Electrical coupling devices for photovoltaic systems.

Abstract

DEPCT63 This invention relates to an electrical junction box for an external enclosure panel. A building incorporating at least one photovoltaic module, including an electrode at one point. At the longitudinal end of this unit, there is an electrode with opposite polarity at the other end of the unit. First, a junction box which includes the first and second frame enclosures that can be locked together. Yes, the first enclosure frame, which includes the base including the opening which is closed at the top by a sealing chamber, and the passage walls. The sides surrounding the base and extending perpendicularly to that section, the side walls which include removable passageways. Used as a conduit for electrical wires, electrical connectors mounted perpendicular to the base, a second enclosed frame including the base and walls. The side walls that surround the base and extend perpendicularly to that section; the side walls which include cable routing; An electrical connector with a polarity opposite to that of the electrical connector of the first enclosure frame; connector. The electrical conductor is on an axis perpendicular to the base, attached to the base and positioned such that this part is directly above it. Aligned vertically with the electrical connectors of the first frame when the first and second frame enclosures are locked. Between each other This invention is further concerned with panels of exterior building cladding material that are assembled together. Along with the junction box as per this design, the associated canopy, and the associated connection kit. Related electrical equipment -----------------------------------------------------------

Description

[0001] Photovoltaic installation electrical connection device

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrical connection box for an exterior cladding panel of a building supporting at least one photovoltaic module. Such a panel is intended primarily, but not exclusively, for use in photovoltaic roofs.

[0003] It is known to make roof coverings with ribbed panels, for example in pre-painted galvanized steel, whose edges overlap to ensure the roof is watertight.

[0004] It is also known, notably from WO2009090347, that photovoltaic modules are being installed on building roofs. These modules may consist of flexible strips bonded to the surface of the corrugated panel's grooves. In the future, they could also be photovoltaic devices applied directly to the surface of the corrugated panel's grooves, particularly using vacuum or atmospheric pressure deposition processes. These modules are interconnected by a network of cables, preferably located primarily on the underside of the roof to prevent premature cable degradation and preserve the building's aesthetics.

[0005] However, such an arrangement has the disadvantage of requiring access to the under-roof to ensure the connection, on the back face of the ribbed panels, of two successive modules.

[0006] It is known from JP10102708 that cables can be avoided by using, on the one hand, a male electrical connector located near the bottom edge of the panel on the underside and, on the other hand, a female electrical connector located near the top edge of the panel on the upper side. When assembling two longitudinally adjacent roof panels, the male electrical connector of the upper panel is inserted into the female electrical connector of the lower panel, thus electrically connecting the photovoltaic module of the upper panel to the photovoltaic module of the lower panel. However, this arrangement does not allow for easy adjustment of the photovoltaic installation's wiring diagram so that the cable exits to the inverter are located at the roof ridge.This type of connection requires two types of roof panels, distinguished by an inverted arrangement of the photovoltaic cells and different male / female connectors. The first type of panel is used to create a first column of electrically connected photovoltaic modules running from the ridge down the slope. The second type of panel is used to create a second column of electrically connected photovoltaic modules running from the slope up to the ridge, this column being adjacent to the first. The electrical connection between the columns and the inverter then requires several types of electrical connections depending on the male and female connectors to be used. The sheer number of components required to construct such a roof is a significant obstacle to its adoption by roof installers.

[0007] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned problems by providing an electrical connection box and an associated panel that facilitates the assembly of panels and the wiring of photovoltaic modules.

[0008] To this end, the invention's primary object is an exterior building cladding panel comprising:

[0009] - an upper transverse edge comprising an upper overlap area intended to be covered by an adjacent panel,

[0010] - a lower transverse edge comprising a lower overlap area intended to cover an adjacent panel,

[0011] - a central part, connecting the transverse edges, covered with at least one pair of photovoltaic module columns, each column comprising an electrical pole at one of its longitudinal ends and an electrical pole of opposite polarity at the other end, the poles of two adjacent columns being of opposite polarities,

[0012] - a day located in the lower overlap zone and crossed by a conductive ribbon connecting one of the two electrical poles of the photovoltaic module column to one of the two shells of a connection box, this shell being located on the reverse side of the panel in the lower overlap zone,

[0013] - a recess, located in the upper cover area, in which the other of the two shells of the connection box is placed, this shell being connected to the other electrical pole of the column of photovoltaic modules,

[0014] the connection box comprising a first shell and a second shell that fit one inside the other,

[0015] - the first shell comprising:

[0016] o a base comprising an opening surmounted by a sealing chamber, o a side wall surrounding the base and extending perpendicularly to it, the side wall comprising a removable hatch for cable passage,

[0017] o an electrical terminal connected to the bottom, with its axis perpendicular to the bottom,

[0018] - the second hull, comprising:

[0019] o a background,

[0020] o a side wall surrounding the bottom and extending perpendicularly to it, the side wall including a cable passage,

[0021] o an electrical terminal of opposite polarity to the electrical terminal of the first hull, the electrical terminal being perpendicular to the bottom, connected to the bottom and positioned so that it is directly above the electrical terminal of the first hull when the first and second hulls are nested into each other.

[0022] The panel according to the invention may also include the following optional features, taken individually or in combination:

[0023] - the electrical terminal is electrically connected to the sealing chamber,

[0024] - The first shell is positioned on the reverse side of the panel in the lower overlap area, and the second shell is positioned in the recess; - The first shell is positioned directly above the opening.

[0025] - the second shell is positioned on the reverse side of the panel in the lower overlap area, while the first shell is positioned in the recess.

[0026] - the second shell is connected to an electrical pole of the photovoltaic module column via an electrical cable and a junction box,

[0027] - the two shells are positioned at the same distance from the first longitudinal edge and the distance between the first shell and the lower transverse edge of the panel is identical to the distance between the second shell and the lower edge of the upper overlap area,

[0028] A second object of the invention is a roof comprising an assembly by marginal overlap of at least two panels according to the invention.

[0029] A third object of the invention consists of an electrical connection box for an exterior cladding panel of a building supporting at least one photovoltaic module comprising an electrical pole at one of its longitudinal ends and an electrical pole of opposite polarity at the other end, the connection box comprising a first shell and a second shell that can be nested one inside the other,

[0030] - the first shell comprising:

[0031] o a base comprising an opening surmounted by a sealing chamber, o a side wall surrounding the base and extending perpendicularly to it, the side wall comprising a removable hatch for cable passage,

[0032] o an electrical terminal connected to the bottom, with its axis perpendicular to the bottom,

[0033] - the second hull, comprising:

[0034] o a base, o a side wall surrounding the base and extending perpendicularly to it, the side wall including a cable passage,

[0035] o an electrical terminal of opposite polarity to the electrical terminal of the first hull, the electrical terminal being perpendicular to the bottom, connected to the bottom and positioned so that it is directly above the electrical terminal of the first hull when the first and second hulls are nested into each other.

[0036] The connection box according to the invention may also include the following optional features, taken individually or in combination:

[0037] - the bottom of the first shell has no opening other than the orifice,

[0038] - the sealing chamber of the first hull comprises a partition, with a closed contour, disposed on the bottom, extending from it and surrounding the opening,

[0039] - the sealing chamber is topped with a lid,

[0040] - the electrical terminal of the first shell includes a conductive tab extending into the sealing chamber,

[0041] - The electrical terminal of the first hull is covered by a protective cover,

[0042] - One of the electrical terminals includes a cylindrical conductive lug topped with an insulating tip,

[0043] - the side walls of both hulls are circular in cross-section,

[0044] - The removable hatch is a watertight plug positioned in an opening made in the thickness of the side wall.

