Electrical connector and inverter for solar cell module including same

Abstract

According to one aspect, the electrical connector includes a first connector and a second connector arranged so that the connectors of the inverter and the power source are electrically and physically fastened or unfastened to each other, a bracket that engages the first connector and the second connector, and a lens unit that engages with the bracket, the lens unit including a lens exposed to the outside of the case and an induction tube that is connected to the lens and a light source.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connector and an inverter coupled to a solar cell module including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] The solar cell module may include a solar cell panel including solar cells and a wiring box including components, circuits, etc. connected to the solar cell panel.

[0003] After the solar cell module is installed, the operating status of the solar cell module can be checked only by using a separate communication device such as a web or application. As such, it is difficult to recognize the operating status of the solar cell module from the solar cell module itself, which makes it difficult to manage the solar cell module.

[0004] To solve these problems, solar cell modules have been proposed that are equipped with structures and components that allow the operation status to be confirmed. For example, a structure has been proposed in which a solar cell module is equipped with a light source that can display the operation status, and the operation status of the solar cell module can be confirmed by whether the light source is activated (i.e., whether or not it flickers, the interval between flickers, etc.).

[0005] For this purpose, a structure has been proposed in which a lens is placed on the side wall of a wiring box, one side of the guide tube and guide tube guide into which the light source is inserted is fixed to a part of the wiring material, and the other side is connected to the lens.

[0006] As such, a light source, lens, guide tube, guide tube guide, etc. are required to check the operating status of the solar cell module. Also, an O-ring is required between the lens and the case for waterproofing. As the number of parts inside the device to check the operating status of the solar cell module increases, costs also increase. In addition, as the manufacturing process for the device becomes more complex, productivity also decreases. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention provides an electrical connector included in a solar module inverter that has the function of indicating the operation of the solar module.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inverter for a solar cell module that can increase productivity by simplifying the internal configuration.

[0009] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above problems, and other problems not described in this specification will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one aspect, the electrical connector includes a first connector and a second connector arranged so that the connectors of the inverter and the power source are electrically and physically fastened or unfastened to each other, a bracket that engages the first connector and the second connector, and a lens unit that engages with the bracket, the lens unit including a lens exposed to the outside of the case and an induction tube that is connected to the lens and a light source.

[0011] In the above-described electrical connector, the guide tube includes a first portion that is connected to the lens and passes through the bracket, and a second portion that is bent at the first portion and aligned with the light source.

[0012] According to another aspect, an inverter for a solar cell module includes a substrate on which a light source that is linked to the operation of the solar cell module is disposed, a case that includes the substrate therein, a bracket attached to the case, a first connector and a second connector that engage with the bracket, and a lens unit that engages with the bracket, the lens unit including a lens exposed to the outside of the case and a guide tube that is connected to the lens and the light source, and the first connector includes a first step surface, a second step surface that is disposed spaced apart from the first step surface, a third step surface that is disposed spaced apart from the second step surface, first teeth that connect the first step surface and the second step surface, and a first outer peripheral surface that connects the second step surface and the third step surface. the second connector includes a fourth step surface, a fifth step surface spaced apart from the fourth step surface, a sixth step surface spaced apart from the fifth step surface, a second tooth connecting the fourth step surface and the fifth step surface, and a second outer peripheral surface connecting the fifth step surface and the sixth step surface; the bracket includes a first contact surface in contact with the first step surface, a third tooth engaging with the first tooth, a second contact surface in contact with the second step surface, a third contact surface in contact with the third step surface, a fourth contact surface in contact with the fourth step surface, a fourth tooth engaging with the second tooth, a fifth contact surface in contact with the fifth step surface, and a sixth contact surface in contact with the sixth step surface; and the lens contacts an outer surface of the bracket.

[0013] In the inverter for a solar cell module described above, the bracket includes a seventh contact surface in contact with the first outer peripheral surface and an eighth contact surface in contact with the second outer peripheral surface.

[0014] In the above-described inverter for a solar cell module, the first connector includes a third outer peripheral surface coupled to the third step surface, and the bracket includes a ninth contact surface in contact with the third outer peripheral surface.

[0015] In the inverter for a solar cell module described above, the outer diameter of the third outer peripheral surface is smaller than the outer diameter of the first outer peripheral surface.

[0016] In the above-described inverter for a solar cell module, the second connector includes a fourth outer peripheral surface coupled to the sixth step surface, and the bracket includes a tenth contact surface in contact with the fourth outer peripheral surface.

[0017] In the inverter for a solar cell module described above, the outer diameter of the fourth outer peripheral surface is smaller than the outer diameter of the second outer peripheral surface.

[0018] In the inverter for a solar cell module described above, the radial thickness of the third step surface is smaller than the radial thickness of the first step surface, and the radial thickness of the sixth step surface is smaller than the radial thickness of the fourth step surface.

[0019] In the above-mentioned inverter for a solar cell module, the lens protrudes from the bracket and is exposed to the outside.

[0020] In the above-mentioned inverter for a solar cell module, the case includes an upper case and a lower case that engages with the upper case, the upper case includes a rib protruding from its inner surface, the upper surface of the bracket contacts the rib, and the lower surface of the bracket contacts the lower surface of the lower case.

[0021] In the inverter for a solar cell module described above, the guide tube includes a first portion connected to the lens and passing through the bracket, and a second portion bent at the first portion and aligned with the light source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the embodiment, the lens portion including the connector and the guide tube and the bracket can be manufactured integrally by injection molding, which simplifies the configuration and increases productivity.

[0023] According to the embodiment, the lens portion including the connector and the guide tube and the bracket can be manufactured integrally by injection molding, which simplifies assembly.

[0024] According to the embodiment, the lens portion including the connector and the guide tube and the bracket can be manufactured integrally by injection molding, thereby improving waterproof performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an inverter for a solar cell module according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the inverter shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a front perspective view of a bracket, a first connector, a second connector, and a lens unit according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a bracket, a first connector, a second connector, and a lens unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 illustrates an upper case according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates a lower case according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing a bracket, a first connector, a second connector, and a lens unit as viewed from below according to an embodiment. FIG. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0026] According to one aspect, the electrical connector includes a first connector and a second connector arranged so that the connectors of the inverter and the power source are electrically and physically fastened or unfastened to each other, a bracket that engages the first connector and the second connector, and a lens unit that engages with the bracket, the lens unit including a lens exposed to the outside of the case and an induction tube that is connected to the lens and a light source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the several embodiments described, but can be implemented in various different forms, and one or more of the components between the embodiments can be arbitrarily selected, combined, or substituted for use within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0029] Furthermore, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as meanings that can be commonly understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, and commonly used terms such as predefined terms may be interpreted in light of the contextual meaning of the relevant art.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0031] In this specification, unless otherwise stated in the text, the singular can also include the plural, and when it is written as "A and (and) at least one (or more) of B and C," it may include one or more of all possible combinations of A, B, and C.

[0032] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] These terms are used merely to distinguish a component from other components, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.

[0034] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "coupled," "engaged," or "connected" to another component, this may include not only cases where the component is directly coupled, engaged, or connected to the other component, but also cases where the component is "coupled," "engaged," or "connected" via another component between the component and the other component.

[0035] Furthermore, when it is described as being formed or located "above (upper side) or below (lower side)" each component, above (upper side) or below (lower side) includes not only the case where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or located between the two components. Also, when it is expressed as "above (upper) or below (lower side)," it can mean not only the upward direction but also the downward direction relative to one component.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an inverter for a solar cell module according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the inverter shown in FIG.

[0037] 1 and 2, an inverter for a solar cell module (hereinafter referred to as "inverter") may include a substrate 100, a case 200, a bracket 300, a first connector 400, a second connector 500, and a lens unit 600. For example, the inverter may be connected to a solar cell module.

[0038] The inverter can convert the current, voltage, or power generated by the solar cell module. Here, conversion can be changing the value and / or type of the current, voltage, or power. For example, the inverter can change the value of the current, voltage, or power to another value. Alternatively, the inverter can change the current, voltage, or power from direct current to alternating current or from alternating current to direct current. The current, voltage, or power converted by the inverter can be transmitted to the outside via a cable.

[0039] A light source connected to the operation of the solar cell module may be disposed on the substrate 100. For example, light emitted from the light source may be a signal indicating the operating state of the solar cell module. That is, the operating state of the solar cell module may be output in various ways using light.

