Translucent member, solar cell module, and method for producing translucent member

Abstract

Provided is a translucent member that makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the strength of a translucent member including chemically toughened glass. A translucent member (1) according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first translucent member (11); a second translucent member (12) that is disposed facing the first translucent member (11); and an intermediate adhesive film (13) that is disposed between the first translucent member (11) and the second translucent member (12). The first translucent member (11) is chemically toughened glass. In a plan view of the first translucent member (11), at least one side of the perimeter of the first translucent member (11) is at least 0.5 mm smaller than a corresponding side of the perimeter of the second translucent member (12) .

Description

Light-transmitting member, solar cell module, and method for manufacturing light-transmitting member

[0001] The present invention relates to a light-transmitting member, a solar cell module, and a method for manufacturing a light-transmitting member.

[0002] In recent years, laminated glass has been used in various fields, such as automobile windshields and architectural applications. Patent Document 1 discloses technology related to laminated glass for automobiles. In addition, in recent years, development of solar cell modules in which multiple solar power generation cells are enclosed inside laminated glass has progressed.

[0003] JP 2018-70385 A

[0004] The laminated glass includes a first glass sheet, a second glass sheet disposed opposite the first glass sheet, and an intermediate adhesive layer disposed between the first and second glass sheets. For example, to improve the strength of the laminated glass, chemically strengthened glass may be used for at least one of the first and second glass sheets.

[0005] However, chemically strengthened glass has a problem in that if scratches deeper than the compressive stress layer depth (DOL) of the chemically strengthened glass occur, the strength of the chemically strengthened glass decreases. For example, if the edge of the chemically strengthened glass comes into contact with a transport pallet during transportation of the laminated glass, the laminated glass may be damaged.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a light-transmitting member, a solar cell module, and a method for manufacturing a light-transmitting member that can suppress a decrease in strength of the light-transmitting member that includes chemically strengthened glass.

[0007] A light-transmitting member, a solar cell module, and a method for manufacturing a light-transmitting member according to one aspect of the present invention are as follows.

[0008] [1] A light-transmitting member comprising: a first light-transmitting member; a second light-transmitting member arranged to face the first light-transmitting member; and an intermediate adhesive film arranged between the first light-transmitting member and the second light-transmitting member, wherein the first light-transmitting member is made of chemically strengthened glass, and when the first light-transmitting member is viewed in a plane, at least one side of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member is smaller by 0.5 mm or more than a corresponding side of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member.

[0009] [2] The translucent member according to [1], wherein the compressive stress layer depth DOL of the chemically strengthened glass that is the first translucent member is 10 μm or more.

[0010] [3] The light-transmitting member according to [1] or [2], wherein the second light-transmitting member is made of float glass, tempered glass, or resin.

[0011] [4] The second light-transmitting member is a chemically strengthened glass, and a compressive stress layer depth DOL of the second light-transmitting member is deeper than a compressive stress layer depth DOL of the first light-transmitting member 11. The light-transmitting member according to [1] or [2].

[0012] [5] The chemically strengthened glass serving as the first translucent member has a compressive stress layer depth DOL of 10 μm or more, and the chemically strengthened glass serving as the second translucent member has a compressive stress layer depth DOL of 20 μm or more. The translucent member according to [4].

[0013] [6] The light-transmitting member according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the first light-transmitting member has a thickness of 0.7 mm or more, and the second light-transmitting member has a thickness of 0.01 mm or more.

[0014] [7] The light-transmitting member according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein, when the first light-transmitting member is viewed in a plane, at least one side of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member is smaller by 1.0 mm or more than a corresponding side of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member.

[0015] [8] The light-transmitting member according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein, when the first light-transmitting member is viewed in a plane, each of two opposing sides of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member is smaller than each of two corresponding sides of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member by 0.5 mm or more.

[0016] [9] A solar cell module comprising: the light-transmitting member according to any one of [1] to [8]; and a photovoltaic cell disposed between the first light-transmitting member and the second light-transmitting member of the light-transmitting member.