[0045] - the electrical terminal of one of the two shells comprises a vertically oriented tube and conductive strips arranged along the inner wall of the tube and extending along the axis of the tube,

[0046] - the perimeter of the side wall of the first shell is smaller than the perimeter of the side wall of the second shell, so that the side wall fits at least partially into the second shell, sliding parallel to the inner face of the side wall of that shell,

[0047] - the side wall of one of the two shells includes a peripheral sealing gasket located on its outer face,

[0048] - the side panel of one of the two shells includes fixing clips,

[0049] - the side wall of the first shell includes a recess and the side wall of the second shell includes a recess,

[0050] - the recess in the side wall and the removable hatch of the first hull are separated angularly by an angle α, while the cable passage and the recess in the second hull are separated angularly by the same angle α,

[0051] - one of the two shells includes a peripheral rim on the outer face of its side wall.

[0052] A fourth object of the invention consists of a kit for connecting panels equipped with a photovoltaic device to a converter, consisting of an even number of columns of photovoltaic modules, each column comprising an electrical pole at one of its longitudinal ends and an electrical pole of opposite polarity at the other end, the poles of two adjacent columns being of opposite polarity, the kit comprising:

[0053] - an electrical connection box according to the invention,

[0054] - an electrical cable fitted at both ends with a second connection box shell according to the invention, each end of the electrical cable being inserted into the cable passage of this shell,

[0055] - a first connection box shell according to the invention equipped with an electrical cable inserted into the removable cable passage hatch of this shell.

[0056] A fifth object of the invention consists of a kit for connecting panels equipped with a photovoltaic device to a converter, consisting of an even number of columns of photovoltaic modules, each column comprising an electrical pole at one of its longitudinal ends and an electrical pole of opposite polarity at the other end, the poles of two adjacent columns being of opposite polarity, the kit comprising:

[0057] - an electrical connection box according to the invention,

[0058] - an electrical cable fitted at both ends with a first connection box shell of the invention, each end of the electrical cable being inserted into the removable cable entry hatch of this shell,

[0059] - a second connection box shell according to the invention equipped with an electrical cable inserted in the cable passage of this shell.

[0060] A sixth object of the invention consists of an electrical device, suitable for connection to a converter, comprising an assembly of panels inclined at a given slope and comprising:

[0061] o an upper transverse edge comprising an upper overlap area intended to be covered by an adjacent panel,

[0062] o a lower transverse edge comprising a lower overlap area intended to cover an adjacent panel,

[0063] o a photovoltaic system consisting of an even number of columns of photovoltaic modules, each column comprising an electrical pole at each of its ends, the polarity of an electrical pole at one end being the opposite of that of the electrical pole at the other end, the poles of two adjacent columns being of opposite polarity,

[0064] o the electrical pole at the lower end of each column, taking the form of a first connection box shell according to the invention, positioned on the reverse side of the panel at the level of the lower overlap area,

[0065] o the electrical pole at the upper end of each column being in the form of a second connection box shell according to the invention, positioned on the upper face of the panel at the level of the upper overlap area, the panels being juxtaposed by marginal overlap of their longitudinal edges and / or their transverse edges so as to form rows of photovoltaic modules in the direction of the slope, the assembly being such that:

[0066] - at the marginal overlap of two adjacent panels in the same row, the first shell at the lower end of each column of the upper panel is fitted into or onto the second shell at the upper end of the opposite column on the lower panel,

[0067] - at the bottom of the assembly slope, the first shell at the lower end of the first row is electrically connected to the first shell at the lower end of the second row, and so on, the connection between the two rows being made by means of a transverse connector comprising two second shells connected by an electrical cable,

[0068] - at the ridge, the second shells at the upper ends of the rows are connected to the converter, by means of a first shell equipped with an electrical cable inserted in the removable hatch, or between them in a similar way to what is done at the bottom of the slope by means of a transverse connector comprising two first shells connected by an electrical cable.

[0069] As will be understood, the invention is based on the choice of two interlocking shells designed to allow all electrical connections for the exterior photovoltaic cladding of a building to be made using only these two shells. These shells allow for the electrical connection of two panels to each other, the electrical connection of photovoltaic modules at the bottom of a slope to each other or to the inverter, and the electrical connection of photovoltaic modules at the ridge to each other or to the inverter. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description.

[0070] To illustrate the invention, tests were carried out and will be described by way of non-limiting examples, in particular with reference to the figures which represent:

[0071] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given by way of explanation but not limitation, with reference to the attached figures which represent:

[0072] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exterior cladding panel of a building supporting at least one photovoltaic module,

[0073] - Figure 2 is a perspective view of the upper part of the panel in Figure 1,

[0074] - Figure 3 is a perspective view of the lower part of the panel in Figure 1,

[0075] - Figure 4 is a perspective view of the reverse side of the lower part of an exterior cladding panel of a building supporting at least one photovoltaic module,

[0076] - Figure 5 is a perspective view of the upper part of an exterior cladding panel of a building supporting at least one photovoltaic module,

[0077] - Figure 6 is a perspective view of a first shell of a connection box according to one embodiment,

[0078] - Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the first hull of Figure 6,

[0079] - Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second shell of a connection box according to one embodiment,

[0080] - Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the first hull of Figure 8,

[0081] - Figure 10 is a perspective view of the interlocking of a first shell and a second shell of a connection box according to one embodiment, - Figure 11 is a perspective view of a transverse connector according to one embodiment,

[0082] - Figure 12 is a perspective view of a transverse connector according to another embodiment.

[0083] The same reference numbers represent the same elements in each of the figures.

[0084] Throughout this text, the term "panel" refers to a flat element, meaning one that is relatively thin compared to its other dimensions. A panel can be a plate or sheet made of a single material or a composite material. In the latter case, the panel is a layering of several layers of the same or different materials. The material in question can be, among other things, a metallic material, a polymer, or a ceramic. Examples of metallic materials include, but are not limited to, steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc. Preferably, the panel is a metal sheet. Ideally, this is pre-galvanized and pre-painted steel to protect it from corrosion. Optionally, the panel can be foamed on its underside to form the outer facing of a sandwich panel.

[0085] In the context of the invention, the panel will preferably have been previously shaped using any known shaping process, including, but not limited to, folding, profiling, stamping, and molding. The panel is then said to be profiled.

[0086] This shaping process leads, in particular, to the formation of ribs on the panel surface. Throughout this text, a rib will be defined as a projection formed on the panel surface. The rib can be trapezoidal, as in the examples shown below, or rectangular, corrugated, sinusoidal, or omega-shaped, for example. It comprises a central upper section and two lateral flanges. Ribs are generally formed parallel to the longitudinal edges of the panel, notably to facilitate the assembly of adjacent panels, to ensure a good seal in the joint, or to stiffen the panel.To form an exterior building cladding, such as a roof or a facade, the panels are assembled by marginally overlapping their longitudinal and transverse edges and fixed to the building's load-bearing structure by means of fixing such as screws, nails or rivets.

[0087] In the following description, to facilitate understanding of the invention, reference will be made only to a roof, although the invention can be used for any exterior cladding of a building and, as such, be oriented and / or inclined in various ways.

[0088] Consequently, the terms "above", "below", "on", "under", "superior", "lower",... refer to the relative position of an element of the invention compared to another element when the panel and / or the connection box according to the invention are positioned on a roof.

[0089] Throughout this text, a photovoltaic module will be defined as an assembly capable of converting solar energy into electricity and enclosed by a protective barrier that isolates the electrically connected photovoltaic cells from the outside. This may include, but is not limited to, a module in the form of a flexible ribbon bonded to the central part of the panel, or a module manufactured directly on the central part of the panel by successive deposition of appropriate layers using vacuum or atmospheric pressure deposition processes.

[0090] Within each photovoltaic module, the arrangement and organization of the photovoltaic cells is not limited. For example, the cells may be arranged one below the other in a single row or in multiple rows, with the rows connected to each other to form a kind of folded ribbon. Preferably, and to facilitate the fabrication of photovoltaic modules directly onto a moving steel strip using vacuum or atmospheric pressure deposition processes, the cells are arranged in a single row.

