Electrical connector and inverter for solar cell module including same

Abstract

An electrical connector according to one embodiment includes a first connector and a second connector arranged so that the connectors of an inverter and a power supply are electrically and physically fastened or unfastened to each other, a bracket that joins the first connector and the second connector, a light source that is fastened to a hole formed in the bracket, and a light source cover that protects the 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 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 it blinks, and at what intervals).

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

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

[0007] An electrical connector is provided that is included in a solar module inverter and 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, an electrical connector includes a first connector and a second connector arranged so that the connectors of an inverter and a power supply are electrically and physically fastened or unfastened to each other, a bracket that couples the first connector and the second connector, a light source that is fastened to a hole formed in the bracket, and a light source cover that protects the light source.

[0011] In the above-described electrical connector, the light source cover includes a body and at least one pin protruding from the body, and the bracket includes at least one groove in which the pin is disposed.

[0012] According to another aspect, an inverter for a solar cell module includes a substrate on which a light source linked to the operation of the solar cell module is disposed, a case including the substrate therein, a bracket attached to the case, a first connector and a second connector coupled to the bracket, and a light source cover coupled to the bracket, wherein the first connector includes a first stepped surface, a second stepped surface spaced apart from the first stepped surface, a third stepped surface spaced apart from the second stepped surface, a first tooth connecting the first stepped surface and the second stepped surface, and a first outer peripheral surface connecting the second stepped surface and the third stepped surface, and the second connector includes a fourth stepped surface, a fifth stepped surface spaced apart from the fourth stepped surface, and a light source cover spaced apart from the fifth stepped surface. a sixth step surface spaced apart from the case, 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; the bracket includes a hole, and a radiating portion of the light source is disposed in the hole and exposed to the outside of the case, and the light source cover covers the radiating portion.

[0013] In the inverter for a solar cell module described above, the light source includes a support connected to the diverging portion, and the support is connected to the substrate.

[0014] In the above-mentioned inverter for a solar cell module, the light source cover includes a body and at least one pin protruding from the body, and the bracket includes at least one groove in which the pin is disposed.

[0015] In the above-described inverter for a solar cell module, the hole and the groove are disposed on the rear surface of the bracket, and the groove is disposed along the periphery of the hole.

[0016] In the inverter for a solar cell module described above, the inner diameter of the groove is smaller than the inner diameter of the hole.

[0017] In the inverter for a solar cell module described above, 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 third outer peripheral surface. [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 improves productivity.

[0023] According to the embodiment, the light source may be directly exposed from the bracket, increasing visibility.

[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, which can facilitate assembly.

[0025] 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 can improve waterproof performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an inverter for a solar cell module according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to one embodiment; [Figure 3] 1A and 1B illustrate a bracket, a first connector, and a second connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A-10C illustrate slots and holes in a bracket according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a close-up view of a bracket and a light source according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates a light source cover according to one embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0027] An electrical connector according to one embodiment includes a first connector and a second connector arranged so that the connectors of an inverter and a power supply are electrically and physically fastened or unfastened to each other, a bracket that couples the first connector and the second connector, a light source that is fastened to a hole formed in the bracket, and a light source cover that protects the light source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the several embodiments described, but can be realized in various forms, and one or more of the components between the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted and used within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0030] 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 technology.

[0031] 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.

[0032] In this specification, unless otherwise specified in the phrase, 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 can include one or more of all combinations of A, B, and C.

[0033] Furthermore, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Such terms are used to distinguish a component from other components, and are not intended to limit the essence, order, or sequence of the components.

[0035] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, this includes not only when the component is directly coupled, coupled, or connected to the other component, but also when another component is "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" between the component and the other component.

[0036] Furthermore, when something is described as being formed or located "above (top) or below (bottom)" of a component, the above (top) or below (bottom) 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 (top) or below (bottom)," it can mean not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an inverter for a solar cell module according to one embodiment.

[0038] 1, 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 light source cover 600. For example, the inverter may be connected to a solar cell module.

[0039] The inverter can convert the current, voltage, or power generated by the solar cell module. Here, conversion may mean 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 110 may remain off, and if there is an abnormality in the solar cell module, the light source 110 may be turned on. Alternatively, if the solar cell module is operating normally, the light source 110 may remain on, and if there is an abnormality in the solar cell module, the light source 110 may be turned off.

[0042] As another example, various operational anomalies of the solar cell module may be indicated by different durations of light irradiation, different colors of light, and / or different intensities of light irradiation, depending on which of the elements included in the solar cell module has an abnormality.

[0043] Any device capable of emitting light can be used as a light source, without limitation. For example, the light source can be realized by a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a quantum dot light emitting diode (QLED), a μLED, etc.

[0044] The case 200 may house the substrate 100 therein.

[0045] The bracket 300 can be coupled to the case 200 to support the first connector 400 , the second connector 500 and the light source cover 600 .

