DE102022128839A1 - Photovoltaic module and connection arrangement for a photovoltaic module - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection arrangement (10) for a photovoltaic module (1) which has at least one cell arrangement which can be externally contacted with at least two connection contacts, wherein the connection arrangement (10) has at least two contact sockets (11, 12) for covering the connection contacts. The connection arrangement is characterized in that at least one connecting element (131) is arranged between the contact sockets (11), which is connected in an articulated manner to at least one of the contact sockets (11). The invention further relates to a photovoltaic module (1), on the rear of which such a connection arrangement (10) is mounted, in particular glued.

Description

The invention relates to a connection arrangement for a photovoltaic module, which has at least one cell arrangement that can be externally contacted with at least two connection contacts, wherein the connection arrangement has at least two contact sockets for covering the connection contacts. The invention further relates to a photovoltaic module, on the rear of which such a connection arrangement is mounted.

Photovoltaic modules, also abbreviated to PV modules below, e.g. for installation on a house roof or in open-air systems, usually have a plurality of photovoltaic cells (PV cells) which, when connected in series and/or in parallel, form at least one cell arrangement which can be contacted externally via connecting cables. PV modules often have several such cell arrangements which are connected in series within the PV module. In this case, each of the cell arrangements is usually led out of the module with its end connections in order to connect a so-called "bypass diode" in parallel to each cell arrangement. The bypass diodes conduct current past shaded or defective cell arrangements. Without the bypass diodes, shading or a defect in one of the cell arrangements of the module would reduce the flow of current through the entire module, even if the other cell arrangements of the module or other modules connected in series with the module are not shaded or defective.

PV modules are known from the prior art in which connection contacts of the existing cell arrangements (usually of three cell arrangements) can be contacted adjacent to one another on a rear side of the PV module in a common connection area.

A PV module with such a connection arrangement is described, for example, in the publication US 2016/0141435 A1 in one embodiment. In a further embodiment, the document describes a PV module in which contact surfaces of different cell arrangements are not positioned in a common connection area on the back of the PV module, but in several different positions. Such a design of a PV module is particularly suitable if the PV module has two parallel-connected series arrangements (so-called strings) of PV cells on two connection contacts each. Two strings connected in parallel can be geometrically well integrated into a rectangular PV module by positioning the common connection contacts along a center line that runs centrally with respect to a longitudinal extension direction of the PV module and thus parallel to the shorter transverse sides of the PV module. If the PV module has, for example, three cell arrangements that can be contacted independently of one another, two adjacent contacts are arranged three times along this center line. A contact set with two connection contacts is positioned approximately in the middle along the center line and the other two contact sets are each on one side or the other closer to the long side of the PV module. In this case, according to the cited document, a junction box is arranged in each connection area, which accommodates a bypass diode. At least two of the boxes function as connection arrangements as described above, in that a connection cable for the external connection of the PV module leads to each of these boxes and is connected to one of the cell arrangements within the box.

Compared to a PV module in which all connection contacts are positioned adjacent to one another and a common connection arrangement is used, the use of several boxes that have to be handled separately for each cell arrangement leads to increased effort when assembling the boxes and thus the connection arrangement.

In addition, PV systems can be designed to provide certain functions, such as a safety shutdown or conversion from direct current to alternating current at module level. In this case, additional functional units can be arranged on the back of the PV module.

From the pre-registered but subsequently published application EN 10 2022 107 526.5 The present applicant is aware of a connection arrangement for a PV module in which a housing has an elongated basic shape, so that connection contacts of a PV module, which are arranged in different, spaced-apart connection areas, are covered together. Such a connection arrangement achieves an advantageously simple assembly process for the connection arrangement on the back of the PV module, since only this one connection arrangement has to be mounted and sealed against the PV module. This simplifies and speeds up the manufacture of the PV module.

