Junction box and conductor strip connection device thereof

A conductor strip connection device for a junction box of a solar module is disclosed and comprises a contact member having a contact segment for connecting to a conductor strip, a suppressing member having a suppressing part configured to cooperate with the contact segment of the contact member for securing a conductor strip, and a fastening member configured to assemble the suppressing member and the contact member together or disassemble the suppressing member from the contact member for allowing the suppressing member to cooperate with the contact segment of the contact member so as to secure or release the conductor strip.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a junction box, and more particularly to a junction box for solar module and a conductor strip connection device thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are several advantages of photovoltaic solar power that make it one of the most promising renewable energy sources in the world. The photovoltaic solar power is free, needs no fuel and produces no waste or pollution, and the solar power generator requires little maintenance and no supervision and has a life of 20-30 years with low running costs. Solar power generators are simply distributed to homes, schools, or businesses, where their assemblies require no extra development or land area and their functions are safe and quiet. Remote areas can easily produce their own supply of electricity by constructing as small or as large of a system as needed.

Generally, the solar or photovoltaic module for generating electric energy from sunlight comprises a plurality of solar or photovoltaic cells. The solar cells in a solar module are usually connected to each other by thin conductor strips (i.e. conductor ribbons). These thin conductor strips are routed out of the solar module on the side facing away from the sun. The thin conductor strips are mostly made of copper foils and protruded from the rear side of the solar module (i.e. solar panel). These flexible and thin conductor strips are very sensitive and difficult to contact. Therefore, one or more junction boxes are employed for the solar module and thin conductor strips are manually contacted with electrical terminal receptacles of the junction box. In addition, the junction box is an integral part of a solar or photovoltaic system and it provides electrical connections between the solar cells of the individual solar module (i.e. solar panel) and between the solar modules and other components of the system (i.e. DC/AC inverter). Generally, the junction box is disposed on a rear surface of the solar panel and has electrical connection mechanism in the interior for contacting the thin conductor strips of the solar modules and conducting the electrical current generated by the solar modules to the outside. Without a junction box, the solar modules could not work properly.

Generally, plural solar modules are operated in series connection, wherein a so called bypass diode is anti-parallel connected to each solar module. The bypass diode is disposed inside the junction box and fastened and connected to the electrical connection mechanism of the junction box. In a case of a solar module is shaded or does not produce electricity because of defect, this solar module would lower the power of the solar modules in series connection or even suffers damage without bypass diode. This is because that if a solar cell within a solar cell group of the solar module is partially shaded, this shaded solar cell acts as a blocking diode or resistor within the circuit of the solar cell group, which may result in a damage of the shaded solar cell and result in the entire solar cell group of the solar module no longer being able to supply electric energy. The above-mentioned situations can be avoided by using the bypass diode of the junction box, because the current flows through the diode and is sustained. In other words, the bypass diodes are electrically connected in an anti-parallel manner with respect to the solar cell groups and have the effect that the current flow through the solar module is led past solar cell groups that only supply low power, i.e. the terminals of this solar cell group of a solar module are short-circuited by the bypass diode and the corresponding cell group is bypassed thereby. Thus, such a solar cell group does no longer contribute to the overall performance of the solar module, but the overall current flow through the solar panel is substantially unobstructed and a damage of individual solar cell is avoided.

It is obviously that due to the mechanical conditions particularly the form of the thin conductor strips and the bypass diodes, a number of difficulties occur when constructing the junction box. In addition, due to the manual connecting, the assembly and installation of the thin conductor strips and the bypass diodes with the electrical connection mechanism inside the junction box is cost and laborious. Up to now, the conventional junction box is complex in construction and installing the junction box is laborious. In addition, the conventional junction box doesn't provide reliable electrical connections and the durability of the junction box is low. It is therefore desirable to provide a junction box that is simple in structure, cost-effective, durable enough to withstand a wide range of environment conditions and easily be installed and maintained, while maintaining a high-quality, reliable electrical connections between the components of a solar or photovoltaic system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a junction box with conductor strip connection devices capable of assembling, fastening and coupling the thin conductor strips of the solar module to the junction box easily and conveniently.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a junction box with conductor strip connection devices capable of assembling, fastening and coupling the thin conductor strips of the solar module to the junction box without using auxiliary tools.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a junction box for solar modules, which is simple in construction, cost-effective, durable enough to withstand a wide range of environment conditions and easily be assembled, installed and maintained.

