External junction box for photovoltaic inverter

Abstract

The external junction box comprises a box body and a box cover, the side wall of the box body is provided with a through hole for a lead to pass through, the box body is provided with a notch communicated with the through hole, the lead enters the through hole through the notch, and two ends of the notch are provided with limiting assemblies; the limiting assembly comprises a rotating piece and a limiting piece, wherein the rotating piece is rotatably arranged on the notch; the elastic component is pivoted with the rotating part, and the elastic component is used for applying reset force opposite to the rotating direction to the rotating part; wherein a one-way channel can be formed on the notch by rotating the rotating piece, and the wire enters the through hole through the one-way channel. According to the utility model, the limiting assembly is designed, when the lead is installed, only the rotating member automatically rotates under pressure to form a one-way channel, and after the lead passes through, the rotating member automatically resets and closes under the action of the elastic member. By means of the design, quick tool-free installation of the wire is achieved, and the installation efficiency and the connection reliability are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of photovoltaic power generation equipment technology, specifically to an external junction box for photovoltaic inverters, which is particularly suitable for cable connection scenarios between inverters and junction boxes in distributed photovoltaic systems. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of photovoltaic inverter technology, the external junction box, as a key component connecting photovoltaic modules and inverters and realizing power transmission and distribution, directly affects the operating efficiency and safety of the entire photovoltaic system. Currently, most external junction boxes for photovoltaic inverters on the market adopt a structure where the box body and cover are separate, with through holes on the side wall of the box body for wires to pass through, enabling the connection between internal circuits and external wiring. However, in practical applications, existing junction boxes have many shortcomings in terms of wire access.

[0003] In existing photovoltaic inverters, external junction boxes typically use a method where wires are directly passed through through-holes, lacking effective limiting and guiding mechanisms. This design often makes it difficult to ensure the accurate positioning and fixation of wires during installation, easily leading to wire misalignment, loosening, or even detachment, resulting in safety hazards such as poor contact and short circuits. Furthermore, existing junction boxes are inadequate for handling different specifications and quantities of wires, lacking sufficient flexibility and versatility.

[0004] A patent for a junction box and inverter, patent number CN214590386U, discloses a sealing plate assembly. The sealing plate assembly is located at a notch and is detachably fixed to the box body, allowing cables to pass through it. When connecting a cable to the junction box, one only needs to remove the sealing plate assembly from the box body, slip the cable onto the sealing plate assembly, and then place the cable directly into the junction box through the notch. Although the entire installation process does not require bending the cable and can be completed by one person, the need to disassemble and reassemble the sealing plate assembly makes it inconvenient and slow.

[0005] This utility model addresses the aforementioned shortcomings in the existing technology by proposing a novel external junction box for photovoltaic inverters. Through a unique limiting component design, it effectively solves the problems existing in the prior art and provides strong technical support for the development of the photovoltaic inverter field. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention addresses the problems of inconvenient installation and insufficient flexibility in wire connection of existing external junction boxes for photovoltaic inverters, and provides an improved external junction box for photovoltaic inverters. This junction box achieves fast and stable wire connection through optimized limit component design, while improving the versatility and safety of the junction box.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] An external junction box for a photovoltaic inverter includes a box body and a cover. The side wall of the box body has a through hole for wires to pass through, and the box body has a notch communicating with the through hole. The wires enter the through hole through the notch, and limiting components are provided at both ends of the notch. The limiting components include: a rotating member rotatably disposed on the notch; and an elastic member pivotally connected to the rotating member. The elastic member is used to apply a restoring force to the rotating member in the opposite direction of rotation. Rotating the rotating member can form a one-way channel on the notch, through which the wires enter the through hole.

[0009] Furthermore, the elastic member includes a rotating shaft and a return spring. The rotating shaft is disposed at both ends of the notch and pivotally connected to the rotating member. The return spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft and is used to reset the rotating member to its initial position. The return spring is preferably a torsion spring.

[0010] Furthermore, the rotating component includes a transition portion and an abutment portion. The transition portion is pivotally connected to the rotating shaft, and the abutment portion is used to limit the range of motion of the rotating component. The abutment portion is arc-shaped, and the abutment portions of the rotating component located at both ends of the notch abut against each other to limit the maximum rotation angle of the rotating component.

