Connector and solar power generation device including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector and a solar power generation device including same, wherein the connector is characterized by comprising: a first terminal unit; a second terminal unit spaced apart from the first terminal unit; and a safety blocking unit provided between the first terminal unit and the second terminal unit, and operated in response to a temperature change to block the electrical connection between the first terminal unit and the second terminal unit.

Description

Connector and solar power generation device including same

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

[0002] Typically, a solar power plant converts light energy into electrical energy. Multiple solar cell modules are connected in series and parallel using wires and connectors. Each parallel-connected solar cell module is connected to a common solar panel to supply power to an inverter.

[0003] Among the causes of fires in solar power generation equipment, arcs can occur due to gaps between connectors that electrically connect solar cell modules, and the increase in contact resistance and accumulation of resistance components due to the gaps between connectors can cause the connectors to overheat, which can lead to a fire.

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of preventing fire by cutting off power in the event of abnormal overheating, and a solar power generation device including the same.

[0005] A connector according to the present invention includes: a first terminal portion, a second terminal portion spaced apart from the first terminal portion, and a safety cutoff portion provided between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion, the safety cutoff portion being operated according to a temperature change to cut off electrical connection between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion.

[0006] The safety cutoff portion may include a first connection portion connected to the first terminal portion, a second connection portion connected to the second terminal portion, and a deformation portion that blocks electrical connection with at least one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0007] The above-mentioned deformation part is connected to the first connection part, and a free end not bound to the second connection part is in contact with the second connection part, and the deformation part is thermally deformed when the temperature is higher than a set temperature, so that the second connection part and the free end can be separated.

[0008] The above-mentioned deformation portion can be bent.

[0009] The above deformation member may include a first deformation member and a second deformation member laminated with the first deformation member.

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

[0011] It may further include a cover member that surrounds the above-mentioned deformation portion and the second connection portion.

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

[0013] If the above-mentioned deformation portion is deformed, the cover member may be broken.

[0014] An elastic member may be further included on one side of the above-mentioned deformation portion to support the above-mentioned deformation portion and provide elastic force in a direction opposite to the deformation direction of the above-mentioned deformation portion.

[0015] The above elastic member can have a variable length depending on the deformation of the above deformation portion.

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

[0017] The first deformation portion and the second deformation portion may be separated by thermal deformation when the temperature is higher than the set temperature.

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

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

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

[0021] A solar power generation device according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of solar cell modules and a connector electrically connecting the plurality of solar cell modules.

[0022] The above connector can interrupt electrical connection between a plurality of the above solar cell modules depending on temperature changes.

[0023] It may further include a control unit connected to the connector to detect whether the connector is operating.

[0024] The above control unit can output an alarm when the connector is operated and the electrical connection between the plurality of solar cell modules is cut off.

[0025] A connector according to an embodiment of the present invention and a solar power generation device including the same have the effect of preventing a fire in the solar power generation device due to overheating of the connector by a safety cut-off part that is thermally deformed and cuts off power when the temperature exceeds a set temperature.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a safety cutoff part cuts off power in a connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cover member in a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a safety cutoff part cuts off power in a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a safety cutoff part cuts off power in a connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a safety cutoff part cuts off power in a connector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 11 is a schematic drawing showing a solar power generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the connection relationship between a control unit and a connector in a solar power generation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of a connector and a solar power generation device including the connector according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines and the sizes of components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined based on their functions in the present invention and may vary depending on the intent or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the overall content of this specification.

[0039] Additionally, in this specification, when it is said that a part is "connected (or connected)" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected (or connected)" but also cases where it is "indirectly connected (or connected)" with another member in between. In this specification, when it is said that a part "includes (or comprises)" a certain component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components can be "included (or comprised)" unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0040] In addition, the "unit," "module," or "part" used in this specification for a component performs at least one function or operation. In addition, the "unit," "module," or "part" may perform the function or operation by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, a plurality of "units," a plurality of "modules," or a plurality of "parts," excluding a "unit," "module," or "part" that must be performed on specific hardware or performed on at least one processor, may be integrated into at least one module. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0041] In addition, the same reference numerals may refer to the same components throughout this specification. Even if the same or similar reference numerals are not mentioned or described in a specific drawing, they may be described based on other drawings. In addition, even if a part is not indicated by a reference numeral in a specific drawing, that part may be described based on other drawings. In addition, the number, shape, size, and relative size differences of detailed components included in the drawings of this application are set for the convenience of understanding, and do not limit the embodiments and may be implemented in various forms.

