Patent Description:
An existing vehicular solar panel is generally glued to an exterior of a vehicular body or fastened to the exterior of the vehicular body by screws, thereby causing subsequent maintenance and disassembly of the vehicular solar panel to be inconvenient. When a vehicular solar panel is replaced by another vehicular solar panel with different size, the vehicular body needs to be re-glued or re-drilled, thereby causing inconvenience.

Further, due to the limitation of an available space of the exterior of the vehicular body for a solar panel installation, the number of the solar panels installed to the vehicular body is few, and the solar panel dimension is restricted. As a result, the wattage generated by the solar panels installed to the vehicular body is low.

Besides, the solar panels are electrically connected to an electrical control box and a storage battery. However, the electrical control box and the storage battery have to be installed inside the vehicular body in order to avoid damage by rain, thereby occupying the limited space inside the vehicular body. <CIT> discloses a mobile solar generator for use in motor car i.e. passenger car, to generate mobile solar electricity for loading energy for e.g. mobile telephone, has two hinged photovoltaic modules connected to each other on rear side by hinge. <CIT> discloses a device for attaching a solar panel, in particular framed, able to retain a solar panel on two of its edges.

Therefore, one object of the invention is to provide a support housing that can alleviate at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art.

According to one aspect of the invention, according to claim <NUM>, discloses a support housing which includes a housing body and at least one housing cover.

The housing body defines an accommodating space and has at least one opening spatially communicated with the accommodating space.

The at least one housing cover includes a cover plate and a plurality of retaining mechanisms.

The cover plate is connected to the housing body. According to the invention, the cover plate is operable to close and open the at least one opening. The cover plate is adapted to support at least one solar power panel.

The retaining mechanisms are connected to the cover plate and slidable in a first direction relative to the cover plate. The retaining mechanisms are spaced apart from one another in the first direction. Any two adjacent ones of the retaining mechanisms are movable toward and away from each other to adjust a distance therebetween so that the solar power panel is clamped therebetween.

Another object of the invention is to provide a solar power system.

According to another aspect of the invention, a solar power system includes a solar power apparatus and a support housing.

The solar power apparatus includes a control box, a rechargeable battery, and at least one solar power panel unit. The at least one solar power panel unit includes a plurality of solar power panels.

The support housing includes a housing body and at least one housing cover.

The housing body defines an accommodating space accommodating the control box and the rechargeable battery, and has at least one opening spatially communicated with the accommodating space.

The at least one housing cover includes a cover plate that is connected to the housing body, that is operable to close and open the at least one opening and that supports the solar power panels, and a plurality of retaining mechanisms connected to the cover plate and slidable in a first direction relative to the cover plate. The retaining mechanisms are spaced apart from one another in the first direction. Any two adjacent ones of the retaining mechanisms are movable toward and away from each other to adjust a distance therebetween so that one of the solar power panels is clamped therebetween.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that various features may not be drawn to scale.

Referring to <FIG>, a solar power system <NUM> of an embodiment according to the invention is used to be mounted on a mobile carrier (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a truck or ship, or to be mounted on an immobile carrier, such as a building. The solar power system <NUM> includes a solar power apparatus <NUM> and a support housing <NUM>.

For description convenience, regarding the solar power system <NUM>, a first direction (D1) is defined, a second direction (D2) is perpendicular to the first direction (D1), and a third direction (D3) is perpendicular to the first and second directions (D1, D2). In this embodiment, the first direction (D1) is a front-rear direction, the second direction (D2) is a left-right direction, and the third direction (D3) is a top-bottom direction.

