Current sensor

Abstract

A current sensor disclosed herein comprises: a sensor unit including a plurality of via holes, which are formed in a substrate, including an insulating layer and a conductor layer formed on both surfaces of the insulating layer, so as to pass through the insulating layer and the conductor layer and have a conductive film formed on the inner wall thereof, and at least one coil formed on the conductor layer by line patterning to connect the plurality of via holes; a circuit unit, disposed close to the sensor unit, for outputting a signal indicating the magnitude of a current measured by the sensor unit to the outside; and a connection unit for electrically connecting the sensor unit and the circuit unit. The circuit unit is disposed close to the sensor unit to minimize the length of a line of a component orthogonal to a center line of the coil among lines constituting the connection unit.

Description

current sensor

[0001] The present invention relates to a current sensor.

[0002] Accurate measurement of current flowing in power lines is an important factor that enables maximizing power usage efficiency through prediction and analysis of power demand and protecting power systems through detection of fault currents and rapid isolation of faulty systems.

[0003] Current sensors for detecting current flowing in a conductor under test can be divided into resistance detection methods using shunt resistors and magnetic detection methods using the magnetic field surrounding the conductor, depending on the detection method. Magnetic detection methods can be divided into sensors using current transformers (CTs) and sensors using Hall elements.

[0004] CT devices utilize the principle of a transformer, so they are generally used to measure AC currents, which vary over time. When current flows through a conductor, a magnetic field is generated around it. When a conductor passes through the donut-shaped CT, the magnetic field around the conductor induces a current in the CT coil.

[0005] A Hall element is a device that uses the Hall effect, which generates an electromotive force in a direction perpendicular to the current and magnetic field when a magnetic field is applied in a direction perpendicular to the current. A sensor that uses this Hall effect is called a Hall sensor, and a detection signal is generated by a change in the magnetic field of a magnetic object.

[0006] Another type of magnetic field detection method, the Rogowski coil current sensor, measures current by converting the voltage induced in the air-core coil by the alternating magnetic field generated around the measured current. That is, the magnetic field caused by the alternating current flowing in the measured conductor (primary side) interlinks with the air-core coil, thereby generating an induced voltage in the air-core coil. This induced voltage becomes the time derivative of the measured current, so by passing it through an integrator, a signal proportional to the measured current is output.

[0007] In another way, a current sensor is disclosed that detects alternating current by measuring electromagnetic waves generated in the sensor unit by induced electromotive force generated by alternating current flowing in the power conductor by placing the sensor unit at a predetermined distance from the power conductor through which alternating current flows (see, for example, Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-1981640).

[0008] In order to miniaturize the size of the current sensor, a current sensor disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1981640 or a current sensor using a Hall element can be used. However, the current sensor disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1981640 has a sensor unit composed of a non-coiled measurement wire arranged parallel to a power wire, and therefore has a problem in that the measurement sensitivity is significantly reduced at low currents (e.g., 1 A or less).

[0009] Since the Hall element requires a magnetic core, there are limitations to miniaturization (see, for example, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-0897229), and since it is sensitive to magnetic signals, it is vulnerable to noise. Unless the noise is completely shielded, the induced magnetism generated when the neighboring busbar is active is introduced as noise, which increases the measurement error.

[0010] In addition, most current sensors using a magnetic field detection method have power lines that penetrate the inside of the core, so they cannot be simply mounted on existing power lines, and they have the disadvantage of requiring a large mounting area.

[0011] In terms of mounting area, a printed circuit board with a CT (Current Transformer) function is described to resolve spatial constraints for mounting on a power line, but since this targets high-frequency power in the RF (Radio Frequency) band with a frequency of several hundred kHz to several GHz, current detection is possible even if a metal shield is placed between the power line and the coil to block the electric field (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-200631).

[0012] However, in the case of low-frequency power having a commercial frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz, unlike high-frequency power in the RF band, the level of induced current due to magnetic flux generated in the power line does not differ significantly from the noise level in the surroundings (atmospheric), so there is a problem that it is not easy to measure the current flowing in the power line through a structure similar to the printed circuit board having a CT function described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-200631.

[0013] The present invention was designed to solve the above problems, and one technical task that the present invention seeks to achieve is to provide a current sensor that can minimize the influence of noise and minimise the size of the sensor itself while maintaining high sensitivity when measuring current at commercial frequencies.

