Microinverter

Abstract

The present invention relates to a microinverter and includes a case having an internal space, a circuit board disposed inside the case, a first connector supported by the case and directly connected to one side of the circuit board, and a second connector supported by the case and directly connected to the other side of the circuit board.

Description

Technical Field

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[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a microinverter.

Background Art

[0002] An inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), and is used in various industrial application fields such as motor drive drives, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), active power filters, etc., as well as in fields such as new renewable energy conversion systems including solar power generation and hybrid vehicles.

[0003] Recently, in the solar power generation inverter market, microinverters are applied mainly in the US market. A microinverter is a distributed system that installs individual small inverters on each solar cell module and switches DC to AC in module units.

[0004] A microinverter has a printed circuit board array (PCBA) that switches current inside, and a DC connector connected to the solar cell module and an AC connector connected to an AC cable for distributing the generated power are mounted on this PCBA. However, due to the size of the miniaturized device, the microinverter has a problem that there are limitations in the mounting position of the connector and the stability of assembly, and the degree of freedom in internal design is reduced.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a microinverter in which the mounting positions of the DC connector and the AC connector connected to the inverter are provided independently, design modification and miniaturization of the device are easy, and the stability of assembly is improved.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a microinverter is provided that includes a case having an internal space, a circuit board disposed inside the case, a first connector supported by the case with a first terminal directly connected to one side of the circuit board, and a second connector supported by the case at a distance from the first connector with a second terminal directly connected to the other side of the circuit board. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] A microinverter according to one embodiment of the present invention connects the first connector and the second connector separately to the circuit board, simplifying the internal structure of the inverter. This improves the degree of freedom in inverter structural design and may be advantageous for miniaturizing the device.

[0008] Furthermore, when the first and second connectors of the microinverter are directly connected to the circuit board, it has a robust assembly structure with the case, allowing for stable operation of its power conversion performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows a microinverter according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a microinverter. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the first connector in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the first connector. [Figure 5] This diagram shows a magnified view of a portion of the assembled first connector shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the microinverter as seen in the AA' direction in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the second connector in Figure 1. [Figure 8] This diagram shows a magnified view of a portion of the assembled second connector in Figure 1. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the microinverter as seen in the BB' direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides a microinverter including a case having an internal space, a circuit board disposed inside the case, a first connector supported by the case with a first terminal directly connected to one side of the circuit board, and a second connector supported by the case at a distance from the first connector with a second terminal directly connected to the other side of the circuit board.

[0011] Furthermore, the first terminal may be provided with a first terminal tab at one end connected to a cable, a connecting tube positioned between the other end of the first terminal tab and the circuit board, and a fixing member that passes through the connecting tube and connects the first terminal tab and the circuit board.

[0012] Furthermore, the first connector may be provided with guide pieces that support both sides of the first terminal tab, support pins that penetrate the first terminal tab, and an insert groove that supports one side of the first terminal tab and accommodates the support pin.

[0013] Furthermore, the case may be provided with a first mounting groove and a first mounting portion having a first mounting projection, and the first connector may be provided with a first housing having a first connector projection that is inserted into the first mounting groove and a first connector groove into which the first mounting projection is inserted.

[0014] Furthermore, the first housing may be further provided with a first insert groove into which the first fitting piece of the case is inserted.

[0015] Furthermore, the second terminal may be provided with a second terminal tab, the end of which is inserted into a connection hole in the circuit board.

[0016] In addition, the case is provided with a second mounting portion having a second mounting groove and a second mounting protrusion, to which the second connector is attached. The second connector can be provided with a second housing having a second connector protrusion inserted into the second mounting groove and a second connector groove into which the second mounting protrusion is inserted.

[0017] In addition, the second housing can further include a second insert groove into which a second fitting piece of the case is inserted.

[0018] In addition, the case can be provided with a support block that protrudes inward to support the first connector and the second connector.

[0019] Since the present invention can be subjected to various modifications and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be realized in various forms.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description with reference to the drawings, the same or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0021] In the following embodiments, terms such as first and second are not used in a limiting sense and are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0022] In the following embodiments, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] In the following embodiments, terms such as “includes” or “having” mean that the features or components described herein are present, and do not preclude the possibility of one or more other features or components being added.

[0024] In the following embodiments, when a region, component, or other part is located above or on top of another part, this includes not only cases where it is directly above the other part, but also cases where other regions, components, or other parts are interposed between them.

