WO2024013151A1

WO2024013151A1 - Photovoltaic module and connection unit for a photovoltaic module

Info

Publication number: WO2024013151A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/069152
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthias Bönsch; Torsten Wünsche; Torsten Jung; Torsten Diekmann
Original assignee: Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
Priority date: 2022-07-12
Filing date: 2023-07-11
Publication date: 2024-01-18
Also published as: DE102022117393A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection unit for a photovoltaic module which has at least one cell assembly that can be externally contacted at at least two connection contacts, the connection unit comprising a housing (1) which has at least one opening (17, 27) for feeding the connection contacts through. The connection unit is characterized in that the housing (1) has at least one portion (3) which is made of a flexible material. The invention also relates to a photovoltaic module, on the rear side of which a connection unit of the type in question is mounted, in particular adhesively attached.

Description

Photovoltaic module and connection unit for a photovoltaic module

The invention relates to a connection unit for a photovoltaic module that has at least one cell arrangement that can be contacted externally on at least two connection contacts, the connection unit comprising a housing that has at least one opening for the connection contacts to pass through. The invention further relates to a photovoltaic module, on the back of which such a connection unit is mounted.

Photovoltaic modules, hereinafter also abbreviated as PV modules, e.g. for mounting on a house roof or in open-air systems, usually have a plurality of photovoltaic cells (PV cells) which, connected in series and/or parallel, form at least one cell arrangement which is supplied from externally can be contacted via connection cable. PV modules often have several such cell arrangements that 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 current flow through the entire module, even if the other cell arrangements of the module or other modules connected in series with the module are not damaged 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 in an exemplary embodiment, for example, in US 2016/0141435 A1. In a further exemplary embodiment, the publication 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 row arrangements (so-called strings) of PV cells on two connection contacts. Two strings connected in parallel can be geometrically well integrated into a rectangular PV module, in that the common connection contacts are positioned along a center line that runs centrally with respect to a longitudinal direction of the PV module and thus parallel to the shorter transverse sides of the PV module. For example, if the PV module has three cell arrangements that can be contacted independently of one another, two adjacent contacts are arranged three times along this center line. One set of contacts with two connection contacts is positioned approximately in the middle along the center line and the other two sets of contacts are positioned on one side or the other closer to the long side of the PV module. In this case, according to the publication mentioned, a connection box which accommodates a bypass diode is arranged in each connection area. At least two of the boxes function as connection units 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 unit is used, the use of several separate boxes for each cell arrangement leads to increased effort when installing and, if necessary, sealing the boxes or connection units.

In addition, PV systems can provide certain functions, e.g. a safety shutdown or a conversion from direct current to alternating current at the 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 DE 10 2022 107 526.5 by the present applicant, a connection unit for a photovoltaic module is known, in which a housing has an elongated basic shape, so that connection contacts of a PV module are arranged in different, spaced-apart connection areas are covered together. Such a connection unit achieves an advantageously simple assembly process of the connection unit on the back of the PV module, since only this one connection unit has to be mounted and sealed against the PV module. This simplifies and speeds up the production of the PV module.

Since, due to its design, the connection unit extends in one direction over a larger part of the extent of the PV module, this approach leads to Final unit also stiffens and thus stabilizes the PV module. Such a stiffening can be advantageous depending on the properties of the PV module and depending on its geometry and type of installation, but under certain circumstances it can also have a negative impact on the load capacity of the PV module because its flexibility is reduced.

It is an object of the present invention to describe a connection unit for a PV module and a PV module with such a connection unit, in which there is little assembly effort even for modules in which the contacts of different cell arrangements are not adjacent to one another from the PV -Module are brought out without the connection unit having a negative influence on the mechanical properties of the PV module.

This task is solved by a connection unit or a PV module with such a connection unit with the features of the respective independent claim. Advantageous designs and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A connection unit according to the invention is characterized in that its housing consists, at least in sections, of a flexible material.

In this way, the connection unit can be designed in any dimensions without negatively affecting the mechanical properties, in particular the flexibility of the PV module. Excessive local stiffening of the PV module, which could lead to greater torsion in other parts of the module, is prevented. In addition, the flexible components dampen bending vibrations of the PV module, which means that gusts of wind, for example, are better absorbed. This property is determined by the Shore hardness of the material of the flexible section. The shore hardness can be used to influence how wind gusts and how they can absorb gusts.

