WO2017217382A1

WO2017217382A1 - Photoelectric conversion device

Info

Publication number: WO2017217382A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/021701
Authority: WO
Inventors: 碧山合; 清茂児島; 吉田　昌義
Original assignee: 日本ゼオン株式会社
Priority date: 2016-06-15
Filing date: 2017-06-12
Publication date: 2017-12-21
Also published as: TW201813281A

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to make it possible for a photoelectric conversion device to comprise more photoelectric conversion panels and to stabilize the positional relationship among connected photoelectric conversion panels. The present invention enables the achievement of a photoelectric conversion device which comprises: a photoelectric conversion panel having one or more plate-like photoelectric conversion modules; and a connection part which comprises a flexible conductive member and is capable of mechanically and electrically joining the photoelectric conversion modules and an add-in photoelectric conversion module of an add-in photoelectric conversion panel with each other in a detachable manner. With respect to this photoelectric conversion device, if D₁ is the thickness of the conductive member and W₁ is the width of the conductive member in a direction that is perpendicular to both the connecting direction and the thickness direction of the conductive member, D₁ and W₁ satisfy the relational expression W₁ ≥ 3D₁.

Description

Photoelectric conversion device

The present invention relates to a photoelectric conversion device.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for portable power generation devices so that users can use portable devices such as smartphones, notebook PCs (Personal Computers), and tablet PCs even when they are out of business.

As a portable power generation device, for example, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of solar cells arranged at predetermined intervals and a flexible conductive member connecting electrodes of each solar cell are provided with flexibility and elasticity. There is disclosed a photoelectric conversion device having a sheet-like solar cell formed by being sandwiched from above and below by a sheet-like transparent film member having a surface. According to such a photoelectric conversion device, at the time of use, the sheet-like solar cell can be expanded, and the electric power generated by the solar cell can be taken out and used in an external device. Further, when not in use, the sheet-like solar cell can be folded and stored and transported easily.

Further, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a solar power generation device (photoelectric conversion device) that allows an additional solar cell panel by connecting the solar cell panel to an additional solar cell panel via a cable. Yes. According to such a photoelectric conversion device, it is possible to increase the power supply by adding a solar cell panel as necessary.

JP-A-9-51118 JP 2003-92423 A

The photoelectric conversion device disclosed in Patent Document 1 tends to be miniaturized in order to ensure portability, and sufficient power may not be obtained by itself. Moreover, although the photoelectric conversion apparatus disclosed by patent document 2 can increase supply electric power by extending a solar cell panel (photoelectric conversion panel), since the photoelectric conversion panels are connected with a cable, The positional relationship between the connected photoelectric conversion panels was not stable, and there was room for improvement in handleability.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a photoelectric conversion apparatus that can solve the above-described problems, can increase the number of photoelectric conversion panels, and can stabilize the positional relationship between the connected photoelectric conversion panels.

This invention aims at solving the said subject advantageously, and the photoelectric conversion apparatus of this invention is a photoelectric conversion panel which has one or more plate-shaped photoelectric conversion modules, The said photoelectric conversion module, A connecting portion including a flexible conductive member that can be mechanically and electrically detached from the additional photoelectric conversion module included in the additional photoelectric conversion panel, and the thickness of the conductive member is D ₁ , When the width along the direction perpendicular to both the connecting direction and the thickness direction of the conductive member is W ₁ , the relationship of W ₁ ≧ 3D ₁ is satisfied. With such a configuration, it is possible to increase the number of photoelectric conversion panels and stabilize the positional relationship between the connected photoelectric conversion panels.

Here, in the photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, it is preferable that the relationship of W ₂ ≧ W ₁ is satisfied, where W ₂ is a width along a direction perpendicular to both the connection direction and the thickness direction of the photoelectric conversion module. By setting it as such a structure, since a conductive member does not become large in the width direction rather than a photoelectric conversion module, the handleability of a connection part improves.

In the photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, it is preferable that the relationship of D ₂ ≧ D ₁ is satisfied, where D ₂ is the thickness of the photoelectric conversion module. By setting it as such a structure, since a conductive member does not become large in a thickness direction rather than a photoelectric conversion module, the handleability of a connection part improves.

In the photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, it is preferable that the relationship of W ₁ ≧ L ₁ is satisfied, where L ₁ is a length along the connection direction of the conductive member. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes difficult to cause a twist or the like between the photoelectric conversion panel and the additional photoelectric conversion panel, and stability is improved.

In the photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, the connection portion includes a first connection member provided in the photoelectric conversion panel and a second connection member provided in the extension photoelectric conversion panel. The connection member and the second connection member are detachable from each other, and the conductive member is provided between the photoelectric conversion panel and the first connection member and / or the extension photoelectric conversion panel and the second connection. It is preferable to be provided between the members. With such a configuration, even when an extension photoelectric conversion panel is not added to the photoelectric conversion device, it is not necessary to separately manage the connection portion, and handling is improved.

In the photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, one of the first connection member and the second connection member has a guide rail, and the other is in sliding contact with the guide rail along a direction different from the connection direction. It is preferred to have an engaging guide. With such a configuration, the direction in which the first connection member and the second connection member are attached and detached is different from the connection direction, so that the stress applied to the photoelectric conversion device at the time of attachment and removal can be reduced.

