Patent ID: 7291036

Claim:
A junction box for interconnection of solar cell arrays in a power distribution system, the junction box comprising: a cover portion, a box portion and a printed circuit board (PCB); the cover portion including a thermally conductive liner plate attached to one side, and a plurality of latch members for latching the cover portion to the box portion; the PCB having first and second surfaces, the first surface having a plurality of diode elements, each diode element having a heat sink element attached thereto for dissipating heat generated by the diode elements; and the second surface having a plurality of foil elements and a plurality of clip elements; and the box portion having: a hollow interior for receiving the PCB, a first opening for receiving the cover portion, a second opening disposed opposite the first opening for receiving external power input wiring; a plurality of contact elements disposed in the box portion for electrically connecting the PCB to the solar cell array, receiving members for receiving the foil elements, and recesses for engaging the plurality of latch members; wherein the heat sink elements being maintained in contact with the liner plate when the latch members are engaged with the recesses of the box portion, such that the heat sinks transfer heat to the liner plate, and the liner plate conducts heat to the cover portion for dissipation externally of the junction box.