Referring to <FIG>, the solar power apparatus <NUM> includes a control box <NUM>, a rechargeable battery <NUM>, and two solar power panel units <NUM>, <NUM>'. The rechargeable battery <NUM> is electrically connected to the control box <NUM> by a plurality of conductive wires (not shown). The solar power panel unit <NUM> includes a plurality of solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>" that are different from one another in size. The solar power panel unit <NUM>' includes a plurality of solar power panels <NUM> that are identical to one another in size. Each of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>" is a flexible solar panel or a semi-flexible solar panel. Each of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>" includes a flexible panel body <NUM> and a junction box <NUM> disposed on a surface of the flexible body <NUM> (see <FIG>). Along the first direction (D1), the flexible body <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM> has a width that is different from the widths of the flexible bodies <NUM> of the solar power panels <NUM>' and <NUM>". Along the second direction (D2), the flexible body <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM>" has a length that is different from the lengths of the flexible bodies <NUM> of the solar power panels <NUM> and <NUM>'. The junction box <NUM> of each of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>" is electrically connected to the control box <NUM> by a plurality of transmission cables (not shown).

In this embodiment, while the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>" of the solar power panel unit <NUM> are different from one another in size, and while the solar power panels <NUM> of the solar power panel unit <NUM>' are identical to one another in size, the solar power panel units <NUM>, <NUM>' are not limited hereto. The solar power panel unit <NUM> may include the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>" different from one another in size, and the solar power panel unit <NUM>' may include the solar power panels <NUM> identical to one another in size.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the support housing <NUM> includes a housing body <NUM>, two housing covers <NUM>, and a cap <NUM>. The housing body <NUM> includes a base plate <NUM>, two end plates <NUM>, and two pivoting units <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> is elongated in the first direction (D1). The base plate <NUM> is fixed to a top surface of a vehicle body by screwing, tongue-and-groove engagement or welding. The dimension of the base plate <NUM> is designed in conformity with the dimension of the top surface of the vehicle body so as to maximize the effective use of space above the top surface of the vehicle body.

The end plates <NUM> are respectively disposed adjacent to two opposite ends of the base plate <NUM> in the first direction (D1). Each end plate <NUM> has a plate body <NUM> and a limiting body <NUM>. The plate body <NUM> is substantially in the form of a bow plate projecting from the base plate <NUM>. The plate body <NUM> has a minor arc top surface <NUM>, a positioning slot <NUM> indented downwardly from a middle portion of the top surface <NUM>, and an engagement recess <NUM> spatially communicated with a bottom end of the positioning slot <NUM>. The limiting body <NUM> is disposed above the base plate <NUM> and is connected to an inner surface of the plate body <NUM>. The limiting body <NUM> is identical in shape to the top surface <NUM>, and has a positioning groove <NUM> in position corresponding to the positioning slot <NUM>. The positioning groove <NUM> is disposed below the positioning slot <NUM>. The pivoting units <NUM> are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the base plate <NUM> in the second direction (D2). Each pivoting unit <NUM> includes two pivoting bushings <NUM> spaced apart from each other in the first direction (D1).

The base plate <NUM> and the ends plates <NUM> cooperatively define an accommodating space <NUM>, and two openings <NUM> that are spatially communicated with the accommodating space <NUM> and that are arranged in the second direction (D2). The accommodating space <NUM> accommodates the control box <NUM>, the rechargeable battery <NUM>, and backup solar panels (not shown). In some embodiments, the openings <NUM> may, but not limited to, be arranged in the first direction (D1). By virtue of the control box <NUM> and the rechargeable battery <NUM> being accommodated within the accommodating space <NUM> disposed outside the vehicle body, an inside space of the vehicle body is prevented from being occupied by the control box <NUM> and the rechargeable battery <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the housing covers <NUM> respectively support the solar power panel units <NUM>, <NUM>". The housing covers <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in the second direction (D2) and are pivotally connected to the housing body <NUM>. Each housing cover <NUM> includes a cover plate <NUM> and a plurality of retaining mechanisms <NUM>. Each cover plate <NUM> is pivotally connected to the housing body <NUM>, and is operable to close and open a respective one of the openings <NUM>. The retaining mechanisms <NUM> of each housing cover <NUM> are spaced apart from one another in the first direction (D1), are connected to the corresponding cover plate <NUM>, and are slidable in the first direction (D1) relative to the corresponding cover plate <NUM>. Any two adjacent ones of the retaining mechanisms <NUM> are movable toward and away from each other to adjust a distance therebetween so that one of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>" is clamped therebetween.