It is still an object of the present invention to provide a junction box for solar modules, which can maintain a high-quality, reliable electrical connections between the components of a solar or photovoltaic system.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a junction box comprises a housing having an opening for introducing a plurality of conductor strips, and an electrical connection mechanism disposed in a receptacle of the housing. The electrical connection mechanism comprises a plurality of conductor strip connection devices separately disposed on an inner surface of the housing for connecting to the conductor strips, and a current-path arrangement module comprising a plurality of electricity conveying elements and a plurality of electronic components. The electricity conveying elements are connected with the conductor strip connection devices respectively, and each electronic component is connected with two adjacent electricity conveying elements. Each of the conductor strip connection devices comprises a contact member having a contact segment, a suppressing member having a suppressing part configured to cooperate with the contact segment of the contact member for securing a corresponding conductor strip; and a fastening member configured to assemble the suppressing member and the contact member together or disassemble the suppressing member from the contact member for allowing the suppressing member to cooperate with the contact segment of the contact member so as to secure or release the conductor strip.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a conductor strip connection device for a junction box of a solar module comprises a contact member having a contact segment for connecting to a conductor strip, a suppressing member having a suppressing part configured to cooperate with the contact segment of the contact member for securing a conductor strip, and a fastening member configured to assemble the suppressing member and the contact member together or disassemble the suppressing member from the contact member for allowing the suppressing member to cooperate with the contact segment of the contact member so as to secure or release the conductor strip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Please refer toFIG. 1, which is a schematic view showing a junction box for solar modules according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The junction box1of the present invention includes a housing10made of durable plastic that can stand the external weather influences for at least 20 years and has electrical insulation properties. The housing10includes a base101and a cover102, which is detachably fastened to or engaged with the base101. The housing10has at least one opening formed on the bottom of the base101for introducing the conductor strips of the solar modules into the interior of the housing10. The housing10of the junction box1can be fixed or attached to the rear surface of the solar module (not shown inFIG. 1).

FIG. 2Ais a schematic view showing an electrical connection mechanism of the junction box ofFIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 2A, the junction box1includes an electrical connection mechanism11disposed in a receptacle103of the base101and configured to connect with the conductor strips2of the solar modules through the opening101aof the base101and two electrical cables3. The electrical connection mechanism11includes a plurality of conductor strip connection devices12and a current-path arrangement module13, which is detachably connected with the conductor strip connection devices12and the electrical cables3. The conductor strip connection devices12are separately disposed and mounted on an inner surface of the base101and configured to contact and connect with the conductor strips2of the solar modules, for example four flat and thin conductor strips2a,2b,2c,2d. Preferably, conductor strip connection devices12are secured, fastened or attached to the inner surface of the base101by engaging, screwing, embedding, insertion molding, locking or adhesive, and it is not limited thereto.

FIG. 3Ais a schematic view showing the conductor strip connection device of the electrical connection mechanism ofFIG. 2A; andFIG. 3Bis an exploded diagram of the conductor strip connection device ofFIG. 3A. As shown inFIGS. 2A,3A and3B, each of the conductor strip connection devices12includes a contact member121, a suppressing member122and a fastening member123. The contact member121is made of metal material and includes a contact segment1211and a fixing segment1212. The contact segment1211is configured to contact with a conductor strip2of the solar module. The fixing segment1212is connected with the contact segment1211and configured to connect with a corresponding electricity conveying element of the current-path arrangement module13by fastening element. The suppressing member122is made of metal material and includes a suppressing part1221configured to cooperate with the contact segment1211of the contact member121for clamping and securing the conductor strip2of the solar module. Preferably, the suppressing part1221is one sidewall of the suppressing member122. The fastening member123is configured to assemble the suppressing member122and the contact member121together or disassemble the suppressing member122from the contact member121so that the suppressing member122can cooperate with the contact segment1211of the contact member121for clamping or releasing the conductor strip2.

