DE102008059000A1 - Electrical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a junction box comprising a substantially flat contact body, wherein the contact body has two insertion openings, each with a mounted in the insertion contact element for pluggable engagement with a respective female connector.

Description

The The invention relates to an electrical connector, in particular a photovoltaic connector.

The The invention therefore relates to a connector according to Preamble of claim 1.

generic Connectors, in particular photovoltaic connectors are in Area of photovoltaic systems for some time as proven Connection technology used.

It are usually single-pole connectors, with which the electricity of solar modules dissipated and can be forwarded, or with their help solar modules together can be connected.

Out Safety reasons have generic Plugs and sockets of such connectors via latching means, the paired locking tongues form, which with counter locking means of Mating connector can be connected.

For example, is from the DE 20 2007 017 521 a connector for photovoltaic connection cables known with a plug having a handle body, which oriented in the insertion direction, at least one latching means and a contact carrier and with a socket whose handle body forms a contact carrier receptacle and a locking means corresponding counter-locking means, which together with the locking means secures the plug in the socket in the plugged state, wherein the contact carrier and the contact carrier receptacle form mutually corresponding positioning means which allow insertion of the plug into the socket only in the counter-locking means facing locking means.

These Plugs or plugs and sockets therefore have positioning means on to assure during assembly that during mating the plug exclusively with in the direction of the detent tunnel oriented latching tongues can be inserted into the beech.

In Increasingly, however, there is a need after that, not only to securely connect photovoltaic modules with each other, but also to design photovoltaic roof tiles pluggable.

For this an electrical connector is needed such that a space-saving design does not hinder the assembly of bricks. In this respect, a flat electrical connector is necessary, which, however, have sufficient density of insulating material got to.

Further technical difficulties with single-pin connector systems This is usually because the connectors are typical circular connectors have relatively large dimensions.

It Therefore, it is necessary to provide a connector, the total flat building mountable, but at the same time sufficient Has sealing properties, allowing the connector sealed against weather and environmental influences.

The Waterproofing against weather and environmental influences must be done on the one hand in the field of plug geometry, on the other hand but also opposite the connectable photovoltaic cable.

One further claim in particular by specifications of the plug connector standard is made to the manufacturer of connector systems, is the secure locking or secure setting of the Plug connection. So it must be ensured that the connector not inadvertently released from it in its mated position can be.

The for sealing purposes ideal combinations of materials are available the material selection has certain requirements but also limits. So are preferably elastic plastics for the seal in a preferred embodiment to use rubber materials, the additional UV exposure and other environmental pollution withstand.

adversely rubber materials, however, is the lack of mechanical strength, to securely lock connectors together.

task The present invention is therefore an electrical connector for photovoltaic applications, especially for To provide photovoltaic roof tiles.

Further Object of the present invention is doing a connector system such that a part of the connector, preferably the junction box already at the generator, say at the photovoltaic roof tile is electrically connectable and the photovoltaic bricks among themselves are to be brought into electrical contact.

The Connector system therefore requires a technical solution which makes it possible to interconnect roof tiles. Since in each case a roof tile with their neighboring roof tiles in electrical It must therefore come in contact, depending on the installation and wiring necessary, each three bricks electrically plugged into each other To connect.

task The present invention thus also consists in an electrical To make connector system such that not just a tile is connectable to the next, but a roof tile by means of the same electrical connector with two others Roof tiles can be brought into electrical contact.

A further requirement for an electrical connector system previously The type mentioned is that the junction box on the photovoltaic brick of Must be that these with the contacts of the generator unit The brick must be electrically contacted, if possible in a simpler and cheaper way, in other words in such a way, that this is possible by machine welding is.

These Task is with a connector according to claim 1 solved.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

The Object of the present invention is achieved by means a photovoltaic connector comprising a junction box for two female connectors, which are flat so is formed, that the contact elements of the junction box by means of integrated Connecting elements with the generator unit of a photovoltaic tile connectable in a direct connection technique (without a cable connection) are.

These Task is solved by a connector comprising a junction box comprising a substantially flat contact body, wherein the contact body via two insertion openings each with a mounted in the insertion contact element has, for pluggable engagement with a female connector.

In A preferred embodiment of the invention are the female connectors in two parts executed from a socket-side contact body and a coded plug-in adapter which rotatably on the contact body is definable and coded so that it is only in one of the two Insertion of the junction box is inserted.

