EP2038976A1

EP2038976A1 - Connection box

Info

Publication number: EP2038976A1
Application number: EP07720196A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Grimberg; Martin Stucki
Original assignee: Huber and Suhner AG
Current assignee: Huber and Suhner AG
Priority date: 2006-06-29
Filing date: 2007-06-19
Publication date: 2009-03-25
Also published as: EP2645504A2; CN101461109A; JP2009542014A; US20100018572A1; CN102891200A; EP2645504A3; WO2008000101A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection box (1) which is particularly suited for wiring one or more solar cells (33). The connection box (1) comprises a housing base (2) and a housing top (3). The housing top (3) comprises retaining means (21) for receiving a circuit board (20).

Description

JUNCTION BOX

The present invention is in the field of connection technology and relates to a connection box for connecting a cabling to a device, in particular for connecting a cabling to a photovoltaic module (photovoltaic collector, solar panel, solar cell)

Photovoltaic solar systems generally have a modular structure and consist of a plurality of solar cells, which are connected via an external wiring. In order to achieve a higher voltage, the individual solar cells are connected in series, at least in groups, by connecting the positive pole of a first solar cell to the negative pole of at least one further solar cell. A problem with this is that in the case of partial coverage of a solar cell, e.g. as a result of shadows cast by surrounding objects or through clouds, it becomes passive and contributes little or no electricity to it. This has the consequence that the covered solar cell is flowed through in a series circuit of the power of the adjacent solar cell and thereby damage or at least experience a reduction in the life. For this reason, it is known that solar cells by means of an electronic circuit, which usually has diodes as protective elements, temporarily bridged and thus decoupled from the power production during the disturbance. These electronic circuits are often housed in junction boxes, which also serve to connect the wiring.

EP999601 of Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd. shows a junction box for solar cells with a housing having a lower and an upper cover, which are connected to each other via connectors. The top cover has connections for external electrical wiring, as well as electrical plug contacts arranged so that they can withstand closed position of the housing with corresponding electrical contacts of the lower cover provide an electrical connection. In the upper cover diodes are arranged, which serve to protect the solar cell, in order to make the arrangement weatherproof, the diodes in a filler material, such as silicone, cast. A particular disadvantage of this arrangement is that they are not suitable for today's high-performance solar cells, since they have insufficient cooling. Another disadvantage is that the proposed pouring into silicone unnecessarily increases the material consumption and weight, and is time-consuming. Another disadvantage is that in case of a defect, the replacement of the electrical circuit is associated with relatively great effort. The structure requires that the entire top cover must be replaced because the electronic components are not accessible and accordingly can not be replaced individually.

US6582249 by Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH shows a junction box for solar modules with a housing made of plastic and a lid connected to a hinge. The lower housing part has an opening for connections of a solar panel and connections for external electrical wiring. In the housing bottom are between the terminals electrical components, e.g. Diodes attached. The electrical components can be protected against contact by a pivotally mounted on the side inner wall of the housing protective cover. Preferably, the components are potted through an opening in the protective cover with a filler material after the protective cover has been fixed in the housing in the intended position.

EPl 605554 of Mantenimiento instalaciones Malaga SL shows a junction box for solar cells with a lower housing part and a cover with detachable plug connection. The housing has a first opening for connections of a solar cell and a second opening for connections of an external electrical wiring. In the housing, a circuit board can be fixed by means of a screw. The German Utility Model DE202005018884U1 of Multi-Holding AG shows a junction box for a solar panel. The junction box has a lower housing part and a lid which is pivotally connected to the lower housing part. The lower part of the housing has an opening for connections of a solar panel and external electrical wiring. In the interior of the housing contact elements for the attachment of electrical components, in particular diodes are provided. The contact elements are designed such that they absorb and dissipate the heat generated by the diodes.

EPl 501 133 of Tyco Electronic AMP GmbH shows a connection box for a solar panel. The junction box has a lower housing part and a lid pivotally connected to the lower housing part via a hinge. The lower housing part has an opening for connections of a solar panel in the region of the bottom and openings for an external electrical wiring in a side wall. In the interior of the housing busbars and contact elements are arranged. One embodiment has a printed circuit board with diodes, which is held by holding elements of the housing.

JP20022359389 Kitani Denki KK shows a junction box for solar cells with a housing with a lower housing part and a removable lid. Openings in the area of the bottom of the housing lower part serve for connection to a solar panel. Openings in a side wall are used to connect an electrical wiring. Interchangeable diodes serve as protective elements.

