Electrical connector for photovoltaic modules
US8235749B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 2010 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R13/622
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrical connector is provided for electrically connecting a junction box of a photovoltaic (PV) module to an electrical cable of a power distribution system. The electrical connector includes a housing extending along a central longitudinal axis from a cable segment to a mating segment. The housing has an intermediate segment that extends between the cable and mating segments. The intermediate segment includes a flange. The housing is configured to be mounted to a frame for the PV module. An electrical contact is held by the housing and is configured to establish an electrical connection between the junction box and the electrical cable. A biasing mechanism extends over the intermediate segment of the housing. The biasing mechanism extends from a flange end to a frame end. The flange end is engaged with the flange of the housing. The frame end is configured to engage the frame such that, when the housing is mounted to the frame, the biasing mechanism extends between and exerts a biasing force on the flange and the frame. The housing is movable relative to the frame and along the central longitudinal axis with and against the biasing force of the biasing mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.