Connector module and converter containing the same

Abstract

The connector module is a connector module to be coupled to a printed circuit board having a terminal hole, and includes a bracket having a first body and a second body, a bus bar disposed within the bracket and protruding outside the first body, and a pin disposed within the second body and connected to the bus bar, wherein the bus bar has an upper plate portion disposed on the upper surface of the printed circuit board, a connection portion bent from one end of the upper plate portion and coupled into the terminal hole, and a bent portion bent from the other end of the upper plate portion and wrapping around the side of the printed circuit board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This embodiment relates to a connector module and a converter including the same.

Background Art

[0002] As automotive electrical devices, engine electrical devices (starter, ignition, charging), and lighting devices are common. Recently, as vehicles become more electronically controlled, most systems including chassis electrical devices tend to be electrified (electronically controlled).

[0003] Various electrical components such as lamps, audio systems, heaters, and air conditioners installed in automobiles receive power from the battery when the vehicle is stopped and from the generator when the vehicle is running. At this time, the power generation capacity of a 14V power supply system with a normal power supply voltage is used.

[0004] In recent years, with the development of the information technology industry, various new technologies (such as motor-driven power steering, Internet, etc.) aimed at improving the convenience of automobiles have been incorporated into vehicles. It is expected that the development of new technologies that can make the most of the current automotive system will continue in the future.

[0005] Regardless of whether it is software or hardware (type), a DC-DC converter (Low Voltage DC-DC Converter) for supplying electrical loads (12V) is installed in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Also, a DC-DC converter that plays the role of a generator (alternator) in a general gasoline vehicle reduces the high voltage of the main battery (usually a high-voltage battery of 144V or more) and supplies a voltage of 12V for electrical loads.

[0006] A DC-DC converter refers to an electronic circuit device that converts a DC power supply of one voltage to a DC power supply of another voltage and is used in various fields such as television receivers and automotive electrical components.

[0007] The converter may be shaped by a housing. A connector module may be located on the outer surface of the housing, which is electrically connected to a battery or a load. When the connector module is coupled to the external terminals, the converter can receive power from the battery or apply the converted power to the load.

[0008] The connector module is equipped with multiple connector terminals, each to be coupled to multiple external terminals having different power values. For example, there may be three external terminals and three connector terminals. Each external terminal must be coupled to a connector terminal having the same power value, which requires careful attention from the worker during the converter manufacturing process. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] This embodiment aims to provide a connector module and a converter including the same that are easy to assemble and can reduce the manufacturing cost by reducing the number of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The connector module according to this embodiment is a connector module that is coupled to a printed circuit board having terminal holes, and comprises a bracket having a first body and a second body, a busbar disposed within the bracket and protruding to the outside of the first body, and pins disposed within the second body and connected to the busbar, wherein the busbar has an upper plate portion disposed on the upper surface of the printed circuit board, a connecting portion bent from one end of the upper plate portion and coupled into the terminal hole, and a bent portion bent from the other end of the upper plate portion and wrapping around the side surface of the printed circuit board.

[0011] On the side surface of the printed circuit board, a coupling groove is placed in the area where the bent portion is located, and the side surface of the bent portion can face the inner surface of the coupling groove.

[0012] It may have a first guide portion that protrudes from the first main body and supports the lower surface of the printed circuit board, and a second guide portion that protrudes from the first main body and supports the upper surface of the printed circuit board.

[0013] The frame has a guide projection that protrudes upward on the upper surface of the first guide section, and the printed circuit board may have a guide hole formed to penetrate from the top surface to the bottom surface, into which the guide projection is connected.

[0014] The device has a third guide portion that protrudes from the first main body and supports the lower surface of the printed circuit board, and the upper surface of the third guide portion may have an inclined surface such that the vertical distance to the lower surface of the printed circuit board decreases as it moves towards the outside of the printed circuit board.

[0015] The busbar has guide ribs positioned on the outside and on the upper surface of the first body, and the lower surface of the printed circuit board may have holes arranged so as to connect to the guide ribs.

[0016] The first main body has a fourth guide portion that protrudes from it and is coupled to a printed circuit board, and the fourth guide portion may have a guide groove that accommodates the side surface of the printed circuit board, an upper region positioned above the guide groove with its lower surface facing the upper surface of the printed circuit board, and a lower region positioned below the guide groove with its upper surface facing the lower surface of the printed circuit board.

[0017] The first main body has a fifth guide portion that protrudes and supports the lower surface of the printed circuit board, and a guide projection is arranged on the upper surface of the fifth guide portion, and the printed circuit board has a hole into which the guide projection is connected, and an inclined surface may be arranged on the upper surface of the guide projection.

[0018] The first body has a sixth guide portion that protrudes from it and supports the lower surface of the printed circuit board, the sixth guide portion is located below the busbar, and an upwardly protruding guide projection is provided on the upper surface of the sixth guide portion, and the printed circuit board may have a guide hole to which the guide projection is connected.