[0014] The problems solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field from the description below.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a current sensor is provided, comprising: a sensor unit including at least one coil formed of a substrate including an insulating layer and a conductive layer formed on both sides of the insulating layer, a plurality of via holes formed to penetrate the insulating layer and the conductive layer and having a conductive film formed on an inner wall thereof, and a line patterning formed to connect the plurality of via holes to the conductive layer; a circuit unit disposed close to the sensor unit for outputting a signal representing the magnitude of a current measured by the sensor unit to the outside; and a connection unit for electrically connecting the sensor unit and the circuit unit, wherein the circuit unit is disposed close to the sensor unit so as to minimize the line length of a component of the lines constituting the connection unit that is orthogonal to the center line of the coil.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a current sensor is provided, comprising: a sensor unit including at least one coil formed of a substrate including an insulating layer and a conductive layer formed on both sides of the insulating layer, a plurality of via holes formed to penetrate the insulating layer and the conductive layer and having a conductive film formed on an inner wall thereof, and a line patterning formed to connect the plurality of via holes to the conductive layer; a circuit unit disposed adjacent to the sensor unit for outputting a signal representing the magnitude of a current measured by the sensor unit to the outside; and a connection unit for electrically connecting a signal output terminal of the sensor unit and a signal input terminal of the circuit unit, wherein the signal output terminal of the sensor unit is formed at a position that minimizes the line length of a component orthogonal to a center line of the coil among lines from an end of the coil to the signal output terminal.

[0017] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the circuit portion includes at least a low-pass filter and an amplifier.

[0018] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the coil includes an iron core at its center.

[0019] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the current sensor further comprises a shielding case made of a conductive material configured in a box shape having an opening on a first side for accommodating both the sensor unit and the circuit unit therein.

[0020] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a current sensor is provided, comprising: a substrate including an insulating layer and a conductive layer formed on both sides of the insulating layer; a plurality of via holes formed to penetrate the insulating layer and the conductive layer, each via hole having a conductive film formed on an inner wall; and at least one coil formed with a line patterning formed to connect the plurality of via holes to the conductive layer; and a signal output terminal for outputting a signal representing the magnitude of a current measured by the sensor unit; wherein the signal output terminal is formed at a position that minimizes the line length of a component orthogonal to a center line of the coil among lines from an end of the coil to the signal output terminal.

[0021] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the current sensor further comprises a circuit portion arranged close to the sensor portion for outputting a signal representing the magnitude of the current measured by the sensor portion to the outside, and a connection portion for electrically connecting a signal output terminal of the sensor portion and a signal input terminal of the circuit portion, wherein the circuit portion is arranged close to the sensor portion so as to minimize the line length of a component orthogonal to the center line of the coil among the lines constituting the connection portion.

[0022] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor unit includes a plurality of coils connected in series or in parallel with each other, and the plurality of coils are arranged so as to minimize the line length of a component orthogonal to the center line of the coils among the lines connecting the plurality of coils in series or in parallel.

[0023] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor portion and the circuit portion are formed on the same substrate.

[0024] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor unit and the circuit unit are formed on a first substrate and a second substrate, respectively, and the first substrate and the second substrate are arranged to overlap each other in a normal direction.

[0025] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the current sensor further comprises a mounting member made of an insulating material, configured in a box shape to accommodate both the sensor unit and the circuit unit inside, and having a fastening portion on an outer surface thereof to be fitted to the power line.

[0026] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the current sensor further comprises a shielding case made of a conductive material configured in a box shape having an opening on a first side for accommodating both the sensor unit and the circuit unit therein.

[0027] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the current sensor is configured in a box shape with one side open so that the opening side of the shielding case can be inserted, and further includes a mounting member made of an insulating material having a fastening portion on an outer surface thereof so as to be fitted to the power line.

[0028] Although each embodiment in this specification is described independently, each embodiment may be combined with another embodiment, and the combined embodiment is also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0029] The above summary is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, additional aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the detailed description below.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a current sensor capable of minimizing the influence of noise and minimizing the size of the sensor itself while maintaining high sensitivity when measuring current at a commercial frequency.

[0031] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0032] FIGS. 1 to 3 are conceptual diagrams showing a state in which a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a power line.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sensor portion of a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a first side and a second side of a sensor portion of a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the coil formation form of a sensor portion of a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a process of mounting a current sensor to a power line according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a current sensor mounted on a power line according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an assembly process of a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a current sensor mounted on a power line according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a side view showing a form in which a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a power line.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a measurement graph for comparing the current detection performance of a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention and a current sensor according to Patent Document 1.

[0043] FIG. 14 is a measurement graph showing noise characteristics of a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 15 is a measurement graph showing the non-saturation characteristics of a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are perspective views showing the coil formation form of the sensor section of the current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a current sensor (100) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a power line (e.g., a bus bar) (P). FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a current sensor (200) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a power line (P). FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a current sensor (300) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a power line (P).

