Housing for solar panel connector and wiring assembly with this housing

Abstract

Housing for solar panel connector and wiring assembly with this housing. The housing comprises a body (1) that comprises a cavity (2) to accommodate at least one connector. The body (1 ) further comprises at least two connector entry holes (3) into the cavity (2) and at least two parts of the body (1 ) that are connected by a closing mechanism (4). Furthermore, the body (1 ) comprises at least one hole (5) for supply of the extinguishing agent, which is closed by a partition (6), wherein the partition (6) is openable for the release of the extinguishing agent into the cavity (2) when pressure and / or heat is applied to this partition (6). The housing comprises an extinguishing agent tank (7), which is attached to the hole (5) for supply of the extinguishing agent, wherein the extinguishing agent is separated from the cavity (2) by the partition (6).

Description

[0001] Housing for Solar Panel Connector and Wiring Assembly with This Housing

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The subject of the invention is a protective housing for solar panel connector.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Solar panel fires are a growing problem in the energy sector. Problems with solar panel fires can have various reasons, most often due to poor installation, use of low-quality components, incorrect cable connections, etc. In particular, the connection areas and connectors are the places where fire often occurs, whether due to the formation of electric arcs when cables are connected incorrectly, overloading, overheating, degradation caused by exposure to weather conditions, etc.

[0006] Currently, one of the protective means is protective housings for connectors, which help limit the spread of fire to other parts of a solar power plant installation, or extinguish a fire that has occurred on connectors. One such housing is published in document GB2608637 A1, which describes a housing for connectors comprising an intumescent inner layer that increases in volume when exposed to heat, thus preventing the spread of fire. However, the intumescent material is only activated when relatively high temperatures are reached, but in the meantime the fire can spread further and cause more significant damage. Another disadvantage is the degradation of the intumescent material, which can occur over time due to exposure to moisture, for example. The use of intumescent material also increases the costs of manufacturing and using the housing, which is disadvantageous mainly at large-scale solar installations.

[0007] Another housing for connectors is disclosed in document EP4160830 A1 , where the housing comprises a layer of microcapsules with extinguishing agent. However, thislayer of microcapsules is highly susceptible to premature rupture, evaporation of the extinguishing agent, degradation due to time or environment, which leads to a reduction in the effectiveness of the housing for fire suppression. It is also very complicated to regularly check whether this protective element is working properly.

[0008] Also, the materials of the above housings are relatively heavy and bulky, which can complicate installation and handling.

[0009] It would be advisable to come up with solution of a housing for solar panel connectors, which is more reliable and effective in eliminating fire at the connectors.

[0010] Summary of the Invention

[0011] The above stated shortcomings are to some extent eliminated by a housing for solar panel connector, which comprises a body. The housing body comprises a cavity for placing at least one connector, at least two connector entry holes and at least one hole for a supply of extinguishing agent. The body comprises at least two body parts, which are connected by a closing mechanism, to make it easier to insert the connector into the cavity. The hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent is closed by a partition that can be opened for the release of the extinguishing agent into the cavity when pressure and / or heat is applied to this partition. The housing also comprises a tank with extinguishing agent, which is attached to the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent, wherein the extinguishing agent is separated from the cavity by the partition.

[0012] For example, the connector comprises two parts that are complementary to each other to connect the connected cables. Thus, one part is connected to the cable leading to the panel and the other part is connected to the cable leading to the mains, battery, etc. Preferably, the connector entry holes are designed in such a way that the connector can be inserted into the cavity already connected to the cables. In particular, the boundary between the two parts of the connector body passes through the connector entry holes.

[0013] The housing protects the connector, which is used to interconnect the individual cables, from adverse environmental influences, and at the same time, in the event of afailure, when the temperature of the connector rises, the housing comprising the extinguishing agent cools the connector and its surroundings and extinguishes any fire, thus preventing further damage to the connector and possibly other components in the vicinity. Thanks to the partition that can be opened by applying a certain pressure and / or heat, the extinguishing agent is easily and reliably discharged into the cavity of the housing. Thanks to the placement of the extinguishing agent in the tank outside the cavity with the connector, the extinguishing agent can be stored under conditions different from the conditions that can be in the cavity. The extinguishing agent can thus have a longer shelf life than extinguishing agents placed directly in the cavity, e.g. there will be no rapid evaporation of the extinguishing agent, etc. The closing mechanism is used to close the connector sufficiently firmly and tightly in the cavity for the best possible extinguishing effects. Preferably, the closing mechanism connects the two body parts in a dismountable way, for example by means of a click mechanism that can be released to open the housing.

[0014] The cavity is preferably opened only through the connector entry holes, so that in the event of extinguishing, the extinguishing agent does not leak in larger quantities and the extinguishing is more efficient. Preferably, the connector entry holes comprise a seal for the most effective extinguishing possible. The seal can wrap around the lead-in cables and both holes are then closed by the cables. Preferably, one connector entry hole is used for the entry of the first part of the connector and the second connector entry hole is used for the entry of the second part of the connector. One part of the connector preferably comprises a protrusion and the other part comprises a groove where the protrusion from one part of the connector fits and there is a conductive connection between the two portions.

[0015] The body is preferably made of non-flammable material, such as ceramics or suitable plastic, preferably containing at least one flame retardant (especially suitable reacto-plastic, PA6, PA66-GF30, etc.). The cavity is preferably cylindrical, and then the outer shape of the housing can also be cylindrical. However, it is also possible to use, for example, a cuboidal cavity. Preferably, the body is divided into two parts along the longitudinal axis of the housing, e.g. along the axis of the above-stated cylindrical shape. The closing mechanism can then also pass along this longitudinal axis.

[0016] The hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent can be of any shape. It can take the form of a through hole made in the wall of the body, and closed by a partition. Inaddition, it can also be equipped with walls, so the length of the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent is greater than the wall thickness of the housing. These walls of the hole can then be used to attach or demarcate the tank with the extinguishing agent. The hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent can be of any shape, for example square, hexagonal, round or oval. Preferably, it is round.

[0017] The extinguishing agent tank can be a part of the body - it can be made of the same material as the walls of the housing body. The tank is then preferably delimited by the walls of the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent, the partition and a lid. It is possible to implement the partition as part of the lid, and the walls of the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent then define the tank also on the side opposite the lid. The extinguishing agent tank can also be separated from the body - i.e. made of a different material or another piece of material. This makes it possible to manufacture and fill the tank separately from the housing body. It can then be attached to the body so that it is flush with the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent, and the partition can be a part of the tank. The tank can be e.g. glued to the body and / or it can be pressed, pushed, screwed or snapped between the walls of the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent.

[0018] The partition is a part of the housing that ensures the release of the extinguishing agent into the cavity at the time when it is needed, i.e. when a fire breaks out on the connector in the cavity. Fire, electrical short circuit or contact resistance, etc., will cause an increase in temperature in the cavity and may also increase the pressure in the cavity. Thus, temperature and / or pressure can be used to open the partition and release the extinguishing agent. The partition can melt, crack or be punctured, can disintegrate due to thermal degradation of the material, etc. The temperature at which the extinguishing agent is released can be set when designing the housing by choosing the partition material and / or by choosing its thickness (either on the entire area or locally, e.g. in the form of notches to ensure that the partition is pierced by pressure), or by attaching the partition to the tank or the body of the housing, where the partition can, for example, be attached by a material that degrades when the temperature rises and releases the partition.

[0019] If the partition is dimensioned for opening when a certain pressure is reached, then this opening pressure is preferably selected from an interval of 5 to 30 bar. Particularly preferably, a pressure from an interval of 5-8 bar or 15-20 bar is selected. Preferably, apressure of 5-8 bar on one partition and 15-20 bar on the other partition is selected. The difference between the pressure intervals of the opening of the individual partitions is preferably chosen so that in the event of a secondary fire in the housing, this fire can be extinguished, i.e. the partitions open at different times. Thus, during the first fire, the extinguishing agent is released from one tank and during the second fire, the extinguishing agent is released from the second tank.

[0020] If the partition is dimensioned with regard to temperature, then the extinguishing agent release temperature is preferably 100 °C ± 20 %.