DE1 02005044939 to Speisberg Guenther GmbH Co KG discloses a junction box for solar cells. The junction box knows a protective device, for example in the form of a bypass diode. The circuit board is connected to a cooling element, which is led out to dissipate heat from the housing and connected to the frame of the solar panel. Junction boxes known from the prior art often have the problem that they are complicated to assemble. A disadvantage is that the cables are fixedly connected to the lower housing part. Another disadvantage is that the ease of maintenance and the replacement of components is difficult because the components are cast. Further problems arise due to lack of cooling. Here, too, there is a problem in that although a certain resistance to environmental influences results from the pouring into an insulating material, the disadvantage of inadequate cooling must be accepted. The well-known from the prior art housing junction boxes are also not suitable for use in limited space, as a mounting of the lid is not possible, or the lid is fixed via a hinge connected to the housing base and so may not far enough can be opened. If a solar cell has to be replaced with conventional cabling, this generally means that the entire system must be switched off.

An object of the invention is to show a junction box which does not have the problems of the prior art. Another object of the invention is to show a junction box with a modular structure, which allows a flexible structure and needs-based assembly, so that different requirements can be met. Another object of the invention is to show an improved junction box for solar cells, which is particularly suitable for mounting on a bottom of a solar cell and in limited space

The object is solved by the invention defined in the claims.

An inventive junction box usually has a lower housing part and a housing upper part (lid) on which are releasably operatively connected to the lower housing part can. The lower housing part normally has a base which serves for mounting the junction box on a surface, for example a solar cell. External cables are usually connected via plug, clamped connections or directly, for example via soldered connections preferably on the upper housing part, if necessary, a circuit board with electrical or elec- ronic components or a support member for electrical or electronic functional units or components, such as a plastic plate contains , Contact elements and / or plug connections form an electrical operative connection between the upper housing part and the lower housing part, which is for example mounted on the rear side of a solar cell and is electrically connected to it. Between the lower housing part and the upper housing part, a seal can be provided which hermetically seals at least certain housing areas so that no moisture can penetrate. Certain housing areas may be actively or passively cooled, for example to remove waste heat generated by diodes. The lower housing part and / or the upper housing part may have a plurality of subdivisions, some of which are hermetically sealed off or cooled. This can be done, for example, by intermediate floors or additional secondary inner housing / inner walls.

In one embodiment, the upper cover part in the rear region on projecting bearing pins, which engage in the closed position of the upper housing part in corresponding bearing openings in Gehäuseunterteii. The bearing journals are preferably designed so that the upper housing part can be removed from the lower housing part, if the upper housing part has been partially raised at least in one area. At the opposite front region and / or laterally, the upper housing part has further active connection means by means of which the upper housing part can preferably be releasably operatively connected to the lower housing part. In one embodiment, the upper housing part on projecting snap hooks, which engage in closing the upper housing part in corresponding openings of the lower housing part and close this safe. The snap hooks can be arranged so that the housing of the junction box is not without a special one provided / trained tool can be opened. Depending on the field of application, other active connection means can be provided alternatively or in addition. For example, it is possible to secure the housing parts with screws and / or provide only once usable seals, respectively securing pins, which must be replaced with each opening of the housing. There is also the possibility to design the Schnapphacken the upper housing part so that they break when opening and thus indicate an opening. In this case, the lid usually needs to be replaced each time it is opened.

The upper housing part is formed in one embodiment so that it is suitable for receiving a circuit board with an electronic circuit or electrical components. For this purpose, the upper housing part holding means, in which the board can be used detachably or permanently. Alternatively or additionally, the board is glued or welded, so that a separation from the upper housing part is not possible. In this case, if the board is defective, the upper part of the housing must be replaced with the board. The housing upper part and the circuit board preferably form a unit, which has, for example, a separate cable connection device. This makes it possible the circuit board and / or the upper housing part with cables detached from the lower housing part of the connection box, the e.g. is already mounted on a surface of a solar cell, electrically connect and assemble before the unit consisting of upper housing part and board are inserted into the lower housing part. A cavity between the lower housing part and the upper housing part and / or the circuit board can be hermetically sealed with a seal, so that connectors and / or electrical components are shielded from environmental influences.

