Transformer

Abstract

To prevent rust caused by rainwater in a transformer.SOLUTION: A transformer includes a heat dissipation fin and a top cover, the heat dissipation fin partially overlaps the top cover, and rainwater from the top cover drips at a position offset from the heat dissipation fin.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to transformers, particularly oil-filled transformers used outdoors.

Background Art

[0002] As an essential facility in the power distribution system, transformers are used in various places. Among them, transformers installed outdoors are also generally widely used.

[0003] However, when used in outdoor installations, rust may occur due to long-term use.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a transformer that suppresses the progress of rust by making it easier for salt to be washed away in a saline area.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is based on the idea of suppressing the progress of rust by inducing rainwater to wash away salt. On the other hand, rust is more likely to occur due to the mere presence of rainwater itself compared to the dry state. The disclosure of Patent Document 1 rather actively utilizes rainwater and has no suggestion or disclosure regarding the idea of suppressing the generation of rust caused by rainwater itself, but is rather the opposite.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the problem that is the exact opposite of Patent Document 1 regarding the generation of rust caused by rainwater itself, and provides a technique for suppressing the generation of rust caused by rainwater itself as an example.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] As an example of the means for solving the above problems, in a transformer having heat dissipation fins and an upper cover, a part of the heat dissipation fins overlaps with the upper cover, and rainwater from the upper cover drips at a position shifted from the heat dissipation fins.

[0009] Further objects and effects of the present invention will become apparent throughout the following full text of the specification.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a transformer that suppresses the generation of rust caused by rainwater.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Figure 3D

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 5C

Figure 5D

Figure 5E

Figure 5F

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a transformer which is the object of the present invention. 1 is a transformer, 10 is a transformer cover, and 11 are heat dissipation fins. Since 10 is a cover installed on the upper surface of the transformer, it may also be referred to as an upper surface cover. The heat dissipation fins 11 are for diffusing the heat generated during power conversion in the transformer to the outside. Since this heat generation is inevitable unless the conversion efficiency is in an ideal state of 100%, effective heat dissipation by a large number of heat dissipation fins is required.

[0014] In the present invention, the end portion of the transformer cover 10 is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the extending direction of the heat dissipation fins 11 as a top view. Although hidden in FIG. 1, the heat dissipation fins 11 also extend toward the transformer body below the transformer cover 10. That is, the end portion of the transformer cover 10 is configured to be located beyond the transformer body and in the middle of the heat dissipation fins 11.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a transformer which is the object of the present invention. It corresponds to the side view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. A large number of heat dissipation fins 11 are arranged in parallel, and they extend in a long vertical shape from the upper side to the lower side of the transformer to increase the heat dissipation area.

[0016] Also in FIG. 2, it is shown that the end portion of the transformer cover 10 is located beyond the transformer body and in the middle of the heat dissipation fins 11. This can also mean that the transformer cover 10 and the heat dissipation fins 11 are formed such that a part of them overlaps.

[0017] Next, the characteristic part in the present invention in the transformer will be described. In the present invention, there is a characteristic in the structure at the end portion of the transformer cover 10 and the positional relationship of the heat dissipation fins 11 when the transformer is viewed from the side.

[0018] FIG. 3A is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining the structure at the end of the transformer cover 10 and the positional relationship of the heat radiation fins 11 when the A-A line portion of FIG. 1 is viewed from the side.

[0019] The transformer cover 10 is bent downward. And, as a side view, the lower end of the transformer cover 10 is configured to be non-parallel to the upper end of the transformer cover 10.

[0020] Next, an example of the detailed positional relationship between the lower end of the transformer cover 10 and the heat radiation fins 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3B to 3D.

[0021] FIG. 3B is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the positional relationship between the lower end of the transformer cover 10 of the present invention and the heat radiation fins 11. 20 can be referred to as the valley portion or the bent valley portion of the transformer cover 10, and 21 can be referred to as the peak portion or the bent peak portion of the transformer cover 10. In another way of saying, 20 can be referred to as the short portion on the side surface of the transformer cover 10, and 21 can be referred to as the long portion on the side surface of the transformer cover 10.

[0022] 22 is the top of the heat radiation fin 11.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3B, the heat radiation fins 11 are arranged so as to face the valley portion of the transformer cover 10.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the transformer cover 10 covers most of the transformer 1. As a result, most of the rainwater is first received by the transformer cover 10. Thereby, the transformer body is protected from rainwater by the transformer cover 10, but at the same time, it is necessary to appropriately treat the rainwater received by the transformer cover 10.

