A connector for an inverter

By adopting a combination structure of connector body, nut and anti-loosening washer in the inverter connector, the connection failure problem caused by nut loosening is solved, the stability of the connector and the reliability of current transmission are achieved, and the efficiency and safety of photovoltaic system are improved.

CN224400774UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-23QC SOLAR (SUZHOU) CORPORATION

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
QC SOLAR (SUZHOU) CORPORATION
Filing Date
2025-06-19
Publication Date
2026-06-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

There is a problem with the connection failure of existing inverter connectors due to loose nuts.

Method used

An inverter connector is designed, which adopts a combination structure of connector body, nut and anti-retraction washer. By setting boss and thread on connector body, and designing first and second planes, serrated protrusions or elastic pieces between nut and anti-retraction washer, the nut is prevented from loosening and falling off.

Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents nuts from loosening and falling off, enhances the stability of the connector, ensures smooth current transmission, and improves the efficiency and safety of the photovoltaic system.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of connectors for inverter, including connector shell and the electric conductor being set in the connector shell, the one end of electric conductor is connected with the internal electrical element of plate end assembly, the other end of electric conductor is connected with external photovoltaic module;The connector shell includes connector main body and nut, connector main body is provided with boss, boss is located plate end assembly inside and is abutted with plate end assembly, so that the outside end of connector main body protrudes the through-hole of plate end assembly, the outside end of connector main body is provided with screw thread, when nut and the outside end of connector main body are cooperated screw thread connection, connector main body is fixedly connected with plate end assembly;It further includes the anti-back pad for preventing nut back rotation between plate end assembly and nut, in the structure, by the setting of anti-back pad, effectively prevent nut loosening and falling off in use process, to enhance the stability of connector for inverter, avoid the connection failure problem caused by nut loosening.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the photovoltaic field, and in particular to a connector for inverters. Background Technology

[0002] Photovoltaic connectors are key components in solar power systems used for electrical connections between modules and between modules and inverters or combiner boxes. Their performance directly affects system efficiency and safety.

[0003] A photovoltaic inverter connector is a type of photovoltaic connector that is fixed on the inverter or combiner box. One end is connected to the circuit board inside the inverter or combiner box, and the other end is connected to another photovoltaic module, such as another set of connectors, by plugging in.

[0004] Currently, the connectors for inverters are mostly fixed to the inverter or combiner box board with nuts. However, as the number of uses and time increase, the nuts may loosen and eventually fall off, causing malfunctions. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem solved by this utility model is to provide a connector for inverters with strong stability and the ability to prevent connection failure.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: a connector for an inverter, used to connect with a board-end assembly, the board-end assembly including a through hole, including a connector housing and a conductor disposed in the connector housing, one end of the conductor being used to connect with the internal electrical components of the board-end assembly, and the other end of the conductor being used to connect with an external photovoltaic module;

[0007] The connector housing includes a connector body and a nut. The connector body is provided with a boss, which abuts against the board end assembly, so that one side of the connector body extends out of the through hole of the board end assembly. The outer or inner end of the connector body is provided with a thread. When the nut is engaged with the thread of the connector body, the connector body is fixedly connected to the board end assembly.

[0008] It also includes an anti-reverse pad located between the plate end assembly and the nut to prevent the nut from rotating backward.

[0009] Furthermore, the threaded end of the connector body is provided with a first plane along the axial direction, and the inner side of the anti-retraction pad is provided with a second plane that mates with the first plane. When the anti-retraction pad is fitted onto the threaded end of the connector body, the first plane and the second plane abut against each other.

[0010] Furthermore, the first plane is provided in two groups, with the two groups of first planes distributed at 180 degrees, and the second plane is provided in two groups, with the two groups of second planes distributed at 180 degrees.

[0011] Furthermore, the nut has a plurality of first protrusions circumferentially arranged on the side that contacts the anti-retraction pad, the anti-retraction pad is annular, and the side of the anti-retraction pad that contacts the nut has a second protrusion with the same structure as the first protrusions. The first and second protrusions are serrated.

[0012] As the nut rotates and moves toward the plate end assembly, the first protrusion contacts the second protrusion and engages with it.

