Circuit breaker

Abstract

A circuit breaker is disclosed. According to an aspect of the present invention, the circuit breaker comprises: a housing having a housing space formed therein; a conductive unit contained in the housing space and partially exposed to the outside of the housing such that same is conductively connected to the outside; and a heat dissipation unit contained in the housing space and coupled to the conductive unit such that same receives heat generated in the conductive unit.

Description

circuit breaker

[0001] The present invention relates to a circuit breaker, and more particularly, to a circuit breaker having a structure capable of improving heat dissipation performance.

[0002] A circuit breaker is a device that is connected to an external power source and a load, respectively, and can allow or block current flow between them. When an abnormal current is transmitted from an external power source, the circuit breaker is configured to block current flow between the external power source and the load, preventing damage to the load.

[0003] A traditional circuit breaker consists of a fixed contact and a movable contact. As the name suggests, the fixed contact is fixed, and the movable contact is movable. When the movable contact contacts contact the fixed contact, the circuit breaker can connect an external power source and load. When the movable contact moves away from the fixed contact, the circuit breaker can disconnect the power source and load.

[0004] In other words, traditional circuit breakers are mechanically operated to allow or block power and loads. Therefore, various factors, such as continued use of the circuit breaker, can damage some components, potentially causing the circuit breaker to malfunction.

[0005] Recently, circuit breakers that operate electronically, rather than mechanically, have been adopted. These circuit breakers, known as solid-state circuit breakers (SSCBs), utilize semiconductor devices without any mechanical moving parts to allow or interrupt current flow between the power source and the load. Compared to mechanical circuit breakers, these circuit breakers can allow or interrupt current flow between the power source and the load more quickly and accurately.

[0006] Meanwhile, when the circuit breaker operates, a large amount of heat is generated in the semiconductor elements. If the generated heat is not properly dissipated, there is a risk that the semiconductor elements or other components of the circuit breaker may be damaged by the generated heat.

[0007] Accordingly, technologies for effectively dissipating heat generated from circuit breakers have been introduced.

[0008] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0131078 discloses a circuit breaker using a semiconductor. Specifically, the circuit breaker uses a semiconductor structure capable of cooling a TVS element using a separate cooling unit.

[0009] However, the semiconductor-based circuit breaker disclosed in the above-mentioned prior art document only provides a method for transferring heat generated in the TVS element to a cooling unit. In other words, the above-mentioned prior art document does not provide a method for discharging the heat transferred to the cooling unit to the outside.

[0010] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0134408 discloses a semiconductor circuit breaker. Specifically, the semiconductor circuit breaker includes a metal boiling cooler that loads semiconductor elements, and is capable of cooling the semiconductor elements through a refrigerant liquid contained in the boiling cooler.

[0011] However, the semiconductor circuit breaker disclosed in the above-mentioned prior art document only provides a method for transferring heat generated in a semiconductor element to a boiling cooler. In other words, the above-mentioned prior art document does not provide a method for discharging the heat transferred to the boiling cooler to the outside.

[0012] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0131078 (September 27, 2022)

[0013] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0134408 (July 25, 2016)

[0014] The present invention is intended to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker having a structure capable of effectively cooling generated heat.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker having a structure capable of effectively cooling generated heat without excessive structural changes to the exterior.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker having a structure capable of effectively cooling generated heat even without a separate refrigerant supply means.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker having a structure in which a cooling fluid for cooling heat can flow along various paths.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker having a structure capable of effectively cooling generated heat without increasing the size of the structure for cooling the heat.

[0019] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, a circuit breaker is provided, comprising: a housing having a housing space formed therein; a current-carrying portion accommodated in the housing space and partially exposed to the outside of the housing so as to be electrically connected to the outside; and a heat-radiating portion accommodated in the housing space and coupled to the current-carrying portion to receive heat generated from the current-carrying portion, wherein the housing is formed to have a length in one direction and a width in the other direction, and the heat-radiating portion includes a plurality of heat-radiating fin structures spaced apart from each other along the one direction; and a blower space formed between the plurality of heat-radiating fin structures spaced apart from each other and extending along the other direction, such that a portion of a cooling fluid introduced into the housing space flows along the blower space and is configured to exchange heat with the heat-radiating fin structures.

[0021] At this time, the heat dissipation fin structure may be provided with a circuit breaker including a plurality of plates spaced apart along the other direction.

[0022] In addition, a circuit breaker may be provided in which the heat dissipation part supports the current-carrying part, is formed to have a length in one direction and a width in the other direction, and includes a heat dissipation body coupled to the heat dissipation fin structure.

[0023] At this time, the heat dissipation body may be provided with a circuit breaker that surrounds the ventilation space on one side in the height direction.