[0091] In the context of the invention, the photovoltaic module comprises an electrical pole at one of its longitudinal ends and an electrical pole of opposite polarity at the other end. These electrical poles are typically in the form of a conductive ribbon connected to the end photovoltaic cell of the module. In the context of the invention, the cross-section and shape of the conductive ribbon may vary. The electrical poles may also take other forms.

[0092] Throughout this text, a column of photovoltaic modules will be understood as all the photovoltaic modules placed end to end along the length of a panel. A column of photovoltaic modules can therefore consist of a single photovoltaic module or be made up of several photovoltaic modules placed end to end. The end-to-end connection of two successive photovoltaic modules is achieved by electrically connecting the last photovoltaic cell of one module to the first photovoltaic cell of the other module, such that the two cells are connected in series.

[0093] In the context of the invention, each column comprises an electrical pole at one of its longitudinal ends and an electrical pole of opposite polarity at the other end. In other words, each column comprises, at its lower end, an electrical pole that coincides with the electrical pole at the lower end of the first module of that column, and at its upper end, an electrical pole of opposite polarity that coincides with the electrical pole at the upper end of the last module of that column.

[0094] With reference to Figure 1, the exterior building cladding panel 1 is mainly made up of a first longitudinal edge 2, a second longitudinal edge 3, an upper transverse edge 4, a lower transverse edge 5, the four edges being connected by a central part 6 covered with at least one pair of columns 7 of photovoltaic modules (for example, as illustrated here, two columns of a module made up of nine photovoltaic cells).

[0095] The upper transverse edge 4 includes an upper overlap zone 41 intended to be covered by an adjacent panel during roof assembly. This upper overlap zone typically has a width of between 150 and 500 mm, depending, among other things, on the roof pitch. The lower transverse edge 5 includes a lower overlap zone 51 intended to cover an adjacent panel during roof assembly. This lower overlap zone typically has a width of between 150 and 500 mm, depending, among other things, on the roof pitch.

[0096] The first longitudinal edge 2 preferably includes a first longitudinal rib consisting of a rib crest and two lateral wings extending from the rib crest on either side of it and downwards. Its function is, in particular, to secure the panel to the building structure at the crest of the panel's corrugation, and not in the trough. This prevents water from pooling near the fixings and thus avoids potential leaks in the roof's waterproofing.

[0097] In this example, the rib apex is flat and the lateral wings are inclined, extending downwards and outwards from the rib apex. Within the scope of the invention, the first longitudinal rib may, of course, have other shapes than that described in this example.

[0098] The second longitudinal edge 3 preferably comprises a second longitudinal rib consisting of a rib crest and two lateral wings extending from the rib crest on either side of it and downwards, intended to be covered by the first longitudinal rib of the adjacent panel when two panels are joined. The shapes of the first and second longitudinal ribs are adjusted accordingly. Preferably, the shapes are adjusted so as to ensure watertightness when the panel is used on a roof. Preferably, the two ribs are of substantially identical shape and dimensions so that the overlap is perfectly contiguous and therefore perfectly watertight. However, within the scope of the invention, the overlap may only be locally contiguous.A skilled craftsman who understands these sealing issues will be able to adapt the shapes of the two longitudinal ribs according to the desired aesthetic while ensuring the sealing of the assembly.

[0099] Preferably, the photovoltaic module columns are aligned substantially parallel to a longitudinal edge of the panel, to take advantage of the panel's shape and thus limit the number of columns, which in turn reduces the number of junction boxes required for their connection. Even more preferably, the columns are of identical length and their ends are aligned substantially parallel to a transverse edge of the panel, so as to facilitate the connection of columns from two adjacent panels.

[0100] To facilitate the wiring of a panel assembly, as will be described later, the poles of two adjacent columns are of reversed polarity.

[0101] Preferably, the columns of a panel are not electrically connected to each other. The electrical connection between the columns will then only be made after the panels are assembled, as will be described later. This simplifies panel manufacturing in the factory and allows the wiring to be adjusted on-site to the specific assembly requirements.

[0102] Referring to Figure 2, the upper overlap area 41 of panel 1 preferably includes a recess 8, that is, a portion of the panel located in a plane below the plane of the portion of the central part 6 on which the columns 7 of photovoltaic modules rest. In other words, this recess is distinguished from the rest of the central part 6 by a difference in level. It is visible from the upper face of panel 1.

[0103] This recess allows for the positioning, within the space created between the panel in question and the adjacent panel that covers it in the upper overlap zone 41, of an electrical connection box, electrical cables, and / or conductive tapes. By adjusting the respective dimensions of the recess, the connection box, the electrical cables, and / or the conductive tapes, it is possible to create a seamless overlap between the upper overlap zone 41 and the lower overlap zone 51 of the adjacent panel. This promotes a watertight seal between the two adjacent panels.

[0104] For the same reason of watertightness, the recess 8 does not protrude beyond the upper overlap area so that rainwater running off the roof does not enter the recess. The recess 8 can be created by stamping the panel or by any other shaping technique known to those skilled in the art and suitable for the situation.

[0105] The electrical connection box can be fixed in the recess by any suitable means such as, for example, glue, adhesive, or a peripheral collar.

[0106] Preferably, the electrical connection box can be fixed in the recess by means of an opening 9 made in the recess. Such an opening allows one of the two halves of the electrical connection box to be recessed. This is particularly advantageous if the space created by the recess is insufficient to hold the connection box securely. This opening also allows the connection box's halves to be fixed to the panel more effectively than would be possible with simple adhesive applied between the bottom of the halves and the panel. The halves can thus be securely attached to the panel while still allowing slight movement within the opening to facilitate the fitting of the two halves of the connection box together when assembling two adjacent panels.This opening can also allow the casing of the connection box to protrude on the reverse side of the panel and thus connect the casing to an electrical cable, or a conductive ribbon, located on the reverse side.

[0107] The dimensions of opening 9 are adapted to the casing of the electrical connection box designed for this purpose. Specifically, the dimensions are adjusted to account for thermal expansion, the loads that may be exerted on the panel during use, and the desired clearance to facilitate the assembly of adjacent panels. In the case of a round opening, the associated casing also has the flexibility to rotate slightly within the opening to facilitate the interlocking of the two casings that make up the connection box when assembling two adjacent panels.

[0108] For watertightness, opening 9 does not protrude beyond the upper overlap area so that, during roof assembly, it is covered by a top panel, thus preventing rainwater from passing through. Opening 9 can be created using any cutting technique known to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, punching, milling, mechanical cutting, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, and oxyfuel cutting.

[0109] Referring to Figure 3, the lower overlap zone 51 preferably includes a gap 10, that is, an opening made in the thickness of the panel. The gap 10 allows the conductive ribbon 11 of the end cell of the photovoltaic module positioned on the panel at the level of the gap to pass through to the rear face of the panel. Positioning the gap 10 within the lower overlap zone 51 also helps to maintain the watertightness of the assembly of two adjacent panels. Indeed, if rain running off the roof were to pass through the gap due to inadequate sealing, the water would be contained by the upper overlap zone 41 of the adjacent panel and would continue to flow down the roof. Therefore, the gap does not extend beyond the lower overlap zone 51.

[0110] Preferably, day 10 is located on the central part 6.

[0111] Day 10 can be obtained by any cutting technique known to a person skilled in the art, among which, by way of non-limiting examples, punching, milling, mechanical cutting, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, oxyfuel cutting, drilling.

[0112] Preferably, panel 1 does not include any openings made in the thickness of the panel outside the upper overlap areas 41 and lower overlap areas 51, in order to ensure the watertightness of the roof.

[0113] With reference to figures 4 and 5, a panel 1 equipped with connection box shells is described according to a first embodiment.

