Miniature inverter

Abstract

The invention relates to a micro inverter. The micro inverter includes a housing having an internal space, a circuit board disposed within the housing, a first connector supported by the housing and directly connected to one side of the circuit board, and a second connector supported by the housing and directly connected to the other side of the circuit board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a micro inverter. Background Art

[0002] An inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) and is used in various industrial applications using electronic devices such as motor drives, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and active power filters, as well as in the field of renewable energy conversion systems including solar generators, hybrid vehicles, and the like.

[0003] Recently, microinverters have been used in the solar power inverter market, primarily in the U.S. Microinverters are distributed systems that convert DC current in a module unit into AC current by installing each small inverter on an individual solar cell module.

[0004] Microinverters include a printed circuit board array (PCBA) where current is converted and equipped with a DC connector that connects to the solar cell module and an AC connector that connects to the AC cable used to distribute the generated power. However, due to the miniaturized size of the devices, microinverters face limitations in connector mounting locations and assembly stability, as well as limited internal design freedom. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to providing a micro inverter in which respective mounting positions of a DC connector and an AC connector connected to the inverter are independently positioned, thereby facilitating design changes and device miniaturization, and also improving assembly stability.

[0007] Technical Solution

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a micro inverter is provided, which includes a housing, a circuit board, a first connector, and a second connector, wherein the housing has an internal space, the circuit board is arranged in the housing, the first connector is supported by the housing, and the first terminal of the first connector is directly connected to one side of the circuit board, the second connector is supported by the housing to be spaced apart from the first connector, and the second terminal of the second connector is directly connected to the other side of the circuit board.

[0009] Beneficial effects

[0010] In the micro inverter according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by separately connecting each of the first connector and the second connector to the circuit board, the internal structure of the inverter can be simplified, thereby improving the freedom of structural design of the inverter and obtaining advantages in miniaturization of the device.

[0011] Furthermore, in the micro inverter, when the first connector and the second connector are directly connected to the circuit board, a robust assembly structure can be formed to stably manage power conversion performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a view illustrating a micro inverter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of a microinverter.

[0014] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the first connector.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the first connector.

[0016] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 An enlarged view of a portion of the first connector assembled to Figure 1 This part.

[0017] Figure 6 It is from Figure 5 Partial cross-sectional view of the microinverter viewed from the A-A' direction.

[0018] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the second connector.

[0019] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 An enlarged view of a portion of the second connector assembled to Figure 1 This part.

[0020] Figure 9 It is from Figure 8 Partial cross-sectional view of the microinverter viewed from the BB' direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a micro inverter, which includes a housing, a circuit board, a first connector, and a second connector. The housing has an internal space, the circuit board is arranged in the housing, the first connector is supported by the housing, and the first terminal of the first connector is directly connected to one side of the circuit board, the second connector is supported by the housing to be spaced apart from the first connector, and the second terminal of the second connector is directly connected to the other side of the circuit board.

[0022] In addition, the first terminal may include a first terminal protrusion, a connecting tube and a fixing member, wherein one end portion of the first terminal protrusion is connected to the cable, the connecting tube is arranged between the other end portion of the first terminal protrusion and the circuit board, and the fixing member passes through the connecting tube to connect the first terminal protrusion to the circuit board.

[0023] In addition, the first connector may include a guide, a support pin, and a pin insertion groove, wherein the guide is configured to support opposite side surfaces of the first terminal protrusion, the support pin passes through the first terminal protrusion, and the pin insertion groove supports one surface of the first terminal protrusion and accommodates the support pin.

[0024] In addition, the shell may include a first mounting part, the first connector is installed in the first mounting part, and the first mounting part includes a first mounting groove and a first mounting protrusion, the first connector may include a first shell, the first shell includes a first connector protrusion and a first connector slot, the first connector protrusion is inserted into the first mounting groove, and the first mounting protrusion is inserted into the first connector slot.

[0025] In addition, the first housing may further include a first insertion groove into which the first assembly member of the case is inserted.

[0026] Furthermore, the second terminal may include a second terminal tab, an end portion of the second terminal tab being inserted into the connection hole of the circuit board.

[0027] In addition, the shell may include a second mounting portion, the second connector is mounted in the second mounting portion, and the second mounting portion includes a second mounting groove and a second mounting protrusion, the second connector may include a second shell, the second shell includes a second connector protrusion and a second connector slot, the second connector protrusion is inserted into the second mounting groove, and the second mounting protrusion is inserted into the second connector slot.

[0028] In addition, the second housing may further include a second insertion groove into which the second assembly member of the case is inserted.