[0017]

[10] A method for manufacturing a light-transmitting member, comprising: a step of forming a laminate by stacking a second light-transmitting member, an intermediate adhesive film, and a first light-transmitting member that is chemically strengthened glass; a step of positioning the first light-transmitting member with respect to the second light-transmitting member; and a step of heating and pressurizing the laminate, wherein, when the first light-transmitting member is viewed in a plane, at least one side of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member is smaller by 0.5 mm or more than a corresponding side of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member.

[0018]

[11] The method for manufacturing a light-transmitting member according to

[10] , further comprising a step of fixing the position of the first light-transmitting member relative to the second light-transmitting member using a fixing member after positioning the first light-transmitting member relative to the second light-transmitting member.

[0019]

[12] The method for manufacturing a light-transmitting member according to

[10] or

[11] , wherein the compressive stress layer depth DOL of the chemically strengthened glass that is the first light-transmitting member is 10 μm or more.

[0020]

[13] The method for manufacturing a light-transmitting member according to any one of

[10] to

[12] , wherein the second light-transmitting member is made of float glass, tempered glass, or resin.

[0021]

[14] The second light-transmitting member is a chemically strengthened glass, and a compressive stress layer depth DOL of the second light-transmitting member is deeper than a compressive stress layer depth DOL of the first light-transmitting member 11. The method for manufacturing a light-transmitting member according to any one of

[10] to

[12] .

[0022]

[15] The method for manufacturing a light-transmitting member according to

[14] , wherein the chemically strengthened glass serving as the first light-transmitting member has a compressive stress layer depth DOL of 10 μm or more, and the chemically strengthened glass serving as the second light-transmitting member has a compressive stress layer depth DOL of 20 μm or more.

[0023] The present invention can provide a light-transmitting member that can suppress a decrease in strength of the light-transmitting member that includes chemically strengthened glass, a solar cell module, and a method for manufacturing the light-transmitting member.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a light-transmitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a light-transmitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a light-transmitting member according to an embodiment is placed on a pallet for transportation; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a method for manufacturing a light-transmitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a method for manufacturing a light-transmitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of a method for manufacturing a light-transmitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a method for manufacturing a light-transmitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 8 is a plan view showing another example of a method for manufacturing a light-transmitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a solar cell module according to an embodiment; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a solar cell module according to an embodiment.

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] <Light-Transmitting Member> Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a light-transmitting member according to an embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a light-transmitting member according to an embodiment.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the light-transmitting member 1 according to this embodiment includes a first light-transmitting member 11, a second light-transmitting member 12 arranged to face the first light-transmitting member 11, and an intermediate adhesive film 13 arranged between the first light-transmitting member 11 and the second light-transmitting member 12.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first translucent member 11 is chemically strengthened glass. Chemically strengthened glass is glass that is strengthened by, for example, contacting glass with a molten salt containing alkali metal ions to cause ion exchange between the alkali metal ions in the glass and the alkali metal ions in the molten salt, thereby forming a compressive stress layer on the glass surface. The compressive stress layer depth DOL of the chemically strengthened glass that is the first translucent member 11 is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 15 μm or more, and even more preferably 20 μm or more. The greater the value of the compressive stress layer depth DOL of the chemically strengthened glass, the stronger the strength of the chemically strengthened glass.

[0029] The compressive stress layer depth DOL of chemically strengthened glass can be measured by propagating light along the surface of the glass and using photoelastic technology. For example, the compressive stress layer depth DOL of chemically strengthened glass can be measured using a surface stress meter FSM-6000 manufactured by Orihara Seisakusho Co., Ltd.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the thickness of the first light-transmitting member 11 is preferably 0.7 mm or more, more preferably 1.3 mm or more, and even more preferably 3.0 mm or more. The thicker the first light-transmitting member 11, the stronger the strength of the first light-transmitting member 11.

[0031] The second light-transmitting member 12 is disposed opposite the first light-transmitting member 11. The second light-transmitting member 12 is made of float glass (unbleached glass), tempered glass, resin, or chemically strengthened glass. Tempered glass is glass that is strengthened by heating the glass to near its softening temperature and then rapidly cooling it, thereby generating compressive stress on the surface of the glass.