[0114] With reference to Figure 4, panel 1 includes the first shell 12 of the connection box positioned on the reverse side of the panel in the lower cover area 51. This shell is connected to the column 7 of photovoltaic modules (not visible in Figure 5) via the conductive ribbon connected to the lower end photovoltaic cell of the lower module of the column and passing through panel 1 at the level of the day 10 (not visible in the figure).

[0115] Preferably, the first shell 12 is positioned directly above the opening 10 in order to minimize the amount of conductive tape required for electrical wiring and to facilitate sealing the opening.

[0116] With reference to Figure 5, panel 1 comprises the second shell 13 of the connection box positioned in the recess formed in panel 1 in the upper cover area 41, on the front face of the panel. The second shell is connected to a column 7 of photovoltaic modules, and in particular to its electrical pole 14 located at its upper end, preferably via an electrical cable 15 and a junction box 16.

[0117] The junction box 16 consists of a watertight housing suitable for electrically connecting a conductive ribbon to an electrical cable. In this embodiment, the junction box connects the conductive ribbon 14, which serves as the upper electrical pole of the column 7 of photovoltaic modules, to the electrical cable 15, itself connected to the second shell. The use of this junction box and the electrical cable improves the resistance of the electrical connections to differential thermal expansion between the various components of the panel according to the invention. The conductive ribbons of the electrical poles are indeed sensitive to differences in thermal expansion, which can cause them to break.

[0118] The two shells are positioned on the panel so that they are directly above each other and interlock when the lower overlap zone 51 of one panel comes into contact with the upper overlap zone 41 of an adjacent panel running lengthwise. In other words, the two shells are positioned equidistant from the first longitudinal edge 2, and the distance between the first shell and the lower transverse edge 5 of the panel is identical to the distance between the second shell and the lower edge of the upper overlap zone 41. Preferably, the two shells are positioned so that they interlock when the lower overlap zone 51 of one panel comes into contact with the upper overlap zone 41 of an adjacent panel running lengthwise, by coming together along an axis perpendicular to the plane in which the adjacent panel rests.This makes it easier to assemble the panels onto the building structure.

[0119] According to this first embodiment, each column 7 of photovoltaic modules of the panel is connected, on the one hand, to a first shell 12 by the conductive ribbon acting as the lower electrical pole of the column and, on the other hand, to a second shell 13 by the conductive ribbon acting as the upper electrical pole of the column, preferably by means of an electrical cable 15 and a junction box 16.

[0120] According to a second embodiment (not illustrated) of the panel 1 equipped with junction box covers, the first cover 12 is positioned in the recess 8 and is directly connected to the conductive strip linked to the upper end photovoltaic cell of the module. The second cover 13 is positioned on the reverse side of the panel in the lower overlap area 51 and is connected to the lower electrical pole of the column 7 of photovoltaic modules via an electrical cable 15 and a junction box 16.

[0121] The two shells are positioned on the panel so that they are directly above each other and interlock when the lower overlap zone 51 of one panel comes into contact with the upper overlap zone 41 of an adjacent panel running lengthwise. In other words, the two shells are positioned equidistant from the first longitudinal edge 2, and the distance between the second shell and the lower transverse edge 5 of the panel is identical to the distance between the first shell and the lower edge of the upper overlap zone 41. Preferably, the two shells are positioned so that they interlock when the lower overlap zone 51 of one panel comes into contact with the upper overlap zone 41 of an adjacent panel running lengthwise, by coming together along an axis perpendicular to the plane in which the adjacent panel rests.This makes it easier to assemble the panels onto the building structure.

[0122] According to this second embodiment, each column 7 of photovoltaic modules of the panel is connected, on the one hand, to a first shell 12 by the conductive ribbon acting as the upper electrical pole of the column and, on the other hand, to a second shell 13 by the conductive ribbon acting as the lower electrical pole of the column, preferably by means of an electrical cable 15 and a junction box 16.

[0123] The panel according to this second embodiment includes all the characteristics of the panel according to the first embodiment except for the characteristics described above.

[0124] With reference to figures 6 to 9, the connection box is described according to a first embodiment.

[0125] The connection box includes, firstly, a first shell 12 (shown in figures 6 and 7) and a second shell 13 (shown in figures 8 and 9) which fit together.

[0126] By interlocking, we mean that a part of one of the two shells fits into a part of the other shell when the two shells are brought together along a predetermined axis.

[0127] The two shells are designed so that their interlocking delimits an inner cavity that is watertight and dustproof when the housing is used on the photovoltaic roof, in other words, once the electrical cables and conductive tapes necessary for the electrical connection of the panel according to the invention have been connected to the two shells.

[0128] With reference to figures 6 and 7, the first hull 12 includes first of all a bottom 17 comprising an orifice 18 surmounted by a sealing chamber 19.

[0129] Preferably, the base 17 of the first housing is substantially flat to facilitate fixing this housing to the panel and / or to minimize the size of the connection box, thus allowing its proper insertion in the overlap area between two adjacent exterior cladding panels. More preferably, it is completely flat. Alternatively, it may include a protrusion adapted to allow a conductive strip running along the surface of the panel to pass beneath the base. This protrusion then extends from the periphery of the base to the opening 18 in the base.

[0130] Preferably, the opening 18 resembles a through groove cut into the thickness of the base. It allows a conductive ribbon, acting as the electrical pole of a column 7 of photovoltaic modules, to be inserted into the first shell 12. Consequently, its dimensions are adapted to the cross-section of the conductive ribbon serving as the electrical pole of the photovoltaic module.

[0131] Preferably, the base 17 does not include any opening other than the orifice 18 in order to facilitate good water sealing of the connection box.

[0132] The orifice 18 is surmounted by a sealing chamber 19 intended to facilitate the sealing of the first hull at the level of the orifice 18. This chamber preferably includes a partition, with a closed contour, disposed on the bottom 17, extending from it and surrounding the orifice 18.

[0133] The closed contour of the partition allows the space delimited by the partition and the bottom to be filled with an electrically insulating and waterproof material, such as silicone.

[0134] The sealing chamber 19 is preferably fitted with a cover 20. This cover protects any conductive ribbon protruding from the sealing chamber. Thus, an operator handling a panel equipped with this first cover will not be able to touch this conductive ribbon, which may be live simply due to the exposure of the panel's photovoltaic cells to light.

[0135] The first shell also includes an electrical terminal 21 connected to the bottom, with its axis perpendicular to the bottom. The electrical terminal 21 is intended to be electrically connected to one of the two electrical poles of a photovoltaic module. In particular, it is intended to be electrically connected to the conductive ribbon acting as the electrical pole of a column 7 of photovoltaic modules inserted into the opening 18. In other words, it is intended to be electrically connected to the sealing chamber 9 above the opening 18. In one embodiment, the conductive ribbon inserted into the opening 18 is directly connected to the electrical terminal, for example by welding it to the terminal. In another embodiment, the electrical terminal 21 includes a conductive tab extending into the sealing chamber 19.According to this variant, when the first shell is placed on a panel 1, the conductive strip inserted into the opening 18 is directly welded to this tab in the sealing chamber. Preferably, the electrical terminal 21 is located on the bottom. Alternatively, it is connected to the bottom via another element of the first shell, such as its side wall.

[0136] Preferably, the electrical terminal 21 is centered on the bottom to allow the two hulls to fit together regardless of the relative angular orientation of the two hulls.

[0137] Preferably, the electrical terminal includes a cylindrical conductive lug 22 surmounted by an insulating tip 23 so as to form a male electrical terminal.

[0138] The electrical terminal is preferably fitted with a protective cover 24, the shape of which allows for the electrical connection between the two halves of the connection box while preventing an operator from accidentally touching the conductive lug of the electrical terminal. This lug can become live during the assembly of the exterior cladding panels simply due to the exposure of the photovoltaic cells to light. To this end, the protective cover preferably includes a hole allowing the insulating end piece 23 to be flush with the surface of the cover. Thus, no conductive part is directly accessible, preventing an operator from accidentally touching it.

