Protective device for photovoltaic module connectors

Abstract

The application relates to the photovoltaic technical field, in particular to a protection device of a photovoltaic module connector. The protection device comprises a first shell, a second shell, a sealing element and a lock assembly. The first shell is internally provided with a first cavity with an open end. The end face of the open end of the first cavity is a first sealing surface. The second shell is internally provided with a second cavity with an open end. The end face of the open end of the second cavity is a second sealing surface. The sealing element is arranged on at least one of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface. The lock assembly comprises a first fixing element, a second fixing element and a moving cooperation element. The first fixing element and the second fixing element are oppositely arranged to jointly form a fixing part. The width of the fixing part gradually increases along the length direction. The moving cooperation element is sleeved on the fixing part and can move along the length direction of the fixing part. The lock assembly can adjust the locking force between the first shell and the second shell, thereby adjusting the pressure on the sealing element and compensating the sealing force reduction caused by the aging of the sealing element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of photovoltaic technology, and in particular to a protective device for a photovoltaic module connector. Background Technology

[0002] The Multi-Contact 4mm plug, also known as the MC4 plug, is a photovoltaic connector used to connect various components in a solar photovoltaic system, responsible for safely and efficiently transmitting the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic modules to the photovoltaic cable.

[0003] In existing solar photovoltaic systems, the protection measures for MC4 plugs when connecting photovoltaic cables and modules mainly rely on their built-in sealing rings and connector housings. MC4 plugs typically have an internal rubber sealing ring to prevent rainwater or dust from entering. However, this sealing ring is prone to aging and failure due to long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes, and humidity. MC4 plugs are usually fixed with a snap-fit ​​mechanism, but during construction, some workers, due to lack of experience or improper workmanship, may result in loose wire core crimping or inadequate sealing, leading to problems such as incomplete connections and short circuits. During photovoltaic power plant construction, MC4 plugs may be carelessly placed, making them susceptible to moisture or dust accumulation, affecting their subsequent reliability. Although there are protective boxes or sealing housings for MC4 plugs on the market, these devices often cannot effectively solve the comprehensive problems of aging, water leakage, and short circuit risks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, or at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a protective device for photovoltaic module connectors.

[0005] This application provides a protective device for a photovoltaic module connector, including a first housing, a second housing, a sealing element, and a locking assembly. The first housing has a first chamber with one end open, and the end face of the open end of the first chamber is a first sealing surface. The second housing has a second chamber with one end open, and the end face of the open end of the second chamber is a second sealing surface. The first housing and the second housing are connected by a hinge so that the first housing and the second housing can rotate relative to each other to a closed state. When the first housing and the second housing are in the closed state, the first chamber and the second chamber together form a mounting cavity for fixing an MC4 plug. The sealing element is disposed on at least one of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface. The locking assembly includes a first fixing element, a second fixing element, and a movable mating element. The first fixing element is disposed on the first housing, and the second fixing element is disposed on the second housing. When the first housing and the second housing are in the closed state, the first fixing element and the second fixing element are disposed opposite to each other to form a fixing part. The width of the fixing part gradually increases along the length direction. The movable mating element is sleeved on the fixing part and can move along the length direction of the fixing part.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first fixing member has a first sliding groove on the side facing away from the second fixing member, and the second fixing member has a second sliding groove on the side facing away from the first fixing member. Both the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are arranged along the length direction of the fixing part. The movable mating member includes a body part and two mating parts disposed on one side of the body part. The ends of the two mating parts are respectively slidably engaged with the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove.

[0007] In some embodiments, the distance between the two mating parts is less than or equal to the distance between the bottom of the first groove and the bottom of the second groove.

[0008] In some embodiments,

[0009] The first housing includes a first protective outer shell and a first fixed inner shell. The first fixed inner shell is disposed inside the first protective outer shell, and the first cavity is formed on the first fixed inner shell. A first protrusion is provided on the side wall of the first fixed inner shell facing away from the first protective outer shell. The first protrusion is correspondingly provided with the gap or recess of the MC4 plug.

[0010] And / or, the second housing includes a second protective outer shell and a second fixed inner shell, the second fixed inner shell being disposed inside the second protective outer shell, and the second chamber being formed on the second fixed inner shell, the second fixed inner shell having a second protrusion on its side wall facing away from the second protective outer shell, the second protrusion being correspondingly disposed to the gap or recess of the MC4 plug.