[0042] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 1 and 9, the connector (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a housing portion (100), a first terminal portion (200), a second terminal portion (300), and a safety cutoff portion (400).

[0043] The housing portion (100) can be formed in a box shape with an internal space. The housing portion (100) can sealably cover the first terminal portion (200), the second terminal portion (300), and the safety cutoff portion (400), and can sealably accommodate the first terminal portion (200), the second terminal portion (300), and the safety cutoff portion (400).

[0044] The housing (100) may be designed to withstand fire. As an example, the housing (100) may include an insulating material. The housing (100) may include a plastic material.

[0045] The first terminal portion (200) is provided on the inside of the housing portion (100). The first terminal portion (200) is accommodated in the housing portion (100) and can be connected to a power line (C) provided in the solar cell module (10).

[0046] One end (left end in Fig. 1) of the first terminal portion (200) can be inserted into the housing portion (100) and fixed in position. Although not shown in the drawing, an insertion groove into which the first terminal portion (200) can be inserted can be formed in the housing portion (100).

[0047] As one end of the first terminal portion (200) is inserted into the insertion groove, there is an effect that the position of the first terminal portion (200) with respect to the housing portion (100) can be stably fixed.

[0048] As an optional embodiment, a screw thread may be formed on the outer surface of one end of the first terminal portion (200) facing the inner surface of the insertion groove portion, and a screw groove portion may be formed on the inner surface of the insertion groove portion.

[0049] The second terminal portion (300) is provided on the inside of the housing portion (100) and is positioned apart from the first terminal portion (200).

[0050] One end (right end in Fig. 1) of the second terminal portion (300) can be inserted into the housing portion (100) and fixed in position. Although not shown in the drawing, an insertion groove into which the second terminal portion (300) can be inserted can be formed in the housing portion (100).

[0051] As one end of the second terminal portion (300) is inserted into the insertion groove, there is an effect that the position of the second terminal portion (300) with respect to the housing portion (100) can be stably fixed.

[0052] As an optional embodiment, a screw thread may be formed on the outer surface of one end of the second terminal portion (300) facing the inner surface of the insertion groove portion, and a screw groove portion may be formed on the inner surface of the insertion groove portion.

[0053] The first terminal portion (200) and the second terminal portion (300) may be arranged to face each other on the same axis. The second terminal portion (300) may be connected to a power line (C) provided in a solar cell module (10) that is electrically connected to the first terminal portion (200) and another solar cell module (10) that is adjacent to the solar cell module (10) that is accommodated in the housing portion (100).

[0054] The first terminal portion (200) and the second terminal portion (300) may have different polarities to allow current to flow in one direction. As an example, the first terminal portion (200) may have a positive (+) polarity, and the second terminal portion (300) may have a negative (-) polarity. Of course, if the first terminal portion (200) has a negative (-) polarity, the second terminal portion (300) may have a positive (+) polarity.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a safety cutoff unit (400) is provided between the first terminal unit (200) and the second terminal unit (300). The safety cutoff unit (400) positioned between the first terminal unit (200) and the second terminal unit (300) can be operated according to temperature changes to cut off the electrical connection between the first terminal unit (200) and the second terminal unit (300).

[0056] Specifically, the safety cutoff unit (400) forms an electrical path by connecting the first terminal unit (200) and the second terminal unit (300) when the temperature is below a preset temperature, but when the temperature is above the preset temperature, the electrical path can be cut off by releasing the connection between the first terminal unit (200) and the second terminal unit (300).

[0057] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a safety cutoff part cuts off power in a connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, the safety blocking portion (400) may include a first connecting portion (410), a second connecting portion (420), and a deformation portion (430).

[0059] The first connecting portion (410) can be connected to the first terminal portion (200). The first connecting portion (410) can be fixed to an end (right end as shown in FIG. 2) of the first terminal portion (200) facing the second terminal portion (300). The second connecting portion (420) can be connected to the second terminal portion (300). The second connecting portion (420) can be fixed to an end (left end as shown in FIG. 2) of the second terminal portion (300) facing the first terminal portion (200).

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, the deformation member is positioned between the first connection member (410) and the second connection member (420), and the electrical connection with at least one of the first connection member (410) and the second connection member (420) can be blocked.

[0061] In this embodiment, the deformation part (430) is connected to the first connection part (410). One side (left side as shown in FIG. 2) of the deformation part (430) can be fixed to the first connection part (410). The other side (right side as shown in FIG. 2) of the deformation part (430) facing the second connection part (420) can be in contact with the second connection part (420).