[0139] Preferably, the diameter of the insulating tip 23 is identical to that of the conductive lug 22, again for electrical safety reasons.

[0140] Preferably, the protective cover 24 forms a single piece with the cover 20 of the sealing chamber, so that the electrical conductor disposed between the sealing chamber 19 and the electrical terminal 21 cannot be accessed at the gap between the protective cover and the cover.

[0141] The first hull 12 also includes a side wall 25 surrounding the bottom and extending perpendicularly to it.

[0142] According to the illustrated variant, the side panel 25 has a circular cross-section. This shape facilitates the interlocking of the two halves of a connection box by providing an additional degree of freedom. Indeed, the interlocking, when assembling two adjacent exterior cladding panels, will occur even if the two panels are not perfectly aligned; in other words, even if the two halves do not have exactly the same angular orientation. Within the scope of the invention, however, other wall cross-sections are conceivable, such as, for example, a rectangular cross-section.

[0143] The base and side wall are preferably made of insulating material, for example by molding a synthetic material, in particular plastic.

[0144] The side wall 25 includes a removable cable access hatch 26. This hatch is defined as a portion of the side wall that is removable from the rest of the side wall. It is intended to be removed when the first shell is used to electrically connect the electrical terminal of a column of photovoltaic modules to an adjacent column or to the electrical converter. This use requires the insertion of an electrical cable into the first shell to electrically connect the electrical terminal 21 of the first shell to the adjacent column or to the electrical converter. This use will be described in detail later.

[0145] According to one embodiment of the invention, the removable hatch 26 is delimited by a section of the side wall that is thinner than the rest of the wall. This makes it easy for an operator to cut through the thinner section with a utility knife and insert an electrical cable into the first section.

[0146] According to another variant, the removable hatch 26 is a watertight plug positioned in an opening made in the thickness of the side wall. It is then easy for an operator to remove the plug and pass an electrical cable inside the first hull.

[0147] According to another embodiment of the invention, the removable hatch 26 is a cover held in place by screws. It is then easy for an operator to unscrew the screws, remove the cover and insert an electrical cable into the first shell.

[0148] According to another embodiment of the invention, the removable hatch 26 is a cover glued onto an opening made in the thickness of the side wall. It is then easy for an operator to remove the cover and insert an electrical cable into the first shell.

[0149] With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the second shell 13 first includes a base 27. Preferably, the base 27 of this second shell is substantially flat to facilitate fixing this shell to the panel and / or to minimize the size of the connection box so as to allow its proper insertion at the overlap between two adjacent exterior cladding panels. More preferably, it is completely flat.

[0150] Preferably, the bottom 27 has no openings so as to promote the sealing of the connection box.

[0151] The second shell 13 also includes an electrical terminal 28 connected to the bottom, with its axis perpendicular to the bottom. It is intended to be electrically connected to one of the two electrical poles of a photovoltaic module. Preferably, the electrical terminal 28 is located on the bottom. Alternatively, it is connected to the bottom via another element of the second shell, such as, for example, its side wall.

[0152] Preferably, the electrical terminal 28 is centered on the bottom to allow the two hulls to fit together regardless of the relative angular orientation of the two hulls.

[0153] Preferably, the electrical terminal 28 comprises a vertically oriented tube 29 and conductive strips 30 arranged along the inner wall of the tube and extending along the tube's axis, so as to form a female electrical terminal. The tube's diameter, the position of the strips, and their shape are adapted to allow the conductive lug 22 of the first shell to be inserted into the tube when the two shells are joined, and to ensure good electrical contact between the strips and the conductive lug.

[0154] The electrical terminal 28 is preferably fitted with a protective cover 31 whose shape allows for the electrical connection between the two halves of the connection box while preventing an operator from accidentally touching the terminal's contacts, which may be live during the assembly of the exterior cladding panels simply due to the exposure of the photovoltaic cells to light. To this end, the protective cover preferably includes a hole so that the top of the terminal's tube 29 is aligned with this hole but positioned below the surface of the cover. Thus, no conductive parts are directly accessible, preventing accidental contact by an operator. The second halves 13 also include a side wall 32 surrounding the base 27 and extending perpendicularly to it.

[0155] According to the illustrated variant, the side wall 32 has a circular cross-section. This shape facilitates the interlocking of the two halves of a connection box by providing an additional degree of freedom. Indeed, the interlocking, when assembling two adjacent exterior facing panels, will occur even if the two panels are not perfectly aligned, in other words, even if the two halves do not have exactly the same angular orientation. Within the scope of the invention, other wall cross-sections are conceivable, such as, for example, a rectangular cross-section. However, it is understood that the side wall 32 is of a shape compatible with the shape of the side wall 25 of the first halves, at least in the portions of the side walls intended to be interlocked.

[0156] The base and side wall are preferably made of insulating material, for example by molding a synthetic material, in particular plastic.

[0157] The side wall 32 includes a cable passage 33 for the insertion of the electrical cable 15 into the shell 13. Such a cable makes it possible to connect the electrical terminal 28 to a conductive ribbon acting as the electrical pole of a column 7 of photovoltaic modules, in particular via a junction box 16.

[0158] Preferably, the cable passage takes the form of a hole made in the thickness of the wall. Preferably, the cable passage is circular and of a diameter suitable for the passage of an electrical cable.

[0159] To ensure a good seal, the cable passage can be fitted with an O-ring seal 34 compressed between the cable 15 and the edge of the cable passage.

[0160] According to one variant of the connection housing, the male and female electrical terminals are reversed between shells 12 and 13. Shell 12 then preferably comprises a vertically oriented tube 29 and conductive strips 30 arranged along the inner wall of the tube and extending along its axis, while shell 13 comprises a cylindrical conductive lug 22 surmounted by an insulating tip 23. The protective covers 24 and 31 are adjusted accordingly. The two shells are designed to fit together, as illustrated in Figure 10.

[0161] Preferably, they fit together at least at the upper end of their side walls.

[0162] According to a variant of the invention, illustrated in Figures 6 to 9, the perimeter of the side wall 25 of the first hull 12 is smaller than the perimeter of the side wall 27 of the second hull 13, so that the side wall 25 is at least partially inserted into the second hull, sliding parallel to the inner face of the side wall 27 of that hull. This variant is preferred when the second hull is positioned in the recess 8. In this way, if water were to be present in the recess at the level of this second hull, it could not rise by capillary action between the side wall of the first hull and the side wall of the second hull.

[0163] According to this variant, the side wall 25 preferably includes a peripheral sealing gasket 35 located on its outer face. The position of the gasket is adjusted according to the insertion depth of the side wall 25 into the second shell. When the two shells are joined, the gasket is compressed and ensures the sealing of the connection housing.

[0164] According to this variant, the side wall 25 may also include fastening clips 36 for securing the first shell to the second shell when the two shells are joined. These clips may be in the form of a tab formed in the wall by cutting two parallel vertical notches. The outer surface of the tab includes a protrusion, or a recess, complementary to a recess, or a protrusion, present on the inner face of the side wall 32 of the second shell.

[0165] According to another variant of the invention, not illustrated, the perimeter of the side wall 25 of the first shell 12 is larger than the perimeter of the side wall 32 of the second shell 13 so that the side wall 32 fits at least partially into the first shell, sliding parallel to the inner face of the side wall 25 of this shell.

[0166] According to this alternative variant, the peripheral sealing gasket 35 is then positioned on the outer face of the side wall 32 of the second shell. Similarly, the fixing clips 36 are then positioned on the side wall 32 of the second shell.

[0167] For both variants, in the case where it is desired that the side wall of one of the hulls fits largely into the other hull, it may be necessary to make certain recesses in the side walls of the hulls so that the removable hatch 26 of the first hull is not obstructed by the side wall 32 of the second hull and / or that the side wall 25 of the first hull does not butt up against the cable passage 33 of the second hull.