In the photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, it is preferable that the connection portion further includes a reinforcing member that is directly coupled to at least one of the first connection member and the second connection member. By adopting such a configuration, the first connection member or the second connection member is reinforced, and stability when the photoelectric conversion module and the additional photoelectric conversion module are attached and detached via the connection portion can be improved. it can.

Further, in the photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, the connection portion includes a third connection member provided in each of the photoelectric conversion panel and the extension photoelectric conversion panel, and an extension connection body, and the extension connection. The body preferably includes a first conductive member as the conductive member, and a fourth connection member provided on both sides of the first conductive member and detachable from the third connection member. With this configuration, when the additional photoelectric conversion panel is not expanded, the expansion connector is connected only to the photoelectric conversion panel, or only connected to the additional photoelectric conversion panel. It can be separated and managed separately. Further, it becomes easy to replace the extension connection body with a new member.

Also, in the photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, it is preferable that the extension connection body further includes a reinforcing member directly coupled to the fourth connection member. By setting it as such a structure, while reinforcing a 4th connection member, stability at the time of attaching / detaching a photoelectric conversion module and an additional photoelectric conversion module via a connection part can be improved.

The photoelectric conversion device of the present invention further includes a second conductive member as the conductive member, and the third connection member provided on the photoelectric conversion panel among the third connection members is included in the photoelectric conversion module. It is preferable that the photoelectric conversion module disposed along the outer periphery of the photoelectric conversion panel is provided via the second conductive member. By setting it as such a structure, the softness | flexibility of a connection part can be improved.

In the photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, the photoelectric conversion modules are arranged in a matrix, and the third connection member provided on the photoelectric conversion panel among the third connection members is a row direction of the photoelectric conversion modules. It is preferable that the photoelectric conversion module disposed at the end of each and the end in the column direction is provided via the second conductive member. With such a configuration, the photoelectric conversion panel and the additional photoelectric conversion panel can be arranged in an orderly manner.

In the photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, it is preferable that the third connection members are not connectable to each other. By adopting such a configuration, the third connection members can be connected to each other only when the connection body for expansion is used, and therefore it is possible to prevent the third connection members from being connected unintentionally. it can.

Further, in the photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, the connection body for expansion is moved along the direction orthogonal to the opposing direction with respect to the two opposing third connection members, whereby the fourth connection It is preferable that the member is detachable from the third connecting member. By setting it as such a structure, the stability of a connection can be improved with respect to the external force added to a connection part.

In the photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, it is preferable that the photoelectric conversion device further includes a circuit unit including the fourth connection member. With such a configuration, the circuit unit can be connected to the third connection member that is not used for connection of the photoelectric conversion panel or the extension photoelectric conversion panel, so that the degree of freedom in arrangement of the circuit unit is improved. be able to.

Moreover, in the photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, it is preferable that the connecting portion is capable of detaching the photoelectric conversion panel and the extension photoelectric conversion panel along a row direction and / or a column direction. With such a configuration, the handleability is further improved.

Moreover, in the photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, it is preferable that the photoelectric conversion panel and the extension photoelectric conversion panel can be folded via the connection portion. With such a configuration, the storage property is improved.

Moreover, in the photoelectric conversion device of the present invention, it is preferable that the photoelectric conversion device further includes an auxiliary connection portion that can mechanically connect the photoelectric conversion module and the extension photoelectric conversion module. With such a configuration, the photoelectric conversion panel and the extension photoelectric conversion panel can be more stably connected.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a photoelectric conversion device that can increase the number of photoelectric conversion panels and can stabilize the positional relationship between the connected photoelectric conversion panels.

It is a top view which shows schematic structure of the photoelectric conversion apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of the photoelectric conversion apparatus shown in FIG. It is a top view which expands and shows a part of structure of the photoelectric conversion apparatus shown in FIG. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of structure of the photoelectric conversion apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows typically a mode (the 1) which folds the photoelectric conversion apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows typically a mode (the 2) which folds the photoelectric conversion apparatus shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the example of the other extension direction of the photoelectric conversion apparatus shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the example which has arrange | positioned the photoelectric conversion panel for extension to the photoelectric conversion apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in matrix form. It is a top view which shows the 3rd modification of a connection part. It is a top view which shows the modification of a photoelectric conversion panel. It is a top view which shows the 2nd modification of a connection part. It is a top view which shows the 3rd modification of a connection part. It is a top view which shows the example (the 1) of expansion of a photoelectric conversion apparatus provided with the connection part shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the example (the 2) of expansion of a photoelectric conversion apparatus provided with the connection part shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the example (the 3) of expansion of a photoelectric conversion apparatus provided with the connection part shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the example (the 4) of expansion of a photoelectric conversion apparatus provided with the connection part shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the example (the 5) of expansion of a photoelectric conversion apparatus provided with the connection part shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the example (the 6) of expansion of a photoelectric conversion apparatus provided with the connection part shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. In this specification, the thickness direction means a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of the top view of the photoelectric conversion device such as FIG. 1, the upper side means the front side of the paper surface in the same figure, and the lower side means the opposite direction. Shall. Further, the horizontal plane direction means a direction that forms a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction.

Hereinafter, the photoelectric conversion device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a top view of a photoelectric conversion device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front view thereof.

1 and 2, the photoelectric conversion device 1 includes a photoelectric conversion panel 10, a connection unit 20, and a circuit unit 40. 1 and 2 also show an additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 that can be added to the photoelectric conversion device 1.