[0011] In some embodiments, a sealing groove is provided on the first sealing surface and / or the second sealing surface, and the sealing groove is correspondingly provided with the sealing element.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first housing is provided with a first snap-fit ​​groove at both ends, and the second housing is provided with a second snap-fit ​​groove at both ends. The second snap-fit ​​groove is provided correspondingly to the first snap-fit ​​groove to form a wire hole. The wire hole is used to place the connecting wires at both ends of the MC4 plug respectively.

[0013] In some embodiments, a waterproof layer is further included, which is disposed between an end of the first protective outer shell and the corresponding end of the first fixed inner shell, and between an end of the second protective outer shell and the end of the second fixed inner shell.

[0014] In some embodiments, both the first and second snap-fit ​​grooves are provided with a sealing layer and a fixing layer. The sealing layer is located on the side of the fixing layer away from the mounting cavity, and the sidewall of the fixing layer is provided with anti-slip protrusions.

[0015] In some embodiments, the sealing layer and the fixing layer are located on both sides of the waterproof layer.

[0016] In some embodiments, the device further includes a water-absorbing component and a fire-retardant component, wherein the first fixed inner shell and / or the second fixed inner shell are provided with mounting grooves, and the water-absorbing component and the fire-retardant component are sequentially embedded in the mounting grooves.

[0017] The technical solution provided in this application has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0018] The protective device for the photovoltaic module connector provided in this application embodiment, through the hinge, allows the first and second housings to be opened or closed. Opening the first and second housings allows the MC4 plug to be placed inside the mounting cavity; closing the first and second housings secures the MC4 plug within the mounting cavity. The sealing element seals the mounting cavity, preventing external water, dust, and other contaminants from entering and corroding the MC4 plug. This solves the problem of high failure rates of MC4 plugs exposed to outdoor conditions such as wind, rain, and humidity. Furthermore, the locking assembly can adjust the locking force between the first and second housings, thereby adjusting the pressure acting on the sealing element and compensating for the decrease in sealing force caused by seal aging. The sealing effect can be restored without replacing the sealing element. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the protective device for the photovoltaic module connector described in the embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the protective device for the photovoltaic module connector described in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is another perspective structural schematic diagram of the protective device for the photovoltaic module connector described in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the photovoltaic module connector in the closed state according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Wherein, 1, first housing; 11, first protective outer shell; 12, first fixed inner shell; 13, first snap-fit ​​groove; 111, first fastener; 121, first protrusion; 131, first sealing layer; 132, first fixing layer;

[0026] 2. Second housing; 21. First protective outer shell; 22. Second fixed inner shell; 23. Waterproof layer; 24. Second snap-fit ​​groove; 241. Second sealing layer; 242. Second fixing layer; 212. Moving mating part; 211. Second fixing part; 2111. First rectangular block; 2112. Elastic arm; 221. Second protrusion; 201. Second chamber; 202. Sealing groove;

[0027] 3. MC4 plug; 31. Connecting cable;

[0028] 4. Sealing components;

[0029] 5. Water-absorbing components;

[0030] 6. Fireproof and flame-retardant components. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application, the solution of this application will be further described below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0032] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application, but this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein; obviously, the embodiments in the specification are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a protective device for a photovoltaic module connector includes a first housing 1, a second housing 2, a sealing element 4, and a locking assembly. The first housing 1 has a first chamber open at one end, with the open end face of the first chamber serving as a first sealing surface. The second housing 2 has a second chamber 201 open at one end, with the open end face of the second chamber 201 serving as a second sealing surface. The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are connected by a hinge, allowing them to rotate relative to each other to a closed state. When the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are in the closed state, the first chamber and the second chamber 201... 1. Together they form an installation cavity for fixing the MC4 plug 3; 4. A sealing element 4 is disposed on at least one of the first cover and the second sealing surface; the locking assembly includes a first fixing element 111, a second fixing element 211 and a movable mating element 212. The first fixing element 111 is disposed on the first housing 1 and the second fixing element 211 is disposed on the second housing 2. When the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are in a closed state, the first fixing element 111 and the second fixing element 211 are disposed opposite to each other to form a fixing part. The width of the fixing part gradually increases along the length direction. The movable mating element 212 is sleeved on the fixing part and moves along the length direction of the fixing part.