[0029] Furthermore, the housing may include a support block that protrudes inward and supports the first connector and the second connector.

[0030] Invention

[0031] Since the present disclosure is applicable to various transformations and has various embodiments, specific embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present disclosure and methods for achieving the effects and features will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals designate the same or corresponding components throughout the drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0033] In the following embodiments, the terms “first”, “second”, etc. do not have a limiting meaning but are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0034] In the following examples, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, expressions used in the singular form (eg, "a," "an," and "the") are intended to include the plural form as well.

[0035] In the following embodiments, it should be understood that terms such as “include,” “comprises,” and “has” specify the presence of recited features or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or components.

[0036] In the following embodiments, when a region, component, etc. is positioned on or above another component, the present disclosure includes not only the situation where the region, component, etc. is directly positioned above another component, but also the situation where other regions, other components, etc. may be positioned between the region, component, etc. and another component.

[0037] In the drawings, for the sake of convenience of description, components may be enlarged or reduced in size. For example, for the sake of convenience of description, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown, and therefore one or more embodiments are not necessarily limited to such size and thickness.

[0038] In the following embodiments, it will be understood that when a region, a component, etc. is referred to as being connected to another component, the region, component, etc. may be directly connected to the other component or intervening components may also be present.

[0039] Figure 1 is a view illustrating a micro inverter 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] refer to Figure 1 , in the micro inverter 10 , the first connector 300 and the second connector 400 may be formed to be connected to the housing 100 in which the circuit board is stored.

[0041] The housing 100 may have an inner space. The housing 100 may form the exterior of the micro inverter 10 and may accommodate the circuit board 200 (see Figure 2 ). The housing 100 may fix the position of the circuit board. To this end, the inner shape of the housing 100 may correspond to the shape of the circuit board.

[0042] The housing 100 may protect the circuit board 200 disposed therein. For example, considering the stable operation of the micro inverter 10 and the influence of the surrounding environment, the housing 100 may have heat resistance, moisture resistance, water resistance, electrical insulation, cold resistance, oil resistance, impact resistance, and waterproofing.

[0043] The housing 100 may include an upper housing 110, a lower housing 120, and a support bracket 130. The housing 100 may be formed by assembling the upper housing 110, the lower housing 120, and the support bracket 130.

[0044] The upper case 110 and the lower case 120 may be assembled to form a space therein. The circuit board 200 may be accommodated in the inner space of the upper case 110 and the lower case 120.

[0045] The upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120 may include connection locations for the first connector 300 and the second connector 400. The first connector 300 and the second connector 400 may be inserted between the upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120. When the upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120 are assembled, a location to which the first connector 300 is connected and a location to which the second connector 400 is connected may be set.

[0046] As an optional embodiment, the housing 100 may further include a buckle 1201 .

[0047] The buckle 1201 may be provided at one side of the housing 100 and connected to the support bracket 130. The buckle 1201 may be fastened to the first hook 1301 of the support bracket 130.

[0048] The support bracket 130 may be disposed below the lower case 120. The support bracket 130 may support the lower case 120. The support bracket 130 may be connected to the upper case 110 or the lower case 120.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the support bracket 130 can be connected to the lower housing 120 in a snap-fit ​​manner. A snap-fit ​​method is a method of fastening two components without requiring a separate connecting member, as the fastening is achieved by snapping a hook into a recessed portion. For example, the support bracket 130 may include a first hook 1301 and a second hook 1302 that are connected to the upper housing 110 or the lower housing 120.

[0050] The first hook 1301 can be connected to the buckle 1201. The first hook 1301 can be fitted into the buckle 1201 and fastened to the buckle 1201.

[0051] Optionally, the support bracket 130 may include an auxiliary buckle located adjacent to the first hook 1301. The buckle 1201 may include an auxiliary hook located on one side thereof, which can be fastened to the auxiliary buckle. Therefore, when the first hook 1301 is connected to the buckle 1201 from bottom to top, the auxiliary hook is connected to the auxiliary buckle from top to bottom, thereby achieving a stable connection between the support bracket 130 and the lower housing 120.

[0052] The second hook 1302 may have a structure that contacts one side of the upper housing 110 or the lower housing 120. At least a portion of the second hook 1302 may have elasticity. The second hook 1302 may fix the lower housing 120 by force fitting.

[0053] The support bracket 130 may also include an alignment portion 1303 .

[0054] The alignment portion 1303 may be positioned adjacent to the second connector 400 connected to the housing 100. According to an embodiment, the alignment portion 1303 may be provided as a guide wall that protrudes from the upper surface of the support bracket 130 and is provided parallel to each other on both sides of the second connector 400. The alignment portion 1303 may align and support the position of the plug connected to the second connector 400.