[0168] For this purpose, and as illustrated by way of example in figures 6 to 9, the side wall 25 of the first hull includes a recess 37 and the side wall 32 of the second hull includes a recess 38.

[0169] The respective position and size of the recesses 37 and 38 is adjusted so that, when the two shells are fitted together, the recess 37 of the side wall 25 of the first shell surrounds the cable passage 33 of the second shell while the recess 38 of the side wall 32 of the second shell surrounds the removable hatch 26 of the first shell.

[0170] For this purpose, the recess 37 in the side wall 25 and the removable hatch 26 of the first shell are separated angularly by an angle a, while the cable passage 33 and the recess 38 of the second shell are separated angularly by the same angle a. The electrical terminals 21 and 28 of the two shells are then positioned so that they are directly above each other when the removable hatch 26 of the first shell is directly above the recess 38 of the second shell.

[0171] The value of angle α is adjusted on a case-by-case basis, depending in particular on the position of the electrical cable 15 connecting the second shell 13 to the conductor strip acting as the electrical pole of a column 7 of photovoltaic modules. It is preferable that the removable hatch 26 of the first shell 12 be oriented towards the roof ridge to facilitate, if necessary, the installation of the electrical cable connecting the electrical terminal 21 of the first shell to the adjacent column or the electrical converter. Preferably, angle α is between 30° and 150° so that the electrical cable 15 enters the side of the second shell, thus minimizing the overall size of the assembly formed by the second shell, the electrical cable 15, and the junction box 16.

[0172] Furthermore, the recess 37 in the side wall 25 of the first hull has a width greater than the diameter of the cable passage 33 of the second hull, while the recess 38 of the second hull has a width greater than the removable hatch 26 of the first hull.

[0173] In the case of such recesses, the position of the peripheral sealing gasket, located on the outer face of the smaller perimeter shell, is adjusted to take into account the recesses, the cable passage and the removable hatch.

[0174] Preferably, in order to ensure good sealing of the connection box, the side walls 25 and 32 of the shells do not include any openings other than the removable hatch 26, the cable passage 33 and any fixing clips 36 and / or recesses 37 and 38.

[0175] Regardless of the two interlocking variants described above, in the case where the panel 1 includes an opening 9 in its upper overlap area, the shell intended to be inserted into the opening may include a peripheral rim 39 on the external face of its side wall.

[0176] The peripheral rim 39 allows the shell to be pressed against the outer facing panel when the shell, and in particular the side wall, is inserted into the opening 9.

[0177] Preferably, the peripheral rim 39 is made of a bead of the same material as the side wall of the connection housing. The rim can thus be manufactured at the same time as the side wall, for example by molding.

[0178] Preferably, the peripheral rim 39 is discontinuous on the periphery of the side wall to minimize the material used in its manufacture, however it is possible to provide a continuous peripheral rim.

[0179] The position of the peripheral rim within the height of the side wall can be adjusted on a case-by-case basis. In the case where the conductor strip 14, acting as the upper electrical pole of a column, is connected to the first shell, or second shell respectively, inserted into the opening 9 through the upper face of the panel 1, the peripheral rim is positioned below the removable hatch 26, or below the cable passage 33 respectively. Conversely, if the conductor strip 14 is on the reverse side of the panel, the peripheral rim is positioned above the removable hatch 26, or above the cable passage 33 respectively.

[0180] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first shell 12 comprises two electrical terminals 21 connected to the bottom, and the second shell 13 comprises two electrical terminals 28 also connected to the bottom and positioned so that they are directly above the two electrical terminals 21 of the first shell when the first and second shells are nested one inside the other. This arrangement reduces the number of junction boxes required for the electrical connection of the panels. Specifically, the two electrical terminals 21 can be electrically connected to the electrical poles of two adjacent columns of photovoltaic modules, while the two electrical terminals 28 can be electrically connected to the oppositely polarized electrical poles of the two adjacent columns of photovoltaic modules.This arrangement allows for the formation of only one recess 8 in the upper overlap zone 41 for a pair of photovoltaic module columns 7, and, if necessary, only one opening 9 in the recess. This simplifies panel manufacturing and assembly.

[0181] According to this variant, the first shell 12 may include two openings 18 and two sealing chambers 19 so as to independently connect each electrical terminal 21 to one of the two conductive strips acting as electrical poles of the two adjacent columns of photovoltaic modules. Alternatively, the two conductive strips enter the first shell 12 through a single opening 18 surmounted by a single sealing chamber 19.

[0182] According to this variant, the first shell 12 may include two removable cable entry hatches 26 in its side wall 25 so as to independently connect each electrical terminal 21 to the power converter or to an adjacent column of photovoltaic modules. Alternatively, the two cables connecting the two electrical terminals 21 to the power converter or to an adjacent column exit the first shell 12 through a single removable hatch 26. According to this variant, the second shell 13 may include two cable entry passages 33 so as to independently connect each electrical terminal 28 to one of the conductive strips acting as opposite-polarity electrical poles of the two adjacent columns of photovoltaic modules. Alternatively, the two electrical cables 15 connecting the electrical terminals 28 to the conductive strips are inserted into the second shell 13 through a single cable entry passage 33.

[0183] The panels according to the invention are preferably manufactured in a factory. During this process, the casings of the connection box are fixed to the panel. In particular, the bases 17, 27 are preferably positioned parallel to the plane of the portion of the central part 6 on which the columns 7 of photovoltaic modules rest, so as to minimize the size of the connection box and to allow the casings 12, 13 to be fitted together when the lower overlap area 51 of a panel comes to overlap the upper overlap area 41 of an adjacent panel longitudinally, by bringing them together along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the portion of the central part 6 on which the columns 7 of photovoltaic modules of the adjacent panel rest.

[0184] During this manufacturing process, the electrical terminals of the connection box casings are also electrically connected to the conductive strips that serve as the electrical poles of the photovoltaic module columns 7. Specifically, one of the conductive strips serving as the electrical pole of a given column is inserted into the first casing 12 through the opening 18, and then electrically connected to the electrical terminal 21, either directly or via a conductive tab extending from the electrical terminal 21 into the sealing chamber 19. Preferably, this chamber is then filled with insulating material. The conductive strip serving as the oppositely polarized electrical pole of this same column is, in turn, connected to the electrical cable 15 within the junction box 16, the electrical cable 15 being further connected to the electrical terminal 28 of the second casing 13.

[0185] The panels are then transported to the site before being assembled as described below. On the one hand, manufacturing the entire panel in the factory guarantees its quality and proper functioning, and on the other hand, on-site assembly operations are minimized thanks to the installation, in a single step, of the building's exterior cladding and the entire photovoltaic system.

[0186] Preferably, the panels intended for a given assembly each have a first column 7, each pole of which has the same polarity as the corresponding pole of the first column of another panel. However, the dimensions of the panels and the number of columns of photovoltaic modules in the panels may vary.

[0187] A first panel 1 is fixed to the building structure to be covered using fasteners such as screws, nails, or rivets. Preferably, the panel is oriented so that its longitudinal edges run parallel to the slope. This orientation facilitates rainwater runoff from the assembly and maintains its watertightness.

[0188] Then one or more panels are placed around the first panel and assembled together:

[0189] - by marginal overlap of the transverse edges of adjacent panels to form rows of photovoltaic modules, so that each shell 12 or 13 located at the lower end of a column of photovoltaic modules of the upper panel, on the reverse side of it, fits into the other shell 13 or 12 of the connection box located at the upper end of a column of the lower panel, on the front side of it.

[0190] - and / or by marginally overlapping the longitudinal edges of adjacent panels to multiply the number of rows,

[0191] A row of photovoltaic modules is therefore defined as a longitudinal arrangement of columns of photovoltaic modules. Depending on the shape of the structure to be covered and local constraints, such as a window, a door, or a chimney, the rows of panels can vary in length.