[0024] In addition, a circuit breaker may be provided, which includes an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) that is electrically connected to an external power source and a load, respectively, and is configured to perform a switching operation to allow or block the electrical current of the power source and the load.

[0025] At this time, the heat dissipation body may be provided with a circuit breaker configured to receive heat generated by contact with the IGBT.

[0026] Additionally, a circuit breaker may be provided that includes a bus bar that is coupled to the IGBT and is electrically connected, and is partially exposed to the outside of the housing and electrically connected to the power source and the load, respectively.

[0027] At this time, a circuit breaker may be provided in which the heat dissipation fin structure includes a first heat dissipation fin structure positioned on one side of the one direction; a second heat dissipation fin structure positioned spaced apart from the first heat dissipation fin structure along the one direction; and a third heat dissipation fin structure positioned spaced apart from the second heat dissipation fin structure on the other side of the one direction and facing the first heat dissipation fin structure with the second heat dissipation fin structure interposed therebetween.

[0028] In addition, a circuit breaker may be provided in which the airflow space includes a first airflow space positioned between the first heat dissipation fin structure and the second heat dissipation fin structure along the one direction; and a second airflow space positioned between the second heat dissipation fin structure and the third heat dissipation fin structure along the one direction.

[0029] At this time, a circuit breaker may be provided in which the first air blowing space and the second air blowing space are connected to each other through a space between a plurality of plates provided in the second heat dissipation fin structure and spaced apart from each other along the other direction.

[0030] According to the above configuration, the circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the present invention can effectively cool the generated heat.

[0031] In addition, according to the above configuration, the circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the present invention can effectively cool the generated heat without excessive structural changes in the exterior.

[0032] In addition, according to the above configuration, the circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the present invention can effectively cool the generated heat even without a separate refrigerant supply means.

[0033] Additionally, according to the above configuration, the circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the present invention can allow a cooling fluid for cooling heat to flow along various paths.

[0034] In addition, according to the above configuration, the circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the present invention can effectively cool the generated heat without increasing the size of the configuration for cooling the heat.

[0035] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the detailed description of the present invention or the composition of the invention described in the claims.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective view from another angle showing the circuit breaker of Figure 1.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a AA cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the circuit breaker of Fig. 1.

[0039] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the circuit breaker of Fig. 1.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a housing provided in the circuit breaker of Fig. 1.

[0041] Fig. 6 is a BB cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the housing of Fig. 5.

[0042] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a current carrying part provided in the circuit breaker of Fig. 1.

[0043] Fig. 8 is a side view showing the power supply unit of Fig. 7.

[0044] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a heat dissipation unit provided in the circuit breaker of Fig. 1.

[0045] Fig. 10 is a front view showing the heat dissipation part of Fig. 9.

[0046] Fig. 11 is a side view illustrating the heat dissipation unit of Fig. 9.

[0047] Fig. 12 is a CC cross-sectional view showing the heat dissipation part of Fig. 9.

[0048] Fig. 13 is a CC cross-sectional view showing the heat dissipation part of Fig. 9.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA illustrating the flow of cooling fluid formed inside a circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 15 is a DD cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of cooling fluid formed inside a circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. To clearly explain the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in the drawings, and the same reference numerals designate identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0052] The words and terms used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principles by which the inventor can define terms and concepts in order to best explain his or her invention.

[0053] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings correspond to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, so there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace the configuration at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0054] In the following description, descriptions of some components may be omitted to clarify the features of the present invention.

[0055]

[0056] The term "fluid communication" as used herein refers to one or more elements being fluidly connected to one another. In one embodiment, the fluid communication may be formed by elements such as conduits, pipes, or piping. In the following description, the fluid communication may be used in the same sense as one or more elements being "fluidly connected" to one another.

[0057] The term "conduction" as used herein refers to the connection of one or more elements to enable the transmission of current or electrical signals. In one embodiment, the conduction may be formed in a wired form, such as by a conductor element, or in a wireless form, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RFID. In one embodiment, the conduction may also include the meaning of "communication."

[0058] The term "fluid" used in the following description refers to any form of material that can flow and change shape or volume, etc., due to an external force. In one embodiment, the fluid may be a liquid such as water or a gas such as air.

[0059] The terms “upper side,” “lower side,” “left side,” “right side,” “front side,” and “rear side” used in the following description shall be understood with reference to the coordinate system depicted throughout the attached drawings.

[0060] Additionally, the term "one direction" used in the following description may refer to the forward-backward direction. Furthermore, the term "the other direction" used in the following description may refer to the left-right direction. Furthermore, the term "height direction" used in the following description may refer to the up-down direction.