[0032] Furthermore, when the second light-transmitting member 12 is made of resin, a resin sheet formed of acrylic resin, PS (polystyrene), PC (polycarbonate), ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer), ECTFE (ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer), PVF (polyvinyl fluoride), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or the like may be used. The second light-transmitting member 12 may also be formed of a combination of these materials. When the second light-transmitting member 12 is made of resin, the thickness of the second light-transmitting member 12 is preferably 0.01 mm or greater.

[0033] The second light-transmitting member 12 may also be made of chemically strengthened glass. When the second light-transmitting member 12 is made of chemically strengthened glass, the compressive stress layer depth DOL of the chemically strengthened glass is preferably 20 μm or more, more preferably 30 μm or more, and even more preferably 40 μm or more. In this embodiment, when both the first light-transmitting member 11 and the second light-transmitting member 12 are made of chemically strengthened glass, it is preferable that the second light-transmitting member 12 has a deeper compressive stress layer depth DOL than the first light-transmitting member 11. The reason for this will be described later.

[0034] When the second light-transmitting member 12 is made of chemically strengthened glass, the thickness of the second light-transmitting member 12 is preferably 0.7 mm or more, more preferably 1.3 mm or more, and even more preferably 3.0 mm or more. The thicker the second light-transmitting member 12, the stronger the strength of the second light-transmitting member 12.

[0035] The intermediate adhesive film 13 is disposed between the first light-transmissive member 11 and the second light-transmissive member 12. In other words, the first light-transmissive member 11 and the second light-transmissive member 12 are bonded together using the intermediate adhesive film 13. When forming the light-transmissive member 1, the first light-transmissive member 11, the intermediate adhesive film 13, and the second light-transmissive member 12 are laminated in this order, and the laminate is heated and pressurized to bond them together, thereby forming the light-transmissive member 1.

[0036] The thickness of the intermediate adhesive film 13 is preferably 0.38 mm or more, more preferably 0.76 mm or more, and even more preferably 1.52 mm or more. The thickness of the intermediate adhesive film 13 is preferably 4.56 mm or less. The intermediate adhesive film 13 may be made of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) resin, PVB (polyvinyl butyral) resin, ionomer resin, COP (cycloolefin polymer), polyurethane, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), POE (polyolefin elastomer), TPO (olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer), or the like. The intermediate adhesive film 13 may also be made of a combination of these materials.

[0037] In the light-transmitting member 1 according to the present embodiment, when the first light-transmitting member 11 is viewed in a plane, at least one side of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member 11 is configured to be smaller by 0.5 mm or more than the corresponding side of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member 12. That is, as shown in FIG. 2 , when the first light-transmitting member 11 is viewed in a plane, the periphery of the first light-transmitting member 11 is configured to be more inward than the periphery of the second light-transmitting member 12, and the distance a between the peripheral side 11 a of the first light-transmitting member 11 and the peripheral side 12 a of the second light-transmitting member 12 is configured to be 0.5 mm or more. In this case, the distance a between the peripheral side 11 a of the first light-transmitting member 11 and the peripheral side 12 a of the second light-transmitting member 12 is preferably 1.0 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 2.0 mm or more.

[0038] As described above, in the present embodiment, when the first light-transmissive member 11 is viewed in plan, at least one side of the periphery of the first light-transmissive member 11 is configured to be smaller by 0.5 mm or more than the corresponding side of the periphery of the second light-transmissive member 12. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent scratches deeper than the compressive stress layer depth DOL of the first light-transmissive member 11 (chemically strengthened glass) from occurring on the edge of the first light-transmissive member 11 (chemically strengthened glass).

[0039] For example, when manufacturing a translucent member (laminated glass) using chemically strengthened glass, a blade may come into contact with the chemically strengthened glass during processing of the intermediate adhesive film, causing scratches deeper than the compressive stress layer depth DOL of the chemically strengthened glass. Furthermore, when the edge of the chemically strengthened glass comes into contact with the transport pallet during transport of the translucent member (laminated glass), scratches deeper than the compressive stress layer depth DOL of the chemically strengthened glass may be caused in the chemically strengthened glass. In such cases, there is a problem of reduced edge strength of the translucent member (laminated glass).

