Electrical connectors and inverters for solar cell modules including them

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

[0003] After installing the solar cell module, the operating state of the solar cell module can only be confirmed by using a separate communication device such as a web or an application. Thus, since it is difficult for the solar cell module itself to recognize its own operating state, there is a problem that the management of the solar cell module cannot be performed well.

[0004] In order to solve such a problem, a solar cell module provided with a structure, members, etc. capable of confirming the operating state has been proposed. For example, a structure has been proposed in which a light source capable of displaying the operating state is provided in the solar cell module, and the operating state of the solar cell module is confirmed by the presence or absence of driving of the light source (i.e., the presence or absence of blinking, intervals, etc.).

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

[0006] Thus, a light source, a lens, a conduit, a conduit guide, etc. for confirming the operating state of the solar cell module are necessary. Also, an O-ring is required between the lens and the case for waterproofing. Thus, when the components in the device for confirming the operating state of the solar cell module increase, the cost also increases. In addition, there is a problem that productivity decreases as the manufacturing process of the device becomes complicated.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective is to provide an electrical connector included in an inverter for solar cell modules that has a function to display the operation of the solar cell module.

[0008] Another objective is to provide an inverter for solar cell modules that can simplify the internal configuration and increase productivity.

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

[0010] An electrical connector according to one embodiment includes a first connector and a second connector arranged such that the connectors for the inverter and the power supply are electrically and physically fastened or unfastened from each other, a bracket for engaging the first connector and the second connector, and a lens portion for engaging with the bracket, wherein the lens portion includes a lens exposed to the outside of the case and an induction tube connected to the lens portion and a light source.

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

[0012] An inverter for a solar cell module according to another embodiment includes a substrate on which a light source that operates in conjunction with the operation of the solar cell module is arranged, a case containing the substrate, a bracket attached to the case, a first connector and a second connector that engage with the bracket, and a lens portion that engages with the bracket, wherein the lens portion includes a lens exposed to the outside of the case and an induction tube connected to the lens and the light source, and 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 meshing with the first tooth, a second contact surface in contact with the second stepped surface, a third contact surface in contact with the third stepped surface, a fourth contact surface in contact with the fourth stepped surface, a fourth tooth meshing with the second tooth, a fifth contact surface in contact with the fifth stepped surface, and a sixth contact surface in contact with the sixth stepped surface. The lens is in contact with the outer surface of the bracket.

[0013] In the above-described inverter for solar cell modules, 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.

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

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

[0016] In the inverter for the solar cell module described above, the second connector includes a fourth outer surface connected to the sixth stepped surface, and the bracket includes a tenth contact surface that contacts the fourth outer surface.

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

[0018] In the above-described inverter for solar cell modules, the radial thickness of the third stepped surface is smaller than the radial thickness of the first stepped surface, and the radial thickness of the sixth stepped surface is smaller than that of the fourth stepped surface.

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

[0020] In the above-described inverter for solar cell modules, the case includes an upper case and a lower case that engages with the upper case, the upper case includes ribs protruding from its inner surface, the upper surface of the bracket is in contact with the ribs, and the lower surface of the bracket is in contact with the lower surface of the lower case.

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

[0022] According to this embodiment, the lens portion, including the connector and guide tube, and the bracket can be manufactured by injection molding as a single unit, simplifying the structure and increasing productivity.

[0023] According to this embodiment, the lens portion, including the connector and guide tube, and the bracket can be manufactured by injection molding as a single unit, making assembly easier.

[0024] According to an embodiment, a lens unit including a connector and a conduit and a bracket can be integrally injection-molded, and the waterproof performance can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an inverter for a solar cell module according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an exploded view of the inverter shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a front perspective view of a bracket, a first connector, a second connector, and a lens unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a rear perspective view of a bracket, a first connector, a second connector, and a lens unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a side sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a side sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a side sectional view taken along the line C-C in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an upper case according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a lower case according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a bracket, a first connector, a second connector, and a lens unit as viewed from below according to an embodiment.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] An electrical connector according to one aspect includes a first connector and a second connector arranged such that connectors between an inverter and a power source are electrically and physically fastened or released from each other, a bracket that engages the first connector and the second connector, and a lens unit that engages with the bracket. The lens unit includes a lens exposed outside the case and a conduit connected to the lens and a light source.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the several embodiments described, and can be implemented in various forms that differ from one another. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more components between embodiments can be arbitrarily selected, engaged, substituted, and used.

[0029] Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically defined, terms used in embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) can be interpreted as meanings generally understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, and commonly used terms, such as those defined in advance, can be interpreted in consideration of their meaning in the context of the relevant art.

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

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

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

[0033] These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another, and are not limited by their nature, order, or sequence.

[0034] And when it is stated that one component is “connected,” “engaged,” or “connected” to another component, this may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, engaged, or connected to the other component, but also cases where it is “connected,” “engaged,” or “connected” through another component between the component and the other component.

[0035] Furthermore, when it is stated that a component is formed or positioned "above (upper side) or below (lower side)" of a component, "above (upper side)" or "lower (lower side)" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or positioned between the two components. Also, when expressed as "above (upper side) or below (lower side)," it can include not only an upward direction but also a downward direction relative to one component.

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

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

[0038] An inverter can convert the current, voltage, or power generated by a solar cell module. Here, conversion may involve changing the value and / or type of the current, voltage, or power. For example, an inverter can change the value of current, voltage, or power to another value. Alternatively, an inverter can convert current, voltage, or power from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), or from AC to DC. The current, voltage, or power converted by the inverter can be transmitted externally via cables.