Since the design of the connection arrangement means that it extends in one direction over a large part of the PV module, this connection arrangement also leads to a stiffening and thus stabilization of the PV module. Such stiffening can be advantageous depending on the properties of the PV module and its geometry and type of installation, but can also reduce the load-bearing capacity of the module. PV module by reducing its flexibility.

It is an object of the present invention to describe a connection arrangement for a PV module and a PV module with such a connection arrangement, in which a low assembly effort is given even for modules in which the contacts of different cell arrangements are not led out of the PV module adjacent to one another, without the connection arrangement having a negative influence on mechanical properties of the PV module.

This object is achieved by a connection arrangement or a PV module with such a connection arrangement with the features of the respective independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A connection arrangement according to the invention of the type mentioned at the beginning is characterized in that at least one connecting element is arranged between the contact boxes, which is connected in an articulated manner to at least one of the contact boxes. The at least one connecting element, by which the contact boxes are connected to one another, forms a coherent connection unit that can be mounted on the back of the PV module in one operation. The more complex handling of otherwise separate contact boxes is eliminated, which speeds up the assembly of the connection arrangement on the PV module and thus the production of the PV module. Because the connection is articulated, the connection unit is not rigid and does not negatively affect the mechanical properties of the PV module, in particular its flexibility. The PV module retains its flexibility, which makes it more resistant to wind and snow loads.

In an advantageous embodiment, the connection arrangement comprises three contact boxes that are connected to one another along a straight line by at least two connecting elements. A connection cable is preferably connected to each of the two outer contact boxes so that they serve as connection boxes for the PV module.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connection arrangement, the middle of the contact boxes has three bypass diodes. For PV modules that comprise three cell arrangements connected in series and that are usually provided with three bypass diodes, all bypass diodes are positioned in the middle contact box. This advantageously simplifies the manufacture of the connection arrangement, since only one of the three connection boxes has to be equipped with the diodes. Equipping the connection boxes represents an additional manufacturing step that can be omitted for two out of three contact boxes. In order to establish an electrical connection between one of the outer and the middle contact boxes that may be required for this positioning of the bypass diodes, a connecting cable can run between the outer and the middle contact boxes through the connecting elements.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connection arrangement, two connecting elements and an intermediate element are arranged between two of the contact sockets. The distance between two contact sockets can thus be increased for use with larger PV modules without the intermediate elements having to be manufactured and kept in different lengths. The at least one connecting element can be designed like a hood, for example.

Preferably, a receptacle for a plug of the PV module can be formed on the connecting element or the intermediate element. The plug and the associated connection cable are thus well protected during transport and during the final assembly of the PV module at the operating site.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connection arrangement, the contact sockets and the at least one connecting element can be locked together, with the articulated connection being formed by the locking mechanism. The connection arrangement can be constructed in a simple manner, e.g. the contact sockets and the connecting elements can be manufactured as plastic injection-molded parts, with the locking mechanism being integrally formed. The connection arrangement can also be assembled quickly and easily in an automated manner thanks to the parts locking together.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the articulated connection allows the connection arrangement to be displaced in the longitudinal direction. Due to play in the longitudinal direction between the contact boxes and connecting elements that are articulated together, the connection arrangement can follow a deflection of the PV module without tensile or compressive forces being exerted in the longitudinal direction by the connecting elements on the contact boxes.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the connection arrangement, the contact sockets each have a housing with a lower housing part and an upper housing part, wherein in the housing At least one opening is provided in the lower part for the connection contacts of the PV module to be passed through.

Preferably, a circumferential support surface is formed around the at least one opening, with which the contact sockets can be mounted, in particular glued, onto the back of the PV module. A contact carrier is arranged in each of the contact sockets for connection to the connection contacts of the PV module and/or bypass diodes.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the connection arrangement has an additional module which comprises a sensor for detecting temperature, humidity, acceleration, position, voltage and/or current, at least one energy storage device and/or at least one communication unit. The additional module provides additional functionality which is helpful for the operation of the PV module or in connection with its maintenance and/or commissioning. The additional module can advantageously be arranged in the at least one connecting element or intermediate element. The area between the contact sockets, which is structurally present anyway due to the type of cell arrangement and in which the at least one connecting element and possibly intermediate element(s) extend, can thus be used sensibly to provide the additional functionality.

A PV module according to the invention is characterized in that such a connection arrangement is mounted, in particular glued, on its rear side. This results in the advantages described in connection with the connection arrangement.

In an advantageous embodiment, the PV module has a rectangular base area and at least two cell arrangements that can be externally contacted with connection contacts that are arranged in groups of two connection contacts each assigned to the cell arrangements along a center line on the back of the PV module. The PV module preferably has three cell arrangements, the connection arrangement having three contact boxes that are connected to one another by at least two connecting elements along the center line, a connection cable being connected to each of the two outer contact boxes and the middle of the contact boxes accommodating three bypass diodes. This configuration advantageously simplifies the manufacture of the connection arrangement, since only one of the three connection boxes has to be equipped with the diodes. Equipping the connection boxes represents an additional manufacturing step that can be dispensed with for two out of three contact boxes.

• 1a eine isometrische Darstellung eines PV-Moduls mit Blick auf seine Rückseite;
• 1 b eine Detailansicht des PV-Moduls der 1a im Bereich einer Anschlussanordnung;
• 2 drei Seitenansichten der Anschlussanordnung gemäß den 1a, 1b separat in verschiedenen Biegezuständen;
• 3a eine Seitenansicht von Teilen der Anschlussanordnung der vorhergehenden Figuren;
• 3b eine Draufsicht auf die Teile der Anschlussanordnung gemäß 3a;
• 4 eine Draufsicht auf eine der Kontaktdosen der Anschlussanordnung gemäß 3a;
• 5 eine Draufsicht auf eine weitere der Kontaktdosen der Anschlussanordnung gemäß 3a; und
• 6 eine räumliche Ansicht einer Kontakteinheit der Kontaktdose der 5.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with the aid of figures. The figures show:

• 1a an isometric view of a PV module looking from its rear side;
• 1 b a detailed view of the PV module of the 1a in the area of a connection arrangement;
• 2 three side views of the connection arrangement according to the 1a , 1b separately in different bending states;
• 3a a side view of parts of the connection arrangement of the preceding figures;
• 3b a plan view of the parts of the connection arrangement according to 3a ;
• 4 a plan view of one of the contact sockets of the connection arrangement according to 3a ;
• 5 a plan view of another of the contact sockets of the connection arrangement according to 3a ; and
• 6 a spatial view of a contact unit of the contact box of the 5 .

In 1a a PV module 1 is shown in a spatial representation. The PV module 1 has a frame 2 and the actual module structure, which is shown in the illustration of the 1a only a back side 3 can be seen.

In the PV module 1, the module structure comprises one or more cell arrangements - specifically three here - each of which has a plurality of PV cells that cannot be identified individually here, each of which is arranged in the form of two strings. The rear side 3 of the PV module 1 is covered with an insulating layer, whereby this insulating layer is interrupted at selected points in order to allow the exit of connection contacts of the cell arrangements.

Due to the module structure, the PV module 1 of the 1a the connection contacts are arranged in groups of two contacts per cell arrangement along a center line of the PV module 1. The center line of the PV module 1 runs straight and parallel to its (shorter) transverse sides and centrally with respect to the (longer) longitudinal sides of the PV module 1, the base area of which is rectangular.

Along the said center line there is a connection arrangement 10, which in the 1b enlarged separately. The connection arrangement 10 here comprises three contact sockets, two outer contact sockets 11 and a middle contact socket 12. The contact sockets 11, 12 are each positioned in the areas where the Contacts of the cell arrangement protrude on the back 3 of the PV module 1.