[0040] For example, the on / off state of the light can indicate whether the solar cell module is operating normally. For example, if the solar cell module is operating normally, the light source can remain off, and if there is an abnormality in the solar cell module, the light source can be turned on. Alternatively, if the solar cell module is operating normally, the light source 110 can remain on, and if there is an abnormality in the solar cell module, the light source 110 can be turned off.

[0041] As another example, different operational anomalies of the solar cell module can be indicated depending on the duration, color, and intensity of the light. For example, light can be emitted for different time intervals, with different colors, and / or with different intensities depending on which of the elements included in the solar cell module has an anomaly.

[0042] Any device that can emit light can be considered a light source without any restrictions. For example, light sources can be implemented using LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), LED (Light Emitting Diode), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), QLED (Quantum dot Light Emitting Diode), μLED, etc.

[0043] The substrate 100 may be housed inside the case 200. For example, the case 200 may include an upper case 210, a lower case 220, and a support case 230. The substrate 100 may be disposed between the upper case 210 and the lower case 220. The support case 230 may be disposed below the lower case 220.

[0044] The bracket 300 can be engaged with the case 200 to support the first connector 400, the second connector 500 and the lens unit 600.

[0045] The first connector 400 and the second connector 500 are arranged so that the connectors of the inverter and the power supply are electrically and physically fastened or unfastened to each other. For example, the first connector 400 and the second connector 500 can be engaged with the bracket 300 and can be female or male connectors.

[0046] The lens unit 600 can diffuse light to the outside of the case 200 so that the light emitted from the light source can be identified by a user. For example, the lens unit 600 can be engaged with the bracket 300.

[0047] Hereinafter, an electrical connector 700 including a bracket 300, a first connector 400, a second connector 500, and a lens unit 600 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a bracket, a first connector, a second connector, and a lens unit according to one embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a bracket, a first connector, a second connector, and a lens unit according to one embodiment.

[0049] 3 and 4, the bracket 300, the first connector 400, the second connector 500 and the lens unit 600 can be integrally molded and mounted as a single component.

[0050] First, the first connector 400 and the second connector 500 are aligned and injection molded, so that the first connector 400, the second connector 500, and the bracket 300 can be molded as a single body. Then, the first connector 400 and the second connector 500 are injection molded to form the lens unit 600 between them, so that the bracket 300, the first connector 400, the second connector 500, and the lens unit 600 can be molded as a single body.

[0051] The bracket 300 can be made of a material that does not deform after molding, for example, but is not limited to, a plastic resin.

[0052] At least one of the first connector 400 and the second connector 500 may be formed to protrude beyond the bracket 300 in the front-to-rear direction of the bracket 300. The lens unit 600 may also protrude beyond the bracket 300 so as to be exposed to the outside.

[0053] In this way, by mounting the four components as one body, it is possible to simplify the structure of the electrical connector 700. This makes it possible to improve the productivity of the electrical connector 700 and also improve the waterproof performance of the electrical connector 700.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

[0055] 5, the first connector 400 includes a first step surface ST1, a second step surface ST2, and a third step surface ST3, and also includes a first tooth TW1, a first outer peripheral surface O1, and a third outer peripheral surface O3.

[0056] For example, the first step surface ST1, the second step surface ST2, and the third step surface ST3 may each be annular. Furthermore, the second step surface ST2 may be spaced apart from the first step surface ST1, and the third step surface ST3 may be spaced apart from the second step surface ST2.

[0057] For example, the first tooth TW1 can connect the first step surface ST1 and the second step surface ST2. The first outer peripheral surface O1 is cylindrical and can connect the second step surface ST2 and the third step surface ST3. The third outer peripheral surface O3 is cylindrical and can connect to the third step surface ST3.

[0058] The bracket 300 includes a first contact surface CS1, a second contact surface CS2, a third contact surface CS3, a seventh contact surface CS7, and a ninth contact surface CS9.

[0059] For example, the first contact surface CS1 may be in contact with the first step surface ST1 and may be annular. The second contact surface CS2 may be in contact with the second step surface ST2 and may be annular. The third contact surface CS3 may be in contact with the third step surface ST3 and may be annular. The seventh contact surface CS7 may be in contact with the first outer peripheral surface O1, and the ninth contact surface CS9 may be in contact with the third outer peripheral surface O3. The seventh contact surface CS7 and the ninth contact surface CS9 may each be cylindrical.