[0021] Preferably, the body comprises at least two holes for the supply of the extinguishing agent (i.e. the first hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent mentioned above, and at least one additional hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent). The partition of one hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent has a greater thickness of partition in at least a part of the partition than the partition of the second hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent, and / or has a different material on at least a part of the partition (e.g. flame retardants, or mechanical impurities such as carbon, various fibers, etc.). Due to the different thickness / material, the partitions can be openable under different pressures and / or temperatures. In the event of a fire in the housing, the extinguishing agent can first be released into the cavity from one hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent and, e.g., if the fire cannot be extinguished by this dose of the extinguishing agent, or another fire occurs after a certain period of time, the second dose of the extinguishing agent is let into the cavity through the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent. One partition as a whole may be of smaller or larger thickness than the other partition, or one partition may comprise a weakened area (e.g. a groove around the perimeter of the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent , a notch, etc.), where the partition will first rupture when pressure is applied. The material of one of the partitions may have lower temperature stability (i.e. it will melt or disintegrate at a lower temperature), which can be achieved, for example, by using a different admixture or a different amount of admixture in the common base polymer material.

[0022] The difference in pressure between the first and second release of the extinguishing agent is preferably 2-15 bar, more preferably 4-10 bar, for example 5 bar.In case of temperature-related dimensioning, this difference is preferably 25-85 °C, more preferably 25-50 °C, especially preferably between 25 and 35 °C.

[0023] The housing with holes for the supply of the extinguishing agent closed by the partitions designed to be opened at different pressures and / or temperatures as described above can be used with an extinguishing agent tank at each hole. However, it can also be used, for example, with only one tank, or generally with a smaller number of tanks than holes, where the user or technician installing the connector or solar panel can choose which holes for the supply of the extinguishing agent to install tanks to and which not, so that they can set on site during installation at what temperature or pressure the extinguishing agent will be released according to the application. Holes without tanks can be closed with a lid to prevent leakage of the extinguishing agent, water ingress, etc. through them. One type of housing can then be used for a number of different applications in different places, with easy setting of conditions for the release of the extinguishing agent from predefined options given by the number of holes for the supply of the extinguishing agent and the form of their partitions.

[0024] Similarly, with one housing body, which may have one or more holes for the supply of the extinguishing agent, it is possible to supply several tanks with different partitions (or several separate partitions), where the choice of tank / partition determines the temperature or pressure for release. Again, the technician or user is allowed to use the same body of the housing for different applications, and only several different partitions or tanks are supplied.

[0025] In some variants of the solution, it is possible to use multiple holes for the supply of the extinguishing agent, with a corresponding number of partitions and tanks, and multiple holes can be closed with the same partitions that open at the same temperature / pressure.

[0026] Each partition can have a different thickness than the other partitions of the holes for the supply of the extinguishing agent. Alternatively, when the body comprises a total of at least three holes for the supply of the extinguishing agent, at least two partitions may have the same thickness. The extinguishing agent can thus penetrate the cavity at the same temperatures and / or pressures to enhance the extinguishing effect. This can be advantageous, for example, in housings with a small diameter of the hole for the supply of extinguishing agent and / or a smaller amount of the extinguishing agent stored behindthe given partition, which would not fill the entire space of the body cavity if necessary and might not extinguish the fire.

[0027] The thickness of each partition is preferably measured in the direction from the given hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent to the body cavity. For example, for a cavity with a circular cross-section, the thickness is the dimension of the partition measured in the radial direction from the cavity axis to the center of the partition. In the same direction, the height of the extinguishing agent tank and any walls of the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent is measured.

[0028] Alternatively, the first partition may be made of a different material than the second partition, in which case the structure of the partition will be damaged sooner or later than the second partition.

[0029] The closing mechanism may comprise at least two closing grooves located on one part of the body and at least two closing protrusions located on the other part of the body to fit into the closing grooves. The closing mechanism with grooves and protrusions allows sufficient closure of the housing cavity and there is no need to use an external closing element, e.g. a cable tie, which may not provide sufficient tightness. Also, closing the housing is easier and faster with the help of protrusions and grooves than, for example, with the help of cable ties. More preferably, the body comprises exactly two parts of the body connected by the closing mechanism.

[0030] The cavity preferably comprises a cavity axis, preferably extending from one connector entry hole to the other. The connector entry hole preferably comprises an axis of the connector entry hole, which can be coincident with the direction of the cavity axis. In the same direction - the longitudinal direction of the housing - the length of the cavity is measured.

[0031] Preferably, each groove may comprise at least two sections, wherein one end of the second section is connected to one end of the first section. The first section of the groove can be parallel to the cavity axis. The second section of the groove may preferably be non-parallel to the first section, wherein the other end of the second section is open, located on the edge of one part of the body, for inserting the closing protrusion into the groove. The connection of the first section with the second section is therefore further away from the edge of the housing part. Preferably, the smaller angle between the first section and the second section is within the range of 100-150°. This groove shape allowseasy insertion of the protrusion into the groove and at the same time a firm connection of the housing parts to prevent unwanted disconnection of the housing part.

[0032] It is preferable to have at least one groove on one side of one housing part relative to the cavity axis, and at least one groove on the other side of one housing part in the direction of the cavity axis to connect the housing part evenly and close the cavity.

[0033] Preferably, the cavity has a cylindrical shape, which is suitable for storing the connector. The housing body can therefore have a cylindrical shape. In case of a cylindrical housing body, the closing grooves and protrusions are preferably located on the longer walls of the body.

[0034] The closing grooves therefore preferably run along the longitudinal axis of the housing, so that when closing, the housing parts slide relative to each other in this direction. At the same time, the groove is preferably not straight, i.e. curved or angled, so when closing the housing, the two parts first approach each other and then move with regards to each other parallel with the longitudinal axis. Further preferably, when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing, where one part of the body is up and the other is down, there is at least one closing groove and corresponding closing protrusion on the left side of the housing and at least one closing groove and corresponding closing protrusion on the right side of the housing. Even more preferably, there are several grooves and protrusions on each side, located one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, preferably located along most of the length of the housing to ensure that both parts are firmly held together for most of the length.

[0035] The open parts of the closing grooves can be widened to facilitate the insertion of the closing protrusions. Preferably, there are at least three closing grooves and three closing protrusions on each side of the housing (left and right). The grooves are preferably made on the inner wall of the cavity so that their open longitudinal wall faces the cavity. The protrusions on the other part of the housing body then face in the opposite direction - they are on the outside side of the housing body wall and face away from the cavity so that they can be guided by the grooves when closing. The closing protrusions are preferably round so as to facilitate their installation and guidance through a curved or angled closing groove.

[0036] The closing mechanism also preferably comprises a longitudinal rail on each side of the housing on each part, the cross-section of which preferably tapers towards theother one of the body parts. These rails preferably overlap each other when the housing is closed, so that a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing intersects both the rail on the first part of the body and the rail on the second part of the body on each side of the housing. This makes the housing better closed - there is no direct gap between the body parts. In addition, the rails help in sliding the body parts relative to each other when closing / opening and can make it easier to put the body parts on top of each other to close the housing.

[0037] Preferably, one part of each connector entry hole is located on one part of the body and the other part of the connector entry hole is on the other part of the housing body. This makes it easy to insert cables with the connector into the housing cavity.

[0038] The body of the housing is then divided into parts lengthwise.

[0039] An alternative variant is to use a tubular main part of the body, open at both ends. Both ends are equipped with a two-piece screw, bayonet or push-in cap, where this cap contains a hole for the cable partially located on each of the parts. Inserting or screwing the cap into the body holds both parts of the cap together. Alternatively, the cap can be secured with a safety lock that passes through or is braced against the main part of the body and the cap and thus holds them together.

[0040] The connector entry hole can preferably be of circular shape, which is the standard shape of cables. Therefore, the shape of the connector entry hole is complementary to the shape of the cable with the connector. Preferably, the size of the connector entry hole is such that the cable fits snugly against the connector entry hole for sufficient cavity sealing and increasing the extinguishing efficiency. Alternatively, the connector entry hole comprises a seal, e.g. a rubber ring washer with cable hole smaller than the cable diameter.