The photoelectric conversion panel 10 has a plate-like photoelectric conversion module 11 (11a to 11i). Here, the plate shape means a shape that is sufficiently larger in the horizontal plane direction perpendicular to the thickness direction than in the thickness direction. Although the number of the photoelectric conversion modules 11 included in the photoelectric conversion panel 10 is illustrated as nine in FIG. 1, it may be one or more. When the photoelectric conversion panel 10 includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion modules 11, the photoelectric conversion panel 10 includes a connecting portion 12 that connects the outer edges of the photoelectric conversion modules 11, and the photoelectric conversion modules 11 are mechanically connected to each other by the connecting portion 12. Connected electrically and electrically on a horizontal plane. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the photoelectric conversion modules 11 are arranged in a matrix, the arrangement is not limited to such an arrangement.

The photoelectric conversion module 11 has a rectangular shape in the top view in this example. The thickness of the photoelectric conversion module 11 is preferably 3 mm or less in consideration of, for example, manufacturing technology. Further, the lower limit of the thickness of the photoelectric conversion module 11 is preferably about 10 μm. The photoelectric conversion module 11 can be covered with an exterior material for imparting environmental resistance. The photoelectric conversion module 11 preferably has a certain degree of flexibility. Furthermore, it is preferable to cover the outer periphery of the photoelectric conversion module 11 with a frame that is a rigid member. Thereby, the bending deformation of the photoelectric conversion module 11 due to the stress generated from the connecting portion 12 can be suppressed.

The photoelectric conversion module 11 has a photoelectric conversion cell (not shown) provided so as to receive incident light from above. A photoelectric conversion cell is a solar cell element that photoelectrically converts incident light such as sunlight and room light to output electric power. In addition, the photoelectric conversion module 11 includes a base material (not shown) that supports the photoelectric conversion cell, a take-out wiring (not shown) that takes out the electric power generated by the photoelectric conversion cell, and the like. The photoelectric conversion module 11 outputs the electric power generated by the photoelectric conversion cell to the circuit unit 40 via the connecting unit 12 and other photoelectric conversion modules 11. In addition, the photoelectric conversion cell with which the photoelectric conversion module 11 is provided may be provided so that incident light from directions other than upper direction, for example, the downward direction, can be received.

The types of solar cells constituting the photoelectric conversion cell are broadly classified into inorganic solar cells using inorganic materials and organic solar cells using organic materials. Examples of inorganic solar cells include Si-based using silicon (Si) and compound-based using compounds. Organic solar cells include thin film systems such as low molecular vapor deposition systems using organic pigments, polymer coating systems using conductive polymers, coating conversion systems using conversion semiconductors, titania, organic dyes and Examples thereof include a dye sensitizing system composed of an electrolyte. Moreover, the solar cell which comprises a photoelectric conversion cell can also include the organic-inorganic hybrid solar cell and the solar cell using the perovskite type compound. As the photoelectric conversion cell according to the present embodiment, a dye-sensitized solar cell produced on a plastic film or the like is suitable. Note that the photoelectric conversion cell according to the present embodiment is not limited to the one produced on the plastic film or the like, and it goes without saying that the production method is not limited as long as it has the same thin thickness.

In this example, the connecting unit 12 connects the photoelectric conversion modules 11 in the row direction and the column direction. Specifically, the connecting portion 12 includes a flexible conductive member (for example, a conductive cable or a flexible substrate), and mechanically and electrically connects the photoelectric conversion modules 11 in the row direction and the column direction. The connecting portion 12 may include a covering member for protecting and / or reinforcing the conductive member. The connecting portion 12 may be formed of a flexible member that connects any adjacent photoelectric conversion modules 11 only mechanically and not electrically.

The connecting unit 12 is configured to be able to fold the photoelectric conversion module 11 connected through the connecting unit 12. It is preferable that the connection part 12 has flexibility higher than the photoelectric conversion module 11 from a viewpoint of easy folding.

The connecting portion 20 includes a flexible conductive member 21, a first connecting member 22, a second connecting member 23, and a reinforcing member 26. The connection unit 20 is a member that can mechanically and electrically attach and detach one photoelectric conversion module 11 in the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and one additional photoelectric conversion module 51 in the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50. is there. For example, in FIGS. 1 and 2, as the connection portion 20, the photoelectric conversion module 11 c and the extension photoelectric conversion module 51 a can be mechanically and electrically detached, the photoelectric conversion module 11 i and the extension photoelectric conversion. The connection part 20b which can attach or detach the module 51g mechanically and electrically is shown in figure.

The first connection member 22 is provided in one photoelectric conversion module 11 in the photoelectric conversion panel 10. The second connection member 23 is provided in one additional photoelectric conversion module 51 in the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50. Here, the first connecting member 22 and the second connecting member 23 are detachable from each other. The mechanism for detaching the first connecting member 22 and the second connecting member 23 is connected, for example, by inserting and fitting the other into one opening, and is disconnected when the other is discharged. Mechanism. At this time, the conductive member 21 is provided between one photoelectric conversion module 11 and the first connection member 22 in the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and / or one additional photoelectric conversion in the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50. Between the module 51 and the 2nd connection member 23, it connects so that both may be connected. For example, the connection portion 20a includes a conductive member 21a between the photoelectric conversion module 11c and the first connection member 22a. Moreover, the connection part 20b has provided the electrically-conductive member 21a between the photoelectric conversion module 51g for extension, and the 2nd connection member 23b.