In an embodiment, the contact segment1211comprises a first portion12111and a second portion12112. The second portion12112is connected with and between the first portion12111and the fixing segment1212, and the second portion12112is offset from the first portion12111and the fixing segment1212and forms a receiving portion12113for receiving the suppressing member122. In an embodiment, the second portion12112of the contact segment1211includes a first through hole12114and two sidewalls12115,12116, and the suppressing member122includes a second through hole1222. The fixing segment1212includes a through hole1212a. Preferably, the suppressing member122is a wedge. Preferably, the fastening member123is quick release screw, and it is not limited thereto.

When the user wants to assemble and connect the conductor strip2with the junction box1, one end portion of the conductor strip2can be folded and placed on the contact segment1211of contact member121so that the conductor strip2can contact with one sidewall12116of the second portion12112and the first portion12111of the contact member121. Then, the suppressing member122is installed into the receiving portion12113of the second portion12112for pressing the conductor strip2, and the fastening member123is employed to pass through the second through hole1222of the suppressing member122and the first through hole12114of the contact member121and couples with a coupling element124. Therefore, the suppressing member122can cooperate with the contact segment1211of the contact member121for clamping the conductor strip2and the conductor strip2can be securely fastened to the conductor strip connection device12.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG. 2B, the contact member121of the conductor strip connection device12can be disposed in a corresponding receptacle105defined by the stand104, which is extended outwardly from the bottom surface of the base101of the housing10. The contact member121of the conductor strip connection device12can be fastened and locked by the hooks106of the base101. Alternatively, the contact member121of the conductor strip connection device12can be mounted on the bottom surface of the base101of the housing10by embedding, insert molding, screwing, engaging, or adhesive, and it is not limited thereto.

FIG. 4Ais a schematic view showing another conductor strip connection device of the electrical connection mechanism ofFIG. 2B; andFIG. 4Bis an exploded diagram of the conductor strip connection device ofFIG. 4A. As shown inFIGS. 2B,4A and4B, each of the conductor strip connection devices12includes a contact member121, a suppressing member122, a fastening member123and a resilient member125. The contact member121is made of metal material and includes a contact segment1211and a fixing segment1212. The contact segment1211is configured to contact with a conductor strip2of the solar module. The fixing segment1212is connected with the contact segment1211and configured to connect with a corresponding electricity conveying element of the current-path arrangement module13by fastening element. The suppressing member122is made of metal material and includes a suppressing part1221configured to cooperate with the contact segment1211of the contact member121for clamping and securing the conductor strip2of the solar module. The fastening member123is configured to assemble the suppressing member122and the contact member121together or disassemble the suppressing member122from the contact member121so that the suppressing member122can cooperate with the contact segment1212of the contact member121for clamping or releasing the conductor strip2. The resilient member125is disposed between the contact segment1211of the contact member121and the suppressing member122for urging against the contact member121and the suppressing member122so as to provide a resilient force to push the suppressing member122away from the contact member121when the fastening member123is released.

In an embodiment, the contact segment1211comprises a first portion12111and a second portion12112. The second portion12112is connected with and between the first portion12111and the fixing segment1212, and the second portion12112is offset from the first portion12111and the fixing segment1212and forms a receiving portion12113for receiving the suppressing member122. Preferably, the suppressing part1221is extending outwardly from one side of the suppressing member122and configured to cooperate with the first portion12111of the contact segment1211for clamping or releasing the conductor strip2. In an embodiment, the second portion12112of the contact segment1211includes a first through hole12114and two sidewalls12115,12116, and the suppressing member includes a second through hole1222. The sidewall12116has a through slot12117for installing the end portion of the conductor strip2. The fixing segment1212includes a through hole1212aand a leg1212b. Preferably, the suppressing member122is a wedge. Preferably, the fastening member123is quick release screw, and it is not limited thereto.