The two outer contact boxes 11 are identically designed, with a connecting cable 14 with a connecting plug 141 emerging from each. These outer contact boxes 11 are therefore also referred to below as connection boxes 11.

Within the connection arrangement 10, a bypass diode is connected in parallel to each cell arrangement. In this case, there are therefore three bypass diodes. In the example shown, all of the bypass diodes present are positioned in the middle contact box 12. This middle contact box 12 is therefore also referred to below as the diode box 12.

In the example shown, the contact boxes 11, 12 each have a two-part housing, each of which comprises a lower housing part 111 or 121 and an upper housing part 112 or 113. Openings for the connection contacts of the PV module 1 are formed in the lower housing parts 111, 121. Furthermore, the lower housing parts 111, 121 each have a wide support edge with which they are glued to the rear side 3 of the PV module 1. The connection contacts of the PV module 1 protrude into a cavity formed between the lower housing part 111, 121 and the upper housing part 121, 122 and are connected there to a contact carrier 113, 123 (cf. 3a , 4 and 5 ) which is held, for example, in a corresponding receptacle in the lower housing section. The connecting cables 14 can preferably already be connected to the contact carrier beforehand or are mounted afterwards. Finally, the corresponding upper housing section 121 is mounted. If the contact carrier has a self-establishing contact, e.g. a so-called "snap-in" or "push-in" contact for the connecting cable 14, it can also be provided to first mount the upper housing section 121 and then insert the connecting cable 14 through an opening from the outside.

The contact boxes 11, 12 are connected to one another in connecting sections 13 via connecting elements 131 and, in the example shown, additional intermediate elements 132, thus forming a connection unit that extends over almost the entire extent of the PV module 1 in its transverse direction. This is because the contact boxes 11, 12 are connected to one another in the connecting sections 13 via the connecting elements 131 and, if applicable, the intermediate elements 132, thus forming a coherent connection unit that can be mounted on the rear side 3 of the PV module 1 in one operation. The more complex handling of what would otherwise be three individual contact boxes 11, 12 is eliminated, which speeds up the assembly of the connection arrangement 10 on the PV module 1 and thus the manufacture of the PV module 1.

The connecting elements 131 and/or the intermediate elements 132 can be constructed in a similar way to the contact boxes 11, 12, each in two parts with a lower housing part and an upper housing part. The lower housing part can also have a support surface with which it is glued to the rear side 3 of the PV module 1.

In the present case, the connecting elements 131 and/or the intermediate elements 132 are each designed as a single piece in the form of a hood. They connect the contact sockets 11, 12 to one another and form a channel between them without themselves being mounted directly on the PV module 1.

In the case of smaller PV modules 1, it can also be provided that the connecting section 13 between two adjacent contact boxes 11, 12 comprises only a single connecting element 131 or two connecting elements 131 without the intermediate element 132.

Details on the structure of the connection unit are given below in connection with the 3a, b and 4-6 explained.

2 shows side views of the connection unit. The middle figure shows the connection unit in a straight arrangement - as it is on a PV module 1 that is not subject to mechanical stress. The lower and upper figures show the flexibility of the connection unit in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the connection arrangement is mounted. Such bends occur during operation of the PV module 1, e.g. due to wind or snow loads. The flexibility of the connection unit does not have a negative effect on mechanical properties, in particular the flexibility of the PV module 1. Excessive local stiffening of the PV module 1, which could lead to greater twisting at other points on the module, is prevented.

The flexibility of the connection unit is achieved by articulated connections between at least the contact sockets 11, 12 and the connecting elements 131 or additionally between the connecting elements 131 and the intermediate elements 132. The articulated connection can be implemented, for example, by the connecting elements 131 and the housing upper parts 112, 122 of the contact sockets 11, 12 having structures that lock together and that allow pivoting by a few degrees after locking. Such locking structures are, for example, provided with the locking tabs 114, 124 in the 4 and 5 shown. The articulated connections also allow for easy displacement in the longitudinal direction of the connection unit so that a deflection of the PV module 1 can be followed without tensile or compressive forces being exerted in the longitudinal direction by the connecting elements 131 on the contact sockets 11, 12.