[0025] If the lower end on the side surface of the transformer cover 10 were parallel to the upper end on the side surface of the transformer cover 10, rainwater would drip at random positions at the lower end of the transformer cover 10. Therefore, a large amount of rainwater would also drip onto the heat dissipation fins, posing a risk of rust and corrosion of the heat dissipation fins. Thus, in the present invention, the upper end and the lower end on the side surface of the transformer cover 10 are formed non-parallel. Thereby, it becomes possible to selectively guide the portion where rainwater drips from the transformer cover 10.

[0026] This also means that the rainwater from the transformer cover 10 is configured to drip at a position offset from the heat dissipation fins 11.

[0027] In FIG. 3B, by providing the transformer cover 10 with valleys 20 and ridges 21, it becomes possible to guide rainwater so that rainwater drips from the ridges 21, thus realizing the selective guidance of the portion where rainwater drips.

[0028] Furthermore, in FIG. 3B, the heat dissipation fins 11 are arranged so as to face the valleys 20 of the transformer cover 10. Thereby, rainwater will drip from the ridges 21 of the transformer cover 10. In other words, this means that rainwater can be dripped at a position where it is difficult for the rainwater to contact the heat dissipation fins 11. Another way of putting it is that a selective dripping area for rainwater can be provided on the transformer cover 10 between adjacent heat dissipation fins 11.

[0029] As a result, it becomes possible to suppress the generation of rust on the heat dissipation fins 11 due to the dripping of rainwater.

[0030] FIG. 3C is a modification of FIG. 3B. In FIG. 3B, the lower end of the transformer cover 10 has a curved shape between the ridge 21 and the valley 20. In FIG. 3C, the lower end of the transformer cover 10 has a linear shape between the ridge 21 and the valley 20. Thereby, in the shape of FIG. 3C, processing is easier than in the shape of FIG. 3B, thus realizing a reduction in manufacturing cost.

[0031] Figure 3D is a modified example of Figure 3C. The difference from Figure 3C is that in Figure 3C, the peak portion 21 is formed to be located between adjacent heat radiation fins 11, while in Figure 3D, the peak portion 21 has a shape such that it is in a plurality of heat radiation fin units and is located between the heat radiation fin units. Thereby, since the number of peaks and valleys can be reduced, the structure becomes simpler than that of Figure 3C, and further reduction of processing costs is realized.

[0032] Note that the point that the peak portion 21 has a shape such that it is in a plurality of heat radiation fin units and is located between the heat radiation fin units is naturally included in this embodiment also when applied to a shape connected by a curve as in Figure 3B.

[0033] Also, in order to satisfy the positional relationship among the peak portions, valley portions, and heat radiation fins from Figure 3B to Figure 3D, it is necessary to satisfy the relationship of the width of the heat radiation fin < the interval between the peak portions of the transformer cover.

[0034] Furthermore, in order to fully achieve the effects of the present invention in a transformer in which a large number of heat radiation fins are arranged in parallel, it is desirable to satisfy that an integral multiple of the interval between adjacent heat radiation fins = the interval between the peak portions of the transformer cover. This is because if it is not an integral multiple, there may be a region where the peak portion of the transformer cover and the top of the heat radiation fin confront each other in any of the large number of heat radiation fins.

[0035] Note that if only paying attention to the single point of preventing rainwater from dripping onto the heat radiation fin 11, there is also a structural alternative of configuring the transformer cover 10 to be huge so as to cover the heat radiation fin 11. However, in this case, the air convection region above the heat radiation fin 11 will be blocked by the transformer cover 10 or the region will be significantly reduced. In this case, the heat radiation fin 11 will cause a decrease in its heat radiation performance, and furthermore, it will lead to an unlimited increase in the transformer size that requires a huge heat radiation fin. Therefore, the present invention that can achieve both heat radiation by the heat radiation fin 11 and suppression of rust generation on the heat radiation fin 11 has great practical effects.

