Photovoltaic junction box

Abstract

The utility model provides a photovoltaic junction box, which comprises a box cover, a box body and a cable, an accommodating space is formed between the box cover and the box body, one end of the cable is fixed in the accommodating space, the other end of the cable extends out of the accommodating space, and the outer surface of at least one of the box cover and the box body is provided with a protective layer made of a metal material. Based on the characteristics of a metal material, the junction box can well resist external mechanical stress in a low-temperature environment, and the junction box is prevented from being broken due to impact; and on the other hand, based on the characteristic of high thermal conductivity of the metal material, the protective layer made of the metal material is arranged on the outer surface of the box cover and / or the box body, so that the heat dissipation efficiency can be effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of photovoltaic module technology, and in particular to a photovoltaic junction box. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic junction boxes are one of the supporting products of the photovoltaic industry. They are connection devices between the solar cell array composed of solar cell modules and the solar charging control device. Their main functions are to connect and protect the solar photovoltaic modules, connect the power generated by the solar cells to the external lines, and conduct the current generated by the photovoltaic modules.

[0003] With the surge in market demand, photovoltaic modules are being applied to various harsh and extreme scenarios, such as extremely cold regions, high-altitude regions, and cold regions with abundant sand and gravel. Photovoltaic junction boxes typically consist of a box body and a cover. However, in existing technologies, the box body and cover are usually injection molded from polyphenylene oxide (PPO) particles. Due to the inherent characteristics of PPO, its impact resistance is weak at low temperatures. In the aforementioned extreme environments, the impact of wind, sand, gravel, and hail on the junction box can easily cause the box body and cover to crack, leading to junction box failure and resulting in power generation loss from the photovoltaic modules.

[0004] It should be noted that the above content is not necessarily prior art, nor is it intended to limit the scope of patent protection of this application. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a photovoltaic junction box that can at least solve the technical problem of easy breakage when subjected to impacts from substances such as wind, sand, and hail in extreme environments.

[0006] As one aspect of the embodiments of this application, this application embodiment provides a photovoltaic junction box, including:

[0007] A lid and a body, with an accommodating space formed between the lid and the body;

[0008] A cable, one end of which is fixed within the accommodating space and the other end of which extends out of the accommodating space;

[0009] At least one of the box lid and the box body has a protective layer of metal material on its outer surface.

[0010] Optionally, the protective layer is configured as a plurality of sheet-like structures arrayed in the same direction, and any one of the sheet-like structures is defined as a heat sink;

[0011] A vent is formed between any two adjacent heat sinks for heat dissipation.

[0012] Optionally, one of the box lid and the box body is provided with a first engaging portion, and the other is provided with a second engaging portion, wherein the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged and connected.

[0013] Optionally, both the lid and the body of the box include an inner liner layer, the material of which is configured to be at least one of PPO (polyphenylene oxide), PC (polycarbonate) and PA (polyamide).

[0014] Optionally, one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is provided with an engaging concave surface, and the other is provided with an engaging convex surface;

[0015] The shape and size of the engaging convex surface match the shape and size of the engaging concave surface.

[0016] Optionally, the heat sink is configured to be made of aluminum alloy, and the outer surface of the aluminum alloy heat sink is provided with an anodized layer.

[0017] Optionally, the housing includes a wiring compartment and a positioning part, the cable is fixedly connected to the positioning part, the positioning part is used to position the cable, and at least a portion of the cable passes through the wiring compartment for connecting to components inside the wiring compartment.

[0018] Optionally, it also includes a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor), which is fixedly disposed in the wiring compartment and electrically connected to the cable.

[0019] Optionally, one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is arranged around the inner side of the lid, and the other is arranged around the outer side of the box body.

[0020] Optionally, the direction in which the cable points to the accommodating space is defined as a first direction, and the box body and the box cover are configured as regular hexagons along cross sections perpendicular to the first direction.

[0021] The embodiments of this application employing the above technical solution may include the following advantages: the photovoltaic junction box of this utility model, since at least one of the outer surfaces of the box cover and the box body is provided with a protective layer of metal material, based on the characteristics of metal material, can better resist external mechanical stress in low-temperature environments, preventing the junction box from being broken by impact; on the other hand, based on the high thermal conductivity of metal material, providing a protective layer of metal material on the outer surface of the box cover and / or the box body can effectively improve heat dissipation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0022] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the various drawings denote the same or similar parts or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments disclosed in this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application.