[0062] The other side of the deformation portion (430) that contacts the second connecting portion (420) may have a free end structure that is not fixed to the second connecting portion (420). In this embodiment, a case in which one side of the deformation portion (430) is fixed to the first connecting portion (410) and the other side of the deformation portion (430) contacts the second connecting portion (420) is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto and various modifications are possible.

[0063] The shape of the deformation portion (430) can be deformed depending on the temperature. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the set temperature, the deformation portion (430) can be thermally deformed and disconnected from the second connection portion (420).

[0064] That is, when the deformation part (430) rises above the set temperature, it is thermally deformed and separated from the second connection part (420), and the connection can be released.

[0065] As an example, the deformation portion (430) may be bent. When the deformation portion (430) is bent, the free end of the deformation portion (430) that contacts the second connection portion (420) is separated from the second connection portion (420), thereby cutting off the electrical connection between the first terminal portion (200) and the second terminal portion (300).

[0066] In another embodiment, the deformation portion (430) may be compressed and its length may be reduced. Accordingly, the free end of the deformation portion (430) in contact with the second connection portion (420) may not be in contact with the second connection portion (420), thereby blocking the electrical connection between the first terminal portion (200) and the second terminal portion (300).

[0067] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 3, the deformation portion (430) may include a first deformation member (431) and a second deformation member (432).

[0068] The first deformation member (431) and the second deformation member (432) may include a metal material.

[0069] The first deformation member (431) and the second deformation member (432) can be combined in a stacked manner. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first deformation member (431) can be positioned relatively higher than the second deformation member (432) in the height direction.

[0070] As one embodiment, the first deformation member (431) and the second deformation member (432) may be formed integrally through welding or the like. As another embodiment, the first deformation member (431) and the second deformation member (432) may be mechanically coupled to each other.

[0071] The first deformation member (431) and the second deformation member (432) may be formed to have different thermal expansion coefficients. For example, if the thermal expansion coefficient of the first deformation member (431) is formed to be greater than that of the second deformation member (432), and the deformation portion (430) is raised above a set temperature, the deformation portion (430) may bend toward the direction in which the second deformation member (432) is located.

[0072] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 4, a connector (20) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a housing portion (100), a first terminal portion (200), a second terminal portion (300), a safety cutoff portion (400), and a cover member (500).

[0073] In describing the connector (20) according to the third embodiment of the present invention, only the cover member (500) that is not described in the connector (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention or the connector (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0074] As for the remaining configuration of the connector (20) according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the description of the connector (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention or the connector (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be applied as is.

[0075] The cover member (500) may be formed in a hollow shape and may be provided to surround the circumference of the deformation portion (430) and the second connection portion (420). In detail, the cover member (500) may be provided to surround the free end of the deformation portion (430) that contacts the second connection portion (420) and a portion of the second connection portion (420).

[0076] The cover member (500) can play a role in preventing the free end of the deformation portion (430) in contact with the second connection portion (420) from being separated from the second connection portion (420) due to external force such as vibration or external impact.

[0077] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cover member in a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the cover member (500) may be provided with a notch (510).

[0078] The notch (510) can be formed in the shape of a groove along the outer circumference of the cover member (500).

[0079] Specifically, the notch (510) may be formed recessed in the outer surface of the cover member (500). The notch (510) may be formed along the circumferential direction of the cover member (500).

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, the inner diameter of the cover member (500) may decrease from both sides of the cover member (500) toward the center of the notch (510). The inner diameter and outer diameter of the cover member (500) may be formed to be the smallest at the center of the notch (510).

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5, the notch (510) can be formed as an inclined surface with surfaces formed on both sides symmetrical with respect to the center of the notch (510).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 5, each side slanting downward toward the center of the notch (510) can be connected at the center of the notch (510), and as a result, when the deformation portion (430) is deformed, the deformation pressure is concentrated, and the cover member (500) can be easily broken.

[0083] The notch (510) provided in the cover member (500) can be formed at the same position as the position where the free end of the deformation portion (430) and the second connection portion (420) come into contact.

[0084] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which a safety cutoff section cuts off power in a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, when the deformation portion (430) is thermally deformed and bent, the cover member (500) may be broken by the deformation pressure of the deformation portion (430). The cover member (500) may be separated into two parts based on the notch (510).

[0085] The deformation portion (430) is bent and deformed, and the free end of the deformation portion (430) that comes into contact with the second connection portion (420) is separated from the second connection portion (420), thereby cutting off the electrical connection between the first terminal portion (200) and the second terminal portion (300).