The housing preferably has an elongated shape, with the at least one flexible section being annular. In this way, the housing is particularly well able to adapt to deflection of the PV module.

In an advantageous embodiment, the connection unit has at least one contact element via which at least one of the connection contacts of the Photovoltaic module is connected to a connection cable and / or a bypass diode. To connect to the connecting cable, the contact element can advantageously have a self-establishing contact, for example a so-called “snap-in” or “push-in” contact. In addition, the contact element can be constructed in such a way that it mechanically protects a more sensitive component such as the bypass diode.

In an advantageous embodiment, the entire housing of the connection unit can consist of a flexible material. In an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that the housing has both rigid and flexible sections. If necessary, rigid and flexible sections can alternate. The rigid housing sections offer good protection for components arranged in the connection unit, for example for the contact element that contacts connection contacts of the PV module within the connection unit, or for bypass diodes that are arranged within the connection unit. If the contact element is used in a flexible section or if the entire housing is made of flexible material, the use of a contact element is advantageous, which in turn protects more sensitive components, e.g. the bypass diode, from mechanical force. This can be done, for example, by a contour of the contact element protruding over the more sensitive component in one or more spatial directions.

In an advantageous embodiment, the connection unit comprises an additional module. In particular, in the case of an elongated connection unit that covers several contact areas of a PV module, such an additional module can be arranged in an intermediate area between the contact areas, which is an additional, helpful for the operation of the PV module or in connection with its maintenance and / or commissioning provides additional functionality. The structural distance between the contact areas of the connection unit, which is already present due to the type of cell arrangements, is thereby used sensibly to provide the additional functionality.

The additional module can, for example, have at least one sensor that detects, for example, temperature, humidity, acceleration, position, voltage and/or current. The captured sensor data can be used to log and/or monitor storage, transport, assembly, commissioning and/or operation of the PV module. It can also be provided that the additional module has at least one energy storage device, For example, to enable logging even if the PV module does not provide any or insufficient electrical power.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the additional module has at least one communication unit, e.g. in order to be able to pass on warning or alarm messages and/or the measured values recorded by the sensors. If necessary, control signals can also be received, e.g. to switch the PV module off from voltage or current. For this purpose, the additional module can have a semiconductor switch.

The at least one communication unit can be suitable for wireless communication and/or for communication via DC connection lines of the PV module.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one communication unit can be an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. Information such as a serial number can be stored, which can then be easily read by a corresponding reader during production, storage, transport, assembly and/or commissioning as well as for service purposes, so that the life cycle of the PV module can be easily logged.

The housing of the connection unit can be designed in two parts and have an upper housing part and a lower housing part, with the openings for passing through the connection contacts of the PV module being formed in the lower housing part. In this case, the lower housing part is first mounted on the back of the PV module and the connection contacts of the PV module are connected to a contact element, which is held, for example, in a corresponding receptacle in the lower housing part. A connection cable can then be connected to the contact element and the upper housing part can be mounted. If there is a self-establishing contact on the contact element, e.g. a so-called “snap-in” or “push-in” contact for the connecting cable, provision can also be made to first mount the upper part of the housing and then insert the connecting cable through an opening from the outside.

In a further embodiment, the housing can also be designed in one piece and like a hood. The open bottom of this hood-like housing then represents the at least one opening through which the connection contacts of the PV module lead. Preferably, a separate contact carrier is first mounted, in particular glued, to the back of the PV module, which connects the contact carries a tact element. After contacting the connection contacts of the PV module, the hood-like housing is then placed over the contact carrier with the contact element and glued to the back of the PV module. This configuration is particularly material-saving and can be installed easily. A “snap-in” or “push-in” contact is particularly advantageous for connecting the connection cable to the contact element.

To assemble the housing, a circumferential support surface is preferably formed around the at least one opening, with which the connection unit can be mounted, in particular glued, to the back of the photovoltaic module.

A photovoltaic module according to the invention has at least one such connection unit arranged on its rear side. This results in the advantages described in connection with the connection unit.