[0023] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a photovoltaic junction box provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a photovoltaic junction box provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 A perspective view of the box lid provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 A perspective structural diagram of the box provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 5 For along Figure 3 A planar sectional view along the BB direction;

[0028] Figure 6 For along Figure 1 A planar sectional view along the AA direction;

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 6 An enlarged schematic diagram of section C.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1-Cover; 11-Body; 12-Protective layer; 13-Snap-fit ​​part; 14-First snap-fit ​​part; 141-Snap-fit ​​concave surface; 15-Inner liner; 2-Box body; 21-Wire connection compartment; 22-Positioning part; 23-Cable; 24-MOS transistor; 25-Second snap-fit ​​part; 251-Snap-fit ​​convex surface. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other. The application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0033] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0034] In this application, the term "numerical interval" (i.e., numerical range) refers to a range of values. Unless otherwise specified, the distribution of selectable values ​​within this numerical interval is considered continuous, and includes the two endpoints (i.e., the minimum and maximum values) of the interval, as well as every value between these endpoints. Unless otherwise specified, when a numerical interval refers only to integers within that interval, it includes the two endpoints of the range and every integer between them, effectively listing every integer. When multiple numerical ranges are provided to describe features or characteristics, these ranges can be merged. In other words, unless otherwise specified, the numerical ranges disclosed in this application should be understood to include any and all subranges included therein. The "numerical value" in this numerical interval can be any quantitative value, such as a number, percentage, or proportion. The term "numerical interval" can broadly include percentage intervals, proportion intervals, ratio intervals, and other quantitative intervals.

[0035] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0036] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 This utility model discloses a photovoltaic junction box, including a cover 1, a body 2, and a cable 23. A receiving space is formed between the cover 1 and the body 2, and components capable of conducting the current generated by the photovoltaic module are housed within this space. One end of the cable 23 is fixed within the receiving space, and the other end extends out of it. At least one of the cover 1 and the body 2 has a protective layer 12 made of metal on its outer surface. Due to the properties of metal, it can effectively resist external mechanical stress in low-temperature environments, preventing the junction box from cracking due to impact. Furthermore, due to the high thermal conductivity of metal, the protective layer 12 on the outer surface of the cover 1 and / or the body 2 effectively improves heat dissipation efficiency.

[0037] Specifically, in combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the box lid 1 according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the box body 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the box cover 1 includes a body 11, and a protective layer 12 made of metal is disposed on the outside of the body. As a preferred embodiment, the protective layer is configured as multiple sheet-like structures arrayed in the same direction. Any sheet-like structure is defined as a heat sink, and a vent is formed between any two adjacent heat sinks, which can increase the contact area between the protective layer and the air and improve the heat dissipation efficiency. The box body 2 includes a wiring compartment 21 and a positioning part 22. The cable 23 is fixedly connected to the positioning part 22, and the positioning part 22 is used to position the cable 23. At least a portion of the cable 23 passes through the wiring compartment 21 for connecting the components inside the wiring compartment 21. More specifically, the components inside the wiring compartment 21 in this embodiment include a MOSFET 24. In the prior art, a common technique used by those skilled in the art is to place a Schottky diode inside the photovoltaic junction box, but its performance in low-temperature environments is poor. Based on the ultra-low operating temperature characteristic of the MOSFET 24, the MOSFET 24 is selected instead of the Schottky diode in this embodiment. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the MOSFET 24 is fixedly installed in the junction box 21 and electrically connected to the cable 23. The MOSFET 24 consists of three parts: an internal resistance power MOSFET, a control chip, and a capacitor. When some cells of the photovoltaic module are blocked by foreign objects, the unblocked portion will generate current, while the blocked portion will act as a load, consuming this current and causing localized overheating. The MOSFET 24 can conduct under these circumstances, bypassing the blocked cells and protecting the photovoltaic module from damage. Current flows through the MOSFET 24. Because the MOSFET 24 has a lower junction temperature during operation compared to the commonly used Schottky diodes in existing technology, With an average temperature 60-80°C lower, it effectively prevents excessive heat inside the junction box 21 from burning out the box body 2. The cover 1 can be vertically mounted on the box body 2, and the cover 1 and the box body 2 are snapped together. When the junction box of this embodiment is subjected to external impact, the protective layer 12 formed by multiple heat sink arrays can disperse the mechanical stress and prevent cracking, thereby ensuring the high working stability of the junction box and reducing the likelihood of photovoltaic module power generation loss. On the other hand, the air duct formed between any two adjacent heat sinks can increase the contact area between the external air and the protective layer 12, effectively improving heat dissipation efficiency and achieving unexpected technical effects. The inner side of the body 11 of the cover 1 is provided with a fastening part 13. The shape and size of the fastening part 13 match the shape and size of the positioning part 22. The fastening part 13 is fastened to the positioning part 22 of the box body 2 to ensure the airtightness of the junction box and prevent sand, water or other impurities from entering the junction box.