[0060] The bracket 300 includes a third tooth TW3, which can connect the first contact surface CS1 and the second contact surface CS2.

[0061] For example, the first tooth TW1 and the third tooth TW3 can mesh with each other in a direction that increases the contact area between the bracket 300 and the first connector 400. This increases the engagement force between the bracket 300 and the first connector 400. Note that, although FIG. 5 shows the first tooth TW1 and the third tooth TW3 as being formed in a sawtooth shape, this is not limiting. The first tooth TW1 and the third tooth TW3 can be manufactured in various shapes, such as a wavy or uneven shape, to increase the surface area that contacts each other.

[0062] In FIG. 5, the outer diameter D3 of the third outer surface O3 is shown as being smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the first outer surface O1, and the radial thickness t3 of the third step surface ST3 is shown as being smaller than the radial thickness t1 of the first step surface ST1, but this is not limited to this.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.

[0064] 6, the lens unit 600 may be made of a transparent resin material and may include a lens 610 and a guide tube 620 extending from the lens 610.

[0065] For example, the lens 610 may be disposed in front of the bracket 300 and may be in contact with the outer surface of the bracket 300. The guide tube 620 may be disposed to penetrate the bracket 300. For example, the guide tube 620 may include a first portion 621 that penetrates the bracket 300 and a second portion 622 that is bent at the first portion 621 and aligned with the light source. Here, the first portion 621 may be disposed spaced apart from the bracket 300.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG.

[0067] 7, the second connector 500 includes a fourth step surface ST4, a fifth step surface ST5, and a sixth step surface ST6, and also includes a second tooth TW2, a second outer peripheral surface O2, and a fourth outer peripheral surface O4.

[0068] For example, the fourth step surface ST4, the fifth step surface ST5, and the sixth step surface ST6 may each be annular. Furthermore, the fifth step surface ST5 may be spaced apart from the fourth step surface ST4, and the sixth step surface ST6 may be spaced apart from the fifth step surface ST5.

[0069] For example, the second tooth TW2 can connect the fourth step surface ST4 and the fifth step surface ST5. The second outer peripheral surface O2 is cylindrical and can connect the fifth step surface ST5 and the sixth step surface ST6. The fourth outer peripheral surface O4 is cylindrical and can connect to the sixth step surface ST6.

[0070] The bracket 300 includes a fourth contact surface CS4, a fifth contact surface CS5, a sixth contact surface CS6, an eighth contact surface CS8, and a tenth contact surface CS10.

[0071] For example, the fourth contact surface CS4 may be in contact with the fourth step surface ST4, and the fourth contact surface CS4 may be annular. The fifth contact surface CS5 may be in contact with the fifth step surface ST5, and the fifth contact surface CS5 may be annular. The sixth contact surface CS6 may be in contact with the sixth step surface ST6, and the sixth contact surface CS6 may be annular. The eighth contact surface CS8 may be in contact with the second outer peripheral surface O2. The tenth contact surface CS10 may be in contact with the fourth outer peripheral surface O4, and the eighth contact surface CS8 and the tenth contact surface CS10 may each be cylindrical.

[0072] The bracket 300 includes a fourth tooth TW4, which may connect the fourth contact surface CS4 and the fifth contact surface CS5.

[0073] For example, the second tooth TW2 and the fourth tooth TW4 can mesh with each other in a direction that increases the contact area between the bracket 300 and the second connector 500. This increases the engagement force between the bracket 300 and the second connector 500. While the second tooth TW2 and the fourth tooth TW4 are shown in Fig. 7 as being formed in a sawtooth shape, this is not limiting. The second tooth TW2 and the fourth tooth TW4 can be manufactured in various shapes, such as a wavy or uneven shape, to increase the surface area that contacts each other.

[0074] In FIG. 7, the outer diameter D4 of the fourth outer surface O4 is shown as being smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the second outer surface O2, and the radial thickness t6 of the sixth step surface ST6 is shown as being smaller than the radial thickness t4 of the fourth step surface ST4, but this is not limited to this.

[0075] FIG. 8 illustrates an upper case according to one embodiment.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 8, the upper case 210 includes a rib 211 protruding from the inner surface thereof, and the upper surface of the bracket 300 can contact the rib 211 .

[0077] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a lower case according to an embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a bracket, a first connector, a second connector, and a lens unit as viewed from below according to an embodiment.