[0055] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a microinverter 10 .

[0056] refer to Figure 2 The micro inverter 10 may include a housing 100 , a circuit board 200 , a first connector 300 , and a second connector 400 .

[0057] According to an embodiment, the case 100 may include an upper case 110 , a lower case 120 , and a support bracket 130 .

[0058] The upper housing 110 may include a cover 111 , a coupling groove 112 , a first assembly member 113 , and a second assembly member 114 .

[0059] The cover 111 may be provided in a plate shape covering the upper portion of the circuit board 200. The cover 111 may correspond to the shape of the upper portion of the circuit board 200. The lower surface of the cover 111 may contact the upper portion of the circuit board 200 to fix the position of the circuit board 200.

[0060] The engaging groove 112 may be formed in the lower surface of the cover 111. According to an embodiment, the engaging groove 112 may be formed along the outer edge of the lower surface of the cover 111. The engaging groove 112 may be provided to be connected to the lower case 120. A portion of the lower case 120 may be fitted into the engaging groove 112.

[0061] The first assembly member 113 may be provided at one side of the cover 111 and may be in contact with the first connector 300 connected to the housing 100. The first assembly member 113 may be located adjacent to a position to which the first connector 300 is connected.

[0062] For example, the first assembly member 113 may be provided as a protrusion protruding from one side surface of the upper case 110 toward the upper surface of the first connector 300. The first assembly member 113 may be fastened to one side of the upper surface of the first connector 300.

[0063] The second assembly member 114 may be provided at the other side of the cover 111 and may be in contact with the second connector 400 connected to the housing 100. The second assembly member 114 may be located adjacent to a position to which the second connector 400 is connected.

[0064] For example, the second assembly member 114 may be provided as a protrusion protruding from the other side surface of the upper case 110 toward the upper surface of the second connector 400. The second assembly member 114 may be fastened to one side of the upper surface of the second connector 400.

[0065] The lower housing 120 may include a base 121 , a base protrusion 122 , a third assembly member 123 , a fourth assembly member 124 , and a buckle 1201 .

[0066] The base 121 can support the circuit board 200. The base 121 can be provided in a plate shape surrounding the lower surface of the circuit board 200. The base 121 can correspond to the shape of the lower surface of the circuit board 200. The circuit board 200 can be placed on the upper surface of the base 121. The upper surface of the base 121 can contact the lower portion of the circuit board 200 to fix the position of the circuit board 200.

[0067] The base protrusion 122 may be formed on the upper surface of the base 121. According to an embodiment, the base protrusion 122 may be formed along the outer edge of the upper surface of the base 121. The base protrusion 122 may be provided to be connectable to the upper case 110. The base protrusion 122 may be inserted into a portion of the upper case 110.

[0068] The third assembly member 123 may be provided at one side of the base 121 and may make contact with the first connector 300 connected to the housing 100. The third assembly member 123 may be provided adjacent to a position to which the first connector 300 is connected.

[0069] For example, the third assembly member 123 may be provided as a protrusion protruding from one side of the lower housing 120 toward the lower surface of the first connector 300. The third assembly member 123 may be fastened to one side of the lower surface of the first connector 300.

[0070] The fourth assembly member 124 may be provided at the other side of the base 121 and may be in contact with the second connector 400 connected to the housing 100. The fourth assembly member 124 may be located adjacent to a position to which the second connector 400 is connected.

[0071] For example, the fourth assembly member 124 may be provided as a protrusion protruding from the other side of the lower case 120 toward the lower surface of the second connector 400. The fourth assembly member 124 may be fastened to one side of the lower surface of the second connector 400.

[0072] The buckle 1201 may be formed to protrude outward from the side surface of the lower case 120. The buckle 1201 may be connected to the first hook 1301 of the support bracket 130. The buckle 1201 may be formed in a ring or groove shape by which the first hook 1301 is hooked.

[0073] The circuit board 200 may be configured to convert DC power into AC power. The first connector 300 may be connected to one side of the circuit board 200 , and the second connector 400 may be connected to the other side of the circuit board 200 .

[0074] The circuit board 200 may be disposed between the upper case 110 and the lower case 120. The circuit board 200 may be accommodated in an inner space formed by assembling the upper case 110 and the lower case 120. The circuit board 200 may be supported by the upper case 110 and the lower case 120 so that the position of the circuit board 200 may be fixed.

[0075] The circuit board 200 can be formed by arranging a predetermined circuit pattern and circuit elements on one surface or opposite surfaces. For example, the circuit board 200 can be provided as a typical printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). Hereinafter, the description will be provided based on the case where the circuit board 200 is used alone, but the circuit board 200 can be used by integrating multiple layers as needed.

