Connector and solar power generation device including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector and a solar power generation device including the same, characterized in that it includes a first terminal portion, a second terminal portion arranged spaced apart from the first terminal portion, and a safety cut-off portion provided between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion, which operates in response to a temperature change to cut off the electrical connection between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a solar power generation device including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, a solar power generation system converts light energy into electrical energy, and includes a plurality of solar cell modules connected in series and parallel with each other by electric wires and connectors. The solar cell modules connected in parallel are commonly connected to a solar connection board to supply power to an inverter.

[0003] One of the causes of fires in solar power generation equipment is arcing caused by separation between the connectors that electrically connect the solar cell modules. This separation between the connectors can increase contact resistance and accumulate resistance components, causing the connectors to overheat and lead to a fire. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector that can cut off power in the event of abnormal overheating to prevent a fire, and a solar power generation device including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The connector according to the present invention includes a first terminal portion, a second terminal portion arranged spaced apart from the first terminal portion, and a safety cut-off portion provided between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion, which operates in response to a temperature change and cuts off the electrical connection between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion.

[0006] The safety cutoff unit may include a first connection unit connected to the first terminal unit, a second connection unit connected to the second terminal unit, and a deformation unit that is electrically disconnected from at least one of the first connection unit and the second connection unit.

[0007] The deformation portion is connected to the first connection portion, and a free end that is not bound by the second connection portion contacts the second connection portion, and the deformation portion can be thermally deformed at a temperature above a set temperature, thereby separating the second connection portion and the free end.

[0008] The deformation portion is capable of bending deformation.

[0009] The deformation portion may include a first deformation member and a second deformation member stacked on the first deformation member.

[0010] The first deformable member and the second deformable member may have different thermal expansion coefficients.

[0011] The device may further include a cover member that encases the deformation portion and the second connection portion.

[0012] The cover member may be provided with a notch.

[0013] When the deformation portion is deformed, the cover member can be broken.

[0014] The flexible housing may further include an elastic member provided on one side of the deformation portion, supporting the deformation portion and providing elastic force in a direction opposite to the deformation direction of the deformation portion.

[0015] The elastic member can change its length in accordance with the deformation of the deformation portion.

[0016] The safety cutoff unit may include a first connection unit connected to the first terminal unit, a second connection unit connected to the second terminal unit, a first deformation unit connected to the first connection unit and spaced apart from the second connection unit, and a second deformation unit connected to the second connection unit, spaced apart from the first connection unit, and in contact with the first deformation unit so as to be electrically connected to the first deformation unit.

[0017] The first deformation portion and the second deformation portion can be thermally deformed and separated from each other at a set temperature or higher.

[0018] The first deformation portion and the second deformation portion can be bent and deformed in opposite directions.

[0019] The distance between the first deformation portion and the second deformation portion may differ depending on the voltage.

[0020] The device may further include a housing that accommodates the first terminal portion, the second terminal portion, and the safety cutoff portion.

[0021] A solar power generation device according to the present invention includes a plurality of solar cell modules and connectors that electrically connect the solar cell modules to each other.

[0022] The connector can interrupt electrical connection between the solar cell modules in response to a temperature change.

[0023] The device may further include a controller connected to the connector to detect whether the connector is operating.

[0024] The control unit may output an alarm when the connector is activated to cut off electrical connection between the plurality of solar cell modules. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] The connector and the solar power generation device including the same according to the embodiment of the present invention have an effect of preventing a fire in the solar power generation device due to overheating of the connector by using a safety cut-off part that thermally deforms and cuts off power when heat is generated above a set temperature. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which a safety cut-off portion cuts off power in the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cover member in a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which a safety cut-off portion cuts off power in a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which a safety cut-off portion cuts off power in a connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which a safety cut-off portion cuts off power in a connector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a solar power generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the connection relationship between a control unit and a connector in a solar power generation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of a connector and a solar power generation device including the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines and the size of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. Furthermore, the terms used below are defined in consideration of the functions of the present invention, and may vary depending on the intentions or practices of users or operators. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the contents of this specification as a whole.

