Module frame and solar cell module

Abstract

A module frame and a solar cell module are disclosed. The disclosed solar cell module of the present invention comprises: a laminate including a solar cell; a module frame including a side wall portion disposed to face an outer circumferential side surface of the laminate, a rear surface wall portion bent and extending from the side wall portion to face a rear surface of the laminate, a front wall portion bent and extending from the side wall portion to face a front surface of the laminate, a rearward wall portion extending to the rear of the rear surface wall portion, and a rib portion overlapping the rear surface wall portion at the rear of the rear surface wall portion and connected to the rearward wall portion; and an adhesive interposed between the side wall portion, the rear surface wall portion, the front wall portion, and the laminate.

Description

Module frames and solar modules

[0001] The present invention relates to a module frame supporting a laminate and a solar cell module.

[0002] A solar cell module may include a laminate including solar cells that convert light energy into electrical energy by the photoelectric effect, and a module frame that supports the laminate.

[0003] Generally, aluminum frames applied to solar modules are manufactured by extrusion, but steel frames are manufactured by roll forming the material, and depending on the characteristics of the roll forming manufacturing process, a design is required to manufacture them with sufficient rigidity to withstand bending or twisting.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a module frame and a solar cell module having improved rigidity against twisting and rigidity against bending.

[0005] The module frame of the present invention includes: a side wall portion arranged to face an outer peripheral side of a laminate; a back wall portion extended by being bent from the side wall portion to face a back surface of the laminate; a front wall portion extended by being bent from the side wall portion to face a front surface of the laminate; a rear wall portion extended rearward of the back wall portion; and a rib portion overlapping the back wall portion at the rear of the back wall portion and connected to the back wall portion.

[0006] The solar cell module of the present invention comprises: a laminate including a solar cell; a side wall portion disposed to face an outer peripheral side of the laminate, a back wall portion bent and extended from the side wall portion to face a back surface of the laminate, a front wall portion bent and extended from the side wall portion to face a front surface of the laminate, a rear wall portion extending rearward of the back wall portion, and a rib portion overlapping the back wall portion at a rear portion of the back wall portion and connected to the back wall portion; and an adhesive interposed between the side wall portion, the back wall portion, the front wall portion, and the laminate.

[0007] The above module frame can be formed by bending a metal plate.

[0008] The above side wall portion may include a metal plate overlapped in multiple layers.

[0009] Among the multiple layers of metal plates included in the side wall portion, some layers of metal plates may be branched into the rear wall portion, and the remaining layers of metal plates may be branched into one of the rear wall portion and the rib portion.

[0010] One end of the side wall portion may be connected to one end of the rib portion, and one end of the rear wall portion may be connected to the other end of the rib portion.

[0011] The above rib portion can contact and support the above back wall portion.

[0012] The rear wall portion may extend rearward from the other end of the rib portion so as to be stepped from the side wall portion.

[0013] The above rib portion may include a first plate portion that is connected to one end of the side wall portion and is folded to be in close contact with the back wall portion, and a second plate portion that is connected to the other end of the first plate portion and is folded around the other end of the first plate portion so as to overlap with the first plate portion.

[0014] One end of the side wall portion is connected to one end of the rear wall portion, and the rib portion can protrude between the one end of the rear wall portion and the other end of the rear wall portion.

[0015] The cross-sectional shape of the above rib portion may be semicircular or arched.

[0016] The ratio of the length of the rib portion overlapping the back wall portion in a direction parallel to the thickness direction of the side wall portion may be less than or equal to 30% of the length of the back wall portion.

[0017] The above module frame may further include a backup portion including one end connected to the rear wall portion and the other end connected to the back wall portion.

[0018] The module frame may further include a front contact portion extending from the front wall portion to contact the front surface of the laminate and having a thickness thicker than the thickness of the front wall portion.

[0019] The front contact portion can be bent at a bending angle greater than 0° with respect to the front wall portion.