[0061]

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is electrically connected to an external power source and a load, and can allow or block the electrical current therefrom.

[0063] A circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be electronically operated to allow or block the flow of external power and loads. To this end, the circuit breaker (10) may be configured to include a semiconductor element capable of electronic switching operation, without having a fixed contact or a movable contact.

[0064] That is, the circuit breaker (10) according to the embodiment of the present invention may be referred to as a contactless circuit breaker or a solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB).

[0065] Since the circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a semiconductor circuit breaker, the configuration that is electrically connected to an external power source or load may be equipped with an electronic configuration. As the circuit breaker (10) continues to operate, a large amount of heat may be generated in the configuration.

[0066] Accordingly, the circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes an additional configuration for dissipating generated heat. The additional configuration may be configured to receive the generated heat and transfer the heat to the introduced cooling fluid. Furthermore, the additional configuration may form various flow paths for the introduced cooling fluid.

[0067] Accordingly, the cooling effect of the above configuration can be improved, thereby preventing thermal damage to the circuit breaker (10).

[0068] The circuit breaker (10) is connected to the outside. Cooling fluid can be introduced into the circuit breaker (10). The introduced cooling fluid can transfer heat generated inside the circuit breaker (10) and then be discharged back to the outside.

[0069] In one embodiment, the cooling fluid may be air. In the above embodiment, the circuit breaker (10) may be cooled in the form of air cooling. In the above embodiment, a separate configuration for supplying a coolant to the circuit breaker (10) is not required, so the structure of the circuit breaker (10) may be simplified.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit breaker (10) includes a housing (100), a current-carrying portion (200), and a heat-dissipating portion (300).

[0071] The housing (100) constitutes the outer shape of the circuit breaker (10). The housing (100) accommodates other components of the circuit breaker (10), in the illustrated embodiment, a current-carrying portion (200) and a heat-dissipating portion (300). A space (i.e., a housing space (120)) for accommodating the current-carrying portion (200) and the heat-dissipating portion (300) is formed inside the housing (100).

[0072] At this time, the housing (100) can accommodate the conductive part (200) so that the conductive part (200) is at least partially exposed to the outside. In addition, the housing (100) can accommodate the heat dissipation part (300) so that the heat dissipation part (300) is not exposed to the outside.

[0073] The housing (100) is connected to the outside. A cooling fluid can be introduced into the interior of the housing (100). The cooling fluid can receive and discharge heat generated from the conductive part (200) and the heat dissipation part (300) contained in the housing (100).

[0074] The housing (100) can be electrically connected to the outside. Among the components of the housing (100), an electrically operated component (i.e., a blower member (150) to be described later) can be operated according to power and control signals transmitted from the outside.

[0075] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6, the housing (100) includes a housing body (110), a housing space (120), an inlet opening (130), an outlet opening (140) and a blower member (150).

[0076] The housing body (110) constitutes the outer shape of the housing (100). Other components of the housing (100) may be formed or combined in the housing body (110). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing body (110) is formed with a housing space (120), an inlet opening (130), and an outlet opening (140). In addition, a blower member (150) is combined in the housing body (110).

[0077] Specifically, the housing body (110) surrounds the housing space (120) from the outside. An inlet opening (130) is formed through one longitudinal side of the housing body (110), the rear side in the illustrated embodiment. An outlet opening (140) is formed on the other longitudinal side of the housing body (110), the front side in the illustrated embodiment.

[0078] Additionally, a blower member (150) is coupled to cover the inlet opening (130) on one side of the longitudinal direction of the housing body (110), the rear side in the illustrated embodiment.

[0079] The housing body (110) surrounds the conductive part (200) accommodated in the housing space (120). At this time, an opening (not given a drawing symbol) may be formed in the housing body (110) to expose the conductive part (200) to the outside. In the illustrated embodiment, openings are formed on each side of the longitudinal direction of the housing body (110), i.e., the front side and the rear side in the illustrated embodiment, so that the conductive part (200) may be partially exposed.

[0080] The housing body (110) surrounds a heat dissipation unit (300) accommodated in the housing space (120). The heat dissipation unit (300) is not exposed to the outside of the housing body (110).

[0081] The housing body (110) may have any shape that can accommodate the conductive portion (200) and the heat dissipation portion (300) and other configurations of the housing (100) formed or combined. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing body (110) has a polygonal prism shape having a length in the front-back direction, a width in the left-right direction, and a height in the up-down direction.

[0082] The housing space (120) is a space formed inside the housing body (110). The housing space (120) is defined by being surrounded by the housing body (110). In the illustrated embodiment, each side in the longitudinal direction, each side in the width direction, and each side in the height direction of the housing space (120) is defined by being surrounded by the housing body (110).