When the user wants to assemble and connect the conductor strip2with the junction box1, one end portion of the conductor strip2can be folded and placed on the contact segment1211of contact member121so that the conductor strip2can contact with one sidewall12116of the second portion12112and the first portion12111of the contact member121. Then, the suppressing member122is installed into the receiving portion12113of the second portion12112for pressing the conductor strip2, and the fastening member123is employed to pass through the second through hole1222of the suppressing member122, the opening1251of the resilient member125and the first through hole12114of the contact member121and couples with a coupling element124. Therefore, the suppressing member122can cooperate with the contact segment1211of the contact member121for clamping the conductor strip2and the conductor strip2can be securely fastened to the conductor strip connection device12. When the user wants to disconnect the conductor strip2with the conductor strip connection device12of the junction box1, the fastening member123is released and the resilient member125urges against the suppressing member122so that the suppressing part1221of the suppressing member122is apart from the contact segment1211of the contact member121to form a gap and the conductor strip2can be released.

FIG. 5Ais a schematic view showing another conductor strip connection device of the electrical connection mechanism ofFIG. 2B; andFIG. 5Bis an exploded diagram of the conductor strip connection device ofFIG. 5A. As shown inFIGS. 2,5A and5B, each of the conductor strip connection devices12includes a contact member121, a suppressing member122, a fastening member123and a frame126. The contact member121is made of metal material and includes a contact segment1211and a fixing segment1212. The contact segment1211is configured to contact with a conductor strip2of the solar module. The fixing segment1212is connected with the contact member and configured to connect with a corresponding electricity conveying element of the current-path arrangement module13by fastening element. The contact member121is disposed between the frame126and the suppressing member122. The suppressing member122is made of metal material and includes a suppressing part1221configured to cooperate with the contact segment1211of the contact member121for clamping and securing the conductor strip2of the solar module. The suppressing member122further comprises a pivotal portion1223and the frame126comprises two arms1261, each of which has a bore1262for installing the pivotal portion1223of the suppressing member122so that the suppressing member122can pivotally connected with the frame126. The fastening member123is configured to fasten the suppressing member122and the contact member121together so that the suppressing member122can cooperate with the contact segment1211of the contact member121for clamping or releasing the conductor strip2.

In an embodiment, the contact segment1211comprises a first portion12111and a second portion12112. The second portion12112is connected with and between the first portion12111and the fixing segment1212, and the second portion12112is offset from the first portion12111and the fixing segment1212and forms a receiving portion12113for receiving the suppressing member122. In an embodiment, the second portion12112of the contact segment1211includes a first through hole12114, the suppressing member includes a second through hole1222, and the frame126includes a third through hole1263. The fixing segment1212includes a through hole1212aand a leg1212b. Preferably, the suppressing member122is a wedge. Preferably, the fastening member123is quick release screw, and it is not limited thereto.

When the user wants to assemble and connect the conductor strip2with the junction box1, one end portion of the conductor strip2can be placed on the contact segment1211of contact member121so that the conductor strip2can contact with the second portion12112and the first portion12111of the contact member121. Then, the suppressing member122is rotated from a first position toward a second position so that the suppressing part1221can press the conductor strip2, and the fastening member123is employed to pass through the second through hole1222of the suppressing member122, the first through hole12114of the second portion12112and the third through hole1263of the frame126so that the conductor strip2can be securely fastened to the conductor strip connection device12. When the user wants to disconnect the conductor strip2with the conductor strip connection device12of the junction box1, the fastening member123is released and the suppressing member122is rotated from the second position toward the first position so that the suppressing part1221of the suppressing member122is apart from the contact segment1211of the contact member121to form a gap and the conductor strip2can be released.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bare the front and rear views showing the current-path arrangement module of the electrical connection mechanism ofFIG. 2B, respectively. As shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the current-path arrangement module13is detachably connected with the conductor strip connection devices12and the electrical cables3and includes a carrier131, a plurality of electricity conveying elements132and a plurality of electronic components14. The electricity conveying elements132are separately disposed on one surface of the carrier131to form a plurality of electricity conveying paths. The electronic components14are disposed on the carrier131, and each electronic component14is connected to two adjacent electricity conveying elements132so as to form a current-path arrangement as required. In an embodiment, the carrier131is a printed circuit board or wiring board, the electricity conveying elements132are electrical conductive traces disposed on one surface of the carrier131, and the electronic components14are bypass diodes. More preferably, there are four electricity conveying elements132and three bypass diodes14a,14b,14cmounted on the rear surface of the carrier131. The electricity conveying element132includes a first connection pad133disposed on a first side edge of the carrier131and a second connection pad134disposed on a second side edge of the carrier131opposite to the first side edge. The first connection pads133of the electricity conveying elements132are coupled and connected with the fixing segments1212of the contact members121of the conductor strip connection devices12by fastening elements, for example screws, but it is not limited thereto. Two of the second connection pads134of the electricity conveying elements132are coupled and connected with the contact portions of the electrical cables3by fastening members, for example screws, but it is not limited thereto. By using the current-path arrangement module13, the bypass diodes14a,14b,14ccan be replaced and maintained easily by replacing the current-path arrangement module13with another one when one or more bypass diodes14a,14b,14cis breakdown or failed.

