Patent ID: 7632109

Claim:
Connector apparatus for connecting a plurality of parallel spaced flat coplanar flat conductors ( 2 ) of a photovoltaic panel ( 1 ) to an electrical component, comprising: (a) a generally rectangular conductor support body ( 3 ) formed of electrical insulating material, said support body having a longitudinal axis and including: (1) a generally planar base portion ( 3 a ) adapted for connection with the photovoltaic panel; and (2) a bridge portion ( 3 b ) orthogonally arranged relative to said base portion, said bridge portion having a plurality of longitudinally spaced conductor support seats ( 3 d ) for supporting intermediate portions ( 2 b ) of the conductors that are bent to positions normal to the panel, said seats having edges remote from said base portion around which the free end portions ( 2 c ) of the conductors are reversely bent; (b) a plurality of bus bar means ( 5 ) associated with said conductor seats, respectively, each of said bus bar means including first contact means ( 24 a ) arranged for engagement with that portion of a conductor that is bent over the edge of the associated conductor seat, respectively, and at least one output contact means ( 24 b ) adapted for connection with the electrical component; and (c) protective housing means ( 4 ) at least partially enclosing said conductor support member bridge portion and said bus bar means.