[0013] Furthermore, the second protrusion and the second plane are located on the same axis.

[0014] Furthermore, the nut has multiple third protrusions circumferentially arranged on the side of the plane that contacts the anti-retraction pad, the anti-retraction pad is annular, and an elastic sheet is provided on the side of the anti-retraction pad that contacts the nut.

[0015] As the nut rotates and moves toward the plate end assembly, the third protrusion contacts the elastic plate, and the elastic plate and the third protrusion are subjected to force and abut against each other.

[0016] Furthermore, the elastic sheet includes a fixed part and an elastic part. The fixed part is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the anti-retraction pad, and one end of the elastic part is connected to the fixed part, so that the elastic part can elastically deform towards the center of the anti-retraction pad or away from the center with the fixed part as the fulcrum.

[0017] Furthermore, the elastic sheet and the second plane are located on the same axis.

[0018] Furthermore, the conductor includes a first conductive terminal electrically connected to an external photovoltaic module and a second conductive terminal electrically connected to an electrical component inside the panel module, wherein the first conductive terminal and the second conductive terminal are electrically connected.

[0019] Furthermore, the second conductive terminal includes a flat portion;

[0020] Alternatively, the second conductive terminal may include an elastic segment;

[0021] Alternatively, the second conductive terminal may include a flat portion and an elastic segment, the elastic segment being located between the flat portion and the first conductive terminal.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0023] 1. The anti-loosening pad in this structure effectively prevents the nut from loosening and falling off during use, thereby enhancing the stability of the inverter connector and avoiding connection failure caused by loose nuts.

[0024] 2. The conductors in this structure, through flat sections, elastic sections, or a combination of both, can ensure good contact with external photovoltaic modules and internal electrical components of the panel-end modules, guaranteeing smooth current transmission and improving the efficiency and safety of the entire photovoltaic system.

[0025] 3. The design of the first and second planes in this structure solves the problem of connectors easily falling off during the connection process between the inverter connector and the inverter or other plate-shaped components. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inverter connector in an embodiment of this application when the thread is on the outer side of the board-end assembly.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inverter connector in an embodiment of this application when the thread is on the inner side of the board end assembly.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the mating structure of the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the inverter connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connector body of the inverter connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a connector for an inverter with a third protrusion in the nut, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the anti-retraction pad of the inverter connector according to an embodiment of this application, when an elastic sheet is provided in the pad.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the conductor of the inverter connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of one structure of the conductor of the inverter connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the conductor of the inverter connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0035] The components are labeled as follows: board end assembly 1, through hole 11, connector housing 2, connector body 21, first plane 211a, thread 211, boss 212, nut 22, first protrusion 221, third protrusion 222, anti-retraction pad 23, second protrusion 231, second plane 23a, elastic sheet 232, fixing part 232a, elastic part 232b, conductor 3, first conductive terminal 31, second conductive terminal 32, flat part 321, elastic segment 322, and electrical component 4. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of this application discloses a connector for an inverter, used to connect to a board-end assembly 1. The board-end assembly 1 includes a through hole 11, a connector housing 2, and a conductor 3 disposed within the connector housing 2. One end of the conductor 3 is used to connect to the internal electrical components of the board-end assembly 1, and the other end of the conductor 3 is used to connect to an external photovoltaic module.

[0038] The connector housing 2 includes a connector body 21 and a nut 22. The connector body 21 is provided with a boss 212, which abuts against the plate end assembly 1, so that one side of the connector body 21 extends out of the through hole 11 of the plate end assembly 1. The outer or inner end of the connector body 21 is provided with a thread 211. When the nut 22 is engaged with the thread 211 of the connector body 21, the connector body 21 is fixedly connected to the plate end assembly 1.

[0039] It also includes an anti-reverse pad 23 located between the plate end assembly 1 and the nut 22 to prevent the nut 22 from rotating backward.

[0040] It should be explained that the boss of the connector body 21 can be located on the outside of the board-end assembly or on the inside of the board-end assembly. Correspondingly, the nut connection part of the inverter connector can be located on the inside of the board-end assembly or on the outside of the board-end assembly.