[0019] The converter according to this embodiment includes a housing having a base and a cover disposed on the top of the base; a printed circuit board disposed inside the housing and having terminal holes; and a connector module in which at least a portion is disposed inside the housing and coupled to the printed circuit board via holes disposed on the side of the housing. The connector module includes a bracket having a first body disposed inside the housing and a second body disposed outside the housing; a busbar disposed inside the bracket and in which at least a portion protrudes outside the first body and coupled to the printed circuit board; and a pin disposed inside the second body and connected to the busbar. The busbar has an upper plate portion disposed on the upper surface of the printed circuit board; a connecting portion bent from one end of the upper plate portion and coupled into the terminal holes; and a bent portion bent from the other end of the upper plate portion and wrapping around the side of the printed circuit board. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, the shape of the busbar increases the contact area with the printed circuit board, which has the advantage of allowing the busbar to be firmly fixed to the printed circuit board. Furthermore, since the printed circuit board is supported via multiple guide parts within the connector module, it is possible to prevent the busbar from detaching from the printed circuit board at will, which has the advantage of reducing the number of fastening parts and assembly steps. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a converter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the lower surface of the converter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]It is a plan view showing the upper surface of the converter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of the converter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view showing FIG. 4 from another angle. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view showing the state of connection between the printed circuit board and the bus bar according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a plan view showing the upper surface of the connector module according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the bus bar according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view showing the connection state between the printed circuit board and the connector module according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with a part cut open. [Figure 10] It is an exploded perspective view of the converter according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is an exploded perspective view showing FIG. 10 from another angle. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view showing the state of connection between the connector module and the printed circuit board according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view showing a cut-open view of one area of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view showing a cut-open view of another area of FIG. 12. [Figure 15] It is an exploded perspective view of the converter according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is an exploded perspective view showing FIG. 15 from another angle. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view showing the state of connection between the connector module and the printed circuit board according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a plan view showing the state of connection between the printed circuit board and the bus bar according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] It is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement structure of the bus bar in the connector module according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view showing a connector module according to a third embodiment of the present invention coupled to a printed circuit board, with a portion of it cut open. [Figure 21] This is an exploded perspective view of a converter according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view showing the figure from a different angle. [Figure 23] This is a perspective view illustrating the connection between a connector module and a printed circuit board according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing a portion of Figure 23 that has been cut open. [Figure 25] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connection between a connector module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and a printed circuit board. [Figure 26] This is an exploded perspective view of a converter according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view showing the figure from a different angle. [Figure 28] This is an exploded perspective view of a connector module and printed circuit board according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0023] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described, and can be implemented in various forms that are different from each other. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of the components can be selectively combined and substituted between embodiments.

[0024] Furthermore, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) shall be interpreted in a way that is generally understandable to a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, and terms that are commonly used, such as predefined terms, should be interpreted in consideration of their meaning in the context of the relevant art.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the invention. 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 (or one or more) of B and C", it may include one or more of all combinations that can be made of A, B and C.

[0026] Furthermore, when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., can be used.

[0027] These terms are used to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the component in question.

[0028] Furthermore, when it is stated that one component is “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, this includes not only cases where the component is directly linked, joined, or connected to that other component, but also cases where it is “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” by yet another component between that component and the other component.

[0029] Furthermore, when it is stated that something is formed or positioned "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more additional components are formed or positioned between the two components. Also, when expressed as "above" or "below," it can include not only an upward direction but also a downward direction relative to one component.

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a converter according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the converter according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a plan view showing the top surface of the converter according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the converter according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 4 from a different angle; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection between the printed circuit board and the busbar according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a plan view showing the top surface of the connector module according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the busbar according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the connection between the printed circuit board and the connector module according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with a portion cut open.

[0031] Referring to Figures 1-8, the converter 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may have its outer shape formed by a housing. An internal space for driving the converter 10 may be formed inside the housing. The housing may be formed by coupling a base 30 and a cover 20. The internal space may be located inside the area formed by the coupling of the base 30 and the cover 20. The cover 20 can be coupled to the top of the base 30. The base 30 and the cover 20 can be coupled to each other via screws (not shown).

[0032] A refrigerant pipe 40 can be connected to the base 30. A space may be formed inside the base 30 to accommodate at least a portion of the refrigerant pipe 40. The refrigerant pipe 40 is formed in a pipe shape, with a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet at each end, and a flow path may be formed inside. Therefore, the refrigerant that flows in through the refrigerant inlet may circulate along the flow path and be discharged through the refrigerant outlet. This allows the heat generated by the operation of electronic components placed in the internal space to be dissipated.

[0033] At least one electronic component for driving the converter 10 may be placed inside the housing. For example, the housing may contain a printed circuit board 110, a transformer for voltage regulation, an inductor 112 for obtaining inductance, and an FET element such as a transistor. The electronic components such as the transformer, the inductor 112, and the FET element may be placed on the upper and lower surfaces of the printed circuit board 110 and electrically connected.

[0034] An external terminal coupling portion 50 to which external terminals are connected may be provided on the side of the housing. The external terminal coupling portion 50 may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 110. External terminals (not shown) can be connected to the external terminal coupling portion 50. The external terminals are electrically connected to the converter 10 by connection to the external terminal coupling portion 50, and can supply power to the converter 10 or transmit and receive electrical signals related to the driving of the converter 10. A groove 22 for the placement of the external terminal coupling portion 50 may be formed on the lower surface of the cover 20 corresponding to the area where the external terminal coupling portion 50 is located.