In an advantageous embodiment, the PV module has a rectangular base area and has at least two cell arrangements that can be contacted externally at connection contacts, which are arranged in groups of two connection contacts assigned to the cell arrangements along a line on the back of the photovoltaic module. The line along which the connection contacts are arranged runs parallel to one of the side edges of the photovoltaic module. The housing of the junction box has a length that is greater than 50% and preferably greater than 66% of the length of the side edge. With the housing sizes mentioned, the connection contacts of PV modules with two or more independent cell arrangements can be covered. All connection contacts are advantageously covered by one, preferably a single connection unit, and contacted within the connection unit. Accordingly, only this one connection unit needs to be mounted on the back of the PV module, which simplifies and accelerates the contacting and thus the production of the PV module.

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

The figures show:

1 shows a spatial view of a connection unit for a PV module in a first exemplary embodiment; 2 shows a spatial view of a connection unit for a PV module in a second exemplary embodiment;

3 shows the connection unit according to FIG. 2 in a view of its underside;

4 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a connection unit for a PV module in a spatial representation with a view of its underside;

5 shows a spatial representation of a contact element for a connection unit; and

6, 7 the contact element of FIG. 5, placed on a contact element carrier, each in a spatial representation from different perspectives.

Figure 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a connection unit for a PV module in an isometric oblique view. The connection unit has a housing 1, which in the example shown is designed in two parts and has an upper housing part 10, hereinafter also referred to as cover 10, and a lower housing part 20, hereinafter also referred to as base 20.

For assembly, the connection unit with the base 20 is placed on the back of the PV module and mounted there, in particular glued on. It then covers one or more connection areas of the PV module, i.e. those areas in which connection contacts are led out of the PV module.

The housing 1 has different sections, two external rigid sections 2 and a centrally arranged flexible section 3. The rigid sections 2 can, for example, be made of a rigid plastic, e.g. B. PPG (polyphenylene oxide) or PPE (polyphenylene ether) raw materials. The flexible section 3, on the other hand, is made of a preferably elastically deformable material, for example an elastomer such as silicone.

In order to achieve high mechanical stability and a high insulation class, the two housing parts, the cover 10 and the base 20, are preferably designed in one piece. This can be done in a common manufacturing step, for example by co-extrusion of the differently elastic Materials for the sections 2, 3. Alternatively, the sections 2, 3 can also be manufactured separately and then joined together to form the cover 10 or the base 20, for example glued or welded.

In the outer rigid sections 2, the cover 10 has an end section 11 made of a rigid material, on which a cable bushing 12 is arranged or formed. The bottom 20 also has a rigid end section 21. In other words, both the cover 10 and the base 20 in the rigid section 2 are formed by corresponding rigid materials. The flexible section 3 lying between the rigid sections 2 correspondingly has a flexible cover section 13, as well as a flexible base section 23. The flexible section 3 is therefore made of a flexible material in the form of a ring.

As a result, the connection unit 1 can therefore follow a deflection and/or twisting of the underlying PV module through the flexible section 3.

In the area of the rigid sections 2, for example, connection contacts, e.g. connection lugs, of the PV module are arranged, which protrude into the interior of the housing 1 through an opening that is not visible here. For example, it can be provided that a pair of connecting lugs of a respective plate arrangement protrudes into each of the two rigid sections 2.

The connection lugs can be connected within the rigid section via contact elements to connection cables of the PV module, which are then led out through the cable bushings 12. Furthermore, one or more bypass diodes can be arranged in the rigid sections 2, which are connected in parallel to a cell arrangement of the PV module that is contacted via the connection contacts. A contact element suitable for connecting the connection lugs to the connection cables is described in connection with Figures 5-7.

The design of the housing 1 in the rigid section 2 protects the enclosed components, for example the connection contacts, the contact elements and any bypass diodes arranged against mechanical damage, e.g. B. during transport or when installing the PV module. Figure 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a connection unit in a view comparable to Figure 1.

This also has a housing 1, which is composed of rigid sections 2 and flexible sections 3.

The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 represents a further development of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, in which five rigid sections 2 alternate with four flexible sections 3. As in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, the housing 1 here is in two parts and comprises an elongated upper housing part 10 and an equally elongated lower housing part 20.

The outer two rigid sections 2 are designed as in the first exemplary embodiment, i.e. they have a rigid cover end section 11 and a correspondingly rigid base end section 21. The flexible sections 3 adjoining the center are also designed as in the first exemplary embodiment, in that they have a flexible cover section 13 and a flexible base section 23.

In the middle area of the housing 1, the three further rigid sections 2 arranged there are designed as intermediate sections, which are composed of a rigid cover intermediate section 14 and a likewise rigid base intermediate section 24. The lid intermediate sections 14 are connected to one another by flexible lid sections 13 and the base intermediate sections 24 are connected to one another by flexible base sections 23, with a flexible lid section 13 and a flexible base section 23 each forming a flexible section 3 of the housing 1. Contact elements for contacting connection contacts of the PV module can also be arranged in the intermediate sections, which may also carry a bypass diode. For frequently used PV modules with three cell arrangements, for example, one contact element can be arranged in each end section and another in the middle intermediate section.

The use of three intermediate sections in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 is purely exemplary. Due to a flexible number and/or length of the intermediate sections 14, the housing 1 can be produced in different lengths, with the same basic elements or the same basic construction being able to be used. Additional modules can be arranged in intermediate sections that do not serve to accommodate contact elements and/or bypass diodes, which provide additional functionality that is helpful for the operation of the PV module or in connection with its maintenance and/or commissioning. It is also possible to arrange additional modules, particularly those of a smaller design, in the flexible sections.

For example, an additional module can include sensors for recording operational or environmental information. Operating information can be temperatures, voltages and/or currents. Environmental information may include, for example, temperatures, humidity levels, 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 limited functionality of the sensors mentioned even if the PV module does not provide solar energy. Sensors that monitor environmental information, such as a temperature sensor, can be used to shut down the PV module when operating conditions occur that are outside of a possible and possibly preset range.

For this purpose, 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 is switched off. In this way, standard-compliant shutdown devices can be implemented, for example for automatic safety shutdown in the event of fire.

A semiconductor switch to interrupt the current or to disconnect the voltage from the PV module can also be used to additionally react to other events if necessary. For this purpose, a receiving module can be arranged in an additional module, which disconnects or releases the PV module when a corresponding signal is received. A controlling switch-off or release signal can be received wirelessly or alternatively or additionally it can be provided to receive a high-frequency signal transmitted via the connecting cable and modulated onto the DC voltage of the PV module, which is correspondingly decoded in a unit of the additional module and the switching signal for switching off or enabling the PV module for the semiconductor switch. Sensors arranged in an additional module can also be used to record environmental parameters before the PV module 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 from an energy storage unit of the additional module is particularly advantageous since, depending on the storage and packaging conditions of the PV module, a supply from the PV module 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 acceleration experienced, which enable conclusions to be drawn about appropriate or incorrect storage and transport. In particular, discrepancies between the expected performance of the PV module and the performance actually delivered during operation can be attributed to possibly improper handling during storage or transport or even assembly.

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

With a sensor system that works at the level of the individual cell arrangements, the correct function of the bypass diodes or the contact elements can also be checked.

An additional module can also be equipped with a transmitting device that enables warning or alarm messages and/or the measured values recorded by the sensors to be passed on. Here, as previously described for receiving the switch-off or release signals, a wireless connection is just as suitable as data transmission modulated onto the DC lines of the PV module (powerline data transmission).

An additional module can also be provided with an evaluation unit for the measured sensor data, which allows the sensor results to be evaluated locally in the PV module. In this way, impending defects or aging-related problems in components can be predicted and service can be requested before a defect actually occurs (predictive maintenance). Learning evaluation techniques, for example from the area of AI (artificial intelligence), can be used. In a further embodiment, an additional module can include means for near-field communication. These can be arranged in the additional module, for example, in the form of an RFID tag. Information such as a serial number can be stored, which can then be easily read by a corresponding reader during production, storage, transport, assembly and/or commissioning as well as for service purposes, so that the life cycle of the PV module can be easily logged.

