JP7833211B2 - Solar carport and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a solar carport and a method for manufacturing a solar carport.

A carport comprises a roof section for protecting a vehicle from rain or sunlight in a designated parking space, and pillars for supporting the roof section.
In recent years, solar carports have been proposed that allow for the installation of multiple solar panels on the roof of the carport described above to generate solar power (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-25288

However, the proposed solar carport has a problem: because it involves installing multiple solar panels on a mounting frame on top of the existing carport roof, the load on the support columns for the roof increases, reducing the overall strength and durability of the solar carport.

Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems of the conventional approach and achieve the following objectives. Specifically, it aims to provide a solar carport with improved strength and durability compared to conventional solar carports, the ability to adjust for positional misalignment of support columns directly driven into the ground, and significantly improved pull-out strength of the support columns, as well as a method for manufacturing such a solar carport efficiently and quickly.

The means to solve the aforementioned problem are as follows:
<1> Support columns driven into the ground,
The aforementioned support columns are arranged, and a roof section extends from the aforementioned support columns,
Multiple solar panels arranged on the aforementioned roof section,
A joint that allows for positional adjustment between a first mounting bracket attached to the end of the roof section on the support column side and a second mounting bracket attached to the end of the support column on the roof section side,
A fixing section for fixing the support column to the ground by driving multiple reinforcing piles into the ground from multiple directions that are different from each other,
This solar carport is characterized by having [a certain feature].
<2> The solar carport described in <1> above, wherein the roof section has a frame consisting of a plurality of vertical battens and a plurality of horizontal battens perpendicular to each other.
<3> The solar carport described in <2>, wherein two support columns are connected to one of the vertical rails, and a brace structure is provided between the two support columns.
<4> The solar carport described in <2> above, wherein one support column is connected to one of the vertical rails.
<5> The joint portion comprises a first elongated hole formed in the width direction of the first mounting bracket,
The second mounting bracket has a second elongated hole formed to be long in the rotational direction,
With the first elongated hole and the second elongated hole in position, the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket are joined together.
This is a solar carport according to any one of <1> to <4> above, wherein the support column and the roof section are connected by fastening the first elongated hole and the second elongated hole with a fastener.
<6> The fixing part is a solar carport according to any one of <1> to <5> above, wherein four reinforcing piles are driven into the ground from four different directions relative to the support column at approximately the center position of the support column.
<7> A solar carport according to any one of <1> to <6> above, having a rainwater collection tray installed along the gap between adjacent solar panels.
<8> A method for manufacturing a solar carport according to any one of <1> to <7> above,
A driving process in which the support column is driven directly into the ground,
A joining step of joining a first mounting bracket attached to the end of the roof section on the support column side and a second mounting bracket attached to the end of the support column on the roof section side so as to be able to adjust their position,
A fixing step of fixing the support column to the ground by driving multiple reinforcing piles into the ground from multiple directions that are different from each other,
This is a method for manufacturing a solar carport, characterized by including [a specific component].

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a solar carport with improved strength and durability compared to conventional solar carports, the ability to adjust for misalignment of support columns directly driven into the ground, and significantly improved pull-out strength of the support columns, as well as a method for manufacturing the solar carport that allows for efficient production in a short time.

Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of the solar carport of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the solar carport of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic side view showing a car parked inside a solar carport. Figure 4 illustrates the basic principle of how snow accumulation places a load on a solar carport. Figure 5 is a schematic side view showing another example of the solar carport of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic front view showing another example of the solar carport of the present invention. Figure 7 is a schematic side view showing another example of the solar carport of the present invention. Figure 8 is an enlarged view showing a joint that allows for positional adjustment between a first mounting bracket attached to the end of the support column on the roof side of a solar carport and a second mounting bracket attached to the end of the support column on the roof side. Figure 9A is a plan view showing an example of the first mounting bracket. Figure 9B is a side view showing an example of the first mounting bracket. Figure 9C is a perspective view showing an example of the first mounting bracket. Figure 9D is a side view showing an example of the first mounting bracket viewed from a different direction. Figure 10A is a plan view showing an example of a second mounting bracket. Figure 10B is a side view showing an example of a second mounting bracket. Figure 10C is a perspective view showing an example of a second mounting bracket. Figure 10D is a side view showing an example of the second mounting bracket viewed from a different direction. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how the first mounting bracket attached to the roof and the second mounting bracket attached to the support column are joined together. Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the state in which the first and second fixing brackets are attached to the support column. Figure 13 is a schematic, partially enlarged perspective view showing an example of how the support columns are fixed to the ground with reinforcing piles. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing an example of the first fixing bracket. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing an example of a second fixing bracket. Figure 16 is a side view showing an example of the first fixing bracket. Figure 17 is a side view showing an example of a second fixing bracket. The left side of Figure 18 is a top view showing an example of a reinforcing pile, and the right side of Figure 18 is a side view showing an example of a reinforcing pile. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a support column being fixed to the ground with multiple reinforcing piles. Figure 20 shows an example of a rainwater collection system in a solar carport. Figure 21 shows another example of a rainwater collection system in a solar carport.

(Solar carport)
A solar carport according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a support column driven into the ground, a roof section on which the support column is located and which extends from the support column, a plurality of solar panels arranged on the roof section, a joint section that allows for positional adjustment of a first mounting bracket attached to the end of the roof section on the support column side, and a fixing section that fixes the support column to the ground by driving a plurality of reinforcing piles into the ground from a plurality of different directions relative to the support column, and preferably has a rainwater catcher provided along the gaps between adjacent solar panels, and further may have other members as needed.

A solar carport according to one embodiment of the present invention can effectively utilize the upper space (dead space) in parking lots of, for example, factories, hospitals, city halls, universities, convenience stores, shopping malls, supermarkets, and pachinko parlors for solar power generation, while also protecting vehicles and parking lot users from rain, wind, and direct sunlight in midsummer.

<Strut>
The support posts are driven directly into the ground of the parking lot. In other words, the posts themselves are driven directly into the ground without using piles or digging holes. This eliminates the need for concrete, significantly reducing the time required for post installation and resulting in lower costs.
There are no particular restrictions on the installation of the support columns, and the method can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, for example, by using a pile driver.

There are no particular restrictions on the material, shape, size, number, or structure of the aforementioned support posts, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
There are no particular restrictions on the material of the support column, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include metal, wood, and ceramics. Among these, metal is preferred in terms of durability and strength. Examples of the metal include iron, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel.
There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the support column, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include solid or hollow rectangular prisms, cylindrical columns, rectangular tubes, and rectangular prisms. It is preferable that the support column has multiple ribs to improve its strength.
There are no particular restrictions on the size, number, and structure of the aforementioned support columns, and they can be appropriately selected according to the size of the roof section of the solar carport.
Furthermore, it is preferable to apply corrosion-resistant treatment to the portion of the support column that comes into contact with the ground.

<Roof section>
The aforementioned roof section is positioned above the parking space, covers the entire parking space, is supported by pillars, and has multiple solar panels mounted on it.
There are no particular restrictions on the shape, size, material, and structure of the roof section, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
The roof section has a shape that is roughly Y-shaped, with support columns driven into the ground and extensions from these columns with the columns at the center. This roughly Y-shape improves strength and increases the space available for accommodating vehicles, thus allowing for the storage of more vehicles.

Examples of materials for the roof section include metal materials such as iron, aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium, or hard resins other than metal materials.
Examples of the rigid resin material include polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC), polystyrene resin (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) resin, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin.

The structure of the roof section is not particularly limited as long as multiple solar panels can be arranged on the roof section. Various structural components can be appropriately selected; for example, it may be a flat roof section, or it may have a mounting frame consisting of multiple vertical slats and multiple horizontal slats perpendicular to the vertical slats. Among these, a mounting frame is preferred because it allows for weight reduction. Furthermore, when multiple solar panels are arranged on a mounting frame, the frame and the multiple solar panels together constitute the roof section, fulfilling the function of receiving rain, wind, etc. Also, because the mounting frame is located at the edges of the solar panels, light easily enters from the back side, enabling bifacial power generation.

If the roof section has a frame, it is preferable that two support columns are connected to one of the vertical battens, and that a brace structure is provided between the two support columns. Furthermore, it is preferable that two support columns are connected to each of the multiple vertical battens, and that a brace structure is provided between the two support columns.
The aforementioned brace structure, also known as a "diagonal brace," is installed along the diagonal of a rectangle formed between two adjacent support columns to prevent deformation of the solar carport.
The brace structure plays a role in connecting and transmitting the loads of the roof sections on both the left and right sides, and by canceling out the moments of the loads on both sides of the roof, stress can be reduced, thus allowing for a reduction in the number of support columns.