[0036] Also, when the transformer is an oil-filled transformer, not all of the thickness of the heat radiating fins is made of metal, and oil can enter inside them to improve the heat dissipation performance. On the other hand, in that case, the metal thickness of the heat radiating fins becomes thin, making them relatively vulnerable to rust. Also, in the unlikely event that holes are formed in the heat radiating fins due to the progression of rust, it is assumed that this will lead to contamination of the surrounding environment due to the outflow of oil. Therefore, particularly in the case of oil-filled transformers, achieving both heat dissipation and rust suppression using the idea of the present invention has great practical significance.

Example

[0037] Also in this example, similar to Example 1, the lower end of the transformer cover 10 is configured to be non-parallel to the upper end of the transformer cover 10. The difference between this example and Example 1 is the position of the peak portion 21 of the transformer cover 10.

[0038] FIG. 4A is a schematic explanatory diagram of this example corresponding to FIG. 3A. In this example, the peak portion 21 of the transformer cover 10 is characterized as the end portion of the transformer cover.

[0039] In FIG. 4A, the transformer cover 10 is arranged such that the peak portion 21 is located on both side surfaces. And the valley portion 20 is arranged so as to be near the center, for example, in the middle of the transformer cover 10. And the left end portion of the transformer cover 10, that is, the peak portion 21, is arranged to be located to the left of the leftmost heat radiating fin 25 among a number of heat radiating fins 11 arranged in parallel. Also, the right end portion of the transformer cover 10, that is, the peak portion 21, is arranged to be located to the right of the rightmost heat radiating fin 26 among a number of heat radiating fins 11 arranged in parallel. In other words, this means that the peak portion of the transformer cover 10 is provided outside the region where the heat radiating fins are present.

[0040] FIG. 4B is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1. And 30, 31, 32, 33 indicate the region where the peak portion 21 of the transformer cover 10 is formed in this example. As is clear from FIG. 4B which is a top view, in this example, the peak portion of the transformer cover 10 is provided outside the region where the heat radiating fins are present.

[0041] In this embodiment, as is apparent from FIG. 4A, the number of ridges and valleys can be significantly reduced. As a result, further reduction of processing costs can be achieved. Also, at the lower end of the transformer cover 10, the shape changes such as unevenness and serrations become smoother. Therefore, when an operator attaches the transformer cover 10 to the transformer, it is possible to avoid the risk of accidents such as finger cuts at the unevenness and serrations, and a safe and excellent assembly performance structure can be obtained.

[0042] Note that in FIG. 4A, although the portion between the ridge 21 and the valley 20 has a linear shape, it goes without saying that a curved shape is also included. Also, the ridge may be one of each side. For example, in FIG. 4A, the ridge 21 is only on the right side, and the length of the bent portion of the transformer cover 10 gradually decreases while going straight to the left. Even in that case, since the effects of this embodiment can be achieved, it is included in the scope of this embodiment.

[0043] Similarly, in FIG. 4B, the positions of the ridges do not have to be all of 30, 31, 32, and 33, but at least any one of them is sufficient. Even in that case, the effects described in this embodiment can be achieved at the relevant part.

[0044] However, preferably, it is more desirable to provide ridges at at least two opposing positions out of 30, 31, 32, and 33, that is, 31 and 33, or 30 and 32. This is because the application of this embodiment is possible across all sides of the transformer.

[0045] The invention described in the present application above, as long as the technical idea described in the present application is used, the deformation structure is also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0046] Also, Patent Document 1 discloses the radiator 4 and the cover 5 in each figure, and it is hereby stated again that there is no suggestion or disclosure of the idea of the present application in which the upper end and the lower end are non-parallel on the side surface of the cover 5.

Example

[0047] This embodiment is used in combination with Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The feature of this embodiment is that an inclinometer is provided in the transformer.

[0048] To maximize the technical idea of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, it is desirable that the rainwater dripping between the ridges of the transformer cover 10 and the heat dissipation fins 11 falls directly to the ground without touching the heat dissipation fins 11. At this time, the heat dissipation fins 11 are formed relatively long to fully achieve the purpose of heat dissipation. For this reason, the falling distance of the rainwater is also relatively long.

[0049] If the transformer 1 is installed with an inclination relative to the ground, it is assumed that the falling rainwater may contact the side surface of the heat dissipation fins during the dripping process towards the ground depending on the degree of inclination.

[0050] For the purpose of avoiding this phenomenon, in this embodiment, an inclinometer is provided in the transformer.

[0051] Figure 5A corresponds to Figure 1 and shows the transformer 1 with an inclinometer 40 attached. Note that this inclinometer 40 can also be referred to as a level meter, a spirit level, etc.