[0025] In drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for illustrative purposes. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for illustrative purposes, and therefore the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown.

[0026] In the following embodiments, when regions, components, etc. are connected, this includes not only cases where regions and components are directly connected, but also cases where other regions and components are interposed between them and they are indirectly connected.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a microinverter 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Referring to Figure 1, the microinverter 10 may be formed by connecting a first connector 300 and a second connector 400 to a case 100 that houses a circuit board inside.

[0029] The case 100 may have an internal space. The case 100 forms the exterior of the microinverter 10 and can house the circuit board 200 inside (see Figure 2). The case 100 can fix the position of the circuit board. For this purpose, the internal shape of the case 100 may correspond to the shape of the circuit board.

[0030] The case 100 can protect the circuit board 200 located inside. For example, considering the stable operation of the microinverter 10 and the influence of the surrounding environment, it can have functions such as heat resistance, humidity resistance, water resistance, electrical insulation, cold resistance, oil resistance, shock resistance, and waterproofing.

[0031] The case 100 may be provided by an upper case 110, a lower case 120, and a support bracket 130. The case 100 may be formed by assembling the upper case 110, the lower case 120, and the support bracket 130.

[0032] The upper case 110 and the lower case 120 are assembled to form an internal space. The circuit board 200 can be housed in the internal space of the upper case 110 and the lower case 120.

[0033] The upper case 110 and the lower case 120 may include the connection points for the first connector 300 and the second connector 400. The first connector 300 and the second connector 400 may be interposed between the upper case 110 and the lower case 120. By assembling the upper case 110 and the lower case 120, the connection points for the first connector 300 and the connection points for the second connector 400 can be determined.

[0034] In an optional embodiment, the case 100 may further include a buckle portion 1201.

[0035] The buckle portion 1201 is provided on one side of the case 100 and can be connected to the support bracket 130. The buckle portion 1201 can be fastened to the first hook 1301 of the support bracket 130.

[0036] The support bracket 130 may be positioned below the lower case 120. The support bracket 130 can support the lower case 120. The support bracket 130 may be connected to the upper case 110 or the lower case 120.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the support bracket 130 may be connected to the lower case 120 by a snap-fit ​​fastening method. The snap-fit ​​fastening method is a method of fastening two parts without using a separate connecting member, as the fastening is formed by the engagement of a hook into a recess. For example, the support bracket 130 may be provided with a first hook 1301 and a second hook 1302 that are connected to the upper case 110 or the lower case 120.

[0038] The first hook 1301 may be connected to the buckle portion 1201. The first hook 1301 may be fitted into the buckle portion 1201 and fastened.

[0039] Optionally, the support bracket 130 may be provided with an auxiliary buckle portion adjacent to the first hook 1301. The buckle portion 1201 may have an auxiliary hook on one side that can be fastened to the auxiliary buckle portion. Therefore, when the first hook 1301 is connected to the buckle portion 1201 from bottom to top, the auxiliary hook is connected to the auxiliary buckle portion from top to bottom, so that a stable fastening can be formed between the support bracket 130 and the lower case 120.

[0040] The second hook 1302 may have a structure that contacts one side of the upper case 110 or the lower case 120. The second hook 1302 may be elastic in at least a portion of it. The second hook 1302 can secure the lower case 120 by a forceful fit.

[0041] The support bracket 130 may further include an alignment section 1303.

[0042] The alignment section 1303 may be positioned adjacent to the second connector 400 connected to the case 100. According to one embodiment, the alignment section 1303 may be provided as guide walls protruding from the upper surface of the support bracket 130 and positioned side by side on both sides of the second connector 400. The alignment section 1303 can align and support the position of the plug connected to the second connector 400.

[0043] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the microinverter 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2, the microinverter 10 may include a case 100, a circuit board 200, a first connector 300, and a second connector 400.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the case 100 may include an upper case 110, a lower case 120, and a support bracket 130.

[0046] The upper case 110 may include a cover portion 111, a joint groove 112, a first fitting piece 113, and a second fitting piece 114.

[0047] The cover portion 111 may be provided in the shape of a plate that covers the top of the circuit board 200. The cover portion 111 can correspond to the shape of the top of the circuit board 200. The bottom surface of the cover portion 111 can contact the top of the circuit board 200 to fix its position.

[0048] The joint groove 112 may be formed on the bottom surface of the cover portion 111. According to one embodiment, the joint groove 112 may be formed along the periphery of the bottom surface of the cover portion 111. The joint groove 112 may be provided so as to be engageable with the lower case 120. A part of the lower case 120 can be fitted into the joint groove 112.

[0049] The first mating piece 113 is provided on one side of the cover portion 111 and can abut against the first connector 300 connected to the case 100. The first mating piece 113 may be positioned adjacent to the location where the first connector 300 is connected.

[0050] For example, the first mating piece 113 may be provided as a projection on one side of the upper case 110 that protrudes toward the upper surface of the first connector 300. The first mating piece 113 may be fastened to one side of the upper surface of the first connector 300.

[0051] The second mating piece 114 is provided on the other side of the cover portion 111 and can abut against the second connector 400 connected to the case 100. The second mating piece 114 may be positioned adjacent to the location where the second connector 400 is connected.

[0052] For example, the second mating piece 114 may be provided as a projection that protrudes toward the upper surface of the second connector 400 on the other side of the upper case 110. The second mating piece 114 may be fastened to one side of the upper surface of the second connector 400.

[0053] The lower case 120 may include a base portion 121, a base projection 122, a third fitting piece 123, a fourth fitting piece 124, and a buckle portion 1201.

[0054] The base portion 121 can support the circuit board 200. The base portion 121 may be provided in a place-like shape that encloses the bottom surface of the circuit board 200. The base portion 121 can correspond to the shape of the bottom surface of the circuit board 200. The circuit board 200 can be placed on the upper surface of the base portion 121. The upper surface of the base portion 121 can contact the lower part of the circuit board 200 to fix its position.

[0055] The base projection 122 may be formed on the upper surface of the base portion 121. According to one embodiment, the base projection 122 may be formed along the periphery of the upper surface of the base portion 121. The base projection 122 may be provided so as to be engageable with the upper case 110. The base projection 122 may be embedded in a part of the upper case 110.

[0056] The third mating piece 123 is provided on one side of the base portion 121 and can abut against the first connector 300 connected to the case 100. The third mating piece 123 may be positioned adjacent to the location where the first connector 300 is connected.

[0057] For example, the third mating piece 123 may be provided as a projection on one side of the lower case 120 that protrudes toward the bottom surface of the first connector 300. The third mating piece 123 may be fastened to one side of the bottom surface of the first connector 300.

[0058] The fourth mating piece 124 is provided on the other side of the base portion 121 and can abut against the second connector 400 connected to the case 100. The fourth mating piece 124 may be positioned adjacent to the location where the second connector 400 is connected.

[0059] For example, the fourth mating piece 124 may be provided as a projection that protrudes toward the bottom surface of the second connector 400 on the other side of the lower case 120. The fourth mating piece 124 may be fastened to one side of the bottom surface of the second connector 400.

[0060] The buckle portion 1201 may be formed to protrude outward from the side surface of the lower case 120. The buckle portion 1201 can be connected to the first hook 1301 of the support bracket 130. The buckle portion 1201 may be formed in the shape of a ring or groove into which the first hook 1301 engages.

[0061] The circuit board 200 may be configured to convert DC power to AC power. The circuit board 200 may have a first connector 300 connected to one side and a second connector 400 connected to the other side.

[0062] The circuit board 200 may be positioned between the upper case 110 and the lower case 120. The circuit board 200 may be housed in an internal space formed by assembling the upper case 100 and the lower case 120. The circuit board 200 may be supported by the upper case 100 and the lower case 120, and its position may be fixed.

[0063] The circuit board 200 can be formed by arranging pre-set circuit patterns and circuit components on its cross-section or both sides. For example, the circuit board 200 may be provided as a standard printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). The following description will focus on the case where the circuit board 200 is used alone, but it can be used in the form of multiple layers as needed.

[0064] The circuit board 200 may have a substrate portion 210, a circuit portion 220, a first connection hole 230, and a second connection hole 240.

[0065] The substrate portion 210 has a plate-like shape, and one or both sides may have a circuit pattern printed on it or a surface on which circuit components are arranged. A circuit portion 220 may be arranged on the substrate portion 210.

[0066] The circuit section 220 may include circuits for converting DC power to AC power. The circuit section 220 may include components such as circuit patterns printed in copper on the substrate section 210, integrated circuits (ICs), capacitors, and transformers. For example, the circuit section 220 may include various circuit components, such as a voltage boosting circuit for boosting the input DC voltage and a conversion circuit for converting DC power to AC power.

[0067] A first connection hole 230 may be formed on one side of the substrate portion 210, and a second connection hole 240 may be formed on the other side. The first connection hole 230 and the second connection hole 240 may be formed as holes that penetrate the substrate portion 210. The first connection hole 230 can define the position on the substrate portion 210 where the first connector 300 is connected, and the second connection hole 240 can define the position on the substrate portion 210 where the second connector 400 is connected.

[0068] The first connector 300 and the second connector 400 may be provided to connect the microinverter 10 to the outside. The first connector 300 and the second connector 400 may be connected to an external power supply and power system using cables or other connectors.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the first connector 300 may be provided as a direct current (DC) connector, and the second connector 400 may be provided as an alternating current (AC) connector.

[0070] The first connector 300 can be connected to a solar cell module (not shown). A solar cell module is a device that converts light energy into battery energy via the photoelectric effect. DC power generated by the solar cell module may be input to the first connector 300. The first connector 300 can transmit the input DC power to the circuit board 200.

[0071] The second connector 400 can be connected to a power system (not shown). The second connector 400 can output AC power converted by the circuit board 200. The second connector 400 can transmit AC power to a user via an AC output cable.

[0072] Figure 3 shows the first connector 300 of Figure 1, and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the first connector 300 of Figure 3.

[0073] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the first connector 300 may be provided by a first housing 310, a first terminal 320, a cable 330, and a module connection portion 340.

[0074] The first housing 310 forms the external appearance of the first connector 300 and may have internal space. The first housing 310 can accommodate the first terminal 320 internally. The first housing 310 may correspond to the shape of the mounting portion for the first connector 300 in the case 100.

[0075] The first housing 310 may be provided so as to be connected to the mounting portion of the first connector 300 in the case 100. The upper surface of the first housing 310 may have a shape corresponding to the upper case 110, and the bottom surface of the first housing 310 may have a shape corresponding to the lower case 120.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the first housing 310 may be formed by assembling an upper housing 311 and a lower housing 312. A first terminal 320 may be interposed between the upper housing 311 and the lower housing 312. Inside the first housing 310, the first terminal 320 may be connected to a cable 330.

[0077] The upper housing 311 forms the upper surface of the first housing 310 and can be provided with a first connector projection 3111, a first insert groove 3112, a support pin 3113, and a guide piece 3114.

[0078] The first connector projection 3111 may be formed so that a portion of it protrudes from the outer surface of the upper housing 311. The first connector projection 3111 may be assembled in contact with the upper case 110.

[0079] The first insert groove 3112 may be formed as a recess in part from the outer surface of the upper housing 311. The first insert groove 3112 may be assembled with the first fitting piece 113 described earlier in Figure 2.

[0080] The support pin 3113 may be positioned on the bottom surface of the upper housing 311 and may be formed as a pin that protrudes downward. The support pin 3113 can secure the first terminal 320 in the internal space of the first housing 310. Referring to Figure 6, the support pin 3113 may pass through a portion of the first terminal 320 and be fastened to one side of the lower housing 312.

[0081] The guide piece 3114 may be positioned on the bottom surface of the upper housing 311 and provided in the shape of a plate protruding downward. The guide piece 3114 may be extended and connected to the lower housing 312.

[0082] The guide piece 3114 can contact the first terminal 320 in the internal space of the first housing 310 and support the first terminal 320. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the guide piece 3114 may be positioned on both sides of the first terminal 320. This aligns the position of the first terminal 320 and prevents it from swinging or detaching in the width direction.

[0083] The lower housing 312 may include a first connector groove 3121.

[0084] The first connector groove 3121 may be formed by recessing a portion of the outer surface of the lower housing 311. The first connector groove 3121 may be assembled in contact with the lower case 120.

[0085] The first terminal 320 can be electrically connected to the circuit board 200. The first terminal 320 may be made of a conductive material and may be configured to transmit power to the circuit board 200. Specifically, the first terminal 320 can receive DC power and transmit it to the circuit board 200.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the first terminal 320 may be provided in a shape that crosses the inside of the first housing 310. One side of the first terminal 320 may be installed inside the first housing 310 and the other side may be connected to the circuit board 200. The first terminal 320 is located inside the first housing 310, but a part of it may extend outside the first housing 310.

[0087] The first terminal 320 may be provided by a first terminal tab 321, a connecting tube 322, and a fixing member 323. The first terminal tab 321 may be connected to the circuit board 200 via the connecting tube 322 and the fixing member 323.

[0088] The first terminal tab 321 may be provided in a shape that extends from the inside of the case 100 towards the circuit board 200. The first terminal tab 321 may be provided as a component formed by punching out a conductive metal plate and processing it by bending or other means.

[0089] The first terminal tab 321 may be provided with a predetermined step. The first terminal tab 321 can form connection points with the first housing 310, the circuit board 200, and the cable 330, respectively.

[0090] Specifically, referring to Figure 4, the first terminal tab 321 has a single body, but it may also be provided as a first stepped portion 3211, a second stepped portion 3212, and a connecting tab 3213.

[0091] The first stepped portion 3211 is located on the outside of the first housing 310, and a connecting tube 322 and a fixing member 323 may be attached to it. The first stepped portion 3211 can be electrically connected to the circuit board 200 via the connecting tube 322 and the fixing member 323.

[0092] The first stepped portion 3211 is bent in a direction adjacent to the circuit board 200, thereby forming a predetermined step relative to the second stepped portion 3212. As a result, the first stepped portion 3211 can stably form a fastening force with the circuit board 200 even if the length of the connecting tube 322 and the fixing member 323 is provided to be short.

[0093] The second stepped portion 3212 is located inside the first housing 310 and can be fixed to the lower housing 312. The second stepped portion 3212 may be provided with a pin through hole 3123a. The support pin 3113 of the upper housing 311 can pass through the pin through hole 3123a to fix the position of the second stepped portion 3212.

[0094] The connecting tab 3213 can be connected to the cable 330. The connecting tab 3213 may be provided with a V-shaped opening at the portion that contacts the conductor of the cable 330. The connecting tab 3213 can be connected to the conductor of the cable 330 by crimping the open portion.

[0095] The connecting tube 322 may be interposed between the first terminal tab 321 and the circuit board 200. The connecting tube 322 may be provided in the shape of a tube having a predetermined length. For example, the connecting tube 322 may be provided as a screw connection member with threads formed on the inside.

[0096] In one embodiment, the connecting tube 322 is formed of a material having a predetermined compressibility or elasticity, and can have a strong engagement force by deforming in accordance with the fastening force of the fixing member 323.

[0097] The fixing member 323 can fix the first terminal tab 321 to the circuit board 200. The fixing member 323 can be connected to the circuit board 200 by passing through the first terminal tab 321 and the connecting tube 322.

[0098] In one embodiment, the fixing member 323 is made of a conductive material and can electrically connect the first terminal tab 321 to the circuit board 200. The fixing member 323 may be provided as a conventional component for connecting conductive materials, for example, the fixing member 323 may be provided as a screw having a thread, a pin, or the like. The cable 330 may be provided as a cable to which DC power is input. One end of the cable 330 is connected to the first terminal 320 and the other end can extend to the outside. The cable 330 may be connected to the first terminal tab 321 inside the first housing 310.

[0099] The module connection section 340 may be connected to the power production module that provides DC power. For example, the module connection section 340 may be provided as an MC4 connector connected to the solar cell module.

[0100] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the assembly of the first connector 300 and the case 100, and Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the microinverter taken in the direction A-A' in Figure 5.

[0101] Specifically, Figure 5 shows the inside of the case 100 when the first connector 300 is mounted on the case 100. In this diagram, the upper case 110 is omitted to illustrate the connection between the first connector 300 and the circuit board 200.

[0102] Referring to Figures 3 to 6, when the first connector 300 is mounted on the case 100, a portion of the first housing 310 can be inserted into the inside of the case 100.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the case 100 is a space in which the first connector 300 is mounted, and can be provided with a first mounting portion having a first mounting groove 1121 and a first mounting projection 1221. The first mounting portion can define the position in the case 100 where the first connector 300 is mounted.

[0104] The first mounting groove 1121 may be located on the bottom surface of the upper case 110. The first mounting groove 1121 may be formed in a shape that extends from the joint groove 112. The first mounting groove 1121 may be provided as the portion of the joint groove 112 on which the first connector 300 is mounted.