[0028] In this specification, when a part is said to be "coupled (or connected)" to another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly coupled (or connected)" but also the case where it is "indirectly coupled (or connected)" with another member in between. In this specification, when it is said that a part "includes (or comprises)" a certain component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but that it can further "include (or comprise)" other components, unless otherwise specified.

[0029] Furthermore, as used herein, a "unit," "module," or "section" of a component performs at least one function or operation. A "unit," "module," or "section" can perform a function or operation by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, multiple "units," "modules," or "sections," except for a "unit," "module," or "section" that is to be executed by specific hardware or executed by at least one processor, may be integrated into at least one module. The singular term "a," "an," or "an" includes the plural term unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] Furthermore, the same reference numerals may refer to the same components throughout this specification. Even if the same or similar reference numerals are not mentioned or described in a particular drawing, these numerals may be described based on other drawings. Furthermore, even if a part is not designated with a reference numeral in a particular drawing, this part may be described based on other drawings. Furthermore, the number, shape, size, and relative differences in size of detailed components included in the drawings of this application are set for ease of understanding, and may be implemented in various forms without limiting the embodiments.

[0031] 1 and 9, a connector 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 100, a first terminal 200, a second terminal 300, and a safety cut-off unit 400.

[0032] The housing 100 may be formed in a box shape with an internal space. The housing 100 may hermetically cover the first terminal 200, the second terminal 300, and the safety cut-off unit 400, and may hermetically accommodate the first terminal 200, the second terminal 300, and the safety cut-off unit 400.

[0033] The housing portion 100 may be provided to be fire resistant. In one embodiment, the housing portion 100 may comprise an insulating material. The housing portion 100 may comprise a plastic material.

[0034] The first terminal unit 200 is provided inside the housing unit 100. The first terminal unit 200 is accommodated in the housing unit 100 and can be connected to a power line C provided in the solar cell module 10.

[0035] One end (the left end in FIG. 1) of the first terminal unit 200 may be inserted into the housing unit 100 and fixed in position. Although not shown in the drawings, the housing unit 100 may be formed with an insertion groove into which the first terminal unit 200 can be inserted.

[0036] By inserting one end of the first terminal portion 200 into the insertion groove, the position of the first terminal portion 200 relative to the housing portion 100 can be stably fixed.

[0037] As an optional embodiment, a screw thread can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of one end of the first terminal portion 200 facing the inner peripheral surface of the insertion groove portion, and a screw groove portion can be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion groove portion.

[0038] The second terminal portion 300 is provided inside the housing portion 100 and is spaced apart from the first terminal portion 200 .

[0039] One end (the right end in FIG. 1) of the second terminal unit 300 may be inserted into the housing unit 100 and fixed in position. Although not shown, the housing unit 100 may be formed with an insertion groove into which the second terminal unit 300 can be inserted.

[0040] By inserting one end of the second terminal portion 300 into the insertion groove, the position of the second terminal portion 300 relative to the housing portion 100 can be stably fixed.

[0041] As an optional embodiment, a screw thread may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of one end of the second terminal portion 300 facing the inner peripheral surface of the insertion groove portion, and a screw groove portion may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion groove portion.

[0042] The first terminal unit 200 and the second terminal unit 300 may be disposed opposite each other on the same axis. The second terminal unit 300 may be connected to a power line C provided in another solar cell module 10 adjacent to the solar cell module 10 housed in the housing unit 100 and electrically connected to the first terminal unit 200.

[0043] The first terminal 200 and the second terminal 300 may have different polarities so that current flows in one direction. In one embodiment, the first terminal 200 may have a positive (+) polarity and the second terminal 300 may have a negative (-) polarity. Of course, if the first terminal 200 has a negative (-) polarity, the second terminal 300 may have a positive (+) polarity.

