Patents by Inventor Hitoshi Sakata

Hitoshi Sakata has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10181540
    Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides a solar cell that comprises a semiconductor substrate having a light-receiving surface and a rear surface; a first semiconductor layer having a first conductivity type; a second semiconductor layer having a second conductivity type, the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer being formed on the rear surface, and a trench formed in the rear surface, wherein the first semiconductor layer is formed on the rear surface in which the trench is not formed, and the second semiconductor layer is formed on a side surface of the trench in an arrangement direction in which the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer are alternately arranged and on a bottom surface of the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Ide, Takahiro Mishima, Masato Shigematsu, Toshiaki Baba, Hiroyuki Mori, Mitsuaki Morigami, Yuji Hishida, Hitoshi Sakata, Ryo Goto
  • Patent number: 9728658
    Abstract: A first solar cell is electrically connected to a second solar cell electrically and arranged in an array direction. Each of the first and second solar cell comprises: a light-receiving surface; a rear surface; a plurality of n-type side electrodes and p-type side electrodes both formed in the array direction on the rear surface; a wiring member electrically connecting the first solar cell and the second solar cell and arranged over the plurality of n-type side electrodes and the plurality of p-type side electrodes; an n-type side electrode insulating member that is arranged over the wiring member and covers a part of the plurality of n-type side electrodes, the part facing the wiring member; and a p-type side electrode insulating member that is arranged over the wiring member and covers a part of the plurality of p-type side electrodes, the part facing the wiring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Mishima, Hitoshi Sakata
  • Patent number: 9653626
    Abstract: There is provided a photovoltaic device (100) having a substrate (10), i-type amorphous layers (16i, 18i) formed over a region of at least a part of a back surface of the substrate, and an i-type amorphous layer (12i) formed over a region of at least a part of a light-receiving surface of the substrate (10); and characterized in that electrodes (24n, 24p) are provided on the back surface and no electrode is provided on the light-receiving surface, and an electrical resistance per unit area of the back surface side i-type amorphous layers is lower than an electrical resistance per unit area of the light-receiving surface side i-type amorphous layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD
    Inventors: Isao Hasegawa, Toshio Asaumi, Hitoshi Sakata
  • Patent number: 9530913
    Abstract: Provided is a solar cell having improved photoelectric conversion efficiency. The solar cell (1) contains: a substrate (10) comprising a semiconductor material having one type of conductivity; a first semiconductor layer (12n) having the one type of conductivity; and a second semiconductor layer (17n) having the one type of conductivity. The first semiconductor layer (12n) is arranged on one main surface of the substrate (10). The second semiconductor layer (17n) is arranged on the other main surface of the substrate (10). The solar cell (1) is configured such that the strength of the electric field formed by the second semiconductor layer (17n) is greater than the strength of the electric field formed by the first semiconductor layer (12n).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Hasegawa, Toshio Asaumi, Hitoshi Sakata
  • Patent number: 9362426
    Abstract: This photoelectric conversion device (10) is provided with: an n-type monocrystalline silicon substrate (21); an IN layer (25) and an IP layer (26) formed on the back surface of the n-type monocrystalline silicon substrate (21); an n-side electrode (40) containing an n-side underlayer (43), an n-side primary conductive layer (44), and an n-side protective layer (45); and a p-side electrode (50) containing a p-side underlayer (53), a p-side primary conductive layer (54), and a p-side protective layer (55). The n-side primary conductive layer (44) is formed in a manner so as not to cover the lateral surface of the n-side underlayer (43), and is covered at the lateral surface by the n-side protective layer (45). The p-side electrode (50) is formed in such a manner the lateral surface of the p-side underlayer (53) is not covered, and the lateral surface is covered by the p-side protective layer (55).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryo Goto, Satoru Shimada, Masato Shigematsu, Hitoshi Sakata, Daisuke Ide
  • Patent number: 9252301
    Abstract: A solar cell includes semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type; first semiconductor layer having a first conductivity type; second semiconductor layer having a second conductivity type; first electrode; second electrode; and insulating layer. First semiconductor layer and second semiconductor layer are formed on rear surface. When one end portion of insulating layer which is formed on first semiconductor layer and which is on a side close to first electrode is defined as first insulating-layer end portion and another end portion of insulating layer on a side close to second electrode is defined as second insulating-layer end portion in arrangement direction x, a distance from end point of second-semiconductor-layer end portion in contact with rear surface to second insulating-layer end portion in arrangement direction x is shorter than a distance from end point to first insulating-layer end portion in arrangement direction x.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Morigami, Yuji Hishida, Daisuke Ide, Hitoshi Sakata, Takahiro Mishima, Hiroyuki Mori, Masato Shigematsu
  • Patent number: 9252299