Furthermore, if the roof section has a frame, it is preferable that one support column is connected to one of the vertical rails. Connecting one support column to one of the vertical rails of the frame can shorten the construction period and reduce costs. When connecting one support column to one of the vertical rails of the frame, it is preferable that the support column is fixed to the ground by driving four reinforcing piles into the ground from four different directions relative to the support column at approximately its center.

<Solar Panels>
The aforementioned solar panels are installed on the roof and generate solar power.
The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar cell elements, a first protective member positioned on the light-receiving surface side of the solar cell elements, and a second protective member positioned on the back side of the solar cell elements.
The plurality of solar cell elements are sandwiched between a first protective member and a second protective member and sealed with a filler material. The solar cell panel also includes wiring materials attached to the electrodes of the solar cell elements to connect adjacent solar cell elements.

A solar panel contains multiple solar cell elements called cells. Additionally, a terminal box is attached to the back of the solar panel using adhesive or other means. This box contains the connection points between the lead wires extending from the edge of the panel and the power lines that supply current from the solar panel.
A solar cell element includes a photoelectric conversion unit that generates carriers by receiving sunlight. The photoelectric conversion unit has, for example, a light-receiving electrode formed on the light-receiving surface and a back electrode formed on the back surface.

The photoelectric conversion unit includes, for example, a semiconductor substrate such as crystalline silicon (c-Si), gallium arsenide (GaAs), or indium phosphate (InP), an amorphous semiconductor layer formed on the substrate, and a transparent conductive layer formed on the amorphous semiconductor layer.
Specifically, an example is a structure in which an i-type amorphous silicon layer, a p-type amorphous silicon layer, and a transparent conductive layer are sequentially formed on the light-receiving surface of an n-type single-crystal silicon substrate. The transparent conductive layer is preferably composed of a transparent conductive oxide obtained by doping a metal oxide such as indium oxide (In₂O₃) or zinc oxide (ZnO) with tin (Sn) or antimony (Sb).

The electrode consists, for example, of multiple finger portions and multiple busper portions.
The finger portion consists of fine, wire-like electrodes formed over a wide area on a transparent conductive layer, while the busbar portion is an electrode that collects carriers from the finger portion. The wiring material is attached to the busbar portion.

The first protective member can be, for example, a light-transmitting material such as a glass substrate, a resin substrate, or a resin film. Among these, a glass substrate is preferred from the viewpoint of fire resistance, durability, etc.
The second protective member can be made of the same material as the first protective member, and if light incidence from the back side is not anticipated, a non-transparent material can also be used.
Both the first and second protective members can be made from a light-transmitting glass substrate. For example, a resin such as ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) can be used as the filler.

A frame is provided at the edge of the solar panel. The frame is a metal frame made of iron, stainless steel, aluminum, etc., and aluminum is preferred from the viewpoint of weight reduction.
The frame protects the edges of the solar panels and is used to secure adjacent solar panels to each other. The frame is constructed by combining multiple frames and surrounds the solar panels on all four sides.

<Joint part>
The aforementioned joint connects a first mounting bracket attached to the end of the roof section on the support column side with a second mounting bracket attached to the end of the support column on the roof section side, allowing for positional adjustment. This makes it possible to easily connect the roof section and the support column even if the support column is misaligned, reducing the time and effort required for positioning work.

There are no particular restrictions on the method of attaching the first mounting bracket to the end of the support column on the roof section, and an appropriate method can be selected depending on the purpose. Examples include fixing the first mounting bracket to the end of the vertical batten of the roof section with a bolt and nut using the first fixing hole of the first mounting piece of the first mounting bracket, or welding the first mounting piece of the first mounting bracket to the end of the vertical batten of the roof section.
There are no particular restrictions on the method of attaching the second mounting bracket to the roof-side end of the support column, and an appropriate method can be selected depending on the purpose. Examples include fixing the second mounting bracket to the roof-side end of the support column with a bolt and nut using the second fixing hole of the second mounting piece of the second mounting bracket, or welding the second mounting piece of the second mounting bracket to the roof-side end of the support column.