[0035] A connector module 130 may be arranged on the side of the housing facing the area where the external terminal coupling portion 50 is located. The connector module 130 may be arranged on the side of the housing and exposed to the outside. At least a portion of the connector module 130 can be arranged inside the housing and coupled to the printed circuit board 110.

[0036] The connector module 130 electrically connects the converter 10 to a battery (not shown) and to a load, so that the power supplied from the battery is converted by the converter 10. The converted power may be applied to the load. For example, a high-voltage power supplied from the battery may be converted by the converter 10 to apply a low-voltage power to the load. Therefore, the connector module 130 may connect a configuration for supplying power to the converter 10 or a configuration for supplying power from the converter 10.

[0037] However, this is illustrative, and the connector module 130 can be defined as including any configuration that is arranged on the outer surface of the housing 10 for the external terminals related to the driving of the converter 10 to be electrically and physically connected.

[0038] The connector module 130 described above may include a bracket 131, pins 190, and a busbar 170.

[0039] The bracket 131 can form the outer shape of the connector module 130. The bracket 131 may be made of a plastic material. The bracket 131 may have spaces for the pins 190 and the busbars 170. At least a portion of the bracket 131 may be located outside the housing, and the other portion may be located inside the housing. A hole 72 (see Figure 6) may be formed on the side of the housing through which the bracket 131 passes. The hole 72 may be located between the base 30 and the cover 20. The hole 72 may be formed by the coupling of the base 30 and the cover 20. At least a portion of the bracket 131 may be inserted into the space inside the housing through the hole 72.

[0040] A second screw hole may be formed on the lower surface of the bracket 131, corresponding to the first screw hole formed on the base 30. This allows the bracket 131 and the base 30 to be screw-connected to each other via screws.

[0041] The bracket 131 may include a first body 144 positioned inside the housing and a second body 138 positioned outside the housing. In addition, the bracket 131 may include a third body 142 connecting the first body 144 and the second body 138.

[0042] The first body 144 may be placed inside the housing. The first body 144 can be joined so as to pass through the hole 72. A sealing member 70 may be placed between the first body 144 and the inner surface of the hole 72. The sealing member 70 has a ring-shaped cross-section and may be placed between the outer surface of the first body 144 and the inner surface of the hole 72. The sealing member 70 may be made of rubber. The sealing member 70 can prevent foreign matter from entering the housing.

[0043] In contrast, the sealing member 70 may be formed by applying a liquid hardening agent between the outer surface of the first main body 144 and the inner surface of the hole 72 and allowing it to harden.

[0044] The first main body 144 described above can have at least a portion extending into the space within the housing and have a coupling structure with the printed circuit board 110. This will be described later.

[0045] The second body 138 may be positioned outside the housing. The second body 138 may have a first screw hole 139 formed to penetrate from the top surface to the bottom surface. A second screw hole 39 may be formed on the upper surface of the base 30 opposite the first screw hole 139. This allows the screw to pass through the first screw hole 139 and screw-connect to the second screw hole 39 on the base 30. This allows the bracket 131 to be firmly fixed on the base 30. Multiple screw connection areas are provided between the bracket 131 and the base 30.

[0046] A support portion 137 may be formed on the lower surface of the second main body 138, protruding downward from other areas. The inner surface of the support portion 137 can contact the side surface of the base 30 when the connector module 130 is coupled to the housing.

[0047] A terminal coupling portion 134 to which an external terminal is connected may be disposed on the second body 138. A groove-shaped terminal groove 136 may be disposed inside the terminal coupling portion 134. The pin 190 may be disposed within the terminal groove 136. The terminal groove 136 is demarcated from other areas by the terminal coupling portion 134. The terminal coupling portion 134 may be a partition wall that demarcates the terminal groove 136 from other areas. The cross-sectional shape of the terminal coupling portion 134 may be semicircular. The terminal coupling portion 134 has a bottom surface, and the pin 190 may be arranged to protrude upward from the bottom surface. A bottom portion 132 is disposed below the terminal coupling portion 134, and the bottom surface located on the upper surface can support the lower end of the pin 190.

[0048] Multiple terminal grooves 136 may be provided. For example, there may be three terminal grooves 136. The number of terminal coupling portions 134 may correspond to the number of terminal grooves 136. Each of the terminal coupling portions 134 separates each of the multiple terminal grooves 136 from other areas.

[0049] The third body 142 is positioned between the first body 144 and the second body 138 and can protrude upward from the other areas. The cross-sectional area of ​​the third body 142 may be larger than that of the first body 144. The vertical length of the third body 142 may be larger than that of the first body 144. The upper surface of the third body 142 may be positioned above the upper surface of the first body 144 with a step.

[0050] As a result, when the connector module 130 is coupled to the housing, the coupling area of ​​the bracket 131 within the housing can be guided by the third body 142. That is, insertion of the first body 144 into the hole 72 can be performed until the inner surface of the third body 142 comes into contact with the side surface of the housing. At least a portion of the sealing member 70 can come into contact with the inner surface of the third body 142.

[0051] The connector module 130 may include a pin 190. The pin 190 may be electrically connected to the external terminal. The pin 190 can be coupled to the busbar 170. The pin 190 may be electrically connected to the busbar 170. The pin 190 may be made of a metallic material.