[0083] The housing space (120) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the housing body (110). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing space (120) is formed as a polygonal prism-shaped space having a length in the front-back direction, a width in the left-right direction, and a height in the up-down direction.

[0084] The housing space (120) is connected to the outside. Specifically, the housing space (120) is connected to the outside through an inlet opening (130) and an outlet opening (140), respectively. Cooling fluid remaining outside the housing (100) can be introduced into the housing space (120) through the inlet opening (130). Cooling fluid introduced into the housing space (120) can be discharged back to the outside through the outlet opening (140).

[0085] A conductive part (200) is positioned in the housing space (120). At this time, the conductive part (200) may be positioned in the housing space (120) so as to be at least partially exposed to the outside of the housing (100).

[0086] A heat dissipation unit (300) is positioned in the housing space (120). The heat dissipation unit (300) can be positioned in the housing space (120) in contact with or coupled to the current-carrying unit (200).

[0087] The inlet opening (130) constitutes a passage through which the housing space (120) communicates with the outside. The inlet opening (130) can constitute a passage through which cooling fluid remaining outside the housing (100) flows in.

[0088] The inlet opening (130) can be positioned at any location that can communicate the housing space (120) with the outside. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet opening (130) is positioned on one side of the housing body (110) in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the rear side. The inlet opening (130) is formed through the rear side of the housing body (110).

[0089] The inlet opening (130) is positioned facing the outlet opening (140) with the housing space (120) in between. Cooling fluid introduced through the inlet opening (130) can pass through the housing space (120) and exchange heat with the electrically conductive part (200) or the heat dissipating part (300) before being discharged to the outside through the outlet opening (140).

[0090] The inlet opening (130) is positioned adjacent to the blower member (150). The inlet opening (130) may be covered by the blower member (150).

[0091] The inlet opening (130) may be of any shape that allows the housing space (120) to communicate with the outside and can be covered by the blower member (150). In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet opening (130) is formed as a polygonal space having a rectangular cross-section and a thickness in the front-back direction.

[0092] The outlet opening (140) constitutes another passage through which the housing space (120) communicates with the outside. The outlet opening (140) can constitute a passage through which cooling fluid introduced into the housing space (120) is discharged to the outside.

[0093] The outlet opening (140) may be positioned at any location that can communicate the housing space (120) with the outside. At this time, the outlet opening (140) may be positioned as far away from the inlet opening (130) as possible. This is to ensure that the cooling fluid introduced into the housing space (120) is sufficiently heat-exchanged with the radiating portion (200) or the heat dissipating portion (300) before being discharged to the outside.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet opening (140) is located on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the housing body (110), i.e., the front side. The outlet opening (140) is formed through the front side of the housing body (110).

[0095] The outlet opening (140) is positioned facing the inlet opening (130) with the housing space (120) between them. That is, the outlet opening (140) is positioned opposite the inlet opening (130).

[0096] The outlet opening (140) may have any shape that allows the housing space (120) to communicate with the outside. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet opening (140) is formed as a polygonal prism-shaped space having a rectangular cross-section and a length in the front-back direction.

[0097] The blower member (150) provides a conveying force to introduce the cooling fluid remaining outside the housing (100) into the housing space (120). In addition, the blower member (150) provides a conveying force to discharge the cooling fluid introduced into the housing space (120). The blower member (150) can be operated by receiving power and control signals by being connected to an external control power source (not shown), etc.

[0098] The blower member (150) is coupled to the housing body (110). The blower member (150) is located at a position adjacent to the inlet opening (130) among each part of the housing body (110), in the illustrated embodiment, at the rear side.

[0099] The blower member (150) is positioned adjacent to the inlet opening (130). The blower member (150) covers the inlet opening (130) and can be coupled to the housing body (110). In the illustrated embodiment, the blower member (150) is positioned facing the housing space (120) with the inlet opening (130) interposed therebetween.

[0100] The blower member (150) may be provided in any form capable of providing a transport force to the cooling fluid. In one embodiment, the blower member (150) may be provided in the form of a fan including a plurality of blades.

[0101] The circuit breaker (200) is configured to be electrically connected to an external power source and load, respectively, by the circuit breaker (10). The circuit breaker (200) can allow or block the electrical current from the external power source and load. As described above, the circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided as a semiconductor circuit breaker.

[0102] The conductive part (200) is coupled to the housing (100). Specifically, the conductive part (200) is accommodated in the housing space (120). Some components of the conductive part (200) are exposed to the outside of the housing body (110) and are electrically connected to an external power source and load, respectively.