[0039] A light source that communicates with the operation of the solar cell module can be placed on the substrate 100. For example, the light emitted from the light source can be a signal indicating the operating status of the solar cell module. In other words, the operating status of the solar cell module can be output using various methods of expression using light.

[0040] For example, the on / off state of the light can indicate whether the solar cell module is functioning correctly. For instance, if the solar cell module is functioning correctly, the light source may remain in the off state, and if there is a problem with the solar cell module, the light source may turn on. Alternatively, if the solar cell module is functioning correctly, the light source 110 may remain in the on state, and if there is a problem with the solar cell module, the light source 110 may turn off.

[0041] As another example, various operational abnormalities of a solar cell module can be represented depending on the duration of light exposure, the color of the light, and the intensity of the light. For instance, depending on which element of the solar cell module is malfunctioning, light can be shone at different time intervals, with different colors, and / or intensities.

[0042] Any device capable of emitting light can qualify as a light source without limitation. For example, light sources can be implemented using LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays), LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes), QLEDs (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes), μLEDs, etc.

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

[0044] The bracket 300 engages with the case 200 to support the first connector 400, the second connector 500, and the lens section 600.

[0045] The first connector 400 and the second connector 500 are arranged such that the connectors between the inverter and the power supply are electrically and physically fastened or disconnected from each other. For example, the first connector 400 and the second connector 500 can engage with the bracket 300 and may be female or male connectors.

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

[0047] The following description of the electrical connector 700, including the bracket 300, the first connector 400, the second connector 500, and the lens portion 600, will be provided with reference to Figures 3 to 10.

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

[0049] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the bracket 300, the first connector 400, the second connector 500, and the lens portion 600 can be molded together and mounted as a single component.

[0050] First, the first connector 400 and the second connector 500 are injection molded side by side in an aligned position, so that the first connector 400, the second connector 500, and the bracket 300 can be molded as a single body. Subsequently, the lens portion 600 is formed between the first connector 400 and the second connector 500 through injection molding, so that the bracket 300, the first connector 400, the second connector 500, and the lens portion 600 can be molded as a single body.

[0051] The bracket 300 can be manufactured from a material that does not deform after molding. For example, the bracket 300 can be manufactured from plastic resin, but is not limited to this.

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

[0053] In this way, by mounting the four components as a single body, the structure of the electrical connector 700 can be simplified. This improves the productivity of the electrical connector 700 and also improves its waterproof performance.

[0054] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view based on line A-A in Figure 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0061] For example, the first tooth TW1 and the third tooth TW3 can interlock with each other in a direction that increases the contact area between the bracket 300 and the first connector 400. This increases the engagement force between the bracket 300 and the first connector 400. In Figure 5, the first tooth TW1 and the third tooth TW3 are shown as being formed in a sawtooth shape, but the design is not limited to this. The first tooth TW1 and the third tooth TW3 can be manufactured in various shapes, such as wavy or uneven, to increase the surface area in which they contact each other.

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

[0063] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view taken from line B-B in Figure 1.

[0064] Referring to Figure 6, the lens portion 600 can be made of a transparent resin material. The lens portion 600 may also include a lens 610 and a guide tube 620 extending from the lens 610.

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

[0066] Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view taken from point C-C in Figure 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0073] For example, the second tooth TW2 and the fourth tooth TW4 can interlock with each other in a direction that increases the contact area between the bracket 300 and the second connector 500. This increases the engagement force between the bracket 300 and the second connector 500. Figure 7 shows the second tooth TW2 and the fourth tooth TW4 as being formed in a sawtooth shape, but is not limited to this. The second tooth TW2 and the fourth tooth TW4 can be manufactured in various shapes, such as wavy or uneven, to increase the surface area in which they contact each other.

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

[0075] Figure 8 shows the upper case according to one embodiment.

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

[0077] Figure 9 shows a lower case according to one embodiment, and Figure 10 shows the bracket, first connector, second connector, and lens section viewed from below according to one embodiment.

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

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

[0080] The embodiment described above should be understood to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects, and the scope of the invention will be indicated by the claims set forth below, rather than by the detailed description above. The meaning and scope of these claims, as well as all modifiable forms derived from their equivalent concepts, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A first connector and a second connector are arranged such that the connectors for the inverter and the power supply are electrically and physically fastened or disconnected from each other. A bracket for engaging the first connector and the second connector, and Includes a lens portion that engages with the bracket, The lens portion includes a lens exposed to the outside of the case and an induction tube connected to the lens and the light source. The first connector and the second connector are It is formed to protrude from the bracket in the front-rear direction, The first connector, the second connector, the bracket, and the lens portion are joined together to form an integrated electrical connector.

2. The aforementioned guide tube is The electrical connector according to claim 1, comprising a first portion connected to the lens and passing through the bracket, and a second portion bent at the first portion and aligned with the light source.

3. A substrate on which a light source that operates in conjunction with the operation of a solar cell module is placed. A case containing the aforementioned substrate inside, A bracket to be attached to the aforementioned case, A first connector and a second connector that engage with the bracket, and Includes a lens portion that engages with the bracket, The lens portion includes a lens exposed to the outside of the case and an induction tube connected to the lens and the light source. The first connector includes a first 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 that contacts the first stepped surface, a third tooth that meshes with the first tooth, a second contact surface that contacts the second stepped surface, a third contact surface that contacts the third stepped surface, a fourth contact surface that contacts the fourth stepped surface, a fourth tooth that meshes with the second tooth, a fifth contact surface that contacts the fifth stepped surface, and a sixth contact surface that contacts the sixth stepped surface. The lens is an inverter for a solar cell module that contacts the outer surface of the bracket.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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