An additional module that has both the internally stored and readable serial number as well as a switch-off option in the form of a semiconductor switch for the PV module can be used as part of a digitally supported commissioning. It can be provided that modules are only activated by an external control device if they are assembled and operated in a planned network. In this way, effective theft protection is achieved for individual modules. It can be provided that external elements, for example so-called PV common connection boxes, are also integrated into the monitored system. The connecting cables of individual or series-connected PV modules come together in PV common connection boxes. During operation, the PV modules are activated if and only if the network is coupled in combination with the intended upstream external component, for example the mentioned PV common connection box or a planned upstream inverter.

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

In Figure 3, the connection unit according to Figure 2 is shown in a further oblique view with a view of the underside of the housing 1. In this view it can be seen that the base 20 has a running support surface 25 with which it rests on the back of the PV module. With this support surface 25, the housing 1 is glued to the back of the PV module. The longitudinal extent of the housing 1 leads to a relatively large support surface 25, which accordingly offers a large adhesive surface. This ensures that the connection between the housing 1 and the back of the PV module has a high load capacity. This can, for example, prevent tensile forces on a connection cable from unintentionally detaching the connection unit from the back of the PV module.

The bond also serves as a seal between the floor 20 and the PV module. 3 shows a running adhesive bead 26, which is used for assembly and sealing. Instead of the adhesive bead 26, a running double-sided adhesive tape can also be used.

In addition, the lid 10 is sealed from the base 20, for example by an inserted O-ring seal. This creates a cavity in the housing 1 that is hermetically sealed in such a way that it is not necessary, for example, to cast this cavity in order to achieve a high insulation protection class.

Advantageously, contact points can be subsequently checked or contact elements or defective bypass diodes can be replaced by opening the cover 10. Connection cables, which are guided from the contact elements through the cable bushings 22, can also be subsequently replaced if necessary.

The area of the base 20 enclosed by the support surface 25 has openings 27. Through these openings 27, for example, contact elements of the PV module can be guided into the interior of the housing 1, where they can then be contacted. The openings 27 can be designed in such a way that they serve to mechanically fasten the contact elements. Alternatively, fastening elements can be formed in the area of the openings 27 in the lower housing part 20. The contact elements can, for example, have contact tulips or the like, which contact the connection contacts when the connection unit is placed on the back of the PV module. Inside the housing 1, the contact elements are then connected to cables, which are led to the outside through the cable bushings 12 as connecting cables of the PV module. Connecting the connection cables to the contacts Elements can be fixed, for example using a spot welding process. Alternatively, a detachable contacting of the connecting cables on the contact elements can also be provided, for example by the contact elements having a so-called “snap-in” or “push-in” contact, i.e. a contact with a pre-stressed clamping mechanism, which is activated by inserting the connecting cable is triggered or is closed by inserting the connecting cable, whereby the connecting cable is electrically contacted.

Finally, Figure 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a connection unit, again in an isometric oblique view with a view of the underside of the connection unit. In this exemplary embodiment, a one-piece housing 1 is provided, which only has a lid-like upper housing part 10 that is open on one side, which is placed with a support surface 15 on the back of the PV module and thus covers connection areas of the PV module in the manner of a hood. Fastening to the PV module and sealing are in turn preferably carried out by gluing, for example using an adhesive bead 16.

This housing 1 also has rigid and flexible sections, the rigid sections being formed by rigid end sections 11 and rigid intermediate sections 14, between which the flexible sections 13 are located. As described in connection with the previous exemplary embodiment, the housing part 10 is preferably formed in one piece, for example by the said sections being formed together in a co-extrusion process or by the said sections being connected to one another in one piece by a cohesive connection.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, there are a plurality of large-area openings 17 through which the connection contacts of the PV module are led into the interior of the housing. In the present case, webs 18 are formed between the rigid and flexible sections, which divide the interior of the housing 1 into a plurality of compartments 4. In addition to the connection contacts mentioned, these compartments can also contain e.g. B. Additional modules can be arranged. As described in connection with FIG. 2, additional modules can, for example, have sensors with which a temperature, a humidity, an acceleration, a position, a voltage and/or a current is detected. The additional modules can also include energy storage and/or communication units. In addition, the additions can Set modules can be set up as enable modules, which block and/or enable a PV voltage and/or a PV current of the PV module depending on a communication signal.