[0103] The conductive part (200) is coupled to a heat dissipation part (300). Heat generated in the conductive part (200) can be transferred to the heat dissipation part (300). Accordingly, the conductive part (200) can be cooled, thereby preventing heat damage.

[0104] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the power supply unit (200) includes a PCB (210), an IGBT (220), a TVS (230), and a bus bar (240).

[0105] The PCB (210) electrically connects each component of the conductive part (200) to each other. The PCB (210) is electrically connected to the IGBT (220) and the TVS (230) so as to electrically connect them. The PCB (210) is electrically connected to the bus bar (240) so as to electrically connect them to an external power source and a load, respectively. Accordingly, each component of the conductive part (200) can be electrically connected to each other and electrically connected to an external power source and a load.

[0106] The PCB (210) may be provided in any form that can electrically connect each component of the conductive part (200). In one embodiment, the PCB (210) may be provided in the form of a printed circuit board.

[0107] A plurality of PCBs (210) may be provided. The plurality of PCBs (210) may be spaced apart from each other and may be respectively coupled to each component of the conductive part (200). In the illustrated embodiment, the PCB (210) includes a first PCB (211) positioned on the upper side and electrically coupled to the IGBT (220) and the bus bar (240), and a second PCB (212) positioned on the lower side and electrically coupled to the IGBT (220) and the bus bar (240).

[0108] The IGBT (220) performs a switching operation to allow or block the flow of external power and load. The IGBT (220) is connected to the PCB (210) and is energized.

[0109] The IGBT (220) may be provided in any form capable of allowing or blocking the flow of external power and load. In one embodiment, the IGBT (220) may be provided as an insulated gate bipolar transistor. In the above embodiment, the IGBT (220) may be configured to include a MOSFET and a bipolar transistor.

[0110] The IGBT (220) is coupled to a heat dissipation unit (300). Specifically, the IGBT (220) may be coupled to and supported by a heat dissipation body (310). At this time, the IGBT (220) may be in contact with the heat dissipation body (310).

[0111] As the circuit breaker (10) operates, a large amount of heat may be generated in the IGBT (220). The heat generated in the IGBT (220) may be transferred to a cooling fluid introduced into the housing space (120) through the heat dissipation body (310). The IGBT (220) may be cooled through the above process.

[0112] The TVS (230) serves to consume residual current generated in the IGBT (220) when the IGBT (220) is operated and the supply of external power and load is cut off. The TVS (230) is electrically connected to the IGBT (220) and can protect the IGBT (220) from voltage sparks generated in the IGBT (220). The TVS (230) is electrically connected to the IGBT (220).

[0113] The TVS (230) may be provided in any form that can protect the IGBT (220) performing a blocking operation. In one embodiment, the TVS (230) may be provided in the form of a transient voltage suppressor diode.

[0114] The TVS (230) is coupled to a heat dissipation unit (300). Specifically, the IGBT (220) may be coupled to and supported by a heat dissipation body (310). At this time, the IGBT (220) may be in contact with the heat dissipation body (310).

[0115] Accordingly, the heat generated in the TVS (230) can also be transferred to the cooling fluid introduced into the housing space (120) through the heat dissipation body (310). Through the above process, the TVS (230) can also be cooled.

[0116] The bus bar (240) is configured to electrically connect the power supply unit (200) to the outside. The bus bar (240) is at least partially exposed to the outside of the housing body (110) and can be electrically connected to an external power source and load, respectively.

[0117] The bus bar (240) is coupled to the PCB (210). The bus bar (240) can be electrically connected to the PCB (210).

[0118] A plurality of bus bars (240) may be provided. The plurality of bus bars (240) may be electrically connected to the PCB (210), an external power source, and a load at different locations.

[0119] In the illustrated embodiment, four bus bars (240) are provided, including one pair positioned on the front side and one pair positioned on the rear side. Each pair of bus bars (240) is at least partially exposed to the outside of the housing body (110).

[0120] The process of allowing or blocking the flow of external power and load by the power supply (200) is a well-known technology, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0121] The heat dissipation unit (300) receives heat generated from the conductive unit (200) and transfers it to the cooling fluid flowing into the housing space (120). Through the above process, the conductive unit (200) can be cooled.

[0122] In particular, the circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention can maximize the heat exchange effect with the introduced cooling fluid. This can be achieved by the heat dissipation fin structure (320) and the airflow space (330), which will be described in detail later.

[0123] The heat dissipation unit (300) is coupled to the housing (100). Specifically, the heat dissipation unit (300) is placed in the housing space (120) and is surrounded by the housing body (110). The heat dissipation unit (300) is not exposed to the outside of the housing body (110).

