DE102010028907A1 - Connection contact arrangement for solar modules - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection contact arrangement for solar modules with a large number of solar cells connected to form strings, at least the contacts required for connection contacting being implemented by means of solderable interconnects located on the module and ends of these interconnects leading to a contact holder which is also connected to the module. According to the invention, one end of the conductor tracks connected to the solar module in the area of the contact holder is rotated out of the solar module plane and guided into the contact holder in order to form a male plug contact, a mother plug contact forming a complementary mating plug part in order to establish an electrical connection to the respective male plug contact to manufacture.

Description

The invention relates to a terminal contacting arrangement for solar modules with a plurality of solar cells connected to strings, wherein at least the contacts required for connection contacting are realized by means of solderable, located on the module interconnects and lead ends of these interconnects to a contact holder, which is also connected to the module, according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

Connection arrangements, in particular junction boxes for photovoltaic modules, for example, from DE 10 2008 057 078 A1 previously known. In this solution is based on a junction box, including pre-assembled connection cable, which are in electrical connection with a stamped grid, wherein the lead frame has a conductor track structure which receives electrical or electronic components, in particular bypass diodes. Furthermore, bent sections are present on the stamped grid, which are oriented in a direction deviating from the stamping grid direction, wherein in this orientation direction in the can body openings are present, in which contact means of the photovoltaic module intervene. The bending sections are z. B. formed as a lyre or omega contact clip, which have two opposite, widening in the direction of the module leg and a clamping part. The contact means are taken guided by the legs and contacted by the clamping part. Furthermore, the actual can body, with the exception of the openings, which point in the direction of the module, designed as a closed injection molded part.

According to the WO 2006/050890 include connection units for photovoltaic solar modules to the prior art, there are exposed terminal portions of the conductor on the module. According to this solution, a connection unit is to be created, which can be quickly connected to the photovoltaic solar module and wherein individual parts can be easily replaced. For this purpose, the solar module is provided with the above-mentioned exposed connection portions of the conductor tracks. The actual connection unit consists of a base body and at least one plug-in housing part and internal electrical contacts and components. The connection unit itself is arranged sealingly directly on the surface of the solar module. The main body has a recess in which electrical contact elements lying on the inside are designed, arranged and positioned such that they can be contacted with plug-in housings and their individual parts and / or the conductors of the connecting cable via plug connections.

In the German utility model DE 20 2005 018 884 U1 is shown a junction box for a solar panel.

The junction box comprises a housing in which connection means for electrically connecting the solar panels are present. Furthermore, diodes are located in the housing, which are electrically connected to the connection means, wherein the diodes are designed as provided with the connection wires components. The connection means comprise a plurality of adjacent metallic contact elements. The contact elements are large-area clamping parts, wherein the diodes are connected and fixed in each case with their connecting wires between two clamping parts. Due to the necessity of the individual Klemmkontaktierungsvorgänge for each diode, the manufacturing cost and effort in completing the junction box is significant and there is a risk that occur due to incorrect contact assignment wiring errors.

From the EP 1 442 503 B1 is a panel-like constructed electrical module with a flat surface and exposed contactable terminal portions as part of a substantially planar interconnect structure for connecting the actual module previously known.

In accordance with the requirement that solar power modules are wind and weather resistant and must be used for over 25 years, all electrical transitions must be protected against ingress of moisture. This protection also applies to bypass diodes to be used. According to the cited EP 1 442 503 B1 the task should be solved to make the necessary electrical connections between a connection unit and the solar module not only with simple means, but also mechanically feasible. For this purpose, it is proposed that the means for contacting the terminal sections of the module are curved out of the plane of the strip conductor structure and are connecting sections which form part of the strip conductor structure. The connection sections of the module are in turn rigid and electrical conductor sections that can be bent out of the plane of the conductor track structure of the module.