In one embodiment, the board on the side facing the housing bottom on first electrical contacts, which are arranged so that they are when closing the

Housing with corresponding second electrical contacts of the housing lower part to sammenwirken to eg establish an operative connection with the electronic circuit of the board. The electronic circuit or the electrical components can be arranged on the other side of the board in the interior of the housing upper part, where they are protected on the one hand from external influences and where on the other hand, a heat dissipation away from the solar cell can be realized. Depending on the field of application, the housing upper part can have openings which serve, for example, for heat dissipation or for cooling the circuit board and the components mounted thereon. Further, the board can be designed as a thermal separation or insulation element by the board reduces the heat transfer from the solar cell to the electrical circuit or electrical components or the reverse heat transfer. Other thermal separating elements are conceivable, for example a carrier element made of plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the upper housing part cooling holes which are arranged so that a cooling medium (eg air) can actively or passively flow through the housing and along the board. At least areas of the board can be designed for this purpose as cooling elements or be configured with further cooling elements, for example in the form of cooling fins. Alternatively or in addition, at least one of the housing parts can be configured as a cooling element. If necessary, at least certain electrical elements are insulated, so that, for example, moisture penetrating through the cooling opening does not lead to a short circuit or the danger of an electric shock. Good results are achieved with an insulating protective coating (eg silicone-based).

The upper housing part and / or the lower housing part generally have the possibility to connect cables to the junction box or to electrical or electronic components or assemblies in the interior of the junction box. In a preferred embodiment, the upper housing part has a cable opening, which serves for the passage of a cable into the interior. The cable opening can be configured as a clamp, so that it exerts a clamping effect on the cable when closing the housing and thus protects it against accidental displacement or withdrawal. The inside of the housing led cable can be directly connected to the board or with another agent. An advantage of the cable connections in the area of the upper housing part is that the cables separately with the upper housing part, resp. the board can be operatively connected.

The lower housing part and the upper housing part are preferably produced by injection molding of plastic. Any existing gaskets are inserted or injected by means of a multi-component injection molding process.

An embodiment of the invention comprises a junction box having a lower housing part and a housing upper part operatively connected therewith, which holding means for receiving a circuit board, wherein the upper housing part may comprise means for connecting an external wiring. The lower housing part usually has a base which serves for mounting the connection box on a flat and / or curved surface. Alternatively or in addition, the lower housing part has active connection means, by means of which the housing lower part can, if necessary, be operatively connected to a further part, e.g. a base plate. As active compound, e.g. Snap and / or dovetail connections are provided which allow a detachable or non-detachable operative connection. The base plate can in turn be designed as a mounting plate. One advantage is that in particular in limited space, the base plate can be attached first. Subsequently, the lower housing part, which is suitable for receiving the upper housing part, be operatively connected to the base plate.

The holding means for receiving the board may consist of a support, an undercut and / or snap elements. Both the lower housing part and the upper housing part are substantially shell-shaped, for example open on one side, so that in the closed state, the junction box has a continuous interior (cavity). If necessary, the board extends substantially over the entire width of the open side of the housing top or the interior of the junction box. The board can be arranged between the lower housing part and the upper housing part. Between the circuit board and the upper housing part and / or the lower housing part, a seal is arranged. In a preferred embodiment, the upper housing part and the lower housing part form a modular unit. The circuit board can be equipped with electrical and / or electronic components. If necessary, the opening and / or part of the interior of the housing lower part can be at least partially filled with a filler material such as silicone or adhesive, provided that neither the cooling of the junction box or its modular components nor the interaction of the lower housing part with the upper housing part, ie the closure of the junction box is impaired. The board can interact with the lower housing part via first and second electrical contacts, which come into operative connection with the lower housing part when closing the upper housing part.

Further embodiments are conceivable in which a circuit board is inserted in the upper housing part and / or lower housing part.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. Show it:

Figure 1 is a junction box in a perspective view obliquely from the front and top.

FIG. 2 shows the junction box according to FIG. 1 in a perspective illustration obliquely from the front and from the bottom; FIG. 3 shows the junction box according to FIG. 1 in a perspective illustration obliquely from above and behind;

FIG. 4 shows the junction box according to FIG. 1 in a perspective illustration obliquely below and behind; FIG.

Fig. 5 shows the junction box according to Figure 1 in a plan view;

Fig. 6 shows a sectional view along the line DD according to Figure 5;

FIG. 7 shows the junction box according to FIG. 1, mounted obliquely from the front and from the top, on a solar cell with the upper housing part open;

Fig. 8 shows the junction box according to FIG. 1 obliquely behind and mounted on top of a solar cell and with cut upper housing part.

Figure 1 shows a junction box 1 in a perspective view obliquely from the front and top. Figure 2 shows the junction box 1 according to Figure 1 in a perspective view of obliquely front and bottom. Figure 3 shows the same junction box obliquely from above and behind and Figure 4 shows diagonally below and behind. Figure 5 shows the junction box 1 in a plan view and Figure 6 shows a section along the line DD of Figure 5. Corresponding elements / areas are provided in all figures with the same numbers.