[0040] In contrast, in this embodiment, at least one side of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member 11, which is chemically strengthened glass, is configured to be 0.5 mm or more smaller than the corresponding side of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member 12. This configuration can prevent a blade from coming into contact with the first light-transmitting member 11 (chemically strengthened glass) during processing of the intermediate adhesive film. Therefore, scratches deeper than the compressive stress layer depth DOL can be prevented from being formed in the first light-transmitting member 11 (chemically strengthened glass), thereby preventing a decrease in the strength of the light-transmitting member including chemically strengthened glass. Furthermore, the edge of the first light-transmitting member 11 (chemically strengthened glass) is less likely to collide with other structures than the edge of the second light-transmitting member 12. Therefore, scratches deeper than the compressive stress layer depth DOL can be prevented from being formed in the first light-transmitting member 11 (chemically strengthened glass), thereby preventing a decrease in the strength of the light-transmitting member including chemically strengthened glass. Note that FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration example in which the four sides of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member 11 are smaller than the corresponding four sides of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member 12.

[0041] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the light-transmitting member according to the embodiment is placed on a pallet for transportation. In this embodiment, the distance a between the side 11 a of the first light-transmitting member 11 and the side 12 a of the second light-transmitting member 12 may be determined as follows.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3 , when the light-transmitting member 1 is placed on a transport pallet 15 and transported, the light-transmitting member 1 may be transported while tilted with respect to the vertical direction. The configuration example shown in FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which the light-transmitting member 1 is tilted by θ′ with respect to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the side of the first light-transmitting member 11 is made smaller than the side of the second light-transmitting member 12 by a distance a. Therefore, even if the light-transmitting member 1 is slightly tilted with respect to the vertical direction during transport, it is possible to prevent the edge of the first light-transmitting member 11 (chemically strengthened glass) from coming into contact with the upper surface of the pallet 15.

[0043] At this time, in order to prevent the edge of the first light-transmitting member 11 (chemically strengthened glass) from coming into contact with the upper surface of the pallet 15, the following relationship (1) must be satisfied: t<a·tan(90°−θ) (1)

[0044] Here, θ is the angle between the upper surface of the pallet 15 and the lower surface of the second translucent member 12. This angle θ corresponds to the angle θ' at which the translucent member 12 is tilted relative to the vertical direction (i.e., θ = θ'). Furthermore, t is the total thickness of the first translucent member 11 and the intermediate adhesive film 13.

[0045] Table 1 shows the relationship between θ and t when a = 0.5 mm and when a = 1 mm. Table 1 shows the value of thickness t at which the edge of the first light-transmitting member 11 (chemically strengthened glass) does not come into contact with the top surface of the pallet 15 when a = 0.5 mm, a = 1 mm, and the angle θ is 5 to 45°. In other words, when the distance a and angle θ are set to the conditions in Table 1, the thickness t can be made smaller than the value shown in Table 1 to prevent the edge of the first light-transmitting member 11 (chemically strengthened glass) from coming into contact with the pallet 15.

[0046]

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates a case where the light-transmitting member 1 is placed on a transport pallet 15, and describes the relationship between the angle θ, distance a, and thickness t to prevent contact between the edge of the first light-transmitting member 11 (chemically strengthened glass) and the top surface of the pallet 15. However, in this embodiment, it is sufficient to configure at least one side of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member 11 to be 0.5 mm or more smaller than the corresponding side of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member 12, and the effects of the present invention can be achieved by configuring in this manner. In other words, with this configuration, the edge of the first light-transmitting member 11 (chemically strengthened glass) is less likely to collide with other structures, etc., than the edge of the second light-transmitting member 12. Therefore, since scratches deeper than the compressive stress layer depth DOL can be prevented from occurring in the first light-transmitting member 11 (chemically strengthened glass), a decrease in the strength of the light-transmitting member including chemically strengthened glass can be prevented.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of the four sides of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member 11 that are smaller by 0.5 mm or more than the sides of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member 12 can be any number, as long as it is one or more sides. That is, one side of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member 11 may be smaller by 0.5 mm or more than the corresponding side of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member 12. Furthermore, two sides of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member 11 may be smaller by 0.5 mm or more than the corresponding two sides of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member 12. Furthermore, three sides of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member 11 may be smaller by 0.5 mm or more than the corresponding three sides of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member 12. Furthermore, four sides of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member 11 may be smaller by 0.5 mm or more than the corresponding four sides of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member 12.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the light-transmitting member 1 may be a polygon other than a rectangle. In this case, the number of sides of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member 11 that are smaller by 0.5 mm or more than the sides of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member 12 may be any number as long as it is one or more.