In this way, the flexible conductive member 21 is placed between the photoelectric conversion module 11 and the first connection member 22 and / or between the additional photoelectric conversion module 51 and the second connection member 23. By providing them so as to be connected, the stress concentration on the first connection member 22 or the second connection member 23 is reduced when the photoelectric conversion module 11 and the additional photoelectric conversion module 51 are attached and detached via the connection portion 20. can do. Further, the connection unit 20 is configured with members provided in the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50, so that the connection unit can be connected even when the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 is not added to the photoelectric conversion device 1. There is no need to manage 20 separately, and handling is improved.

The reinforcing member 26 is a rigid member and is directly coupled to at least one of the first connecting member 22 and the second connecting member 23. Specifically, the reinforcing member 26 is directly coupled to one of the first connecting member 22 and the second connecting member 23 where the conductive member 21 is provided. For example, in FIGS. 1 and 2, as the reinforcing member 26, the reinforcing member 26a directly coupled to the first connecting member 22a provided with the conductive member 21a and the second connecting member 23b provided with the conductive member 21b are directly coupled. The reinforcing member 26b is shown. For example, the reinforcing member 26 is provided so as to cover the first connecting member 22 or the second connecting member 23 and the conductive member 21.

Thus, since the photoelectric conversion apparatus 1 includes the reinforcing member 26 that is directly coupled to the first connection member 22 or the second connection member 23 provided with the conductive member 21, the first connection member 22 or the second connection member 23 is provided. In addition, it is possible to improve stability when the photoelectric conversion module 11 and the additional photoelectric conversion module 51 are attached and detached via the connection portion 20. Further, the reinforcing member 26 can also function as a gripping part for gripping when the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 is added.

When the electric power generated by the photoelectric conversion panel 10 or the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 is supplied, the circuit unit 40 increases or decreases the voltage, for example, an interface (not shown) to an external rechargeable battery or an external device. ) To output. The circuit unit 40 is not limited to the shape as shown in FIG. 1 and can have any shape. Further, the circuit unit 40 and the photoelectric conversion panel 10 may be connected to each other through a connection unit similar to the connection unit 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1 or may be configured integrally.

The photoelectric conversion device 1 includes an auxiliary connection unit that can mechanically connect one photoelectric conversion module 11 of the photoelectric conversion panels 10 and one additional photoelectric conversion module 51 of the additional photoelectric conversion panels 50. You can prepare further. Here, the auxiliary connection part which can be mechanically connected means the connection part which connects only mechanically and does not connect electrically. In the connection between the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 shown in FIG. 1, for example, one of the connection portion 20 a and the connection portion 20 b can be configured as an auxiliary connection portion. By providing such an auxiliary connection part, the stability of the connection between the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 is improved.

The extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 includes a plate-like extension photoelectric conversion module 51 (51a to 51i). The number of extension photoelectric conversion modules 51 included in the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 is illustrated as nine in FIG. 1, but may be one or more. When the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 has a plurality of extension photoelectric conversion modules 51, the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 has an extension connection part 52, and the extension photoelectric conversion module 51 is mechanically connected to each other by the extension connection part 52. Connected electrically and electrically on a horizontal plane. 1 shows an example in which the extension photoelectric conversion modules 51 are arranged in a matrix, but the arrangement is not limited thereto.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged top view of a part of the configuration including the connecting portion 20 of the photoelectric conversion device 1 (the connecting portion 20 and the detachable photoelectric conversion module 11 and the additional photoelectric conversion module 51), and FIG. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the thickness of the conductive member 21 and D _1, both in the direction perpendicular to the connecting direction and the thickness direction of the conductive member 21 (hereinafter referred to as "width direction") along the When the width is W ₁ , the relationship of W ₁ ≧ 3D ₁ is established. That is, the conductive member 21 has a width W _{1 that} is three times or more the thickness D ₁ . Thus, by setting the width W ₁ of the conductive member 21 to be three times or more the thickness D ₁ , the flexibility of the conductive member 21 in a state where the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 is added to the photoelectric conversion device 1. Thus, while maintaining a certain degree of flexibility between the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50, the integration between the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 is increased, and the stability is improved.

Further, if the width along the width direction of the photoelectric conversion module 11, W _2, the relationship of W ₂ ≧ W ₁ is satisfied. That is, the width W ₁ of the conductive member 21 is equal to or less than the width W ₂ of the photoelectric conversion module 11. Thus, by making the width W ₁ of the conductive member 21 equal to or less than the width W ₂ of the photoelectric conversion module 11, the conductive member 21 does not become larger in the width direction than the photoelectric conversion module 11. Handleability is improved.

Further, when the thickness of the photoelectric conversion module 11 and _{D 2,} the relationship of _{D 2} ≧ _{D 1} is satisfied. That is, the thickness D ₁ of the conductive member 21 is equal to or less than the thickness D ₂ of the photoelectric conversion module 11. Thus, since the conductive member 21 does not become larger in the thickness direction than the photoelectric conversion module 11 by setting the thickness D ₁ of the conductive member 21 to be equal to or less than the thickness D _{2 of the} photoelectric conversion module 11, Handleability is improved.