[0041] The body preferably comprises a locking mechanism to secure the body parts together, which can prevent the housing from being opened unintentionally, opened by an unauthorized person, etc. The locking mechanism is preferably unlockable, so it can be unlocked again after locking and the housing can be opened. However, it is also possible to create the locking mechanism in such a way that it can only be unlocked by destroying some part of it. Preferably, the locking mechanism is a snap-in mechanism, where the clip on one part (preferably the clip on the left and right side of one part of the body) fits behind the protrusion, edge, hole, wall, etc. on the other part, and thanks to theelasticity of this clip, its end is pressed against the given protrusion or other counterpart, so that both parts are locked together. To unlock it, the clip must be pushed away or possibly destroyed if the locking is made inseparable.

[0042] Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises its first part, which is attached to one part of the housing body, and the second part, which is attached to the second part of the housing body. The first part of the locking mechanism may comprise at least one locking protrusion, and the second part of the locking mechanism may comprise at least one locking protrusion hole, preferably one locking protrusion hole for each locking protrusion. More preferably, the first part of the housing comprises at least two locking protrusions, where one locking protrusion is located on one side of the housing with respect to the cavity axis and the other locking protrusion is located on the other side of the housing with respect to the cavity axis, for more even locking of the cavity. In case of the cylindrical housing, the locking protrusions are preferably located on the longer walls of the body. The locking protrusion preferably protrudes out of the cavity. Preferably, the locking protrusion is attached to one part of the body flexibly, e.g. due to flexible material, springs, etc. It is preferable to attach the locking protrusion to the body part made of flexible material with the elastic modulus of about 2800 N / mm2. Depending on the specific implementation of the mechanism design, these values can range mainly from 1500 to 4500 N / mm2.

[0043] Preferably, the locking mechanism is combined with the closing mechanism using closing grooves and protrusions. The closing mechanism then holds both parts together in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the locking mechanism can only secure them against each other in the longitudinal direction. The locking mechanism can then be placed, for example, at the end of the closing mechanism so that when the housing is closed, it is automatically locked, e.g. the clip is hooked to the corresponding counterpart.

[0044] Preferably, the locking mechanism protrusion hole is a through-hole and the locking protrusion does not protrude from the locking protrusion hole, which can ensure greater security against unintentional opening of the housing. The protrusion is preferably located closer to the cavity than the protrusion hole. Preferably, the wall thickness of the body, where the locking protrusion hole is located, is greater than the thickness of the locking protrusion. The through-hole for the locking protrusion allows this protrusion to be pushed into the cavity from the outside of the housing, thus pushing it away from itscounterpart (e.g. the edge to which it is hooked) to unlock the housing. As the protrusion does not protrude beyond the hole, it is not easy to press it with your fingers or press it by mistake, and preferably an additional tool is needed to unlock it. This reduces the risk of the housing being opened by an unauthorized person.

[0045] Preferably, there are thus at least two locking protrusions and corresponding through-holes - one on each side of the housing. The housing may then comprise a fixture for pushing the locking protrusion out of the locking protrusion hole, which can open the housing, especially when the locking protrusion does not protrude out of the locking protrusion hole. The fixture may comprise two movably connected arms that comprise at least one handling tab that is used to interact with the locking protrusion. Each handling protrusion has a smaller cross-section than the cross-section of the locking protrusion hole so that it can be pushed into the locking protrusion hole. Preferably, the fixture arms are connected to each other in a non-parallel way with a common axis of rotation and in such a way that the handling protrusions point towards each other when the arms are placed one next to each other (in parallel with a deviation of up to 5°, for example). The fixture can therefore be similar to pliers. The fixture can be used by inserting the handling protrusions into the locking protrusion holes, pressing the fixture (its arms) to bring the arms closer and pressing the locking protrusions so that the locking protrusions slide out of the locking protrusion holes and one part of the housing body can be separated from the other, opening the housing. The fixture can thus take the form of pliers with handling protrusions. The rotation between the arms can be limited by a hinge, but also only by the flexibility of the arms material, where the whole fixture can be made of one piece of material.

[0046] Thus, the fixture can comprise two arms (or even more arms if multiple locking protrusions are used), which are movable and all of them may also be inserted into the corresponding locking protrusion holes to unlock the housing by pushing the locking protrusions into the cavity out of the locking protrusion holes.

[0047] The fixture and the housing can form a solar panel connector assembly together, allowing the connector to be hidden in the housing and easy to open if necessary.

[0048] The fixture may comprise a positioning protrusion, for example located between the arms, which can be positioned on the housing so that the handling protrusions are aligned with the locking protrusion holes. For example, the positioning protrusion can berested on one end of the housing - e.g. its cylindrical base - wherein it allows the fixture to be placed on the housing exactly to the extent necessary to align the handling protrusions.

[0049] One of the variants of locking the housing body can therefore be to provide one part of the body with the locking protrusion, and the other part with the locking protrusion hole, where these elements form a snap-in locking mechanism. Preferably, the locking protrusion hole is a through-hole out of the housing body so that it can be pushed out of the cavity from the outside and the housing can be opened. The advantage of this variant is, among other things, easy closing and locking of the housing. With preferable provision of the housing with the fixture for pushing the locking protrusion out of the hole, the opening of the housing is also facilitated.

[0050] As an alternative to the variant described above, the locking can be implemented using a safety lock that is supported against the body of the housing in the place where both parts of the body overlap. This place is equipped with a groove or a hole for the safety lock. Preferably, the safety lock has a middle arm with a side arm at each end, where the side arms carry a snap-in element to secure the safety lock in the body of the housing. The safety lock can then be snapped into one part of the body, wherein it encircles part of the other part of the body and thus keeps the body closed. The advantage of this variant is more reliable securing of the housing, and the possibility of easy replacement of the safety lock (which is a separate part here). The replacement is useful, e.g., when the safety lock is damaged, but also for changing the safety lock rigidity, e.g. to ensure that the housing is locked non-detachably with a safety lock that is so rigid that it cannot be opened and therefore not separated from the housing body without destruction.

[0051] Preferably, the body comprises a fire indication element in the cavity of the housing body, which indicates to the user whether or not there has been a fire in the housing. The fire indication element can be mechanical and / or chemical (e.g. discoloration of the housing under the influence of heat). A mechanical fire indication element can be a flag that changes position in the event of a fire, or another component, preferably with a colormarking. Thus, the indication element is preferably located on the outer surface of the body for fire indication.

[0052] The mechanical fire indication element can therefore comprise a movable indication element - a flag, as well as a heat-sensitive safety lock that activates this element when a certain temperature is reached. For example, the indication element can be pre-sprung and secured by a safety lock, wherein when the limit temperature is exceeded, e.g. when the safety lock material melts, the indication element is released and the spring slides it out of the body, making it visible.

[0053] Another example is a fire indication element comprising a recess on the outer wall of the housing that has a red tinted bottom. The recess is filled with a material with a lower melting point than the body material, such as thermochalk, which is known in the background of the invention in a number of variants with different melting points. When the housing reaches a certain temperature, e.g. 80-100°, this material melts and flows out, revealing e.g. the red bottom of the recess and indicating to the operator that the temperature has been exceeded. Instead of the recess, a colored part of the outer wall of the housing can be used, on which a layer of hot melt material is applied, so the principle is the same as above, but there is no need to create a recess in the wall. The heatsensitive safety lock can not only unlock the mechanical indication element, but can also only expose it.

[0054] The fire indication element can also comprise several different hot melt materials, under which, for example, there is always a number indicating the melting point or part of the color scale, so the operator can also see which highest temperature has been reached when looking at the housing.

[0055] The fire indication element can be thermochromic, where at least a part of the body of the housing changes color when the body is exposed to heat from the fire. This property can be ensured by a standard procedure, for example by coating the indication element with thermochromic paint or foil. Thermochromic paints or inks are known in a range of colors and color change temperatures in the background of the invention. For example, temperature measuring strips known in the background of the invention can also be used to measure the temperature of the engine, suspension, coolers and other vehicle components.So, a part of the indication elements is located on the outside of the body. Only a part of the body can be thermochromic, more preferably, the thermochromic element for indication is on most of the body for the best possible visibility of the problem at the housing for the user. For example, one part of the housing body can be thermochromic. The fire indication element can therefore be a part of the housing body.