[0052] The pin 190 may include a head 194 and a terminal portion 192. The head 194 is positioned on the upper surface of the base 132, and the terminal portion 192 may extend upward from the upper surface of the head 194. The upper end of the pin 190 may be positioned lower than the upper end of the terminal coupling portion 134. The area of ​​the upper surface of the base 132 where the head 194 is positioned may have a groove shape that is recessed downward compared to other areas.

[0053] The pins 190 described above may be multiple and may be located in each of the multiple terminal grooves 136. The multiple pins 190 may include a first pin 190a, a second pin 190b, and a third pin 190c. The multiple pins 190 may be located in each of the multiple terminal grooves 136 and may not be electrically connected to one another. Different voltages may be applied to the multiple pins 190. For example, a voltage of 12V may be applied to the first pin 190a, a voltage in the ground region may be applied to the second pin 190b, and a voltage of 48V may be applied to the third pin 190c.

[0054] The connector module 130 may include a busbar 170. The busbar 170 may have one end coupled to the pin 190 and the other end coupled to the printed circuit board 110. The converter 10, including the external terminal and the printed circuit board 110, may be electrically connected via the busbar 170 and the pin 190.

[0055] A space may be formed within the bracket 131 to accommodate the busbar 170. The busbar 170 may have one end connected to the pin 190 and extend into the housing through the second body 138, the third body 142, and the first body 144. The area within the bracket 131 where the busbar 170 is located can be compactly formed to prevent the busbar 170 from moving freely. The busbar 170 may be made of a metal material and may be integrally formed with the bracket 131 by insert injection molding.

[0056] The busbar 170 may be provided in multiples of n. The multiple busbars 170 may include a first busbar 170a connected to the first pin 190a, a second busbar 170b connected to the second pin 190b, and a third busbar 170c connected to the third pin 190c. The first to third busbars 170a, 170b, and 170c may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The first to third busbars 170a, 170b, and 170c may also have voltages of different magnitudes applied to them, corresponding to the first to third pins 190a, 190b, and 190c.

[0057] The busbar 170 may have a region that is bent at least once. More specifically, the busbar 170 may include a first region and a second region 178. The second region 178 may be received within the bracket 131, and the first region may protrude outside the bracket 131 and be located within the housing. The first region and the second region 178 may be formed integrally.

[0058] At least a portion of the second region 178 may be located within the terminal groove 136. At least a portion of the second region 178 may be located on the bottom surface of the terminal groove 136. A hole may be formed in the second region 178 located within the terminal groove 136, extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. The terminal portion 192 of the pin 190 can be connected to this hole so as to pass through it. This electrically connects the pin 190 and the busbar 170 to each other.

[0059] The first region described above can be connected to the printed circuit board 110. The first region can also be called the printed circuit board connection portion because it is connected to the printed circuit board 110, and the second region 178 can also be called the pin connection portion because it is connected to the pins 190.

[0060] The first region described above can protrude to the outside of the bracket 131 and be connected to the printed circuit board 110. The first region may include an upper plate portion 174 placed on the printed circuit board 110, a connecting portion 172 bent downward from one end of the upper plate portion 174, and a bent portion 176 bent downward from the other end of the upper plate portion 174 so as to connect the other end of the upper plate portion 174 to the second region 178. Due to the bent portion 176, the upper plate portion 174 is positioned with an upward step relative to the second region 178. The connecting portion 172 and the bent portion 176 may be positioned parallel to each other. The upper plate portion 174 may be positioned parallel to the second region 178. The lower surface of the upper plate portion 174 may be separated from the upper surface of the printed circuit board 110 by a predetermined distance, or its lower surface may be in contact with the upper surface of the printed circuit board 110.

[0061] The printed circuit board 110 may have terminal holes 114 formed therein, extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, into which the connection portion 172 is connected. For example, there may be three connection portions 172 based on a single busbar 170, and the number of terminal holes 114 may also be three, corresponding to the number of connection portions 172. The connection portion 172 may be soldered into the terminal holes 114. The busbar 170, the first printed circuit board 110, and the pins 190 may be electrically connected to each other by the connection of the connection portion 172 and the terminal holes 114.

[0062] In summary, in the first region described above, the bent portion 176 is positioned so that its inner surface faces the side surface of the printed circuit board 110, the lower surface of the upper plate portion 174 is positioned so that it faces the upper surface of the printed circuit board 110, and the connecting portion 172 can be coupled to the terminal hole 114. As a result, the busbar 170 is firmly fixed on the printed circuit board 110 due to the increased contact area with the printed circuit board 110.

[0063] On the other hand, a coupling groove 111 may be formed on the side surface of the printed circuit board 110, recessed inward from other areas. The coupling groove 111 can accommodate at least a portion of the bent portion 176, corresponding to the placement area of ​​the bus bar 170. The inner surface of the bent portion 176 can contact the bottom surface of the coupling groove 111. This allows the bus bar 170 to be coupled more inward to the printed circuit board 110, increasing the contact area with the printed circuit board 110. Furthermore, since both sides of the bent portion 176 are supported by the inner surface of the coupling groove 111, the bus bar 170 can be firmly fixed within the coupling groove 111, which is an advantage.