[0192] This results in an assembly of panels forming multiple rows of photovoltaic modules, with all the photovoltaic modules in a single row already electrically connected by the interlocking of the first and second halves. Since each panel has an even number of columns of photovoltaic modules, the number of rows is also even. The number of photovoltaic modules per row depends on the number of panels placed side-by-side in a given row and can therefore vary from one row to another. In the case of a panel with no overlap on its transverse edges, the row of photovoltaic modules is considered to be the same as the column of photovoltaic modules.

[0193] Each row has an electrical pole at each end, with the polarity of the pole at one end being opposite to that of the pole at the other end, and the poles of two adjacent rows having opposite polarities. In other words, each row has, at its lower end, an electrical pole that coincides with the electrical pole at the lower end of the first column in that row, and at its upper end, an electrical pole of opposite polarity that coincides with the electrical pole at the upper end of the last column in that row. Since two adjacent columns in a panel have opposite polarities, this polarity reversal is also found in two adjacent rows.

[0194] In particular, each row comprises one of the shells 12 or 13 at one of its ends and the other shell 13 or 12 at the other end, two adjacent rows having the same of the two shells positioned at the same end.

[0195] The rows of photovoltaic modules are then electrically connected as shown below.

[0196] At the bottom of the assembly slope, the electrical pole of the lower end of the first row is electrically connected to the electrical pole of the lower end of the second row, the electrical pole of the lower end of the third row is electrically connected to the electrical pole of the lower end of the fourth row, and so on.

[0197] In particular, the shell 12 or 13 at the lower end of the first row is electrically connected to the identical shell 12 or 13 at the lower end of the second column, and so on.

[0198] In practice, this electrical connection is made using a transverse connector comprising two identical shells 12 or 13 connected by an electrical cable. Thus, the electrical connection at the bottom of the assembly's slope is very easy and is limited to fitting two shells 12 or 13 onto the shells at the lower end of two adjacent rows.

[0199] According to a first embodiment, for which this is the first hull

[0200] 12 which is positioned at the lower end of the rows, the cross connector 39 comprises two shells 13 connected by an electrical cable 40, as illustrated in Figure 11. In particular, the electrical cable is inserted into the cable passage 33 of each of the shells and electrically connected to the electrical terminal 28 of each of the shells.

[0201] According to a second embodiment, in which it is the second hull

[0202] 13 which is positioned at the lower end of the rows, the transverse connector 41 comprises two shells 12 connected by an electrical cable 40, as illustrated in Figure 12. In particular, the electrical cable is inserted into each of the shells at the opening present in the thickness of the side wall after removal of the removable hatch 26 and electrically connected to the electrical terminal 21 of each of the shells.

[0203] At the ridge, the electrical poles at the top ends of the rows are connected to the converter or to each other in a manner similar to that used at the bottom of the slope, depending on the input voltage acceptable to the converter. This input voltage is adjusted by varying the number of columns connected in series. A person skilled in the art will be able to adapt this connection principle on a case-by-case basis. According to one possible wiring diagram, the top electrical pole of the first row is connected to the converter, either directly or indirectly. The top electrical pole of the second row is connected to the top electrical pole of the third row using a transverse connector 39 or 41, similar to those used at the bottom of the slope. The top electrical pole of the fourth row is connected to the top electrical pole of the fifth row in the same way. Finally, the top electrical pole of the sixth row is connected to the converter.The n photovoltaic modules in the first six rows are thus connected in series and deliver to the converter a voltage equal to n times their nominal voltage. The following columns are then connected according to the same scheme.

[0204] In particular, according to a first embodiment in which the second shell 13 is positioned at the upper end of the rows, two adjacent rows are connected by the transverse connector 41, which comprises two first shells 12 connected by an electrical cable 40, as illustrated in Figure 12. Specifically, the electrical cable is inserted into each shell through the opening in the thickness of the side wall after removal of the removable cover 26 and is electrically connected to the electrical terminal 21 of each shell. The rows connected to the converter are connected by means of a first shell 12 connected to an electrical cable, which is itself electrically connected at one end to the electrical terminal 21 of the shell and at its other end to the converter. This first shell 12 is simply fitted onto the second shell 13, which is positioned at the end of the row to be connected to the converter.This greatly simplifies electrical wiring during panel assembly.

[0205] According to a second embodiment, in which the first shell 12 is positioned at the upper end of the rows, two adjacent rows are connected by the transverse connector 39, which comprises two second shells 13 connected by an electrical cable 40, as illustrated in Figure 11. Specifically, the electrical cable is inserted into the cable passage 33 of each shell and electrically connected to the electrical terminal 28 of each shell. The rows connected to the converter are connected by means of a second shell 13 connected to an electrical cable, which is itself electrically connected at one end to the electrical terminal 28 of the shell and at its other end to the converter. This second shell 13 is simply fitted onto the first shell 12 positioned at the end of the row to be connected to the converter. This greatly simplifies the electrical wiring during panel assembly.

[0206] Thus the exit of the cables towards the converter is at the ridge, which is easily accessible, which facilitates their installation or access in case of repair.

[0207] According to another embodiment of the panel assembly, the way the rows of photovoltaic modules are connected at the bottom of the slope and at the ridge can be reversed, so that the cable exits towards the converter at the bottom of the slope. Thus, the two shells 12 and 13 according to the invention, which fit one inside the other, allow all the electrical connections of the photovoltaic roof to be made using only these two shells, which allow both the electrical connection of two panels to each other, the electrical connection of the photovoltaic modules at the bottom of the slope, to each other or to the converter, and the electrical connection of the photovoltaic modules at the ridge, to each other or to the converter.

Claims

DEPCT631. Exterior cladding panel (1) which includes - top transverse edge (4) which includes the top overlap area (41) which is intended to overlap by adjacent panel (1), - bottom transverse edge (5) which includes the bottom overlap area (51) which is intended to overlap by adjacent panel (1) - center (6), which connects the transverse edges, which is covered by at least one pair of photovoltaic module columns (7), each column includes one electrode at one of the longitudinal ends of the column and an electrode with opposite polarity at the other end. On one side, the terminals of two adjacent columns are opposite in polarity, - the perforation (10) which is placed in the lower overlap area (51) through which the conducting strip (11) passes, connecting one of the two electrical terminals of the column (7) of the photovoltaic module to one of the two enclosures (12,13) ​​of the junction box, this enclosure is placed on the back of the panel in the lower overlap area (51), - the hole (8) which is placed in the upper overlap area (41) where another one of the two enclosures (12,13) ​​of the junction box is placed,This enclosure is connected to the other electrical terminal of column (7) of the photovoltaic junction box module, which includes the first enclosure (12) and the second enclosure (13), with the enclosures being able to lock each other inward. The first enclosure (12) includes: 0 base (17) which includes one opening (18) which provides a sealed chamber (19) on top; 0 side wall (25) which encloses the base and extends perpendicularly to the base, side wall which includes a removable passageway used for wiring (26); 0 electrical connector (21) which is connected to the base, with an axis perpendicular to the base. The second enclosure (13) includes: 0 base (27); 0 side wall (32) which encloses the base and extends perpendicularly to the side wall, side wall which includes a wiring passageway (33); 0 electrical connector (28) which has a polarity opposite to that of the electrical connector (21) of the first enclosure (12), which is connected to the base, with an axis perpendicular to the base.Connected to the base and positioned in such a way that this electrical connector is vertical to the electrical connector(21) of the first enclosure when the first and second enclosures are locked together.

2. Exterior cladding panels as referred to in claim 1 where the first enclosure(12) is positioned on the back of the panel in the lower overlap area(51) and the second enclosure(13) is positioned in the recess area(8).