[0034] When the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are closed, the MC4 plug 3 can be fixed in the mounting cavity. The seal 4, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are closed, provides a sealing effect to the mounting cavity, preventing external water, dust, etc., from entering the mounting cavity and affecting the normal use of the MC4 plug 3. When the seal 4 is damaged, the locking force exerted by the moving mating part 212 on the fixed part is increased by adjusting the relative position of the moving mating part 212 and the fixed part.

[0035] The protective device for the photovoltaic module connector provided in this application embodiment, through the hinge, allows the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 to be opened or closed. Opening the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 allows the MC4 plug 3 to be placed inside the mounting cavity. Closing the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 fixes the MC4 plug 3 inside the mounting cavity. The sealing element 4 seals the mounting cavity, preventing external water, dust, etc., from entering and corroding the MC4 plug 3. This solves the problem of high failure rate of the MC4 plug 3 when exposed to the outdoors and affected by wind, rain, humidity, and other environmental factors. Furthermore, the locking assembly can adjust the locking force between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, thereby adjusting the pressure acting on the sealing element 4 and compensating for the decrease in sealing force caused by the aging of the sealing element 4. The sealing effect can be restored without replacing the sealing element 4.

[0036] In some embodiments of this application, the first fixing member 111 is provided with a first sliding groove on the side facing away from the second fixing member 211, and the second fixing member 211 is provided with a second sliding groove on the side facing away from the first fixing member 111. Both the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are provided along the length direction of the fixing part. The movable mating member 212 includes a main body and two mating parts provided on one side of the main body. The ends of the two mating parts are respectively slidably mated with the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove.

[0037] Specifically, the first fixing member 111 is a rectangular block, and the second fixing member 211 includes the first rectangular block 2111 and an elastic arm 2112. The first rectangular block 2111 and the elastic arm 2112 are arranged sequentially along the length of the first fixing member 111. One end of the elastic arm 2112 is fixedly connected to the lower edge of the first rectangular block 2111. In the direction away from the first rectangular block 2111, the distance between the elastic arm 2112 and the end face of the open end of the second housing 2 gradually increases, so that when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are in the closed state, the width of the fixing part formed by the first fixing member 111 and the second fixing member 211 gradually increases. The length of the first fixing member 111 is equal to the overall length of the second fixing member 211. The first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are arranged opposite each other and have the same length. The second sliding groove is provided on the first rectangular block 2111, and the elastic arm 2112 is not provided with a second sliding groove.

[0038] The main body is flat and parallel to the fixing part when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are closed. The mating part is L-shaped, with two mating parts arranged opposite each other, and each mating part slides into the first and second sliding grooves respectively. The minimum distance between the ends of the two mating parts is less than or equal to the distance between the bottom of the first and second sliding grooves, so that when the two mating parts extend into the first and second sliding grooves, the first fixing member 111 and the second fixing member 211 are locked together by the two mating parts.

[0039] In some embodiments of this application, the first housing 1 includes a first protective outer shell 11 and a first fixed inner shell 12. The first fixed inner shell 12 is disposed inside the first protective outer shell 11, and a first chamber is formed on the first fixed inner shell 12. A first protrusion 121 is provided on the side wall of the first fixed inner shell 12 facing away from the first protective outer shell 11. The first protrusion 121 is correspondingly provided with the gap or recess of the MC4 plug 3. The outer surface of the MC4 plug 3 is not a regular arc-shaped surface and there may be gaps or recesses. Providing the first protrusion 121 on the side wall of the first fixed inner shell 12 facing away from the first protective outer shell 11 to cooperate with the gaps or recesses can improve the fixing effect of the first fixed inner shell 12 on the MC4 plug 3.

[0040] Specifically, the first protrusion 121 on the inner sidewall of the first fixed inner shell 12 has a contouring effect and engages with the outer surface of the MC4 plug 3 to be fixed, thereby improving the fixing effect of the MC4 plug 3.

[0041] The structure of the second housing 2 is similar to that of the first housing 1, including a second protective outer shell 21 and a second fixed inner shell 22 disposed inside the second protective outer shell 21. The second chamber 201 is formed on the second fixed inner shell 22. A second protrusion 221 is provided on the side wall of the second fixed inner shell 22 facing away from the second protective outer shell 21. The second protrusion 221 is correspondingly provided with the gap or recess of the MC4 plug 3.