[0105] The first mounting projection 1221 may be located on the upper surface of the lower case 120. The first mounting projection 1221 may be formed in a shape that extends from the base projection 122. The first mounting projection 1221 may be provided as the portion of the base projection 122 on which the first connector 300 is mounted.

[0106] When the first connector 300 is mounted on the case 100, the first connector projection 3111 of the first housing 310 can be inserted into the first mounting groove 1121 of the upper case 110. At this time, the first mating piece 113 can be inserted into the first insert groove 3112 formed on the upper surface of the first housing 310 on the outside of the upper case 110.

[0107] Therefore, at the contact surface between the first housing 310 and the upper case 110, the first connector projection 3111 and the first mounting groove 1121 are fastened together, and the first insert groove 3112 and the first fitting piece 113 are fastened together, thus creating a double fastening force.

[0108] When the first connector 300 is attached to the case 100, the first mounting projection 1221 of the lower case 120 can be inserted into the first connector groove 3121 of the first housing 310.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the lower housing 312 may further include a third insert groove 3122. The third insert groove 3122 may be formed as a recess in part on the outer surface of the lower housing 311 and assembled in contact with the lower case 120. In this case, the third fitting piece 123 can be inserted from the outside of the lower case 120 into the third insert groove 3122 formed on the bottom surface of the first housing 310.

[0110] Therefore, at the contact surface between the first housing 310 and the lower case 110, the first connector groove 3121 and the first mounting projection 1221 are fastened, and the third insert groove 3122 and the third fitting piece 123 are fastened, thus creating a double fastening force.

[0111] In an optional embodiment, the lower case 120 may be further provided with a support block 125. The support block 125 is positioned adjacent to the first mounting projection 1221 and can support the first housing 310 inserted into the case 100.

[0112] When the first connector 300 is attached to the case 100, the first housing 310 can be fastened to the circuit board 200 by the first terminal 320.

[0113] The first housing 310 can be connected to the circuit board 200 by the first terminal 320. The first housing 310 is assembled with the first terminal 320, and the first terminal 320 is assembled to the circuit board 200, forming a fastening force.

[0114] A support pin 3113 and a pin insert groove 3123 may be provided inside the first housing 310. The assembly of the support pin 3113 and the pin insert groove 3123 can create a fastening force between the upper and lower parts of the first housing 310. The support pin 3113 can be fastened by passing through the second stepped portion 3212 of the first terminal tab and having the end of the support pin 3113 accommodated in the pin insert groove 3123.

[0115] On the outside of the first housing 310, a connecting tube 322 and a fixing member 323 may be provided to connect the first stepped portion 3211 and the circuit board 200. The fixing member 323 is inserted into the connecting tube 322 while passing through the first stepped portion 3211 of the first terminal tab 321, and the end of the fixing member 323 can be fastened to the first connection hole 230. At this time, the alignment projection 115 of the upper case 110 is installed on the outside of the end of the fixing member 323, so that when the fixing member 323 fixes the circuit board 200, it can be fixed stably, and the contact area can be increased to ensure structural stability.

[0116] Specifically, the first terminal 320 can be fixed to the first housing 310 by fastening the support pin 3113 to the pin insert groove 3123, and the first terminal 320 can be fixed to the circuit board 200 by fastening the fixing member 323 to the first connection hole 230. As a result, the first housing 310 and the circuit board 200 can engage with the first terminal 320, respectively, and a fastening force can be formed.

[0117] Figure 7 shows the second connector 400 in Figure 1.

[0118] Referring to Figure 7, the second connector 400 may include a second housing 410, a second terminal 420, and an O-ring 430.

[0119] The second housing 410 forms the external appearance of the second connector 400 and may have internal space. The second housing 410 can accommodate the second terminal 420 internally. The second housing 410 may correspond to the shape of the mounting portion for the second connector 400 in the case 100.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the second housing 410 may have a second housing body 4100, an insertion portion 4101, and a socket portion 4102.

[0121] The insertion portion 4101 may be provided so as to be inserted into the inside of the case 100. The insertion portion 4101 may be formed extending inward from the second housing body 4100 towards the inside of the case 100. The insertion portion 4101 may be inserted into the inside of the case 100.

[0122] The socket portion 4102 may be provided for connection to an external cable (not shown). The socket portion 4102 may be formed extending outward from the second housing body 4100 to the case 100. An AC output cable may be connected to the socket portion 4102.