[0048] In FIGS. 1 and 3, (a) is a perspective view close to a plan view viewed from above of a current sensor mounted on a power line (P), and (b) is a side view of a current sensor mounted on a power line (P).

[0049] The current sensor (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 is composed of a substrate (110) including a conductor layer formed on both sides of an insulating layer with an insulating layer therebetween, a sensor unit (120) formed on the substrate (110), a circuit unit (130) formed on the same substrate (110) as the sensor unit (120) to receive an output from the sensor unit (120) and output a current signal representing the intensity of a current flowing in a power line through a predetermined signal processing, and a connection unit (140) for electrically connecting the sensor unit (120) and the circuit unit (130).

[0050] When current flows in the power line (P), a magnetic field is formed around the power line (P), and the sensor unit (120) detects the magnetic flux flowing along the magnetic field and outputs a signal indicating the intensity of the current flowing in the power line (P).

[0051] At this time, since the sensor unit (120) detects the magnetic flux caused by the low-frequency current flowing in the power line (P), the level of the detected signal does not differ significantly from the noise level (in the air) around the power line (P), so in order to minimize the influence on the signal level of the sensor unit (120), it is necessary to form a line parallel to the power line (P) as short as possible inside the current sensor (100).

[0052] Therefore, by minimizing the length of the output terminal line of the sensor unit (120) and the connection unit (140) that electrically connects the sensor unit (120) and the circuit unit (130) (minimizing the distance between the sensor unit (120) and the circuit unit (130), the signal detection efficiency of the sensor unit (120) can be improved.

[0053] The current sensor (200) illustrated in FIG. 2 is composed of a substrate (210) including a conductor layer formed on both sides of an insulating layer with an insulating layer therebetween, a sensor unit (220) formed on the substrate (210), a circuit unit (230) formed on the same substrate (210) as the sensor unit (220) to receive an output from the sensor unit (220) and output a current signal representing the intensity of a current flowing in a power line through a predetermined signal processing, and a connection unit (240) for electrically connecting the sensor unit (220) and the circuit unit (230).

[0054] While the current sensor (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured with a sensor portion (120) formed along a power line (P), a circuit portion (130), and a connection portion (140) for electrically connecting the sensor portion (120) and the circuit portion (130) in the direction of the power line (P), in the current sensor (200) illustrated in FIG. 2, the sensor portion (220) and the circuit portion (230) are formed on the same substrate (210), but the sensor portion (220) and the circuit portion (230) are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the power line (P), so that the connection portion (240) is configured to electrically connect the sensor portion (220) and the circuit portion (230) in a direction perpendicular to the power line (P).

[0055] The current sensor (200) illustrated in FIG. 2 has a disadvantage in that the current sensor itself is separated from the power line (P) and requires more space on the side of the power line (P), but has an advantage in that the signal detection efficiency of the sensor unit (220) can be further improved because the line parallel to the power line (P) can be further excluded compared to the current sensor (100) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0056] The current sensor (300) illustrated in FIG. 3 is composed of a first substrate (310) including a conductive layer formed on both sides of an insulating layer with an insulating layer therebetween, a sensor unit (311) formed on the first substrate (310), a second substrate (320) including a conductive layer formed on both sides of the insulating layer with an insulating layer therebetween, a circuit unit (321) formed on the second substrate (320) for receiving an output from the sensor unit (311) and outputting a current signal representing the intensity of a current flowing in a power line through a predetermined signal processing, and a connection unit (340) for electrically connecting the sensor unit (311) and the circuit unit (321).

[0057] While the current sensor (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 and the current sensor (300) illustrated in FIG. 2 have a structure in which the sensor portion and the circuit portion are formed on the same substrate, the current sensor (300) illustrated in FIG. 3 has a structure in which the sensor portion (311) and the circuit portion (321) are each formed on separate, independent substrates and are electrically connected by a connecting portion (340) as if they are laminated in one direction perpendicular to the power line (P). At this time, the connecting portion (340) can perform the function of electrically connecting the sensor portion (311) and the circuit portion (321) and physically fixing them at the same time.

[0058] In this way, by forming the sensor unit (311) and the circuit unit (321) on separate independent substrates and electrically connecting them by the connection unit (340) as if stacking them in one direction perpendicular to the power line (P), the distance between the sensor unit (311) and the circuit unit (321) can be minimized while excluding the line parallel to the power line (P), so there is an advantage in that the signal detection efficiency of the sensor unit (220) can be further improved.

[0059] At this time, the connecting portion (340) needs to be formed as short as possible (minimized in length) while electrically connecting the sensor portion (311) and the circuit portion (321) and fixing them so that they do not physically come into contact.

[0060] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the current sensor (100, 200, 300) is configured to be mounted on a power line (e.g., a bus bar) (P) and is configured to measure an induced current caused by a change in magnetic flux that occurs when current flows in the power line (P).

[0061] To this end, the sensor unit (120, 220, 311) is configured to include at least one coil formed by a plurality of via holes having a conductive film formed on the inner wall and a line patterning formed to connect the plurality of via holes to the conductive layer so as to penetrate the insulating layer and the conductive layer of the substrate (110, 210, 310).

[0062] FIGS. 4 and 5 are actual images of a first substrate (310) manufactured in the form of a current sensor (300) illustrated in FIG. 3, in which a coil having 7 turns (C1), a coil having 5 turns (C2), a coil having 6 turns (C3), and a coil having 7 turns (C4) are formed on a PCB having a thickness of 2 mm and a length of 7 mm X 22 mm in the y and x directions using a plurality of via holes (312) and line patterning (313).

[0063] In the sensor unit (311) illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the four coils (C1 to C4) formed are connected in series with each other and configured to maximize the induced electromotive force due to the magnetic flux generated by the current flowing in the power line (P) with a substrate (311) of a given size.

[0064] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the coil formation form of the sensor portion (311) of the current sensor (300) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. The sensor portion (110) of the current sensor (100) and the sensor portion (210) of the current sensor (200) can also form coils in the same form as the sensor portion (311).

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 6, a conductive film (317) is formed inside a plurality of via holes (312) formed in two rows in a zigzag shape or in a straight line in the first direction (y direction) on the first substrate (310), so that when a line patterning (313) is formed to electrically connect the via holes (312) on both sides in a spiral shape, as illustrated under the arrow in FIG. 6, a coil (C1) having a length L and a major axis length a is formed through a spiral structure between a starting point (S) and an end point (E). At this time, the minor axis length b of the coil (C1) corresponds to the thickness of the first substrate (310).

[0066] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the coils (C1 to C4) may include an iron core (not shown) at the center. While a coreless coil has the advantage of not being saturated, a coil having an iron core has the disadvantage of being saturated when the magnetic flux density of the iron core reaches its maximum, but has the advantage of increased sensitivity.

[0067] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the substrate (110, 210, 310, 320) includes a printed circuit board (PCB) in which an insulating layer and a conductive layer are laminated in the form of a substrate, and a desired circuit can be configured through patterning of the conductive layer.

[0068] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of via holes are formed in two rows parallel to the first direction (y direction in the example shown in FIG. 6), as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0069] In general, for low-frequency power having a commercial frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz, it is not easy to measure the current flowing in the power line because the level of the induced current due to the magnetic flux generated in the power line does not differ significantly from the noise level in the surroundings (atmospheric) unlike the high-frequency power in the RF band.

[0070] In order to solve such a problem, the present invention, in at least one embodiment, raises the signal detection efficiency of the sensor unit to the commercialization stage through the following structure.

[0071] i) When making a line pattern for forming a coil in the sensor section, the length of the line parallel to the power line (e.g., a line such as line (318) of FIG. 6) is made as short as possible (or minimized).

[0072] ii) Make the distance between the sensor part and the circuit part as short as possible (or minimize it).

[0073] iii) When forming the sensor unit and the circuit unit on separate substrates, in order to minimize the influence of lines other than the coils when forming multiple coils, the sensor unit output terminal is positioned at the center of the multiple coils, or the output terminals are positioned at each of the two edges of the substrate. In the latter case, the shortest distance between the sensor unit and the circuit unit can be secured on the circuit unit side.

[0074] iv) When forming the sensor part and the circuit part on separate substrates, the sensor part and the circuit part are arranged so that they are close to each other in one direction perpendicular to the power line.

[0075] v) Equipped with a shielding case in the form of a metal box to minimize the influence of external noise.

[0076] vi) Both the sensor part and the circuit part are housed in a shielded case.

[0077] vii) The circuit section includes at least a low pass filter and an amplifier.

[0078] Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a current sensor (700) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a process of mounting a current sensor (700) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention on a power line (P). Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which a current sensor (700) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a power line (P).

[0079] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the current sensor (700) further includes a shielding case (730) made of a conductive (metal) material configured in a box shape having an opening (732) on a first side, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0080] A shielding case (730) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is configured in the form of a box made of a conductive material to block external noise coming in from all directions, and is intended to shield external noise when detecting magnetic flux of a power line transmitting low-frequency (e.g., commercial frequency) power.

