate and acrylic.

[0019] The first support member and the second support member of the panel support device 1 are a pair of holders 1A, 1B that are respectively arranged above and below the existing window glass 30 with a gap between them. In this embodiment, the pair of holders 1A, 1B are arranged with a gap between them in the direction of gravity (the up-down direction in FIG. 1 ), with the one arranged on the upper side being referred to as the upper holder 1A and the one arranged on the lower side being referred to as the lower holder 1B. As described above, the upper holder 1A is the second support member, and the lower holder 1B is the first support member.

[0020] The pair of holders 1A, 1B have the same structure with respect to the tubular member 50. Note that the tubular members 50 of the pair of holders 1A, 1B do not necessarily have to have the same structure. It is sufficient that at least one of the tubular members 50 of the pair of holders 1A, 1B has a storage space 12 capable of storing the wiring cord 45 of the solar cell module 40. In other words, it is sufficient that at least the first support member has a storage space 12 capable of storing the wiring cord 45. When only one of the tubular members 50 of the pair of holders 1A, 1B has a storage space 12, the tubular members 50 of the pair of holders 1A, 1B may have the same shape except for the storage space 12.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 , the pair of holders 1A, 1B are elongated members extending in the left-right direction perpendicular to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27. The lower holder 1B of this embodiment includes a hollow tubular member 50, a flat member 60 fixed to the window glass 30 side of the tubular member 50, and a pair of fixing members 70, 70 that fix the tubular member 50 to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27. The upper holder 1A includes a hollow tubular member 50, a vibration-preventing member 80 disposed between the tubular member 50 and the window glass 30, and a pair of fixing members 70, 70 that fix the tubular member 50 to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lower holder 1B. First, the lower holder 1B will be described with reference to FIG. 8 .

[0022] As shown in Figure 8, the lower holder 1B has a back surface 3 facing the surface of the existing window glass 30, a front surface 4 located on the opposite side of the back surface 3, an inner surface 5 which is the surface where the tubular members 50, 50 of the pair of holders 1A, 1B face each other, and an outer surface 6 located on the opposite side of the inner surface 5.

[0023] The tubular member 50 is made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and includes a base portion 51 having an opening on the surface 4 side, and a lid portion 52 that closes the opening of the base portion 51. Note that the tubular member 50 is not limited to being made of two members, the base portion 51 and the lid portion 52, but may be made of a single tubular member.

[0024] The base portion 51 includes a bottom portion 51a disposed on the window glass 30 side (back surface 3 side) and a pair of wall portions 51b, 51b extending from the upper and lower ends of the bottom portion 51a toward the front surface 4. An engaged portion 51d having a generally L-shaped cross section is provided on the opposing inner surfaces 51c of the pair of walls 51b, 51b. A protrusion 52a formed on the lid portion 52 engages with a groove formed between the inner surface 51c and the engaged portion 51d, thereby securing the base portion 51 and the lid portion 52 together. The positional relationship between the base portion 51 and the lid portion 52 with respect to the window glass 30 may be reversed. That is, the base portion 51 and the lid portion 52 may be rotated 180° in FIG. 8 , in which case the flat plate member 60 is secured to the lid portion 52.

[0025] The tubular member 50 has a storage space 12 capable of storing the wiring cord 45 of the solar cell module 40. That is, the hollow internal space of the tubular member 50 surrounded by the base portion 51 and the lid portion 52 is the storage space 12. The storage space 12 has a generally rectangular cross section and is formed over the entire longitudinal length of the tubular member 50. That is, the storage space 12 passes through the tubular member 50 in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] In this embodiment, both tubular members 50 of the pair of holders 1A and 1B have the same configuration and include a storage space 12. From the viewpoint of reducing costs by standardizing the structure of the tubular members 50 of the pair of upper and lower holders 1A and 1B, it is preferable that both of the pair of holders 1A and 1B include a storage space 12. However, as in the illustrated example, when the wiring cord 45 is pulled out from the lower part of the solar cell module 40, only the lower holder 1B as the first support member may have the storage space 12, and the upper holder 1A as the second support member may not have the storage space 12. On the other hand, although not illustrated, when the wiring cord 45 is pulled out from the upper part of the solar cell module 40, only the upper holder 1A as the first support member may have the storage space 12, and the lower holder 1B as the second support member may not have the storage space 12. Furthermore, when the wiring cord 45 is drawn out from both the top and bottom of the solar cell module 40, it is preferable that both of the pair of holders 1A, 1B serving as the first and second support members have a storage space 12. When the storage space 12 is not provided, the tubular member 50 is solid rather than hollow.

[0027] As shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 2, a pair of wires 19 may be provided between the left frame 25 and the right frame 27, extending in the left-right direction to connect the left frame 25 and the right frame 27, as extension members for supporting the holders 1A, 1B. As shown in Figs. 5 to 8, the wires 19 are stored in the storage space 12. By arranging the wires 19 in this manner, the tubular members 50, 50 of the holders 1A, 1B are supported from below by the wires 19, preventing them from falling off.

[0028] 6, a notch (opening) 53 is provided in an outer surface 51e (the surface facing the window glass 30) of the bottom 51a of the tubular member 50, in a portion facing the terminal box 46. The wiring cord 45 drawn out from the terminal box 46 is stored in the storage space 12 through this notch 53. The storage space 12 is covered by the outer surface 51e except for the portion where the notch 53 is provided.

[0029] 8, the flat plate member 60 is fixed to the outer surface 51e (the surface on the window glass 30 side) of the bottom portion 51a of the tubular member 50 with screws 59. The method of fixing the flat plate member 60 to the tubular member 50 is not limited to screw fixing, and any other method such as adhesive fixing may be used.

[0030] The flat plate member 60 is a flat plate-like member extending in the longitudinal direction of the lower holder 1B and is made of, for example, aluminum. The vertical dimension of the flat plate member 60 is smaller than the vertical dimension of the tubular member 50, and the flat plate member 60 is fixed to a lower part of the outer surface 51e of the lower holder 1B. Therefore, a groove portion 7 is formed above the flat plate member 60, as will be described later.

[0031] The back surface of the flat plate member 60 constitutes the back surface 3 of the lower holder 1B. The back surface 3 is a flat surface whose vertical dimension is smaller than that of the front surface 4. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the back surface 3 faces the window glass 30 in the front-to-back direction with a small gap between them. Because the lower holder 1B does not come into direct contact with the window glass 30, it is possible to prevent the window glass 30 from being damaged.

[0032] The flat plate member 60 has an upper surface 61 facing the upper holder 1A and a lower surface 63 opposite the upper surface 61. The upper surface 61 of the flat plate member 60 and the outer surface 51e of the tubular member 50 define a groove 7. The groove 7 is formed between the lower holder 1B and the existing window glass 30 and is capable of accommodating the lower end of the solar cell module 40. The groove 7 can also accommodate the lower end of the solar cell module 40, as well as a setting block 44 (see FIG. 7) that supports the lower end and a terminal box 46 (see FIG. 6) installed at the lower end. The groove 7 has a rectangular cross section and is formed over the entire longitudinal length of the lower holder 1B. That is, the groove 7 penetrates the lower holder 1B in the longitudinal direction.

[0033] As shown in Figures 6 and 7 , a gap exists between the lower end of the solar cell module 40 and the bottom of the groove 7 of the lower holder 1B in the vertical direction. A terminal box 46 and a setting block 44 are disposed in this gap. For example, a pair of setting blocks 44 are disposed on both the left and right sides of the terminal box 46. The setting blocks 44 are made of rubber such as ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) and are disposed so as to fill the gap between the lower end 43 of the solar cell module 40 and the bottom of the groove 7 of the lower holder 1B. This allows the lower end of the solar cell module 40 to be supported by the bottom of the groove 7 via the setting blocks 44. Note that the vertical dimension of the setting block 44 is set larger than the vertical dimension of the terminal box 46, so that the terminal box 46 does not come into contact with the bottom of the groove 7 (see Figure 6 ), preventing load from being applied to the terminal box 46.