[0076] The circuit board 200 may include a substrate unit 210 , a circuit unit 220 , a first connection hole 230 , and a second connection hole 240 .

[0077] The substrate unit 210 may have a plate shape and may have a circuit pattern printed on one surface or opposite surfaces, or have a surface on which circuit elements are provided. The circuit unit 220 may be provided on the substrate unit 210 .

[0078] The circuit unit 220 may include a circuit for converting DC power into AC power. The circuit unit 220 may include components provided on the substrate unit 210, such as a circuit pattern printed using copper, an integrated circuit (IC), a capacitor, and a transformer. For example, the circuit unit 220 may include a boost circuit for boosting an input DC voltage and a conversion circuit for converting DC power into AC power, and may include corresponding circuit elements.

[0079] The first connection hole 230 may be formed in one side of the substrate unit 210, and the second connection hole 240 may be formed in the other side of the substrate unit 210. The first connection hole 230 and the second connection hole 240 may each be formed in a hole shape passing through the substrate unit 210. The first connection hole 230 may define a position at which the first connector 300 is connected to the substrate unit 210, and the second connection hole 240 may define a position at which the second connector 400 is connected to the substrate unit 210.

[0080] The first connector 300 and the second connector 400 may be provided to connect the micro inverter 10 to the outside. The first connector 300 and the second connector 400 may be connected to an external power source and power system using cables or other connectors.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the first connector 300 may be provided as a DC connector, and the second connector 400 may be provided as an AC connector.

[0082] The first connector 300 can be connected to a solar cell module (not shown). A solar cell module is a device that converts light energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. The DC power generated by the solar cell module can be input to the first connector 300. The first connector 300 can transmit the input DC power to the circuit board 200.

[0083] The second connector 400 may be connected to a power system (not shown). The second connector 400 may output the AC power converted by the circuit board 200. The second connector 400 may transmit the AC power to a user through an AC output cable.

[0084] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a view of the first connector 300 . Figure 4 yes Figure 3 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the first connector 300 .

[0085] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the first connector 300 may include a first housing 310 , a first terminal 320 , a cable 330 , and a module connecting unit 340 .

[0086] The first housing 310 may form the exterior of the first connector 300 and may have a space therein. The first terminal 320 may be accommodated in the first housing 310. The first housing 310 may correspond to the shape of a mounting portion of the case 100 for the first connector 300.

[0087] The first housing 310 may be provided to be connected to a mounting portion of the housing 100 for the first connector 300. An upper surface of the first housing 310 may have a shape corresponding to the upper housing 110, and a lower surface of the first housing 310 may have a shape corresponding to the lower housing 120.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the first housing 310 may be formed by assembling an upper housing 311 and a lower housing 312. The first terminal 320 may be inserted between the upper housing 311 and the lower housing 312. The first terminal 320 may be connected to the cable 330 located within the first housing 310.

[0089] The upper housing 311 may form an upper surface of the first housing 310 and may include a first connector protrusion 3111 , a first insertion groove 3112 , a support pin 3113 , and a guide 3114 .

[0090] The outer surface of the upper housing 311 may protrude to form a first connector protrusion 3111. The first connector protrusion 3111 may be assembled with the upper case 110 in contact.

[0091] A portion of the outer surface of the upper housing 311 may be recessed for the first insertion groove 3112. The first insertion groove 3112 may be recessed for the first insertion groove 3112. Figure 2 The first assembly 113 is described as being assembled.

[0092] The support pin 3113 may be positioned on the lower surface of the upper housing 311 and formed in a pin shape protruding downward. The support pin 3113 may fix the first terminal 320 in the inner space of the first housing 310. Figure 6 , the support pin 3113 may pass through a portion of the first terminal 320 to be fastened to one side of the lower housing 312 .

[0093] The guide member 3114 may be provided on the lower surface of the upper housing 311 and may be provided in a plate shape protruding downward. The guide member 3114 may extend to the lower housing 312 to be connected to the lower housing 312.

[0094] The guide member 3114 may contact the first terminal 320 located in the inner space of the first housing 310 to support the first terminal 320. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the guide 3114 may be provided on each of the opposite side surfaces of the first terminal 320. Therefore, the position of the first terminal 320 may be aligned, thereby preventing the first terminal 320 from shaking or separating in the width direction.

[0095] The lower housing 312 may include a first connector groove 3121 .

[0096] A portion of the outer surface of the lower housing 312 may be recessed to form a first connector groove 3121. The first connector groove 3121 may be assembled with the lower case 120 in a contact manner.