    Abstract: A solar cell module 100 comprises a light reflection member 12 placed on the light receiving surface of a n-type semiconductor substrate 11 and having a light reflecting surface 12A facing the light receiving surface protection member 2. The light reflection member 12 is positioned on an opposite side to the n-side connecting electrode 14n across the n-type semiconductor substrate 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Ide, Hitoshi Sakata
  • Patent number: 9224905
    Abstract: In this method for producing a photoelectric conversion device: an i-type non-crystalline layer and an n-type non-crystalline layer comprising a non-crystalline semiconductor film are formed on the light-receiving surface of a semiconductor substrate; an i-type non-crystalline layer and an n-type non-crystalline layer comprising a non-crystalline semiconductor film are formed on the back surface of the semiconductor substrate; a protective layer is formed on the n-type non-crystalline layer; an insulating layer is formed on the n-type non-crystalline layer; and in the state where the top of the n-type non-crystalline layer is covered by the protective layer, patterning is performed by eliminating a portion of the i-type non-crystalline layer, the n-type non-crystalline layer, and the insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Isao Hasegawa, Hitoshi Sakata
  • Patent number: 8796539
    Abstract: A solar cell, wherein contamination with an undesired impurity is suppressed, and solar cell characteristics are excellent. This solar cell is provided with: a semiconductor substrate having a photoreceiving surface and a back surface; a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type formed on a prescribed region of the back surface of the semiconductor substrate; a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type formed to extend over the back surface of the semiconductor substrate and the surface of the first semiconductor layer; and a cap layer formed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, and containing no impurity of the first conductivity type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Asaumi, Hitoshi Sakata
  • Publication number: 20140027875
    Abstract: In this method for producing a photoelectric conversion device: an i-type non-crystalline layer and an n-type non-crystalline layer comprising a non-crystalline semiconductor film are formed on the light-receiving surface of a semiconductor substrate; an i-type non-crystalline layer and an n-type non-crystalline layer comprising a non-crystalline semiconductor film are formed on the back surface of the semiconductor substrate; a protective layer is formed on the n-type non-crystalline layer; an insulating layer is formed on the n-type non-crystalline layer; and in the state where the top of the n-type non-crystalline layer is covered by the protective layer, patterning is performed by eliminating a portion of the i-type non-crystalline layer, the n-type non-crystalline layer, and the insulating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao HASEGAWA, Hitoshi SAKATA
  • Publication number: 20140020755
    Abstract: Provided is a solar cell having reduced resistance loss during power collection. A first and a second semiconductor layer (12n, 13p) each have a plurality of linear portions. The number of linear portions in the first semiconductor layer (12n) is fewer than the number of linear portions in the second semiconductor layer (13p). The thickness of the first semiconductor layer (12n) is thinner than the thickness of the second semiconductor layer (13p).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Hasegawa, Toshio Asaumi, Hitoshi Sakata
  • Publication number: 20140020753
    Abstract: This photoelectric conversion device (10) is provided with: an n-type monocrystalline silicon substrate (21); an IN layer (25) and an IP layer (26) formed on the back surface of the n-type monocrystalline silicon substrate (21); an n-side electrode (40) containing an n-side underlayer (43), an n-side primary conductive layer (44), and an n-side protective layer (45); and a p-side electrode (50) containing a p-side underlayer (53), a p-side primary conductive layer (54), and a p-side protective layer (55). The n-side primary conductive layer (44) is formed in a manner so as not to cover the lateral surface of the n-side underlayer (43), and is covered at the lateral surface by the n-side protective layer (45). The p-side electrode (50) is formed in such a manner the lateral surface of the p-side underlayer (53) is not covered, and the lateral surface is covered by the p-side protective layer (55).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryo GOTO, Satoru SHIMADA, Masato SHIGEMATSU, Hitoshi SAKATA, Daisuke IDE
  • Publication number: 20140020740
    Abstract: Provided is a solar cell having improved photoelectric conversion efficiency. The solar cell (1) contains: a substrate (10) comprising a semiconductor material having one type of conductivity; a first semiconductor layer (12n) having the one type of conductivity; and a second semiconductor layer (17n) having the one type of conductivity. The first semiconductor layer (12n) is arranged on one main surface of the substrate (10). The second semiconductor layer (17n) is arranged on the other main surface of the substrate (10). The solar cell (1) is configured such that the strength of the electric field formed by the second semiconductor layer (17n) is greater than the strength of the electric field formed by the first semiconductor layer (12n).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Hasegawa, Toshio Asaumi, Hitoshi Sakata
  • Publication number: 20140024168