[0034] 1 to 4, the tubular members 50, 50 of the pair of holders 1A, 1B are fixed to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27 by a pair of fixing members 70, 70. The fixing member 70 is a substantially L-shaped metal fitting including a flat portion 71 extending in the left-right direction and an erect portion 73 erected upward from the end of the flat portion 71.

[0035] The flat portions 71 of the fixing member 70 are screwed to the upper surfaces of both left and right end portions of the tubular member 50. The upright portions 73 of the fixing member 70 are screwed to the bottom surfaces of the fixing grooves 25b, 27b of the left frame 25 and the right frame 27. In this manner, the pair of holders 1A, 1B are fixed to the frame portion 20. Note that the method of fixing the pair of holders 1A, 1B to the frame portion 20 is not limited to the method using the fixing member 70 which is an L-shaped metal fitting, and any method such as adhesive bonding can be applied. However, from the viewpoint of maintainability, a method that allows the pair of holders 1A, 1B to be easily removed from the frame portion 20 is preferred.

[0036] As described above, the upper holder 1A includes the tubular member 50, the pair of fixing members 70, 70, and the vibration prevention member 80. The tubular member 50 and the pair of fixing members 70, 70 of the upper holder 1A have substantially the same configuration as the tubular member 50 and the pair of fixing members 70, 70 of the lower holder 1B, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, the anti-vibration member 80 of the upper holder 1A is placed in the gap S formed between the tubular member 50 and the window glass 30. The upper end of the solar cell module 40 is housed in a groove 81 provided in the anti-vibration member 80. The anti-vibration member 80 is a member extending in the longitudinal direction of the upper holder 1A and is made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The vertical dimension of the anti-vibration member 80 is smaller than the vertical dimension of the tubular member 50, and the dimension of the anti-vibration member 80 in the front-to-back direction (the horizontal dimension in Figure 6) is approximately equal to the horizontal dimension of the gap S between the tubular member 50 and the window glass 30.

[0038] The anti-vibration member 80 has a groove 81 recessed upward from approximately the center in the front-to-back direction on the underside. This groove 81 is a through-hole that passes through the anti-vibration member 80 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the anti-vibration member 80 is formed with a cross section that is approximately inverted U-shaped, with the opening of the groove 81 on the underside.

[0039] The shape of the groove 81 of the anti-vibration member 80 is set to be approximately the same as or slightly larger than the shape of the upper end of the solar cell module 40. Then, with the upper end of the solar cell module 40 positioned in the gap S, the anti-vibration member 80 is inserted into the gap S from above, as shown in FIG. 6 , so that the upper end of the solar cell module 40 is housed in the groove 81 of the anti-vibration member 80. In this state, both the front and back surfaces of the anti-vibration member 80 abut against the window glass 30 and the tubular member 50. Therefore, the anti-vibration member 80 is sandwiched between the window glass 30 and the tubular member 50, thereby suppressing vibration. This achieves anti-vibration for the solar cell module 40 housed in the groove 81 of the anti-vibration member 80.

[0040] In this way, the upper holder 1A serving as the second support member is fixed to the frame portion 20 by a pair of fixing members 70, 70, and has a groove portion 81 capable of accommodating the upper end portion of the solar cell module 40.

[0041] The solar cell module 40 is, for example, a superstrate type solar cell module, and is formed by sandwiching a plurality of cells 47 sealed with a filler between a front cover on the light-receiving side (window glass 30 side) and a back cover made of weather-resistant film. The edges of the solar cell module 40 are covered with an edge cover made of rubber such as ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) for waterproofing and dustproofing.

[0042] 2, cells 47 inside the solar cell module 40 are connected to each other by conductive interconnectors 48. The ends of the interconnectors 48 are pulled out from the back cover and connected to a terminal box 46 provided for extracting generated power. In the solar cell module 40 of the illustrated example, the terminal box 46 is provided in the center of the lower end in the left-right direction.

[0043] 6, a wiring cord 45 for outputting electricity generated by the solar cell module 40 to the outside is connected to the terminal box 46. The wiring cord 45 drawn out from the terminal box 46 is stored in the storage space 12 of the lower holder 1B. The wiring cord 45 extends in the left-right direction within the storage space 12 to reach the vicinity of the left frame 25 and the right frame 27, and then extends, for example, in the up-down direction and is guided to the ceiling of the building.

[0044] In this way, the wiring cord 45 is stored in the storage space 12 of the lower holder 1B as the first support member and is not exposed to the outside, so when viewed from the front as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wiring cord 45 is not exposed, resulting in a good appearance.

[0045] Furthermore, since the lid 52 is attached to the storage space 12, the wiring cord 45 is not exposed even when the storage space 12 is viewed from the front, resulting in an attractive appearance. The lid 52 also prevents water, dust, etc. from entering the storage space 12.

[0046] In addition, the panel having a wiring cord is not limited to the solar cell module 40 described above, but may be any plate-shaped body to which a wiring cord is connected, such as light-controlling glass, glass with built-in LEDs, heat-generating glass, glass with built-in blinds, flat-screen televisions, and flat-screen LCD panels.

[0047] The solar cell module 40 as described above is installed on the window glass 30 using the panel support device 1 (holders 1A, 1B) in the manner described below.

[0048] First, the pair of holders 1A, 1B are fixed to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27 with a gap between them in the vertical direction. The fixing is performed by screwing a pair of fixing members 70, 70, which are screwed to the holders 1A, 1B, into the fixing grooves 25b, 27b of the left frame 25 and the right frame 27.

[0049] After the pair of holders 1A, 1B are fixed to the frame 20, the lower end of the solar cell module 40 is stored in the groove 7 of the lower holder 1B. The solar cell module 40 is stored, for example, using a Kendon method, where the upper end is inserted upward into the gap S between the tubular member 50 of the upper holder 1A and the window glass 30, and then the lower end is lowered and dropped into the groove 7 of the lower holder 1B. Thereafter, with the upper end of the solar cell module 40 positioned within the gap S, the anti-vibration member 80 is inserted from above into the gap S, as shown in FIG. 6 , so that the upper end of the solar cell module 40 is stored in the groove 81 of the anti-vibration member 80.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, the wiring cord 45 drawn out from the terminal box 46 of the solar cell module 40 is drawn through the notch 53 into the storage space 12 of the lower holder 1B and stored therein.

[0051] Through the simple process described above, the solar cell module 40 can be additionally installed on the window glass 30.

[0052] As described above, the first embodiment of the present invention provides a panel support device 1 for holding and installing a solar cell module 40 having a wiring cord 45 on an existing window glass 30 fixed to a frame 20. This panel support device 1 includes a pair of holders 1A, 1B spaced apart from each other, each of which is fixed to the frame 20 and has grooves 81, 7 capable of accommodating the upper and lower ends of the solar cell module 40, and at least one of the pair of holders 1A, 1B has a storage space 12 capable of accommodating the wiring cord 45. Therefore, a panel support device 1 can be provided that allows for easy and attractive installation of a solar cell module 40 on an existing window glass 30. That is, in this embodiment, unlike Patent Document 1, an adhesive layer is not provided on the solar cell module, and the holders 1A, 1B are fixed to the frame 20. Therefore, the solar cell module 40 can be placed in contact with the window glass 30 or facing the window glass 30 with a small gap therebetween, preventing air bubbles from forming between the solar cell module 40 and the window glass 30 and improving the appearance. Furthermore, when restoring the window glass 30 to its original state, the solar cell modules 40 are removed from the holders 1A, 1B and then the holders 1A, 1B are removed from the frame 20. Therefore, unlike Patent Document 1, it is not necessary to peel the entire solar cell module 40 off the window glass 30, and it is only necessary to remove the holders 1A, 1B from the frame 20, which simplifies the restoration work and reduces the possibility of damage to the window glass 30 or the solar cell modules 40. Furthermore, because the wiring cords 45 of the solar cell modules 40 are stored in the storage space 12 of the lower holder 1B, they are not exposed between adjacent solar cell modules 40 or between the solar cell module 40 and the left frame 25 or right frame 27, resulting in a good appearance.