[0081] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first substrate (310) is formed in a cross shape with L-shaped grooves (316) formed at four corners of a square, and both sides facing each other protruding by the amount of the L-shaped grooves (316).

[0082] The shielding case (730) includes concave portions (731) on both sides facing the second direction of the opening (732) so that both sides protruding in the second direction (x direction in FIG. 6) orthogonal to the first direction of the first substrate (310) are fitted, so that when both sides protruding in the second direction of the first substrate (310) are fitted into the concave portions (731) of the opening (732), both sides of the first substrate (310) in the first direction are inserted into the opening (732) to block the opening (732).

[0083] Accordingly, when the shielding case (730) is mounted on the power line (P) so that the first substrate (310) is close to the power line (P), the shielding case (730) shields the outer surface of the first substrate (310) (the side opposite to the power line (P)), and the power line (P) itself serves to shield the power line (P) side.

[0084] In this structure, in order to shield the four sides of the sensor unit (311) while allowing the magnetic flux generated when current flows in the power line (P) to enter the coils (C1 to C4) of the sensor unit (311), the width (length in the first direction) of the sensor unit (311) needs to be set to be less than or equal to the width of the power line (P).

[0085] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor unit (311) inside the shielding case (730) is arranged in a direction in which the magnetic flux generated from the power line (P) is best transmitted, so that the magnetic change generated from the power line (P) is efficiently detected.

[0086] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the current sensor (700) is configured in a box shape with one side open so that the opening (732) side of the shielding case (730) can be inserted, as shown in FIG. 7, and further includes a mounting member (720) made of an insulating material and having a fastening member (721) on the outer surface so as to be fitted to a power line (P).

[0087] The current sensor (700) illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 is described using the structure of the current sensor (300) illustrated in FIG. 3 as an example, but the structure of the current sensor (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 or the current sensor (200) illustrated in FIG. 2 can also be similarly applied.

[0088] In Fig. 7, the first substrate (310) and the second substrate (320) are inserted into the shielding case (730) and then the shielding case (730) is inserted into the mounting member (720). However, when the shielding case (730) is not used, the first substrate (310) and the second substrate (320) may be inserted into the bottom of the mounting member (720) and then installed. In this case, there is no need to form L-shaped grooves (316) at the four corners of the first substrate (310).

[0089] In the examples shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a plate type bus bar having a thickness of 2 mm and a width of 10 mm and bent into an L shape is used as a power line (P), and a fastening portion (721) is formed on the side of a mounting member (720) so that the first substrate (310) and the second substrate (320) inserted into the mounting member (720) are mounted on the power line (P). However, this is only one embodiment for explanation, and by forming the fastening portion (721) on the side or bottom surface of the mounting member (720), it can be applied to a straight bus bar, a circular bus bar, or a wire having an appropriate thickness.

[0090] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the width of the mounting member (720) may be wider than the width of the power line (P), but it may be preferable that the width of each coil (C1 to C4) constituting the sensor unit (311) be formed to correspond to the width of the power line (P).

[0091] In Fig. 6, a plurality of via holes (312) are shown as being formed in two rows in a zigzag shape in the first direction, but this is an arrangement for connecting a plurality of via holes (312) in a spiral coil shape through the line patterning (313). As long as a plurality of via holes (312) can be connected in a spiral coil shape through the line patterning (313), they may be formed in two rows in a straight line instead of a zigzag shape.

[0092] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a plurality of via holes (312) are arranged at a first position in the x direction, and a plurality of via holes (312) are arranged at a second position in the x direction. The y-direction positions of the plurality of via holes (312) at the first position and the y-direction positions of the plurality of via holes (312) at the second position are different, but the y-direction positions of each may be arranged to match.

[0093] In other words, when a plurality of via holes (312) are formed in two lines lined up in a straight line in the first direction, the number of via holes on one side can be formed by one more or one less as needed, and in any case, the line patterning (313) must connect the plurality of via holes (312) diagonally on at least one side, so the expression zigzag was used, but as long as they are formed in two lines lined up in a straight line, a zigzag and a straight line can be viewed as the same form.

[0094] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the line patterning (313) is formed on the conductor layers on both sides of the insulating layer to electrically connect a plurality of via holes (312) formed in two rows in a zigzag shape in a spiral manner to form coils (C1 to C4) with the first direction as the central axis.

[0095] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a first substrate (310) including at least one coil (C1 to C4) formed by a plurality of via holes (312) and a line patterning (313) is configured such that a first surface thereof is mounted in proximity to a power line (P) in a direction in which the central axes of the coils (C1 to C4) intersect the power line for measuring current. Here, the configuration of being 'closely mounted' can be regarded as meaning, for example, a configuration in which the first substrate (310) is mounted in contact with an inner wall surface of a current sensor (700) (or a mounting member (720) illustrated in FIG. 7).