[0097] The first terminal 320 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 200. The first terminal 320 may be made of a conductive material to transmit power to the circuit board 200. Specifically, the first terminal 320 may receive DC power and transmit the received DC power to the circuit board 200.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the first terminal 320 may be provided in a shape passing through the interior of the first housing 310. The first terminal 320 may have one side mounted in the first housing 310 and the other side connected to the circuit board 200. The first terminal 320 may be provided in the first housing 310, and a portion of the first terminal 320 may extend outward from the first housing 310.

[0099] The first terminal 320 may include a first terminal tab 321 , a connection tube 322 , and a fixing member 323 . The first terminal tab 321 may be connected to the circuit board 200 through the connection tube 322 and the fixing member 323 .

[0100] The first terminal tab 321 may be provided in a shape extending from the inside of the housing 100 toward the circuit board 200. The first terminal tab 321 may be provided as a member formed by performing a process such as punching or bending on a conductive metal plate.

[0101] The first terminal tab 321 may be provided to have a certain step difference. The first terminal tab 321 may form a connection portion connected to each of the first housing 310 , the circuit board 200 , and the cable 330 .

[0102] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 The first terminal protrusion 321 may be an integral piece, but may include a first step 3211 , a second step 3212 , and a connecting protrusion 3213 .

[0103] The first step 3211 may be positioned outside the first housing 310, and the connection pipe 322 and the fixing member 323 may be mounted on the first step 3211. The first step 3211 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 200 through the connection pipe 322 and the fixing member 323.

[0104] The first step 3211 may be bent toward the circuit board 200 to form a certain step difference with the second step 3212. Therefore, even when the length of the connecting pipe 322 or the fixing member 323 is short, the first step 3211 may stably generate a fastening force with the circuit board 200.

[0105] The second step 3212 may be positioned within the first housing 310 and fixed to the lower housing 312. The second step 3212 may have a pin-through hole 3123a. The support pin 3113 of the upper housing 311 may pass through the pin-through hole 3123a to fix the position of the second step 3212.

[0106] The connection tab 3213 may be connected to the cable 330. The portion of the connection tab 3213 that contacts the wire of the cable 330 may be expanded in a V-shape. The expanded portion of the connection tab 3213 may be pressed to connect to the wire of the cable 330.

[0107] The connecting pipe 322 may be inserted between the first terminal tab 321 and the circuit board 200. The connecting pipe 322 may be provided in a pipe shape having a predetermined length. For example, the connecting pipe 322 may be provided as a threaded connection member in which threads are formed.

[0108] In an embodiment, the connection pipe 322 may be made of a material having a certain compressibility or elasticity, and when the shape of the connection pipe 322 is deformed according to the fastening force of the fixing member 323 , the connection pipe 322 may have a strong coupling force.

[0109] The fixing member 323 may fix the first terminal tab 321 to the circuit board 200. The fixing member 323 may pass through the first terminal tab 321 and the connection pipe 322 to be connected to the circuit board 200.

[0110] In an embodiment, the fixing member 323 may be made of a conductive material to electrically connect the first terminal tab 321 to the circuit board 200. The fixing member 323 may be a typical component for connecting conductive materials. For example, the fixing member 323 may be a screw having a thread, a pin, or the like. The cable 330 may be a cable to which DC power is input. One side of the cable 330 may be connected to the first terminal 320, and the other side of the cable 330 may extend to the outside. The cable 330 may be connected to the first terminal tab 321 located within the first housing 310.

[0111] The module connection unit 340 may be connected to a power generation module that provides DC power. For example, the module connection unit 340 may be configured as an MC4 connector connected to a solar cell module.

[0112] Figure 5 It is a view for describing the assembly between the first connector 300 and the housing 100 . Figure 6It is from Figure 5 Partial cross-sectional view of the microinverter viewed from the A-A' direction.

[0113] Specifically, Figure 5 1 is a view showing the interior of the housing 100 when the first connector 300 is mounted on the housing 100. In this example, in order to describe the connection between the first connector 300 and the circuit board 200, the upper housing 110 is omitted.

[0114] refer to Figures 3 to 6 , when the first connector 300 is mounted on the housing 100 , a portion of the first shell 310 may be inserted into the housing 100 .

[0115] According to an embodiment, the housing 100 may include a first mounting portion including a first mounting groove 1121 and a first mounting protrusion 1221 to provide a space for mounting the first connector 300 therein. The first mounting portion may define a position where the first connector 300 is mounted on the housing 100.

[0116] The first mounting groove 1121 may be formed in the lower surface of the upper housing 110. The first mounting groove 1121 may be formed in a shape extending from the coupling groove 112. The first mounting groove 1121 may be provided as a portion of the coupling groove 112 in which the first connector 300 is seated.