In an advantageous embodiment of the rotatable plug adapter additionally be equipped with coding elements to ensure that the correct contact body with the correct plug adapter connected to a total of a correct and secure plug connection to ensure with the junction box.

Further Advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description, as well the attached preamble, as well as by the drawings. Show it:

1 a part of the connector according to the invention, the junction box for two female connectors;

2 a female connector suitable for insertion into one of the insertion 1 ;

3 a partially mounted position of a female connector consisting of a contact body and a plug adapter;

4 another view of a preassembled position of a female connector;

5 a disassembled view of the female connector according to 2 to 4 ;

6 another view of a dismantled female connector;

7 a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector consisting of a junction box and two female connectors;

8th shows a connector according to the invention, consisting of junction box with two plugged into the junction box socket connectors;

9 shows a junction box according to the invention from the bottom in a perspective view.

The in 1 shown part of the photovoltaic connector 1 shows the junction box 2 or quite generally a contact body 33 , designed as a junction box.

The junction box 2 is a substantially flat junction box with a height of about 5 mm to 10 mm, suitable for receiving two female connectors 6 like these in 2 to 6 are shown.

The length and width of the junction box 2 is many times larger than its height about 3 to 10 times.

The following is the junction box first 2 with their structural and functional characteristics.

The junction box 2 has a junction box top 20 and a junction box bottom 27 , The junction box 2 is a substantially flat, almost cuboid Kon Diplomatic köper 33 , which in its central part formed in the junction box bottom recess 21 having.

In an advantageous embodiment, the recess 21 formed as a step-shaped recess, wherein two diametrically opposite step sections as steps with grooves 22 are formed. The grooves 22 run through the contact body 33 and thus form openings which are formed to the opposite junction box top.

In an advantageous embodiment, the grooves 22 as elongated slots in the contact body 33 in the region of the recess 21 educated. The grooves 22 serve to receive terminal ends of a metallic contact holding element 4 , which will be described in more detail in a later section.

The contact body 33 features in the area of the recess 21 continue via fasteners 23 , preferably lateral fastening means 23 , for the contact elements 4 , The fasteners 23 are in one advantageous embodiment of the invention integral with the contact body 33 educated. On the fastener 23 are located for each contact holding element 4 fastener-side locking means 24 , In the according to 1 embodiment shown include the locking means 24 Furthermore, a stop surface 25 for the contact elements 4 , as well as a ramp 26 around detent springs 43 the contact holding elements 4 Sliding and deflecting to move it during assembly of the contact elements 4 in the contact body 2 ,

Front side on the contact body 33 the junction box 2 are diametrically opposite each insertion openings 28a . 28b for each a female connector 6 , The insertion openings 28a . 28b lie in the range of the recessed side recesses 29 which parts of the contour of the female connector 6 be able to record.

The plug-in recesses 29 form a total of breakthroughs in the contact body 33 the junction box 2 , In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contact body 33 in the region of the recess 29 encodings 78 , optionally in the junction box top 20 and / or in the junction box bottom 27 , as well as lateral guide means 30 , preferably junction box topside and junction box bottom side guide means 30 on, for inserting the female connectors 6 in the junction box 2 ,

The junction box 2 furthermore has contact carrier-side locking means 31 , Preferably over a plurality of such locking means for fixing and locking with counter-locking means of the female connector 6 , preferably with latching hook 73 the socket connector 6 ,

The contact carrier-side locking means 31 are preferred in breakthroughs 32 of the contact carrier 2 so in the area of the recessed side recesses 29 arranged that this in operative connection with the female connector or its latching means 72 when plugging can occur.

As in 1 and 7 shown in more detail, are in the connector according to the invention in the present embodiment in the recess 21 two contact holding elements 4 brought in. The contact holding elements 4 can with an electrical connector 5 be brought into electrical contact with each other. The connecting element 5 may be a power converter element, such as a diode. In this way it can be ensured that when contacting and connecting a photovoltaic brick with two adjacent photovoltaic bricks of the current and thus the energy transport takes place only in one direction. The contact elements 4 are metallic contact elements for connection to the contacts, preferably the pin contacts 3 the connector.

Task of the contact holding elements 4 is on the one hand to make an electrical connection with the contacts on the photovoltaic bricks, that is the contact pads of the brick, and on the other hand, the two pin contacts 3 safe in the contact body 33 set. Therefore, the contact element has 4 over holding sections 40 and mounting sections 41 , The holding section 40 serves to hold the contact elements 3 during the attachment section 41 the attachment of the contact holding element 4 on the contact carrier 33 serves.