FIG. 7Ais a schematic view showing an electrical connection mechanism with another current-path arrangement module according to the present invention; andFIG. 7Bis an exploded diagram showing the current-path arrangement module ofFIG. 7A. As shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, the electrical connection mechanism11includes a plurality of the conductor strip connection devices12and a current-path arrangement module15. The current-path arrangement module15is detachably connected with the conductor strip connection devices12and the electrical cables3and includes a plurality of electricity conveying elements150and a plurality of electronic components16. The electricity conveying elements150are configured to form a plurality of electricity conveying paths. Each electronic component16is connected to two adjacent electricity conveying elements150so as to form a current-path arrangement as required. The electricity conveying elements150are electrical conductive rails, and the electronic components16are bypass diodes. More preferably, there are four electrical conductive rails150a,150b,150c,150dand three bypass diodes16a,16b,16c. In an embodiment, each bypass diode16a,16b,16chas two terminals connected and fastened to two adjacent electrical conductive rails150a,150b,150c,150dof the current-path arrangement module15.

FIG. 7Cis a schematic view showing the assembly of the electronic components and the electricity conveying elements ofFIGS. 7A and 7B. As shown inFIGS. 7A,7B and7C, each of the electricity conveying elements150includes a main body151and a resilient member152. The main body151has a first sidewall1511and a second sidewall1512opposite to the first sidewall1511. Each of the sidewall1511,1512has at least one sliding slot1513. The sliding slot1513includes plural guiding segments1513a, a curve segment1513band a bottom segment1513c(i.e. position segment). The resilient member152has two arms152a,152band a connection portion152c. At least one engaging element152dis extended outwardly from the connection portion152cand secured to a corresponding engaging element1516in the inner surface of the main body151of the electricity conveying element150so that the resilient member152is disposed in the interior of the electricity conveying element150and the two arms152a,152bare disposed adjacent to the sliding slots1513of the main body151. The main body151of the electricity conveying element150further includes a first connection pad1514and a second connection pad1515. The first connection pad1514of the electricity conveying element150is connected and fastened with the fixing segment1212of the contact member121of the conductor strip connection device12by fastening element, for example screw, and it is not limited thereto. The second connection pad1515of the electricity conveying element150is connected and fastened with a corresponding electrical cable3by fastening element, for example screw, and it is not limited thereto.

When one terminal161of the electronic component16(i.e. bypass diode16) is inserted into a corresponding sliding slot1513of the main body151of the electricity conveying element150and guided by the guiding segments1513a, the terminal161of the bypass diode16will urge against the arm152aor152bof the resilient member152during the sliding motion. When the terminal161of the bypass diode16is pressed and guided toward the bottom segment1513cof the sliding slot1513and goes across the curve segment1513b, the terminal161of the bypass diode16can be positioned in the bottom segment1513cof the sliding slot1513due to the resilient recovery force and the suppressing force exerted by the resilient member152. Namely, the terminal161of the bypass diode16can be positioned in the sliding slot1513by clipping or clamping method. By employing the electricity conveying element150as shown inFIGS. 7A,7B and7C, the bypass diodes16can be installed or replaced easily when installation or when one or more bypass diodes16is breakdown or failed.