[0046] The first connector 400 and the second connector 500 can be coupled to the bracket 300 and may be female or male connectors.

[0047] The light source cover 600 covers the light source arranged on the bracket 300 and can fix the light source 110 in place.

[0048] An example of an electrical connector 700 including a bracket 300, a first connector 400, a second connector 500, a light source cover 600, and a light source 110 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to one embodiment, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a bracket, a first connector, and a second connector according to one embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing grooves and holes in a bracket according to one embodiment.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, the electrical connector 700 may include a bracket 300 , a first connector 400 , a second connector 500 and a light source cover 600 .

[0051] 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 connected to or disconnected from each other.

[0052] The light source 110 may include a diverging portion 111 and a supporting portion 112. For example, the diverging portion 111 may be directly disposed on the bracket 300 and exposed to the outside. The supporting portion 112 may be disposed so as to connect the diverging portion 111 and the substrate 100. Although the supporting portion 112 is shown in FIG. 2 as having a "┐" shape, the present invention is not limited thereto. The supporting portion 112 may be realized in various shapes so as to connect the diverging portion 111 and the substrate 100.

[0053] For example, the bracket 300, the first connector 400, and the second connector 500 may be integrally molded and realized as a single component. The first connector 400 and the second connector 500 may be injection molded while aligned in parallel, thereby integrally molding the first connector 400, the second connector 500, and the bracket 300. Thereafter, the light source 110 and the light source cover 600 may be assembled to the bracket 300. At least one of the first connector 400 and the second connector 500 may be formed to protrude from the bracket 300.

[0054] When the first connector 400, the second connector 500, and the bracket 300 are integrally molded, the structure of the electrical connector 700 may be simplified, which may increase the productivity of the electrical connector 700 and may also improve the waterproof performance of the electrical connector 700.

[0055] As another example, at least one of the bracket 300, the first connector 400, and the second connector 500 may be realized as an independent component.

[0056] The bracket 300 may be made of a material that does not deform after molding, for example, but is not limited to, plastic resin.

[0057] 3 and 4, the bracket 300 may include a hole H and a groove G.

[0058] The holes H may penetrate the front and rear surfaces of the bracket 300. The diverging portion 111 of the light source 110 may be positioned in the holes H, so that the diverging portion 111 may be directly exposed to the outside through the holes H. This allows a user to easily identify the light emitted from the diverging portion 111. Although FIG. 3 shows one hole H, this is not a limitation. In other words, there is no limit to the number and arrangement of the holes H as long as the user can easily identify the light emitted from the diverging portion 111.

[0059] The grooves G are used when the light source cover 600 is coupled to the bracket 300. For example, there may be a plurality of grooves G. In this case, the plurality of grooves G may be arranged along the periphery of the hole H or may be concentrated on one side of the hole H. Although FIG. 3 shows three grooves G, the number is not limited thereto. As long as the light source cover 600 can be stably coupled to the bracket 300, there is no limit to the number and arrangement of the grooves G.

[0060] 4, the inner diameter D21 of the groove G is shown as being smaller than the inner diameter D11 of the hole H, but this is not limited to this. In other words, the inner diameter D21 may be larger than the inner diameter D11, or the inner diameter D21 and the inner diameter D11 may be the same.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

[0062] 5, the first connector 400 includes a first step surface ST1, a second step surface ST2, and a third step surface ST3, a first tooth TW1, a first outer circumferential surface O1, and a third outer circumferential surface O3.

[0063] For example, the first step surface ST1, the second step surface ST2, and the third step surface ST3 may each be ring-shaped. Also, 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.

[0064] For example, the first tooth TW1 may connect the first step surface ST1 and the second step surface ST2. The first outer circumferential surface O1 may be cylindrical and connect the second step surface ST2 and the third step surface ST3. The third outer circumferential surface O3 may be cylindrical and connect the third step surface ST3.

[0065] 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.

[0066] For example, the first contact surface CS1 may be in contact with the first step surface ST1 and may be ring-shaped. The second contact surface CS2 may be in contact with the second step surface ST2 and may be ring-shaped. The third contact surface CS3 may be in contact with the third step surface ST3 and may be ring-shaped. 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.

[0067] The bracket 300 includes a third tooth TW3, which can connect the first contact surface CS1 and the second contact surface CS2.

[0068] For example, the first tooth TW1 and the third tooth TW3 may mesh with each other in a direction that increases the contact area between the bracket 300 and the first connector 400. This may increase the coupling strength between the bracket 300 and the first connector 400. While the first tooth TW1 and the third tooth TW3 are shown in Fig. 5 as being formed in a sawtooth shape, this is not limiting. The first tooth TW1 and the third tooth TW3 may be manufactured in various shapes, such as a wavy or uneven shape, to increase the surface area that contacts each other.

[0069] 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.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.

[0071] 6, 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 circumferential surface O2, and a fourth outer circumferential surface O4.

[0072] For example, the fourth step surface ST4, the fifth step surface ST5, and the sixth step surface ST6 may each be ring-shaped, and 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.