[0124] The heat dissipation unit (300) is coupled to the current-carrying unit (200). Specifically, the heat dissipation unit (300) supports the IGBT (220) and TVS (230) from the lower side. Heat generated in the IGBT (220) and TVS (230) can be transferred to the heat dissipation unit (300).

[0125] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 13, the heat dissipation unit (300) includes a heat dissipation body (310), a heat dissipation fin structure (320), and a ventilation space (330).

[0126] The heat dissipation body (310) is the part where the heat dissipation part (300) comes into contact with the current-carrying part (200). The heat dissipation body (310) supports the IGBT (220) and TVS (230) from the lower side. Heat generated in the IGBT (220) and TVS (230) can be first transferred to the heat dissipation body (310).

[0127] The heat dissipation body (310) is coupled to the heat dissipation fin structure (320). One side of the heat dissipation body (310) in the height direction, the lower side in the illustrated embodiment, is coupled to the heat dissipation fin structure (320). A portion of the heat transferred to the heat dissipation body (310) may be transferred to the heat dissipation fin structure (320).

[0128] The heat dissipation body (310) partially surrounds the airflow space (330). In the illustrated embodiment, the heat dissipation body (310) surrounds one side, i.e., the upper side, of the airflow space (330) in the height direction. Another portion of the heat transferred to the heat dissipation body (310) can be directly transferred to the cooling fluid flowing in the airflow space (330).

[0129] The heat dissipation body (310) may be formed of a material with high rigidity and thermal conductivity. This is to quickly transfer and release generated heat. In one embodiment, the heat dissipation body (310) may be formed of an alloy material including copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), or the like.

[0130] The heat dissipation body (310) may have any shape that supports the IGBT (220) and TVS (230) and can be combined with the heat dissipation fin structure (320). In the illustrated embodiment, the heat dissipation body (310) is formed in a polygonal plate shape in which the length in the front-back direction is longer than the width in the left-right direction and the thickness in the up-down direction is greater.

[0131] The heat dissipation fin structure (320) receives heat from the heat dissipation body (310). The heat dissipation fin structure (320) transfers the received heat to the cooling fluid introduced into the housing space (120).

[0132] The heat dissipation fin structure (320) is coupled to the heat dissipation body (310). One side of the heat dissipation fin structure (320) in the height direction, the upper side in the illustrated embodiment, is coupled to the lower side of the heat dissipation body (310). A portion of the heat transferred to the heat dissipation body (310) may be transferred to the heat dissipation fin structure (320).

[0133] The heat dissipation fin structure (320) may be formed of a material with high rigidity and thermal conductivity. This is to quickly transfer and release generated heat. In one embodiment, the heat dissipation fin structure (320) may be formed of an alloy material containing copper, aluminum, or the like, similar to the heat dissipation body (310).

[0134] The heat dissipation fin structure (320) may be of any shape that is coupled to the heat dissipation body (310) to receive heat and quickly release the received heat. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat dissipation fin structure (320) is composed of a polygonal plate having a length in the front-back direction, a height in the up-down direction, and a thickness in the left-right direction.

[0135] At this time, the heat dissipation fin structure (320) may be configured to include a plurality of plates. The plurality of plates may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the heat dissipation fin structure (320), or in the left-right direction in the illustrated embodiment. A cooling fluid introduced into the space formed by the plurality of plates being spaced apart may flow and exchange heat with the plurality of plates.

[0136] Meanwhile, in the circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat dissipation fin structure (320) may be configured in multiple pieces. The multiple heat dissipation fin structures (320) may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing (100), in the illustrated embodiment, and may be respectively coupled to the heat dissipation body (310).

[0137] Accordingly, the cooling fluid flows even in a space where a plurality of heat dissipation fin structures (320) are formed spaced apart from each other, and heat can be exchanged with each of the plurality of heat dissipation fin structures (320).

[0138] Accordingly, the cooling fluid introduced into the housing space (120) flows in the width direction as well as the length direction of the housing space (120) and can additionally exchange heat with the heat dissipation unit (300). As a result, the heat transferred to the heat dissipation unit (300) can be transferred to the cooling fluid more quickly, thereby improving the cooling effect of the conductive unit (200).

[0139] In the illustrated embodiment, the heat dissipation fin structure (320) includes a first heat dissipation fin structure (321), a second heat dissipation fin structure (322), and a third heat dissipation fin structure (323).

[0140] The first heat dissipation fin structure (321) constitutes a portion of a plurality of heat dissipation fin structures (320). The first heat dissipation fin structure (321) is positioned on one longitudinal side of the housing body (110), that is, on the front side in the illustrated embodiment. The first heat dissipation fin structure (321) is positioned between the outlet opening (140) and the second heat dissipation fin structure (322).