[0020] The width of the front wall portion may be larger than the width of the front contact portion.

[0021] The above metal plate may include a core layer including a steel material, and a corrosion-resistant plating layer laminated on the core layer.

[0022] The above corrosion-resistant plating layer may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of zinc, magnesium, and aluminum.

[0023] The above adhesive may be a silicone adhesive.

[0024] The above module frames are provided in multiple units, and the solar cell module may further include a connecting portion connecting a pair of adjacent module frames among the multiple module frames at a corner portion of the laminate.

[0025] According to the present invention, the module frame can include a rib portion that overlaps the back wall portion and connects to the rear wall portion, thereby improving the rigidity against twisting and bending. Accordingly, the impact resistance and durability of the module frame and solar cell module can be improved.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a solar cell module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Fig. 1.

[0028] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part Ⅲ of Figure 2.

[0029] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part Ⅳ of Figure 3.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 2.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 2.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 2.

[0033] Hereinafter, the module frame and solar cell module according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines and the sizes of components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined based on their functions in the present invention and may vary depending on the intentions or practices of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the contents throughout this specification.

[0034] Additionally, in this specification, when it is said that a part is "connected (or connected)" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected (or connected)" but also cases where it is "indirectly connected (or connected)" with another member in between. In this specification, when it is said that a part "includes (or comprises)" a certain component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components can be "included (or comprised)" unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0035] In addition, the "unit," "module," or "part" used in this specification for a component performs at least one function or operation. In addition, the "unit," "module," or "part" may perform the function or operation by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, a plurality of "units," a plurality of "modules," or a plurality of "parts," excluding a "unit," "module," or "part" that must be performed on specific hardware or performed on at least one processor, may be integrated into at least one module. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] In addition, the same reference numerals may refer to the same components throughout this specification. Even if the same or similar reference numerals are not mentioned or described in a specific drawing, they may be described based on other drawings. In addition, even if a part is not indicated by a reference numeral in a specific drawing, that part may be described based on other drawings. In addition, the number, shape, size, and relative size differences of detailed components included in the drawings of this application are set for the convenience of understanding, and do not limit the embodiments and may be implemented in various forms.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a solar cell module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part III of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part IV of FIG. 3.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a solar cell module (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include a laminate (20), a module frame (100), and an adhesive (90). The laminate (20) may include a plurality of solar cells (not shown). The solar cells may convert light energy into electrical energy through the photoelectric effect.

[0039] The laminate (20) may include a pair of protective substrates arranged so that a plurality of solar cells are interposed therebetween. The protective substrates may be made of, for example, a glass material. The laminate (20) may have, for example, a rectangular planar shape.

[0040] The module frame (100) can surround the outer periphery of the laminate (20). An adhesive (90) can be applied and cured so as to be interposed between the module frame (100) and the outer periphery of the laminate (20). The laminate (20) can be supported on the module frame (100) by the adhesive (90).

[0041] The adhesive (90) may be, for example, a silicone adhesive. When cured, the silicone adhesive does not harden like cement, but rather has rubber-like elasticity and excellent water repellency. Therefore, it can prevent moisture and foreign substances from penetrating between the module frame (100) and the laminate (20), and can prevent corrosion of the solar cell module (1) and the resulting decrease in durability.

[0042] A solar cell module (1) may have a plurality of module frames (100). For example, a laminate (20) having a rectangular planar shape has four outer peripheral sides (30), and the solar cell module (1) may include four module frames (100) so as to correspond one-to-one to the four outer peripheral sides (30).

[0043] The solar cell module (1) may further include a connecting portion (50). For example, a rectangular laminate (20) has four corner portions (40), and the solar cell module (1) may include four connecting portions (50) so as to correspond one-to-one to the four corner portions (40).

[0044] Among the four module frames (100), a pair of module frames (100) may intersect at one corner (40). Among the intersecting pair of module frames (100), one longitudinal end of one module frame (100) and one longitudinal end of the other module frame (100) may be in contact with each other or may be close enough to be in contact with each other.

