Patent · US Active

Junction box for photovoltaic modules

US7824189B1 · kind B1 · utility

154Cited by
3References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 15, 2009
Grant dateNov 2, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 15, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E10/50
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A junction box is provided for electrically connecting a photovoltaic (PV) module to a power distribution system having a mating connector. The junction box includes a housing having a mounting side configured to be mounted on the PV module. The housing includes a mating interface and an opening extending into the housing through the mounting side. The housing is configured to mate with the mating connector of the power distribution system at the mating interface. An electrical contact is held by the housing. The electrical contact includes an integrally formed, one-piece body. The body of the electrical contact includes a base, a mating end extending from the base, and a PV module end extending from the base. The base of the body of the electrical contact is held within the opening of the housing such that the mating end extends along the mating interface for engagement with the mating connector. The PV module end of the body extends outwardly from the opening on the mounting side of the housing for engagement with foil of the PV module.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.