[0064] The following describes the coupling structure between the connector module 130 and the printed circuit board 110.

[0065] As described above, the busbar 170 has a coupling structure with the printed circuit board 110 via the bent portion 176, the upper plate portion 174, and the connecting portion 172.

[0066] On the other hand, for secure fastening between the printed circuit board 110 and the connector module 130, the connector module 130 may include a first guide portion 146 and a second guide portion 152. The first guide portion 146 and the second guide portion 152 are each positioned to protrude inward from the first body 144 and can support the upper or lower surface of the printed circuit board 110. The first guide portion 146 and the second guide portion 152 may be formed integrally with the bracket 131.

[0067] The first guide portion 146 may protrude inward from the inner surface of the first body 144 facing the side surface of the printed circuit board 110 and be positioned below the printed circuit board 110. Multiple first guide portions 146 may be provided and positioned outside the multiple busbars 170. Multiple first guide portions 146 may be positioned at both ends of the first body 144.

[0068] The upper surface of the first guide portion 146 can face the lower surface of the printed circuit board 110. A portion of the upper surface of the first guide portion 146 can be separated from the lower surface of the printed circuit board 110 by a predetermined distance. Another portion of the upper surface of the first guide portion 146 can be in contact with the lower surface of the printed circuit board 110. An inclined surface 146a may be formed on the upper surface of the first guide portion 146, such that the thickness of the first guide portion 146 decreases towards the inside. This allows the first guide portion 146 to easily slide along the lower surface of the printed circuit board 110 when the connector module 130 and the printed circuit board 110 are connected.

[0069] A guide projection 147 projecting upward may be formed on the upper surface of the first guide portion 146. The guide projection 147 may be positioned approximately in the center of the first guide portion 146. An inclined surface 148 with a different height from other areas is formed on the upper surface of the guide projection 147, allowing it to easily slide when connected to the printed circuit board 110 via the inclined surface 148. The cross-sectional shape of the guide projection 147 may be circular.

[0070] The printed circuit board 110 may have guide holes 118 formed to penetrate from the top surface to the bottom surface, into which the guide projections 147 are connected when the connector module 130 is connected. Specifically, when the connector module 130 and the printed circuit board 110 are connected, the first guide portion 146 slides along the bottom surface of the printed circuit board 110, and the guide projections 147 are inserted into the guide holes 118. Therefore, the connection structure between the multiple guide projections 147 within the first guide portions 146 and the guide holes 118 prevents the connector module 130 from moving in a direction parallel to the printed circuit board 110, and firmly maintains the connection with the printed circuit board 110.

[0071] The second guide portion 152 may protrude inward from the first main body 144 and be positioned on the upper part of the printed circuit board 110. The second guide portion 152 may be provided in multiple quantities and positioned between the multiple first guide portions 146. For example, the second guide portion 152 may be positioned between the first bus bar 170a and the second bus bar 170b, or between the second bus bar 170b and the third bus bar 170c. The lower surface of the second guide portion 152 can contact the upper surface of the printed circuit board 110 or be separated by a predetermined distance. The upper surface of the second guide portion 152 may be positioned above the upper surface of the upper plate portion 174. On the other hand, the lower surface of the second guide portion 152 may also have an inclined surface or a curved surface formed thereon to allow the printed circuit board 110 to slide easily.

[0072] Therefore, since the lower surface of the printed circuit board 110 is supported by the first guide portion 146 and the upper surface of the printed circuit board 110 is supported by the lower surface of the second guide portion 152, the connector module 130 is prevented from moving in the vertical direction perpendicular to the printed circuit board 110, and the connection with the printed circuit board 110 is firmly fixed.

[0073] On the other hand, the converter 10 is assembled by first connecting the printed circuit board 110 and the connector module 130, then connecting the printed circuit board 110 and the connector 130 onto the base 30, and finally connecting the cover 20 and the base 30.

[0074] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a converter according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 10 from a different angle; Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating the connection between a connector module and a printed circuit board according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a dissection of one region of Figure 12; and Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a dissection of another region of Figure 12.

[0075] In this embodiment, other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment, except for the difference in the coupling structure between the connector module and the printed circuit board. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below, and the remaining parts will refer to the description of the first embodiment.

[0076] Referring to Figures 10-14, the connector module 230 according to this embodiment may similarly include a bracket 231, a first body 244, and a second body 238. The busbar 270 can also form a coupling structure with the printed circuit board 210 via a bent portion 276, an upper plate portion 274, and a connecting portion 272. On the other hand, similar to the first embodiment, a coupling groove 211 for coupling the busbar 270 is formed on the side surface of the printed circuit board 210.

[0077] For secure fastening between the printed circuit board 210 and the connector module 230, the connector module 230 may include a third guide portion 246. The third guide portion 246 is positioned to protrude inward from the first body 244 and can support the lower surface of the printed circuit board 210. The third guide portion 246 may be formed integrally with the bracket 231. The upper surface of the third guide portion 246 can contact the lower surface of the printed circuit board 210 or be spaced a predetermined distance away from the lower surface of the printed circuit board 210.