The subdivision by the webs 18 can be advantageous with regard to fire protection. It can be provided that the webs have 18 openings in order to accommodate cables or the like. to be able to carry out. A cross section of this bushing can be chosen to be as small as possible so that the cable or similar can be passed through. is just possible, but fire protection regulations are still adhered to.

Alternatively, it is conceivable, e.g. B. to guide cables from one to the next compartment 4 between the webs 17 and the surface of the back of the PV module. There is usually a gap the same height as the adhesive bead 16 (in the glued-on state). In this case, a ribbon cable in particular can be used as the cable.

An example of a contact element 30 is shown in Figures 5-7, which can be used in an application-appropriate connection unit for connecting connection contacts of the PV module with a connection cable within the housing 1.

Figure 5 shows the contact element 30 initially in an oblique view. The contact element 30 is based on a punched/bent grid 31. The punching/bending grid 31 has a substantially U-shaped basic shape with a base 32 and side cheeks 33. In the base 32, contact surfaces 34 are formed next to an opening. When the contact element 30 is mounted on a back side of the PV module, the base 32 is aligned parallel to the surface of the back side of the PV module and connection contacts, i.e., are inserted through the opening between the contact surfaces 34. d. R. designed as connecting lugs of the PV module through the punched / bent grid 31, bent outwards and connected to the contact surfaces 34 in an electrically conductive manner. This can be done, for example, by a spot welding process. Alternatively, detachable contacts are also possible, for example by soldering.

Furthermore, a bypass diode 35 is inserted into the contact element 30 and, on the one hand, has a pole with one of the contact surfaces and, on the other hand, with the other pole with the base 32 and thus the other of the contact surfaces 34 tied together. By positioning the bypass diode 35 between the side cheeks 33, it is well protected during transport and during assembly of the contact element 30. A separation point 36 of the punched/bending grid 31, which is visible in FIG 34 to repeal.

On one transverse side, the punched/bent grid 31 goes into a connection area

37, in which a “snap-in” or “push-in” contact 38 is formed here. Using this “snap-in” or “push-in” contact 38, a connecting cable is connected to the contact element 30 and thus to the cell arrangement of the PV module.

A connecting cable can be connected to the opposite end of the contact element 30, which leads to a further contact element 30 of the connection unit. If internal contacting is provided in the PV module between the cell arrangements, the second connection can also remain unused.

Instead of the “snap-in” or “push-in” contact 38, other connection options for a connection cable can also be provided, for example a connection in a spot welding or soldering process.

Retaining webs 39 are formed in the connection area 37, via which the contact

38 can be held in corresponding grooves within the housing 1. The holding webs 39 can prevent or minimize a relative movement of the connecting cable between the contact 38 and the cable bushing 12 (see Fig. 1-4), which would otherwise result, for example, from thermal expansion of the PV module. For this purpose, the area of the contact 38 is, on the one hand, resiliently connected to the remaining punched/bending grid 31 via a correspondingly designed connecting web and, on the other hand, is not glued to the back of the PV module, so that it is subject to thermally induced movement of the remaining punched/bending grid. Bending grid 31 does not follow.

Figures 6 and 7 show the contact element 30 of Figure 5 placed on a contact element carrier 40 from two different viewing directions. When using the contact element 30 in a housing 1, which is designed in two parts and has an upper housing part 10 and a lower housing part 20, the contact element 30 is inserted into a corresponding receptacle in the lower housing part 20. In this form, the contact element 30 can be used, for example, in the connection units shown in FIGS. 1-3.

In the case of the one-piece housing 1 shown in Figure 4 and open towards the PV module, on the other hand, such a contact element carrier 40 is used, with the help of which the contact element 30 is first fastened to the back of the PV module. For this purpose, the contact element 30 is connected to the contact element carrier 40 by riveting 41. The rivets 41 are z. after the contact element 30 has been placed. B. pressed, especially if the contact element carrier 40 is made of a plastic material. The contact element carrier 40 is then glued to the PV module using double-sided adhesive tape or other adhesive.