Further, when the length along the direction of connection conductive member 21 and L _1, the relationship of W ₁ ≧ L ₁ is satisfied. That is, the conductive member 21, is a length _{L 1} than the width _{W 1.} Thus, by setting the width W ₁ of the conductive member 21 to be equal to or greater than the length L ₁ , it becomes difficult for twisting and the like between the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 to occur, and stability is improved. To do.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a state (No. 1) of folding the photoelectric conversion device 1 with the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 added. FIG. 5 (a) is a front view before folding, and FIG. 5 (b). Shows the front view after folding. As shown in FIG. 5A, the photoelectric conversion device 1 is provided with an additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 connected via the connection unit 20. FIG. 5A shows an example in which a plurality (two) of extension photoelectric conversion panels 50 are connected via the extension connection section 60. The extension connection portion 60 has a flexible conductive member and is a member that can mechanically and electrically attach and detach the extension photoelectric conversion panels 50 to each other. For example, the extension connection portion 60 may have the same configuration as the connection portion 20. it can.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 are folded in the thickness direction by folding the photoelectric conversion panel 10 via the connection portion 20 so that the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 overlaps the photoelectric conversion panel 10. It will be in a state of overlapping. FIG. 5B shows an example in which a plurality of extension photoelectric conversion panels 50 are also folded together via the extension connection portion 60.

Thus, since the photoelectric conversion device 1 can fold and store the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 on the photoelectric conversion panel 10 by folding the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50, the storage property is improved. To do. Further, even when a plurality of additional photoelectric conversion panels 50 are added, the photoelectric conversion device 1 is improved in foldability by folding the plurality of additional photoelectric conversion panels 50 through the additional connection unit 60. .

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a state (part 2) of folding the photoelectric conversion device 1 with the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 added, and FIG. 6 (a) is a top view before folding, and FIG. 6 (b). Is a front view of a state of being folded between the photoelectric conversion modules 11, and FIG. 6C is a front view of a state of being further folded between the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 from the state of FIG. 6B. Respectively. In FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C, illustration of the connecting portion 12 and the extension connecting portion 52 is omitted for simplicity.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the photoelectric conversion panel 10 is configured such that the photoelectric conversion modules 11 are arranged in a matrix and can be folded between adjacent photoelectric conversion modules 11. Here, for example, first, the photoelectric conversion modules 11 (11b, 11e, 11h) in the second column are folded so as to overlap the photoelectric conversion modules 11 (11a, 11d, 11g) in the first column, and the third column is folded on them. The photoelectric conversion module 11 (11c, 11f, 11i) is folded so as to overlap.

Next, the photoelectric conversion module 11 (11a, 11b, 11c) of the first row is folded so that the photoelectric conversion module 11 (11d, 11e, 11f) of the second row overlaps, and the photoelectric conversion module 11 of the third row is folded on these. Fold so that (11g, 11h, 11i) overlap. By folding in this way, as shown in FIG. 6B, the photoelectric conversion panel 10 is in a state where all the photoelectric conversion modules 11 are overlapped in the thickness direction.

Here, as in the photoelectric conversion panel 10, the extension photoelectric conversion modules 50 are arranged in a matrix and adjacent to the extension photoelectric conversion modules 51, as shown in FIG. 6A. It may be configured to be foldable between. In that case, for example, first, the extension photoelectric conversion modules 51 (51b, 51e, 51h) in the second row are folded so as to overlap the photoelectric conversion modules 51 (51a, 51d, 51g) in the first row, The extension photoelectric conversion modules 51 (51c, 51f, 51i) in the third row are folded so as to overlap.

Next, the extension photoelectric conversion module 51 (51d, 51e, 51f) of the second row is folded so as to overlap the extension photoelectric conversion module 51 (51a, 51b, 51c) of the first row, and the third row The extension photoelectric conversion modules 51 (51g, 51h, 51i) are folded so as to overlap. By folding in this way, as shown in FIG. 6B, the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 is in a state where all the additional photoelectric conversion modules 51 overlap in the thickness direction.

Then, the folded photoelectric conversion panel 50 is folded so as to overlap the folded photoelectric conversion panel 10 via the connecting portion 20 as shown in FIG. 6C. The panel 10 and the expanded photoelectric conversion panel 50 for folding are overlapped in the thickness direction. In this way, by further folding the folded photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the folded additional photoelectric conversion panel 50, the storage property is further improved.

The connection unit 20 can detach the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 along the row direction and / or the column direction. Specifically, both the connecting portion 20a and the connecting portion 20b shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be attached to and detached from the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 in the row direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the connection part 20 may be capable of detaching the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 along the column direction. Further, the photoelectric conversion device 1 connects the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 in the column direction, the connecting portion 20 that can be attached and detached along the row direction, and the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 in the column direction. You may provide both with the connection part 20 which can be attached or detached along.

As shown in FIG. 8, the photoelectric conversion apparatus 1 can be expanded with an additional photoelectric conversion panel 50a along the row direction and an additional photoelectric conversion panel 50b along the column direction. The extension photoelectric conversion panel 50c may be extended along the column direction of the panel 50a and the row direction of the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50b. That is, the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panels 50a to 50c may be arranged in a matrix.

At this time, the connecting portion is set so that the distance between the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50a and the distance between the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50b and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50c (that is, the distance in the row direction) coincide. It is preferable to adjust the size of 20 and the connection part 60 for expansion. Further, the connection portion 20 is set so that the distance between the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50b and the distance between the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50a and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50c (that is, the distance in the column direction) match. It is preferable to adjust the size of the extension connection portion 60. It is not necessary that the row direction interval and the column direction interval match.