[0053] The frame 20 includes a left frame 25 and a right frame 27 spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and the pair of holders 1A, 1B are fixed to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27, respectively. A wire 19 (extension member) is provided between the left frame 25 and the right frame 27, extending to connect the left frame 25 and the right frame 27 and supporting the pair of holders 1A, 1B. This prevents the holders 1A, 1B from falling off. Furthermore, the wire 19 (extension member) is stored in the storage space 12, providing a support structure with excellent space efficiency.

[0054] Second Embodiment Next, a panel support device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0055] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an example in which a solar cell module is installed on an existing window glass using a panel support device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a front view of Fig. 9.

[0056] 9 and 10 , the frame portion 20 of this embodiment includes a left frame portion 25 and a right frame portion 27 that extend in the direction of gravity, and a lower frame portion 23 that extends in the left-right direction to connect the left frame portion 25 and the right frame portion 27. The window glass 30 is fitted into and fixed in an opening in the frame portion 20.

[0057] Here, since the solar cell module 40 is housed in the groove 7 of the lower holder 1B, the weight of the solar cell module 40 is applied to the lower holder 1B. Therefore, it is preferable that the lower holder 1B be supported from below by a first weight-receiving member 17 so that the lower holder 1B can withstand the weight.

[0058] In the illustrated example, two first weight bearing members 17 that support the lower holder 1B are provided on the lower frame 23, spaced apart in the left-right direction. The first weight bearing members 17 are plate-shaped members that are fixed to the lower frame 23 by fixing means (e.g., screws, adhesive, etc.) not shown. The upper surface of the first weight bearing member 17 abuts against the lower surface of the lower holder 1B, supporting the lower holder 1B. The shape of the first weight bearing member 17 is not particularly limited and may be set as desired.

[0059] In this way, the lower frame 23 is provided with the first weight-receiving member 17 that supports the lower holder 1B, so that the lower holder 1B can be reliably prevented from falling off.

[0060] The lower holder 1B may be placed directly on the lower frame 23, in which case the first weight receiving member 17 may be omitted.

[0061] [Third Embodiment] Next, a panel support device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0062] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing an example in which a solar cell module is installed on an existing window glass using a panel support device according to a third embodiment. Fig. 12 is a front view of Fig. 11 .

[0063] Since the solar cell module 40 is housed in the groove portion 7, the weight of the solar cell module 40 is applied to the lower holder 1B. Therefore, it is preferable that the lower holder 1B be supported from below by a second weight-receiving member 18 so that the lower holder 1B can withstand the weight.

[0064] The left frame 25 and the right frame 27 each include a second weight bearing member 18 supporting the lower holder 1B. As shown in the illustrated example, the left frame 25 and the right frame 27 may include a second weight bearing member 18 supporting not only the lower holder 1B but also the upper holder 1A. The second weight bearing member 18 is a plate-shaped member fixed to the fixing grooves 25b, 27b of the left frame 25 and the right frame 27 by fixing means (e.g., screws, adhesive, etc.) not shown. The second weight bearing member 18 abuts against the lower surfaces of the pair of holders 1A, 1B and supports the pair of holders 1A, 1B. The second weight bearing member 18 may be provided on only one of the left frame 25 and the right frame 27, rather than on both. The shape of the second weight bearing member 18 is not particularly limited and may be set arbitrarily.

[0065] In this way, the left frame 25 and the right frame 27 are provided with the second weight receiving members 18 that support the pair of holders 1A, 1B, so that the pair of holders 1A, 1B can be reliably prevented from falling off.

[0066] The second embodiment and the third embodiment may be combined to provide both the first weight receiving member 17 and the second weight receiving member 18 .

[0067] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a panel support device according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0068] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing an example in which a solar cell module is installed on an existing window glass using a panel support device according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 14 is a front view of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in Fig. 14. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in Fig. 14. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in Fig. 14. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in Fig. 14.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 19, the lower holder 1B of this embodiment has the same structure as the lower holder 1B of the first to third embodiments.

[0070] On the other hand, the upper holder 1A has an approximately L-shaped angle member 90 extending in the left-right direction, a pair of fixing members 70, 70 that support both the left and right ends of the angle member 90, and a vibration prevention member 80 that has a groove portion 81 that accommodates the upper end of the solar cell module 40.

[0071] The angle member 90 is an elongated member extending in the longitudinal direction of the upper holder 1A and is made of, for example, aluminum. The angle member 90 has a generally L-shaped cross section, including a first flat surface 91 extending in the vertical direction and a second flat surface 93 extending from the upper end of the first flat surface 91 to the side opposite the window glass 30 in the front-to-back direction.

[0072] The angle member 90 is supported at both longitudinal ends by a pair of fixing members 70, 70. Similar to the fixing members 70 of the first to third embodiments, the fixing member 70 is a substantially L-shaped metal fitting that includes a flat portion 71 extending in the left-right direction and an upright portion 73 that stands upward from the end of the flat portion 71. The fixing member 70 receives and supports the angle member 90, and therefore can also be called an angle support member.

[0073] A slit 75 is formed in the flat portion 71 of the fixing member 70, penetrating the flat portion 71 in the up-down direction. The slit 75 opens inward in the left-right direction. That is, the openings of the slits 75 of the pair of fixing members 70 face each other in the left-right direction. The width of the slit 75 in the front-back direction is set to be approximately the same as or slightly larger than the width of the first flat surface 91 of the angle member 90 in the front-back direction.

[0074] Then, the first flat surface 91 of the angle member 90 is inserted from above into the slit 75 of the pair of fixing members 70, 70, and the second flat surface 93 of the angle member 90 is supported by the flat portions 71 of the pair of fixing members 70, 70. In this manner, the angle member 90 is supported by the pair of fixing members 70, 70.

[0075] The erected portions 73 of the fixing member 70 are then screwed to the bottom surfaces of the fixing grooves 25b, 27b of the left and right frames 25, 27. In this manner, the upper holder 1A is fixed to the frame portion 20.

[0076] 18 , the anti-vibration member 80 of the upper holder 1A is placed in the gap S formed between the angle member 90 and the window glass 30. The upper end of the solar cell module 40 is housed in a groove 81 provided in the anti-vibration member 80.

[0077] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the frame portion 20 includes the left frame 25 and the right frame 27 spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The upper holder 1A includes an angle member 90 having a generally L-shape extending in the left-right direction, a pair of fixing members 70 supporting both the left and right ends of the angle member 90, and a vibration-preventing member 80 having a groove 81 for receiving the upper end of the solar cell module 40. The angle member 90 is fixed to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27 by the pair of fixing members 70, and the vibration-preventing member 80 is disposed between the angle member 90 and the existing window glass 30. Therefore, as with the first embodiment, a panel support device 1 and a panel support method can be provided that allow for easy and attractive installation of a solar cell module 40 on an existing window glass 30. Furthermore, vibration of the solar cell module 40 received in the groove 81 of the vibration-preventing member 80 is suppressed.

[0078] Fifth Embodiment Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing an example in which a solar cell module is installed on an existing windowpane using a panel support device according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 21 is a front view of Fig. 20. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXII-XXII in Fig. 21. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIII-XXIII in Fig. 21. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIV-XXIV in Fig. 21. Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV in Fig. 21. Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVI-XXVI in Fig. 21.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 20 to 26, the upper holder 1A and the lower holder 1B of this embodiment have a structure different from those of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0080] The upper holder 1A has an approximately L-shaped angle member 90 extending in the left-right direction, a pair of fixing members 100, 100 that support both the left and right ends of the angle member 90, a vibration prevention member 80 having a groove portion 81 that accommodates the upper end of the solar cell module 40, and a pair of support members 110, 110 that support the pair of fixing members 100, 100 from below, respectively.