[0011] Furthermore, the total length of the rotating parts at both ends of the notch is greater than the length of the notch, so as to ensure that the rotating parts can completely cover the notch when closed, preventing the wire from coming loose.

[0012] Furthermore, the limiting component can also be implemented in another way, including an elastic member and a limiting member. The elastic member is disposed at one end of the notch and pivotally connected to the rotating member, and the limiting member is disposed at the other end of the notch and is used to abut against the rotating member to limit its range of motion.

[0013] Furthermore, at least one partition post is provided in the through hole to divide the through hole into multiple independent partition spaces to accommodate different numbers or specifications of wires, thereby improving the versatility of the junction box.

[0014] Furthermore, the box body is provided with at least one reinforcing rib to enhance the structural strength and resistance to deformation of the box body.

[0015] Furthermore, the junction box is provided with a heat dissipation protrusion, and heat dissipation holes are opened on both sides of the protrusion to improve the heat dissipation performance of the junction box.

[0016] Furthermore, the cover is provided with an observation window, and a transparent component (such as glass or plastic panel) is installed on the window to facilitate inspection of the internal wiring without opening the cover.

[0017] Furthermore, both the opening edges of the cover and the body of the junction box are provided with extended sealing surfaces, and sealing rings are installed on the sealing surfaces to improve the waterproof and dustproof performance of the junction box.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0019] This invention designs a limiting component with a notch on the side wall of the housing that communicates with a through hole, and includes a rotatable rotating component and an elastic reset mechanism. When installing a wire, simply push the wire through the notch; the rotating component automatically rotates under pressure to form a one-way channel. After the wire passes through, the rotating component automatically resets and closes under the action of the elastic component. This design enables quick, tool-free installation of the wire, greatly improving installation efficiency and connection reliability.

[0020] This invention features a partition column structure within the through-hole, allowing it to be divided into multiple independent spaces to facilitate the simultaneous connection of wires of different specifications and quantities. Combined with an adjustable limiting component, it can accommodate wires of varying diameters. This modular design significantly enhances the versatility of the junction box, enabling it to meet the diverse cable connection needs of distributed photovoltaic systems.

[0021] This invention enhances the overall structural strength through the addition of reinforcing ribs within the housing, enabling it to withstand mechanical stress and temperature variations in outdoor environments. Simultaneously, the heat dissipation design effectively improves heat dissipation efficiency, and the combination of the sealing surface and sealing ring structure achieves excellent waterproof and dustproof performance. The transparent observation window on the lid facilitates daily inspection and maintenance, allowing observation of the internal wiring status without opening the lid, further enhancing the product's practicality and environmental adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit this application.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model from another perspective;

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the limiting component of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the opening structure of the limiting component of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of another state of this utility model.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 1-Box body; 11-Through hole; 12-Notch; 2-Box cover; 21-Window; 3-Rotating component; 31-Transfer part; 32-Abutting part; 4-Elastic component; 41-Rotating shaft; 42-Reset spring; 5-Limiting component; 6-Separating column; 7-Reinforcing rib; 8-Protrusion; 81-Heat dissipation hole; 9-Sealing surface. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this patent document shall have the ordinary meaning understood by a person skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this patent specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "an," "a," or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" indicate that the element or object preceding "comprising" encompasses the element or object listed following "comprising" or its equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. These terms are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0036] Example 1:

[0037] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the external junction box for photovoltaic inverters of this utility model effectively solves the problems of inconvenient wire connection, lack of effective limiting and guiding mechanisms, insufficient structural strength, poor heat dissipation, and inconvenience of observation and maintenance in the prior art through unique limiting component design, optimized structural strength, improved heat dissipation performance, and enhanced convenience of observation and maintenance. The technical solution of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0038] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the external junction box for the photovoltaic inverter in this embodiment mainly includes two parts: a box body 1 and a cover 2. The box body 1 is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant engineering plastic or metal material to ensure that it can withstand various stresses and corrosion in the outdoor environment. The overall structure is rectangular. The bottom side wall of the box body 1 is provided with through holes 11 for wires to pass through. The size and shape of the through holes 11 are designed according to actual needs to accommodate the access of wires of different specifications.