In this embodiment, the cover plate <NUM> of each housing cover <NUM> is elongated in the first direction (D1) and has an arcuate cross section in the second direction (D2). Each cover plate <NUM> includes a cover body <NUM>, two end frames <NUM>, a first guide rail <NUM>, a second guide rail <NUM>, a pivot unit <NUM>, and a lateral wall <NUM>. The cover body <NUM> of each cover plate <NUM> has a supporting surface <NUM> supporting the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>" and having an arcuate cross section in the second direction (D2). The end frames <NUM> of each cover plate <NUM> are disposed on the corresponding cover body <NUM> and are opposite to each other in the first direction (D1). The end frames <NUM> of the cover plates <NUM> of the housing covers <NUM> respectively cover the plate bodies <NUM> of the end plates <NUM>. Each end frame <NUM> includes a top wall <NUM> to shield the top surface <NUM> of the plate body <NUM> of a respective one of the end plates <NUM> (see <FIG>), an outer wall <NUM> that extends downwardly from an outer end of the top wall <NUM> and that abuts against an outer surface of the plate body <NUM> of the respective end plate <NUM>, and an inner wall <NUM> that extends downwardly from the top wall <NUM> and that abuts against an inner surface of the plate body <NUM>. The inner wall <NUM> of each end frame <NUM> is formed with an end slot <NUM>. The end slots <NUM> of the end frames <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in the first direction (D1). Each end slot <NUM> is engageable with a corresponding one of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>".

Referring to <FIG>, for each housing cover <NUM>, the first guide rail <NUM> is disposed on a long side of the cover body <NUM>, extends in the first direction (D1), and is connected between the end frames <NUM>. The first guide rail <NUM> defines a first lateral slot <NUM> spatially communicated with the end slots <NUM> of the end frames <NUM>. The first lateral slot <NUM> is engageable with corresponding ones of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>". The first guide rail <NUM> has a guide wall <NUM> spaced apart from the supporting surface <NUM> of the cover body <NUM>. The second guide rail <NUM> is connected between the inner walls <NUM> of the end frames <NUM>, is spaced apart from the cover body <NUM> in the third direction (D3), and is spaced apart from the first guide rail <NUM> in the second direction (D2). The second guide rail <NUM> includes a guide plate <NUM> and a stop strip <NUM>. The guide plate <NUM> is elongated in the first direction (D1) and is spaced apart from the supporting surface <NUM>. The guide plate <NUM> has a guide surface <NUM> facing away from the supporting surface <NUM>. The stop strip <NUM> projects from the guide plate <NUM> toward the supporting surface <NUM>, and is disposed to a side of the guide plate <NUM> closer to the first guide rail <NUM>.

The cover body <NUM>, the end frames <NUM>, and the second guide rail <NUM> cooperatively define a second lateral slot <NUM> that is spatially communicated with the end slots <NUM> of the end frames <NUM>. The second lateral slot <NUM> is an openended slot, and has a first slot portion <NUM> disposed between the guide plate <NUM> and the supporting surface <NUM>, and a second slot portion <NUM> disposed between the supporting surface <NUM> and the stop strip <NUM>. A distance of the second slot portion <NUM> between the supporting surface <NUM> and the stop strip <NUM> is smaller than a distance of the first slot portion <NUM> between the guide plate <NUM> and the supporting surface <NUM>. The first slot portion <NUM> accommodates the junction boxes <NUM> of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>" while the second slot <NUM> allows the flexible bodies <NUM> of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>" to extend therethrough. Because the distance of the second slot <NUM> between the supporting surface <NUM> and the stop strip <NUM> is smaller than a thickness of the junction box <NUM> of each of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>", the junction box <NUM> of each of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>" is confined in the first slot portion <NUM> of the second lateral slot <NUM> by the stop strip <NUM>.