By adjusting the distance between the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 in this manner, the row direction interval and the column direction interval between the panels are aligned, so that the plurality of extension photoelectric conversion panels 50 are arranged in a matrix. Shape stability when expanded is improved.

FIG. 9 is a top view showing a first modification of the connecting portion 20. One of the first connecting member 22 and the second connecting member 23 has a guide rail, and the other of the connecting portion 20 has a guide that is slidably engaged with the guide rail along a direction different from the connecting direction. You may have. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the first connection member 22 may have a guide rail 27 and the second connection member 23 may have a guide 28. The guide 28 extends in a direction (for example, the width direction) different from the connection direction. The guide rail 27 defines a hollow portion S corresponding to the guide 28 inside. The guide 28 is in sliding contact with the guide rail 27 along the extending direction, so that the guide 28 can engage with the guide rail 27 in the hollow portion S and can be detached from the guide rail 27.

Thus, one of the first connection member 22 and the second connection member 23 has a guide rail, and the other has a guide that is slidably engaged with the guide rail along a direction different from the connection direction. With such a configuration, the direction in which the first connection member 22 and the second connection member 23 are detached is different from the connection direction, so that the stress applied to the photoelectric conversion device 1 at the time of removal can be reduced.

Further, the photoelectric conversion panel 10 is not limited to including the photoelectric conversion modules 11 arranged in a matrix. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, the photoelectric conversion panel 10 may be configured by a single photoelectric conversion module 11. Good. Similarly, the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 may also be configured by a single extension photoelectric conversion module 51 as shown in FIG. Moreover, as shown in FIG.10 (b), the photoelectric conversion panel 10 may be comprised with the some photoelectric conversion module 11 arrange | positioned connected by the connection part 12 on a straight line.

FIG. 11 is a top view showing a second modification of the connecting portion 20. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the connection unit 20 according to the second modification includes a third connection member 24 provided in an arbitrary photoelectric conversion module 11 in the photoelectric conversion panel 10, and an extension photoelectric conversion panel 50. The third connecting member 24 provided in any of the additional photoelectric conversion modules 51 and the additional connecting body 30 are included. Here, the connection body 30 for expansion is provided on both sides via the first conductive member 21 ′ and the first conductive member 21 ′ as the conductive member 21, and the fourth connection that can be attached to and detached from the third connection member 24. Member 25. That is, the extension connection body 30 can be detached from both the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50.

As described above, the connection unit 20 includes the extension connection body 30 that can be attached and detached from both the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50, so that the photoelectric conversion device 1 can be used for the extension photoelectric conversion. When the panel 50 is not added, the extension connector 30 is connected only to the photoelectric conversion panel 10, connected only to the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50, or detached from both and managed individually. be able to. Further, it becomes easy to replace the extension connection body 30 with a new member.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the connection body 30 for expansion according to the second modification includes a reinforcing member 26 that is directly coupled to the fourth connecting member 25. As described above, the extension connection body 30 includes the reinforcing member 26 that is directly coupled to the at least one fourth connection member 25, whereby the fourth connection member 25 is reinforced and the photoelectric conversion module is connected via the connection portion 20. 11 and the photoelectric conversion module 51 for expansion can be improved in stability. In addition, the reinforcing member 26 can also function as a gripping part for gripping the extension connection body 30 when detaching from the photoelectric conversion module 11 or the extension photoelectric conversion module 51.

FIG. 12 is a top view showing a third modification of the connecting portion 20. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the connection unit 20 according to the third modification example is an arbitrary photoelectric conversion module in the photoelectric conversion panel 10, similarly to the connection unit 20 according to the second modification example illustrated in FIG. 11. 11, the third connection member 24 provided in any additional photoelectric conversion module 51 in the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50, and the additional connection body 30. Moreover, the connection body 30 for expansion which concerns on a 3rd modification is the same as the connection part 20 which concerns on a 2nd modification, 1st conductive member 21 'as the conductive member 21, and 1st conductive member 21' are included. And a third connection member 24 and a detachable fourth connection member 25. Further, the extension connection body 30 according to the third modification includes a reinforcing member 26 that is directly coupled to the fourth connection member 25, similarly to the connection portion 20 according to the second modification. Thus, the connection part 20 which concerns on a 3rd modification has the same effect as the connection part 20 which concerns on a 2nd modification by having the same structure as the connection part 20 which concerns on a 2nd modification. Have.

The connection unit 20 according to the third modification has the following configuration in addition to the above-described configuration common to the connection unit 20 according to the second modification. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, in the third modified example, the fourth connecting member 25 is connected to the first conductive member 21 ′ and the reinforcing member 26 from the reinforcing members 26 provided on both sides of the first conductive member 21 ′. Is provided so as to extend along a direction orthogonal to the connection direction. Here, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the two fourth connection members 25 respectively provided on the two reinforcing members 26 are both arranged on the same side (lower side in FIG. 12) with respect to the reinforcing member 26. . In the third modification, the third connection member 24 defines a hollow portion S ′ inside, and is connected to the fourth connection member 25 when the fourth connection member 25 is inserted into the hollow portion S ′ and engaged therewith. When the fourth connecting member 25 is discharged from the hollow portion S ′, it is configured to be detachable so as to be disconnected from the fourth connecting member 25. The fourth connecting member 25 may be configured to define a hollow portion therein, and the third connecting member 24 is inserted into and engaged with the hollow portion to be connected.