[0038] It is understood that, in optional embodiments, a protective layer may also be provided on the outer surface of the box body 2, and the protective layer may also be configured as a heat sink shape similar to the protective layer 12 of the box cover 1 in this embodiment, with the same effect as described above. It is understood that, in some embodiments, the outer surface of the box cover 1 is not provided with a metal protective layer 12, and only the outer surface of the box body 2 is provided with a protective layer. Such variations are all within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0039] Preferably, both the lid 1 and the body 2 are provided with an inner lining layer 15, such as... Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner lining layer 15 of the lid 1 is located inside the protective layer 12. The protective layer 12 and the inner lining layer 15 together form the body 11. With this arrangement, even if the metal protective layer 12 is broken by impact, the inner lining layer 15 still ensures that the accommodating space formed by the lid 1 and the body 2 is sealed, preventing the internal components from directly contacting the outside. In this embodiment, if the protective layer 12 is configured as multiple heat sinks in shape and integrally formed, it can be formed by extrusion molding or die casting. The inner lining layer 15 is configured as at least one of PPO (polyphenylene oxide), PC (polycarbonate) and PA (polyamide). During the molding process, one or any combination of two or more of PPO, PC and PA is heated to a molten state of 200°C to 300°C and injected into the mold cavity. After the molten particles are completely filled, the mold is subjected to a holding pressure treatment of 60MPa to 150MPa, and finally cooled and demolded. After demolding, the protective layer 15 and the metal body 11 are hot melted together at high temperature.

[0040] Furthermore, one of the lid 1 and the body 2 is provided with a first engaging portion 14, and the other is provided with a second engaging portion 25. The first engaging portion 14 and the second engaging portion 25 are engaged and connected. Specifically, one of the first engaging portion 14 and the second engaging portion 25 is provided with an engaging concave surface 141, and the other is provided with an engaging convex surface 251. The shape and size of the engaging convex surface 251 match the shape and size of the engaging concave surface 141. This arrangement enables the first engaging portion 14 and the second engaging portion 25 to be fitted and fastened. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first engaging portion 14 is defined as being located on the inner wall of the body 11 of the lid 1, and the second engaging portion 25 is located on the outer wall of the wiring compartment 21 of the body 2. Figures 5-7It is known that the first engaging part 14 has an engaging concave surface 141, and the second engaging part 25 has an engaging convex surface 251. During the process of fastening the lid 1 to the box body 2, due to the engagement concave surface 141, the opening size of the first engaging part 14 on the opposite sidewalls of the lid 1 body 1 is smaller than the periphery size of the second engaging part 25. When the first engaging part 14 abuts against the second engaging part 25, it undergoes an outward elastic deformation. The user applies a vertically downward pushing force to the lid 1, causing the first engaging part 14 to move downward along the second engaging part 25. When the first engaging part 14 moves to the bottom edge of the second engaging part 25, under the action of the elastic stress of the first engaging part 14 itself, the engaging concave surface 141 and the engaging convex surface 251 engage and fasten tightly. Figure 7 As shown, it can effectively ensure the good sealing of the internal space formed by the cover 1 and the body 2, preventing sand, water or other impurities from entering the junction box, and also maintain the stability of the junction box structure, making it less susceptible to damage from external stress and less likely to break the snap-fit ​​connection.

[0041] Preferably, one of the first engaging portion 14 and the second engaging portion 25 is arranged around the inner side of the lid 1, and the other is arranged around the outer side of the body 2. This arrangement ensures that the first engaging portion 14 and the second engaging portion 25 are tightly connected without any misalignment, resulting in better connection stability.

[0042] In an optional embodiment, the protective layer 12 is configured to be made of aluminum alloy, and the outer surface of the aluminum alloy heat sink is provided with an anodized layer to improve its corrosion resistance and wear resistance, and better adapt to extreme environments.

[0043] In an optional embodiment, the protective layer 12 is configured to be made of copper or a copper alloy. Due to the high hardness of copper, it is not easily deformed or damaged under external forces and can adapt well to extreme environments.