[0044] 1 and 2, the safety cutoff unit 400 is provided between the first terminal 200 and the second terminal 300. The safety cutoff unit 400, which is disposed between the first terminal 200 and the second terminal 300, is activated in response to a temperature change, and can cut off the electrical connection between the first terminal 200 and the second terminal 300.

[0045] Specifically, the safety cutoff unit 400 connects the first terminal unit 200 and the second terminal unit 300 to form an electrical path when the temperature is below a predetermined temperature, but when the temperature exceeds the temperature, it disconnects the connection between the first terminal unit 200 and the second terminal unit 300 to cut off the electrical path.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which the safety cut-off unit cuts off power in the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, the safety cutoff part 400 may include a first connecting part 410, a second connecting part 420, and a deformation part 430.

[0048] The first connecting portion 410 may be connected to the first terminal portion 200. The first connecting portion 410 may be fixed to an end portion of the first terminal portion 200 facing the second terminal portion 300 (the right end portion in FIG. 2). The second connecting portion 420 may be connected to the second terminal portion 300. The second connecting portion 420 may be fixed to an end portion of the second terminal portion 300 facing the first terminal portion 200 (the left end portion in FIG. 2).

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, the deformation portion is disposed between the first connection portion 410 and the second connection portion 420, and may be electrically disconnected from at least one of the first connection portion 410 and the second connection portion 420.

[0050] In this embodiment, the deformation portion 430 is connected to the first connection portion 410. One side of the deformation portion 430 (the left side in FIG. 2) may be fixed to the first connection portion 410. The other side of the deformation portion 430 (the right side in FIG. 2) facing the second connection portion 420 may come into contact with the second connection portion 420.

[0051] The other side of the deformable portion 430 that contacts the second connecting portion 420 may have a free end structure that is not fixed to the second connecting portion 420. In the present embodiment, a case where one side of the deformable portion 430 is fixed to the first connecting portion 410 and the other side of the deformable portion 430 contacts the second connecting portion 420 will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto and various modifications are possible.

[0052] The deforming portion 430 can change its shape depending on the temperature. Specifically, the deforming portion 430 can be thermally deformed and cut off from the second connecting portion 420 when the temperature rises above a predetermined temperature.

[0053] That is, when the temperature of the deformation portion 430 rises above a set temperature, the deformation portion 430 undergoes thermal deformation and separates from the second connection portion 420, thereby releasing the connection.

[0054] In one embodiment, the deformable portion 430 may be bent and deformed. When the deformable portion 430 is bent and deformed, a free end of the deformable portion 430 that contacts the second connecting portion 420 is separated from the second connecting portion 420, thereby cutting off the electrical connection between the first terminal portion 200 and the second terminal portion 300.

[0055] In another embodiment, the deformation portion 430 may be compressed and deformed to shorten its length, so that the free end of the deformation portion 430 that contacts the second connection portion 420 does not contact the second connection portion 420, thereby cutting off the electrical connection between the first terminal portion 200 and the second terminal portion 300.

[0056] 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, a deformation portion 430 may include a first deformation member 431 and a second deformation member 432.

[0057] The first deformable member 431 and the second deformable member 432 may include a metal material.

[0058] The first deformable member 431 and the second deformable member 432 may be combined in a stacked manner. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the first deformable member 431 may be disposed relatively higher than the second deformable member 432 in the height direction.

[0059] In one embodiment, the first deformable member 431 and the second deformable member 432 may be integrally formed by welding, etc. In another embodiment, the first deformable member 431 and the second deformable member 432 may be mechanically coupled to each other.

[0060] The first deforming member 431 and the second deforming member 432 may be formed to have different thermal expansion coefficients. For example, the first deforming member 431 may be formed to have a larger thermal expansion coefficient than the second deforming member 432, and when the temperature of the deforming portion 430 rises to or exceeds a set temperature, the deforming portion 430 may bend toward the position of the second deforming member 432.