[0096] That is, a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention can measure a current flowing in a power line by mounting the sensor portion on the power line so that the first side thereof is parallel to the power line without bypassing or cutting the power line for measuring the current.

[0097] In FIGS. 8 and 9, a plate-shaped busbar is illustrated as an example of a power line (P) for measuring current, but the current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to all types of power lines, including plate-shaped or ring-shaped busbars, general conductors, etc.

[0098] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sensor unit (311) includes a plurality of coils (C1 to C4) whose central axes are formed parallel to each other, and the plurality of coils (C1 to C4) are connected in parallel or in series.

[0099] The sensor unit (311) detects the amount of current flowing in the power line (P) by the induced current induced in the coils (C1 to C4), so that the greater the amount of induced current, the greater the sensitivity can be. Accordingly, the sensitivity can be improved by increasing the amount of induced current by connecting multiple coils (C1 to C4) whose central axes are formed parallel to each other in parallel, or by increasing the induced electromotive force by connecting them in series.

[0100] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an assembly process of a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the current sensor further includes a circuit section mounted on the second substrate (320) and electrically connected to the sensor section formed on the first substrate (310) to receive output from the coils (C1 to C4) and output a current signal representing the intensity of the current flowing in the power line through predetermined signal processing.

[0102] In the example illustrated in Fig. 10, a case is shown in which a circuit part is mounted on a separate second substrate (320), electrically connected to the sensor part, receives output from the coils (C1 to C4), and outputs a current signal representing the intensity of the current flowing in the power line through a predetermined signal processing.

[0103] Here, the second substrate (320) is formed to have the same size as the portion except for the two sides protruding in the second direction of the first substrate (310), and is formed to be fastened to the first substrate (310) through a predetermined fastening member and inserted into the interior of the shielding case (730).

[0104] Accordingly, when the first substrate (310) on which the sensor portion is formed and the second substrate (320) on which the circuit portion is mounted are physically and electrically connected through a predetermined fastening member (connection portion (340)) and inserted into the shielding case (730) in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 10, the second substrate (320) is inserted into the interior of the shielding case (730) and the first substrate (310) is mounted in the shielding case (730) in a manner in which both sides protruding in the second direction are fitted into the concave portion (731) and fixed to block the opening (732).

[0105] That is, when the first substrate (310) is fitted into the concave portion (731) of the shielding case (730), as shown in FIG. 10, the surface (L1) of the opening (732) of the shielding case (730) and the outer surface (L2) of the first substrate (310) become approximately the same.

[0106] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the current sensor comprises a sensor unit including coils (C1 to C4) for detecting current flowing in a power line, a circuit unit including a filter unit for removing noise and an amplifier unit for amplifying a signal passing through the filter unit, which is connected to an output terminal of the sensor unit.

[0107] The coils (C1 to C4) of the current sensor are a sensing part that are installed close to a power line through which current flows, so that a rotating magnetic field generated from the power line enters the coil and outputs a sinusoidal induced current.

[0108] The filter section passes the induced current through a low-pass filter, passing low-frequency signals based on a certain frequency and removing high-frequency signals. The signal passing through the amplifier section passes through a high-pass filter, removing DC component noise and removing signals below a certain frequency.

[0109] The amplifier section uses a differential amplifier to amplify the input signal by approximately 1,000 times after passing the low-pass filter, and outputs a sine wave. The amplification ratio can be set as needed.

[0110] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a signal output terminal (321) for outputting a signal from a circuit unit to the outside and a power supply terminal (322) for supplying power to the circuit unit are electrically connected to the first substrate (310) or the second substrate (320).

[0111] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the shielding case (730) includes a power supply port (not shown) for passing a power line for supplying power to the circuit unit and a signal output port (not shown) for passing a signal output line from the circuit unit.

[0112] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the fastening portion (721) of the mounting member (720) includes a rail-shaped groove into which the power line (P) is inserted and fastened. That is, by configuring the current sensor (700) as illustrated in FIG. 7 and inserting the plate-shaped power line (P) into the rail-shaped groove as illustrated in FIG. 8, the current sensor (700) is mounted on the power line (P) so that the sensor portion is brought close to the power line (P), as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0113] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the fastening portion (721) of the mounting member (720) includes a clip-shaped groove into which a power line (P) is inserted and fastened.