[0039] The cover 2 is connected to the body 1 by clips, screws, or other fixing methods to form a closed junction box structure. The cover 2 is designed for easy disassembly and installation, facilitating maintenance and repair of the junction box interior.

[0040] On the housing 1, a notch 12 is provided in communication with the through hole 11, and the wire enters the through hole 11 through the notch 12. Limiting components are provided at both ends of the notch 12 to limit and guide the wire.

[0041] like Figures 1-4As shown, the limiting assembly includes a rotating member 3 and an elastic member 4. The rotating member 3 is rotatably mounted on the notch 12 and includes a connecting portion 31 and an abutting portion 32. The connecting portion 31 is pivotally connected to the elastic member 4 to realize the rotation function of the rotating member 3. The abutting portion 32 is used to limit the range of motion of the rotating member 3. It has an arc-shaped plate design with its concave surface facing the inside of the box 1. The abutting portions 32 of the two rotating members 3 abut against each other in their natural state to form a closed structure. The total length L1 of the two rotating members 3 is greater than the length L2 of the notch 12 to ensure that the notch 12 is completely covered when closed. The abutting portions 32 of the rotating members 3 located at both ends of the notch 12 abut against each other to limit the maximum rotation angle of the rotating member 3.

[0042] The elastic member 4 includes a rotating shaft 41 and a return spring 42. The rotating shaft 41 is located at both ends of the notch 12 and is pivotally connected to the transition portion 31 of the rotating member 3. The return spring 42 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 41 and is used to apply a return force to the rotating member 3 in the opposite direction of rotation, so that the rotating member 3 can automatically return to its initial position after the wire passes through. The return spring 42 is preferably a torsion spring to provide a stable return force.

[0043] When a wire needs to be inserted, the operator pushes the wire through the notch 12. During insertion, the wire contacts the abutment portion 32 of the rotating member 3, causing it to rotate. Due to the action of the return spring 42 of the elastic member 4, the rotating member 3 experiences a return force opposite to the direction of rotation while rotating. Once the wire has completely passed through the rotating member 3, it automatically returns to its initial position under the action of the return spring 42, forming a one-way channel and preventing the wire from becoming loose.

[0044] In use, press the wire downwards through notch 12. The rotating part 3 rotates inwards under the action of the wire, forming a one-way channel for the wire to pass through. After the wire passes through, the rotating part 3 automatically returns to its original position and closes under the restoring force of the torsion spring, fixing the wire inside the through hole 11. Due to the arc-shaped design of the rotating part 3, the wire can only enter in one direction and cannot exit in the opposite direction.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, as another option in this embodiment, the limiting component can also be a combination of the elastic member 4 and the limiting member 5. The elastic member 4 is disposed at one end of the notch 12 and is pivotally connected to the rotating member 3. The limiting member 5 is disposed at the other end of the notch 12 and is used to abut against the rotating member 3 to limit its range of motion. The limiting member 5 is a protrusion fixed on the housing 1, and its height matches the abutment portion 32 of the rotating member 3. This implementation can also achieve the limiting and guiding functions of the wires, improving the versatility and flexibility of the junction box.

[0046] The elastic member 4 is still a torsion spring, which is mounted on the rotating shaft 41. When the wire enters through the notch 12, the rotating member 3 rotates inward. After the wire passes through, the rotating member 3 rotates back to its original position under the action of the torsion spring.