[0078] 9 and 10, the lower surface of the bracket 300 may come into contact with the lower surface of the lower case 220. In this case, the lower case 220 may include at least one protrusion 221 protruding from the inner surface. The bracket 300 may also include at least one groove 301 disposed on the lower surface. For example, when the protrusion 221 is inserted into the groove 301, the bracket 300 may come into contact with the lower case 220. The presence of the groove 301 and the protrusion 221 may improve the engagement force between the bracket 300 and the case 200.

[0079] However, the arrangement of the protrusions 221 and the arrangement of the grooves 301 are not limited to those shown in Figures 9 and 10. In other words, as long as the protrusions 221 can be inserted into the grooves 301, there is no limit to the number and arrangement of the protrusions 221 and the grooves 301.

[0080] It should be understood that the above-described embodiment of the present invention is illustrative in all respects and is not limiting, and the scope of the present invention will be indicated not by the above detailed description but by the claims that follow. Furthermore, it should be understood that the meaning and scope of the claims, as well as all modifications and variations derived from the equivalent concepts, are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. a first connector and a second connector arranged so that the connectors of the inverter and the power supply are electrically and physically connected to or disconnected from each other; a bracket for engaging the first connector and the second connector; and a lens portion that engages with the bracket; The lens unit includes a lens exposed to the outside of the case, and an induction tube connected to the lens and a light source.

2. The guide tube is 2. The electrical connector of claim 1, further comprising: a first portion coupled to the lens and passing through the bracket; and a second portion bent at the first portion and aligned with the light source.

3. a substrate on which a light source is disposed that is linked to the operation of the solar cell module; a case containing the substrate; a bracket attached to the case; a first connector and a second connector that engage with the bracket; and a lens portion that engages with the bracket; the lens unit includes a lens exposed to the outside of the case, and an induction tube connected to the lens and the light source; the first connector includes a first step surface, a second step surface spaced apart from the first step surface, a third step surface spaced apart from the second step surface, first teeth connecting the first step surface and the second step surface, and a first outer peripheral surface connecting the second step surface and the third step surface; the second connector includes a fourth step surface, a fifth step surface spaced apart from the fourth step surface, a sixth step surface spaced apart from the fifth step surface, second teeth connecting the fourth step surface and the fifth step surface, and a second outer peripheral surface connecting the fifth step surface and the sixth step surface, the bracket includes a first contact surface in contact with the first stepped surface, a third tooth meshing with the first tooth, a second contact surface in contact with the second stepped surface, a third contact surface in contact with the third stepped surface, a fourth contact surface in contact with the fourth stepped surface, a fourth tooth meshing with the second tooth, a fifth contact surface in contact with the fifth stepped surface, and a sixth contact surface in contact with the sixth stepped surface; The lens contacts the outer surface of the bracket.

4. The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 3 , wherein the bracket includes a seventh contact surface that contacts the first outer peripheral surface and an eighth contact surface that contacts the second outer peripheral surface.

5. the first connector includes a third outer circumferential surface coupled to the third stepped surface; The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 4 , wherein the bracket includes a ninth contact surface that contacts the third outer peripheral surface.

6. The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 5 , wherein an outer diameter of the third outer peripheral surface is smaller than an outer diameter of the first outer peripheral surface.

7. the second connector includes a fourth outer circumferential surface coupled to the sixth stepped surface, The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 6 , wherein the bracket includes a tenth contact surface that contacts the fourth outer peripheral surface.

8. The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 7 , wherein an outer diameter of the fourth outer peripheral surface is smaller than an outer diameter of the second outer peripheral surface.

9. 9. The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 8, wherein a radial thickness of the third step surface is smaller than a radial thickness of the first step surface, and a radial thickness of the sixth step surface is smaller than a radial thickness of the fourth step surface.

10. The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 9 , wherein the lens protrudes from the bracket and is exposed to the outside.

11. The case includes an upper case and a lower case that engages with the upper case, the upper case includes a rib protruding from an inner surface; The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 10 , wherein an upper surface of the bracket contacts the rib, and a lower surface of the bracket contacts a lower surface of the lower case.

12. 12. The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 11, wherein the guide tube includes a first portion connected to the lens and passing through the bracket, and a second portion bent at the first portion and aligned with the light source.

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