[0061] 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the connector 20 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a housing 100, a first terminal 200, a second terminal 300, a safety cut-off part 400, and a cover member 500.

[0062] In describing the connector 20 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, only the cover member 500 that has not been described in the connector 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention or the connector 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0063] For the remaining configuration of the connector 20 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the description of the connector 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention or the connector 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be applied as is.

[0064] The cover member 500 may be formed in a hollow shape and provided so as to surround the peripheral surfaces of the deforming portion 430 and the second connecting portion 420. In addition, the cover member 500 may be provided so as to enclose the free end of the deforming portion 430 that contacts the second connecting portion 420 and a part of the second connecting portion 420.

[0065] The cover member 500 can prevent the free end of the deformation portion 430 in contact with the second connection portion 420 from being separated from the second connection portion 420 due to external forces such as vibrations and external impacts.

[0066] 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cover member in a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a cover member 500 may be provided with a notch 510.

[0067] The notch 510 may be formed in the shape of a groove along the periphery of the outer periphery of the cover member 500 .

[0068] Specifically, the notch 510 can be recessed and formed in the outer circumferential surface of the cover member 500. The notch 510 can be formed along the circumferential direction of the cover member 500.

[0069] 5, the inner diameter of the cover member 500 may become smaller from both sides of the cover member 500 toward the center of the notch 510. The inner and outer diameters of the cover member 500 may be smallest at the center of the notch 510.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 5, the notch 510 may be formed as symmetrical inclined surfaces formed on both sides of the center of the notch 510.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, each surface sloping downward toward the center of the notch 510 can be connected at the center of the notch 510, thereby concentrating deformation pressure when the deformation portion 430 deforms, which has the effect of making it easier for the cover member 500 to break.

[0072] The notch 510 provided in the cover member 500 may be formed at the same position where the free end of the deformation portion 430 and the second connection portion 420 come into contact.

[0073] 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which the safety cut-off unit cuts off power in the connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, when the deformation portion 430 is thermally deformed and bent, the deformation pressure of the deformation portion 430 can break the cover member 500. The cover member 500 can be separated into two parts based on the notch 510.

[0074] The deformation portion 430 is bent and deformed, and the free end of the deformation portion 430 that contacts the second connection portion 420 is separated from the second connection portion 420, thereby cutting off the electrical connection between the first terminal portion 200 and the second terminal portion 300.

[0075] As an optional embodiment, the cover member 500 may include a plurality of cover bodies that are separable from each other. Specifically, two cover bodies may be provided, one cover body may be engaged with the deformation portion 430, and the other cover body may be engaged with the second connection portion 420.

[0076] In a steady state, the multiple cover bodies are engaged with each other and maintain an attached state, and when the deformation portion 430 deforms in shape in response to temperature changes, the attached state is released by the deformation pressure and the cover bodies can be separated from each other.

[0077] The cover bodies can be held in contact with each other by magnetic force. For example, the cover bodies can be provided with magnetic members of different polarities, and can be held in contact with each other by magnetic force.

[0078] The magnetic force is relatively smaller than the deformation pressure generated when the shape of the deformation portion 430 is deformed, and the plurality of cover bodies may be spaced apart from each other by the deformation pressure.

[0079] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a safety cut-off part cuts off power in the connector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] 7 and 8, a connector 20 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a housing portion 100, a first terminal portion 200, a second terminal portion 300, a safety cut-off portion 400, and an elastic member 600.

[0081] In describing the connector 20 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, only the elastic member 600 that has not been described in the connector 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention or the connector 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0082] For the remaining configuration of the connector 20 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the description of the connector 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention or the connector 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be applied as is.

[0083] The elastic member 600 is provided on one side (the lower side in FIG. 7) of the deformation portion 430 and can support the deformation portion 430. The elastic member 600 can include an elastically deformable material. The elastic member 600 can provide an elastic force in a direction opposite to the deformation direction of the deformation portion 430.