At the attachment sections 41 are still connecting ends 42 for electrical connection of the contact holding elements 4 and thus the contact elements 3 with the generator unit of the photovoltaic brick or with the contact fields of the photovoltaic bricks. These are preferably passed through the contact, thus through the grooves 22 through, which as openings in the contact carrier 33 are formed, electrically welded by laser to the contact pads of the photovoltaic bricks.

The holding sections 40 continue to have locking springs 43 , which are at the locking means 24 or the stop surface 25 the locking means 24 on the contact body 33 support non-positively as soon as the contact holding elements 4 in the contact carrier 33 are inserted correctly.

It is insofar possible, a contact element 4 along the groove 22 into the recess 21 insert and move in the direction of insertion such that the detent springs 43 at the ramps 26 the locking means 24 be deflected and spring back to their original position after reaching the mounting position and thereby, as in 1 shown in the right area, at the stop surface 25 the locking means or the locking means 24 support.

The contact elements 3 do not protrude from the insertion in the embodiment according to the invention 28a . 28b out, but are completely within this, so that a contact protection against accidental contact with live parts is guaranteed.

In the 2 to 6 is in each case an embodiment of a female connector 6 shown. The socket connector 6 is composed of a contact body 60 and a plug-in adapter 61 , preferably a coded plug-in adapter 61 , which rotatable and pluggable on the contact body 60 is determinable.

The contact body 60 is preferably made of an elastic plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the contact body 60 Made of UV resistant rubber.

The plug adapter 61 is made of a, compared to the elastic plastic, firmer, almost massive plastic. This serves to ensure that the stability of the connector and thus the holding function by the less elastic plug adapter 61 is produced while the sealing function, so the sealing properties against environmental and moisture influences by the rubber elastic contact body 60 be generated.

The contact body 60 has a cylindrical socket contact holder 62 in which a cylindrical socket contact 75 is introduced. The socket contact 75 is connectable with a line 76 , The diameter of the pipe 76 is to vote on the opening of the cable grommet 68 , which are located on the contact body 60 located. The cable grommet 68 encloses the cable sealingly 76 , On the opposite (plug side) side of the contact body 60 located between the cylindrical socket contact holder 62 and the actual contact body 60 an adapter connector section 65 , suitable for connecting to the plug adapter 61 , The adapter connector section 65 includes coding elements 66 in an advantageous manner as laterally mounted web-like locking elements for engagement in the junction box 2 , By means of the coding elements 79 , which is advantageous as a step on the plug adapter 61 is formed, ensures that only the correct plug adapter 61 with the respective correct insertion opening 28a . 28b connected is.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, moreover, a color coding of one of the two counterparts, that is the plug-in adapter 61 or the contact body 60 to be appropriate. For mounting the contact body 60 one leads this with the cylindrical socket contact holder 62 through the book holder-side passage 74 until the adapter connector section 65 on the plug adapter 61 is present and engaging means 70 of the plug adapter 61 by turning the plug adapter 61 with an engagement groove 69 of the contact body 60 in the region of the adapter connection section 65 can be determined. It can be, as already explained, the plug adapter 61 only bring in the desired rotational / locking position when the Gegencodiermittel 67 with the coding means 66 of the contact body 60 fit each other.

The plug adapter 61 can in an advantageous manner via a cylindrical Anpressabschnitt 80 have, which is formed in its dimension so that the cylindrical socket contact holder 62 in the assembled state undergoes a pressing by this.

As continue in the 2 to 6 shown has the female connector 6 on his plug adapter 61 via side-mounted locking means 72 with at the locking means 72 attached latching hook 73 for fixing with the aforementioned contact carrier-side locking means 31 in the breakthroughs 32 , When plugging the female connector 6 in the designated contact carrier side recess 29 and in its insertion opening 28a . 28b , can the locking means 72 with the contact carrier-side locking means 31 lock. This is done at the end of the insertion movement so that it is visually recognizable that the connector pair has been inserted correctly. At the cylindrical socket contact holder 62 are outside circumferential sealing means 64 ,

The sealants 64 are preferred as radial ring sealing elements, integral with the socket contact holder 62 educated. These serve for the radial sealing of the plug connection in the region of the insertion openings 28a . 28b of the contact body 33 the junction box 2 , As soon as the female connector 6 in the junction box 2 is completely introduced, this can be intended only by means of a release tool 77 release it from its plug-in position to disconnect it from the connector. The release tool 77 can be in the breakthroughs 32 of the contact body 33 intervene such that the contact carrier-side locking means 31 be rebound while doing the locking means 72 of the plug adapter 61 release.