[0052] Thereby, during the installation operation of the transformer, it becomes possible to install the transformer parallel to the ground or within a predetermined range of inclination while checking the inclinometer. As a result, it is possible to avoid the contact of the rainwater with the side surface of the heat dissipation fins during the dripping of the rainwater caused by the inclination, so that it is possible to further suppress the generation of rust due to the rainwater and improve the reliability of the transformer.

[0053] FIG. 5B shows an example of the inclinometer 40. In FIG. 5B, the inclinometer 40 has a hollow conduit 41 visible from the outside. An inclination indicator 42 is provided therein. Thus, if the inclination indicator 42 is at the center of the conduit 41, it indicates no inclination, and if it is offset to one side, it indicates inclination, enabling visual determination of the presence or absence of inclination. The hollow conduit 41 can be made of a transparent member such as glass or plastic. When no liquid is provided therein, the inclination indicator 42 can be, for example, a spherical ball, and the presence or absence of inclination can be determined based on its position. For example, when the transformer 1 is installed tilted to the right, the spherical ball also rolls to the right and is located on the right. Also, by enclosing a viscous liquid such as oil in the hollow conduit 41 and adjusting the enclosed amount, the inclination indicator 42 can be made into air bubbles or enclosed gas bubbles, etc. This is a configuration also used in general inclinometers, etc. For example, when the transformer 1 is installed tilted to the right, the air bubbles, etc. move to the left side, which is the higher side positionally. Thus, the presence or absence of inclination can be visually determined.

[0054] FIG. 5C shows an example of using the inclinometer 40 in a plurality of different directions. This enables confirmation of the presence or absence of inclination in all directions. Desirably, by using two in perpendicular directions, it is possible to confirm the presence or absence of inclination in all directions with the minimum number.

[0055] FIG. 5D shows an example of the shape of the hollow conduit 41 for enabling confirmation of the presence or absence of inclination in all directions with one inclinometer 40. As shown in the figure, by configuring the hollow conduit 41 in one inclinometer 40 to face in a plurality of directions, it is possible to determine that there is no inclination when the inclination indicator 42 is at the center.

[0056] FIG. 5E shows a structure that could also be called a modification of FIG. 5D, where the hollow conduit 41 has a large circular form. Note that if it is a large shape, other shapes such as a square or polygon may also be acceptable. In this large-area hollow conduit 41, it is possible to determine that there is no inclination when the inclination indicator 42 is at the center.

[0057] FIG. 5F shows an example of an inclinometer 40 when the inclination is measured by digital means such as an inclination sensor and the result is digitally displayed on the digital display surface 45 as a numerical value. In the figure, as an example, the angles of deviation in the X direction and the Y direction are shown. Thus, when installing the transformer, the operator can grasp in which direction and to what extent there is a deviation.

[0058] Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 5F, the preset inclination range is compared with the current inclination, and the determination status is displayed as OK if it is within the set range and NG if it is outside the set range. Thus, the installer of the transformer can determine whether the installation work is in an acceptable state without individually checking by means of a manual or the like, so that the work efficiency of the installation work can be improved. Additionally, a small speaker or a piezoelectric element may be provided to report the status by sound. For example, after instructing the inclination sensor 40 to start the installation work by a button or the like, when the inclination is outside the common range, the inclination sensor 40 emits an intermittent sound such as "pip pip pip", and when the inclination is within the common range, it emits a continuous sound such as "pee". Thus, the installer of the transformer can confirm while working that the installation angle of the transformer has entered the allowable range, so that the installer can move on to the next work without stopping the progress of other work. Therefore, the efficiency of the installation work is further improved.

[0059] As described above, by using the invention disclosed in this embodiment in combination with Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the contact between the rainwater dripping from the transformer cover 10 and the heat dissipation fins 11 can be more reliably avoided, contributing to further improvement in the reliability and lifespan of the transformer.