[0042] In some embodiments of this application, a sealing groove 202 is provided on the first sealing surface and / or the second sealing surface, and the sealing groove 202 is correspondingly provided with a sealing strip. Specifically, the first sealing surface is provided with a first sealing groove 202, the second sealing surface is provided with a first sealing strip corresponding to the first sealing groove 202, the second sealing surface is provided with a second sealing groove 202, and the first sealing surface is provided with a second sealing strip corresponding to the second sealing groove 202. The second sealing groove 202 is located outside the first sealing strip, and both the first and second sealing grooves 202 are annular, respectively surrounding the first and second chambers 201. This double-layer sealing structure improves the sealing effect between the first and second sealing surfaces.

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, the first housing 1 has a first snap-fit ​​groove 13 at both ends, and the second housing 2 has a second snap-fit ​​groove 24 at both ends. The second snap-fit ​​groove 24 is correspondingly arranged with the first snap-fit ​​groove 13, and together they form a wire hole for placing the connecting wires 31 at both ends of the MC4 plug 3. The first snap-fit ​​groove 13 is formed on the first sealing surface and communicates with the first chamber, and the second snap-fit ​​groove 24 is formed on the second sealing surface and communicates with the second chamber 201. Both the first snap-fit ​​groove 13 and the second snap-fit ​​groove 24 are arc-shaped grooves. When the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are closed, the first snap-fit ​​groove 13 and the second snap-fit ​​groove 24 fix the connecting wires 31 in the formed wire hole.

[0044] In some embodiments of this application, the protective device for the photovoltaic module connector further includes a waterproof layer 23. The waterproof layer 23 is disposed between the end of the first protective outer shell 11 and the corresponding end of the first fixed inner shell 12, and between the end of the second protective outer shell 21 and the end of the second fixed inner shell 22. This prevents moisture from penetrating into the mounting cavity. The waterproof layer 23 may be disposed around the mounting cavity, or it may be disposed only at both ends of the mounting cavity, that is, between the ends of the first protective outer shell 11 and the first fixed inner shell 12.

[0045] In some embodiments of this application, the first snap-fit ​​groove 13 and the second snap-fit ​​groove 24 are provided with a sealing layer and a fixing layer. The sealing layer is located on the side of the fixing layer away from the mounting cavity, and the side wall of the fixing layer is provided with a protective protrusion.

[0046] Specifically, the first snap-fit ​​groove is provided with a first sealing layer 131 and a first fixing layer 132, and the second snap-fit ​​groove 24 is provided with a second sealing layer 241 and a second fixing layer 242. The sealing layer and the fixing layer are formed on the inner wall of the wire hole, and the sealing layer is formed at the outer end of the wire hole. From the outside to the inside, the wire hole first passes through the sealing layer and then the fixing layer, preventing external moisture from entering the mounting cavity through the wire hole.

[0047] Both the first fixing layer 132 and the second fixing layer 242 have threads on their mating surfaces with the first snap-fit ​​groove 13 and the second snap-fit ​​groove 24, increasing the friction between the first fixing layer 132 and the second fixing layer 242 and the first snap-fit ​​groove 13 and the second snap-fit ​​groove 24, thus improving the fixing effect. Protective protrusions are provided on the sidewalls of the first fixing layer 132 and the second fixing layer 242 to increase the friction with the connecting wire 31, further improving the fixing effect on the connecting wire 31. The protective protrusions can also be in the form of threads.

[0048] The cable inlet and outlet are equipped with protective protrusions and other anti-slip structures to avoid problems such as plug loosening or poor contact caused by construction errors.

[0049] In some embodiments of this application, the sealing layer and the fixing layer are located on both sides of the waterproof layer 23. Through multiple protections, moisture is prevented from entering the installation cavity, external moisture penetration is isolated, and short circuits and grounding faults of the MC4 plug 3 are avoided.

[0050] In some embodiments of this application, the protective device for the photovoltaic module connector further includes a water-absorbing component 5 and a fire-retardant component 6. A mounting groove is provided on the first fixed inner shell 12, and the water-absorbing component 5 and the fire-retardant component 6 are sequentially embedded into the mounting groove. The water-absorbing component 5 uses a special moisture-absorbing material to absorb moisture entering the device, preventing the MC4 plug 3 from getting damp. Combined with the seal 4, sealing layer, and waterproof layer 23, it can prevent short circuits or electric shocks caused by moisture accumulation, even in high humidity or heavy rain. The fire-retardant component 6 uses a flame-retardant plastic material resistant to ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures, and low temperatures, and can withstand temperature changes from -40℃ to 85℃, without easily aging or deforming. It has passed the IP68 protection test and possesses extremely high waterproof and dustproof capabilities.