[0114] This structure is configured to be rotatable outward by forming a bend (not shown) at the point where the L-shaped portion supporting the power line (P) from the outside of the fastening portion (721) of the mounting member (720) shown in FIG. 7 meets the mounting member (720), and can be used, for example, in the case of a straight bus bar or a circular bus bar rather than an L-shaped bus bar as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0115] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the width of the mounting member (720) corresponds to the width of the power line (P), and the width of the first substrate (310) in the first direction is formed to be smaller than the width of the power line (P).

[0116] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting member (720) is formed such that the inner length (inner length from the opening to the floor) in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions is equal to the outer length (outer length from the opening to the floor) in the third direction of the shielding case (730) (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0117] By doing so, a current sensor (700) can be configured in which a shielding case (730) including a sensor section and a circuit section and a mounting member (720) are integrated.

[0118] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting member (720) is formed such that the inner length (inner length from the opening to the floor) in the third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions is shorter than the outer length (outer length from the opening to the floor) of the shielding case (730) in the third direction.

[0119] This structure has the advantage of being easy to separate the shielding case (730) and the mounting member (720) when a problem occurs in the fastening portion (721) of the mounting member (720) or in the sensor portion or circuit portion.

[0120] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional side view showing a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention mounted on a power line (P). In the example illustrated in Fig. 11, only the first substrate (310) is illustrated for convenience of explanation.

[0121] As illustrated in Fig. 11, when the first substrate (310) having the sensor portion formed thereon is mounted in a shielding case (730) in a form that covers the opening (732), and then the shielding case (730) is inserted into the mounting member (720) so that the first substrate (310) faces inward and the first substrate (310) is mounted on the power line (P) so that it is close to the power line (P), the magnetic flux (M) generated when current flows in the power line (P) is converted into an induced current as it passes through the coil (C) of the sensor portion formed in the first substrate (310). That is, the coil (C) of the sensor portion functions as an induction coil that induces the magnetic flux (M) generated when current flows in the power line (P).

[0122] When an alternating current flows through a power line (P), the magnetic flux (M) generated around the power line (P) flows into the inside of the coil (C), and the resulting change in the magnetic flux inside the coil (C) is converted into an induced current or an induced electromotive force through the coil (C) and output. Therefore, by calculating this induced current or induced electromotive force, the amount of current flowing through the power line (P) can be calculated.

[0123] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the shielding case (730) includes concave portions (731) on both sides facing in the second direction of the opening (732) so that both sides protruding in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction of the first substrate (310) are fitted, and when both sides protruding in the second direction of the first substrate (310) are fitted into the concave portions (731) of the opening (732), both sides in the first direction are inserted into the opening (732) to block the opening (732), so that when the shielding case (730) is mounted on the power line (P) so that the sensor part is close to the power line (P), the shielding case (730) shields the outer surface of the sensor part (the side opposite to the power line (P)) and the power line (P) serves to shield the power line (P) side.

[0124] That is, the current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which, when a first substrate (310) is mounted on a shielding case (730), this is inserted into a mounting member (720) and mounted on a power line (P), all directions of the sensor part are shielded by the shielding case (730) and the power line (P) with the bottom surface of the mounting member (720) interposed therebetween.

[0125] In the structure above, in order to shield all sides of the sensor part while allowing the magnetic flux generated when current flows in the power line (P) to enter the coil (C), the width of the sensor part (length in the first direction) needs to be set to be less than the width of the power line (P).

[0126] According to the configuration of the present invention as described above, electromagnetic noise transmitted from the outside of the power line (P) is blocked by the shielding case (730), and the magnetic change occurring in the power line (P) is mainly detected by transmitting the magnetic flux (M) to the sensor unit inside the shielding case (730), so that the influence of external noise can be minimized.

[0127] FIG. 12 is a side view showing a form in which a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a power line (P).

[0128] Figure 12 (a) shows a configuration in which, as illustrated in Figure 9, the first substrate (310) and the second substrate (320) are electrically connected by a connecting portion (340), and the first substrate (310) is positioned closer to the power line (P) than the second substrate (320) in parallel with the power line (P).

[0129] (b) of Fig. 12 shows a form in which a first substrate (120), a second substrate (130), and a connecting portion (140) for electrically connecting the first substrate (120) and the second substrate (130) are formed on the controller substrate (1210) in a form in which a power line (P) is configured to pass through a hole formed in the controller substrate (1210) on which an MCU (1211) is mounted.