[0060] The technical idea of the present invention has been described in detail using the above embodiments. The technical idea of the present application described above can also be expressed as follows. <Part 1> In a transformer having heat dissipation fins and an upper cover, a part of the heat dissipation fins overlaps with the upper cover, and rainwater from the upper cover drips at a position deviated from the heat dissipation fins. <Part 2> <In the transformer described in <Part 1>, the side surface of the upper cover has peaks and valleys. A transformer having peaks and valleys. <Part 3> <In the transformer described in <Part 2>, the distance between the peaks adjacent to the peak is larger than the width of the heat dissipation fins. A transformer having a larger distance between the peaks adjacent to the peak than the width of the heat dissipation fins. <Part 4> <In the transformer described in <Part 3>, the distance between the peaks adjacent to the peak is an integral multiple of the distance between the heat dissipation fins adjacent to the heat dissipation fin. A transformer having a distance between the peaks adjacent to the peak that is an integral multiple of the distance between the heat dissipation fins adjacent to the heat dissipation fin. <Part 5> <In the transformer described in <Part 4>, the top of the heat dissipation fin is located between the peaks. A transformer having the top of the heat dissipation fin located between the peaks. <Part 6> <In the transformer described in <Part 5>, the top of the heat dissipation fin is located in the valley. A transformer having the top of the heat dissipation fin located in the valley. <Part 7> <In the transformer described in <Part 1>, the long part of the side surface of the heat dissipation fin is displaced from the formation region of the heat dissipation fin. A transformer having the long part of the side surface of the heat dissipation fin displaced from the formation region of the heat dissipation fin. <Part 8> <In the transformer described in <Part 7>, the long part of the side surface of the heat dissipation fin is arranged at the corner of the transformer. A transformer having the long part of the side surface of the heat dissipation fin arranged at the corner of the transformer. <Part 9> <In the transformer described in <Part 8>, the long part of the side surface of the heat dissipation fin is arranged at the four corners of the transformer. A transformer having the long part of the side surface of the heat dissipation fin arranged at the four corners of the transformer. <Part 10> <In the transformer described in <Part 5>, the transformer is an oil-filled transformer. A transformer that is an oil-filled transformer. <Part 11> <In the transformer described in <Part 10>, the transformer has an inclinometer. A transformer having an inclinometer. <Part 12> <In the transformer described in <Part 7>, the transformer is an oil-filled transformer. A transformer that is an oil-filled transformer. <Part 13> <In the transformer described in <Part 12>, the transformer has an inclinometer. A transformer having an inclinometer. <Part 14> In a transformer having heat dissipation fins and an upper cover, The heat dissipation fins partially overlap with the upper cover. A transformer in which the side surface of the upper cover has its upper end and lower end configured non-parallelly. <Item 15> In the transformer according to <Item 14>, a transformer in which rainwater from the upper cover drips at a position displaced from the heat dissipation fins.

Explanation of Signs

[0061] 1: Transformer 10: Transformer cover 11: Heat dissipation fins 20: Valley part 21: Ridge part 22: Top of the heat dissipation fins 25: Leftmost heat dissipation fin 26: Rightmost heat dissipation fin 30, 31, 32, 33: Corners of the transformer 40: Inclinometer 41; Hollow conduit 42: Inclination indicator 45: Digital display surface

Claims

1. In a transformer having heat-radiating fins and an upper cover, a part of the heat-radiating fins overlaps with the upper cover, and rainwater from the upper cover drips at a position shifted from the heat-radiating fins.

2. The transformer according to claim 1, wherein a side surface of the upper cover has ridges and valleys.

3. The transformer according to claim 2, wherein a distance between ridges adjacent to the ridge is larger than a width of the heat-radiating fins.

4. The transformer according to claim 3, wherein the distance between ridges adjacent to the ridge is an integral multiple of a distance between adjacent heat-radiating fins.

5. The transformer according to claim 4, wherein a top of the heat-radiating fins is located between the ridges.

6. The transformer according to claim 5, wherein a top of the heat-radiating fins is located in the valley.

7. The transformer according to claim 1, wherein a long portion of side surfaces of the heat-radiating fins is arranged shifted from a formation region of the heat-radiating fins.

8. The transformer according to claim 7, wherein a long portion of side surfaces of the heat-radiating fins is arranged at a corner of the transformer.

9. The transformer according to claim 8, wherein a long portion of side surfaces of the heat-radiating fins is arranged at four corners of the transformer.

10. The transformer according to claim 5, wherein the transformer is an oil-filled transformer.

11. The transformer according to claim 10, wherein the transformer has an inclinometer.

12. The transformer according to claim 7, wherein the transformer is an oil-filled transformer.

13. The transformer according to claim 12, wherein the transformer has an inclinometer.

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