[0041] During the connection process, align the inverter connector with the through hole 11 on the board-end assembly 1, and then pass the connector body 21 through the through hole 11 so that the boss 212 abuts against the board-end assembly 1. Next, place the anti-retraction pad 23 on the threaded end of the connector body 21, and then rotate and push the nut 22 forward to connect with the threaded end 211 of the connector body 21. After being pushed in place, the anti-retraction pad 23 prevents the nut 22 from rotating backward, thus connecting the connector assembly to the board-end assembly 1. At the same time, one end of the conductor 3 inside the connector housing 2 is connected to the internal electrical components of the board-end assembly 1. The connection method can be welding, etc. When the inverter is connected to an external photovoltaic module using the connector, the other end of the conductor 3 can be electrically connected to the external photovoltaic module.

[0042] The anti-retraction pad 23 in the above structure effectively prevents the nut 22 from loosening and falling off during use, thereby enhancing the stability of the inverter connector and avoiding connection failure caused by the loosening of the nut 22.

[0043] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the threaded end of the connector body 21 is provided with a first plane 211a along the axial direction, and the inner side of the anti-retraction pad 23 is provided with a second plane 23a that mates with the first plane 211a. When the anti-retraction pad 23 is fitted onto the threaded end of the connector body, the first plane 211a and the second plane 23a abut against each other.

[0044] Specifically, the design of the first plane 211a and the second plane 23a increases the contact area between the connector body 21 and the anti-retraction pad 23, making the first plane 211a and the second plane 23a fit tightly together, effectively preventing the connector body 21 from shaking or falling off when subjected to external force, and further improving the stability of the inverter connector.

[0045] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, there are two sets of the first plane 211a, which are distributed at 180 degrees. Similarly, there are two sets of the second plane 23a, which are also distributed at 180 degrees. This design makes the anti-retraction pad 23 more accurately positioned on the connector body 21, and increases the reliability of the connection. When the nut 22 is rotated for tightening, the cooperation of the two sets of first planes 211a and second planes 23a can evenly distribute the tightening force, avoiding loosening of the connection due to uneven tightening force.

[0046] The anti-retraction pad 23 can have the following specific structural embodiments:

[0047] Example 1: As Figure 3As shown, the nut 22 has a plurality of first protrusions 221 circumferentially arranged on the side that contacts the anti-retraction pad 23. The anti-retraction pad 23 is annular. The side of the anti-retraction pad 23 that contacts the nut 22 has a second protrusion 231 with the same structure as the first protrusions 221. The first protrusions 221 and the second protrusions 231 are serrated.

[0048] When the nut 22 rotates and moves toward the plate end assembly 1, the first protrusion 221 contacts the second protrusion 231 and gets into the second protrusion 231.

[0049] Specifically, during the connection process, the nut 22 rotates and moves towards the plate end assembly 1, that is, the nut 22 rotates in the first direction and moves in the second direction. After the first protrusion 221 touches the second protrusion 231, the first protrusion 221 is inserted into the second protrusion 231 along the first direction. If it wants to rotate in the opposite direction, it will be resisted by the second protrusion 231, so it cannot rotate in the opposite direction, thus playing a role in stopping the backward movement.

[0050] The design of the anti-reverse pad 23, through the cooperation of the serrated first protrusion 221 and the second protrusion 231, not only increases the friction between the nut 22 and the anti-reverse pad 23, but also makes it impossible for the nut 22 to easily rotate in the opposite direction after tightening, further enhancing the stability of the connection.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second protrusion 231 and the second plane 23a are located on the same axis. This design makes the anti-retraction pad 23 more stably positioned on the connector body 21, while ensuring that the first protrusion 221 and the second protrusion 231 can smoothly engage when they are mated, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of the connection.

[0052] Example 2:

[0053] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the nut 22 has a plurality of third protrusions 222 circumferentially arranged on the side plane that contacts the anti-retraction pad 23. The anti-retraction pad 23 is annular, and an elastic sheet 232 is provided on the side of the anti-retraction pad 23 that contacts the nut 22.

[0054] When the nut 22 rotates and moves toward the plate end assembly 1, the third protrusion 222 contacts the elastic sheet 232, and the elastic sheet 232 and the third protrusion 222 are subjected to force and abut against each other.