3. Exterior cladding panels as referred to in claim 2 where the first enclosure(12) is vertically aligned with the perforated area(10).4 5. Any exterior cladding panel as referred to in claim 1 where the second frame (13) is positioned on the back of the panel in the lower overlap area (51), while the first frame (12) is positioned in the hole section (8).

6. Any exterior cladding panel as referred to in one of the preceding claims where the second frame (13) is connected to the electrical terminals of the column (7) of the photovoltaic module by means of electrical wires (15) and junction boxes (16).13) Two units are positioned at equal distances from the first longitudinal edge (2), and the distance between the first enclosure frame (12) and the lower transverse edge (5) of the panel is exactly the same as the distance between the second enclosure (13) and the lower edge of the upper overlap area (41).

7. A roof which is assembled by overlapping the edges of at least two panels referred to in any of the preceding claims.

8. An electrical junction box for the exterior cladding panels (1) which is fitted with at least one photovoltaic module including the terminals at At the longitudinal end of the module and at the opposite end of the electrical terminals, a junction box which includes the first enclosure (12) and the second enclosure (13) which can be locked together, - the first enclosure (12) which includes: ๐ the base (17) which includes one opening (18) which provides a sealed chamber (19) on top; ๐ the side wall (25) which surrounds the base and extends perpendicular to the base, the side wall which includes a removable passageway used for wiring (26); ๐ the electrical connector (21) which is connected to the base, with an axis perpendicular to the base,-Second enclosure (13) which includes the base (27), side walls (32) which surround the base and extend perpendicular to the side walls, side walls which include the wiring passages (33), electrical connectors (28) which have polarity opposite to that of the electrical connectors (21) of the first enclosure, electrical connectors which have an axis perpendicular to the base, which are connected to the base and positioned in such a way that these electrical connectors are perpendicular to the electrical connectors (21) of the first enclosure when the first and second enclosures are locked to each other.

9. Electrical junction box as referred to in claim 8 in which the base (17) of the first enclosure (12) does not include any openings other than the opening (18).

10. Electrical junction box as referred to in claim 8 or 9 in which the sealed chamber (19) of the first enclosure (12) includes one partition wall which has a closed layout, which is positioned on the base (17),which extends from the said section and surrounds the opening(18).

11. Any electrical junction box referred to in claims 8 to 10 in which the sealed chamber(19) is closed on top with a cover(20).

12. Any electrical junction box referred to in claims 8 to 11 in which the electrical terminals(21) of the first enclosure include electrical contacts which extend into the sealed chamber(19).

13. Any electrical junction box referred to in claims 8 to 12 in which the electrical terminals(21) of the first enclosure are closed on top with a protective cover(24).

14. Any electrical junction box referred to in claims 8 to 13 in which one of the electrical terminals(21,28) includes cylindrical conductive pins(22) which are closed on top with an insulating end cover(23).

15. Any electrical junction box referred to in claims 8 to 14 in which the side walls(25,32) of two enclosures having a circular cross-section.

16. Any electrical junction box referred to in claims 8 to 15 in which a removable passage (26) is a sealed plug positioned inside the opening in the thickness of the lateral wall (25).

17. Any electrical junction box referred to in claims 8 to 16 in which the electrical connectors (21,28) of one enclosure (12,13) ​​of two enclosures include a vertical tube (29) and a conductive strip piece (30) which are arranged along the inner wall of the tube and connected.

18. Any electrical junction box referred to in claims 8 to 17 where the boundary of the side wall (25) of the first enclosure (12) is less than the boundary of the side wall (27) of the second enclosure (13) so that at least part of the side wall (25) is inserted into the second enclosure itself, by moving parallel to the inner surface of the side wall (27) of such enclosure.

19. Any electrical junction box referred to in claims 8 to 18 where the side wall (25),32) of one of the two-unit enclosures including the surrounding sealing section (35) which is provided on the outer surface of such section.

20. Any electrical junction box as claimed in claims 8 to 19 in which the side walls (25, 32) of one of the two-unit enclosures include the clamps for assembly (36).

21. Any electrical junction box as claimed in claims 8 to 20 in which the side walls (25) of the first enclosure include the cut-out section (37) and the side walls (32).

22. The electrical junction box referred to in claim 21 in which the cut-out (37) of the side wall (25) and the removable passage (26) of the first junction box (12) are angularly offset by an alpha angle, while the wiring passage (33) and the cut-out (38) of the second junction box (13) are angularly offset by the same alpha angle.

23. Any one of the electrical junction boxes referred to in claims 8 to 22 in which one of the two junction boxes (12,13) including the perimeter (39) on the outer surface of the side walls of this section.

24. The set of equipment for connection to the panel converter (1) which is supplied with a photovoltaic device consisting of a number of pairs of columns of photovoltaic modules, each column including an electrical terminal at one of the longitudinal ends of the column and an electrical terminal of opposite polarity at the other end, terminals of two adjacent columns of opposite polarity, the set of equipment including: - an electrical junction box as referred to in any of Claims 8 to 23, - a cable (40) which at both ends of this cable is supplied a second junction box enclosure (13) as referred to in any of Claims 8 to 23, each end of the cable which is inserted into the cable passage (33) of the enclosure,- The first junction box enclosure (12) referred to in any of the claims 8 to 23, which is provided with a wire (40) that is inserted into the removable passageway used as the wire passage (26) of that enclosure.

25. The set of equipment for connection to the panel converter (1), which is supplied with a photovoltaic device consisting of a pair of columns of photovoltaic modules, each column including a terminal at one of the longitudinal ends of the column and an opposite terminal at the other end, terminals of two adjacent columns with opposite polarity, the set of equipment including: - the electrical junction box referred to in any of the claims 8 to 23, - the wire (40) which at both ends of this wire is supplied to the first junction box enclosure (12) referred to in any of the claims 8 to 23, each end of the wire which is inserted into the wire passage (26) of that enclosure,- Any second junction box enclosure (13) as referred to in claims 8 to 23, which provides for a wire (40) to be inserted into a removable passageway used as a wire passage (33) of that enclosure.

26. Electrical equipment that can be connected to the converter, including a panel assembly that is tilted to a specified slope and includes: ๐ upper cross edge (4) which includes the upper overlap area (41) intended to be overlapped by adjacent panels, ๐ lower cross edge (5) which includes the lower overlap area (41) intended to be overlapped by adjacent panels, ๐ photowall equipment. The photovoltaic module includes a pair of columns (7) of the photovoltaic module, each column including the electrodes at each end of the column, the polarity of the electrodes of one end opposite to the polarity of the electrodes of the other end and the polarity of two adjacent columns opposite to each other, the electrodes of the lower end of each column in the form of the first junction box enclosure (12) as referred to in any one of Claims 8 through 23, which is positioned on the back of the panel in the lower overlap area,The terminals of the upper end of each column, which are in the form of a second junction box enclosure (13) as referred to in any of Claims 8 through 23, which are positioned on the top of the panel in the overlapping area, panels which are arranged by overlapping the edges of the longitudinal and / or transverse edges of the panels to form a row of photovoltaic modules in the direction of slope, the assembly which is in such a manner that - in the overlapping area of ​​the edges of two adjacent panels of a given row, the first enclosure (12) of the end. The bottom of each column of the top panel is locked to or onto the second (13) cover frame of the top end of the column facing on the bottom panel—at the bottom of the steep end of this assembly, the first (12) cover frame of the bottom end of the first row is electrically connected to the first (12) cover frame of the bottom end of the second row, and so on, the connection between the second row is made by means of a transverse connector (39) which includes two second (13) cover frames connected by wires,—at the ridge,The second frame (13) of the upper end of the row is connected to the converter by means of one first frame (12) which is fitted with wires that are inserted into a removable passage (26), or connected in a similar manner to another at the lower end of the slope by means of a transverse connector (40) which includes two first frames (12) which are connected by wires-----------------------------------------------------------;,