For the cover plate <NUM> of each housing cover <NUM>, the pivot unit <NUM> includes two pivot pins <NUM> that are disposed on the first guide rail <NUM> and that are spaced apart from each other in the first direction (D1). Each pivot pin <NUM> is pivotally connected to a respective one of the pivoting bushings <NUM> (see <FIG>). The lateral wall <NUM> is disposed on a long side of the cover body <NUM> opposite to the first guide rail <NUM>, is connected between the inner walls <NUM> of the end frames <NUM>, and has a wire management groove <NUM>. The wire management groove <NUM> accommodates the transmission cables (not shown) connecting the junction boxes <NUM> of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>" to the control box <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, by virtue of the pivot pins <NUM> respectively pivotally connected to the pivoting bushings <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), each housing cover <NUM> is rotatable relative to the housing body <NUM> between a closed position (see <FIG>), where a respective one of the openings <NUM> is closed, and an open position (see <FIG>), where the respective one of the openings <NUM> is opened. When each of the housing covers <NUM> is in the closed position, the lateral walls <NUM> of the cover plates <NUM> of the housing covers <NUM> are adjacent to each other and respectively engaged within the positioning grooves <NUM> of the limiting bodies <NUM> of the end plates <NUM>, the end frames <NUM> of the cover plates <NUM> respectively cover the plate bodies <NUM> of the end plates <NUM>, the top walls <NUM> of the end frames <NUM> of the cover plates <NUM> respectively cover the top surfaces <NUM> of the plate bodies <NUM> of the end plates <NUM>, and the outer and inner walls <NUM>, <NUM> of each end frame <NUM> respectively abut against the outer and inner surfaces of the plate body <NUM> of the respective end plate <NUM>, thereby positioning each housing cover <NUM> in the closed position.

When each housing cover <NUM> is in the closed position, the top walls <NUM> of the end frames <NUM> of the cover plates <NUM> respectively shield the top surfaces <NUM> of the plate bodies <NUM> of the end plates <NUM> from rain water. By virtue of the outer surfaces of the plate bodies <NUM> of the end plates <NUM> in abutment with the outer walls <NUM> of the end frames <NUM>, the outer wall <NUM> of each end frame <NUM> can greatly reduce the rain water flowing through a gap between the top wall <NUM> of each end frame <NUM> and the top surface <NUM> of the plate body <NUM> of the respective end plate <NUM>. By virtue of the inner surfaces of the plate bodies <NUM> of the end plates <NUM> in abutment with the inner walls <NUM> of the end frames <NUM>, even if the rain water seeps through the gap between the top wall <NUM> of each end frame <NUM> and the top surface <NUM> of the plate body <NUM> of the respective end plate <NUM>, the inner wall <NUM> of each end frames <NUM> blocks the rain water. As a result, the rain water is effectively prevented from seeping into the accommodating space <NUM> of the housing body <NUM>.

When one of the housing covers <NUM> is in the open position, the corresponding opening <NUM> is opened and the first guide rail <NUM> of the cover plate <NUM> abuts against the base plate <NUM> for positioning the corresponding housing cover <NUM>, so that the control box <NUM> and the rechargeable battery <NUM> accommodated in the corresponding accommodating space <NUM> can be inspected, maintained or replaced through the corresponding opening <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, each of the retaining mechanisms <NUM> includes a retaining bar <NUM>, a first securing set <NUM>, and a second securing set <NUM>. The retaining bar <NUM> is arcuate and elongated in the second direction (D2). , and is slidably connected between the first and second guide rails <NUM>, <NUM> of the cover plate <NUM> so as to retain two adjacent ones of the power solar panels <NUM>, <NUM>' and <NUM>". The retaining bar <NUM> has a bar body <NUM>, a first sliding member <NUM>, and a second sliding member <NUM>. The bar body <NUM> is arcuate and elongated in the second direction (D2), is slidable within the second lateral slot <NUM>, and conforms in shape with the supporting surface <NUM> of the cover body <NUM>. The bar body <NUM> has two engaging slots <NUM> that are opposite to each other in the first direction (D1). Each engaging slot <NUM> is engaged with the flexible body <NUM> of a corresponding one of said solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>' and <NUM>". As shown in <FIG>, an end of the bar body <NUM> is slidable between the second guide rail <NUM> and the supporting surface <NUM> of the cover plate <NUM> by extending through the first and second slot portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the second lateral slot <NUM>, and an opposite end of the bar body <NUM> is inserted into and slidable within the first lateral slot <NUM> of the first guide rail <NUM>. As a result, the bar body <NUM> is slidably engaged with the first and second lateral slots <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and seconds sliding members <NUM>,<NUM> are connected respectively to two opposite ends of the bar body <NUM>.