[0044] In this embodiment, the direction in which cable 23 points to the accommodating space is defined as the first direction. Figure 5 The planar cross-sectional view of the cover 1 shown can be regarded as a plane cut along a plane perpendicular to the first direction. The shape of the cross-section of the cover 1 at this angle is approximately half a regular hexagon. In some preferred embodiments, the shape of the protective layer 12 can vary with the cover 1 and the box body 2, so that the cross-section cut along the plane perpendicular to the first direction after the cover 1 and the box body 2 are connected is a regular hexagon or near-hexagon. That is, the cover 1 and the box body 2 are hexagonal prisms after being fastened together. Based on what is well known to those skilled in the art: the interior angle of a regular hexagon is 120°. This angle can effectively disperse external pressure in mechanics, avoid stress concentration, and further enhance the strength of the photovoltaic junction box.

[0045] In summary, the photovoltaic junction box provided by this utility model includes a cover 1, a body 2, and a cable 23. A receiving space is formed between the cover 1 and the body 2, and components capable of conducting the current generated by the photovoltaic module are housed within this space. One end of the cable 23 is fixed within the receiving space, and the other end extends out of it. At least one of the cover 1 and the body 2 has a protective layer 12 made of metal on its outer surface. Due to the properties of metal, it can effectively resist external mechanical stress in low-temperature environments, preventing the junction box from cracking due to impact. Furthermore, due to the high thermal conductivity of metal, the protective layer 12 on the outer surface of the cover 1 and / or the body 2 effectively improves heat dissipation efficiency.

[0046] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0047] For ease of description, directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right," "horizontal, vertical, horizontal," and "top, bottom" generally indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are used solely for the purpose of facilitating the description of this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the referred mechanism or element must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner or outer contours relative to the components themselves. For example, if a device in the drawings is inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures will subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0048] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0050] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0051] It should also be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "another embodiment," and "embodiment" used in this specification refer to specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment, which are included in at least one embodiment described in the general description of this application. The appearance of the same expression in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, the intention is to suggest that implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments also falls within the scope of this application.

[0052] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0053] It should also be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the scope of patent protection of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural changes made using the content of this application’s specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic junction box, characterized by, include: A lid (1) and a body (2) are provided, with an accommodating space between the lid and the body; Cable (23), one end of which is fixed in the accommodating space and the other end extends out of the accommodating space; The outer surface of the lid and / or the body of the box is provided with a protective layer made of metal.

2. The photovoltaic junction box of claim 1, wherein, The protective layer is configured as a plurality of sheet-like structures arrayed in the same direction, and any one of the sheet-like structures is defined as a heat sink; A vent is formed between any two adjacent heat sinks for heat dissipation.

3. The photovoltaic junction box of claim 2, wherein, The heat sink is made of aluminum alloy, and the outer surface of the aluminum alloy heat sink is provided with an anodized layer.

4. The photovoltaic junction box of claim 1, wherein, One of the lid (1) and the body (2) is provided with a first engaging part (14), and the other is provided with a second engaging part (25). The first engaging part (14) and the second engaging part (25) are engaged and connected.

5. The photovoltaic junction box of claim 4, wherein, One of the first engaging part (14) and the second engaging part (25) is provided with an engaging concave surface (141), and the other is provided with an engaging convex surface (251); The shape and size of the engaging convex surface (251) match the shape and size of the engaging concave surface (141).

6. The photovoltaic junction box of claim 1, wherein, Both the lid (1) and the body (2) include an inner lining (15), the material of which is configured to be at least one of PPO, PC and PA.

7. The photovoltaic junction box of claim 1, wherein, The housing (2) includes a wiring compartment (21) and a positioning part (22). The cable (23) is fixedly connected to the positioning part (22). The positioning part (22) is used to position the cable (23). At least part of the cable (23) passes through the wiring compartment (21) and is used to connect the components in the wiring compartment (21).

8. The photovoltaic junction box of claim 7, wherein, It also includes a MOS transistor (24), which is fixedly disposed in the wiring compartment (21) and electrically connected to the cable (23).

9. A photovoltaic junction box according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that One of the first engaging part (14) and the second engaging part (25) is arranged around the inside of the lid (1), and the other is arranged around the outside of the box body (2).

10. The photovoltaic junction box of claim 2, wherein, The direction in which the cable points to the accommodating space is defined as the first direction, and the box body and the box cover are configured as regular hexagons along the cross section perpendicular to the first direction when connected.

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