[0081] The angle member 90 is an elongated member extending in the longitudinal direction of the upper holder 1A and is made of, for example, aluminum. The angle member 90 has a generally L-shaped cross section, including a first flat surface 91 extending in the vertical direction and a second flat surface 93 extending from the upper end of the first flat surface 91 to the side opposite the window glass 30 in the front-to-back direction.

[0082] The angle member 90 is supported at both longitudinal ends by a pair of fixing members 100, 100. The fixing member 100 is a substantially L-shaped metal fitting that includes a flat portion 101 extending in the left-right direction and an upright portion 103 that stands downward from the end of the flat portion 101. The fixing member 100 supports the angle member 90, and therefore can also be called an angle support member.

[0083] A slit 105 is formed in the flat portion 101 of the fixing member 100, penetrating the flat portion 101 in the up-down direction. The slit 105 opens inward in the left-right direction. That is, the openings of the slits 105 of the pair of fixing members 100 face each other in the left-right direction. The width of the slit 105 in the front-back direction is set to be approximately the same as or slightly larger than the width of the first flat surface 91 of the angle member 90 in the front-back direction.

[0084] Then, the first flat surface 91 of the angle member 90 is inserted from above into the slits 105 of the pair of fixing members 100, 100, and the second flat surface 93 of the angle member 90 is supported by the flat portions 101 of the pair of fixing members 100, 100. In this manner, the angle member 90 is supported by the pair of fixing members 100, 100.

[0085] 22, the erected portions 103 of the fixing member 100 are adhesively fixed to the bottom surfaces 26a, 28a of the fixing grooves 25b, 27b of the left and right frames 25, 27. In this manner, the upper holder 1A is fixed to the frame portion 20.

[0086] As described above, the fixing member 100 of the upper holder 1A is adhesively fixed to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27. From the viewpoint of a fail-safe mechanism to prevent the fixing member 100 from falling off the left frame 25 and the right frame 27, a support member 110 is provided to support the fixing member 100 from below. The support member 110 is disposed near the corner connecting the flat portion 101 and the upright portion 103 of the fixing member 100 and extends in the front-to-back direction. The length of the support member 110 in the front-to-back direction is adjustable. Both ends of the support member 110 in the front-to-back direction are in tension contact with the side surfaces 26b, 28b of the fixing grooves 25b, 27b of the left frame 25 and the right frame 27, respectively. This fixes the support member 110 to the fixing grooves 25b, 27b.

[0087] As shown in Figure 25, the anti-vibration member 80 of the upper holder 1A is placed in the gap S formed between the angle member 90 and the window glass 30. The upper end of the solar cell module 40 is housed in a groove 81 provided in the anti-vibration member 80. Figures 24 to 26 also show the upper frame 21 and lower frame 23, which extend in the left-right direction to connect the left frame 25 and the right frame 27, and into which the upper and lower ends of the window glass 30 are fitted and fixed.

[0088] The lower holder 1B has a generally L-shaped angle member 90 extending in the left-right direction, a pair of fixing members 100, 100 that support both the left and right ends of the angle member 90, a pair of support members 110, 110 that support the pair of fixing members 100, 100 from below, respectively, and a cover member 120 that covers the front side of the angle member 90. The structures of the angle member 90, pair of fixing members 100, 100, and pair of support members 110, 110 of the lower holder 1B are generally identical to the structures of the angle member 90, pair of fixing members 100, 100, and pair of support members 110, 110 of the upper holder 1A.

[0089] The angle member 90 is an elongated member extending in the longitudinal direction of the lower holder 1B and is made of, for example, aluminum. The angle member 90 has a generally L-shaped cross section, including a first flat surface 91 extending in the vertical direction and a second flat surface 93 extending from the upper end of the first flat surface 91 to the side opposite the window glass 30 in the front-to-back direction.

[0090] The angle member 90 is supported at both longitudinal ends by a pair of fixing members 100, 100. The fixing member 100 is a substantially L-shaped metal fitting that includes a flat portion 101 extending in the left-right direction and an upright portion 103 that stands downward from the end of the flat portion 101. The fixing member 100 supports the angle member 90, and therefore can also be called an angle support member.

[0091] 20 and 25 , unlike the angle member 90 of the upper holder 1A, the angle member 90 of the lower holder 1B has a substantially rectangular notch (opening) 95 formed in a portion of the first flat surface 91 facing the terminal box 46. The wiring cord 45 drawn out from the terminal box 46 is stored in the storage space 12 through this notch 95. The storage space 12 is covered by the angle member 90 and the cover member 120 except for the portion where the notch 95 is formed.

[0092] A slit 105 is formed in the flat portion 101 of the fixing member 100, penetrating the flat portion 101 in the up-down direction. The slit 105 opens inward in the left-right direction. That is, the openings of the slits 105 of the pair of fixing members 100 face each other in the left-right direction. The width of the slit 105 in the front-back direction is set to be approximately the same as or slightly larger than the width of the first flat surface 91 of the angle member 90 in the front-back direction.

[0093] Then, the first flat surface 91 of the angle member 90 is inserted from above into the slits 105 of the pair of fixing members 100, 100, and the second flat surface 93 of the angle member 90 is supported by the flat portions 101 of the pair of fixing members 100, 100. In this manner, the angle member 90 is supported by the pair of fixing members 100, 100.

[0094] 23 , the erected portions 103 of the fixing member 100 are adhesively fixed to the bottom surfaces 26 a, 28 a of the fixing grooves 25 b, 27 b of the left frame 25 and the right frame 27. As will be described later, a cover member 120 is fixed to the angle member 90 to form an integrated unit, and therefore, by fixing the fixing member 100 to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27, the entire lower holder 1B is fixed to the frame portion 20.

[0095] As described above, the fixing member 100 of the lower holder 1B is adhesively fixed to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27. However, from the viewpoint of a fail-safe to prevent the fixing member 100 from falling off the left frame 25 and the right frame 27, a support member 110 is provided to support the fixing member 100 from below. The support member 110 is disposed near the corner connecting the flat portion 101 and the upright portion 103 of the fixing member 100 and is a member extending in the front-to-back direction. The length of the support member 110 in the front-to-back direction is adjustable. Both ends of the support member 110 in the front-to-back direction are in tension contact with the side surfaces 26b, 28b of the fixing grooves 25b, 27b of the left frame 25 and the right frame 27, respectively. This fixes the support member 110 to the fixing grooves 25b, 27b.

[0096] As shown in Figures 21 and 24 to 26, the lower holder 1B is placed directly on the lower frame 23. The first flat surface 91 of the angle member 90 of the lower holder 1B and the upper surface of the lower frame 23 define a groove 7. The groove 7 is formed between the lower holder 1B and the existing window glass 30 and is capable of accommodating the lower end of the solar cell module 40. The groove 7 can also accommodate the lower end of the solar cell module 40, as well as a setting block 44 that supports the lower end and a terminal box 46 installed at the lower end. The groove 7 has a rectangular cross section and is formed over the entire longitudinal length of the lower holder 1B. In other words, the groove 7 penetrates the lower holder 1B in the longitudinal direction.

[0097] The cover member 120 is an elongated member extending in the longitudinal direction of the lower holder 1B and is made of, for example, aluminum. As shown in Figures 25 and 26, the cover member 120 is configured by combining a first cover portion 121 and a second cover portion 123, which are generally U-shaped and extend in the left-right direction. The first cover portion 121 and the second cover portion 123 are arranged so that the openings of their respective generally U-shaped portions face the solar cell module 40 side and the angle member 90 side.