The first sliding member <NUM> is slidably hung on the first guide rail <NUM>, is L-shaped, and has a first abutment portion <NUM> and a first pressing portion <NUM>. The first abutment portion <NUM> is perpendicular and fixed to the bar body <NUM> by welding, and abuts against an inner side of the first guide rail <NUM>. The first pressing portion <NUM> is perpendicularly connected to the first abutment portion <NUM>, is spaced apart from the bar body <NUM>, and contacts the guide wall <NUM> of the first guide rail <NUM>. The second sliding member <NUM> is slidably hung on the second guide rail <NUM>, is also L-shaped, and has a second abutment portion <NUM> and a second pressing portion <NUM>. The second abutment portion <NUM> is integrally connected to the bar body <NUM> and abuts against an outside of the guide plate <NUM> of the second guide rail <NUM>. The second pressing portion <NUM> is perpendicularly connected to the second abutment portion <NUM>, is spaced apart from the bar body <NUM>, and contacts the guide surface <NUM> of the second guide rail <NUM>.

By virtue of the retaining bar <NUM> of each retaining mechanism <NUM> being slidably engaged with the first and second lateral slots <NUM>, <NUM>, any two adjacent ones of the retaining mechanisms <NUM> are movable toward and away from each other in the first direction (D1) to adjust a distance therebetween so that one of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>" is clamped therebetween. Besides, by virtue of the first and second sliding members <NUM>, <NUM> respectively and slidably hung on the first and second guide rails <NUM>, <NUM>, the sliding stability of the retaining bar <NUM> is enhanced in the first direction (D1) while the bar body <NUM> is prevented from disengaging from the first and second lateral slots <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first securing set <NUM> includes a first holding block <NUM>, a first bolt <NUM>, a first nut <NUM>, and a first stop nut <NUM>. The first holding block <NUM> is an inverted U-shaped block and abuts against the guide wall <NUM> of the first guide rail <NUM> to hold the first pressing portion <NUM> in a non-rotational manner. The first bolt <NUM> is movably inserted through the first holding block <NUM> and abuts against the first pressing portion <NUM> by welding an end of the first bolt <NUM> to the first pressing portion <NUM>. The first nut <NUM> is threadedly connected to the first bolt <NUM> and abuts against a side of the first holding block <NUM> distal from the first guide rail <NUM>. The first nut <NUM> is operably rotatable to drive movement of the first bolt <NUM> until the first bolt <NUM> locks the first pressing portion <NUM> on the guide wall <NUM> of the first guide rail <NUM>. The first stop nut <NUM> is threadedly connected to the first bolt <NUM> and abuts against the first nut <NUM>, thereby preventing the first nut <NUM> from being detached from the first bolt <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the first nut <NUM> is clockwise rotated to drive movement of the first bolt <NUM> until the first bolt <NUM> locks the first pressing portion <NUM> on the guide wall <NUM> of the first guide rail <NUM>. As a result, the first securing set <NUM> is converted to a locking state and locks the first pressing portion <NUM> on the first guide rail <NUM>. By counterclockwise rotation of the first nut <NUM>, the first bolt <NUM> is driven by the first nut <NUM> to move together with the first pressing portion <NUM> away from the guide wall <NUM> of the first guide rail <NUM>, thereby unlocking the first pressing portion <NUM> from the guide wall <NUM> of the first guide rail <NUM> and converting the first securing set <NUM> to an unlocking state.