FIG. 8is a schematic view showing an electrical connection mechanism with another current-path arrangement module ofFIG. 7. As shown inFIG. 8, the electrical connection mechanism11includes a plurality of the conductor strip connection devices12and a current-path arrangement module15. The current-path arrangement module15is detachably connected with the conductor strip connection devices12and the electrical cables3and includes a plurality of electricity conveying elements150, a plurality of electronic components16and a carrier153. The electricity conveying elements150are separately disposed on one surface of the carrier153to form a plurality of electricity conveying paths. The electronic components16are disposed on the carrier153, and each electronic component16is connected to two adjacent electricity conveying elements150so as to form a current-path arrangement as required. In an embodiment, the carrier153is a supporting plate for supporting and mounting the electricity conveying elements150and the electronic components16thereon, the electricity conveying elements150are electrical conductive rails disposed on one surface of the carrier153, and the electronic components16are bypass diodes. The electrical conductive rails150can be mounted on one surface of the carrier153by rails, embedding, engaging, locking or adhesive, and it is not limited thereto. The carrier153can be mounted on the bottom surface of the base101of the housing10by screwing, locking or engaging, and it is not limited thereto. By using the current-path arrangement module15, the bypass diodes16can be replaced and maintained easily by replacing the current-path arrangement module15with another one when one or more bypass diodes16is breakdown or failed.

FIG. 9Ais a schematic view showing an electrical connection mechanism with another current-path arrangement module according to the present invention; andFIG. 9Bis a schematic view showing the assembly of the electronic components and the electricity conveying elements ofFIG. 9A. As shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B, the electrical connection mechanism11includes a plurality of conductor strip connection devices12and a current-path arrangement module17. The current-path arrangement module17is detachably connected with the conductor strip connection devices12and the electrical cables3and includes a plurality of electricity conveying elements170, a plurality of electronic components171and a carrier172. The electricity conveying elements170are separately disposed on one surface of the carrier172to form a plurality of electricity conveying paths. The electronic components171are disposed on the carrier172, and each electronic component171is connected to two adjacent electricity conveying elements170so as to form a current-path arrangement as required. In an embodiment, the carrier172is a supporting plate for supporting and mounting the electricity conveying elements170and the electronic components171thereon, the electricity conveying elements170are electrical conductive rails disposed on one surface of the carrier172, and the electronic components171are bypass diodes. More preferably, there are four electrical conductive rails170a,170b,170c,170dand three bypass diodes171a,171b,171cmounted on one surface of the carrier172. In an embodiment, each bypass diode171a,171b,171chas two terminals connected to two adjacent electrical conductive rails170a,170b,170c,170dof the current-path arrangement module17. The electrical conductive rails170a,170b,170c,170dcan be mounted on one surface of the carrier172by rails, embedding, engaging, locking or adhesive, and it is not limited thereto. The carrier172can be mounted on the bottom surface in the receptacle103of the base101of the housing10by screwing, locking or engaging, and it is not limited thereto. By using the current-path arrangement module17, the bypass diodes171a,171b,171ccan be replaced and maintained easily by replacing the current-path arrangement module17with another one when one or more bypass diodes171a,171b,171cis breakdown or failed.

In an embodiment, each of the electricity conveying elements170includes a main body1701. The main body1701has at least one engaging element1702. The carrier172has a plurality of engaging elements1721for engaging with the engaging elements1702of the electricity conveying elements170. Preferably, the engaging elements1721of the carrier172are hooks and the engaging elements1702of the electricity conveying elements170are engaging slots, and it is not limited thereto. The carrier172can be secured on the bottom surface of the receptacle103of the base101. The carrier172further includes one or more securing element1722and the base101includes one or more securing element101bfor fastening with the securing element1722of the carrier172so that the carrier172can be secured on the bottom surface of the receptacle103of the base101. The main body1701of the electricity conveying element170further includes a first connection pad1703and a second connection pad1704. The first connection pad1703of the electricity conveying element170is connected and fastened with the fixing segment1212of the contact member121of the conductor strip connection devices12by fastening element, for example screw, and it is not limited thereto. The second connection pad1704of the electricity conveying element170is connected and fastened with a corresponding electrical cable3by fastening element, for example screw, and it is not limited thereto.

As shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B, the main body1701of the electricity conveying element170further includes a plurality of extending arms1705and a plurality of receiving slots1706. Each of the receiving slots1706includes a bottom segment1707(i.e. position segment) for receiving one terminal1711of the electronic component171. When the terminal1711of the electronic component171is pressed and guided toward the bottom segment1707of the receiving slot1706, the terminal1711of the electronic component171can be positioned in the bottom segment1707of the receiving slot1706by punching the adjacent arm1705downwardly so as to clamp the terminal1711inside the bottom segment1707of the receiving slot1706. Namely, the terminal1711of the electronic component171can be positioned in the bottom segment1707of the receiving slot1706by clamping method.

FIG. 10is a schematic view showing an electrical connection mechanism with another current-path arrangement module according to the present invention. As shown inFIG. 10, the electrical connection mechanism11includes a plurality of conductor strip connection devices12and a current-path arrangement module18. The current-path arrangement module18is detachably connected with the conductor strip connection devices12and the electrical cables3and includes a plurality of electricity conveying elements180, a plurality of electronic components181and a carrier182. The electricity conveying elements180are separately disposed on one surface of the carrier182to form a plurality of electricity conveying paths. The electronic components181are disposed on the carrier182, and each electronic component181is connected to two adjacent electricity conveying elements180so as to form a current-path arrangement as required. In an embodiment, the carrier182is a supporting plate for supporting and mounting the electricity conveying elements180and the electronic components181thereon, the electricity conveying elements180are electrical conductive rails disposed on one surface of the carrier182, and the electronic components181are bypass diodes. More preferably, there are four electrical conductive rails180a,180b,180c,180dand three bypass diodes181a,181b,181cmounted on one surface of the carrier182. In an embodiment, each bypass diode181a,181b,181chas two terminals connected to two adjacent electrical conductive rails180a,180b,180c,180dof the current-path arrangement module18. The electrical conductive rails180a,180b,180c,180dcan be mounted on one surface of the carrier182by rails, embedding, engaging, locking or adhesive, and it is not limited thereto. The carrier182can be mounted on the bottom surface in the receptacle103of the base101of the housing10by screwing, locking or engaging, and it is not limited thereto. By using the current-path arrangement module18, the bypass diodes181a,181b,181ccan be replaced and maintained easily by replacing the current-path arrangement module18with another one when one or more bypass diodes181a,181b,181cis breakdown or failed.

In an embodiment, each of the electricity conveying elements180includes a main body1801. The main body1801has at least one engaging element1802. The carrier182has a plurality of engaging elements1821for engaging with the engaging elements1802of the electricity conveying elements180. Preferably, the engaging elements1821of the carrier182are hooks and the engaging elements1802of the electricity conveying elements180are engaging holes, and it is not limited thereto. The carrier182includes a plurality of supporting elements1822for supporting and securing the terminals1811of the electronic components181so that the terminals1811of the electronic components181can be coupled to the electricity conveying elements180. Preferably, the supporting elements1822are protrusion rods with clamping arms. The carrier182can be secured on the bottom surface of the receptacle103of the base101. The carrier182further includes one or more securing element1823and the base101includes one or more securing element101bfor fastening with the securing element1823of the carrier182so that the carrier182can be secured on the bottom surface of the receptacle103of the base101. The main body1801of the electricity conveying element180further includes a first connection pad1803and a second connection pad1804. The first connection pad1803of the electricity conveying element180is connected and fastened with the fixing segment1212of the contact member121of the conductor strip connection devices12by fastening element, for example screw, and it is not limited thereto. The second connection pad1804of the electricity conveying element180is connected and fastened with a corresponding electrical cable3by fastening element, for example screw, and it is not limited thereto.

To sum up, the junction box of the present application is simple in construction, cost-effective, durable enough to withstand a wide range of environment conditions and easily be assembled, installed and maintained. In addition, the junction box of the present application includes a conductor strip connection device capable of assembling, fastening and coupling the thin conductor strip of the solar module to the junction box easily and conveniently. Moreover, the junction box of the present invention can maintain a high-quality, reliable electrical connections between the components of a solar or photovoltaic system.