In summary, the state of the art in solar modules is usually characterized by the presence of junction boxes. The corresponding junction boxes thereby make a connection of the solar cells connected in strings both with each other and with other modules or with the inverter. The Junction boxes are usually made of plastic or metal injection molding and contain metallic connectors that contact the strings mentioned and record between them to be switched bypass diodes. At the cans each connecting cable to the next module including the strain relief can be connected.

Disclosure of the invention

From the above, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a further developed Anschlusskontaktierungsanordnung for solar modules with a plurality of solar cells connected to strings, which can be dispensed with a separate contacting of bypass diodes and a simple direct and unmistakable connection, d. H. Cabling of several modules is possible with each other.

The solution according to the invention is carried out by a Anschlusskontaktierungsanordnung according to the combination of features according to claim 1, wherein the dependent claims represent at least expedient refinements and developments.

It is therefore assumed that a Anschlußkontaktierungsanordnung for solar modules with a plurality of solar cells connected to strings, wherein at least the contacts required for the connection contacts are realized by means of solderable, located on the module interconnects and ends of these, z. As copper interconnects lead to a contact holder, which is also connected to the module.

For effective and easy contacting according to the invention, in each case one end of the interconnected on the solar module interconnects in the area of the contact holder out of the solar module level screwed out into the contact holder to form a father plug contact, with a mother plug contact as a complementary mating connector counter electrodes has to each Father plug contact to make an electrical connection. With the help of a support body having a cutting edge, the plugging can be facilitated and the contact reliability can be increased.

The entire design can be chosen very flat here, since both the contact holder and the mating connector only serve the electrical connection between the respective Leitbahnenenden and a connection cable and no further space for otherwise necessary bypass diodes is required.

Furthermore, according to the invention are required for the operation of the solar module bypass diodes or diode-connected bypass transistors surface or chipmontiert with the aforementioned interconnects in electrical connection, wherein the respective interconnect simultaneously forms a heat sink for the heat loss generated during operation.

It can therefore take place a direct connection of the bypass diodes with the interconnects on the module level. A discrete assembly and contacting with bypass diodes in a separate junction box can be omitted.

The contact holder is ausgestaltend at least partially integrated into the solar module, in particular laminated and thereby firmly connected to the module.

The ends of the interconnects that are turned out of the plane of the solar module can intersect in the region of the contact holder without short circuits to form two pairs of male plug contacts. This makes it possible to introduce a mating connector part in two different positions, so that the wiring of several modules is simplified with each other.

The free ends of the interconnects are, as already mentioned, where they serve the Anschlusskontaktierung, from the plane, d. H. the surface plane of the solar module turned out. In one embodiment with short-circuit-free crossing, a first rotation of the free end of the respective interconnect by approximately 90 ° forms a first mating contact for the complementary plug part. A second rotation through approximately 90 ° forms a crossing section and a third rotation through approximately 90 ° forms a second mating contact for the complementary plug part.

The first and the second mating contact are formed laterally offset, wherein the crossing sections are flat and spaced and therefore isolated from each other over each other.

In one embodiment, it is possible to prefabricate the installation side a wired chain of mating connectors, according to the particular arrangement, number and design of the solar modules to be connected. Hereby, the corresponding predetermined number of solar modules can then be interconnected and connected to the inverter.

In a development of the invention, at least one of the mating plugs can receive a protective or module disconnection circuit in order to interrupt the current flow in the event of a fault, specifically in the region before being fed to the inverter.

In a further embodiment, it is possible to provide an intermediate plug, which comprises a father plug contact pair and a mother plug contact pair, which are arranged on opposite sides of the intermediate plug, wherein in relation to the solar module function optimizing circuit or such electronic components can be arranged in the intermediate plug.

The respective mating connector part can be fixed to the solar module with a securing clip, which can also be made flat and which has elastic properties, so that at the same time a strain relief is effected. In a concretization of this inventive concept z. B. on the side of the solar module on which there are or the contact holder, the contact holder spaced tabs, engage in the locking tongues of the securing bracket.

drawings

The invention will be explained below with reference to an embodiment and with the aid of figures.