[0117] The first mounting protrusion 1221 may be provided on the upper surface of the lower housing 120. The first mounting protrusion 1221 may be formed in a shape extending from the base protrusion 122. The first mounting protrusion 1221 may be provided as a portion of the base protrusion 122 on which the first connector 300 is mounted.

[0118] When the first connector 300 is mounted on the housing 100, the first connector protrusion 3111 of the first housing 310 can be inserted into the first mounting groove 1121 of the upper housing 110. In this case, the first assembly member 113 can be inserted into the first insertion groove 3112 formed in the upper surface of the first housing 310 from the outside of the upper housing 110.

[0119] Therefore, on the surface where the first housing 310 contacts the upper case 110 , the first connector protrusion 3111 and the first mounting groove 1121 may be fastened to each other, and the first insertion groove 3112 and the first assembly part 113 may be fastened to each other, so that double fastening force may be generated.

[0120] When the first connector 300 is mounted on the housing 100 , the first mounting protrusion 1221 of the lower housing 120 may be inserted into the first connector groove 3121 of the first case 310 .

[0121] According to an embodiment, the lower housing 312 may further include a third insertion groove 3122. A portion of the outer surface of the lower housing 312 may be recessed to form the third insertion groove 3122, and the third insertion groove 3122 may be assembled in contact with the lower case 120. In this case, the third assembly member 123 may be inserted from the outside of the lower case 120 into the third insertion groove 3122 formed in the lower surface of the first housing 310.

[0122] Therefore, on the contact surface of the first housing 310 and the lower case 120, the first connector groove 3121 and the first mounting protrusion 1221 can be fastened to each other, and the third insertion groove 3122 and the third assembly part 123 can be fastened to each other, so that double fastening force can be generated.

[0123] As an optional embodiment, the lower housing 120 may further include a support block 125. The support block 125 may be positioned adjacent to the first mounting protrusion 1221 and may support the first shell 310 inserted into the housing 100.

[0124] When the first connector 300 is mounted on the housing 100 , the first shell 310 may be fastened to the circuit board 200 through the first terminals 320 .

[0125] The first housing 310 may be connected to the circuit board 200 through the first terminal 320. The first housing 310 may be assembled with the first terminal 320, and the first terminal 320 may be assembled to the circuit board 200 such that a fastening force may be generated.

[0126] A support pin 3113 and a pin insertion groove 3123 may be provided in the first housing 310. By assembling the support pin 3113 and the pin insertion groove 3123, a fastening force may be generated between the upper portion and the lower portion of the first housing 310. The support pin 3113 may pass through the second step 3212 of the first terminal tab, and an end portion of the support pin 3113 may be received in the pin insertion groove 3123, thereby fastening the support pin 3113.

[0127] The connecting tube 322 and the fixing member 323 that connect the first step 3211 and the circuit board 200 may be provided outside the first housing 310. The fixing member 323 may be inserted into the connecting tube 322 through the first step 3211 of the first terminal tab 321, and the end portion of the fixing member 323 may be connected to the first connection hole 230. In this case, the alignment protrusion 115 of the upper housing 110 may be mounted outside the end portion of the fixing member 323, so that the fixing member 323 can stably fix the circuit board 200 when fixing the circuit board 200, and the contact area can be expanded to ensure structural stability.

[0128] That is, the first terminal 320 can be fixed to the first housing 310 by fastening the support pin 3113 and the pin insertion groove 3123, and the first terminal 320 can be fixed to the circuit board 200 by fastening the fixing member 323 and the first connection hole 230. Therefore, the first housing 310 and the circuit board 200 can each be coupled to the first terminal 320 so that a fastening force can be generated.

[0129] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a view of the second connector 400 .

[0130] refer to Figure 7 , the second connector 400 may include a second housing 410 , a second terminal 420 and an O-ring 430 .

[0131] The second housing 410 may form the exterior of the second connector 400 and may have a space therein. The second terminal 420 may be accommodated in the second housing 410. The second housing 410 may correspond to the shape of a mounting portion of the case 100 for the second connector 400.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the second housing 410 may include a second housing body 4100 , an insertion portion 4101 , and a socket portion 4102 .

[0133] The insertion portion 4101 may be provided to be inserted into the housing 100. The insertion portion 4101 may be formed to extend from the second housing body 4100 toward the inside of the housing 100. The insertion portion 4101 may be inserted into the housing 100.