[0086] As an optional embodiment, the cover member (500) may include a plurality of cover bodies that are separable from each other. Specifically, two cover bodies may be provided, one cover body being coupled to the deformation portion (430) and the other cover body being coupled to the second connection portion (420).

[0087] A plurality of cover bodies are connected to each other in a normal state and remain attached, and when the deformation part (430) is deformed due to a temperature change, the attached state is released by the deformation pressure and they can be separated from each other.

[0088] A plurality of cover bodies can be maintained in contact with each other by magnetic force. For example, magnetic members having different polarities can be arranged in a plurality of cover bodies, and can be maintained in an attached state by magnetic force.

[0089] The above magnetic force is relatively smaller than the deformation pressure that occurs when the shape of the deformation portion (430) is deformed, and the plurality of cover bodies can be separated from each other by the deformation pressure.

[0090] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a safety cutoff part cuts off power in a connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a connector (20) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a housing portion (100), a first terminal portion (200), a second terminal portion (300), a safety blocking portion (400), and an elastic member (600).

[0092] In describing the connector (20) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, only the elastic member (600) that is not described in the connector (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention or the connector (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0093] As for the remaining configuration of the connector (20) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the description of the connector (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention or the connector (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be applied as is.

[0094] An elastic member (600) may be provided on one side (lower side as shown in FIG. 7) of the deformation portion (430) to support the deformation portion (430). The elastic member (600) may include an elastically deformable material. The elastic member (600) may provide elastic force in a direction opposite to the deformation direction of the deformation portion (430).

[0095] The elastic member (600) can play a role in preventing the free end of the deformable portion (430) in contact with the second connecting portion (420) from being separated from the second connecting portion (420) due to external force such as vibration or external impact.

[0096] One side of the elastic member (600) is secured to the inner surface of the housing part (100), and the other side of the elastic member (600) is secured to the free end of the deformation part (430) to elastically support the deformation part (430). In one embodiment, the elastic member (600) may be a coil spring.

[0097] The elastic member (600) can have a variable length depending on the deformation of the deformation portion (430). When the deformation portion (430) is thermally deformed and bent, the elastic member (600) can be elastically deformed and its length can be contracted due to the deformation pressure of the deformation portion (430).

[0098] The electrical connection between the first terminal portion (200) and the second terminal portion (300) may be interrupted as the deformation portion (430) is bent and the free end of the deformation portion (430) that contacts the second connection portion (420) is separated from the second connection portion (430).

[0099] As an optional embodiment, a support member (not shown in the drawing) may be placed between the elastic member (600) and the deformation member (430). The support member may have a mounting groove formed in the shape of the groove to correspond to the shape of the outer surface of the deformation member (430).

[0100] A settling groove is formed, and the other side of the support facing the deformation portion (430) can be combined with an elastic member (600).

[0101] Since the deformation part (430) is fixed in the fixing groove, it is possible to prevent movement in the up-down direction (based on FIG. 7) as well as the forward-backward direction (based on FIG. 7) due to external forces such as vibration or external impact, thereby preventing the free end of the deformation part (430) in contact with the second connecting part (420) from being separated from the second connecting part (420) due to the external force.

[0102] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a safety cutoff part cuts off power in a connector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a connector (20) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention may include a housing portion (100), a first terminal portion (200), a second terminal portion (300), and a safety cutoff portion (400).

[0104] In describing the connector (20) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, another embodiment of the safety blocking part (400) described in the connector (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention or the connector (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0105] As for the remaining configuration of the connector (20) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the description of the connector (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention or the connector (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be applied as is.

[0106] The safety blocking portion (400) may include a first connecting portion (410), a second connecting portion (420), a first deformation portion (440), and a second deformation portion (450).

[0107] The first connecting portion (410) can be connected to the first terminal portion (200). The first connecting portion (410) can be fixed to an end of the first terminal portion (200) facing the second terminal portion (300). The second connecting portion (420) can be connected to the second terminal portion (300). The second connecting portion (420) can be fixed to an end of the second terminal portion (300) facing the first terminal portion (200).

[0108] The first deformation portion (440) is connected to the first connection portion (410). One side of the first deformation portion (440) may be fixed to the first connection portion (410). The other side of the first deformation portion (440) facing the second connection portion (420) may have a free end structure that is not fixed to the second connection portion (420). Accordingly, the first deformation portion (440) may be spaced apart from the second connection portion (420).