Furthermore, in the side views of the 2 It can be clearly seen that a recess 133 is formed in each of the intermediate elements 132. The recesses serve as a receptacle for the plugs 141 of the connection cable 14. The plugs 141 can be clipped into the recesses 133, whereby the plugs 141 and the connection cables 14 are well protected during transport and during the final assembly of the PV module 1 at the operating site.

3a shows a top view of the connection arrangement 10, wherein the housing upper parts 112, 122 as well as the connecting elements 131 and the intermediate elements 132 have been removed. The connecting cables 14 are also not shown. 3b shows the connection arrangement 10 in the same way in a side view.

In 3a It can be seen that connecting cables 15 run between the connection boxes 11 and the middle diode box 12, which, when the connection arrangement is fully assembled, are positioned in the channel formed by the connecting elements 131 or the intermediate elements 132 and are protected by this. Furthermore, in the 3a the already mentioned contact carriers 113, 123 for connecting to the connection contacts of the PV module 1 can be seen.

The 4 and 5 show the housing bases 111 and 121 of the junction box 11 and the diode box 12 in a similar manner to 3a enlarged, but without the connecting cables 15. In the figures, the previously mentioned locking tabs 114, 124 of the contact boxes 11, 12 are visible. The contact element 123 of the diode box 12 is in 6 reproduced again separately and enlarged in a spatial representation.

The contact elements 113, 123 can preferably, as for example in 6 for the contact element 123 of the diode box 12, using a stamped grid 16. The bypass diodes 17 are mounted on this stamped grid 16 in the contact element 123, for example spot-welded or soldered.

As a special feature, in the connection arrangement 10 shown here, all three bypass diodes 17 (for a PV module 1 that has three cell arrangements connected in series) are arranged in one diode box 12, whereby the connection boxes 11 do not have a bypass diode and the contact elements 113 accommodated by them can be constructed particularly simply. When manufacturing the connection boxes 11, the additional step of mounting a bypass diode can be dispensed with.

Usually, the cell arrangements are already electrically connected in series with one another by internal connecting cables within the PV module 1. In order to arrange the bypass diodes 17, which are assigned to the outer cell arrangements, in the middle diode box 12, the contact of the corresponding cell arrangement that is not led into the middle diode box 12 within the PV module is fed from the respective outer contact boxes 11 to the middle diode box 12 via the connecting cable 15. In the case of PV modules that do not have an internal connection of the cell arrangements, the connecting cable 15 is designed with two wires.

The two connection boxes 11 are advantageously constructed identically so that the number of different individual parts of the connection arrangement 10 can be kept as low as possible. Likewise, all four connecting elements 131 used are preferably constructed identically. This is made possible, for example, by the fact that the articulated connections between the various components are all designed the same and the connecting elements 131 can be coupled to each side optionally with the connection boxes 11, the diode box 12 and/or the intermediate element 132.

In a further development of the connection arrangement 10, it can be provided to arrange an additional module in one of the available cavities, e.g. in the connection area 13 or also in one or both connection boxes 11 or in the diode box 12, which provides additional functionality that is helpful for the operation of the PV module 1 or in connection with its maintenance and/or commissioning.

For example, such an additional module can include sensors for recording operating or environmental information. Operating information can be temperatures, voltages and/or currents. Environmental information can include, for example, temperatures, humidity values, accelerations and/or a geographical position.

If necessary, it can be provided to arrange an energy storage device in the additional module, which allows at least a limited functionality of the sensors mentioned even if the PV module 1 does not provide any solar energy. Sensors that monitor environmental information, such as a temperature sensor, can be used to switch off the PV module 1 when operating conditions occur that are outside a possible and possibly previously set range.