[0098] The first cover part 121 and the second cover part 123 have approximately the same left-right dimension, but the first cover part 121 has larger up-down and front-to-back dimensions. This makes it possible to house and fix the second cover part 123 inside the first cover part 121. The second cover part 123 is placed on a corner of the underside of the first cover part 121. Then, by screwing screws 125 in the front-to-back direction, the first cover part 121 and the second cover part 123 are fixed together.

[0099] When the first cover part 121 and the second cover part 123 are fixed to each other, a gap T exists between the upper surface of the first cover part 121 and the upper surface of the second cover part 123. The second flat surface 93 of the angle member 90 is disposed in this gap T. Then, as shown in FIG. 26 , by threading a screw 127 from the upper surface of the first cover part 121, the second flat surface 93 of the angle member 90 is sandwiched between the upper surface of the first cover part 121 and the upper surface of the second cover part 123. In this way, the cover part 120 and the angle member 90 are fixed to each other.

[0100] The space surrounded by the second cover portion 123 of the cover member 120 and the angle member 90 is the storage space 12 capable of storing the wiring cord 45. As shown in Figures 21 and 23 , the wiring cord 45 drawn out from the terminal box 46 of the solar cell module 40 is stored in the storage space 12 of the lower holder 1B. The wiring cord 45 extends in the left-right direction within the storage space 12 until it reaches the vicinity of the left frame 25 and the right frame 27, and then extends, for example, in the up-down direction and is guided up to the ceiling of the building.

[0101] In the fifth embodiment, the above-described first weight receiving member 17 and / or second weight receiving member 18 may also be provided. In addition, a wire 19 may be provided in the storage space 12 as an extension member for supporting the lower holder 1B.

[0102] In the fifth embodiment, the fixing member 70 of the fourth embodiment may be used instead of the fixing member 100. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the fixing member 100 of the fifth embodiment may be used instead of the fixing member 70. It is also possible to combine the fixing members 70 and 100, for example, by using the fixing member 70 of the fourth embodiment for the upper holder 1A and the fixing member 100 of the fifth embodiment for the lower holder 1B, or by using the fixing member 100 of the fifth embodiment for the upper holder 1A and the fixing member 70 of the fourth embodiment for the lower holder 1B.

[0103] Sixth Embodiment Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing an example in which a solar cell module is installed on an existing windowpane using a panel support device according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 28 is a front view of Fig. 27. Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIX-XXIX in Fig. 28. Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXX-XXX in Fig. 28. Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXI-XXXI in Fig. 28. Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXII-XXXII in Fig. 27. Fig. 33 is an enlarged view of the upper holder and its periphery in Figs. 29 to 31. Fig. 34 is an enlarged view of the lower holder and its periphery in Figs. 29 to 31. Fig. 35 is an enlarged view of the upper right and upper left portions of Fig. 28. Fig. 36 is an enlarged view of the lower right and lower left portions of Fig. 28.

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 27 to 36, the upper holder 1A and the lower holder 1B of this embodiment have a structure different from those of the first to fifth embodiments.

[0105] The upper holder 1A and the lower holder 1B each have an outer member 130 extending in the left-right direction and an inner member 140 housed inside the outer member 130 and extending in the left-right direction. The outer member 130 and the inner member 140 are made of, for example, an extruded aluminum alloy. Comparing the upper holder 1A and the lower holder 1B, the upper holder 1A and the lower holder 1B have the same function in that the inner member 140 is housed inside the outer member 130 and can be pulled out of the outer member 130 by moving the inner member 140 in the left-right direction. However, the structures of the outer member 130 and the inner member 140 are different. Therefore, for ease of distinction, the outer member 130 and the inner member 140 of the upper holder 1A will be referred to as the upper outer member 130A and the upper inner member 140A, and the outer member 130 and the inner member 140 of the lower holder 1B will be referred to as the lower outer member 130B and the lower inner member 140B.

[0106] First, the upper outer member 130A and upper inner member 140A of the upper holder 1A will be described. As shown in Figures 27 to 36, the upper outer member 130A is a long tubular member extending in the left-right direction, and its left-right length is approximately equal to that of the solar cell module 40 (see Figures 27 and 28 in particular). Therefore, the upper outer member 130A covers the entire upper edge of the solar cell module 40.

[0107] 29 to 33, the entire length of the upper side of the solar cell module 40 is covered with a cushioning material 150. The cushioning material 150 is made of, for example, rubber or resin, and its length in the left-right direction is approximately equal to that of the solar cell module 40.

[0108] 33 , the cushioning material 150 has a planar upper surface 151 perpendicular to the up-down direction, and a front surface 152 and a back surface 153 extending perpendicularly downward from the front-to-back end of the upper surface 151, and has a generally U-shaped cross section that is open downward as a whole. The cushioning material 150 is fitted onto the upper end of the solar cell module 40 so that the front surface 152 and the back surface 153 sandwich the upper end of the solar cell module 40.

[0109] The lower portions of the front surface 152 and the back surface 153 of the cushioning material 150 are narrow portions 152a, 153a that are narrower in the front-to-back direction than the upper portions. A pair of flange portions 133d, 133e of the upper outer member 130A and a pair of flange portions 145d, 145e of the left side member 141, which will be described later, abut against these narrow portions 152a, 153a.

[0110] The upper outer member 130A has a groove 131 (see FIG. 33 ) that runs through the upper outer member 130A in the left-right direction. The groove 131 is recessed from the bottom surface upward along the entire length of the upper outer member 130A. The upper inner member 140A (left member 141 and right member 142), cushioning material 150, and the upper ends of the solar cell modules 40 are disposed within the groove 131. In other words, the groove 131 is capable of accommodating the upper ends of the solar cell modules 40 (panels). A downward-facing opening 132 is formed in the lower portion of the upper outer member 130A along the entire length in the left-right direction, and this downward-facing opening 132 communicates with the groove 131. Therefore, the upper outer member 130A has a generally U-shaped cross section that opens downward.

[0111] More specifically, the upper outer member 130A has a planar upper surface 133a perpendicular to the up-down direction, a front surface 133b and a back surface 133c extending vertically downward from the front-to-back ends of the upper surface 133a, a flange portion 133d protruding from the lower end of the front surface 133b toward the back side, and a flange portion 133e protruding from the lower end of the back surface 133c toward the front side. A downward-facing opening 132 is provided between the pair of flange portions 133d, 133e. The upper end of the solar cell module 40 and the buffer material 150 are disposed in the downward-facing opening 132, and the tips of the pair of flange portions 133d, 133e abut against the pair of narrow portions 152a, 153a of the buffer material 150.

[0112] 27 and 28, the upper inner member 140A of the upper holder 1A includes a left member 141 disposed on the left side and a right member 142 disposed on the right side inside the upper outer member 130A. 27 and 28 show a state in which the left member 141 is pulled out to the left from the upper outer member 130A, and the right member 142 is pulled out to the right from the upper outer member 130A.

[0113] The left side member 141 and the right side member 142 are each tubular members extending in the left-right direction and are housed in the grooves 131 of the upper outer member 130A so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. The sum of the left-right dimensions of the left side member 141 and the right side member 142 is preferably approximately the same as the left-right dimension of the upper outer member 130A. This is because the larger the left-right dimensions of the left side member 141 and the right side member 142, the longer the length by which the left side member 141 and the right side member 142 can be pulled out to the outside of the upper outer member 130A, and the larger the adjustment range according to the dimension between the left frame 25 and the right frame 27.

[0114] The cross-sectional shape of the left side member 141 will be described with reference to Figure 33. The left side member 141 has a groove 143 that penetrates the left side member 141 in the left-right direction. The groove 143 is recessed from the bottom surface upward over the entire length of the left side member 141. The buffer material 150 and the upper end of the solar cell module 40 are disposed within the groove 143. That is, the groove 143 is capable of accommodating the upper end of the solar cell module 40 (panel). A downward opening 144 is formed in the lower part of the left side member 141 over the entire length in the left-right direction, and this downward opening 144 communicates with the groove 143. Therefore, the left side member 141 has a generally U-shaped cross section that opens downward.

[0115] The left-side component 141 has a planar upper surface 145a perpendicular to the up-down direction, a front surface 145b and a back surface 145c extending perpendicularly downward from the front-to-back ends of the upper surface 145a, a flange portion 145d protruding from the lower end of the front surface 145b toward the back side, and a flange portion 145e protruding from the lower end of the back surface 145c toward the front side. A downward-facing opening 144 is provided between the pair of flange portions 145d, 145e. The upper end of the solar cell module 40 and the buffer material 150 are disposed in the downward-facing opening 144, and the tips of the pair of flange portions 145d, 145e abut against a pair of narrow portions 152a, 153a of the buffer material 150.

[0116] The outer surface of left side member 141 abuts against the inner surface of upper outer member 130A, and the inner surface of left side member 141 abuts against the outer surface of cushioning material 150. Therefore, when left side member 141 is pulled out of groove 131 inside upper outer member 130A, left side member 141 slides against upper outer member 130A and cushioning material 150.

[0117] When the left side member 141 slides, the upper outer member 130A and the cushioning material 150 are not displaced. The cushioning material 150 is fitted and fixed to the upper edge of the solar cell module 40, and the upper outer member 130A is fixed by a pair of flanges 133d, 133e, sandwiching the cushioning material 150. Therefore, even when the left side member 141 slides, the relative positions of the solar cell module 40, the cushioning material 150, and the upper outer member 130A do not change.

[0118] The left and right members 141 and 142 have the same cross-sectional shape, and therefore a description of the right member 142 will be omitted.

[0119] 27 , 28 , 32 , and 35 , a fixing plate 165 is provided at the left end of the left side member 141 and the right end of the right side member 142, respectively, and extends toward the front side (the front side of the paper in FIG. 27 ) of the left side member 141 and the right side member 142. The fixing plate 165 may be separate from or integrated with the left side member 141 and the right side member 142, and if separate from them, the fixing plate 165 is fixed to the left side member 141 and the right side member 142 with screws or the like.

[0120] 28, 35, and 36, a frame member 160 is fixed to the right side surface of left frame 25 and the left side surface of right frame 27. Frame member 160 extends in the vertical direction, and its vertical dimension is set to be larger than that of solar cell module 40. Frame member 160 is fixed to left frame 25 and right frame 27 at two locations with screws 161.

[0121] A left member 141 and a right member 142 are fixed to a pair of left and right frame members 160, 160. Specifically, a fixing plate portion 165 of the left member 141 is fixed to an upper portion of the left frame member 160 with a screw 166, and a fixing plate portion 165 of the right member 142 is fixed to an upper portion of the right frame member 160 with a screw 166. In this manner, the left end portion of the left member 141 pulled out to the left from the upper outer member 130A is fixed to the left frame 25 via the frame member 160, and the right end portion of the right member 142 pulled out to the right from the upper outer member 130A is fixed to the right frame 27 via the frame member 160, thereby fixing the upper holder 1A to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27.

[0122] The distance between left frame 25 and right frame 27 varies depending on the type of window frame to be installed. Therefore, with upper holder 1A of this embodiment, by adjusting the length by which left member 141 and right member 142 are pulled out from upper outer member 130A depending on the distance between left frame 25 and right frame 27, upper holder 1A can be fixed to left frame 25 and right frame 27 even in window frame sizes of different sizes, and ultimately solar cell module 40 can be fixed thereto.

[0123] In this embodiment, the left side member 141 and the right side member 142 are fixed to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27 via the frame member 160, but the frame member 160 is not necessarily provided, and the left side member 141 and the right side member 142 may be fixed directly to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27 with screws or the like.

[0124] Furthermore, although the upper inner member 140A includes a pair of left and right members 141 and 142 in this embodiment, it may include only one of the left and right members 141 and 142. That is, while the left and right members 141 and 142 are configured to be retractable from both the left and right sides of the upper outer member 130A in this embodiment, the left member 141 may be retractable only from the left side of the upper outer member 130A, eliminating the need for the right member 142. Alternatively, the right member 142 may be retractable only from the right side of the upper outer member 130A, eliminating the need for the left member 141. For example, if only the left member 141 is provided without the right member 142, the right end of the upper outer member 130A may be fixed to the right frame 27 with a screw or the like, and the left member 141 may be pulled out from the upper outer member 130A and fixed to the left frame 25. Even in this case, the upper holder 1A can be fixed to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27 to accommodate window frames of different sizes.

[0125] Next, the lower outer member 130B and lower inner member 140B of the lower holder 1B will be described. As shown in Figures 27 to 36, the lower outer member 130B is a long tubular member extending in the left-right direction, and its left-right length is approximately equal to that of the solar cell module 40 (see Figures 27 and 28 in particular). Therefore, the lower outer member 130B covers the entire length of the lower side of the solar cell module 40.

[0126] 34 , the lower outer member 130B includes a lower portion 135 having a generally rectangular cross section, and a front side wall portion 136 and a back side wall portion 137 extending upward from the front end portion and the back end portion, respectively, of the lower portion 135. The vertical height of the front side wall portion 136 is greater than the vertical height of the back side wall portion 137. More specifically, the front side wall portion 136 is set to a height that covers the front surface of a setting block 155 (described later), whereas the back side wall portion 137 is set to a height that covers a portion of the lower part of the back surface of the setting block 155.

[0127] The lower outer member 130B has a groove 138 surrounded by a lower portion 135, a front sidewall 136, and a back sidewall 137. The groove 138 passes through the lower outer member 130B in the left-right direction and is open at the top and back. As shown in Figures 28 and 31, a pair of setting blocks 155, 155 are disposed at both left-right ends of the groove 138.

[0128] The setting block 155 is fixed by being sandwiched between the front sidewall 136 and the back sidewall 137. A recess 155a extending in the left-right direction is formed in the upper surface of the setting block 155, and the lower end of the solar cell module 40 is placed in the recess 155a. In this way, the groove 138 of the lower outer member 130B accommodates the pair of setting blocks 155, 155 and the lower end of the solar cell module 40 placed on the pair of setting blocks 155, 155.

[0129] The lower portion 135 of the lower outer member 130B has a through-hole 134 that passes through the lower portion 135 of the lower outer member 130B in the left-right direction. The through-hole 134 has a generally rectangular cross section, and the lower inner member 140B is disposed inside the through-hole 134.

[0130] 27 and 28, the lower inner member 140B of the lower holder 1B includes a left member 147 disposed on the left side inside the lower outer member 130B and a right member 148 disposed on the right side inside the lower outer member 130B. 27 and 28 show a state in which the left member 147 is pulled out to the left from the lower outer member 130B, and the right member 148 is pulled out to the right from the lower outer member 130B.

[0131] The left side member 147 and the right side member 148 are each tubular members extending in the left-right direction, and are housed in the through-holes 134 of the lower outer member 130B so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. The total left-right dimension of the left side member 147 and the right side member 148 is preferably approximately the same as the left-right dimension of the lower outer member 130B. This is because the larger the left-right dimension of the left side member 147 and the right side member 148, the longer the length by which the left side member 147 and the right side member 148 can be pulled out to the outside from the lower outer member 130B, and the larger the adjustment range according to the dimension between the left frame 25 and the right frame 27.

[0132] The cross-sectional shape of the left side member 147 will be described with reference to Figure 34. The left side member 147 is recessed toward the front side and has a groove 149 that penetrates the left side member 147 in the left-right direction. A rear-facing opening 146 is formed on the back side of the left side member 147 over the entire length in the left-right direction, and this rear-facing opening 146 communicates with the groove 149. Therefore, the left side member 147 has a generally U-shaped cross section that opens rearward (toward the window glass 30).