[0056] Preferably, the extinguishing agent tank is a part of the housing body and comprises the lid for storing the extinguishing agent. The lid can close the tank from the outside of the body away from the cavity, where there is a partition opposite the lid. However, it can also close the tank from the inside, in the cavity, where the partition is delimited by the lid.

[0057] Preferably, there is a space for the extinguishing agent above the hole, which is delimited by the partition towards the body cavity, by the walls of the hole that are a part of the body and by the lid. The lid can then be the only component made of a different piece of material, which greatly facilitates production. Alternatively, the space for the extinguishing agent may be defined above the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent, which is closed from the outside by the wall of the hole, and can only be opened from the inside of the cavity, through the lid combined with the partition. The extinguishing agent tank can then be delimited by the walls of the hole and closed with the lid after filling.

[0058] For easier filling, the tank can be formed as a separate part, closed with the lid and / or the partition, wherein the tank is placed into the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent and is held between its walls. Thus, the partition can be the wall of the tank, which is located at the entrance of the hole towards the cavity of the housing. This placement of the tank can occur from the inside or outside, depending on the form of the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent.

[0059] The tank can then be made of the same material as the body of the housing, or of a different material. When using a different material, the entire tank can be made of the partition material, wherein the higher thickness of this material outside the partition ensures that the tank is opened through the partition. Alternatively, the tight placement of the tank in the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent, which can also be closed from the outside, can prevent a possible leakage of the extinguishing agent, so that theopening of the tank due to temperature / pressure can occur also on walls not directed directly into the cavity, without restricting the extinguishing effect.

[0060] Different tanks can then be made of different materials, to adjust the opening of the tank at different moments, as described above for differently sized partitions.

[0061] Preferably, at least one partition has a thickness smaller than the wall of the body delimiting the cavity and / or the cavity is of a different material than the wall of the body delimiting the cavity. This difference in thickness and / or material then ensures that the partition is opened due to pressure / heat without damaging the cavity delimiting walls of the housing.

[0062] The tank (preferably all tanks if the housing has more) is preferably made of a material with lower temperature stability than the material of the housing body. Thus, the tank material melts, or its thermal disintegration, puncture, etc., occurs before the material of the housing body begins to thermally degrade.

[0063] As mentioned above, the partition can be a part of the extinguishing agent tank. The hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent is thus closed by the partition, e.g. at the moment of attaching the tank to the body of the housing. This makes it easier to fill the tank - it can be filled outside the body of the housing, which would interfere with filling. At the same time, the tank selection can be used to select the parameters (temperature or pressure) of the extinguishing as described above.

[0064] Preferably, the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent comprises at least one wall that extends away from the inside of the cavity and surrounds at least a part of the tank with the extinguishing agent. This wall therefore extends in the direction of the height of the tank and preferably surrounds it around the entire circumference in at least a part of its height. This allows this wall to be sealed against the tank and the extinguishing agent will not leak during extinguishing. This wall is preferably dimensioned complementarily to the tank, so that the tank can be inserted into the wall and held firmly there, without the need for additional adhesives or seals.

[0065] The housing may comprise a control unit for monitoring the connector in the housing and a sensor for sensing the environment in the housing and / or the status of the connector, which is data-linked (wired or wireless, preferably wired) to the control unit. Preferably, it is a temperature sensor, e.g. bimetallic, which senses the temperature inthe housing cavity to determine if there is overheating or burning. Based on the data from the sensor, the control unit therefore detects whether the temperature in the housing cavity has already exceeded a certain permissible limit, e.g. 60°, and flame burning could occur. Subsequently, the control unit preferably alerts the relevant technician to this condition to inspect the housing. The control unit therefore preferably comprises a communication unit for notification regarding the housing status, which sends data to a remote second control unit to a technician, who then inspect the housing. Therefore, a fire in the housing does not have to occur due to this control. If, for example, there is a rapid temperature fluctuation in the housing (e.g. discharge) and the fire occurs before the inspection can take place, the partition breaks and the extinguishing agent is released. Preferably, the extinguishing agent is thus released at a higher temperature, e.g. at least 10° higher than the critical sensor temperature at which the control unit notifies that there is a defect.

[0066] The control unit may comprise a signaling element to indicate a fire or fire risk in the housing cavity, which can help the technician to find the relevant housing or, for example, to signal a fault to the occupant of the house, etc. The signaling element can be, for example, a diode that lights up at elevated temperature, an audio device, etc.

[0067] The control unit can be located in a case preferably on the outer surface of the housing, further for example in the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent, in the housing cavity, etc. The sensor can be located on the outer surface of the housing, in the housing cavity, in the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent, etc.

[0068] Furthermore, the above shortcomings are to some extent eliminated by a solar panel wiring assembly that comprises at least one housing for the solar panel connector and at least one holder for attaching the cable comprising the connector. The holder for attaching the cable can be attached to the housing, directly or, more preferably, indirectly through an additional component. This holder is preferably used to support the cable on which the connector part is located, to prevent damage (e.g. breakage) of the cable at the connection of the cable with the connector part and / or at the connector entry hole. Another advantage of using the holder for attaching the cable is the reduction of the load on cables going in and out of the connector. Especially for the male connectors, where the cable can only be subjected to a very small tensile load. The holder can thereforecomprise an attachment part that attaches it to the housing and an arm that is shaped to hold the cable in a position approximately parallel to the housing axis to prevent it from kinking.

[0069] The holder for attaching the cable can be shaped like a hook on which the cable leading from the connector can hang, thus helping to reduce the load on the cable, especially in critical areas such as the connector entry hole and the cable-to-connector junction. The arm can therefore be J-shaped.

[0070] The holder for attaching the cable can be located at the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent, especially at the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent, which faces in the direction of gravity (i.e. downwards) when the housing is attached to the solar panel. Alternatively, the holder for attaching the cable can be attached to at least one connector entry hole so as to support the cable entering that hole. For example, in a hookshaped holder for attaching the cable, the hook may be attached to an additional component, and the curved portion of the hook (the bottom of the letter J) may be, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, located at the same place as the edge of the connector entry hole. The arm of the holder for attaching the cable can therefore be equipped with a cable holding terminal that is preferably aligned with the housing axis, e.g. the longitudinal axis.

[0071] The assembly may further comprise a carrier that comprises at least one holder for attaching the housing and an attachment for attaching the carrier to the solar panel. The holder for attaching the cable is attached to the carrier. The carrier can be, for example, a board to which the housing is removably attached, for example on a pair of hooks that encircle the housing on a part of its circumference, and there are also two removable holders for holding the cable - one on each side of the connector. This board then further comprises an attachment for attaching to the solar panel, which can be in the form of hooks facing in the opposite direction than the hooks for the housing, located on the upper edge of this board.

[0072] The holder for attaching the housing can be U-shaped, when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis, where the housing is clamped between the opposite branches.

[0073] The attachment for attaching the carrier can be in the form of about two-thirds of the figure eight comprising two crossed ends, with one end attached to the holder forattaching the cable and the other end free. These two ends are pre-sprung, so when a solar panel frame is inserted between them, for example, these ends clamp this frame and the housing is thus attached to the frame. The attachment for attaching therefore acts as a clamp. In other words, the attachment is a torsion spring that has a jaw for attaching to the solar panel frame between the ends of the figure eight.

[0074] The amount of the extinguishing agent in the tanks, preferably in each tank, or at least in each group of tanks intended to be opened under the same conditions, is preferably such that it fills the inside of the cavity with a concentration of at least 4 %, more preferably at least 6 %. This concentration is sufficient for known gaseous extinguishing agents, such as FK-5-1-12 (known as Novec) or heptafluoropropane, to extinguish a normal fire. Preferably, the amount is chosen so that also the empty housing is filled with the required concentration so that this concentration is safely reached for any size connector.