[0084] The elastic member 600 can prevent the free end of the deformation portion 430 in contact with the second connection portion 420 from being separated from the second connection portion 420 due to external forces such as vibrations and external impacts.

[0085] One side of the elastic member 600 is seated on the inner surface of the housing part 100, and the other side of the elastic member 600 is seated on the free end of the deformation part 430 to elastically support the deformation part 430. In one embodiment, the elastic member 600 may be a coil spring.

[0086] The length of the elastic member 600 can be changed according to the deformation of the deformation portion 430. When the deformation portion 430 is thermally deformed and bent, the elastic member 600 is elastically deformed by the deformation pressure of the deformation portion 430, and the length of the elastic member 600 can be shortened.

[0087] The deformation portion 430 is bent and deformed, and the free end of the deformation portion 430 that contacts the second connection portion 420 is separated from the second connection portion 420, thereby cutting off the electrical connection between the first terminal portion 200 and the second terminal portion 300.

[0088] As an optional embodiment, a support portion (not shown) can be disposed between the elastic member 600 and the deformation portion 430. The support portion may have a seating groove formed in the shape of a groove so as to correspond to the outer peripheral surface shape of the deformation portion 430.

[0089] A seating groove is formed on one side of the support portion facing the deformation portion 430, and the other side of the support portion is engageable with the elastic member 600.

[0090] By seating the deformation portion 430 in the seating groove portion, it is possible to block not only movement in the vertical direction (see Figure 7) due to external forces such as vibration and external impact, but also movement in the front-to-back direction (see Figure 7), thereby preventing the free end of the deformation portion 430 in contact with the second connection portion 420 from coming off the second connection portion 420 due to the external force.

[0091] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a safety cut-off part cuts off power in the connector according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] 9 and 10, a connector 20 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention may include a housing part 100, a first terminal part 200, a second terminal part 300, and a safety cut-off part 400.

[0093] Before describing the connector 20 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, other embodiments of the safety cutoff unit 400 described in the connector 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention or the connector 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0094] For the remaining configuration of the connector 20 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the description of the connector 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention or the connector 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be applied as is.

[0095] The safety cutoff part 400 may include a first connecting part 410 , a second connecting part 420 , a first deforming part 440 , and a second deforming part 450 .

[0096] The first connecting portion 410 may be connected to the first terminal 200. The first connecting portion 410 may be fixed to an end of the first terminal 200 facing the second terminal 300. The second connecting portion 420 may be connected to the second terminal 300. The second connecting portion 420 may be fixed to an end of the second terminal 300 facing the first terminal 200.

[0097] The first deforming portion 440 is connected to the first connecting portion 410. One side of the first deforming portion 440 may be fixed to the first connecting portion 410. The other side of the first deforming portion 440 facing the second connecting portion 420 may have a free end structure that is not fixed to the second connecting portion 420. Therefore, the first deforming portion 440 may be spaced apart from the second connecting portion 420.

[0098] The second deforming portion 450 is connected to the second connecting portion 420. One side of the second deforming portion 450 may be fixed to the second connecting portion 420. The other side of the second deforming portion 450 facing the first connecting portion 410 may have a free end structure that is not fixed to the first connecting portion 410. Therefore, the second deforming portion 450 may be spaced apart from the first connecting portion 410.

[0099] The first deforming portion 440 and the second deforming portion 450 may be electrically connected to each other. In the present embodiment, the first deforming portion 440 and the second deforming portion 450 are stacked, but the present invention is not limited thereto and various modifications are possible.

[0100] The first and second deformation portions 440 and 450 may be thermally deformed and separated when the temperature rises above a predetermined temperature. In one embodiment, the first and second deformation portions 440 and 450 may be bent. As the first and second deformation portions 440 and 450 are bent in opposite directions and separated, the electrical connection between the first terminal portion 200 and the second terminal portion 300 may be cut off.

[0101] The first deforming portion 440 and the second deforming portion 450 may include a metal material. The first deforming portion 440 may include a third deforming member 441 and a fourth deforming member 442, and the second deforming portion 450 may include a fifth deforming member 451 and a sixth deforming member 452.

[0102] The third deforming member 441 may be stacked with the fourth deforming member 442, and the fifth deforming member 451 may be stacked with the sixth deforming member 452. The third deforming member 441 of the first deforming portion 440 and the fifth deforming member 451 of the second deforming portion 450 may be stacked and in contact with each other.

[0103] The third deformation member 441 and the fourth deformation member 442 may be formed to have different thermal expansion coefficients. For example, the thermal expansion coefficient of the third deformation member 441 may be greater than that of the fourth deformation member 442, and when the temperature of the first deformation section 440 rises to or exceeds a set temperature, the first deformation section 440 may bend toward the position of the fourth deformation member 442.

[0104] The fifth deformation member 451 and the sixth deformation member 452 may be formed to have different thermal expansion coefficients. For example, the fifth deformation member 451 may be formed to have a larger thermal expansion coefficient than the sixth deformation member 452, and when the second deformation section 450 rises to a set temperature or higher, the second deformation section 450 may bend toward the sixth deformation member 452.

[0105] As an optional embodiment, the third deformable member 441 and the fifth deformable member 451 can be formed of the same material, and the fourth deformable member 442 and the sixth deformable member 452 can be formed of the same material.

[0106] The distance G between the first deforming portion 440 and the second deforming portion 450 may be approximately 14.3 mm. The distance G between the first deforming portion 440 and the second deforming portion 450 may differ depending on the voltage. In one embodiment, the distance G between the first deforming portion 440 and the second deforming portion 450 may differ depending on the voltage, which may be approximately 600 volts (V), approximately 1,000 volts (V), or approximately 1,500 volts (V).

[0107] The separation distance G between the first deformation portion 440 and the second deformation portion 450 can be calculated by a sensor that detects the degree of bending deformation of the first deformation portion 440 and the second deformation portion 450.

[0108] 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating a solar power generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, the solar power generation device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a solar cell module 10 and a connector 20.

[0109] A plurality of solar cell modules 10 may be provided and arranged in parallel or in series. In this embodiment, the solar cell module 10 includes a panel 11 including a plurality of solar cells 11a. The panel 11 independently protects the solar cells 11a, and a plurality of solar cells 11a may be arranged one after the other in a row.

[0110] In this embodiment, the solar cell 11a may be a monofacial or bifacial type. The solar cell 11a may be a single pn junction or a multi-pn junction type. The solar cell 11a may also be a thin-film solar cell. Thus, the solar cell 11a can be configured from solar cells 11a of various shapes and types.

[0111] The connectors 20 may be provided between the plurality of solar cell modules 10. The connectors 20 connect the power lines C provided on the solar cell modules 10 to electrically connect the plurality of solar cell modules 10 to each other. The connectors 20 can cut off the electrical connection between the plurality of solar cell modules 10 in response to a change in temperature.

[0112] 12 is a block diagram showing the connection relationship between a control unit and a connector in a solar power generation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12, a solar power generation device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a solar cell module 10, a connector 20, and a control unit 30.

[0113] In describing the solar power generation device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, only the control unit 30, which has not been described in the solar power generation device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, will be described.

[0114] For the remaining configuration of the solar power generation device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the description of the solar power generation device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied as is.

[0115] The control unit 30 is connected to the connector 20 and can detect whether the connector 20 is operating. In addition, the control unit 30 can detect whether the safety cutoff unit 400, which is activated in response to a temperature change and cuts off the electrical connection between the plurality of solar cell modules 10, is operating.