[0123] In an optional embodiment, the plug hooks 4103 may be positioned on both sides of the socket portion 4102. When the plug is inserted into the socket portion 4102, the plug hooks 4103 contact both sides of the plug to assist in the connection with the socket portion 4102 and to stably fix the position of the plug.

[0124] A second connector projection 4111 may be formed on the upper surface of the second housing 410, and a fourth connector groove 4121 may be formed on the bottom surface.

[0125] The second connector projection 4111 may be formed so that a portion of it protrudes from the upper surface of the second housing 410. The second connector projection 4111 may be assembled in contact with the upper case 110.

[0126] The fourth connector groove 4121 may be formed as a recess in the bottom surface of the second housing 410. The fourth connector groove 4121 may be assembled in contact with the lower case 120.

[0127] The second insert groove 4112 is located at the connection point between the second housing body 4100 and the socket portion 4102, and may be formed as a groove that is recessed upward. The second insert groove 4112 may be assembled with the second fitting piece 114 described earlier in Figure 2.

[0128] The second terminal 420 can be electrically connected to the circuit board 200. The second terminal 420 may be made of a conductive material and may be configured to receive power from the circuit board 200. Specifically, the second terminal 420 can output AC power and transmit it to an external power system.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the second terminal 420 may be provided in a shape that crosses the inside of the second housing 410. One side of the second terminal 420 may be installed inside the second housing 410, and the other side may be connected to the circuit board 200.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the second terminal 420 may be provided by a second terminal body 421 and a second terminal tab 422.

[0131] The second terminal body 421 may be provided as a component formed by punching out a conductive metal plate and processing it by bending or other means. The second terminal body 421 may be provided as a tubular shape extending from the socket portion 4102 to the insertion portion 4101. The second terminal body 421 may be connected to the second terminal tab 422 inside the insertion portion 4101.

[0132] The terminal tab 422 may be provided as a component formed by punching out a conductive metal plate and processing it by bending or other means. The second terminal tab 422 can extend from the inside to the outside of the insertion portion 4101. The second terminal tab 422 may be interposed between the second terminal body 421 and the circuit board 200. One side of the second terminal tab 422 may be connected to the second terminal body 421 and the other side may be connected to the circuit board 200.

[0133] The second terminal body 421 can be electrically connected to the circuit board 200 via the second terminal tab 422.

[0134] The O-ring 430 can be fitted onto the socket portion 4102. When the cable plug is inserted into the socket portion 4102, the O-ring 430 can insert the plug to a predetermined position in the socket portion 4102 and stably fix the position of the plug.

[0135] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the assembly of the second connector 400 and the case 100, and Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the microinverter taken in the direction of B-B' in Figure 8.

[0136] Specifically, Figure 8 shows the inside of the case 100 when the second connector 400 is mounted on the case 100. In this diagram, the upper case 110 is omitted to illustrate the connection between the second connector 400 and the circuit board 200.

[0137] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, when the second connector 400 is mounted on the case 100, a portion of the second housing 410 can be inserted into the inside of the case 100.

[0138] Specifically, the second connector 400 can be assembled by positioning the insertion portion 4101 to be inserted into the inside of the case 100 and interposing the second housing body 4100 between the upper case 110 and the lower case 120.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the case 100 is a space in which the second connector 400 is mounted, and can be provided with a second mounting portion having a second mounting groove 1122 and a second mounting projection 1222. The second mounting portion can define the position in the case 100 where the second connector 400 is mounted.

[0140] The second mounting groove 1122 may be located on the bottom surface of the upper case 110. The second mounting groove 1122 may be formed in a shape that extends from the joint groove 112. The second mounting groove 1122 may be provided as the portion of the joint groove 112 on which the second connector 400 is mounted.

[0141] The second mounting projection 1222 may be located on the upper surface of the lower case 120. The second mounting projection 1222 may be formed in a shape that extends from the base projection 122. The second mounting projection 1222 may be provided as the portion of the base projection 122 on which the second connector 400 is mounted.

[0142] When the second connector 400 is mounted on the case 100, the second connector projection 4111 of the second housing 410 can be inserted into the second mounting groove 1122 of the upper case 110.

[0143] At this time, the second fitting piece 114 can be inserted from the outside of the upper case 110 into the second insert groove 4112 formed on the upper surface of the second housing 410.