Hereby show:

1 a basic electrical interconnection of solar cells in strings with inventively integrated on the module level bypass diodes;

2 a plan view of a plastic-molded contact holder with two opposite father contact pairs;

3 a bottom view of the mating connector with mother plug contacts and side connection cables;

4 a basic design of the free ends of the interconnects, once superscripted as a mating contact to the plug contact and designed as a contactless junction of the tracks and second contact for use in a contact holder according to 2 before the encapsulation or the lamination;

5 a representation similar to that after 4 with short-circuit-free crossing of the interconnects, executed and inserted in the contact holder shown with housing according to 2 ;

6 a principle interconnection of a chain of mating connector parts and their equivalent circuit diagram (lower part of the picture);

7 Top view and side view of both sides of the contact holder attached tabs for fixing a securing bracket according to 8th and

8th Top view and side view of an embodiment of a flat-shaped securing bracket with locking lugs or locking tongues, in accordance with the tabs 4 are introduced.

The representation after 1 shows a basic electrical interconnection of individual solar cells 1 to strings (string 1 to 3) at the module level, wherein the contacts required for the connection contact by means of solderable, located on the module interconnects 2 are realized.

Into the interconnects 2 , which consist for example of a flat, band-shaped copper material, are bypass diodes 3 involved.

Ends of the interconnects 2 are up in the area of the contact holder to be attached (not shown) by twisting, in the section 4 , This in the section 4 Twisted raised ends of the interconnects are then removed from the contact holder (see 2 ) and mechanically embedded, in such a way that a mating connector part ( 3 ) allows electrical contact.

Due to the arrangement of the bypass diodes 3 in the immediate vicinity and at least partially on the respective interconnect 2 the latter form a heat sink for the resulting heat loss. The the bypass diodes 3 receiving interconnects 2 are beyond the actual solar cells 1 spatially removed, so that the resulting heat does not reach the cells and reduces their efficiency by increasing the temperature. As from the schematic representation after 1 As can be seen, those of the bypass diodes 3 arising heat quantities are efficiently distributed over a very large area.

That, along with integrated bypass diodes 3 and embedded contact holder 5 (please refer 2 ) provided solar module can be connected to a simple mating connector chain.

This counter plug chain consists of a cable 6 preferably molded half shell-shaped mating connector parts (see 3 ) with corresponding nut plug contacts 7 that match the father plug contacts 8th of the contact holder 5 are formed.

The mating connector is designed so that it fits exactly onto the contact holder 5 can be plugged, wherein the contact holder can be designed so that the mating connector can be positioned in two different directions. In both orientations, z. B. 0 ° - or 180 ° orientation, a correct interconnection of the solar module is ensured by the in the 4 and 5 shown crossover of the interconnects in the embedded contact holder 5 ( 5 ).

How out 4 can be seen, the interconnects of the cross connector are rotated three times at their free ends, so that a non-contact crossover 9 is reachable. As shown 4 crosses the interconnect 2 coming from the top left, while the Leitbahn 2 Coming from the top right below is performed.

By the mentioned sections 90 ° twist results in a first mating contact 10 and by a further twist behind the crossing section 9 a second mating contact 11 , The corresponding first and second mating contacts 10 and 11 are then from the contact module 5 taken, with openings 12 for edge-guided and as father plug contacts 7 Serving interconnects contacting the mother plug contacts of the mating connector are available.

According to the 2 and 5 therefore has the contact holder 5 twice two openings 12 with raised interconnects as Klemmkontaktgegenstück, while the preferred half-shell-shaped mating connector 13 has only two mother contacts.

If necessary, under the mating connector 13 still be provided a seal, so that unused openings 12 in the contact holder 5 closed and thus protected from environmental influences.

According to 6 are the individual mating connectors 13 in the necessary number corresponding to the individual solar modules connected in series.