[0073] For example, the second tooth TW2 may connect the fourth step surface ST4 and the fifth step surface ST5. The second outer circumferential surface O2 may be cylindrical and connect the fifth step surface ST5 and the sixth step surface ST6. The fourth outer circumferential surface O4 may be cylindrical and connect the sixth step surface ST6.

[0074] 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.

[0075] For example, the fourth contact surface CS4 may be in contact with the fourth step surface ST4 and may be ring-shaped. The fifth contact surface CS5 may be in contact with the fifth step surface ST5 and may be ring-shaped. The sixth contact surface CS6 may be in contact with the sixth step surface ST6 and may be ring-shaped. 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 each of the eighth contact surface CS8 and the tenth contact surface CS10 may be cylindrical.

[0076] The bracket 300 includes a fourth tooth TW4, which can connect the fourth contact surface CS4 and the fifth contact surface CS5.

[0077] For example, the second tooth TW2 and the fourth tooth TW4 may be engaged with each other in a direction that increases the contact area between the bracket 300 and the second connector 500. This may increase the coupling strength between the bracket 300 and the second connector 500. While the second tooth TW2 and the fourth tooth TW4 are shown in Fig. 6 as being formed in a sawtooth shape, this is not limiting. The second tooth TW2 and the fourth tooth TW4 may be manufactured in various shapes, such as a wavy or uneven shape, to increase the surface area that contacts each other.

[0078] In FIG. 6, 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.

[0079] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a bracket and a light source according to an embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a view showing a light source cover according to an embodiment.

[0080] 7, the diverging portion 111 of the light source 110 is disposed in a hole H of the bracket 300, and the support portion 112 is connected to the substrate 100. In addition, a groove G is disposed along the periphery of the hole H. Referring to FIG. 8, the light source cover 600 includes a main body 610 and at least one pin 620 protruding from the main body 610.

[0081] The arrangement of the pins 620 on the main body 610 corresponds to the arrangement of the grooves G on the bracket 300. For example, since the grooves G are arranged in a triangular shape in FIG. 7, the pins 620 may also be arranged in a triangular shape. This allows the pins 620 to be inserted into the grooves G to couple the light source cover 600 and the bracket 300. However, the arrangement of the grooves G and the arrangement of the pins 620 are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In other words, as long as the pins 620 can be inserted into the grooves G, there is no limit to the number and arrangement of the pins 620 and grooves G.

[0082] 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 defined not by the above detailed description but by the claims that follow. The meaning and scope of the claims, as well as all modifications and variations derived from the equivalent concepts thereof, should be construed as being 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 that couples the first connector and the second connector; a light source fastened to a hole formed in the bracket; a light source cover for protecting the light source. Electrical connector.

2. the light source cover includes a body and at least one pin protruding from the body; The bracket includes at least one groove in which the pin is disposed.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1.

3. a substrate on which a light source that is linked to the operation of the solar cell module is disposed; a case containing the substrate; a bracket attached to the case; a first connector and a second connector coupled to the bracket; a light source cover coupled to the bracket, the first connector includes a first stepped surface, a second stepped surface spaced apart from the first stepped surface, a third stepped surface spaced apart from the second stepped surface, a first tooth connecting the first stepped surface and the second stepped surface, and a first outer peripheral surface connecting the second stepped surface and the third stepped surface, the second connector includes a fourth stepped surface, a fifth stepped surface spaced apart from the fourth stepped surface, a sixth stepped surface spaced apart from the fifth stepped surface, a second tooth connecting the fourth stepped surface and the fifth stepped surface, and a second outer peripheral surface connecting the fifth stepped surface and the sixth stepped surface, the bracket includes a first contact surface in contact with the first stepped surface, a third tooth engaging 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 engaging 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 bracket includes a hole, a radiating portion of the light source is disposed in the hole and exposed to the outside of the case, and the light source cover covers the radiating portion.

4. The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 3 , wherein the light source includes a support connected to the diverging portion, the support connected to the substrate.

5. the light source cover includes a body and at least one pin protruding from the body; The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 4 , wherein the bracket includes at least one groove in which the pin is disposed.

6. The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 5 , wherein the hole and the groove are disposed on a rear surface of the bracket, and the groove is disposed along a periphery of the hole.

7. The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 6 , wherein an inner diameter of the groove is smaller than an inner diameter of the hole.

8. The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 7 , 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.

9. 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 8 , wherein the bracket includes a ninth contact surface that contacts the third outer peripheral surface.

10. The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 9 , wherein an outer diameter of the third outer peripheral surface is smaller than an outer diameter of the first outer peripheral surface.

11. 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 10 , wherein the bracket includes a tenth contact surface that contacts the fourth outer peripheral surface.

12. The inverter for a solar cell module according to claim 11 , wherein an outer diameter of the fourth outer peripheral surface is smaller than an outer diameter of the third outer peripheral surface.

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