In the third modified example, the extension connection body 30 includes two third connection members 24 arranged to face each other (in FIG. 12, the third connection member 24 provided in the photoelectric conversion module 11 and the extension photoelectric member). The fourth connection is achieved by moving the third connection member 24 provided in the conversion module 51 along a direction (vertical direction in FIG. 12) perpendicular to the facing direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 12). The member 25 is configured to be detachable from the third connecting member 24. As described above, in the third modification, the connection state is established by moving the additional connection body 30 along the direction orthogonal to the opposing direction (connection direction) with respect to the two third connection members 24. Therefore, the stability of the connection can be enhanced with respect to the external force applied to the connection portion 20. Further, the third connection members 24 cannot be connected to each other. That is, the third connection member 24 is not connected to other third connection members 24. Therefore, since the third connection members 24 can be connected only when the extension connection body 30 is used, the third connection members 24 can be prevented from being connected unintentionally.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the connection unit 20 according to the third modification further includes a second conductive member 21 ″ as the conductive member 21. The third connection member 24 is provided in each of the photoelectric conversion module 11 and the extension photoelectric conversion module 51 via the second conductive member 21 ″. Thus, since the third connection member 24 is provided in the photoelectric conversion module 11 and the additional photoelectric conversion module 51 via the flexible second conductive member 21 ″, the connection portion 20 is flexible. Can be improved. If the flexibility of the connecting portion 20 can be ensured by the flexibility of the second conductive member 21 ″, the first conductive member 21 ′ may be a highly rigid member.

FIGS. 13 to 18 are diagrams showing an example of the addition of the photoelectric conversion device 1 including the connection unit 20 according to the third modification. As shown in FIG. 13, the third connection member 24 provided in the photoelectric conversion panel 10 among the third connection members 24 is a photoelectric conversion module arranged along the outer periphery of the photoelectric conversion panel 10 in the photoelectric conversion module 11. 11 is provided via a second conductive member 21 ''. Similarly, the third connection member 24 provided on the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 in the third connection member 24 is also installed along the outer periphery of the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 in the extension photoelectric conversion module 51. The photoelectric conversion module 51 is provided via the second conductive member 21 ″. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the third connection member 24 is a module (the photoelectric conversion module 11 or the additional photoelectric conversion module 51 that is arranged at the center of each side of the outer periphery of the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50. ) Through a second conductive member 21 ''. As described above, the third connection member 24 is provided in at least one module disposed on each side of the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50, so that the direction of the extension is not limited and the extension is not limited. The degree of freedom is improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the extension connection section 60 may have the same configuration as the connection section 20 according to the third modification. As a result, any two of the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the plurality of additional photoelectric conversion panels 50 can be freely connected and expanded using the additional connection body 30 that is a common member. The degree of freedom of arrangement is improved and handling is improved. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the circuit unit 40 may include a fourth connection member 25. Thereby, since the circuit part 40 can be connected to the 3rd connection member 24 which is not used for the connection of the photoelectric conversion panel 10 or the photoelectric conversion panel 50 for expansion, the arrangement | positioning freedom degree of the circuit part 40 improves.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the extension connection body 30 connects two adjacent third connection members 24 to each other. Therefore, the handleability of the added photoelectric conversion device 1 is improved, and connection stability such as strength is also improved.

FIG. 14 is an example in which the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 are different in size. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the third connecting member 24 is a module arranged at the end in the row direction and the end in the column direction among the modules (the photoelectric conversion module 11 and the additional photoelectric conversion module 51). It is provided via a second conductive member 21 ''. By adopting such a configuration, even if the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 are different in size, the row direction ends of the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 or Since the positions of the end portions in the column direction can be made uniform, they can be arranged neatly.

Note that the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 are electrically connected to each other in parallel. Therefore, the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 are configured such that the output voltages are equal to each other regardless of the number of modules constituting them. In order to achieve such a configuration, for example, when the voltages of power generation by the photoelectric conversion module 11 and the extension photoelectric conversion module 51 are equal, the number of series-connected photoelectric conversion modules 11 in the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the extension What is necessary is just to comprise so that the serial connection number of the extension photoelectric conversion module 51 in the photoelectric conversion panel 50 for an installation may become equal, respectively.

FIG. 15 shows an example in which an additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 is further added from the state shown in FIG. As described above, even when the additional photoelectric conversion panels 50 are further expanded, the positions of the end portions in the row direction or the column direction of the additional photoelectric conversion panels 50 can be arranged in an orderly manner. .

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the third connection member 24 may be provided only on two adjacent sides of the four sides in the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50, for example. Even in such a configuration, by arranging the extension connection body 30 as shown in FIG. 16, all the photoelectric conversion panels 10 and the extension photoelectric conversion panels 50 are arranged in an orderly manner and connected in the shortest distance. can do. As shown in FIG. 16, the fourth connection member 25 may be configured to be inserted into the third connection member 24 only from the inside of each side of the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50. .

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 17, the connection body 30 for expansion is not limited to the two 4th connection members 25 being arrange | positioned with respect to the reinforcement member 26 on the same side, A mutually opposing side (FIG. 17). Then, it may be arranged on the upper side and the lower side. By using such an extension connection body 30, as shown in FIG. 17, the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the extension photoelectric conversion panel 50 can be made with a high degree of freedom while changing the overall shape according to the purpose. Can be arranged. Thereby, for example, it can arrange | position, avoiding a shady place, can raise the whole electric power generation efficiency, or can arrange | position with the shape according to an installation place.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the plurality of extension photoelectric conversion panels 50 may be connected to each other by extension connection bodies 30 at a plurality of locations. In this way, the panels can be arranged more stably and orderly by connecting each panel at a plurality of locations. When the panels are connected to each other at a plurality of locations, the same shape as the extension connector 30 is used instead of the extension connector 30 as long as at least one location connected by the extension connector 30 is included. A mechanical connection body that is not electrically connected may be used in combination.