The connection contacts, e.g. connection lugs, of the PV module are connected to the contact surfaces 34 as described above. After this connection has been established, the hood-like upper housing part 10 according to FIG. 4 is placed over contact elements 30 and contact element carrier 40 using the adhesive bead 16 and mounted on the back of the PV module 1. The connection cable can then be inserted through the cable gland 12 into the “snap-in” contact 38. Alternatively, the connection cable can be threaded through the cable bushing 12 beforehand and the housing 1 can be glued to the PV module with the connection cable already threaded through.

In all of the exemplary embodiments shown here, the housing 1 has both rigid sections 2 and flexible sections 3. In an alternative embodiment, it is possible to manufacture the housing 1 entirely from a flexible material, for example from a silicone. This is particularly suitable for designs with a one-piece housing, for example designs comparable to that shown in Figure 4. In both cases, i.e. both in a case in which the housing is a combination of rigid and flexible sections and in the case in which the housing is made entirely of a flexible material, there is the advantage that an elongated designed housing that extends over a large part of the width or length of a PV module, the mechanical properties of which are not or only insignificantly changed. Reference symbols

1 case

2 rigid section

3 flexible section

4 compartment

10 Upper housing part (lid)

11 (lid) end section

12 cable entry

13 flexible lid section

14 (lid) intermediate section

15 support surface

16 adhesive beads

17 opening

18 jetty

20 lower housing part (bottom)

21 (floor) end section

22 cable entry

23 flexible floor section

24 (floor) intermediate section

25 support surface

26 adhesive beads

27 opening

30 contact element

31 punched/bent grids

32 base

33 side cheek

34 contact area

35 bypass diode

36 separation point

37 connection area

38 Snap-In Contact

39 footbridge

40 contact carriers

41 Rivet

Claims

Expectations

1 . Connection unit for a photovoltaic module, which has at least one cell arrangement which can be contacted externally on at least two connection contacts, the connection unit comprising a housing (1) which has at least one opening (17, 27) for passing through the connection contacts, characterized in that Housing (1) has at least one section (3) which consists of a flexible material.

2. Connection unit according to claim 1, wherein the housing (1) has an elongated shape and wherein the at least one flexible section (3) is annular.

3. Connection unit according to claim 1 or 2, in which the housing (1) consists entirely of a flexible material.

4. Connection unit according to claim 1 or 2, in which the housing (1) has flexible sections (3) and rigid sections (2).

5. Connection unit according to claim 4, in which flexible sections (3) and rigid sections (2) of the housing (1) alternate.

6. Connection unit according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one contact element (30), via which at least one of the connection contacts of the photovoltaic module is connected to a connection cable and / or a bypass diode (35).

7. Connection unit according to claim 4 and 6, in which the contact element (30) is arranged in at least one of the rigid sections (2).

8. Connection unit according to one of claims 1 to 7, having an additional module.

9. Connection unit according to claim 8, in which the additional module has a sensor for detecting temperature, humidity, acceleration, position, voltage and / or current.

10. Connection unit according to claim 8 or 9, in which the additional module has at least one energy storage device.

11. Connection unit according to one of claims 8 to 10, in which the additional module has at least one communication unit.

12. Connection unit according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the housing (1) has an upper housing part (10) and a lower housing part (20), the openings (27) for passing through the connection contacts of the photovoltaic module in the lower housing part (20) are formed .

13. Connection unit according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the housing (1) is designed in one piece and like a hood.

14. Connection unit according to claim 6 and 13, in which the contact element (30) is mounted on a contact carrier (40) which is arranged within the hood-like housing and can be mounted, in particular glued, on the back of the photovoltaic module.

15. Connection unit according to one of claims 1 to 14, in which a circumferential support surface (15, 25) is formed around the at least one opening (17, 27), with which the connection unit can be mounted, in particular glued, to the back of the photovoltaic module.

16. Photovoltaic module, on the back of which a connection unit according to one of the preceding claims is mounted, in particular glued.

17. Photovoltaic module according to claim 16, having a rectangular base area and at least two cell arrangements that can be contacted externally on connection contacts, the groups of two connection contacts assigned to the cell arrangements are arranged along a line on the back of the photovoltaic module, the line along which the connection contacts are arranged, run parallel to one of the side edges of the photovoltaic module and wherein the housing (1) of the connection unit has a length that is greater than 50% and preferably greater than 66% of the length of the side edge.