[0144] Therefore, at the contact surface between the second housing 410 and the upper case 110, the second connector projection 4111 and the second mounting groove 1122 are fastened, and the second insert groove 4112 and the second fitting piece 114 are fastened, thus creating a double fastening force.

[0145] When the second connector 400 is attached to the case 100, the second mounting projection 1222 of the lower case 120 can be inserted into the second connector groove 4121 of the second housing 410.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the second housing 410 may further include a fourth insert groove 4122. The fourth insert groove 4122 may be formed with a downward recess at the connection point between the second housing body 4100 and the socket portion 4102.

[0147] At this time, the fourth fitting piece 124 can be inserted from the outside of the lower case 120 into the fourth insert groove 4122 formed on the bottom surface of the second housing 410.

[0148] Therefore, at the contact surface between the second housing 410 and the lower case 110, the fourth connector groove 4121 and the second mounting projection 1222 are fastened, and the fourth insert groove 4122 and the fourth fitting piece 124 are fastened, thus creating a double fastening force.

[0149] In an optional embodiment, the lower case 120 may be further provided with a support block 125. The support block 125 is positioned adjacent to the second mounting projection 1222 and can support the second housing 410 inserted into the case 100.

[0150] When the second connector 400 is mounted on the case 100, the second housing 410 can be connected to the circuit board 200 by the second terminal 420.

[0151] Inside the second housing 410, a second terminal body 421 is positioned, to which a second terminal tab 422 may be connected. The second terminal body 421 and the second terminal tab 422 may have a structure that allows them to be assembled together, or they may be connected by crimping their contact surfaces together.

[0152] The second terminal tab 422 can extend from the inside to the outside of the second housing 410. Outside the second housing 410, the second terminal tab 422 can be connected to the second connection hole 240. The end of the second terminal tab 422 can be inserted into the second connection hole 240. In this case, the connection between the second terminal tab 422 and the second connection hole 240 can be connected using an adhesive method such as soldering (wave soldering).

[0153] In summary, the microinverter 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention connects the first connector 300 and the second connector 400 separately to the circuit board 200, simplifying the internal structure of the device. This improves the degree of freedom in inverter structure design and can be advantageous for miniaturizing the device.

[0154] Furthermore, since the microinverter 10 has the first connector 300 and the second connector 400 directly connected to the circuit board 200, forming a robust assembly structure, it can operate stably in terms of power conversion performance.

[0155] Although the present invention has been described with reference to one embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, this is merely illustrative, and it will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true scope of protection of the present invention should be defined solely by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A case with an internal space, A circuit board arranged inside the case, A first connector supported by the aforementioned case, the first terminal of which is directly connected to one side of the circuit board, A microinverter comprising a case supported at a distance from the first connector, and a second connector whose second terminal is directly connected to the other side of the circuit board.

2. The first terminal is, A first terminal tab, one end of which is connected to a cable. A connecting tube is disposed between the other end of the first terminal tab and the circuit board, and The microinverter according to claim 1, wherein a fixing member is provided that passes through the connecting tube and connects the first terminal tab and the circuit board.

3. The first connector is, Guide pieces supporting both sides of the first terminal tab, A support pin passing through the first terminal tab, and The microinverter according to claim 2, wherein one side of the first terminal tab is supported and a pin insert groove is provided for housing the support pin.

4. The aforementioned case is, The first connector is attached to a first mounting portion having a first mounting groove and a first mounting projection, The first connector is, The microinverter according to claim 1, further comprising a first connector projection inserted into the first mounting groove and a first housing having the first connector groove into which the first mounting projection is inserted.

5. The first housing is, The microinverter according to claim 4, further comprising a first insert groove into which the first fitting piece of the case is inserted.

6. The second terminal is, The microinverter according to claim 1, further comprising a second terminal tab whose end is inserted into a connection hole in the circuit board.

7. The aforementioned case is, The second connector is attached to a second mounting portion having a second mounting groove and a second mounting projection, The second connector is, The microinverter according to claim 1, further comprising a second connector projection inserted into the second mounting groove and a second housing having a second connector groove into which the second mounting projection is inserted.

8. The preceding 2 housing is The microinverter according to claim 7, further comprising a second insert groove into which the second fitting piece of the case is inserted.

9. The aforementioned case is, The microinverter according to claim 1, further comprising a support block that protrudes inward and supports the first connector and the second connector.

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