The second securing set <NUM> is identical in structure to the first securing set <NUM>, and includes a second holding block <NUM>, a second bolt <NUM>, a second nut <NUM>, and a second stop nut <NUM>. The second holding block <NUM> is an inverted U-shaped block and abuts against the guide surface <NUM> of the second guide rail <NUM> to hold the second pressing portion <NUM> in a non-rotational manner. The second bolt <NUM> is movably inserted through the second holding block <NUM> and abuts against the second pressing portion <NUM> by welding an end of the second bolt <NUM> to the second pressing portion <NUM>. The second nut <NUM> is threadedly connected to the second bolt <NUM> and abuts against a side of the second holding block <NUM> distal from the first guide rail <NUM>. The second nut <NUM> is operably rotatable to drive movement of the second bolt <NUM> until the second bolt <NUM> locks the second pressing portion <NUM> on the guide surface <NUM> of the second guide rail <NUM>. The second stop nut <NUM> is threadedly connected to the second bolt <NUM> and abuts against the second nut <NUM>, thereby preventing the second nut <NUM> from being detached from the second bolt <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the second nut <NUM> is clockwise rotated to drive movement of the second bolt <NUM> until the second bolt <NUM> locks the second pressing portion <NUM> on the guide surface <NUM> of the second guide rail <NUM>. As a result, the second securing set <NUM> is converted to a locking state and locks the second pressing portion <NUM> on the second guide rail <NUM>. By counterclockwise rotation of the second nut <NUM>, the second bolt <NUM> is driven by the second nut <NUM> to move together with the second pressing portion <NUM> away from the guide surface <NUM> of the second guide rail <NUM>, thereby unlocking the second pressing portion <NUM> from the guide surface <NUM> of the second guide rail <NUM> and converting the second securing set <NUM> to an unlocking state.

Because the end of the first bolt <NUM> of the first securing set <NUM> is welded to the first pressing portion <NUM>, and because the end of the second bolt <NUM> of the second securing set <NUM> is welded to the second pressing portion <NUM>, when the first and second securing sets <NUM>, <NUM> are converted to the unlocking states, the retaining bar <NUM> drives the first and second securing sets <NUM>, <NUM> to move together therewith during sliding movement of the retaining bar <NUM> in the first direction (D1). When the retaining bar <NUM> slides to a retaining position to retain the flexible body <NUM> of one of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>' and <NUM> ", the first and second securing sets <NUM>, <NUM> are converted to the locking states to lock the retaining bar <NUM> at the retaining position.

Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, the cap <NUM> includes a cap body <NUM>, two positioning plates <NUM>, and two hooks <NUM>. The cap body <NUM> is elongated in the first direction (D1). The positioning plates <NUM> project from a bottom side of the cap body <NUM> and are spaced apart from each other in the first direction (D1). The hooks <NUM> are respectively disposed on bottom ends of the positioning plates <NUM> and respectively extend toward each other in the first direction (D1). When each housing cover <NUM> is in the closed position, to assemble the cap <NUM> to the end plates <NUM> of the housing body <NUM>, the cap body <NUM> abuts against the top walls <NUM> of the end frames <NUM> of the cover plates <NUM> of the housing covers <NUM> and covers the second guide rails <NUM> and the wire management grooves <NUM> of the lateral walls <NUM> of the cover plates <NUM>, the positioning plates <NUM> respectively abut against the top surfaces <NUM> of the plate bodies <NUM> of the end plates <NUM> and engage the positioning slots <NUM> of the end plates <NUM>, and the hooks <NUM> respectively engage the engagement recesses <NUM> of the end plates <NUM>, thereby fixing the cap <NUM> to the end plates <NUM>. Each hook <NUM> is pressable to bend relative to a respective one of the positioning plates <NUM>. When the hooks <NUM> are pressed to disengage from the engagement recesses <NUM> of the end plates <NUM>, the cap <NUM> can be removed from the end plates <NUM>.

By virtue of the hooks <NUM> being pressable to disengage from the engagement recesses <NUM> of the end plates <NUM>, the cap <NUM> can be removably assembled to the end plates <NUM> without assistance of other tools, thereby effectively increasing convenience of assembly.