[0078] The upper surface of the third guide portion 246 may have an inclined surface formed such that the vertical distance to the lower surface of the printed circuit board 210 decreases as it moves towards the outside of the printed circuit board 210. Furthermore, two or more stepped surfaces of different heights may be arranged on the upper surface of the third guide portion 246. This allows the third guide portion 246 to easily slide to the lower surface of the printed circuit board 210 when the connector module 230 and the printed circuit board 210 are connected.

[0079] The third guide portion 246 may be provided in multiple quantities and positioned between multiple busbars. For example, multiple third guide portions 246 may be positioned between the first busbar 270a and the second busbar 270b, and between the second busbar 270b and the third busbar 270c, respectively. Through the third guide portion 246, the connector module 230 is prevented from moving in the direction perpendicular to the printed circuit board 210, and its connection to the printed circuit board 210 is firmly fixed.

[0080] On the other hand, guide ribs 258 may be additionally arranged on the upper surface of the first body 244 facing the lower surface of the printed circuit board 210. The area of ​​the first body 244 in which the guide ribs 258 are formed may protrude outward more than other areas. The guide ribs 258 may be arranged at both ends of the first body 244 and outside the busbar 270.

[0081] Furthermore, holes may be formed in the printed circuit board 210 so as to accommodate the guide ribs 258. When the connector module 230 is connected, the guide ribs 258 can be connected to the holes. This allows for a more robust connection between the connector module 230 and the printed circuit board 210.

[0082] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of a converter according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 15 from a different angle; Figure 17 is a perspective view illustrating the connection between a connector module and a printed circuit board according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 is a plan view illustrating the connection between a printed circuit board and a busbar according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement structure of busbars within a connector module according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 20 is a perspective view showing a partially cut-open view of the connector module and printed circuit board connected according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] In this embodiment, other parts are the same as in the first embodiment, except for the coupling structure between the connector module and the printed circuit board. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below, and the remaining parts will refer to the description of the first embodiment.

[0084] Referring to Figures 15-20, the connector module 330 according to this embodiment may similarly include a bracket 331, a first body 344, and a second body 338. Furthermore, the busbar 370 can form a coupling structure with the printed circuit board 310 via a bent portion 376, an upper plate portion 374, and a connecting portion 372.

[0085] On the other hand, similar to the first embodiment, a coupling groove 311 for coupling the busbar 370 is formed on the side surface of the printed circuit board 310. Therefore, as shown in Figure 18, at least a part of the bent portion 376 may be placed in the coupling groove 311, and the side surface of the bent portion 376 may be supported by the inner surface of the coupling groove 311. As explained in the first embodiment, this improves the coupling force between the busbar 370 and the printed circuit board 310.

[0086] In this embodiment, for secure fastening between the printed circuit board 310 and the connector module 330, the connector module 330 may include a fourth guide portion 350. The fourth guide portion 350 is positioned to protrude inward from the first body 344 and can support the lower surface of the printed circuit board 310. The fourth guide portion 350 may be formed integrally with the bracket 331. The fourth guide portion 350 can support the side surface of the printed circuit board 310. The fourth guide portion 350 can accommodate a portion of the side surface of the printed circuit board 310.

[0087] In detail, coupling grooves 311 are formed on the side surface of the printed circuit board 310, and multiple coupling grooves 311 are provided by multiple busbars 370. As a result, coupling portions 317 defined by the side surface of the printed circuit board 310 may be arranged between adjacent coupling grooves 311. The fourth guide portion 350 is coupled to the coupling portion 317 and can support the upper surface, side surface, and lower surface of the coupling portion 317.

[0088] The fourth guide section 350 may be provided in multiple units and arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The fourth guide section 350 may be positioned between the first bus bar 370a and the second bus bar 370b, and between the second bus bar 370b and the third bus bar 370c.

[0089] A guide groove 353 may be formed on the side surface of the fourth guide portion 350 facing the printed circuit board 310, which is recessed compared to other areas. The fourth guide portion 350 can accommodate at least a portion of the printed circuit board 310 via the guide groove 353. The coupling portion 317 may be positioned within the guide groove 353. The guide groove 353 divides the fourth guide portion 350 into an upper region 354 and a lower region 352. The lower surface of the upper region 354 can support the upper surface of the printed circuit board 310, and the upper surface of the lower region 352 can support the lower surface of the printed circuit board 310. The vertical length of the guide groove 353 may correspond to or be larger than the thickness of the printed circuit board 310.

[0090] With the above-described structure, the connector module 330 is prevented from flowing in a direction perpendicular to the printed circuit board 310 via the fourth guide portion 350, and the connection with the printed circuit board 310 can be firmly maintained.

[0091] On the other hand, in this embodiment as well, the guide rib 258 and hole coupling structure of the second embodiment can be formed to reinforce the coupling strength between the printed circuit board 310 and the connector module 330.

[0092] Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of a converter according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 21 from a different angle; Figure 23 is a perspective view illustrating the connection between a connector module and a printed circuit board according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 24 is a drawing showing a portion of Figure 23 cut open; and Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connection between a connector module and a printed circuit board according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] In this embodiment, other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment, except for the difference in the coupling structure between the connector module and the printed circuit board. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below, and the remaining parts will refer to the description of the first embodiment.

