US4296270A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Array of solar cells
Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
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Filing: 1980-04-29
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Granted: 1981-10-20
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Expires: 2000-04-29
Abstract
Abstract An arrangement or array of solar cells comprises a plurality of cells each having contacting connectors which establish an electrically conducting connection between the individual solar cells. Each solar cell has a connector which projects slightly from the edge thereof and is of a selected profile or shape such that the contacting connectors of adjacent cells may be overlapped and connected to each other for electrical connection in an arrangement in which they do not come in contact with each other adjacent the solar cells.
Inventors
- 👤 Kranz Kohler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 02:56
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F71/00; H10F71/137; H10F71/1375; H10F19/00; H10F19/90; H10F19/902; H10F19/904; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50; Y10; Y10S; Y10S136/00; Y10S136/291; Y10S136/292; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49002; Y10T29/49117; Y10T29/49169
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
An improved array of solar cells of the type having a plurality of solar cells having N-type and P-type conducting zones, a plurality of contacting connectors electrically interconnecting the N-type with the P-type conducting zone of adjacent cells, each contacting connector extending outwardly from the periphery of a respective cell, the improvement wherein each of the contacting connectors comprises a foil-type ribbon having a corrugated portion extending from each solar cell; and the connectors of adjacent solar cells being overlapped and connected to each other at the corrugated portions for electrical connection but without coming into contact with adjacent solar cells.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
An improved array of solar cells of the type having a plurality of solar cells having N-type and P-type conducting zones, a plurality of contacting connectors electrically interconnecting the N-type with the P-type conducting zone of adjacent cells, each contacting connector extending outwardly from the periphery of a respective cell, the improvement wherein each of the contacting connectors comprises a foil-type ribbon having a corrugated portion extending from each solar cell; and the connectors of adjacent solar cells being overlapped and connected to each other at the corrugated portions for electrical connection but without coming into contact with adjacent solar cells.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
An array according to claim 1, wherein each of said solar cells has a covering thereover.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
An array according to claim 1, wherein said contacting connectors overlie said solar cell and extend outwardly from each edge thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
An array of solar cells according to claim 1, wherein the contacting connectors are disposed symmetrically about the periphery of the respective cells from which said connectors extend.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
An array of solar cells according to claim 1, wherein said ribbon has a width of approximately 10 millimeters and a thickness of 12 microns.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
An array of solar cells according to claim 4, wherein said ribbon has a width of approximately 10 millimeters and a thickness of 12 microns.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-10-19 | 1985-04-20 | 1985-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-10-19 | 1989-04-20 | 1989-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-10-19 | 1993-04-20 | 1993-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |