EXTERNAL ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR SOLAR MODULES
First Claim
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1. A low-profile electrical connector assembly for a solar module, comprising:
- a conductive member comprising a conductive base portion and an axially-oriented cylindrical portion having first and second ends with a insulative portion at the second end and a conductive portion extending from the insulative portion to the first end;
a toroidal sheath member positioned substantially co-axially about said cylindrical portion to surround at least the conductive portion thereof; and
a socket member comprising a base portion and a hollow conductive cylindrical member extending from the base portion and configured to mate with a conductive portion of the conductive member,wherein said toroidal sheath member and said socket member comprise keyed inter-engageable features.
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Abstract
Provided are low profile, water-resistant and touch safe safe electrical connectors for solar modules. According to various embodiments, the electrical connectors include a low-profile conductive stud, a low-profile sheath that surrounds the stud, and a socket to mate with the stud. According to various embodiments, the sheath and socket mate via keyed inter-engageable features. Also according to certain embodiments, the socket is fastened to the stud and/or sheath via snap fastening.
53 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A low-profile electrical connector assembly for a solar module, comprising:
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a conductive member comprising a conductive base portion and an axially-oriented cylindrical portion having first and second ends with a insulative portion at the second end and a conductive portion extending from the insulative portion to the first end; a toroidal sheath member positioned substantially co-axially about said cylindrical portion to surround at least the conductive portion thereof; and a socket member comprising a base portion and a hollow conductive cylindrical member extending from the base portion and configured to mate with a conductive portion of the conductive member, wherein said toroidal sheath member and said socket member comprise keyed inter-engageable features. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An electrical connector assembly for a solar module, comprising:
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a conductive member comprising an axially-oriented cylindrical portion having first and second ends; a sheath member positioned about said cylindrical portion to surround at least the conductive portion thereof; and a socket member comprising a base portion, a conductive member engaging portion configured to mate with the cylindrical portion of the conductive member; wherein the socket member is not engaged with the conductive member, the sheath member surrounds at least the conductive portion of the conductive member such that the electrical connector assembly is finger safe. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A solar module comprising:
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first and second encasing layers; a plurality of interconnected solar cells disposed between the first and second encasing layers; a first external connector assembly comprising a first stud member extending through an encasing layer and electrically connected to the plurality of interconnected solar cells and a first keyed sheath member disposed on the encasing layer and surrounding at least a conductive portion of the first stud member, wherein said first keyed sheath member is configured to mate with a first keyed socket member; and a second external connector assembly comprising a second stud member extending through an encasing layer and electrically connected to the plurality of interconnected solar cells and a second keyed sheath member disposed on the encasing layer and surrounding at least a conductive portion of the second stud member, wherein said second keyed sheath member is configured to mate with a second keyed socket member;
wherein the first keyed sheath member is configured such that it cannot mate with the second keyed socket member, and further wherein the second keyed sheath member is configured such that it cannot mate with the first keyed socket member.
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Specification