[0094] Referring to Figures 21-25, the connector module 430 according to this embodiment may similarly include a bracket 431, a first body 444, and a second body 438. Furthermore, the busbar 470 can form a coupling structure with the printed circuit board 410 via a bent portion 476, an upper plate portion 474, and a connecting portion 472.

[0095] On the other hand, similar to the first embodiment, coupling grooves 411 for coupling the busbar 470 are formed on the side surface of the printed circuit board 410. Therefore, at least a portion of the bent portion 476 may be placed in the coupling groove 411, and the side surface of the bent portion 476 may be supported by the inner surface of the coupling groove 411. As explained in the first embodiment, this improves the coupling force between the busbar 470 and the printed circuit board 410.

[0096] In this embodiment, for secure fastening between the printed circuit board 410 and the connector module 430, the connector module 430 may include a fifth guide portion 450. The fifth guide portion 450 is positioned to protrude inward from the first body 444 and can support the lower surface of the printed circuit board 410. The fifth guide portion 450 may be formed integrally with the bracket 431. The upper surface of the fifth guide portion 450 may be positioned to face the lower surface of the printed circuit board 410. The upper surface of the fifth guide portion 450 can contact the lower surface of the printed circuit board 410.

[0097] The fifth guide section 450 may be provided in multiple units and arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The fifth guide section 450 may be positioned between multiple bus bars 470. For example, the fifth guide section 450 may be positioned between the first bus bar 470a and the second bus bar 470b, and between the second bus bar 470b and the third bus bar 470c.

[0098] A guide projection 452 projecting upward may be formed on the upper surface of the fifth guide portion 450. The guide projection 452 may have a circular cross-section. To allow for easy sliding along the lower surface of the printed circuit board 410, an inclined surface 452a may be formed on the upper surface of the guide projection 452, such that its height from the upper surface of the fifth guide portion 450 increases towards the outside.

[0099] The printed circuit board 410 may have a guide hole 417 formed that extends from the top surface to the bottom surface, into which the guide projection 452 is inserted when the connector module 430 is connected. Specifically, when the connector module 430 and the printed circuit board 410 are connected, the fifth guide portion 450 slides along the bottom surface of the printed circuit board 410, and the guide projection 452 is inserted into the guide hole 417. The height of the guide projection 452 from the top surface of the fifth guide portion 450 may be longer than the thickness of the printed circuit board 410. This allows the guide projection 452 to protrude a predetermined distance above the printed circuit board 410.

[0100] Therefore, the coupling structure between the guide projections 452 in the multiple fifth guide portions 450 and the guide holes 417 prevents the connector module 430 from flowing in a direction parallel to the printed circuit board 410, thereby firmly maintaining the coupling state with the printed circuit board 110.

[0101] Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of a converter according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 26 from a different angle, and Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view of a connector module and printed circuit board according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] In this embodiment, other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment, except for the difference in the coupling structure between the connector module and the printed circuit board. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be described below, and the remaining parts will refer to the description of the first embodiment.

[0103] Referring to Figures 26-28, the connector module 530 according to this embodiment may similarly include a bracket 531, a first body 544, and a second body 538. Furthermore, the busbar 570 can form a coupling structure with the printed circuit board 510 via a bent portion, an upper plate portion, and a connecting portion.

[0104] For a secure connection between the printed circuit board 510 and the connector module 530, the connector module 530 may include a sixth guide portion 550 and a seventh guide portion 548. The sixth guide portion 550 is positioned to project inward from the first body 544 and can support the lower surface of the printed circuit board 510. The sixth guide portion 550 may be positioned below the bus bar 570. The sixth guide portion 550 may be positioned to overlap the bus bar 570 in the vertical direction. A separation space 555 may be formed between the sixth guide portion 550 and the bus bar 570 so that the printed circuit board 510 can be coupled to it.

[0105] The sixth guide section 550 described above may be provided in multiple units and positioned below each of the multiple bus bars 570.

[0106] The length of the bus bar 570 protruding from the end of the first main body 544 may be longer than that of the sixth guide portion 550.

[0107] The sixth guide portion 550 can have its upper surface facing the lower surface of the printed circuit board 510. The upper surface of the sixth guide portion 550 can contact the lower surface of the printed circuit board 510. The upper surface of the sixth guide portion 550 may have an inclined surface 551 formed thereon, which becomes thinner towards the inside. This allows the sixth guide portion 550 to easily slide along the lower surface of the printed circuit board 510 when the connector module 530 and the printed circuit board 510 are connected.

[0108] A guide projection 552 projecting upward may be formed on the upper surface of the sixth guide portion 550. The guide projection 552 may have a circular or elliptical cross-section. The upper surface of the guide projection 552 can be separated from the lower surface of the busbar 570 by a predetermined distance. An inclined surface may also be formed on the upper surface of the guide projection 552.

[0109] The printed circuit board 510 may have a guide hole 518 formed to penetrate from the top surface to the bottom surface, into which the guide projection 552 is connected when the connector module 530 is connected. The guide hole 518 may be positioned outside the terminal hole 514, with respect to the terminal hole 514 into which the connection portion 572 of the busbar 570 is connected.