The first mounting bracket has a first elongated hole formed to be longer in the width direction, and the second mounting bracket has a second elongated hole formed to be longer in the rotation direction. The first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket are joined together with the positions of the first and second elongated holes adjusted, and the support column and the roof section are connected by fastening the first and second elongated holes with a fastener.
Examples of fasteners include bolts and nuts, screws, and rivets.
In this invention, "joining,""connecting," or "attaching" refers to inserting bolts through one or more elongated holes provided in each of the multiple members and securing these bolts with nuts. However, various other methods can be employed as long as they facilitate assembly and disassembly in a similar manner. Alternatively, methods such as welding may be employed as appropriate, for example, to increase strength.

The plurality of first elongated holes in the first mounting bracket are elongated in the front-to-back direction (width direction), allowing for positional adjustment of the joint between the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket in the front-to-back direction (width direction).
The plurality of elongated holes in the second mounting bracket are elongated in the left-right direction (rotational direction), allowing for positional adjustment of the joint between the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket in the left-right direction (rotational direction).
Multiple first and second elongated holes are provided.

There are no particular restrictions on the material, shape, size, structure, etc., of the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
There are no particular restrictions on the material of the first and second mounting brackets, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include metal, wood, and ceramics. Among these, metal is preferred. Examples of metals include iron, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel.
There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the first and second mounting brackets, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include disc-shaped and rectangular disc-shaped brackets.
There are no particular restrictions on the size and structure of the first and second mounting brackets, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

<Fixed part>
The fixing section secures the support column to the ground by driving multiple reinforcing piles into the ground from multiple directions that are different from each other. Having the fixing section improves the pull-out strength of the support column when it is directly driven into the ground. As a result, the number of support columns can be reduced.
The aforementioned fixing portion is preferably fixed to the ground by driving four reinforcing piles into the ground from four different directions relative to the support column at approximately the center of the column, in order to further improve the pull-out strength. It is even more preferable that the four reinforcing piles are evenly arranged radially with respect to the support column.
Specifically, a first fixing bracket and a second fixing bracket are attached to the support column, and reinforcing piles are inserted into guide pipes provided in the first and second fixing brackets and driven into the ground to fix the support column to the ground.
The first and second fixing brackets are preferably attached to a part of the support column other than the end, and more preferably to a position approximately in the center of the support column.

There are no particular restrictions on the material, shape, size, structure, etc., of the first and second fixing brackets, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
There are no particular restrictions on the material of the first and second fixing brackets, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include metal, wood, and ceramics. Among these, metal is preferred from the viewpoint of strength. Examples of the metal include iron, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel.
The size and shape of the first and second fixing brackets can be appropriately selected according to the shape and size of the support column.
There are no particular restrictions on the structure of the first and second fixing brackets, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

There are no particular restrictions on the method of attaching the first and second fixing brackets to the support column, and a suitable method can be selected depending on the purpose. Examples include fixing them with bolts and nuts using mounting holes in the first and second fixing brackets and mounting holes provided in the support column, or welding the first and second fixing brackets to the support column.

The first and second fixing brackets are each provided with guide tubes. The guide tubes serve to guide the reinforcing piles into the ground at a predetermined angle when they are driven into the ground. The guide tubes are inclined at different angles from each other. The guide tubes are attached to the first and second fixing brackets by welding or via mounting pieces.
The number of fixing brackets provided on the first or second fixing bracket of the guide pipe is preferably one or more, and more preferably two or more. The arrangement of the guide pipes is preferably in different directions relative to the support column, and more preferably in a direction in which multiple reinforcing piles intersect each other when reinforcing piles are inserted into the guide pipes.
There are no particular restrictions on the material, shape, size, or structure of the reinforcing piles, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. The material of the reinforcing piles can be metal, resin, or other materials. The reinforcing piles are long rod-shaped members having a predetermined length, such as cylindrical, prismatic, cylindrical, or rectangular tube shapes.

<Rainwater collection point>
The rainwater collection points are installed in the gaps between adjacent solar panels. The rainwater collection points collect raindrops leaking from the gaps between adjacent solar panels and guide them downwards to the roof, thereby preventing water leakage in the solar carport.
The rainwater collection tray may be installed along the gap between adjacent solar panels, or it may be installed across the gap. Installing the rainwater collection tray across the gap can accommodate changes in the gap due to thermal expansion of the solar panels caused by changes in temperature, etc.
The rainwater collected in the rainwater catcher flows through the catcher and is discharged through drainage holes at the end of the catcher, via a gutter.