[0116] If the safety cutoff unit 400 is thermally deformed due to overheating and the electrical connection between the plurality of solar cell modules 10 is cut off, a current value of 0 (zero) amperes is received by the control unit 30, and the control unit 30 determines that an arc or a fire has occurred in the connector 20. In this case, the control unit 30 can output an alarm.

[0117] When the fire is extinguished and the temperature of the safety cutoff unit 400 drops below the set temperature, the thermally deformed safety cutoff unit 400 returns to its original shape, electrically connecting the multiple solar cell modules 10. When the control unit 30 receives a current value above the set ampere, the control unit 30 determines that the state is normal, and the solar power generation operates normally.

[0118] The connector and the solar power generation device including the same according to the present invention can prevent a fire in the solar power generation device 1 due to overheating of the connector 20 by using the safety cutoff part 400, which thermally deforms and cuts off power when heat is generated above a set temperature.

[0119] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, these are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should be determined by the following claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0120] According to the present invention, a connector and a solar power generation device including the same are provided. In addition, embodiments of the present invention can be applied to a connector for electrically connecting solar cell modules used in industry, and a solar power generation device including the same.

Claims

1. first terminal part, a second terminal portion disposed spaced apart from the first terminal portion; and A connector characterized by including a safety cut-off portion provided between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion, which is activated in response to a temperature change to cut off the electrical connection between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion.

2. The safety cutoff unit is a first connection portion connected to the first terminal portion; a second connection portion connected to the second terminal portion; and The connector according to claim 1 , further comprising a deformation portion that is electrically disconnected from at least one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

3. the deformed portion is connected to the first connecting portion, and a free end thereof that is not constrained by the second connecting portion is in contact with the second connecting portion; 3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the deformation portion is thermally deformed at a temperature equal to or higher than a set temperature to separate the second connection portion and the free end.

4. The connector according to claim 2 , wherein the deformation portion undergoes bending deformation.

5. The deformation portion is a first deformable member, and The connector according to claim 2 , further comprising a second deformable member laminated with the first deformable member.

6. 6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein the first deformable member and the second deformable member have different thermal expansion coefficients.

7. The connector according to claim 2 , further comprising a cover member that encases the deformation portion and the second connection portion.

8. 8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein the cover member is provided with a notch.

9. 9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein the cover member breaks when the deformation portion is deformed.

10. The connector according to claim 2 , further comprising an elastic member provided on one side of the deformation portion, supporting the deformation portion and providing elastic force in a direction opposite to the deformation direction of the deformation portion.

11. 11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein the length of the elastic member changes in response to the deformation of the deformation portion.

12. The safety cutoff unit is a first connection portion connected to the first terminal portion; a second connection portion connected to the second terminal portion; a first deformation portion coupled to the first connection portion and spaced apart from the second connection portion; and 2. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a second deforming portion connected to the second connection portion, spaced apart from the first connection portion, and in contact with the first deforming portion so as to be electrically connected to the first deforming portion.

13. 13. The connector according to claim 12, wherein the first deformation portion and the second deformation portion are thermally deformed and separated from each other when the temperature is equal to or higher than a set temperature.

14. The connector according to claim 13, wherein the first deformation portion and the second deformation portion are bent and deformed in opposite directions.

15. The connector according to claim 13, wherein the distance between the first deformation portion and the second deformation portion varies depending on the voltage.

16. The connector according to claim 1 , further comprising a housing portion that accommodates the first terminal portion, the second terminal portion, and the safety cutoff portion.

17. a plurality of solar cell modules; and A solar power generation system comprising the connector according to claim 1, which electrically connects a plurality of the solar cell modules to each other.

18. The solar power generation device according to claim 17, wherein the connector cuts off electrical connection between the solar cell modules in response to a temperature change.

19. The solar power generation device according to claim 17, further comprising a control unit connected to the connector to detect whether the connector is operating.

20. The solar power generation system according to claim 19, wherein the control unit outputs an alarm when the connector is activated to cut off electrical connection between the solar cell modules.

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