Here, as a special advantage, a customer-specific cable set can be made exactly to the cable length provided in the special product. It results here for the installer the advantage that he laid the cable during system installation after mechanical fixation of the modules in the quasi-final step, the inverter connects to the chain and connects the mating connector with the solar modules. With the connection of the last solar module, the circuit closes and the solar system can generate electrical energy in incident sunlight. The electrical equivalent circuit of the chain of mating connectors 13 is in the lower illustration according to 6 shown.

By the series connection of the mating connector 13 it is possible to provide an additional connector and this virtually looped into the circuit.

This additional mating connector can record a protection circuit, which only when a release signal, z. B. via a switching device closes the circuit.

This protection circuit can also selectively separate the respective circuit in case of maintenance or in case of failure, z. B. building fire, switch off the system selectively de-energized by switching off the enable signal.

Due to the electrical interconnection of the counter-plug chain, it is also possible to interpose modularly protective circuits or electronic optimization modules adapted to the geometry of the embedded contact holder.

These electronic modules are then constructively realized as superimposed building blocks, so that the top corresponds to a module contact holder, while the underside is designed to be complementary to the mating connector. This also results in the possibility of combining an optimization module with a protection circuit, although by such an adapter plug solution.

Like in the 7 illustrated, the terminal connection arrangement shown can also be a simple way to strain relief and fixation of the mating connector 13 to the respective contact holder 5 include.

So it is possible, spaced on both sides to the contact holder 5 tabs 15 or form appropriate eyelets.

The tabs 15 have a receiving slot 16 for a locking nose or locking tongue 17 , which is part of a safety plate or safety latch 18 is. The safety bar 18 can be made of a resilient material and has a pressure plate 19 that the mating connector 13 (please refer 8th ) secures.

With the solution according to the embodiment, an integration of bypass diodes into the respective solar module succeeds first. The wiring is done in the form that the solar modules can be connected directly unmistakable, with the selected type of Anschlusskontaktierungsanordnung in this additional assemblies, eg. B. formed as an adapter, can be integrated. Cabling with mating connectors can be delivered pre-assembled to reduce the on-site installation effort. In addition, the strain relief can be carried out in a simple manner.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102008057078 A1 [0002]
• WO 2006/050890 [0003]
• DE 202005018884 U1 [0004]
• EP 1442503 B1 [0006, 0007]

Claims (11)

Anschlusskontaktierungsanordnung for solar modules with a plurality of solar cells connected to strings, wherein at least the contacts required for Anschlusskontaktierung are realized by solderable, located on the module tracks and lead ends of these interconnects to a contact holder, which is also connected to the module, characterized in that in each case one end of the interconnected on the solar module conductive tracks in the region of the contact holder from the solar module level lead out into the contact holder to form a father plug contact, wherein a nut plug contact forms a complementary mating connector to make an electrical connection to the respective male connector. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that required for the operation of the solar module bypass diodes or diode-connected bypass transistors surface or chipmontiert with the interconnects in electrical connection, wherein the respective interconnect simultaneously forms a heat sink for the heat loss generated during operation. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact holder is at least partially integrated into the solar module, in particular laminated. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the turned out of the plane of the solar module ends of the respective interconnects in the region of the contact holder short-circuit-free intersect to form two pairs of father plug contacts. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that a first rotation of the free end of the respective interconnect by about 90 °, a first mating contact for the complementary plug part, a second rotation by about 90 °, a crossing section and a third rotation by about 90 ° forms a second mating contact for the complementary plug part. Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the first and the second mating contact are formed laterally offset. Arrangement according to claim 4, 5 and 6, characterized in that the crossing sections lie flat and spaced one above the other. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the installation side, a wired chain of mating connectors is prefabricated and hereby a predetermined number of solar modules with each other and with an inverter can be connected. Arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that one of the mating connector accommodates a protection or module disconnecting circuit. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one intermediate plug is provided, which comprises a father plug contact pair and a mother plug contact pair, wherein in the intermediate plug a function-optimizing based on the solar module circuit or such electronic components are included. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the respective mating connector part of a securing bracket with elastic properties on the solar module can be fixed.

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