[0050] In the present embodiment, when the first light-transmitting member 11 is viewed in plan, each of two opposing sides of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member 11 may be smaller by 0.5 mm or more than each of the corresponding two sides of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member 12. For example, in FIG. 2 , if the sides that contact the transport pallet 15 are the long sides of the light-transmitting member 11 (the upper and lower sides in FIG. 2 ), each of the opposing long sides of the light-transmitting member 11 may be smaller by 0.5 mm or more than each of the long sides of the second light-transmitting member 12. Furthermore, if the sides that contact the transport pallet 15 are the short sides of the light-transmitting member 11 (the left and right sides in FIG. 2 ), each of the opposing short sides of the light-transmitting member 11 may be smaller by 0.5 mm or more than each of the short sides of the second light-transmitting member 12. In this configuration, when placing the light-transmitting member 1 on the transport pallet 15, the light-transmitting member 1 can be placed on the transport pallet 15 without checking the side with the distance a (that is, it is necessary to check only the long side and the short side of the light-transmitting member 1), thereby improving work efficiency.

[0051] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, when both the first light-transmitting member 11 and the second light-transmitting member 12 are formed using chemically strengthened glass, it is preferable to configure the second light-transmitting member 12 so that the compressive stress layer depth DOL is deeper than that of the first light-transmitting member 11. This configuration can prevent a decrease in the strength of the entire light-transmitting member 1. That is, in this embodiment, the perimeter of the first light-transmitting member 11 is configured to be smaller than that of the second light-transmitting member 12. This makes it more difficult for the edge of the first light-transmitting member 11 (chemically strengthened glass) to collide with other structures, etc., than the edge of the second light-transmitting member 12. In other words, the first light-transmitting member 11 can be made less susceptible to scratches by structurally devising the structure. Furthermore, by configuring the second light-transmitting member 12 so that the compressive stress layer depth DOL is deeper than that of the first light-transmitting member 11, the scratch resistance of the entire light-transmitting member 12 can be improved. As a result, the scratch resistance of the entire light-transmitting member 1 can be improved.

[0052] <Method of Manufacturing Light-Transmitting Member> Next, a method of manufacturing a light-transmitting member according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are cross-sectional views showing an example of a method of manufacturing a light-transmitting member according to this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing an example of a method of manufacturing a light-transmitting member according to this embodiment.

[0053] When manufacturing the light-transmitting member according to this embodiment, first, a first light-transmitting member 11, a second light-transmitting member 12, and an intermediate adhesive film 13, each of which is made of chemically strengthened glass, are prepared. Then, the second light-transmitting member 12, the intermediate adhesive film 13, and the first light-transmitting member 11 are stacked to form a laminate. The first light-transmitting member 11 is then positioned relative to the second light-transmitting member 12. That is, when the first light-transmitting member 11 is viewed in plan, the first light-transmitting member 11 is positioned such that at least one side of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member 11 is smaller than the corresponding side of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member 12 by 0.5 mm or more. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , a positioning ruler 21 is used to position the first light-transmitting member 11 and the second light-transmitting member 12 such that a distance a between the side of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member 11 and the side of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member 12 is 0.5 mm or more.

[0054] After the first light-transmissive member 11 is positioned relative to the second light-transmissive member 12, the position of the first light-transmissive member 11 relative to the second light-transmissive member 12 is fixed using fixing members 22, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 6, the four sides of the periphery of the first light-transmissive member 11 are smaller by 0.5 mm or more than the corresponding four sides of the periphery of the second light-transmissive member 12. Furthermore, the first light-transmissive member 11 and the second light-transmissive member 12 are fixed using eight fixing members 22.