[0134] The socket portion 4102 may be provided to be connected to an external cable (not shown). The socket portion 4102 may be formed to extend from the second housing body 4100 toward the outside of the case 100. An AC output cable may be connected to the socket portion 4102.

[0135] As an optional embodiment, the plug hooks 4103 may be positioned on both sides of the socket portion 4102. When the plug is inserted into the socket portion 4102, the plug hooks 4103 may come into contact with both side surfaces of the plug to help connect with the socket portion 4102 and stably fix the position of the plug.

[0136] A second connector protrusion 4111 may be formed on an upper surface of the second housing 410 , and a fourth connector groove 4121 may be formed in a lower surface of the second housing 410 .

[0137] A portion of the upper surface of the second housing 410 may protrude to form a second connector protrusion 4111. The second connector protrusion 4111 may be assembled with the upper case 110 in contact.

[0138] A portion of the bottom surface of the second housing 410 may be recessed to form a fourth connector groove 4121. The fourth connector groove 4121 may be assembled with the lower case 120 in a contact manner.

[0139] The second insertion groove 4112 may be formed in the connection portion between the second housing body 4100 and the socket portion 4102 and may be formed in a groove shape that is concave upward. Figure 2 The second assembly 114 is described as being assembled.

[0140] The second terminal 420 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 200. The second terminal 420 may be made of a conductive material and configured to receive power from the circuit board 200. Specifically, the second terminal 420 outputs AC power and may transmit the AC power to an external power system.

[0141] According to an embodiment, the second terminal 420 may be provided in a shape passing through the inside of the second housing 410. The second terminal 420 may have one side mounted within the second housing 410 and the other side connected to the circuit board 200.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the second terminal 420 may include a second terminal body 421 and a second terminal tab 422 .

[0143] The second terminal body 421 may be configured as a member formed by performing processing such as stamping or bending on a conductive metal plate. The second terminal body 421 may be configured as a tube shape extending from the socket portion 4102 to the insertion portion 4101. The second terminal body 421 may be connected to the second terminal tab 422 located in the insertion portion 4101.

[0144] The terminal tab 422 may be provided as a member formed by performing processing such as stamping or bending on a conductive metal plate. The second terminal tab 422 may extend from the interior of the insertion portion 4101 to the exterior. The second terminal tab 422 may be inserted between the second terminal body 421 and the circuit board 200. The second terminal tab 422 may have one side connected to the second terminal body 421 and the other side connected to the circuit board 200.

[0145] The second terminal body 421 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 200 through the second terminal tab 422 .

[0146] The O-ring 430 may be assembled on the socket portion 4102. When the plug of the cable is inserted into the socket portion 4102, the O-ring 430 may enable the plug to be inserted into a predetermined position of the socket portion 4102 and may stably fix the position of the plug.

[0147] Figure 8 1 and 2 are views for describing the assembly of the second connector 400 and the housing 100 . Figure 9 It is from Figure 8 Partial cross-sectional view of the microinverter viewed from the BB' direction.

[0148] Specifically, Figure 8 1 is a view showing the interior of the housing 100 when the second connector 400 is installed in the housing 100. In this example, in order to describe the connection between the second connector 400 and the circuit board 200, the upper housing 110 is omitted.

[0149] refer to Figures 7 to 9 , when the second connector 400 is installed in the housing 100 , a portion of the second housing 410 may be inserted into the housing 100 .

[0150] Specifically, the second connector 400 may be assembled by arranging the insertion portion 4101 to be inserted into the housing 100 and inserting the second housing body 4100 between the upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120 .

[0151] According to an embodiment, the housing 100 may include a second mounting portion which is a space in which the second connector 400 is mounted and includes a second mounting groove 1122 and a second mounting protrusion 1222. The second mounting portion may define a position at which the second connector 400 is mounted in the housing 100.

[0152] The second mounting groove 1122 may be formed in the lower surface of the upper housing 110. The second mounting groove 1122 may be formed in a shape extending from the coupling groove 112. The second mounting groove 1122 may be provided as a portion of the coupling groove 112 on which the second connector 400 is seated.

[0153] The second mounting protrusion 1222 may be provided on the upper surface of the lower case 120. The second mounting protrusion 1222 may be formed in a shape extending from the base protrusion 122. The second mounting protrusion 1222 may be provided as a portion of the base protrusion 122 on which the second connector 400 is mounted.

[0154] When the second connector 400 is installed in the housing 100 , the second connector protrusion 4111 of the second shell 410 may be inserted into the second mounting groove 1122 of the upper housing 110 .

[0155] In this case, the second assembly member 114 may be inserted into the second insertion groove 4112 formed in the upper surface of the second housing 410 from the outside of the upper case 110 .