In this context, semiconductor switches, for example an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) or a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Field Effect Transistor), can be arranged in the additional module, via which the PV module 1 is switched off. In this way, for example, standard-compliant shutdown devices, e.g. for automatic safety shutdown in the event of fire, can be implemented.

A semiconductor switch for interrupting the current or for disconnecting the voltage of the PV module 1 can also be used to react to other events if necessary. For this purpose, a receiving module can be arranged in the additional module, which disconnects or releases the PV module 1 accordingly when a corresponding signal is received. The reception of a controlling shutdown or release signal can take place wirelessly or, alternatively or additionally, it can be provided to receive a high-frequency signal transmitted via the connection cable 14 and modulated onto the DC voltage of the PV module 1, which is decoded accordingly in a unit of the additional module 16a, b and provides the switching signal for switching off or releasing the PV module 1 for the semiconductor switch.

Sensors arranged in the additional module can also be used to record environmental parameters before the PV module 1 is put into operation, which are preferably stored in a non-volatile memory, for example a solid state memory. In this case, a power supply through an energy storage device of the additional module is particularly advantageous, since depending on the storage and packaging conditions of the PV module 1, a supply from the PV module 1 itself is not guaranteed before it is put into operation. Environmental parameters of interest in this context can be a temperature, a humidity value and/or an experienced acceleration, which allow conclusions to be drawn about proper or improper storage and transport. In particular, discrepancies between an expected and an actually delivered power of the PV module 1 during operation can be attributed to possibly improper handling during storage or transport or even assembly.

Sensors of the additional module can also be used to measure the current and/or voltage of the PV module 1 or its sub-units, the cell arrangements. In this way, a power measurement can be carried out during operation, which allows conclusions to be drawn about correct installation, a defect in the PV module 1, existing shading and/or contamination.

With a sensor system that operates at the level of the individual cell arrangements, the correct function of the bypass diodes 17 can also be ensured.

The additional module can be equipped with a transmitter that enables the transmission of warning or alarm messages and/or the measured values recorded by the sensors. Here, as previously described for receiving the shutdown or release signals, a wireless connection is just as suitable as data transmission modulated onto the direct current lines of the PV module 1 (Powerline Data Transmission).

The additional module can also be equipped with an evaluation unit for the measured sensor data, which allows the sensor results to be evaluated locally in PV module 1. In this way, impending defects or aging-related problems of components can be predicted and a service can be requested before a defect actually occurs (predictive maintenance). Learning evaluation techniques, e.g. from the field of AI (artificial intelligence), can be used.

In a further embodiment, the additional module can comprise means for near-field communication. These can be arranged in the additional module in the form of an RFID tag, for example. Information such as a serial number can be stored in this way, which can then be easily read out by an appropriate reader during production, storage, transport, assembly and/or commissioning as well as for service purposes, so that the life cycle of the PV module 1 can be easily recorded.

An additional module, which has both the internally stored and readable serial number and a shutdown option in the form of a semiconductor switch for the PV module 1, can be used as part of a digitally supported commissioning. It can be provided that modules are only activated by an external control device when they are installed and operated in a designated network. In this way, effective theft protection for individual modules is achieved. It can be provided that external elements, for example so-called PV collective connection boxes, are also integrated into the monitored system. The connection cables 14 of individual or series-connected PV modules 1 converge in PV collective connection boxes. During operation, activation takes place of the PV modules 1 only if the combination is coupled in combination with the intended upstream external component, for example the aforementioned PV collective connection box or an intended upstream inverter.

As part of predictive maintenance, operating situations can also be identified that indicate the need for service. In particular, if the system has a higher-level measuring point for voltage and/or current in an arrangement of several PV modules 1, a discrepancy can occur between the measurements on each individual PV module 1 and, for example, a string formed from it. Determined deviations indicate, for example, voltage losses at connecting plugs, which must be checked on site to reduce the risk of fire. Deviations between modules can indicate the need to clean the surface of the modules.