In the figures 1 to 6, a lower housing part 2 with an attached upper housing part 3 can be seen. In the rear area, the upper housing part 3 has bearing journals 4 which engage in corresponding bearing openings 5 of the lower housing part 2 (see, inter alia, FIG

6). In the front region of the housing lower part 2 Schnapphacken 6 are mounted, which in corresponding Schnapphackenöffnungen 7 of the upper housing part 3 engage. Due to the number and arrangement of the snap-action hooks 6 ensures that the housing of the junction box can only be opened by a specially trained tool. In the embodiment shown, the bearing journals 4 and the bearing openings 5 are designed so that the upper housing part 3 can be removed from the lower housing part 2, provided that the snap-action hooks 6 are released in the front area and this front area is slightly raised relative to the bearing journals 4 becomes. Alternatively or in addition, snap-on lugs (not shown in detail) may be formed on the upper housing part 3 which fit into corresponding counter-openings in the region of the lower housing part. An embodiment in which the snap-action hooks are formed on the upper housing part has the advantage that when canceling a snap-action hook, the lower housing part does not have to be replaced. Depending on the embodiment and field of application, for example, it is possible to connect the upper housing part 3 only by means of snap connections and / or screw connections with the lower housing part. In these embodiments can be dispensed with bearing pin and corresponding bearing openings under certain circumstances. Other forms of connection, for example in the form of locking pins and seals are possible.

The upper housing part 3 of the embodiment shown has cable openings 10 for an external wiring 1 1. The cable openings 10 are formed as terminals 12 which have two clamping jaws 13 which engage upon closing of the upper housing part 3 in corresponding, formed on the lower housing part 2, clamping counter-jaws 14 and pressed by them against an outer jacket 15 of the external wiring 1 1.

The lower housing part 2 as well as the upper housing part 3 of the embodiment shown are substantially concave. The lower housing part 2 here has a bottom 18, a peripheral edge 37 (side wall) with an outwardly projecting flange 38. The lower housing part 2 as a whole or a part thereof, for example a partial area of the floor 18, can be used as a base for the non-electrical connection or the attachment of a solar cell. Ie be designed and have corresponding connection and connection elements. The lower housing part 2 is open on the side opposite the bottom side 8 and encloses a first interior area 19. The upper housing part 2 has a cover 17 and a peripheral edge 39 (side wall). The upper housing part 3 is on the ground! 8 opposite side and encloses a second interior space 31. The first and second interior region 19, 31 form the interior (cavity) of the junction box. Between the first and second interior regions 19, 31, in the closed position, inter alia, a printed circuit board 20 is embedded which, in the embodiment shown, extends over the entire interior and serves as an outer wall of the second interior region 31 of the upper housing part 3. As a result, the electronic or electrical components 28 arranged in the interior report 31 are protected.

As can be seen in Figures 2, 4 and 6, the lower housing part 2 has a connection opening 16 with a peripheral edge 40 through which electrical connections 35 are guided by solar cells in the interior of the junction box. In the interior of the junction box of the connection opening 16 here several, laterally juxtaposed electrical connections (terminal contacts) 36 assigned. A bottom 18 of the lower housing part 2 is designed here as a mounting base by being suitable for fastening the junction box 1 by means of a suitable adhesive on a flat surface, for example the surface (back) of a solar cell. The floor 18 is for this purpose relatively large area and flat and has a circumferential rib, so that an adhesive 34, for example, silicone sealant, around the connection opening 16 can be distributed around to the maximum rib. Subsequently, the junction box 1 is placed on a surface, for example above the connection region of a solar cell, and, if necessary, fixed until the adhesive has cured. The adhesive can at the same time serve as a sealant or filler element and the connection opening 16 can be poured out to the height of the peripheral edge 40, provided that neither the cooling properties nor the closing properties of the junction box are adversely affected become. If required, the junction box 1 can also be fastened in other ways, provided the function is not impaired.

In the embodiment shown, a seal 8 is arranged in a circumferential groove 9 of the housing lower part 2 between the housing lower part 2 and the circuit board 20. As best seen in FIG. 6, the seal 8 between the rear side of the circuit board 20 and the housing lower part is closed when the housing upper part 3 is closed 2 clamped so that the / the first opening / cavity 19 is sealed in the interior. As a result, any contacts arranged in the first cavity 19 and electrical / electronic components are protected against external influences. In the embodiment shown, the seal 8 is inserted into the groove 9. If necessary, alternatively or in addition, the possibility of sealing elements (not shown in detail) in the lower housing and / or on the upper housing part 3 to inject.