[0045] The connecting portion (50) can connect the ends of a pair of adjacent module frames (100) that are in contact or nearly in contact with each other. For example, the connecting portion (50) can include a bracket (51) and a fastener (55). The cross-sectional shape of the bracket (51) can be, for example, in the shape of the letter L.

[0046] One side of the bracket (51) may overlap one module frame (100) among a pair of neighboring module frames (100), and the other side of the bracket (51) may overlap another module frame (100) among a pair of neighboring module frames (100).

[0047] The fastener (55) may be, for example, a rivet, a fastening screw, etc. The fasteners (55) may be provided in multiple numbers. Some of the multiple fasteners (55) may penetrate one side of the bracket (51) and one module frame (100) to connect them to each other, and the remaining of the multiple fasteners (55) may penetrate the other side of the bracket (51) and another module frame (100) to connect them to each other.

[0048] The module frame (100) includes a side wall portion (120), a back wall portion (130), a front wall portion (140), a back wall portion (180), and a rib portion (190).

[0049] The side wall portion (120) is positioned to face the outer peripheral side (30) of the laminate (20). The back wall portion (130) is extended by being bent from the side wall portion (120) to face the back surface (25) of the laminate (20). The front wall portion (140) is extended by being bent from the side wall portion (120) to face the front surface (21) of the laminate (20).

[0050] The module frame (100) may further include a front contact portion (150) extending from the front wall portion (140) to contact the front surface (21) of the laminate (20). An adhesive (90) is interposed between the side wall portion (120), the back wall portion (130), and the front wall portion (140) and the laminate (20). The side wall portion (120), the back wall portion (130), and the front wall portion (140) may not be in direct contact with the laminate (20).

[0051] The module frame (100) can be formed by bending a metal plate (101). For example, the module frame (100) can be a plated steel plate including a core layer (102) including a steel material, and a corrosion-resistant plating layer (105) laminated on the core layer (102).

[0052] In the case where the metal plate (101) includes a core layer (102) made of steel, even if the metal plate (101) is thin, it may not be easily bent or twisted along the longitudinal direction of the module frame (100) due to external force. In other words, the bending rigidity and twisting rigidity of the module frame (100) may be improved. For example, the thickness (TH) of the metal plate (101) may be 0.4 to 0.7 mm.

[0053] The corrosion-resistant plating layer (105) is a layer that is more resistant to corrosion than the core layer (102) and can be laminated on both sides of the core layer (102) by a plating method. The corrosion-resistant plating layer (105) can include, for example, at least one material selected from the group consisting of zinc, magnesium, and aluminum.

[0054] The side wall portion (120) and the front wall portion (140) may include metal plates (101) that are overlapped in multiple layers. For example, the side wall portion (120) and the front wall portion (140) may each include two layers of overlapped metal plates (101).

[0055] The front contact portion (150) may have a thickness greater than that of the front wall portion (140). For example, the front contact portion (150) may include overlapping metal plates (101) having twice the number of layers of the metal plates (101) included in the front wall portion (140).

[0056] Referring to FIG. 3, the number of layers of the metal plate (101) included in the front wall portion (140) may be two layers, and the number of layers of the metal plate (101) included in the front contact portion (150) may be four layers. In this case, the thickness of the front wall portion (140) may be twice the thickness (TH) of the single-layer metal plate (101), and the thickness of the front contact portion (150) may be four times the thickness (TH) of the single-layer metal plate (101). However, unlike the example illustrated in FIG. 3, in another embodiment of the present invention, the number of layers of the metal plate (101) included in the front contact portion (150) may be three or more times the number of layers of the metal plate (101) of the front wall portion (140).

[0057] The front contact portion (150) may include a first contact portion (151) and a second contact portion (155). The first contact portion (151) may have one end (152) connected to the other end (142) of the front wall portion (140).