As shown in <FIG>, when each housing cover <NUM> is in the closed position and when the cap <NUM> is assembled to the end plates <NUM> of the housing body <NUM>, because the cap body <NUM> abuts against the top walls <NUM> of the end frames <NUM> of the cover plates <NUM> of the housing covers <NUM> and covers the second guide rails <NUM> and the wire management grooves <NUM> of the lateral walls <NUM> of the cover plates <NUM>, the cap <NUM> not only prevents the rain water from flowing past a gap between the lateral walls <NUM> of the cover plates <NUM> and into the accommodating space <NUM> to adversely affect the control box <NUM> and the rechargeable battery <NUM>, but also prevents the rain water from flowing into the wire management grooves <NUM> of the lateral walls <NUM> of the cover plates <NUM> to adversely affect the transmission cables accommodated in the wire management grooves <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, to assemble one of the solar power panel units <NUM>, <NUM>' to a corresponding one of the housing covers <NUM>, the corresponding housing cover <NUM> is first rotated to the open position so that the first slot portion <NUM> of the second lateral slot <NUM> is oriented upwardly. As exemplified, the solar power panel <NUM>" with the length thereof shorter than a distance between the first and second guide rails <NUM>, <NUM> is first assembled. The flexible panel body <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM>" is brought into alignment with the first slot portion <NUM> and a corresponding one of the end slots <NUM>. Subsequently, the solar power panel <NUM>" is moved through the second guide rail <NUM> and the first and second slot portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the second lateral slot <NUM>, and the flexible panel body <NUM> thereof is engaged with the corresponding end slot <NUM>. During movement of the flexible body <NUM> toward the first guide rail <NUM>, the flexible body <NUM> is guided and deformed by the walls defining the corresponding end slot <NUM> so that the flexibly body <NUM> is suspended smoothly along the supporting surface <NUM> of the cover plate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the solar power panel <NUM>" is moved until the junction box <NUM> thereof comes into contact with the stop strip <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a corresponding one of the retaining mechanisms <NUM> is moved toward the flexible panel body <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM>" in the first direction (D1) until a corresponding one of the engaging slots <NUM> of the corresponding retaining mechanism <NUM> is engaged with the flexible panel body <NUM>. Subsequently, the first and second securing sets <NUM>, <NUM> of the corresponding retaining mechanism <NUM> are converted to the locking states to lock the retaining bar <NUM> of the corresponding retaining mechanism <NUM> on the cover plate <NUM>. Because the flexible panel body <NUM> is retained between the corresponding engaging slot <NUM> of the corresponding retaining mechanism <NUM> and the corresponding end slot <NUM>, the solar power panel <NUM>" is firmly fixed to the cover plate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, to assemble the solar power panel <NUM>', the flexible panel body <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM>' is moved through the second guide rail <NUM> and the first and second slot portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the second lateral slot <NUM>. By bending the flexible panel body <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM>', a side of the flexible panel body <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM>' is engaged with the first lateral slot <NUM> of the first guide rail <NUM>. Afterwards, the solar power panel <NUM>' is moved in the first direction (D1) toward the corresponding retaining mechanism <NUM> that retains the solar power panel <NUM>", so that the flexible panel body <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM>' engages with the other one of the engaging slots <NUM> of the corresponding retaining mechanism <NUM> that retains the solar power panel <NUM>".

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an adjacent retaining mechanism <NUM> is moved in the first direction (D1) toward the flexible panel body <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM>' until a corresponding one of the engaging slots <NUM> of the adjacent retaining mechanism <NUM> engages the flexible panel body <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM>'. Afterwards, the first and second securing sets <NUM>, <NUM> of the adjacent retaining mechanism <NUM> are converted to the locking states to lock the retaining bar <NUM> of the adjacent retaining mechanism <NUM> on the cover plate <NUM>. Because two opposite sides of the flexible panel body <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM>' respectively engage the engaging slots <NUM> of the two adjacent retaining mechanisms <NUM>, the solar power panel <NUM>' is firmly fixed to the cover plate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the solar power panel <NUM> is assembled and firmly fixed in the same manner as the solar power panel <NUM>' to the cover plate <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, to disassemble the solar power panel <NUM> from the housing cover <NUM> for maintenance or replacement, the first and second securing sets <NUM>, <NUM> of a corresponding one of the retaining mechanisms <NUM> are converted to the unlocking states. Subsequently, the retaining bar <NUM> of the corresponding retaining mechanism <NUM> is moved in the first direction (D1) away from the flexible panel body <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM>, so that the flexible panel body <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM> is moved and disengaged from the engaging slots <NUM> of the two adjacent corresponding retaining mechanisms <NUM>. Afterwards, the solar power panel <NUM> is pulled and moved away from the first and second lateral slots <NUM>, <NUM> in order to be maintained or replaced.