[0109] The second deformation portion (450) is connected to the second connection portion (420). One side of the second deformation portion (450) may be fixed to the second connection portion (420). The other side of the second deformation portion (450) facing the first connection portion (410) may have a free end structure that is not fixed to the first connection portion (410). Accordingly, the second deformation portion (450) may be spaced apart from the first connection portion (410).

[0110] The first deformation portion (440) and the second deformation portion (450) can be in contact with each other so as to be electrically connected. In this embodiment, the case where the first deformation portion (440) and the second deformation portion (450) are laminated is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible.

[0111] The first deformation portion (440) and the second deformation portion (450) may be thermally deformed and separated when the temperature rises above a set temperature. In one embodiment, the first deformation portion (440) and the second deformation portion (450) may be bent deformed. As the first deformation portion (440) and the second deformation portion (450) are bent in opposite directions and separated, the electrical connection between the first terminal portion (200) and the second terminal portion (300) may be cut off.

[0112] The first deformation member (440) and the second deformation member (450) may include a metal material. The first deformation member (440) may include a third deformation member (441) and a fourth deformation member (442), and the second deformation member (450) may include a fifth deformation member (451) and a sixth deformation member (452).

[0113] The third deformation member (441) can be laminated with the fourth deformation member (442), and the fifth deformation member (451) can be laminated with the sixth deformation member (452). The third deformation member (441) of the first deformation section (440) and the fifth deformation member (451) of the second deformation section (450) can be laminated and come into contact with each other.

[0114] The third deformation member (441) and the fourth deformation member (442) may be formed to have different thermal expansion coefficients. For example, if the thermal expansion coefficient of the third deformation member (441) is formed to be greater than that of the fourth deformation member (442), and the first deformation part (440) is raised above a set temperature, the first deformation part (440) may bend toward the direction in which the fourth deformation member (442) is located.

[0115] The fifth deformation member (451) and the sixth deformation member (452) may be formed to have different thermal expansion coefficients. For example, if the thermal expansion coefficient of the fifth deformation member (451) is formed to be greater than that of the sixth deformation member (452), and the second deformation member (450) is raised above a set temperature, the second deformation member (450) may bend toward the direction in which the sixth deformation member (452) is located.

[0116] As an optional embodiment, the third deformation member (441) and the fifth deformation member (451) may be formed of the same material, and the fourth deformation member (442) and the sixth deformation member (452) may be formed of the same material.

[0117] The separation distance (G) between the first deformation portion (440) and the second deformation portion (450) may be about 14.3 mm. The separation distance (G) between the first deformation portion (440) and the second deformation portion (450) may vary depending on the voltage. In one embodiment, the separation distance (G) between the first deformation portion (440) and the second deformation portion (450) may vary depending on the voltage of about 600 volts (V), about 1,000 volts (V), and about 1,500 volts (V).

[0118] The separation distance (G) between the first deformation portion (440) and the second deformation portion (450) can be calculated by a sensor that detects the degree of bending deformation of the first deformation portion (440) and the second deformation portion (450).

[0119] Fig. 11 is a schematic drawing of a solar power generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 11, a solar power generation device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a solar cell module (10) and a connector (20).

[0120] A plurality of solar cell modules (10) are provided, and can be arranged in parallel or series. In the present embodiment, the solar cell module (10) has a panel (11) including a plurality of solar cells (11a). The panel (11) protects the solar cells (11a) by itself, and a plurality of solar cells (11a) can be arranged in a row.

[0121] In this embodiment, the solar cells (11a) may be single-sided or double-sided. In addition, the solar cells (11a) may be single-pn junction or multi-pn junction. In addition, the solar cells (11a) may be thin-film solar cells. In this way, the solar cells (11a) may be composed of various shapes and types of solar cells (11a).

[0122] A connector (20) may be provided between a plurality of solar cell modules (10). The connector (20) electrically connects the plurality of solar cell modules (10) by connecting a power line (C) provided to the solar cell modules (10). The connector (20) may cut off the electrical connection between the plurality of solar cell modules (10) depending on temperature changes.

[0123] Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the connection relationship between a control unit and a connector in a solar power generation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 12, a solar power generation device (1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a solar cell module (10), a connector (20), and a control unit (30).

[0124] In describing the solar power generation device (1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, only the control unit (30) that was not described in the solar power generation device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0125] The description of the solar power generation device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied as is to the remaining configuration of the solar power generation device (1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] The control unit (30) is connected to the connector (20) and can detect whether the connector (20) is operating. In detail, the control unit (30) can detect whether the safety cutoff unit (400) that operates according to temperature changes and blocks the electrical connection between a plurality of solar cell modules (10) is operating.