<Other components>
Examples of the other components mentioned above include decorative covers and reinforcing members.
Decorative covers are installed around the perimeter of solar panels on the roof, concealing the frame and rainwater catchment area to enhance the aesthetic appeal.
The reinforcing members are connected to the support columns and are components that support the roof.

(Method of manufacturing a solar carport)
A method for manufacturing a solar carport according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a solar carport according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprising: a driving step of directly driving a support column into the ground; a joining step of joining a first mounting bracket attached to the support column side end of the roof section and a second mounting bracket attached to the roof section end of the support column in a position-adjustable manner; and a fixing step of driving a plurality of reinforcing piles from a plurality of different directions relative to the support column to fix the support column to the ground, and further including other steps as necessary.

The manufacturing method for a solar carport according to one embodiment of the present invention involves directly driving the support columns into the ground, thus eliminating the need for concrete. This significantly reduces the time required for column installation, resulting in a cost advantage. Furthermore, if misalignment of the support columns occurs during installation, the position can be adjusted using the first mounting bracket attached to the support column end of the roof section and the second mounting bracket attached to the roof section end of the support column, allowing for extremely efficient manufacturing of the solar carport. Additionally, by providing a fixing section during the fixing process, the pull-out strength of the support columns is improved when they are directly driven into the ground, thus reducing the number of support columns required.

Here, an embodiment of the solar carport of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that in each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, the number, position, and shape of the following components are not limited to this embodiment, and may be adjusted to suit the specific case of the present invention.

<First Embodiment>
Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of the solar carport of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the solar carport of the present invention.
The solar carport 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 has a plurality of pairs of support columns 11, 11 driven into the ground 18, arranged in the center, a roof section 12 extending from the support columns in both left and right directions, and a plurality of solar panels 13 arranged on the roof section.

The support column 11 is made of stainless steel and is driven into the ground 18 of the parking lot. That is, without using piles or digging holes, the support column itself is driven directly into the ground as a pile. This eliminates the need for concrete, significantly reducing the time required for support column installation and resulting in cost advantages.

As shown in Figure 1, the roof section 12 has a frame consisting of multiple vertical slats 14 and multiple horizontal slats 15. Multiple solar panels 13 are arranged on the frame.
The frame consists of four vertical bars 14 arranged at equal intervals, with four horizontal bars 15 on each side (a total of eight bars) arranged at equal intervals, and the multiple vertical bars 14 and multiple horizontal bars 15 are perpendicular to each other.
As shown in Figure 1, two support columns 11,11 are connected to one vertical bar 14, and although not shown in the figure, two support columns 11,11 are also connected to each of the three vertical bars 14 located at the back.
Multiple vertical supports 14 are inclined such that the support column 11 side is located downwards, and the solar panels 13 arranged on the mounting frame are similarly inclined.

In Figure 1, 16 is a brace structure, which is installed on the diagonal of a rectangle formed between two support columns 11, 11 connected to a single vertical batten 14, in order to prevent deformation of the solar carport due to the applied load. The brace structure 16 plays a role in connecting and transmitting the loads of the roof sections on both the left and right sides, and as a result of canceling out the load moments of the roof sections on both the left and right sides, stress can be reduced, thus allowing for a reduction in the number of support columns.
17 is a reinforcing member, connected to the support column 11, and supporting the roof section 12.

As shown in Figure 3, the solar carport 10 can accommodate two cars 100 side-by-side under the roof sections 13 that extend in both the left and right directions, and four more cars at the rear, for a total of six cars.

In solar carports, it is necessary to ensure sufficient strength to prevent collapse even when subjected to various external loads, such as strong winds on the solar panel surface, increased load on the solar panel surface due to snow accumulation, or earthquakes.

Figure 4 illustrates the basic principle of how snow accumulation places a load on a solar carport.
Moment due to snow load: M = S・L (Nm) ... Equation (1)
However, in formula (1) above, L is the distance (m) from the support column that serves as the fulcrum to the point of application, and S is the snow load (N).
Stress: σ = M/Z (N/ ^mm² ) ... Formula (2)
However, in the above formula (2), Z represents the section modulus of the member under consideration ( ^mm³ ), and M represents the moment due to the snow load.
Therefore, by making the front and rear of the solar carport according to one embodiment of the present invention symmetrical, the stresses can be mutually canceled out by applying a moment in the opposite direction to the moment M due to the snow load, thereby reducing stress and allowing for a reduction in the number of support columns.