[0133] The left side member 147 has a planar surface 147a perpendicular to the front-to-back direction, an upper surface 147b and a lower surface 147c extending horizontally from the vertical ends of the surface 147a toward the rear side, a flange portion 147d protruding downward from the rear end of the upper surface 147b, and a flange portion 147e protruding upward from the rear end of the lower surface 147c. A rear-facing opening 146 is provided between the pair of flange portions 147d, 147e.

[0134] The outer surface of the left side member 147 abuts against the inner surface of the through-hole 134 of the lower outer member 130B. Therefore, when the left side member 147 is pulled out from the through-hole 134 inside the lower outer member 130B, the left side member 147 slides against the through-hole 134.

[0135] The left and right members 147 and 148 have the same cross-sectional shape, and therefore a description of the right member 148 will be omitted.

[0136] 27 , 28 , 32 , and 36 , a fixing plate 165 is provided at the left end of the left side member 147 and the right end of the right side member 148, extending toward the front side (the front side of the paper in FIG. 27 ) of the left side member 147 and the right side member 148. The fixing plate 165 may be separate from or integrated with the left side member 147 and the right side member 148, and if separate from them, the fixing plate 165 is fixed to the left side member 147 and the right side member 148 with screws or the like.

[0137] The left side member 147 and the right side member 148 are fixed to a pair of left and right frame members 160, 160. Specifically, the fixing plate portion 165 of the left side member 147 is fixed to the lower part of the left side frame member 160 with a screw 166, and the fixing plate portion 165 of the right side member 148 is fixed to the lower part of the right side frame member 160 with a screw 166. In this way, the left end of the left side member 147 pulled out to the left from the lower outer member 130B is fixed to the left frame 25 via the frame member 160, and the right end of the right side member 148 pulled out to the right from the lower outer member 130B is fixed to the right frame 27 via the frame member 160, thereby fixing the lower holder 1B to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27.

[0138] The distance between left frame 25 and right frame 27 varies depending on the type of window frame to be installed. Therefore, with lower holder 1B of this embodiment, by adjusting the length by which left member 147 and right member 148 are pulled out from lower outer member 130B depending on the distance between left frame 25 and right frame 27, lower holder 1B can be fixed to left frame 25 and right frame 27 even in window frame sizes of different sizes, and ultimately solar cell module 40 can be fixed thereto.

[0139] In this embodiment, the left side member 147 and the right side member 148 are fixed to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27 via the frame member 160, but the frame member 160 is not necessarily provided, and the left side member 147 and the right side member 148 may be fixed directly to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27 with screws or the like.

[0140] Furthermore, although the lower inner member 140B includes a pair of left and right members 147 and 148 in this embodiment, it may include only one of the left and right members 147 and 148. That is, while the left and right members 147 and 148 are configured to be retractable from both the left and right sides of the lower outer member 130B in this embodiment, the left member 147 may be retractable only from the left side of the lower outer member 130B, eliminating the need for the right member 148. Alternatively, the right member 148 may be retractable only from the right side of the lower outer member 130B, eliminating the need for the left member 147. For example, if only the left member 147 is provided without the right member 148, the right end of the lower outer member 130B may be fixed to the right frame 27 with a screw or the like, and the left member 147 may be pulled out from the upper outer member 130A and fixed to the left frame 25. Even in this case, the upper holder 1A can be fixed to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27 to accommodate window frames of different sizes.

[0141] 27 and 28, two first weight bearing members 17 that support the lower holder 1B are provided on the lower frame 23, spaced apart in the left-right direction. The first weight bearing members 17 are plate-shaped members that are fixed to the lower frame 23 by fixing means (e.g., screws, adhesive, etc.) not shown. The upper surface of the first weight bearing member 17 abuts against the lower surface of the lower outer member 130B, supporting the lower holder 1B. The shape of the first weight bearing member 17 is not particularly limited and may be set as desired.

[0142] Here, it is preferable to arrange the first weight receiving members 17 so that gaps U are provided between the first weight receiving members 17, 17, and between the first weight receiving members 17 and the left frame 25 or the right frame 27. The gaps U communicate in the front-to-back direction between the front side (indoor side) and the back side (window glass 30 side) below the lower holder 1B and above the lower frame 23. Providing such gaps U prevents warm air from accumulating between the window glass 30 and the solar cell module 40, and allows air to escape to the front side (indoor side) through the gaps U.

[0143] As shown in Fig. 29, the groove 138 of the lower outer member 130B accommodates the terminal box 46 installed at the lower end of the solar cell module 40. As shown in Fig. 27 and Fig. 28, the terminal box 46 of this embodiment is provided in the center of the lower end of the solar cell module 40 in the left-right direction.

[0144] 27 to 30, the wiring cord 45 drawn out from both the left and right ends of the terminal box 46 extends in the left-right direction within the groove 138 of the lower outer member 130B. Therefore, the groove 138 of the lower holder 1B also functions as a storage space for the wiring cord 45.

[0145] A pair of setting blocks 155, 155 are installed at both the left and right ends of the groove 138, preventing the passage of the wiring cord 45. Therefore, near the location where the setting blocks 155 are installed, the wiring cord 45 is pulled out from the groove 138 to the back side (toward the window glass 30) and placed between the lower holder 1B and the window glass 30, as shown in Figures 28 and 31 .

[0146] 28 and 32, the wire cord 45 is disposed in the grooves 149 of the lower inner member 140B (the left member 147 and the right member 148) at locations laterally outward of the setting block 155 and the lower outer member 130B. Therefore, the grooves 149 of the lower inner member 140B also function as storage spaces for the wire cord 45.

[0147] 32 , a cover 149a is attached to the lower inner member 140B so as to cover the inward opening 146 that connects to the groove 149. This cover 149a prevents water, dust, etc. from entering the groove 149 and also prevents the wiring cord 45 from falling out of the groove 149.

[0148] The wiring cord 45 extends left and right within the groove 149 to reach the left frame 25 and the right frame 27, and then extends, for example, vertically and is guided up to the ceiling of the building.

[0149] In this way, the wiring cord 45 is stored in the grooves 138, 149 serving as storage spaces and is not exposed to the outside, so that when viewed from the front as shown in Figure 28, the wiring cord 45 is not exposed, resulting in a good appearance.

[0150] As described above, the panel support device 1 of this embodiment includes a lower holder 1B (first support member) and an upper holder 1A (second support member) that are spaced apart from each other, and the lower holder 1B and the upper holder 1A are fixed to the frame 20 and have grooves 131, 138, and 143 that can accommodate at least a portion of the end of the solar cell module 40 (panel), and the lower holder 1B has grooves 138 and 149 (storage space) that can accommodate the wiring cord 45. Therefore, it is possible to provide a panel support device 1 that allows the solar cell module 40 to be easily and attractively added to an existing window glass 30.

[0151] Frame portion 20 includes left and right frames 25 and 27 spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and lower frame 23 connecting left and right frames 25 and 27. Lower holder 1B and upper holder 1A are fixed to left and right frames 25 and 27, respectively, and lower frame 23 is provided with first weight-receiving member 17 that supports lower holder 1B. This reliably prevents lower holder 1B from falling off.

[0152] Furthermore, lower holder 1B and upper holder 1A have outer member 130 extending in the left-right direction, and inner member 140 housed inside outer member 130 and extending in the left-right direction, inner member 140 can be pulled out of outer member 130 by moving it in the left-right direction, and the left-right ends of inner member 140 pulled out from outer member 130 are fixed to left frame 25 or right frame 27, thereby fixing lower holder 1B and upper holder 1A to left frame 25 or right frame 27. Therefore, upper holder 1A can be fixed to left frame 25 or right frame 27 even in window frames of different sizes, and ultimately solar cell module 40 can be fixed thereto.