[0127] When the safety cutoff unit (400) is thermally deformed due to overheating of the safety cutoff unit (400) and the electrical connection between multiple solar cell modules (10) is cut off, a current value of 0 (zero) ampere is received by the control unit (30), and the control unit (30) determines that an arc or fire has occurred in the connector (20). At this time, the control unit (30) can output an alarm.

[0128] When the fire is extinguished and the temperature of the safety cutoff (400) drops below the set temperature, the thermally deformed safety cutoff (400) is restored to its original shape, and the plurality of solar cell modules (10) are electrically connected. When a current value exceeding the set ampere is received by the control unit (30), the control unit (30) determines that the system is in a normal state, and the solar power generation system operates normally.

[0129] The connector according to the present invention and the solar power generation device including the same can prevent a fire in the solar power generation device (1) due to overheating of the connector (20) by a safety cut-off part (400) that cuts off power by thermal deformation when the connector (20) is heated above a set temperature.

[0130] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the technical protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the following claims.

[0131] According to the present invention, a connector and a solar power generation device including the same are provided. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention can be applied to connectors for electrically connecting solar cell modules used industrially, and solar power generation devices including the same.

Claims

1. First terminal section; A second terminal portion arranged spaced apart from the first terminal portion; and A connector characterized by including a safety cutoff portion provided between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion and operated according to a temperature change to cut off the electrical connection between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion.

2. In paragraph 1, The above safety cutoff part is, A first connecting portion connected to the first terminal portion; A second connection portion connected to the second terminal portion; and A connector characterized by including a deformation portion that blocks electrical connection with at least one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

3. In paragraph 2, The above-mentioned deformation portion is connected to the first connection portion, and the free end not bound to the second connection portion is in contact with the second connection portion, A connector characterized in that the above-mentioned deformation portion is thermally deformed when the temperature is higher than the set temperature to separate the second connection portion and the free end.

4. In paragraph 2, A connector characterized in that the above-mentioned deformation portion is subjected to bending deformation.

5. In paragraph 2, The above deformation part is, first deformation member; and A connector characterized by including a second deformation member laminated with the first deformation member.

6. In paragraph 5, A connector characterized in that the first deformation member and the second deformation member have different coefficients of thermal expansion.

7. In paragraph 2, A connector further comprising a cover member covering the above-described deformation portion and the second connection portion.

8. In paragraph 7, A connector characterized in that the above cover member is provided with a notch.

9. In paragraph 8, A connector characterized in that when the above-mentioned deformation part is deformed, the cover member is broken.

10. In paragraph 2, A connector characterized in that it further includes an elastic member provided on one side of the deformation portion to support the deformation portion and provide elastic force in a direction opposite to the deformation direction of the deformation portion.

11. In paragraph 10, A connector characterized in that the length of the elastic member changes according to the deformation of the deformation portion.

12. In paragraph 1, The above safety cutoff part is, A first connecting portion connected to the first terminal portion; A second connecting portion connected to the second terminal portion; A first deformation portion connected to the first connecting portion and spaced apart from the second connecting portion; and A connector characterized by comprising a second deformable portion connected to the second connecting portion, spaced apart from the first connecting portion, and in contact with the first deformable portion so as to be electrically connected to the first deformable portion.

13. In paragraph 12, A connector characterized in that the first deformation portion and the second deformation portion are thermally deformed and separated when the temperature is higher than a set temperature.

14. In paragraph 13, A connector characterized in that the first deformation portion and the second deformation portion are bent in opposite directions.

15. In paragraph 13, A connector characterized in that the distance between the first deformation portion and the second deformation portion is different depending on the voltage.

16. In paragraph 1, A connector further comprising a housing portion that accommodates the first terminal portion, the second terminal portion, and the safety cutoff portion.

17. A plurality of solar cell modules; and A solar power generation device characterized by including a connector of claim 1 for electrically connecting a plurality of the above solar cell modules.

18. In paragraph 17, A solar power generation device characterized in that the connector blocks electrical connection between a plurality of solar cell modules according to temperature changes.

19. In paragraph 17, A solar power generation device further comprising a control unit connected to the connector and detecting whether the connector is operating.

20. In paragraph 19, A solar power generation device characterized in that the control unit outputs an alarm when the connector is operated and the electrical connection between the plurality of solar cell modules is cut off.

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