As described above, by using the connection unit 20 according to the third modified example, the photoelectric conversion panel 10 and the additional photoelectric conversion panel 50 can be detached and attached in various forms according to the use mode with a simple operation. Can be used by changing.

The above description only shows one embodiment of the present invention, and it goes without saying that various modifications may be added within the scope of the claims. For example, the arrangement of each component has been described using rows and columns, but the rows and columns are defined for convenience of description, and these may be interchanged.

The photoelectric conversion module 11 included in the photoelectric conversion device 1 has been described as having a rectangular shape in the top view. However, the photoelectric conversion module 11 is not limited to such a shape. For example, the photoelectric conversion module 11 is a polygon such as a hexagon or an ellipse. Also good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photoelectric conversion apparatus 10 Photoelectric conversion panel 11 (11a-11i) Photoelectric conversion module 12 Connection part 20 (20a, 20b) Connection part 21 (21a, 21b) Conductive member 21 '1st conductive member 21''2nd conductive member 22 (22a, 22b) 1st connection member 23 (23a, 23b) 2nd connection member 24 3rd connection member 25 4th connection member 26 (26a, 26b) Reinforcement member 27 Guide rail 28 Guide 30 Connection body 40 for expansion 40 Circuit part 50 (50a, 50b, 50c) Extension photoelectric conversion panel 51 (51a to 51i) Extension photoelectric conversion module 52 Extension connection part 60 Extension connection part S, S 'hollow part D ₁ thickness of conductive member D ₂ photoelectric conversion Module thickness L ₁ Length of conductive member W ₁ Width of conductive member W ₂ Width of photoelectric conversion module

Claims

A photoelectric conversion panel having one or more plate-like photoelectric conversion modules;
A connecting portion including a flexible conductive member that is mechanically and electrically removable from the photoelectric conversion module and the additional photoelectric conversion module included in the additional photoelectric conversion panel;
With
When the thickness of the conductive member is D 1 and the width along the direction perpendicular to both the connecting direction and the thickness direction of the conductive member is W 1 , the relationship of W 1 ≧ 3D 1 is satisfied.
Photoelectric conversion device.
If the width along the direction perpendicular to both the connecting direction and the thickness direction of the photoelectric conversion module is W 2 , the relationship of W 2 ≧ W 1 is satisfied.
The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.
When the thickness of the photoelectric conversion module is D 2 , the relationship of D 2 ≧ D 1 is satisfied.
The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.
And the length along the connection direction of the conductive member and L 1, satisfy the relationship of W 1 ≧ L 1,
The photoelectric conversion apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3.
The connection portion includes a first connection member provided in the photoelectric conversion panel and a second connection member provided in the extension photoelectric conversion panel, and the first connection member and the second connection member are Detachable from each other,
The conductive member is provided between the photoelectric conversion panel and the first connection member and / or between the extension photoelectric conversion panel and the second connection member.
The photoelectric conversion apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 4.
One of the first connection member and the second connection member has a guide rail, and the other has a guide that is slidably engaged with the guide rail along a direction different from the connection direction.
The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 5.
The connection portion further includes a reinforcing member directly coupled to at least one of the first connection member and the second connection member.
The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 5 or 6.
The connecting portion is
A third connection member provided on each of the photoelectric conversion panel and the extension photoelectric conversion panel, and an extension connection body,
The extension connection body is
A first conductive member as the conductive member;
A fourth connection member that is provided on both sides via the first conductive member, and that is removable from the third connection member,
The photoelectric conversion apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 4.
The connection body for expansion further includes a reinforcing member directly coupled to the fourth connection member.
The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 8.
A second conductive member as the conductive member;
A third connection member provided on the photoelectric conversion panel among the third connection members is configured such that the second conductive member is disposed on a photoelectric conversion module disposed along an outer periphery of the photoelectric conversion panel among the photoelectric conversion modules. Provided through,
The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 8 or 9.
The photoelectric conversion modules are arranged in a matrix,
The third connection member provided on the photoelectric conversion panel among the third connection members is connected to the photoelectric conversion module disposed at the end in the row direction and the end in the column direction of the photoelectric conversion module. Provided through a conductive member,
The photoelectric conversion device according to claim 10.
The third connecting members are not connectable to each other;
The photoelectric conversion apparatus as described in any one of Claims 8-11.
The extension connection body can be attached to and detached from the third connection member by moving the connection body along the direction orthogonal to the opposing direction with respect to the two opposite third connection members. Is,
The photoelectric conversion apparatus as described in any one of Claims 8-12.
A circuit unit including the fourth connecting member;
The photoelectric conversion device according to any one of claims 8 to 13.
The connecting portion is detachable from the photoelectric conversion panel and the extension photoelectric conversion panel along a row direction and / or a column direction.
The photoelectric conversion apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-14.
The photoelectric conversion panel and the extension photoelectric conversion panel are foldable via the connection portion.
The photoelectric conversion apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 15.
An auxiliary connection part that can mechanically connect the photoelectric conversion module and the extension photoelectric conversion module;
The photoelectric conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.