[0141] The first heat dissipation fin structure (321) is arranged to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the front side of the housing body (110) and the second heat dissipation fin structure (322) along the longitudinal direction of the housing body (110), i.e., the front-back direction. A first airflow space (331) is formed between the first heat dissipation fin structure (321) and the second heat dissipation fin structure (322).

[0142] The second heat dissipation fin structure (322) constitutes another portion of the plurality of heat dissipation fin structures (320). The second heat dissipation fin structure (322) is located at a longitudinal middle portion of the housing body (110). The second heat dissipation fin structure (322) is located between the first heat dissipation fin structure (321) and the third heat dissipation fin structure (323).

[0143] The second heat dissipation fin structure (322) is arranged to be spaced apart from the first heat dissipation fin structure (321) and the third heat dissipation fin structure (323) along the longitudinal direction of the housing body (110). A second airflow space (332) is formed between the second heat dissipation fin structure (322) and the third heat dissipation fin structure (323).

[0144] The third heat dissipation fin structure (323) constitutes the remaining portion of the plurality of heat dissipation fin structures (320). The third heat dissipation fin structure (323) is located on the other longitudinal side of the housing body (110), in the illustrated embodiment, on the rear side. The third heat dissipation fin structure (323) is located between the second heat dissipation fin structure (322) and the inlet opening (130).

[0145] The third heat dissipation fin structure (323) is arranged to be spaced apart from the second heat dissipation fin structure (322) and the rear inner surface of the housing body (110) along the longitudinal direction of the housing body (110), i.e., the front-back direction.

[0146] The blower space (330) provides an additional space in which the cooling fluid introduced into the housing space (120) can flow. As the blower space (330) is formed, the cooling fluid introduced into the housing space (120) can flow not only in the longitudinal direction of the housing body (110), i.e., the front-back direction, but also in the width direction, i.e., the left-right direction.

[0147] Accordingly, the heat exchange time between the introduced cooling fluid and the heat dissipation body (310) or the heat dissipation fin structure (320) can be increased, thereby improving the cooling effect.

[0148] The ventilation space (330) can be defined as a space formed between a plurality of heat dissipation fin structures (320) in a portion of the housing space (120). That is, the ventilation space (330) is formed by a plurality of heat dissipation fin structures (320) being spaced apart from each other.

[0149] The ventilation space (330) may extend in a direction different from the direction in which the plurality of heat dissipation fin structures (320) are spaced apart from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the ventilation space (330) extends in the left-right direction differently from the direction in which the plurality of heat dissipation fin structures (320) are spaced apart from each other in the front-back direction.

[0150] In other words, the ventilation space (330) extends in the same direction as the direction in which the plurality of plates provided in the heat dissipation fin structure (320) are spaced apart from each other.

[0151] A plurality of ventilation spaces (330) may be defined. The plurality of ventilation spaces (330) may be formed between a plurality of heat dissipation fin structures (320). In the illustrated embodiment, the ventilation space (330) includes a first ventilation space (331) formed between a first heat dissipation fin structure (321) and a second heat dissipation fin structure (322), and a second ventilation space (332) formed between a second heat dissipation fin structure (322) and a third heat dissipation fin structure (323).

[0152] The first air blowing space (331) and the second air blowing space (332) are arranged to face each other along the longitudinal direction of the housing body (110), i.e., the front-back direction, with the second heat dissipation fin structure (322) interposed therebetween. The first air blowing space (331) and the second air blowing space (332) can be directly connected through a space in which a plurality of plates constituting the second heat dissipation fin structure (322) are spaced apart.

[0153]

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the flow of cooling fluid formed inside a circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as an example. As described above, inside the circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention, cooling fluid can flow along both the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the housing body (110).

[0155] As the circuit breaker (10) operates, heat is generated in the energized portion (200). The heat generated in the IGBT (220) and TVS (230) is transferred to the heat dissipation body (310) that supports them.

[0156] When the blower member (150) is operated, the cooling fluid remaining outside the housing (100) flows into the housing space (120) through the inlet opening (130).

[0157] A portion of the heat transferred to the heat dissipation body (310) is directly transferred to the introduced cooling fluid. In addition, another portion of the heat transferred to the heat dissipation body (310) is transferred to the cooling fluid via the heat dissipation fin structure (320).

[0158] The cooling fluid introduced into the housing space (120) is heat-exchanged with the heat-radiating body (310) or the heat-radiating fin structure (320) and then flows out of the housing space (120) through the outlet opening (140).

[0159] At this time, the flow of the cooling fluid may include a first flow (F1) extending in the longitudinal direction of the housing body (110), i.e., in the front-back direction, and a second flow (F2) extending in the width direction of the housing body (110), i.e., in the left-right direction.