    Abstract: This method for producing a photoelectric conversion device has: a step for forming each of an IN layer and an IP layer on one surface of an n-type monocrystalline silicon substrate; and a step of forming an n-side electrode and a p-side electrode, each including a plurality of conductor layers. Also, the step for forming the electrodes includes: a first step for forming a first conductive layer on the IN layer and the IP layer; a second step for forming a second conductive layer on the portion of the first conductive layer that covers the IN layer, and a second conductive layer on the portion of the first conductive layer that covers the IP layer; and a third step for forming a first conductive layer and a first conductive layer by partially etching the first conductive layer after completing the second step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryo GOTO, Satoru SHIMADA, Masato SHIGEMATSU, Hitoshi SAKATA, Daisuke IDE
  • Publication number: 20140020742
    Abstract: A photovoltaic device is provided with: an i-type amorphous layer formed over a region of at least a part of a back surface of a semiconductor substrate; and an i-type amorphous layer formed over a region of at least a part of a light-receiving surface of the semiconductor substrate. No electrode is provided on the light-receiving surface, and an electrode is provided on the back surface. An electrical resistance per unit area of the i-type amorphous layer is lower than an electrical resistance per unit area of the i-type amorphous layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao HASEGAWA, Toshio ASAUMI, Hitoshi SAKATA, Toshiaki BABA
  • Publication number: 20140020757
    Abstract: There is provided a photovoltaic device (100) having a substrate (10), i-type amorphous layers (16i, 18i) formed over a region of at least a part of a back surface of the substrate, and an i-type amorphous layer (12i) formed over a region of at least a part of a light-receiving surface of the substrate (10); and characterized in that electrodes (24n, 24p) are provided on the back surface and no electrode is provided on the light-receiving surface, and an electrical resistance per unit area of the back surface side i-type amorphous layers is lower than an electrical resistance per unit area of the light-receiving surface side i-type amorphous layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao HASEGAWA, Toshio ASAUMI, Hitoshi SAKATA
  • Publication number: 20140020752
    Abstract: A photoelectric converter (10) is provided with an n-type monocrystalline silicon substrate (21), an IN layer (25) and an IP layer (26) formed on the rear surface (12) of the n-type monocrystalline silicon substrate (21), an n-side electrode (40) electrically connected to the IN layer (25), and a p-side electrode (50) separated from the n-side electrode (40) by means of a separation groove (6) and electrically connected to the IP layer (26). In said photoelectric converter (10), a texture structure is formed on at least a portion of a region in which the n-type monocrystalline silicon substrate (21), the IN layer (25) and the IP layer (26) are formed to be in direct contact with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mamoru ARIMOTO, Masato SHIGEMATSU, Hitoshi SAKATA
  • Publication number: 20140020741
    Abstract: A solar cell having improved carrier collection efficiency is provided. A solar cell (1) is provided with a semiconductor substrate (10) having one type of conductivity, a first semiconductor layer (12n), a second semiconductor layer (13p), a first electrode (14), and a second electrode (15). The first semiconductor layer (12n) is arranged on one main surface (10b) of the semiconductor substrate (10). The first semiconductor layer (12n) has the one type of conductivity. The second semiconductor layer (13p) is arranged on the one main surface (10b) of the semiconductor substrate (10). The second semiconductor layer (13p) has the other type of conductivity. The first electrode (14) is connected electrically to the first semiconductor layer (12n). The second electrode (15) is connected electrically to the second semiconductor layer (13p). The thickness of the second semiconductor layer (13p) is thinner than the thickness of the first semiconductor layer (12n).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Hasegawa, Toshio Asaumi, Hitoshi Sakata
  • Publication number: 20130247970
    Abstract: A solar cell includes semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type; first semiconductor layer having a first conductivity type; second semiconductor layer having a second conductivity type; first electrode; second electrode; and insulating layer. First semiconductor layer and second semiconductor layer are formed on rear surface. When one end portion of insulating layer which is formed on first semiconductor layer and which is on a side close to first electrode is defined as first insulating-layer end portion and another end portion of insulating layer on a side close to second electrode is defined as second insulating-layer end portion in arrangement direction x, a distance from end point of second-semiconductor-layer end portion in contact with rear surface to second insulating-layer end portion in arrangement direction x is shorter than a distance from end point to first insulating-layer end portion in arrangement direction x.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuaki MORIGAMI, Yuji HISHIDA, Daisuke IDE, Hitoshi SAKATA, Takahiro MISHIMA, Hiroyuki MORI, Masato SHIGEMATSU
  • Publication number: 20130186456
    Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides a solar cell that comprises a semiconductor substrate having a light-receiving surface and a rear surface; a first semiconductor layer having a first conductivity type; a second semiconductor layer having a second conductivity type, the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer being formed on the rear surface, and a trench formed in the rear surface, wherein the first semiconductor layer is formed on the rear surface in which the trench is not formed, and the second semiconductor layer is formed on a side surface of the trench in an arrangement direction in which the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer are alternately arranged and on a bottom surface of the trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke IDE, Takahiro MISHIMA, Masato SHIGEMATSU, Toshiaki BABA, Hiroyuki MORI, Mitsuaki MORIGAMI, Yuji HISHIDA, Hitoshi SAKATA, Ryo GOTO