[0058] The second contact portion (155) may have one end (156) connected to the other end (153) of the first contact portion (150). The second contact portion (155) may be folded around the other end (153) of the first contact portion (151) so as to overlap and closely contact the first contact portion (151) and extend toward the front wall portion (140).

[0059] The second contact portion (155) may be positioned closer to the laminate (20) than the first contact portion (151). For example, the second contact portion (155) may be folded 180° around the other end (153) of the first contact portion (151) and overlapped and placed in close contact with the first contact portion (151).

[0060] The front contact portion (150) can be bent at a bend angle (AN) greater than 0° with respect to the front wall portion (140). For example, the bend angle (AN) can be defined as the angle between an imaginary first straight line (L1) parallel to the width direction of the front wall portion (140) and an imaginary second straight line (L2) parallel to the width direction of the first contact portion (151).

[0061] The bending angle (AN) may be an acute angle. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first contact portion (151) and the second contact portion (155) are in close contact, so that the other end (157) of the second contact portion (155) may not be in contact with the front surface (21) of the laminate (20).

[0062] The front contact portion (150) may include a curved portion (160) that comes into contact with the front surface (21) of the laminate (20) and has a curved cross-sectional shape that protrudes toward the front surface (21) of the laminate (20).

[0063] Since the curved portion (160) is in contact with the front surface (21) of the laminate (20), the adhesive (90) may not leak across the front contact portion (150) in the space between the outer peripheral side surface (30) of the laminate (20) and the module frame (100) to the front surface (21) of the laminate (20). In addition, since the pressure applied by the front contact portion (150) to the front surface (21) of the laminate (20) is not concentrated but distributed due to the curved portion (160), damage to the laminate (20) may be suppressed.

[0064] The width size (W2) of the front wall portion (140) may be larger than the width size (W2) of the front contact portion (150). Due to the configuration in which the front contact portion (150) has a bending angle (AN) and the configuration in which the width size (W2) of the front wall portion (140) is larger than the width size (W2) of the front contact portion (150), sufficient space may be provided between the front wall portion (140) and the front surface (21) of the laminate (20) in which the adhesive (90) can be filled.

[0065] Accordingly, in the process of assembling a solar cell module (1), when applying adhesive (90) to the inner surfaces of the side wall portion (120), the back wall portion (130), and the front wall portion (140), and bringing the module frame (100) close to the outer periphery of the laminate (20) to cover the outer periphery of the laminate (20), the adhesive (90) does not leak to the front surface (21) of the laminate (20) through the front contact portion (150), and the adhesive strength between the outer periphery of the laminate (20) and the module frame (100) can also be strengthened.

[0066] The back wall portion (130) is bent and extended from the side wall portion (120) to face the back surface of the laminate (20). The rear wall portion (180) extends to the rear of the back wall portion (130). The rib portion (190) overlaps the back wall portion (130) at the rear of the back wall portion (130) and is connected to the back wall portion (180). The rib portion (190) can overlap the back wall portion (130) in the thickness direction of the laminate (20).

[0067] Among the multiple layers of metal plates (101) included in the side wall portion (120), some layers of the metal plates (101) may branch into the rear wall portion (130), and the remaining metal plates (101) may branch into one of the rear wall portion (180) and the rib portion (190). In the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, the remaining metal plates (101) may branch into the rib portion (190).

[0068] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the back wall portion (130) may include a single-layer metal plate (101). The back wall portion (130) and the rib portion (190) may branch from one end (121) of the side wall portion (120) and may be connected to one end (121) of the side wall portion (120) in a folded manner, respectively.

[0069] One end (131) of the back wall portion (130) can be bent and connected to one layer of metal plates (101) among the two layers of metal plates (101) belonging to the side wall portion (120) in the width direction of the module frame (100) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the laminate (20) and the length direction of the module frame (100).

[0070] The front wall portion (140) can be connected to the other end (122) of the side wall portion (120) in a folded manner. For example, the other end (122) of the side wall portion (120) and one end (141) of the front wall portion (140) can be connected in a folded manner.

[0071] The rib portion (190) can be in contact with and support the rear wall portion (130). For example, one end (121) of the side wall portion (120) can be connected to one end (1911) of the first plate portion (191) of the rib portion (190), and one end (181) of the rear wall portion (180) can be connected to the other end (1922) of the second plate portion (192) of the rib portion (190).

[0072] The rib portion (190) may include a first plate portion (191) and a second plate portion (192). The first plate portion (191) may be bent relative to the side wall portion (120) so as to be in close contact with the back wall portion (130). One end portion (1911) of the first plate portion (191) may be connected to one end portion (121) of the side wall portion (120).

[0073] The second plate (192) can overlap with the first plate (191). One end (1921) of the second plate (192) is connected to the other end (1912) of the first plate (191) and can be folded around the other end (1912) of the first plate (191). The rear wall (180) can extend rearward with one end (181) of the second plate (192) connected to the other end (1922) of the second plate (192).

[0074] The module frame (100) may further include a backup portion (110). The backup portion (110) may include one end (111) connected to the other end (182) of the rear wall portion (180) and the other end (112) connected to the other end (132) of the back wall portion (130).

[0075] The ratio (A21 / A11) of the length of the rib portion (190) overlapping the back wall portion (130) may be less than or equal to 30% of the length of the back wall portion (130). For example, the ratio of the length of the rib portion (190) overlapping the back wall portion (130) may be defined as the ratio of the length (A21) of the rib portion (190) overlapping the back wall portion (130) in the thickness direction of the side wall portion (120) to the length (A11) of the back wall portion (130) in the direction parallel to the thickness direction of the side wall portion (120).

[0076] If the ratio of the length of the rib portion (190) overlapping the back wall portion (130) is greater than 30%, the effect of reinforcing the rigidity of the additional module frame (100) is improved, but the consumption of the metal plate (101), which is the material of the module frame (100), increases, which increases the cost and may make the module frame (100) heavier.

[0077] The module frame (100) can be manufactured through roll forming of a metal plate (101).

[0078] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, a solar cell module (2) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a laminate (20), a module frame (200), an adhesive (90), and a joint (50). The laminate (20), the adhesive (90), and the joint (50) are the same as the elements of the same name included in the solar cell module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention and are indicated by the same reference numerals, so a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, a solar cell module (2) according to a second embodiment of the present invention may include a laminate (20), a module frame (200), an adhesive (90), and a joint (50). The laminate (20), the adhesive (90), and the joint (50) are identical to the elements of the same name included in the solar cell module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention and are indicated by the same reference numerals, and therefore, a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0080] The module frame (200) is formed by bending a metal plate (101) and may include a side wall portion (120), a back wall portion (130), a front wall portion (140), a front contact portion (150), a rear wall portion (280), a rib portion (290), and a backup portion (110). The side wall portion (120), the back wall portion (130), the front wall portion (140), the front contact portion (150), and the backup portion (110) are the same as the elements of the same name included in the solar cell module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention and are indicated by the same reference numerals, so a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0081] The rear wall portion (280) extends rearwardly from the back wall portion (130). The rib portion (290) overlaps the back wall portion (130) at the rear of the back wall portion (130) and is connected to the back wall portion (280). The rib portion (290) may overlap the back wall portion (130) in the thickness direction of the laminate (20).

[0082] Among the multiple layers of metal plates (101) included in the side wall portion (120), some layers of the metal plates (101) may branch into the rear wall portion (130), and the remaining metal plates (101) may branch into one of the rear wall portion (280) and the rib portion (290). In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the remaining metal plates (101) may branch into the rib portion (290).

[0083] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5, the back wall portion (130) may include a single-layer metal plate (101). The back wall portion (130) and the rib portion (290) may branch from one end (121) of the side wall portion (120).