[0160] That is, a portion of the first flow (F1) may extend toward the front side along the space between the plurality of plates constituting the heat dissipation fin structure (320). Another portion of the first flow (F1) may extend toward the front side along the space formed between the heat dissipation fin structure (320) and the inner surface of the housing body (110).

[0161] Additionally, a portion of the second flow (F2) may extend in the left-right direction along the first airflow space (331) formed between the first heat dissipation fin structure (321) and the second heat dissipation fin structure (322). Additionally, another portion of the second flow (F2) may extend in the left-right direction along the second airflow space (332) formed between the second heat dissipation fin structure (322) and the third heat dissipation fin structure (323).

[0162] Accordingly, the heat exchange time between the heat dissipation body (310) or the heat dissipation fin structure (320) and the cooling fluid is increased, so that the cooling effect of the conductive part (200) can be improved.

[0163] As a specific example, in an experiment in which a current of 150 A was applied, it was confirmed that the temperature of the circuit breaker (10) according to the embodiment of the present invention was lowered by about 10% compared to the case of a circuit breaker in which a ventilation space (330) was not formed.

[0164]

[0165] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented in this specification, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention will be able to easily propose other embodiments by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components within the scope of the same spirit, but this will also be considered to fall within the spirit of the present invention.

[0166] 10: Circuit breaker 100: Housing

[0167] 110: Housing body 120: Housing space

[0168] 130: Inlet opening 140: Outlet opening

[0169] 150: Ventilation member 200: Electrical part

[0170] 210: PCB 211: 1st PCB

[0171] 212: 2nd PCB 220: IGBT

[0172] 230: TVS 240: Busbar

[0173] 300: heat dissipation part 310: heat dissipation body

[0174] 320: Heat dissipation fin structure 321: First heat dissipation fin structure

[0175] 322: Second heat dissipation fin structure 323: Third heat dissipation fin structure

[0176] 330: Ventilation space 331: First ventilation space

[0177] 332: Second ventilation space F1: First flow

[0178] F2: Second flow

Claims

1. A housing having a housing space formed inside; A conductive part accommodated in the housing space and partially exposed to the outside of the housing so as to be electrically connected to the outside; and A heat dissipation unit is included, which is accommodated in the housing space and is configured to receive heat generated from the power supply unit by being coupled to the power supply unit. The above housing is formed to have a length in one direction and a width in the other direction, The above heat dissipation part, A plurality of heat dissipation fin structures spaced apart from each other along the above direction; and Including a ventilation space formed between a plurality of the above heat dissipation fin structures spaced apart from each other and extending along the other direction, A portion of the cooling fluid introduced into the housing space flows along the blower space and is configured to exchange heat with the heat dissipation fin structure. Circuit breaker.

2. In paragraph 1, The above heat dissipation fin structure, comprising a plurality of plates spaced apart along the above direction, Circuit breaker.

3. In paragraph 1, The above heat dissipation part, Supporting the above-mentioned conductive part, and including a heat dissipation body formed to have a length in one direction and a width in the other direction, and combined with the heat dissipation fin structure. Circuit breaker.

4. In paragraph 3, The above heat dissipation body surrounds the above ventilation space on one side in the height direction. Circuit breaker.

5. In paragraph 3, The above communication part is, Including an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) that is connected to an external power source and a load, respectively, and is configured to allow or block the power supply and the load by switching operation. Circuit breaker.

6. In paragraph 5, The above heat dissipation body is configured to receive heat generated by contacting the IGBT. Circuit breaker.

7. In paragraph 5, A bus bar that is coupled to the IGBT and is electrically connected, and is partially exposed to the outside of the housing and is electrically connected to the power source and the load, respectively. Circuit breaker.

8. In paragraph 1, The above heat dissipation fin structure, A first heat dissipation fin structure positioned on one side of the above one direction; A second heat dissipation fin structure arranged spaced apart from the first heat dissipation fin structure along the above direction; and A third heat dissipation fin structure is positioned on the other side of the one direction and spaced apart from the second heat dissipation fin structure, and is arranged to face the first heat dissipation fin structure with the second heat dissipation fin structure interposed therebetween. Circuit breaker.

9. In paragraph 8, The above ventilation space is, A first airflow space positioned between the first heat dissipation fin structure and the second heat dissipation fin structure along the above one direction; and Including a second airflow space positioned between the second heat dissipation fin structure and the third heat dissipation fin structure along the above one direction, Circuit breaker.

10. In paragraph 9, The above first ventilation space and the above second ventilation space, Equipped in the second heat dissipation fin structure, and communicating with each other through a space between a plurality of plates spaced apart from each other along the other direction, Circuit breaker.

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