[0075] The extinguishing agent in the tank can be preferably liquid or gaseous under normal storage conditions. Preferably, the extinguishing agent changes its state to gaseous before extinguishing. The extinguishing agent can have a temperature for transformation into a gaseous state in the range of 45-90 °C, more preferably in the range of 48-70 °C. Alternatively, ranges of (-25) °C to (-15) °C are suitable for application under extreme conditions. Preferably, the filling and welding of the tank with the extinguishing agent occurs in a pressure chamber or under the influence of cold.

[0076] Description of Drawings

[0077] The essence of the invention is further explained by exemplary embodiments thereof, which are described using the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0078] Fig. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of the housing in the first exemplary embodiment, wherein two parts of the housing body are offset from each other, so that the closing and locking mechanisms are visible, and each part of thebody has a hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent, which is shown in this picture without a lid.

[0079] Fig. 2 shows a detail of one end of the housing from Fig. 1 , where the closing and locking mechanisms are better visible.

[0080] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the housing from Fig. 1.

[0081] Fig. 4 shows a front view of the housing from Fig. 1 , wherein the housing is closed, and the lids for the holes for the supply of the extinguishing agent, which are separated from the body of the housing, are also shown.

[0082] Fig. 5 shows a front view of the housing from Fig. 1 when the housing is open, so the locking mechanism and the closing mechanism rails are visible.

[0083] Fig. 6 shows a side view of the housing from Fig. 1 when it is closed.

[0084] Fig. 7 shows a view from above of the housing from Fig. 1.

[0085] Fig. 8 Fig. 8A shows a view from above of the housing unlocking fixture and Fig.

[0086] 8B shows this fixture from the side.

[0087] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the closed housing from Fig. 1 with the fixture from Fig. 8 attached.

[0088] Fig. 10 shows schematically a view of the inside of the housing with the placed connector.

[0089] Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the housing in the second exemplary embodiment, where the extinguishing agent tank is inserted into the blind hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent from the inside of the cavity of the housing, and the closing mechanism, the locking mechanism and the fire indication element are implemented differently than in the first embodiment. Fig. 12 is a view from the front of one part of the housing from Fig. 11.

[0090] Fig. 13 is a view from above, partly in cross-section, of the housing from Fig.

[0091] 11.

[0092] Fig. 14 is a cross-section view of the extinguishing agent tank and its lid, which comprises a partition.Fig. 15 is a view from above of the locking safety lock, which is in this embodiment used for locking the housing.

[0093] Fig. 16 is a side section view of the housing from Fig. 11.

[0094] Fig. 17 is a detail from Fig. 16 showing the placement of the extinguishing agent tank in the hole for the supply of the extinguishing agent.

[0095] Fig. 18 is a side view of one part of the body of the housing from Fig. 11 , wherein parts of the closing and locking mechanism are visible.

[0096] Fig. 19 schematically shows a detailed view of the fire indication element according to the second embodiment, the location of which in the body is visible in Fig. 16.

[0097] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of one part of the body from Fig. 11 , where the implementation of the closing and locking mechanism is visible.

[0098] Fig. 21 is a detailed perspective view of the open housing from Fig. 11 at the front end, where one of the locking mechanisms of this housing is visible. Fig. 22 is a side view of the detail from Fig. 21.

[0099] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the housing from Fig. 1 attached to the carrier with a holder for attaching the cable.

[0100] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the carrier from Fig. 23 with the housing. Fig. 25 is a schematic drawing of the attachment of the housing from Fig. 1 to the solar panel frame using the carrier from Fig. 23.

[0101] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the housing in the third exemplary embodiment with caps.

[0102] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the housing in the third exemplary embodiment with a visible bayonet closing.

[0103] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the housing in the fifth exemplary embodiment in a disassembled state.

[0104] Fig. 29 Is a view from the front of the housing in the fifth exemplary embodiment in a disassembled state.Exemplary Embodiments of the Invention

[0105] The housing for the connector 18 will be further explained on exemplary embodiments with reference to the relevant drawings. The first exemplary embodiment of the housing is shown in Fig. 1 to 10. The housing in this embodiment comprises an essentially cylindrical body 1, which is made of two parts in the shape of a half-cylinder. These two parts each have an essentially rectangular edge, and these edges are brought together when the housing is closed. Each part comprises the extinguishing agent tank 7, which is separated from the cavity 2 defined inside the housing by the partition 6 and closed from the opposite end by the lid 17.This arrangement, with the two-piece connector 18 connecting two cables 19 inserted inside the housing, is schematically shown in Fig.

[0106] 10. The connector 18 in this simplified schematic drawing fills only a relatively small part of the housing, but in reality, in this embodiment it fills the vast majority of the volume of the cavity 2_in order to minimize the amount of space that must be filled with the extinguishing agent during extinguishing.

[0107] The body 1 of the connector 18 has an upper part and a lower part in the first embodiment, where the terms upper and lower correspond to the representation according to Fig. 1 to distinguish these parts from each other. However, when used, the relative position of these two parts does not matter. Both parts have the same basic shape - half of a longitudinally divided rotary cylinder. The interior of each part defines a half of the cylindrical cavity 2. When the housing is closed (see Figs. 4, 6, 9, 10), this cavity 2 is connected with the surrounding environment to a non-insignificant extent only by the connector 18 entry holes 3 (through which, when the connector 18 is inserted, the cable 19 passes into cavity 2 from the connector 18) into the cavity 2 created in the bases of the body 1_. The housing is not hermetically sealed against the environment, air or other gases can penetrate in and out through the connector 18 entry holes 3 and through the boundary between the parts of the body T However, the gas exchange between the inside of the housing and the outside is minimal after the insertion of the connector 18 inside, when the cables 19 close both connector 18 entry holes 3. This allows the housing to vent any possible moisture, but during extinguishing, the leakage of the extinguishing agent is not so large that the extinguishing efficiency is limited.The upper part of the body 1 is therefore approximately semi-cylindrical. On its upper side, it comprises two raised planar areas, one of which is covered with thermochromic paint that turns red when the temperature exceeds 90 °C and thus acts as the fire indication element 15. The wall of the housing is thinner in this place to provide less insulation so that the indication that the temperature has been exceeded is more sensitive. In this embodiment, the second raised planar area is intended for carrying an information label, which is created as a relief on this area. This label contains information about the extinguishing agent used, the manufacturer of the housing and the temperature at which the extinguishing will take place.

[0108] Furthermore, this upper part comprises a cylindrical hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent to the cavity 2. This hole 5 contains a cylindrical wall, formed in one piece with the walls of the cavity 2. On the bottom side, this hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent is closed by the partition 6, which is made of the same material as the rest of the body 1, but is thinner and contains an admixture to decrease the melting temperature. Thanks to this, in the event of a fire, the partition 6 is the first part to melt and thus release the extinguishing agent from the hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent inside the cavity 2. The upper end of the hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent can be closed with the lid 17 (see Figs. 4 and 10). The lid 17, the partition 6 and the wall of the hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent thus define the extinguishing agent tank 7. The extinguishing agent is not shown, in the first embodiment it is the Novec extinguishing agent. After filling the tank 7, the lid 17 is welded by ultrasonic welding into the hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent, and thus the extinguishing agent tank 7 tightly closed.

[0109] The body 1 of the housing is in the first embodiment made of PA66-GF30 with flame retardants and is made by an injection molding machine. The lower part of the body 1 has an analogous shape to the upper part, only without the raised planar areas.

[0110] The removable connection of the both parts of the body 1 for opening and closing the housing is provided by the closing mechanism which comprises closing protrusions 9 on the upper part and closing grooves 8 on the lower part. These closing elements are distributed on the longer sides of the rectangular edges of the parts of the body 1_. These elements are shown in Fig. 1-3 and are shown in most detail in Fig. 2. The upper part comprises a rail on its edge on the left and right sides (left and right correspond to the view from Figs. 4 and 5), which extends over about 80% of the length of the housing. Thisrail becomes thinner downwards to facilitate fitting thereof on the complementary lower rail. From the outside, 6 round closing protrusions 9 are equidistantly arranged on this rail, which protrude perpendicularly from the rail to the left and right.