[0084] The rib portion (290) can be in contact with and support the rear wall portion (130). For example, one end (121) of the side wall portion (120) can be connected to one end (291) of the rib portion (290), and one end (281) of the rear wall portion (280) can be connected to the other end (292) of the rib portion (290). The cross-sectional shape of the rib portion (290) can be arched.

[0085] The module frame (200) may further include a backup portion (110). The backup portion (110) may include one end (111) connected to the other end (282) of the rear wall portion (280) and the other end (112) connected to the other end (132) of the back wall portion (130).

[0086] The ratio (A22 / A12) of the length of the rib portion (290) overlapping the back wall portion (130) may be less than or equal to 30% of the length of the back wall portion (130). For example, the ratio of the length of the rib portion (290) overlapping the back wall portion (130) may be defined as the ratio of the length (A22) of the rib portion (190) overlapping the back wall portion (130) in the thickness direction of the side wall portion (120) to the length (A12) of the back wall portion (130) in the direction parallel to the thickness direction of the side wall portion (120).

[0087] If the ratio of the length of the rib portion (290) overlapping the back wall portion (130) is greater than 30%, the effect of reinforcing the rigidity of the additional module frame (200) is improved, but the consumption of the metal plate (101), which is the material of the module frame (200), increases, which increases the cost and may make the module frame (200) heavier.

[0088] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, a solar cell module (3) according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a laminate (20), a module frame (300), an adhesive (90), and a joint (50). The laminate (20), the adhesive (90), and the joint (50) are the same as the elements of the same name included in the solar cell module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention and are indicated by the same reference numerals, so a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, a solar cell module (3) according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a laminate (20), a module frame (300), an adhesive (90), and a joint (50). The laminate (20), the adhesive (90), and the joint (50) are identical to the elements of the same name included in the solar cell module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention and are indicated by the same reference numerals, and therefore, a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0090] The module frame (300) is formed by bending a metal plate (101) and may include a side wall portion (120), a back wall portion (130), a front wall portion (140), a front contact portion (150), a rear wall portion (380), a rib portion (390), and a backup portion (110). The side wall portion (120), the back wall portion (130), the front wall portion (140), the front contact portion (150), and the backup portion (110) are the same as the elements of the same name included in the solar cell module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention and are indicated by the same reference numerals, so a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0091] The rear wall portion (380) extends rearwardly from the back wall portion (130). The rib portion (390) overlaps the back wall portion (130) at the rear of the back wall portion (130) and is connected to the back wall portion (380). The rib portion (390) may overlap the back wall portion (130) in the thickness direction of the laminate (20).

[0092] Among the multiple layers of metal plates (101) included in the side wall portion (120), some layers of the metal plates (101) may branch into the rear wall portion (130), and the remaining metal plates (101) may branch into one of the rear wall portion (380) and the rib portion (390). In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the remaining metal plates (101) may branch into the rib portion (390).

[0093] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6, the back wall portion (130) may include a single-layer metal plate (101). The back wall portion (130) and the rib portion (390) may branch from one end (121) of the side wall portion (120).

[0094] The rib portion (390) can be in contact with and support the rear wall portion (130). For example, one end (121) of the side wall portion (120) can be connected to one end (391) of the rib portion (390), and one end (381) of the rear wall portion (380) can be connected to the other end (392) of the rib portion (390).

[0095] The rear wall portion (380) can extend rearward from the other end (391) of the rib portion (390) so as to be stepped from the side wall portion (120).

[0096] The module frame (300) may further include a backup portion (110). The backup portion (110) may include one end (111) connected to the other end (382) of the rear wall portion (380) and the other end (112) connected to the other end (132) of the back wall portion (130).

[0097] The ratio (A23 / A13) of the length of the rib portion (390) overlapping the back wall portion (130) may be less than or equal to 30% of the length of the back wall portion (130). For example, the ratio of the length of the rib portion (390) overlapping the back wall portion (130) may be defined as the ratio of the length (A23) of the rib portion (390) overlapping the back wall portion (130) in the thickness direction of the side wall portion (120) to the length (A13) of the back wall portion (130) in the direction parallel to the thickness direction of the side wall portion (120).