[0047] This implementation is particularly suitable for installation environments with limited space on one side, and has a simpler structure, reducing manufacturing costs.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, at least one partition post 6 is provided within the through hole 11. The function of the partition post 6 is to divide the through hole 11 into multiple independent partition spaces to accommodate the connection of different numbers or specifications of wires. For example, when two wires of different specifications need to be connected, the through hole 11 can be divided into two independent partition spaces by the partition post 6, each accommodating one wire. This design improves the versatility and flexibility of the junction box, enabling it to meet the diverse cable connection needs of distributed photovoltaic systems.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, to improve the structural strength of the box 1, this embodiment provides at least one reinforcing rib 7 inside the box 1. The design of the reinforcing rib 7 depends on the shape and stress conditions of the box 1, and it is usually arranged in a crisscross pattern to form multiple support units to enhance the deformation resistance of the box 1. The reinforcing rib 7 can be made of the same material as the box 1, or it can be connected to the box 1 by welding, riveting, or other fixing methods.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, to improve the heat dissipation performance of the junction box, this embodiment provides a heat-dissipating protrusion 8 on the box body 1. Multiple heat dissipation holes 81 are evenly distributed on both side walls of the protrusion 8 to increase the heat dissipation area and channels of the box body 1. The size and shape of the heat dissipation holes 81 are designed according to actual needs to ensure heat dissipation effect without affecting the structural strength of the box body 1. Furthermore, the protrusion 8 can also employ heat sinks or other heat dissipation structures to further improve heat dissipation efficiency.

[0051] To facilitate observation and maintenance of the junction box's interior, this embodiment includes a window 21 on the cover 2, allowing observation of the interior of the box 1. The window 21 is fitted with a transparent element (such as glass or a plastic panel) to allow inspection of the internal wiring without opening the cover 2. The selection of the transparent element should consider factors such as transparency, weather resistance, and impact resistance to ensure the clarity and durability of the observation window 21.

[0052] like Figure 1As shown, in addition, this embodiment has extended sealing surfaces 9 at the opening edges of both the cover 2 and the body 1. A sealing ring (not shown in the figure) is installed on the sealing surface 9 to improve the waterproof and dustproof performance of the junction box. The selection of the sealing ring should take into account its sealing performance, weather resistance, and aging resistance to ensure the sealing effect of the junction box in outdoor environments.

[0053] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An external junction box for a photovoltaic inverter, comprising a box body and a cover, wherein the side wall of the box body is provided with through holes for wires to pass through, characterized in that: The housing is provided with a notch communicating with the through hole, and the wire enters the through hole through the notch. Limiting components are provided at both ends of the notch. The limiting component includes: A rotating element, configured to be rotatably disposed on the notch; and An elastic member is configured to be pivotally connected to the rotating member, the elastic member being configured to apply a force to the rotating member in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotating member; The rotating component is rotated to form a one-way channel on the notch, and the wire enters the through hole through the one-way channel formed by the rotating component.

2. The external junction box for a photovoltaic inverter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic member includes: A pivot shaft, which is disposed at both ends of the notch and pivotally connected to the rotating member; and A return spring, which is disposed on the rotating shaft, is used to restore the rotating member to its initial position; The reset spring is configured as a torsion spring.

3. The external junction box for a photovoltaic inverter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating component includes: The adapter, configured to be pivotally connected to the rotating shaft; and An abutment portion, configured to limit the range of motion of the rotating member; The abutting part is configured in an arc shape, and the abutting parts of the rotating parts located at both ends of the notch abut against each other to restrict the movement of the rotating parts.

4. The external junction box for a photovoltaic inverter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rotating members disposed at both ends of the notch have a length greater than the length of the notch.

5. The external junction box for a photovoltaic inverter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting component also includes: An elastic member, disposed at one end of the notch and pivotally connected to the rotating member; and A limiting member is disposed at the other end of the notch and abuts against the rotating member to limit the range of motion of the rotating member.

6. The external junction box for a photovoltaic inverter according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one partition post is disposed on the through hole, and the partition post is configured to divide the through hole into at least two partition spaces.

7. The external junction box for a photovoltaic inverter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box body is equipped with at least one reinforcing rib to enhance its structural strength.

8. The external junction box for a photovoltaic inverter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box body is provided with a protrusion for heat dissipation, and heat dissipation holes are provided on the two opposite side walls of the protrusion.

9. The external junction box for a photovoltaic inverter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover of the junction box is provided with a window for observing the inside of the junction box, and the window is provided with a transparent element.

10. The external junction box for a photovoltaic inverter according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the opening edges of the lid and the body are provided with sealing surfaces formed by the extension of the openings, and sealing rings are provided on the sealing surfaces.

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