As best seen in Figures 7 and 8, the upper housing part 3 is designed so that it is suitable for receiving a board 20. For this purpose, the housing top part 3 holding means 21 for receiving. In the embodiment shown, these are a support 22, as well as undercuts arranged at a distance 22 and snap elements 24, which are arranged so that the circuit board 20 can be snapped into them detachably or non-detachably. After snapping the board 20 forms with the upper housing part 3 is a unit that can be pre-assembled in the lower housing part 2 and removed from this again. The external wiring 1 1 passes through the cable openings 10 and the jaws 13, which exert no pressure on the outer shell 1 5 of the wiring 1 1 in this open position. Only when the upper housing part 3 is closed, and the jaws 13 come to rest between the clamping counter-jaws 14, the cable is securely held, so that the risk of unwanted extraction is reduced. The board 20 has pin-shaped first electrical contacts 25 on its underside directed towards the outside, which cooperate in an electrically conductive manner when closing the upper housing part 3 of the junction box 1 with second electrical contacts 26 which are arranged in the lower housing part 2. As can be seen, the first electrical contacts 25 are here pin-shaped and projecting over the underside of the board 20. The second electrical contacts 26, which are located in the interior of the housing lower part 2, are designed in the form of a clamp and are arranged such that the first electrical contacts 25 engage in closing them. Both the first and second electrical contacts are formed of sheet metal. While the first electrical contacts on the board 20 are fastened, the second electrical contacts are snapped into corresponding holders 27 configured on the bottom of the housing lower part 2. The second electrical contacts 26 are operatively connected clamping contacts 36: In the embodiment shown, the second electrical contacts 26 and the clamping contacts 36 are integrally formed from sheet metal.

In FIG. 8, a part of the housing upper part 3 is cut away, so that a view of the circuit board 20 and electrical and / or electronic components 28 arranged thereon is possible. The electronic components 28 are operatively connected to the first electrical contacts 25 extending through the printed circuit board 20 and / or to the external wiring 11. The upper housing part 3 has cooling openings (cooling slots) 30 through which a cooling medium, for example air, can flow into a second cavity 31 between the circuit board 20 and the upper housing part 3 in order to cool the components 28 and the printed circuit board 20. In order to achieve better cooling, the circuit board 20 and / or one of the housing parts 2, 3 can be configured at least in regions as a cooling element 32. At least portions of the board 20 and / or the components 28 and / or the external wiring 1 1 can be provided, if necessary, with a protective layer 29, for example in the form of an insulating varnish, which acts as an electrical insulator and / or protects against external influences. The junction box 1 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 arranged on a solar cell 33. The lower housing part 2 is fastened by means of an adhesive 34 on a surface of the solar cell 33 and operatively connected to electrical terminals 35 of the solar cell 33. For this purpose, the electrical connections 35 of the solar cell 33 are clamped in clamping contacts 36 of the second electrical contacts 26. The terminal contacts 36 are here shaped and arranged so that when closing or in the closed state of the junction box is a best possible clamping effect and thereby the electrical connections 35 of the solar cell 33 are mechanically secured against loosening, so that a pouring of the connection opening 16 for fixing the electrical connections 35 is unnecessary.

Claims

1 connection box (1) with a lower housing part (2) and a housing upper part (3) operatively connected thereto, characterized in that the upper housing part (3) holding means (21) for receiving a circuit board (20).

2 junction box (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing upper part (3) comprises means for connecting an external wiring (1 1).

3 junction box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing lower part (2) has a mounting base (2) and / or means for operative connection with a mounting base (2).

4 junction box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (21) of the housing upper part (3) for receiving the board (20) from a support (22), an undercut (23) and / or snap elements (24 ) consist.

5 connection box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit board (20) extends substantially over the entire opening of the upper housing part (3).

6 junction box (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the board between the lower housing part (2) and the upper housing part (3) is arranged.

7 junction box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the board (20) and the upper housing part (3) and / or the lower housing part (2) a seal (8) is arranged. Junction box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper housing part (3) and the circuit board (20) form a modular unit.

Junction box (1) according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the circuit board (20) has electrical / electronic components (28).

Junction box (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the electrical / electronic components (28) are mounted on the solar cell (33) facing away from the board (20).

Connection box (1) according to one of the claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the electrical / electronic components (28) in the interior area (31) of the upper housing part (3) lie.

Connection box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing lower part (2) has an opening (16) for receiving electrical connections (35) of a solar cell (33).

Junction box (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the

Opening (16) in the housing bottom (18) is mounted.

Connection box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit board (20) with the housing lower part (2) via first and second electrical contacts (25, 26) cooperates, which when closing the housing upper part (3) with the housing lower part ( 2) come into operative connection. Connection box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing upper part (3) has cooling openings (30).

Connection box (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the board (20) is designed as a thermal separating element.