[0111] The lower part also comprises a matching rail of the same shape - when closing, the rails can slide over each other and thus facilitate closing. The closing grooves 8 on the lower part are not on the rail, but on the wall of the body under the rail. Each closing groove 8 is located on the inside of this wall, and the number of closing grooves 8 is the same as the number of closing protrusions 9 of the upper part. Each closing groove 8 is open from above for the insertion of the corresponding closing protrusion 9 and has an inclined section facing downwards with an inclination of approx. 30° to the front end of the housing. In addition, each closing groove 8 has a horizontal part that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis. When closing, the closing protrusion 9 is guided first downwards and then horizontally by the closing groove 8. The closed end of the closing groove 8 is positioned so that when the closing protrusion 9 stops in it (or when all closing protrusions 9 stop at the end in the corresponding closing groove 8), both parts of the body 1 of the housing are aligned and the cavity 2 is closed.

[0112] To prevent the housing from opening by itself, it is also equipped with a locking mechanism 10. This embodiment uses a click mechanism comprising two locking protrusions 11 , which are flexible clips with a trimmed widened end (see Fig. 2), on the upper part and two corresponding holes 12 for the locking protrusion 11 on the lower part (see Fig. 2 and 5). The clips spring from left to right, and their widened part is pushed outwards from the cavity 2 by the elasticity of the material. When the closing protrusions 9 are pushed into the closing grooves 8, the clips are pre-tensioned and press against the inner wall of the lower part. Once the housing is closed, the widened ends of the clips are aligned with the holes 12 for the locking protrusion 11 and fit into those holes 12. This prevents backward movement between the upper and lower part and the housing is therefore locked.

[0113] To allow the housing to be unlocked, the holes 12 for the locking protrusion 11 are through holes. The clips in these holes 12 lead only to about half the length (half the thickness of the cavity 2 wall). From the outside, it is possible to push the ends of the clips to get them out of the holes 12 for the locking protrusion 11 and then the closing protrusions 9 can be pulled out of the closing grooves 8 and the housing can be opened. To facilitate unlocking of the housing, a fixture 13 for pushing the locking protrusions 11out of the holes 12 for the locking protrusion 11 is provided in this embodiment. This fixture is shown in Fig. 8 and allows both clips to be pushed out at the same time with one hand, so that the housing can be opened with the other hand.

[0114] The fixture 13 for pushing out the locking protrusion 11 is approximately "coshaped" (lowercase omega letter). It comprises two flexible arms 16 that are connected at one end and have the other end free. Thanks to the elasticity of the material (ABS is used), this free end can be tilted - bringing both free ends closer to each other. The free ends contain extensions (see Fig. 8B) for easier finger pressing and comprise a handling protrusion 14, which has a smaller cross-section than the hole 12 for locking protrusion 11 and is long enough to completely push the locking protrusion 11 out of the hole 12 for the locking protrusion 11.

[0115] The fixture 13 for pushing out the locking protrusion 11 also comprises a positioning protrusion that is located between the arms, is connected to them at one end and has the second free end with a flat contact surface. The length of the positioning protrusion is chosen so that when the fixture 13 contacts with its contact surface the front end of the housing (a flat round base visible e.g. in Fig. 4), the handling protrusions 14 are aligned with the holes 12 for the locking protrusion 11 , so that pressing the arms 16 together unlocks the housing (see Fig. 9). The fixture 13 for pushing out the locking protrusion 11 also comprises a hole for hanging the fixture 13.

[0116] As mentioned above, the housing in the first embodiment comprises two holes 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent, each defining the extinguishing agent tank 7 separated from the cavity 2 inside the housing by the partition 6. The partition 6 is the weakest point of the tank 7, it is damaged in the event of a fire and the extinguishing agent is then released from the tank into the cavity 2, which is filled with a 10% concentration. The partition 6 on the upper part of the body 1 of the housing is designed to melt at 90°C, while the partition 6_of the lower part at 115°C. This difference is due to the different thickness of the partitions 6 - the upper part has more weakened partition 6. Thanks to this, the extinguishing agent from the upper part is released earlier in the event of a fire. The extinguishing agent from the lower part is released later, if the fire is not extinguished, or it can remain in the tank 7 for potential extinguishing of another fire, if another fire occurs before the upper part is replaced / its tank 7 is refilled.The second embodiment of the present solution is shown in Fig. 11 -22. The basic aspects of this embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment - the essentially cylindrical body 1 of the housing made of two main parts, with the hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent and tank 7 on each of the parts. The location of the extinguishing agent, the fire indication element 15, the material of the body 1, locking and closing are implemented differently in this embodiment and only these differences to the first embodiment will be described below. The body 1 in this exemplary embodiment is made of thermoset. Both parts of the body 1 are implemented in this embodiment in the same way, i.e. the upper and lower parts comprise the same elements with the same layout in relation to the longitudinal axis.

[0117] The location of the extinguishing agent is best seen in Figs. 14, 16 and 17. In this embodiment, the extinguishing agent tank 7 is made of two pieces, separated from the body 1 of the housing. The entire tank 7 is made of a material that has a lower thermal stability than the material of the body 1 - this is the material from which the partition 6 is made in the first embodiment. The tank 7 comprises the body of the tank 7 with space for the extinguishing agent and the lid 17. It is cylindrical and has the same volume as in the first embodiment.

[0118] The hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent is also cylindrical and has a shape complementary to the shape of the tank 7. The hole 5 for the supply of extinguishing the agent is open in the direction into the cavity 2, in the direction away from the cavity 2 it is closed by the bottom of the hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent and closed by the cylindrical wall from the sides. The extinguishing agent tank 7 is inserted into the hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent in the direction from the cavity 2, the lid 17 faces the cavity 2 after the insertion. The tank 7 is held in place in the hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent by the click mechanism shown in Fig. 16.

[0119] When the event of a fire, the lid 17 thermally degrades and the extinguishing agent is released through it. The partition 7 separating the extinguishing agent from the cavity 2 before the fire is therefore in this embodiment a part of the lid of the extinguishing agent tank 7. The leakage of the extinguishing agent outside the cavity 2 is prevented by plugging the hole 5 for the supply of extinguishing agent, even if the walls of the extinguishing agent tank 7 also melt or disintegrate.The housing is closed by the closing mechanism, which in this embodiment comprises on each side of each part of the body the closing groove 8 on the first half of the length of this side and the closing protrusion 9 on the second half of the length of this side. In one part of the housing, the closing mechanism is asymmetrical, so the front part of the housing has the closing groove 8 on the left and the closing protrusion 9 on the right, and the situation in the rear part of the housing is reversed. On the second part of the housing, the closing is also reversed from the first part of the housing, so when both parts are aligned, the closing protrusion 9 is always aligned with the closing groove 8. In total, the housing comprises four closing protrusions 9 and four closing grooves 8, which define the slide between both parts of the body 1 and completely fit together when the housing is fully closed. The closing protrusions 9 taper towards the second part of the housing, so they have an approximately triangular cross-section, for easier fitting. The form of the closing mechanism is best seen in Fig. 20 and also in the details in Fig. 21 and 22.

[0120] The locking mechanism 10 in this embodiment is also implemented by the same elements on both parts of the body 1 of the housing, located on opposite sides. These elements comprise, at the front end of the first part of the body 1, where the front end is here the end farther from the locking safety lock 20 in Fig. 20, a pair of locking protrusions 11 , and at the rear end, a pair of complementary holes 12 for the locking protrusion 11 (into which the locking protrusions 11 at the rear end of the second part fit). A groove 21 for the locking safety lock 20 is formed on the locking protrusions 11 , which is also formed on the rear side of the rear end (see Fig. 21), so that the locking safety lock 20 can engage, after closing the housing, through the groove 21 for the locking safety lock 20 on the part with holes 12 for the locking protrusion 11 the locking protrusions 11 of the second part of the body 1, thus the locking safety locks 20 keep both parts of the body 1 together.

