SOLAR CELL MODULE AND CONDUCTOR

• US 20180166601A1
• Filed: 12/11/2017
• Published: 06/14/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 12/12/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha (Toyota Motor Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha (Toyota Motor Corporation)
• Inventors: INABA, Hirotaka
• Granted Patent: US 10,644,182 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 21/485 Adaptation of interconnections, e.g. engineering charges, repair techniques
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 21/768 Applying interconnections to be used for carrying current between separate components within a device comprising conductors and dielectrics
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 21/76816 Aspects relating to the layout of the pattern or to the size of vias or trenches layout of the interconnections per se H01L23/528; CAD of ICs G06F30/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/72 Detachable connecting means consisting of mechanical auxiliary parts connecting the device, e.g. pressure contacts using springs or clips
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/90 Methods for connecting semiconductor or solid state bodies using means for bonding not being attached to, or not being formed on, the body surface to be connected, e.g. pressure contacts using springs or clips
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 23/4093 Snap-on arrangements, e.g. clips
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 23/5226 Via connections in a multilevel interconnection structure
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 23/528 Geometry or layout of the interconnection structure H01L27/0207 takes precedence; algorithms G06F30/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 23/535 including internal interconnections, e.g. cross-under constructions internal lead connections H01L23/481
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 23/5386 Geometry or layout of the interconnection structure
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 24/73 Means for bonding being of different types provided for in two or more of groups H01L24/10, H01L24/18, H01L24/26, H01L24/34, H01L24/42, H01L24/50, H01L24/63, H01L24/71
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 24/90 Methods for connecting semiconductor or solid state bodies using means for bonding not being attached to, or not being formed on, the body surface to be connected, e.g. pressure contacts using springs or clips
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 27/14636 Interconnect structures
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/046 PV modules composed of a plurality of thin film solar cells deposited on the same substrate
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/0465 comprising particular structures for the electrical interconnection of adjacent PV cells in the module H01L31/0463 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/0481 characterised by the composition of the encapsulation material
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/05 Electrical interconnection means between PV cells inside the PV module, e.g. series connection of PV cells electrodes H01L31/0224; electrical interconnection of thin film solar cells formed on a common substrate H01L31/046; particular structures for electrical interconnecting of adjacent thin film solar cells in the module H01L31/0465; electrical interconnection means specially adapted for electrically connecting two or more PV modules H02S40/36
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/0504 specially adapted for series or parallel connection of solar cells in a module
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/0508 the interconnection means having a particular shape
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/0512 made of a particular material or composition of materials
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/0516 : specially adapted for interconnection of back-contact solar cells
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/188 : Apparatus specially adapted for automatic interconnection of solar cells in a module
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 33/387 : with a plurality of electrode regions in direct contact with the semiconductor body and being electrically interconnected by another electrode layer
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 20/30 : Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 40/36 : characterised by special electrical interconnection means between two or more PV modules, e.g. electrical module-to-module connection
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/50 : Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Abstract

A solar cell module includes: an at least one solar cell disposed between a first cover and a second cover; a sealing material that fills a gap between the first cover and the second cover to join them together, and seals the solar cell; and a tab line as a conductor electrically connected to the solar cell and enclosed by the sealing material between the first cover and the second cover, the tab line having a plurality of bases, and an expansion and contraction portion that can expand and contract in a longitudinal direction and connects the plurality of bases, the plurality of bases each being provided with a through hole and a connection base electrically connected to the solar cell, at least one of the first cover and the second cover having a boss as a positioning unit that positions the tab line.

Claims

1. A solar cell module comprising:

an at least partially transparent first cover in the form of a plate;

a second cover disposed opposite the first cover;

an at least one solar cell disposed between the first cover and the second cover;

a sealing material that fills a gap between the first cover and the second cover to join them together, and seals the solar cell; and

a conductor electrically connected to the solar cell and enclosed by the sealing material between the first cover and the second cover,

the conductor having a plurality of bases, and a wire that can expand and contract in a longitudinal direction and connects the plurality of bases, the plurality of bases each being provided with a through hole and a connection base electrically connected to the solar cell,

at least one of the first cover and the second cover having a positioning unit inserted into the through hole of each of the plurality of bases to position the conductor.

2. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein

a plurality of the solar cells are connected in a row by the conductor to form a solar cell string, and

the positioning unit positions the conductor connected to both ends of the solar cell string.

3. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein

the first cover includes a colored portion that shields inside of the first cover from outside, and

the positioning unit is disposed between the colored portion and the second cover.

4. The solar cell module according to claim 3, wherein

the positioning unit is provided integrally with the colored portion.

5. A conductor comprising:

a plurality of bases; and

a wire that can expand and contract in a longitudinal direction and connects the plurality of bases,

the plurality of bases each being provided with a through hole and a connection base electrically connected to a solar cell.

6. The conductor according to claim 5, comprising one of a tab line and a between-strings connector.