Reference symbols

1

Photovoltaic module (PV module)

2

Frame

3

Back

10

Connection arrangement

11

Contact box (junction box)

111

Bottom part

112

Lid

113

Contact area

114

Locking tab

12

Contact box (diode box)

121

Bottom part

122

Lid

123

Contact area

124

Locking tab

12

Lid

13

Connection area

131

Connecting element

132

Intermediate element

133

Deepening

14

Connection cable

141

Plug

15

Connection cable

16

Contact unit (stamped grid)

17

Bypass diode

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was 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 accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 20160141435 A1 [0004]
• EN 1020221075265 [0007]

Claims (18)

Connection arrangement (10) for a photovoltaic module (1) which has at least one cell arrangement which can be externally contacted with at least two connection contacts, wherein the connection arrangement (10) has at least two contact sockets (11, 12) for covering the connection contacts, characterized in that at least one connecting element (131) is arranged between the contact sockets (11), which is connected in an articulated manner to at least one of the contact sockets (11). Connection arrangement (10) according to Claim 1 , comprising three contact sockets (11, 12) which are connected to one another along a straight line by at least two connecting elements (131). Connection arrangement (10) according to Claim 2 , wherein a connecting cable (14) is connected to each of the two outer contact sockets (11, 12). Connection arrangement (10) according to Claim 2 or 3 , wherein the middle of the contact boxes (11, 12) has three bypass diodes (17). Connection arrangement (10) according to Claim 4 , in which a connecting cable (15) runs between the outer and the middle contact box (11, 12) through the connecting elements (131). Connection arrangement (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 in which two connecting elements (131) and an intermediate element (132) are arranged between two of the contact sockets (11, 12). Connection arrangement (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , in which a receptacle for a plug (141) of the photovoltaic module (1) is formed on the connecting element (131) or the intermediate element (132). Connection arrangement (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , in which the at least one connecting element (131, 132) is hood-shaped. Connection arrangement (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , in which the contact sockets (11, 12) and the at least one connecting element (131) can be locked together, the articulated connection being formed by the locking mechanism. Connection arrangement (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , in which the articulated connection allows displacement in the longitudinal direction of the connection arrangement (10). Connection arrangement (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 , in which the contact boxes (11, 12) each have a housing with a lower housing part (111, 112) and an upper housing part (112, 122), wherein in the lower housing part (111, 112) at least one opening is formed for the passage of the connection contacts of the photovoltaic module (1). Connection arrangement (10) according to Claim 11 , in which a circumferential support surface is formed around the at least one opening, with which the contact sockets (11, 12) can be mounted, in particular glued, onto the back of the photovoltaic module. Connection arrangement (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 12 , in which a contact carrier (16) is arranged in each of the contact boxes for connection to the connection contacts of the photovoltaic module (1) and/or bypass diodes (16). Connection arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 until 13 , having an additional module. Connection arrangement according to Claim 14 , in which the additional module has a sensor for detecting temperature, humidity, acceleration, position, voltage and/or current, at least one energy storage device and/or at least one communication unit. Photovoltaic module (1), on the back of which a connection arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims is mounted, in particular glued. Photovoltaic module (1) after Claim 16 , having a rectangular base area and at least two cell arrangements which can be externally contacted with connection contacts which are arranged in groups of two connection contacts each assigned to the cell arrangements along a center line on the rear side of the photovoltaic module. Photovoltaic module (1) after Claim 17 , comprising three cell arrangements, wherein the connection arrangement (10) has three contact boxes (11, 12) which are connected to one another by at least two connecting elements (131) along the center line, wherein a connection cable (14) is connected to each of the two outer contact boxes (11, 12) and wherein the middle one of the contact boxes (11, 12) has three bypass diodes (17).

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