[0055] The elastic sheet 232 includes a fixed part 232a and an elastic part 232b. The fixed part 232a is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the anti-retraction pad 23. One end of the elastic part 232b is connected to the fixed part 232a, so that the elastic part 232b can elastically deform towards the center of the anti-retraction pad 23 or away from the center with the fixed part 232a as the fulcrum.

[0056] Specifically, during the connection process, the nut 22 rotates and moves towards the plate end assembly 1, that is, the nut 22 rotates in the first direction and moves in the second direction. When the nut 22 touches the elastic part 232b, it applies a force to the elastic part 232b in the direction of the anti-retraction pad 23. The elastic part 232b moves in the direction of the anti-retraction pad 23 and then rebounds, abutting against the third protrusion 222. When rotating in the opposite direction, it is impossible to apply a force to the elastic part 232b in the direction of the anti-retraction pad 23, so it cannot rotate and plays a role in preventing retraction.

[0057] This design achieves a reliable connection between the nut 22 and the anti-reverse pad 23 through the deformation and recovery of the elastic plate 232. At the same time, since the elastic plate 232 has a certain degree of elasticity, it can adapt to nuts 22 and connector bodies 21 of different sizes, improving the compatibility and flexibility of the connection.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the elastic sheet 232 includes a fixing part 232a and an elastic part 232b. The fixing part 232a is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the anti-retraction pad 23, and one end of the elastic part 232b is connected to the fixing part 232a, so that the elastic part 232b can elastically deform towards the center of the anti-retraction pad 23 or away from the center with the fixing part 232a as the fulcrum. This design allows the elastic sheet 232 to deform evenly when subjected to force, improving the durability and stability of the elastic sheet 232.

[0059] Meanwhile, the elastic sheet 232 and the second plane 23a are located on the same axis. This design ensures that the elastic sheet 232 can deform smoothly when subjected to force, avoiding the problem of loose connection caused by uneven deformation.

[0060] In this embodiment, as Figure 7 As shown, the conductor 3 includes a first conductive terminal 31 electrically connected to an external photovoltaic module and a second conductive terminal 32 electrically connected to an electrical component 4 inside the panel assembly 1. The first conductive terminal 31 and the second conductive terminal 32 are electrically connected.

[0061] It should be explained that the first conductive terminal 31 is preferably cylindrical.

[0062] Specifically, in the above structure, the conductor 3 consists of a first conductive terminal 31 and a second conductive terminal 32. The first conductive terminal 31 is used to electrically connect with the external photovoltaic module, while the second conductive terminal 32 is used to electrically connect with the electrical components inside the panel module 1. This design ensures smooth current transmission while improving the efficiency and safety of the entire photovoltaic system. The specific structure of the second conductive terminal 32 can be implemented in various ways to meet the needs of different application scenarios.

[0063] One possible implementation is that the second conductive terminal 32 includes a flat portion 321. The design of the flat portion 321 allows the second conductive terminal 32 to connect more stably to the electrical components inside the board-end assembly 1, reducing the risk of connection failure. At the same time, the structure of the flat portion 321 also facilitates the implementation of connection processes such as welding, improving production efficiency.

[0064] Another possible implementation is that the second conductive terminal 32 includes a resilient segment 322. Since the connector experiences pulling when it is plugged into the external photovoltaic module, which can affect the connection between the conductor 3 and the electrical component 4, the resilient segment 322 is designed to allow the second conductive terminal 32 to deform under external force, thereby maintaining good contact with the electrical component and ensuring stable current transmission. Furthermore, the deformation of the resilient segment 322 can also absorb some of the external force, reducing the impact on the connector body 21 and the board-end assembly 1, and extending their service life.

[0065] Another possible implementation is that the second conductive terminal 32 includes both a flat portion 321 and an elastic segment 322, with the elastic segment 322 located between the flat portion 321 and the first conductive terminal 31. This design combines the advantages of the flat portion 321 and the elastic segment 322, ensuring a stable connection while also accommodating the pulling caused by the insertion of external photovoltaic modules, thus improving the reliability and durability of the connector.

[0066] It should be explained that the elastic segment 322 can be a flexible woven mesh or a conductive material in the form of waves or spirals.

[0067] In practical applications, the appropriate structure of the second conductive terminal 32 can be selected according to specific needs and scenarios. For example, in scenarios requiring high stability and reliability, a second conductive terminal 32 including a flat portion 321 can be selected; in scenarios requiring adaptation to large external forces, a second conductive terminal 32 including an elastic segment 322 can be selected; and in scenarios requiring both stability and adaptability, a second conductive terminal 32 including both a flat portion 321 and an elastic segment 322 can be selected.

[0068] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A connector for an inverter, for connection to a board-end assembly (1), the board-end assembly (1) including a through hole (11), characterized in that: It includes a connector housing (2) and a conductor (3) disposed inside the connector housing (2). One end of the conductor (3) is used to connect to the internal electrical components of the board-end assembly (1), and the other end of the conductor (3) is used to connect to the external photovoltaic module. The connector housing (2) includes a connector body (21) and a nut (22). The connector body (21) is provided with a boss (212), which abuts against the plate end assembly (1), so that one side of the connector body (21) extends out of the through hole (11) of the plate end assembly (1). The outer or inner end of the connector body (21) is provided with a thread (211). When the nut (22) is engaged with the thread (211) of the connector body (21), the connector body (21) is fixedly connected to the plate end assembly (1). It also includes an anti-reverse pad (23) located between the plate end assembly (1) and the nut (22) to prevent the nut (22) from retracting and rotating.

2. The inverter connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The threaded end of the connector body (21) is provided with a first plane (211a) along the axial direction, and the inner side of the anti-retraction pad (23) is provided with a second plane (23a) that cooperates with the first plane (211a). When the anti-retraction pad (23) is sleeved on the threaded end of the connector body, the first plane (211a) and the second plane (23a) abut against each other.

3. The inverter connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first plane (211a) is provided in two groups, and the two groups of first planes (211a) are distributed at 180 degrees. The second plane (23a) is provided in two groups, and the two groups of second planes (23a) are distributed at 180 degrees.

4. The inverter connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The nut (22) has a plurality of first protrusions (221) circumferentially arranged on the side that contacts the anti-retraction pad (23). The anti-retraction pad (23) is annular. The anti-retraction pad (23) has a second protrusion (231) with the same structure as the first protrusion (221) on the side that contacts the nut (22). The first protrusion (221) and the second protrusion (231) are serrated. As the nut (22) rotates and moves toward the plate end assembly (1), the first protrusion (221) contacts the second protrusion (231) and gets into the second protrusion (231).

5. The inverter connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The second protrusion (231) and the second plane (23a) are located on the same axis.

6. The inverter connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The nut (22) has multiple third protrusions (222) circumferentially arranged on the side plane that contacts the anti-retraction pad (23). The anti-retraction pad (23) is annular, and an elastic sheet (232) is provided on the side of the anti-retraction pad (23) that contacts the nut (22). When the nut (22) rotates and moves toward the plate end assembly (1), the third protrusion (222) contacts the elastic sheet (232), and the elastic sheet (232) and the third protrusion (222) are subjected to force and abut against each other.

7. The inverter connector as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The elastic sheet (232) includes a fixed part (232a) and an elastic part (232b). The fixed part (232a) is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the anti-retraction pad (23). One end of the elastic part (232b) is connected to the fixed part (232a), so that the elastic part (232b) can elastically deform towards the center of the anti-retraction pad (23) or away from the center with the fixed part (232a) as the fulcrum.

8. The inverter connector as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The elastic sheet (232) and the second plane (23a) are located on the same axis.

9. The inverter connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The conductor (3) includes a first conductive terminal (31) electrically connected to an external photovoltaic module and a second conductive terminal (32) electrically connected to an electrical component (4) inside the panel assembly (1), wherein the first conductive terminal (31) and the second conductive terminal (32) are electrically connected.

10. The inverter connector as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The second conductive terminal (32) includes a flat portion (321); Alternatively, the second conductive terminal (32) may include an elastic segment (322); Alternatively, the second conductive terminal may include a flat portion (321) and an elastic segment (322), the elastic segment (322) being located between the flat portion (321) and the first conductive terminal (31).