[0098] If the ratio of the length of the rib portion (390) overlapping the back wall portion (130) is greater than 30%, the effect of reinforcing the rigidity of the additional module frame (300) is improved, but the consumption of the metal plate (101), which is the material of the module frame (300), increases, which increases the cost and may make the module frame (300) heavier.

[0099] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing corresponding to FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, a solar cell module (4) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a laminate (20), a module frame (400), an adhesive (90), and a joint (50). The laminate (20), the adhesive (90), and the joint (50) are the same as the elements of the same name included in the solar cell module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention and are indicated by the same reference numerals, so a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0100] The module frame (400) is formed by bending a metal plate (101) and may include a side wall portion (120), a back wall portion (130), a front wall portion (140), a front contact portion (150), a rear wall portion (480), a rib portion (490), and a backup portion (110). The side wall portion (120), the back wall portion (130), the front wall portion (140), the front contact portion (150), and the backup portion (110) are the same as the elements of the same name included in the solar cell module (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention and are indicated by the same reference numerals, so a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0101] The rear wall portion (480) extends rearwardly from the back wall portion (130). The rib portion (490) overlaps the back wall portion (130) at the rear of the back wall portion (130) and is connected to the back wall portion (480). The rib portion (490) may overlap the back wall portion (130) in the thickness direction of the laminate (20).

[0102] Among the multiple layers of metal plates (101) included in the side wall portion (120), some layers of the metal plates (101) may branch into the rear wall portion (130), and the remaining metal plates (101) may branch into one of the rear wall portion (480) and the rib portion (490). In the embodiment of Fig. 7, the remaining metal plates (101) may branch into the rear wall portion (480).

[0103] In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7, the back wall portion (130) may include a single-layer metal plate (101). The back wall portion (130) and the rear wall portion (480) may branch from one end (121) of the side wall portion (120) and extend rearward. One end (481) of the rear wall portion (480) may be connected to one end (121) of the side wall portion (120), and the other end (482) of the rear wall portion (480) may be connected to one end (111) of the backup portion (110).

[0104] The rib portion (490) may protrude between one end (481) and the other end (482) of the rear wall portion (480). One end (491) of the rib portion (490) may be connected to the first middle portion (485) of the rear wall portion (480), and the other end (492) of the rib portion (490) may be connected to the second middle portion (492) of the rear wall portion (480). The cross-sectional shape of the rib portion (490) may be semicircular.

[0105] The module frame (100) may further include a backup portion (110). The backup portion (110) may include one end (111) connected to the other end (382) of the rear wall portion (480) and the other end (112) connected to the other end (132) of the back wall portion (130).

[0106] The ratio (A24 / A14) of the length of the rib portion (490) overlapping the back wall portion (130) may be less than or equal to 30% of the length of the back wall portion (130). For example, the ratio of the length of the rib portion (490) overlapping the back wall portion (130) may be defined as the ratio of the length (A24) of the rib portion (490) overlapping the back wall portion (130) in the thickness direction of the side wall portion (120) to the length (A14) of the back wall portion (130) in the direction parallel to the thickness direction of the side wall portion (120).

[0107] If the ratio of the length of the rib portion (490) overlapping the back wall portion (130) is greater than 30%, the effect of reinforcing the rigidity of the additional module frame (400) is improved, but the consumption of the metal plate (101), which is the material of the module frame (400), increases, which increases the cost and may make the module frame (400) heavier.

[0108] According to the present invention described above, the rigidity against twisting and the rigidity against bending can be improved by including a rib portion (190, 290, 390, 490) that overlaps the back wall portion (130) and is connected to the rear wall portion (180, 280, 380, 480) of the module frame (100, 200, 300, 400). Accordingly, the impact resistance and durability of the module frame (100, 200, 300, 400) and the solar cell module (1, 2, 3, 4) including the module frame (100, 200, 300, 400) can be improved.