[0110] When the connector module 530 and the printed circuit board 510 are connected, the fifth guide portion 550 slides along the lower surface of the printed circuit board 510, allowing the guide projection 552 to connect with the guide hole 518. Therefore, the connection structure between the guide projections 552 in the plurality of sixth guide portions 550 and the guide hole 518 prevents the connector module 530 from moving in a direction parallel to the printed circuit board 510, thereby firmly maintaining the connection with the printed circuit board 510.

[0111] The seventh guide portion 548 may protrude inward from the first main body 544 and be positioned on the upper part of the printed circuit board 510. Multiple seventh guide portions 548 may be provided and positioned between the multiple busbars 570. The lower surface of the seventh guide portion 548 can contact the upper surface of the printed circuit board 510 or be separated by a predetermined distance. The upper surface of the seventh guide portion 548 may be positioned above the upper surface of the upper plate portion 574. The lower surface of the seventh guide portion 548 may also have an inclined surface or a curved surface formed thereon to allow the printed circuit board 510 to slide easily.

[0112] Therefore, since the lower surface of the printed circuit board 510 is supported by the sixth guide portion 550 and the upper surface of the printed circuit board 510 is supported by the lower surface of the seventh guide portion 548, the connector module 530 is prevented from moving in both the vertical direction perpendicular to the printed circuit board 510 and the horizontal direction parallel to it, and the connection with the printed circuit board 510 is firmly fixed.

[0113] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above as being combined into one or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the object of the present invention, all of its components can also be selectively combined into one or more and operate together. Furthermore, terms such as "includes," "constitutes," or "has," as described above, should be interpreted as meaning that the component in question may be inherent, rather than excluding other components, and therefore may further include other components, unless otherwise stated. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as predefined terms, should be interpreted as corresponding to their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

[0114] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention, and any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only, not to limit the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector module that is coupled to a printed circuit board having terminal holes, A bracket having a first body and a second body, A plurality of busbars are arranged within the bracket and protrude outward from the first main body, The second body is located within the main body and has a pin that is connected to the busbar, Each of the aforementioned busbars is: The upper plate portion is positioned on the upper surface of the printed circuit board, A connecting portion which is bent from one end of the upper plate portion and connected to the terminal hole, It has a folded portion that is bent from the other end of the upper plate portion and wraps around the side surface of the printed circuit board, The aforementioned bracket is A first guide portion protrudes from the surface of the first main body facing the side surface of the printed circuit board, and its upper surface faces the lower surface of the printed circuit board, and It includes a second guide portion that protrudes from the surface of the first main body facing the side surface of the printed circuit board, and whose lower surface faces the upper surface of the printed circuit board, Multiple first guide sections are provided, each positioned on both sides of the multiple busbars, A connector module comprising multiple second guide sections, each positioned between the multiple busbars.

2. A coupling groove is provided in the area where the bent portion is located on the side surface of the printed circuit board. The connector module according to claim 1, wherein the side surface of the bent portion faces the inner surface of the coupling groove.

3. An upwardly projecting guide projection is arranged on the upper surface of the first guide portion. The connector module according to claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board is formed to penetrate from the top surface to the bottom surface and includes a guide hole into which the guide projection is coupled.

4. An inclined surface having a different thickness is formed on the upper surface of the first guide portion, The connector module according to claim 3, wherein an inclined surface is formed on the upper surface of the guide projection.

5. The bracket is formed by integrally creating the plurality of busbars by insert injection, The connector module according to claim 1, wherein the position of the busbar within the bracket is constrained in the vertical and horizontal directions by the first guide portion and the second guide portion.

6. The connector module according to claim 1, wherein an inclined surface or a curved surface is formed on the lower surface of the second guide portion in the direction in which the printed circuit board is inserted.

7. The second guide portion is The second body protrudes into the region between the plurality of busbars, The second guide section is positioned at a distance from the sides of two adjacent busbars. The connector module according to claim 1, wherein the width of the second guide portion is formed to be smaller than the distance between the two adjacent busbars.

8. The guide projection has a circular shape, The connector module according to claim 3, wherein the guide hole is formed to have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the guide projection.

9. A housing having a base and a cover positioned on top of the base, A printed circuit board having terminal holes is disposed within the housing, The housing has a connector module, at least a portion of which is located inside the housing and coupled to the printed circuit board, through a hole located on the side of the housing, The aforementioned connector module is A bracket having a first body disposed inside the housing and a second body disposed outside the housing, A plurality of busbars are arranged within the bracket, with at least a portion of them protruding outside the first main body and connected to the printed circuit board, The second body is located and has pins that are connected to the plurality of busbars, Each of the aforementioned busbars is: The upper plate portion is positioned on the upper surface of the printed circuit board, A connecting portion which is bent from one end of the upper plate portion and connected to the terminal hole, It has a folded portion that is bent from the other end of the upper plate portion and wraps around the side surface of the printed circuit board, The aforementioned bracket is A first guide portion protrudes from the surface of the first main body facing the side surface of the printed circuit board, and its upper surface faces the lower surface of the printed circuit board, and It includes a second guide portion that protrudes from the surface of the first main body facing the side surface of the printed circuit board, and whose lower surface faces the upper surface of the printed circuit board, Multiple first guide sections are provided, each positioned on both sides of the multiple busbars, The converter is provided with multiple second guide sections, each positioned between the multiple busbars.

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