[0153] The inner member 140 has left members 141, 147 arranged on the left side and right members 142, 148 arranged on the right side inside the outer member 130, and the left ends of the left members 141, 147 pulled out from the outer member 130 are fixed to the left frame 25, and the right ends of the right members 142, 148 pulled out from the outer member 130 are fixed to the right frame 27, thereby fixing the lower holder 1B and the upper holder 1A to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27. Therefore, the upper holder 1A can be fixed to the left frame 25 and the right frame 27 even in window frames of different sizes, and therefore the solar cell module 40 can be fixed thereto.

[0154] As described above, the present specification discloses the following configurations. (1) A panel support device for holding and installing a panel having a wiring cord on an existing transparent member fixed to a frame portion, the panel support device comprising: a first support member and a second support member arranged at a distance from each other, the first support member and the second support member each being fixed to the frame portion and having a groove capable of accommodating at least a portion of an edge of the panel, and at least one of the first support member and the second support member having a storage space capable of accommodating the wiring cord. (2) The panel support device described in (1), wherein the frame portion includes left and right frames arranged at a distance from each other in the left-right direction, and a lower frame connecting the left and right frames, the first support member and the second support member being fixed to the left and right frames, respectively, and the lower frame is provided with a first weight-receiving member that supports the first support member or the second support member. (3) The panel support device according to (1) or (2), wherein the frame portion includes a left frame and a right frame spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, the first support member and the second support member are fixed to the left frame and the right frame, respectively, and a second weight bearing member supporting the first support member or the second support member is provided on at least one of the left frame and the right frame. (4) The panel support device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the frame portion includes a left frame and a right frame spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, the first support member and the second support member are fixed to the left frame and the right frame, respectively, and an extension member is provided between the left frame and the right frame to extend so as to connect the left frame and the right frame and support the first support member or the second support member, and the extension member is stored in the storage space of the first support member or the second support member.(5) A panel support device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the frame portion includes a left frame and a right frame spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and the first support member or the second support member has a generally L-shaped angle member extending in the left-right direction, a pair of fixing members supporting both left and right ends of the angle member, and a vibration-preventing member having a groove for accommodating an end of the panel, and the angle member is fixed to the left and right frames by the pair of fixing members, and the vibration-preventing member is disposed between the angle member and the existing transparent member. (6) The panel support device described in (1) or (2), wherein the frame portion includes a left frame and a right frame arranged spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, the first support member and the second support member have an outer member extending in the left-right direction and an inner member housed inside the outer member and extending in the left-right direction, the inner member can be pulled out to the outside of the outer member by moving it in the left-right direction, and the left-right end of the inner member pulled out to the outside from the outer member is fixed to the left frame or the right frame, thereby fixing the first support member and the second support member to the left frame or the right frame. (7) The panel support device described in (6), wherein the inner member has a left-side member arranged on the left side inside the outer member and a right-side member arranged on the right side, and the left end of the left-side member pulled out from the outer member is fixed to the left frame, and the right end of the right-side member pulled out from the outer member is fixed to the right frame, thereby fixing the first support member and the second support member to the left frame and the right frame.

[0155] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0156] This application is based on a Japanese patent application filed on August 23, 2023 (Patent Application No. 2023-135658) and a Japanese patent application filed on April 8, 2024 (Patent Application No. 2024-062212), the contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0157] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Panel support device 1A Upper holder (second support member) 1B Lower holder (first support member) 3 Back surface 4 Front surface 5 Inner surface 6 Outer surface 7 Groove portion 12 Storage space portion 17 First weight receiving member 18 Second weight receiving member 19 Wire (extension member) 20 Frame portion 21 Upper frame 23 Lower frame 25 Left frame 25a Fitting groove 25b Fixing groove 26a Bottom surface of fixing groove 26b Side surface of fixing groove 27 Right frame 27a Fitting groove 27b Fixing groove 28a Bottom surface of fixing groove 29 Sealant 30 Window glass (transparent member) 40 Solar cell module (panel) 44 Setting block 45 Wiring cord 46 Terminal box 47 Cell 50 Tubular member 51 Base portion 51a Bottom portion 51b Wall portion 51c Inner surface 51d Engaged portion 51e Outer surface 52 Lid portion 52a Convex portion 53 Notch 59 Screw 60 Flat plate member 61 Upper surface 63 Lower surface 70 Fixing member 71 Flat portion 73 Standing portion 75 Slit 80 Anti-vibration member 81 Groove portion 90 Angle member 91 First flat surface 93 Second flat surface 95 Notch 100 Fixing member 101 Flat portion 103 Standing portion 105 Slit 110 Support member 120 Cover member 121 First cover portion 123 Second cover portion 125 Screw 130 Outer member 130A Upper outer member 130B Lower outer member 131 Groove portion 132 Downward opening 133a Upper surface 133b Front surface 133c Back surface 133d, 133e Flange portion 134 Through hole 135 Lower portion 136 Front surface side wall portion 137 Back surface side wall portion 138 Groove portion (storage space portion) 140 Inner member 140A Upper inner member 140B Lower inner member 141 Left side member 142 Right side member 143 Groove portion 144 Downward opening 145a Upper surface 145b Front surface 145c Back surface 145d, 145e Flange portion 146 Inward opening 147 Left side member 147a Front surface 147b Upper surface 147c Lower surface 147d, 147e Flange portion 148 Right side member 149 Groove portion (storage space portion) 149a Cover 150 Cushioning material 151 Upper surface 152 Surface 152a Narrow portion 153 Back surface 153a Narrow portion 155 Setting block 160 Frame member 161 Screw S, T, U Gap

Claims

1. A panel support device for holding and installing a panel having a wiring cord against an existing transparent member fixed to a frame, the panel support device comprising a first support member and a second support member arranged at a distance from each other, the first support member and the second support member each being fixed to the frame, and each having a groove portion capable of accommodating at least a portion of an edge of the panel, and at least one of the first support member and the second support member comprising a storage space portion capable of accommodating the wiring cord.

2. A panel support device as described in claim 1, wherein the frame portion includes a left frame and a right frame arranged spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and a lower frame connecting the left frame and the right frame, the first support member and the second support member are fixed to the left frame and the right frame, respectively, and the lower frame is provided with a first weight-receiving member supporting the first support member or the second support member.

3. A panel support device as described in claim 1, wherein the frame portion includes a left frame and a right frame arranged spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, the first support member and the second support member are fixed to the left frame and the right frame, respectively, and at least one of the left frame and the right frame is provided with a second weight-receiving member supporting the first support member or the second support member.

4. A panel support device as described in claim 1, wherein the frame portion includes a left frame and a right frame arranged spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, the first support member and the second support member are fixed to the left frame and the right frame, respectively, an extension member is provided between the left frame and the right frame, extending to connect the left frame and the right frame and supporting the first support member or the second support member, and the extension member is stored in the storage space portion of the first support member or the second support member.

5. A panel support device as described in claim 1, wherein the frame portion includes a left frame and a right frame arranged spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, the first support member or the second support member has a generally L-shaped angle member extending in the left-right direction, a pair of fixing members supporting both left and right ends of the angle member, and a vibration prevention member having a groove for accommodating an end of the panel, the angle members being fixed to the left and right frames by the pair of fixing members, and the vibration prevention member being positioned between the angle member and the existing transparent member.

6. A panel support device as described in claim 1, wherein the frame portion includes a left frame and a right frame arranged spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, the first support member and the second support member have an outer member extending in the left-right direction and an inner member housed inside the outer member and extending in the left-right direction, the inner member can be pulled out to the outside of the outer member by moving it in the left-right direction, and the first support member and the second support member are fixed to the left frame or the right frame by fixing the left and right ends of the inner member pulled out to the outside of the outer member to the left frame or the right frame.

7. A panel support device as described in claim 6, wherein the inner member has a left side member disposed on the left side and a right side member disposed on the right side inside the outer member, and the left end of the left side member pulled out from the outer member is fixed to the left frame, and the right end of the right side member pulled out from the outer member is fixed to the right frame, thereby fixing the first support member and the second support member to the left frame and the right frame.

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