[0109] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Side wall portion positioned to face the outer peripheral side of the laminate; A back wall portion that is bent and extended from the side wall portion to face the back surface of the laminate; A front wall portion that is bent and extended from the side wall portion to face the front surface of the laminate; A rear wall portion extending rearward of the above rear wall portion; and A module frame characterized by including a rib portion that overlaps the rear wall portion at the rear of the rear wall portion and is connected to the rear wall portion.

2. Laminate containing solar cells; A module frame including a side wall portion arranged to face the outer peripheral side of the laminate, a back wall portion bent and extended from the side wall portion to face the back surface of the laminate, a front wall portion bent and extended from the side wall portion to face the front surface of the laminate, a rear wall portion extending to the rear of the back wall portion, and a rib portion overlapping the back wall portion at the rear of the back wall portion and connected to the back wall portion; and A solar cell module characterized by comprising an adhesive interposed between the side wall portion, the back wall portion, the front wall portion, and the laminate.

3. In paragraph 2, A solar cell module characterized in that the above module frame is formed by bending a metal plate.

4. In paragraph 2, A solar cell module characterized in that the side wall portion includes a metal plate overlapped in multiple layers.

5. In paragraph 4, A solar cell module characterized in that among the multiple layers of metal plates included in the side wall portion, some layers of metal plates are branched to the rear wall portion, and the remaining layers of metal plates are branched to one of the rear wall portion and the rib portion.

6. In paragraph 5, A solar cell module characterized in that one end of the side wall portion is connected to one end of the rib portion, and one end of the rear wall portion is connected to the other end of the rib portion.

7. In paragraph 6, A solar cell module characterized in that the rib portion contacts and supports the back wall portion.

8. In paragraph 7, A solar cell module characterized in that the rear wall portion extends rearward from the other end of the rib portion so as to be stepped from the side wall portion.

9. In paragraph 7, A solar cell module characterized in that the rib portion includes a first plate portion that is folded so that one end thereof is connected to the side wall portion and is in close contact with the back wall portion, and a second plate portion that is connected to the other end of the first plate portion and is folded around the other end of the first plate portion so as to overlap with the first plate portion.

10. In paragraph 5, A solar cell module characterized in that one end of the side wall portion is connected to one end of the rear wall portion, and the rib portion protrudes between the one end of the rear wall portion and the other end of the rear wall portion.

11. In paragraph 2, A solar cell module characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of the rib portion is semicircular or arched.

12. In paragraph 2, A solar cell module characterized in that the ratio of the length of the rib portion overlapping the back wall portion in a direction parallel to the thickness direction of the side wall portion is less than or equal to 30% of the length of the back wall portion.

13. In paragraph 2, A solar cell module characterized in that the module frame further includes a backup portion including one end connected to the rear wall portion and the other end connected to the back wall portion.

14. In paragraph 2, A solar cell module characterized in that the module frame further includes a front contact portion extending from the front wall portion to contact the front surface of the laminate and having a thickness thicker than the thickness of the front wall portion.

15. In paragraph 14, A solar cell module characterized in that the front contact portion is bent at a bending angle greater than 0° with respect to the front wall portion.

16. In paragraph 14, A solar cell module characterized in that the width of the front wall portion is larger than the width of the front contact portion.

17. In paragraph 3, A solar cell module characterized in that the metal plate includes a core layer comprising a steel material and a corrosion-resistant plating layer laminated on the core layer.

18. In paragraph 17, A solar cell module, characterized in that the corrosion-resistant plating layer comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of zinc, magnesium, and aluminum.

19. In paragraph 2, A solar cell module characterized in that the adhesive is a silicone adhesive.

20. In paragraph 2, The above module frame is provided in multiple pieces, A solar cell module, characterized in that the solar cell module further includes a connecting portion connecting a pair of adjacent module frames among a plurality of module frames at a corner portion of the laminate.

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