<Modification 1 of the first embodiment>
Figure 5 is a schematic side view showing another example of the solar carport of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a schematic front view showing another example of the solar carport of the present invention.
The solar carport 50 shown in Figures 5 and 6 comprises a single support column 51 driven into the ground 18, a roof section 52 extending to the left and right from the support column 51 with the support column 51 positioned in the center, and a plurality of solar panels 54 arranged on the roof section. In Figure 5, 55 is a brace, 18 is the ground, and 100 is a car.
This solar carport 50 reduces the total number of support columns by connecting one support column 51 to one of the vertical rails 53 of the frame of the roof section 52, thereby shortening the construction period and reducing costs.

<Modification 2 of the first embodiment>
Figure 7 is a schematic side view showing another example of the solar carport of the present invention. The solar carport 60 in Figure 7 has a single support column 61 driven into the ground 18, a roof section 62 extending in one direction from the single support column 61, and a plurality of solar panels 64 arranged on the roof section. In Figure 7, 65 is a brace, 18 is the ground, and 100 is a car.
This solar carport 60 has a roof section 62 on only one side, which helps to save space and enables effective use of limited land.

<Second Embodiment>
Figure 8 shows a joint that allows for positional adjustment between a first mounting bracket attached to the end of the support column on the roof side of a solar carport and a second mounting bracket attached to the end of the support column on the roof side.
At the joint 19, the support column 11 and the vertical battens 14 of the roof section are connected.
The first mounting bracket 20 and the second mounting bracket 24 are both disc-shaped and made of iron. By joining them together, the rotational and front-to-back positional misalignment of the support column 11 can be adjusted.

Figure 9A is a plan view showing an example of the first mounting bracket, Figure 9B is a side view of the first mounting bracket, Figure 9C is a perspective view of the first mounting bracket, and Figure 9D is a side view of the first mounting bracket from another direction.
The first mounting bracket 20 has a first elongated hole 21, a first mounting piece 22, and a first fixing hole 23. The first mounting bracket 20 is fixed to the end of the vertical batten 14 of the roof section by bolts and nuts through the first fixing hole 23 of the first mounting piece 22.
The first elongated hole 21 of the first mounting bracket 20 is an elongated hole formed to be long in the front-to-back direction (width direction), and its position in the direction of arrow a (width direction) in Figure 9A can be adjusted.

Figure 10A is a plan view showing an example of the second mounting bracket, Figure 10B is a side view of the second mounting bracket, Figure 10C is a perspective view of the second mounting bracket, and Figure 10D is a side view of the second mounting bracket from another direction.
The second mounting bracket 24 has a second elongated hole 25, a second mounting piece 26, and a second fixing hole 27. The second mounting bracket 24 is fixed to the roof-side end of the support column 11 by bolts and nuts through the second fixing hole 27 of the second mounting piece 26.
The second elongated hole 25 of the second mounting bracket 24 is an elongated hole formed to be longer in the rotational direction, and its position in the direction of arrow b (rotational direction) in Figure 10A can be adjusted.

As shown in Figure 11, the first mounting bracket 20 and the second mounting bracket 24 are joined together such that the first elongated hole 21 of the first mounting bracket 20 and the second elongated hole 25 of the second mounting bracket 24 are approximately perpendicular to each other. A bolt 28 is inserted into the first elongated hole 21 and the second elongated hole 25, and the bolt 28 is fastened with a nut 29 to connect the support column 11 and the vertical batten 14 of the roof section 12.
Since the first elongated hole 21 and the second elongated hole 25 are joined facing in directions that intersect each other, even if the support column is slightly misaligned, the misalignment of the support column can be absorbed by the intersecting first and second elongated holes, and the support column and the roof section can be easily connected.