[0121] To lock the locking safety lock 20 in place, after it is inserted into the groove 21 for the locking safety lock 20, a second group of locking protrusions 11 and holes 12 for the locking protrusions 11 is used. The locking safety lock 20 is approximately U-shaped, where the outer arms are shorter and are flexibly connected to the middle longer arm. The shape of the locking safety lock 20 is best seen in Fig. 15. The inner side of the arms comprises the locking protrusions 11. Holes 12 for the locking protrusion 11 of the locking safety lock 20 are made on the outer lateral sides on the locking protrusions 11 of the parts of the body 1, (best seen in Fig. 20-22). When the housing is closed and the lockingsafety lock 20 is inserted into the groove 21 for the locking safety lock 20, the beveled locking protrusions 11 of the locking safety lock 20 click into the holes 12 for the locking protrusions 11 on the body 1 and the locking safety lock 20 is thus locked in the body 1 of the housing.

[0122] This embodiment therefore comprises the locking mechanism 10 at both ends, where each mechanism 10 comprises two locking protrusions 11 on one part of the body 1, two complementary holes 12 for locking protrusions 11 on the other part of the body 1 (these components are used to hold the parts of the body 1 together), two locking protrusions 11 on the locking safety lock 20 and two holes 12 for the locking protrusions 11 of the locking safety lock 20 on the locking protrusions 11 of the body 1 (these components are used to hold the locking safety lock 20 in the groove 21 for the locking safety lock 20).

[0123] The clip is made of a more common polymer than the body 1 (ABS in this embodiment). A weakened spot is created in the corners of the locking safety lock 20 (circular cut-out on both sides, best visible in Fig. 15), which allows sufficient springing when opening. The locking safety lock 20 can be opened and removed from the body 1 of the housing with a tool such as a thin flat screwdriver, without destruction. Without removing the clip, opening the housing is not possible without destroying the clip or part of the body 1 of the housing.

[0124] The fire indication element 15 in this embodiment is mainly mechanical. It is built into both parts of the body 1, at opposite ends. It comprises a flag 22, which takes the form of a red piece of material, in this embodiment the same as the body 1 of the housing itself. The flag 22 is located in a recess in the body 1 that is open towards the base of the cylindrical shape of the body 1 so that the flag 22 can extend from the body 1 in the longitudinal direction outwards, where it will be visible. In addition, the fire indication element 15 comprises a spring 24, which ensures that the flag 22 is extended upon detection of a fire, and melting material 23, which ensures this fire detection.

[0125] When a certain temperature is exceeded, in this embodiment 80 °C, the melting material 23 melts, releasing the spring 24, which then pushes the flag 22 out. The flag 22 in this embodiment has a cylindrical shape, and the cavity 2 of the fire indication element 15 has a similar cylindrical shape and extends over approximately a quarter of thecircumference of the body 1 of the housing. This fire indication element 15 is schematically indicated in Fig. 19, and its location is visible in Fig. 16.

[0126] The flag 22 is firmly attached to the spring 24 so that it cannot be separated from the housing. The melting material 23 is red in colour to aid in indication when it flows out of the recess for the flag 22.

[0127] In the third example embodiment, shown in Fig. 26 and 27, the cylindrical body 1 of the housing is divided into five parts. The first main part is a cylindrical wall defining the cavity 2 and is open on both of its bases. This main part carries the fire indication element 15 and two extinguishing agent tanks 7, implemented as in the first embodiment. Both ends of the main part are equipped with a two-part cap 31 that can be attached to the main part by means of a bayonet mechanism, which can be seen in Fig. 27.

[0128] Each of the caps 31 is divided lengthwise into two analogous parts in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing, as can be seen in Fig. 26 and 27. The cap 31 takes the form of a short cylinder with one open base, and the cutting surface dividing the cap 31 into parts passes through the axis of this short cylinder. This cutting surface has essentially a short cylinder shape, curved in such a way that a pair of grooves and complementary protrusions (T-grooves and T-protrusions in this embodiment) are defined by a cut on both parts of the cap 31 , which define the sliding movement between the two parts. The parts of the cap 31 can thus move only in the longitudinal direction relative to each other. Each of the parts has a curved groove for the bayonet cap 31 on the side on the cylindrical part, and the inside of the main body 1 is provided at both ends with a pair of protrusions for the bayonet cap 31. In the middle of the base of each cap 31, there is a connector entry hole 3.

[0129] Thanks to the division of the caps 31 into two parts, it is easier to fit the cap 31 onto the cable 19 with the connector 18 (before connecting the connector 18 after one part of the connector 18 is pulled through the main part). After connecting the connector 18, the connector 18 is placed inside the main part and the main part is closed and locked with caps 31 with the bayonet mechanism and the assembly of the housing is completed.

[0130] The material of the body 1 in this embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment, as well as the extinguishing agent used and the form of the partitions 6.In the alternative variant of this embodiment, a thread is used instead of the bayonet mechanism. The outer thread on the cap 31 is divided into two parts, one on each part of the cap 31. Once the parts are placed together, the cap 31 can be screwed into the main part of the body 1 of the housing.

[0131] In the fourth exemplary embodiment, shown in Fig. 23 to 25, the housing from the first embodiment is a part of the assembly for the installation of the solar panel wiring, which further comprises a carrier 25 and a holder 28 for attaching the cable 19. The carrier 25 in this exemplary embodiment comprises the holder 26 for attaching the housing and two attachments 27 for attaching the carrier 25 to the solar panel 30. The holder 28 for attaching the cable 19 is attached with its attachment part to the carrier 25, here specifically by gluing. The holder 28 for attaching the housing in the fourth exemplary embodiment comprises three branches and is C-shaped so that the holder 28 for attaching the housing encloses the housing around most of its circumference in the crosssection where the housing has an oval shape. Two branches are thus located at the holes 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent, as can be seen in Fig. 23 and 24. In both of these branches there is a cut-out for the hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent, so that the holder 26 for attaching the housing can be slid onto the housing perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The holder 28 for attaching the cable 19 is attached to one branch at the hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent and attachments 27 for attaching the carrier 25 to the solar panel 30 are attached to the second branch at the second hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent, as can be seen in Figs. 23 and 24.

[0132] The holder 28 for attaching the cable 19 has the shape of a hook, as can be seen in Fig. 23. When attaching the carrier 25 to the solar panel 30, the hook points upwards through the cable 19 insertion hole so that the cable 19 loop can be hung. The holder 28 for attaching the cable 19 is therefore used to hang the coiled part of the cable 19 in a loop when the cable 19 is too long, and the cable 19 at the connector 18 entry holes 3 would bend too much under its own weight and could damage the cable 19 or the connector 18, cause the housing to close incorrectly, etc.

[0133] As already mentioned, two attachments 27 for attaching the carrier 25 for a firmer attachment of the carrier 25 are attached on the second branch of the holder 26 forattaching the housing. Both attachments 27 have the shape of a loop with an eye (in other words, as mentioned above, two-thirds of the figure eight), where one end leading from the eye is attached to the holder 26 for attaching the housing and the second end leading from the eye leads to the first end and is free, as can be seen in Figs. 23 and 24. This second end comprises notches for better attachment to the solar panel 30. With this design and the flexible material from which the attachment 27 for attaching the carrier 25 is made, the individual ends of the loop can be moved apart and thus also attached to the solar panel 30 frame 29. The solar panel 30 frame 29, specifically the part thereof that takes the form of a thin planar sheet, is thus inserted between the individual ends of the loop, which, due to their design, clamp the frame 30 between each other. A schematic representation of the attachment 27 for attaching the carrier 25, which is attached to the solar panel 30 frame 29, is shown in Fig. 25. The second attachment 27 for attaching the housing is located next to the first attachment 27 in the longitudinal direction so that the central axes of the eyes on both attachments 27 for attaching the housing are identical and point in the longitudinal direction.

[0134] In the fifth exemplary embodiment, shown in Figs. 28 and 29, the basic aspects of the housing are the same as in the first embodiment - an essentially cylindrical body 1 of the housing made of two main parts. The hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent and tank 7 are located here only on one part of the housing. Locking and closing in this embodiment are implemented similarly to the first exemplary embodiment, where one part of the housing comprises the closing protrusion 9 for placement in the closing groove 8 in the second part of the housing, which can be seen in Fig. 28. The closing protrusions 9, and therefore the closing grooves 8, are only on part of the housing in the longitudinal direction, as can be seen in Fig. 28. The housing in the fifth exemplary embodiment comprises a case that houses the control unit 32 with the temperature sensor 33, which can be seen in Fig. 29, to control the conditions in the cavity 2 and the entire housing and to reduce the occurrence of fire. To close the housing, a cover 34 of the housing is used, which prevents moisture from entering the case and thus protects the control unit 32 and the sensor 33. The temperature sensor 33 works on the bimetal principle and is connected to the control unit 32. The control unit 32 comprises the communication unit for wireless communication with a remote device (or a control unit thereof), which alerts the technician to the condition of the housing and recommends inspection of the housing.In the fifth exemplary embodiment, the critical temperature at which the control unit 32 is alerted by the sensor 33, is 60°. The control unit 32 then sends a message to the technician using the communication unit, alerting them of the condition of the housing and requesting inspection of the housing.