[0055] Next, the laminate produced as described above is heated and pressurized. By using such a production method, the light-transmitting member according to this embodiment can be produced.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a manufacturing method of a light-transmitting member according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing another example of a manufacturing method of a light-transmitting member according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , a frame 31 may be used to position the first light-transmitting member 11 relative to the second light-transmitting member 12. Specifically, after the second light-transmitting member 12 is placed, the frame 31 is placed around the second light-transmitting member 12. Then, the intermediate adhesive film 13 and the first light-transmitting member 11 are laminated inside the frame 31 to form a laminate. The laminate is then heated and pressurized to manufacture the light-transmitting member.

[0057] The inner dimensions b and c of the frame body 31 correspond to the outer peripheral dimensions of the first light-transmitting member 11 and the second light-transmitting member 12, respectively. Therefore, by arranging the first light-transmitting member 11, the intermediate adhesive film 13, and the second light-transmitting member 12 inside the frame body 31, the first light-transmitting member 11 can be positioned relative to the second light-transmitting member 12.

[0058] In this embodiment, after the second translucent member 12, the intermediate adhesive film 13, and the first translucent member 11 are stacked to form a laminate, the frame body 31 may be placed on top of the laminate to position the first translucent member 11 relative to the second translucent member 12.

[0059] By using the manufacturing method described above, the light-transmitting member according to this embodiment can be manufactured.

[0060] <Solar Cell Module> Next, a solar cell module according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the solar cell module according to the embodiment. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the solar cell module according to the embodiment, taken along the line X-X in Fig. 9.

[0061] As shown in Figures 9 and 10 , the solar cell module 2 according to this embodiment includes the light-transmitting member 1 according to the above-described embodiment and photovoltaic cells 41 arranged between the first light-transmitting member 11 and the second light-transmitting member 12 of the light-transmitting member 1. As shown in Figure 9 , the photovoltaic cells 41 are arranged in an array in the horizontal and vertical directions when the light-transmitting member 1 is viewed in a plan view. Figure 9 shows, as an example, a configuration in which a plurality of photovoltaic cells 41 are arranged in an array of four cells in the horizontal direction and six cells in the vertical direction (i.e., a 4 x 6 array). Note that the configuration shown in Figure 9 is just an example, and the number of photovoltaic cells 41 arranged in the horizontal and vertical directions can be determined arbitrarily. The photovoltaic cells 41 inside the solar cell module 2 are connected to each other by conductive interconnectors (not shown).

[0062] As shown in FIG. 10 , in the solar cell module 2 according to this embodiment, the photovoltaic cells 41 are sealed between the first light-transmitting member 11 and the second light-transmitting member 12, i.e., inside the intermediate adhesive film 13. The photovoltaic cells 41 can be configured using photovoltaic cells of silicon-based single crystal type, silicon-based polycrystalline type, amorphous silicon type, thin-film silicon type, CIGS type, organic thin-film type, dye-sensitized type, perovskite type, or the like. As shown in FIG. 9 , each photovoltaic cell 41 has a rectangular shape. For example, each photovoltaic cell 41 may have a square, rectangular, or circular shape. Furthermore, for example, a monofacial photovoltaic cell may be used as the photovoltaic cell 41. Furthermore, a bifacial photovoltaic cell may be used as the photovoltaic cell 41.

[0063] When forming the solar cell module 2, the second translucent member 12, the intermediate adhesive film 13, the solar cell 41, the intermediate adhesive film 13, and the first translucent member 11 are laminated in this order, and this laminate is heated and pressurized to bond them together, thereby forming the solar cell module 2. At this time, the intermediate adhesive film 13 arranged below the solar cell 41 and the intermediate adhesive film 13 arranged above it are heated and melted, so that the completed solar cell module 2 consists of a single layer of intermediate adhesive film 13.