1

Photovoltaic connector

2

junction box

3

contact element

4

Contact holding element

5

connecting element

6

socket connector

20

Outlets top

21

recess

22

groove (Openings)

23

fastener

24

latching means

25

stop surface

26

ramp

27

Outlets bottom

28a, 28b

insertion

29

plug-side recesses

30

guide means

31

contact carrier side latching means

32

breakthroughs

33

Contact body

40

holding section

41

attachment section

42

terminal ends

43

catch springs

60

Contact body

61

plug-in adapter

62

cylindrical Socket contact holders

63

plug-sided The End

64

sealant

65

Adapterverbindeabschnitt

66

Coding

67

Gegencodiermittel

68

grommet

69

engagement

70

engagement means

72

latching means

73

latch hook

74

Socket contact holders implementing

75

female contact

76

management

77

release tool

78

encodings

79

encodings

80

Anpressabshcnitt

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 202007017521 [0006]

Claims (14)

Junction box ( 2 ) comprising a substantially flat contact body ( 33 ), wherein the contact body ( 33 ) via two insertion openings ( 28a . 28b ) with one in each of the insertion openings ( 28a . 28b ) mounted contact element ( 3 ), for pluggable engagement with a female connector ( 6 ). Junction box ( 2 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the two insertion openings ( 28a . 28b ) on two opposite recesses ( 29 ) of the contact carrier ( 33 ) are formed. Junction box ( 2 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact carrier ( 33 ) via a recess ( 21 ) in the area between the insertion openings ( 28a . 28b ) and in the recess ( 21 ) two electrically conductive contact holding elements ( 4 ) are arranged and these each with a contact element ( 3 ) are electrically connected. Junction box ( 2 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that each contact holding element ( 4 ) via a holding section ( 40 ) for holding the contact element ( 3 ) and an attachment section ( 40 ), with which each contact holding element ( 4 ) on the contact carrier ( 33 ) is locked. Junction box ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the plug-side recesses ( 29 ) Guide means ( 30 ) for guiding a socket plug ( 6 ) when plugged into the junction box ( 2 ) are mounted. Junction box ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the contact carrier ( 33 ) at least one contact carrier side locking means ( 31 ) in contact carrier side openings ( 32 ) is arranged for engagement in latching means ( 72 ) of a female connector ( 6 ). Junction box ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each contact holding element ( 4 ) via at least one connection end ( 42 ) has for electrical connection to a connection region of a photovoltaic roof tile, preferably for directly directly contacting with a contact of such a roof tile. Junction box ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection ends ( 42 ) in the region of openings, preferably grooves ( 22 ) which are arranged as through openings in the contact carrier ( 33 ) are formed. Female connector ( 6 ) for insertion into one of the insertion openings ( 28a . 28b ) of the junction box ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the female connector ( 6 ) is constructed in two parts, namely from a contact body ( 60 ) and one with the contact body ( 60 ) connectable plug adapter ( 61 ), this via coding 79 features. Female connector ( 6 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the contact body ( 60 ) is formed of an elastic plastic, preferably rubber, while the plug adapter ( 61 ) is formed of a plastic of higher strength than rubber. Female connector ( 6 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the plug adapter ( 61 ) as plug-in and rotatable plug-in adapter ( 61 ) is formed and by means of a plug and rotary movement on the contact body ( 60 ). Female connector ( 6 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that the contact body ( 60 ) via a cylindrical socket contact holder ( 62 ) with a socket contact located in the socket contact holder ( 75 ) is formed, at whose one plug-side end sealing means ( 64 ) to seal the connector. Female connector ( 6 ) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the plug-in adapter ( 61 ) via a socket contactor bushing ( 74 ), which for performing the cylindrical socket contact holder ( 62 ) is formed, as well as laterally arranged locking means ( 72 ) for latchable insertion with the contact carrier-side locking means ( 31 ) of the junction box ( 2 ). Connector comprising a junction box ( 2 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, and at least one socket connector ( 6 ) according to one of claims 9 to 13.