[0135] The case is located on one part of the housing symmetrically along the longitudinal axis of the hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent, which is on the second part of the housing. The case comprises a hole in the housing cavity 2 for at least a part of the sensor 33, so that the sensor 33 can sense the conditions in the cavity 2 as accurately as possible.

[0136] In another alternative embodiment, the form of closing, locking, the indication element 15 and implementation of the extinguishing agent tank 7 from the above-mentioned embodiments can be freely combined with each other. Thus, e.g., the form of the tank 7 from the first embodiment can be used in the second embodiment, the fire indication element 15 from the first embodiment can be used in the second embodiment or vice versa, etc. Closing according to the third embodiment can be used with the fire indication element 15 and / or the extinguishing agent tank 7 according to the second embodiment, etc.

[0137] The fire indication element 15 can be further realized, for example, by melting of the melting material 23, under which the immovable flag 22 located on the outer surface of the body 1 is hidden. Furthermore, for example, by firing confetti or another alternative flag 22 secured by a melting safety lock.

[0138] Alternatively, the lid 17 i n any of the above-described embodiments is pressed into the hole 5 for the supply of the extinguishing agent after filling the tank 7 and thus the extinguishing agent tank 7 is tightly closed.

[0139] Alternatively, the body 1 of the housing in the first exemplary embodiment (or in any of the embodiments described above) is made of thermoset.

[0140] Alternatively, the body 1 of the housing in the second exemplary embodiment (or any of the embodiments described above) is made of ceramic.Alternatively, the holder 26 for attaching the housing, the attachment 27 for attaching the carrier 25 and the holder 28 for attaching the cable 19 are part of one unit, i.e. from one piece of material.List of Reference Signs

[0141] 1 - Body 24 - Spring

[0142] 2 - Cavity 25 - Carrier

[0143] 3 - Connector entry hole 26 - Holder for attaching the housing 4 - Closing mechanism 27 - Attachment for attaching the carrier 5 - Hole for the supply of the 28 - Holder for attaching the cable extinguishing agent

[0144] 29 - Solar panel frame

[0145] 6 - Partition

[0146] 30 - Solar panel

[0147] 7 - Tank

[0148] 31 - Cap

[0149] 8 - Closing groove

[0150] 32 - Control unit

[0151] 9 - Closing protrusion

[0152] 33 - Sensor

[0153] 10 - Locking mechanism

[0154] 34 - Housing cover

[0155] 11 - Locking protrusion

[0156] 12 - Hole for locking protrusion

[0157] 13 - Fixture for pushing out the locking

[0158] protrusion

[0159] 14 - Handling protrusion

[0160] 15 - Fire indication element

[0161] 16 - Arm

[0162] 17 - Lid

[0163] 18 - Connector

[0164] 19 - Cable

[0165] 20 - Locking lock

[0166] 21 - Groove for safety lock

[0167] 22 - Flag

[0168] 23 - Melting material

Claims

CLAIMS1. A housing for solar panel (30) connector (18), wherein the housing comprises a body (1) that comprises a cavity (2) to accommodate at least one connector, wherein the body (1) further comprises at least two connector entry holes (3) into the cavity (2), characterized in that the body (1) comprises at least two parts of the body (1) that are connected by a closing mechanism (4), and the body (1) further comprises at least one hole (5) for supply of an extinguishing agent, which is closed by a partition (6), wherein the partition (6) is openable for release of the extinguishing agent into the cavity (2) when pressure and / or heat is applied to this partition (6), wherein the housing comprises an extinguishing agent tank (7), which is attached to the hole (5) for supply of the extinguishing agent, wherein the extinguishing agent is separated from the cavity (2) by the partition (6).

2. The housing for solar panel (30) connector (18) according to claim 1 characterized in that the body (1) comprises a total of at least two holes (5) for supply of the extinguishing agent, wherein the partition (6) of one hole (5) for supply of the extinguishing agent has a different thickness and / or material on at least part of the partition (6) than the partition (6) of the second hole (5) for supply of the extinguishing agent for release of the extinguishing agent at different pressures and / or temperatures.

3. The housing for solar panel (30) connector (18) according to any one of claims 1 or 2 characterized in that the closing mechanism (4) comprises at least two closing grooves (8) located on one part of the body (1) and at least two closing protrusions (9) located on the other part of the body (1) to fit into the closing grooves (8).

4. The housing for solar panel (30) connector (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that one part of each connector entry hole (3) is located on one part of the body (1) and the other part of the connector entry hole (3) is on the other part of the body (1 ).

5. The housing for solar panel (30) connector (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the body (1) comprises a locking mechanism (10) to secure the parts of the body (1) together.

6. The housing for solar panel (30) connector (18) according to claim 5 characterized in that the locking mechanism (10) comprises at least one locking protrusion (11) flexibly attached to one part of the body (1 ) and the locking mechanism (10) further comprises a hole (12) for the locking protrusion (11) located on the other part of the body (1).

7. The housing for solar panel (30) connector (18) according to claim 6 characterized in that the hole (12) for the locking protrusion (11) is a through hole, wherein the locking protrusion (11) has a free end that is located inside the hole (12) for the locking protrusion.

8. The housing for solar panel (30) connector (18) according to any one of claims 6 or 7 characterized in that it comprises in total at least two locking protrusions (11 ) and two holes (12) for the locking protrusion, wherein the housing further comprises a fixture (13) for pushing the locking protrusion (11 ) out of the hole (12) for the locking protrusion (11), wherein the fixture (13) comprises two movably connected arms (16), wherein each arm (16) comprises a handling protrusion (14) with a cross-section smaller than that of the hole (12) for the locking protrusion (11).

9. The housing for solar panel (30) connector (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the body (1) comprises a fire indication element (15) to indicate a fire in the cavity (2) of the body (1) of the housing.

10. The housing for solar panel (30) connector (18) according to claim 9 characterized in that the fire indication element (15) comprises a mechanical element that comprises a heat-sensitive safety lock and a movable indication element.

11. The housing for solar panel (30) connector (18) according to claim 9 or 10 characterized in that the fire indication element (15) comprises a thermochromicelement, wherein at least part of the fire indication element (15) is on the outside of the body (1).

12. The housing for solar panel (30) connector (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 characterized in that the extinguishing agent tank (7) is part of the body (1 ) and comprises a lid (17) for storing the extinguishing agent.

13. The housing for solar panel (30) connector (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that at least one partition (6) has a thickness smaller than the wall of the body (1) delimiting the cavity (2) and / or the partition (6) is of a different material than the wall of the body (1) delimiting the cavity (2).

14. The housing for solar panel (30) connector (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 characterized in that the tank (7) is made of a material with lower temperature stability than the material of the body (1) of the housing.

15. The housing for solar panel (30) connector (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 characterized in that the partition (6) is a part of the extinguishing agent tank (7).

16. The housing for solar panel (30) connector (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 characterized in that the hole (5) for supply of extinguishing agent comprises at least one wall that extends from the inside of the cavity (2) and surrounds at least a part of the extinguishing agent tank (7).

17. A solar panel (30) wiring assembly characterized in that it comprises at least one housing according to any one of the foregoing claims and at least one holder (28) for attaching a cable (19) comprising the connector (18).

18. The solar panel (30) wiring assembly according to claim 17 characterized in that it comprises a carrier (25) that comprises at least one holder (26) for attaching the housing and an attachment (27) for attaching the carrier (25) to the solar panel (30), wherein the holder (28) for attaching the cable (19) is attached to the carrier (25).

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