[0064] In the solar cell module 2 according to this embodiment, at least one side of the periphery of the first light-transmissive member 11 is configured to be smaller by 0.5 mm or more than the corresponding side of the periphery of the second light-transmissive member 12. This prevents scratches deeper than the compressive stress layer depth DOL of the first light-transmissive member 11 (chemically strengthened glass) from occurring at the edge of the first light-transmissive member 11 (chemically strengthened glass). This prevents a decrease in the strength of the solar cell module 2.

[0065] The present invention has been described above in accordance with the above-mentioned embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment, and naturally includes various modifications, alterations, and combinations that a person skilled in the art can make within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims of this application.

[0066] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-209847, filed December 13, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0067] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Light-transmitting member 2 Solar cell module 11 First light-transmitting member 12 Second light-transmitting member 13 Intermediate adhesive film 15 Pallet 21 Positioning ruler 22 Fixing member 31 Frame 41 Photovoltaic cell

Claims

1. A light-transmitting member comprising: a first light-transmitting member; a second light-transmitting member arranged to face the first light-transmitting member; and an intermediate adhesive film arranged between the first and second light-transmitting members, wherein the first light-transmitting member is made of chemically strengthened glass, and when the first light-transmitting member is viewed in a plane, at least one side of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member is smaller than a corresponding side of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member by 0.5 mm or more.

2. The translucent member according to claim 1, wherein the compressive stress layer depth DOL of the chemically strengthened glass that is the first translucent member is 10 μm or more.

3. The light-transmitting member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second light-transmitting member is made of float glass, tempered glass, or resin.

4. The translucent member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second translucent member is made of chemically strengthened glass, and a compressive stress layer depth DOL of the second translucent member is deeper than a compressive stress layer depth DOL of the first translucent member 11.

5. The translucent member according to claim 4, wherein the compressive stress layer depth DOL of the chemically strengthened glass that is the first translucent member is 10 μm or more, and the compressive stress layer depth DOL of the chemically strengthened glass that is the second translucent member is 20 μm or more.

6. The light-transmitting member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first light-transmitting member has a thickness of 0.7 mm or more, and the second light-transmitting member has a thickness of 0.01 mm or more.

7. A light-transmitting member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the first light-transmitting member is viewed in a plane, at least one side of the periphery of the first light-transmitting member is smaller than a corresponding side of the periphery of the second light-transmitting member by 1.0 mm or more.

8. A translucent member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the first translucent member is viewed in a plane, each of two opposing sides of the periphery of the first translucent member is smaller than each of the corresponding two sides of the periphery of the second translucent member by 0.5 mm or more.

9. A solar cell module comprising: the light-transmitting member according to claim 1 or 2; and a photovoltaic cell disposed between the first light-transmitting member and the second light-transmitting member of the light-transmitting member.

10. A method for manufacturing a translucent member, comprising: a step of laminating a second translucent member, an intermediate adhesive film, and a first translucent member which is chemically strengthened glass to form a laminate; a step of positioning the first translucent member with respect to the second translucent member; and a step of heating and pressurizing the laminate, wherein, when the first translucent member is viewed in a plane, at least one side of the periphery of the first translucent member is smaller by 0.5 mm or more than the corresponding side of the periphery of the second translucent member.

11. A method for manufacturing a translucent member according to claim 10, further comprising a step of fixing the position of the first translucent member relative to the second translucent member using a fixing member after positioning the first translucent member relative to the second translucent member.

12. The method for producing a light-transmitting member according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the compressive stress layer depth DOL of the chemically strengthened glass that is the first light-transmitting member is 10 μm or more.

13. The method for manufacturing a translucent member according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the second translucent member is made of float glass, tempered glass, or resin.

14. The method for manufacturing a translucent member according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the second translucent member is a chemically strengthened glass, and a compressive stress layer depth DOL of the second translucent member is deeper than a compressive stress layer depth DOL of the first translucent member 11.

15. The method for manufacturing a translucent member according to claim 14, wherein the compressive stress layer depth DOL of the chemically strengthened glass that is the first translucent member is 10 μm or more, and the compressive stress layer depth DOL of the chemically strengthened glass that is the second translucent member is 20 μm or more.

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