[0156] Therefore, on the surface where the second housing 410 contacts the upper case 110 , the second connector protrusion 4111 and the second mounting groove 1122 may be fastened to each other, and the second insertion groove 4112 and the second assembly part 114 may be fastened to each other, so that double fastening force may be generated.

[0157] When the second connector 400 is mounted in the housing 100 , the second mounting protrusion 1222 of the lower housing 120 may be inserted into the second connector groove 4121 of the second case 410 .

[0158] According to an embodiment, the second housing 410 may further include a fourth insertion groove 4122. A connection portion between the second housing body 4100 and the socket portion 4102 may be recessed downward to form the fourth insertion groove 4122.

[0159] In this case, the fourth assembly member 124 may be inserted into the fourth insertion groove 4122 formed in the lower surface of the second housing 410 from the outside of the lower case 120 .

[0160] Therefore, on the surface where the second housing 410 contacts the lower case 120 , the fourth connector groove 4121 and the second mounting protrusion 1222 may be fastened to each other, and the fourth insertion groove 4122 and the fourth assembly part 124 may be fastened to each other, so that double fastening force may be generated.

[0161] As an optional embodiment, the lower housing 120 may further include a support block 125. The support block 125 may be positioned adjacent to the second mounting protrusion 1222 and may support the second shell 410 inserted into the housing 100.

[0162] When the second connector 400 is installed in the housing 100 , the second housing 410 may be connected to the circuit board 200 through the second terminal 420 .

[0163] The second terminal body 421 may be disposed within the second housing 410, and the second terminal tab 422 may be connected to the second terminal body 421. The second terminal body 421 and the second terminal tab 422 have a structure that may be assembled with each other or connected by pressing contact surfaces.

[0164] The second terminal tab 422 may extend from the inside to the outside of the second housing 410. Outside the second housing 410, the second terminal tab 422 may be connected to the second connection hole 240. An end portion of the second terminal tab 422 may be inserted into the second connection hole 240. In this case, a joining method such as welding (wave soldering) may be used to connect the second connection hole 240 and the connection portion of the second terminal tab 422.

[0165] To summarize the above, in the micro inverter 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by separately connecting each of the first connector 300 and the second connector 400 to the circuit board 200, the internal structure of the device can be simplified, thereby improving the freedom of structural design of the inverter and obtaining advantages in miniaturization of the device.

[0166] Furthermore, in the micro inverter 10 , the first connector 300 and the second connector 400 may be directly connected to the circuit board 200 to form a robust assembly structure, so that power conversion performance may be stably controlled.

[0167] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, this is merely illustrative and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments may be made therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the present disclosure should only be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A microinverter comprising: a housing having an interior space; a circuit board, the circuit board being arranged in the housing; a first connector supported by the housing and having a first terminal directly connected to one side of the circuit board; as well as A second connector is supported by the housing to be spaced apart from the first connector, and a second terminal of the second connector is directly connected to the other side of the circuit board.

2. The micro-inverter according to claim 1, wherein: The first terminal includes: a first terminal tab, one end portion of which is connected to a cable; a connecting pipe provided between the other end portion of the first terminal tab and the circuit board; and A fixing member passes through the connecting tube to connect the first terminal tab to the circuit board.

3. The micro-inverter according to claim 2, wherein: The first connector includes: a guide configured to support both side surfaces of the first terminal tab; a support pin passing through the first terminal tab; and A pin insertion groove supports one surface of the first terminal tab and accommodates the support pin.

4. The micro-inverter according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a first mounting portion in which the first connector is mounted, and the first mounting portion includes a first mounting groove and a first mounting protrusion, and The first connector includes a first housing, the first housing includes a first connector protrusion and a first connector groove, the first connector protrusion is inserted into the first mounting groove, and the first mounting protrusion is inserted into the first connector groove.

5. The micro-inverter according to claim 4, wherein: The first housing further includes a first insertion groove into which the first assembly member of the case is inserted.

6. The micro-inverter according to claim 1, wherein: The second terminal includes a second terminal tab, an end portion of which is inserted into the connection hole of the circuit board.

7. The micro-inverter according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a second mounting portion in which the second connector is mounted, and the second mounting portion includes a second mounting groove and a second mounting protrusion, and The second connector includes a second housing, the second housing includes a second connector protrusion and a second connector groove, the second connector protrusion is inserted into the second mounting groove, and the second mounting protrusion is inserted into the second connector groove.

8. The micro-inverter according to claim 7, wherein: The second housing further includes a second insertion groove into which the second assembly member of the case is inserted.

9. The micro-inverter according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a support block that protrudes inward and supports the first connector and the second connector.

Images