[0051] In some embodiments of this application, both the first protective housing 11 and the second protective housing 21 are made of flame-retardant materials, which can effectively prevent the spread of fire caused by short circuit.

[0052] The protective device for photovoltaic module connectors provided in this application is suitable for DC-side connection protection in centralized and distributed photovoltaic power plants, especially in high-humidity, rainy and snowy environments (such as coastal areas, southern cities and mountainous areas), and large photovoltaic power plants with multiple construction units. It can reduce potential problems caused by inconsistent construction quality. For the renovation of old photovoltaic power plants that have been in operation for a long time, it can improve safety and extend service life.

[0053] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0054] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A protective device for a photovoltaic module connector, characterized in that, The device includes a first housing, a second housing, a seal, and a locking assembly. The first housing has a first chamber open at one end, and the end face of the open end of the first chamber is a first sealing surface. The second housing has a second chamber open at one end, and the end face of the open end of the second chamber is a second sealing surface. The first housing and the second housing are connected by a hinge, allowing them to rotate relative to each other to a closed state. When the first housing and the second housing are closed, the first chamber and the second chamber together form an installation cavity for fixing an MC4 plug. The seal is disposed on at least one of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface. The locking assembly includes a first fixing member, a second fixing member, and a movable fitting member. The first fixing member is disposed on the first housing, and the second fixing member is disposed on the second housing. When the first housing and the second housing are closed, the first fixing member and the second fixing member are arranged opposite each other to form a fixing part. The width of the fixing part gradually increases along the length direction. The movable fitting member is sleeved on the fixing part and can move along the length direction of the fixing part.

2. The protective device for the photovoltaic module connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixing member has a first sliding groove on the side facing away from the second fixing member, and the second fixing member has a second sliding groove on the side facing away from the first fixing member. Both the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are arranged along the length direction of the fixing part. The movable mating member includes a body part and two mating parts arranged on one side of the body part. The ends of the two mating parts are respectively slidably engaged with the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove.

3. The protective device for the photovoltaic module connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The distance between the two mating parts is less than or equal to the distance between the bottom of the first groove and the bottom of the second groove.

4. The protective device for the photovoltaic module connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing includes a first protective outer shell and a first fixed inner shell. The first fixed inner shell is disposed inside the first protective outer shell, and the first cavity is formed on the first fixed inner shell. A first protrusion is provided on the side wall of the first fixed inner shell facing away from the first protective outer shell. The first protrusion is correspondingly provided with the gap or recess of the MC4 plug. And / or, the second housing includes a second protective outer shell and a second fixed inner shell, the second fixed inner shell being disposed inside the second protective outer shell, and the second chamber being formed on the second fixed inner shell, the second fixed inner shell having a second protrusion on its side wall facing away from the second protective outer shell, the second protrusion being correspondingly disposed to the gap or recess of the MC4 plug.

5. The protective device for the photovoltaic module connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing groove is provided on the first sealing surface and / or the second sealing surface, and the sealing groove is provided corresponding to the sealing element.

6. The protective device for the photovoltaic module connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first housing has a first snap-fit ​​groove at both ends, and the second housing has a second snap-fit ​​groove at both ends. The second snap-fit ​​groove is provided in correspondence with the first snap-fit ​​groove to form a wire hole. The wire hole is used to place the connecting wires at both ends of the MC4 plug respectively.

7. The protective device for the photovoltaic module connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a waterproof layer disposed between the end of the first protective outer shell and the end of the first fixed inner shell, and between the end of the second protective outer shell and the end of the second fixed inner shell.

8. The protective device for the photovoltaic module connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, Both the first and second snap-fit ​​grooves are provided with a sealing layer and a fixing layer. The sealing layer is located on the side of the fixing layer away from the mounting cavity, and the side wall of the fixing layer is provided with anti-slip protrusions.

9. The protective device for the photovoltaic module connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sealing layer and the fixing layer are located on both sides of the waterproof layer.

10. The protective device for the photovoltaic module connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a water-absorbing component and a fire-retardant component. The first fixed inner shell and / or the second fixed inner shell are provided with mounting grooves, and the water-absorbing component and the fire-retardant component are sequentially embedded into the mounting grooves.

Images