<Third Embodiment>
Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view showing the state in which the first and second fixing brackets are attached to the support column, and Figure 13 is a schematic partially enlarged perspective view showing the state in which the support column is fixed to the ground with reinforcing piles.
At approximately the center of the support column 11, the first fixing bracket 41 and the second fixing bracket 42 are attached to the support column by bolts and nuts.
The first fixing bracket 41 and the second fixing bracket 42 are both made of iron, are roughly U-shaped, and are firmly attached to the support column 11.
The first fixing bracket 41 and the second fixing bracket 42 are each provided with two guide pipes 43, for a total of four guide pipes 43. The four guide pipes 43 serve to guide the reinforcing piles 44 into the ground at a predetermined angle when driving them into the ground. The four reinforcing piles 44 are evenly arranged radially around the support column 11.

Figure 14 is a perspective view showing an example of the first fixing bracket, Figure 15 is a perspective view showing an example of the second fixing bracket, Figure 16 is a side view showing an example of the first fixing bracket, and Figure 17 is a side view showing an example of the second fixing bracket.
The first fixing bracket 41 and the second fixing bracket 42 are roughly U-shaped and each has two guide tubes 43, and are attached to the support column 11 by bolts and nuts through four first mounting holes 45. The first fixing bracket 41 and the second fixing bracket 42 are joined to each other by bolts and nuts through four second mounting holes 46 via the support column 11.

The left side of Figure 18 is a top view showing an example of a reinforcing pile, and the right side of Figure 18 is a side view showing an example of a reinforcing pile. The reinforcing pile 44 is a cylindrical metal rod with a predetermined length.
Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing a support column fixed to the ground with multiple reinforcing piles. The reinforcing piles 44 are inserted through guide pipes 43 provided on the first fixing fitting 41 and the second fixing fitting 42 and driven into the ground to form a fixing portion 47, which prevents the support column 11 from being pulled out.

<Fourth Embodiment>
Figure 20 shows an example of a rainwater collection system in a solar carport. Multiple solar panels 13 are arranged on the roof, and a rainwater collection system 30 is provided between adjacent solar panels. This rainwater collection system 30 collects raindrops leaking from the gaps 31 between adjacent solar panels 13 and guides them down the sloping roof, thereby preventing water leakage.
The rainwater collection tray 30 may be installed along the gap 31 between adjacent solar panels, as shown in Figure 20, or it may be installed across the gap 31 between adjacent solar panels 13, as shown in Figure 21.
As shown in Figure 21, by providing a rainwater collection tray 30 across the gap 31 between adjacent solar panels 13, it is possible to accommodate cases where the size of the gap changes due to thermal expansion of the solar panels caused by sunlight irradiation.

The present invention has been described above using this embodiment, but this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, combinations, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such modifications are also included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims.

10 Solar carport 11 Support column 12 Roof section 13 Solar panel 14 Vertical battens 15 Horizontal battens 16 Brace structure 17 Reinforcement member 18 Ground 19 Joint 20 First mounting bracket 21 First elongated hole 22 First mounting piece 23 First fixing hole 24 Second mounting bracket 25 Second elongated hole 26 Second mounting piece 27 Second fixing hole 28 Bolt 29 Nut 30 Rainwater receiver 31 Gap 41 First fixing bracket 42 Second fixing bracket 43 Guide pipe 44 Reinforcement pile 45 First mounting hole 46 Second mounting hole 47 Fixing part

Claims (4)

Support columns driven into the ground,
A roof section having the aforementioned support columns and a frame extending from the aforementioned support columns, comprising a plurality of vertical rails and a plurality of horizontal rails perpendicular to each other ,
Multiple solar panels arranged on the aforementioned roof section,
A joint that allows for positional adjustment between a first mounting bracket attached to the end of the roof section on the support column side and a second mounting bracket attached to the end of the support column on the roof section side,
A fixing section for fixing the support column to the ground by driving multiple reinforcing piles into the ground from multiple directions that are different from each other,
It has,
The joint portion has a first elongated hole formed in the width direction of the first mounting bracket, and a second elongated hole formed in the rotation direction of the second mounting bracket.
With the first elongated hole and the second elongated hole in position, the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket are joined together.
The first elongated hole and the second elongated hole are fastened together by a fastener, thereby connecting the support column and the roof section.
A solar carport characterized in that two support columns are connected to one of the vertical rails, and a brace structure is provided between the two support columns . The solar carport according to claim 1, wherein one of the support columns is connected to one of the vertical rails. The solar carport according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion involves driving four reinforcing piles into the ground from four different directions relative to the support column at approximately the center position of the support column. The solar carport according to claim 1, further comprising a rainwater collection tray provided along the gaps between adjacent solar panels.