According to the invention, each of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>", and <NUM>" of the solar power panel unit <NUM>' can be assembled or disassembled with respect to the corresponding housing cover <NUM> without additional components, such as screws or glue, thereby increasing convenience for assembly or disassembly and effectively facilitating operation.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, by virtue of the retaining mechanisms <NUM> sliding in a first direction (D1) relative to and being locked on the cover plate <NUM> according to the width of the flexible panel body <NUM> of each of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>" in the first direction (D1), the flexible panel bodies <NUM> of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', and <NUM>" are assembled and fixed to the cover plate <NUM> by the retaining mechanisms <NUM> without width limitations, thereby greatly increasing flexibility of assembly. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, while the length of the flexible panel body <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM>" is shorter than the distance between the first and second guide rails <NUM>, <NUM>, because the stop strip <NUM> of the second guide rail <NUM> confines the junction box <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM>", the flexible panel body <NUM> of the solar power panel <NUM>" can be assembled to and fixed on the cover plate <NUM> without a length limitation, thereby further increasing flexibility of assembly. In addition to the flexible panel body <NUM> of one of the solar power panel <NUM>, <NUM>' and <NUM>" being retained between two adjacent ones of the retaining mechanisms <NUM>, one of the end frames <NUM> and an adjacent one of the retaining mechanisms <NUM> cooperate with each other to retain the flexible panel body <NUM> of one of the solar power panel <NUM>, <NUM>' and <NUM> ", thereby further increasing flexibility of assembly.

For each housing cover <NUM>, by virtue of the cover plate <NUM> elongated in the first direction (D1) and having the arcuate cross section in a second direction (D2), a large number of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" being different in size from one another can be assembled to the cover plate <NUM> by the retaining mechanisms <NUM> even when the size of the top surface of the vehicle body is limited. Therefore, the support housing <NUM> can be loaded with a large number of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>", <NUM>" by the two housing covers <NUM>, thereby supplying high wattage power and increasing a power generation efficiency.

In one variant embodiment of the solar power system <NUM> according to the invention, the number of solar power panel unit <NUM>, <NUM>', each of the number of the openings <NUM> and the number of the housing covers <NUM> can be one.

In another variant embodiment of the solar power system <NUM>, the end slot <NUM> of each end frame <NUM> is omitted, and the flexible panel bodies <NUM> of the solar power panels <NUM>, <NUM>' and <NUM>" are retained by only the retaining mechanisms <NUM>.

In still another variant embodiment of the solar power system <NUM>, the plate body <NUM> of each end plate <NUM> can be in the form of a long plate, the cover plate <NUM> of each housing cover <NUM> can have a rectangular cross section in the second direction (D2), and the bar body <NUM> of each retaining mechanism <NUM> can be in the form of a long strip.

Claim 1:
A support housing (<NUM>), characterized by:
a housing body (<NUM>) defining an accommodating space (<NUM>) and having at least one opening (<NUM>) spatially communicated with said accommodating space (<NUM>); and
at least one housing cover (<NUM>) including
a cover plate (<NUM>) connected to said housing body (<NUM>), characterized in that the cover plate (<NUM>) is operable to close and open said at least one opening (<NUM>), said cover plate (<NUM>) being adapted to support at least one solar power panel (<NUM>), and
a plurality of retaining mechanisms (<NUM>) connected to said cover plate (<NUM>) and slidable in a first direction (D1) relative to said cover plate (<NUM>), said retaining mechanisms (<NUM>) being spaced apart from one another in the first direction (D1), any two adjacent ones of said retaining mechanisms (<NUM>) being movable toward and away from each other to adjust a distance therebetween so that the solar power panel (<NUM>) is clamped therebetween.