[0130] That is, in (b) of Fig. 12, a current sensor is configured using a controller board (1210) equipped with an MCU (1211) for detecting current flowing in a power line (P) and performing power management instead of the board (110) illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0131] FIG. 13 is a measurement graph for comparing the current detection performance of a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention and a current sensor according to Patent Document 1.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 13, in both cases, the sensor output increases linearly up to 300 A without saturation, but when the area below 1 A is expanded, it can be seen that the current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention increases the sensor output linearly, whereas the current sensor according to Patent Document 1 shows no change in the sensor output.

[0133] That is, it can be said that the current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention has an advantage in terms of sensitivity because it still shows a linear sensor output even in a low current range of 1 A or less, as well as a slope of the sensor output according to an increase in current.

[0134] FIG. 14 is a measurement graph showing noise characteristics of a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] The graph illustrated in Fig. 14 shows the output voltage waveform of a current sensor mounted on a power line, measured using an oscilloscope, when currents of 0 A and 10 A flow through the power line. While current sensors typically applied to busbars contain noise to the extent that it is difficult to discern the sine wave, the current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention outputs a distinct sine wave even at 0 A, showing that it is hardly affected by noise.

[0136] FIG. 15 is a measurement graph showing the non-saturation characteristics of a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] The graph illustrated in Fig. 15 is a comparison graph of the characteristics of a commercial CT having a rated specification of 40 / 5A and a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. When the current flowing in the conductor increases, the current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention exhibits non-saturation characteristics, while the CT exhibits saturation characteristics.

[0138] The current sensor illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 shows an example of forming a coil through a via hole and a line patterning in which a conductive film is formed on the inner wall using a PCB, but the coil used in the sensor unit may be formed as an actual insulation-coated coil.

[0139] FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are perspective views showing the coil formation form of the sensor section of the current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] As illustrated in FIG. 16, a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises a sensor unit including a substrate (1610) made of an insulating material, two rows of through grooves (1612) formed in parallel in a first direction on the substrate (1610), and at least one coil (C1) formed by winding an insulating-coated conductor (1613) in a spiral shape through the two rows of through grooves (1612) with the first direction as the central axis.

[0141] A current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention may have a structure similar to the current sensor illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12, except that the coil used in the sensor portion is formed as an actual insulation-coated coil.

[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 17, a current sensor according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit including at least one coil (in the example illustrated in FIG. 17, two rows of through grooves (1712) formed in parallel in a first direction on the substrate (1710), and at least one coil (C1) formed with an insulating coating conductor (1713) wound in a spiral shape through the two rows of through grooves (1712) with the first direction as the central axis) formed on a substrate (1710) as illustrated in FIG. 6 or FIG. 16.

[0143] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor unit comprises a coil (C1) that functions as an induction coil, and may optionally include an iron core (1750). While a coreless coil has the advantage of not being saturated, a coil with an iron core has the disadvantage of being saturated when the magnetic flux density of the iron core reaches its maximum, but has the advantage of increased sensitivity.

[0144] The iron core (1750) can be formed, for example, by inserting an iron core member between two insulating layers in accordance with the pattern of the coil (C1) when forming an insulating layer of a substrate (1710) and then pressing the two insulating layers, or by manufacturing a sensor unit as shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 16, and then drilling a hole in the inside of the coil (C1) from the side and inserting the iron core member into the hole.

[0145] In the sensor section illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, when producing a line pattern for forming a coil, the length of the line (1618, 1718) parallel to the power line is formed as short as possible (or minimized).

[0146] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a current sensor can be provided that can minimize the influence of noise and minimise the size of the sensor itself while maintaining high sensitivity when measuring current at a commercial frequency.

[0147] While the present invention has been described using several examples, these examples are illustrative and not limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications can be made in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the claims.

[0148] The present invention provides a current sensor that can minimize the influence of noise and minimise the size of the sensor itself while maintaining high sensitivity when measuring current at a commercial frequency, and thus can be applied to fields such as power management using the same.

Claims

1. A sensor unit including at least one coil formed by a substrate including an insulating layer and a conductive layer formed on both sides of the insulating layer, a plurality of via holes formed to penetrate the insulating layer and the conductive layer and having a conductive film formed on the inner wall, and a line patterning formed to connect the plurality of via holes to the conductive layer; A circuit unit arranged close to the sensor unit for outputting a signal indicating the size of the current measured by the sensor unit to the outside; and A connection part for electrically connecting the sensor part and the circuit part Equipped with, The circuit part is arranged close to the sensor part so as to minimize the line length of the component that is perpendicular to the center line of the coil among the lines constituting the connection part. Current sensor.

2. A sensor unit including at least one coil formed by a substrate including an insulating layer and a conductive layer formed on both sides of the insulating layer, a plurality of via holes formed to penetrate the insulating layer and the conductive layer and having a conductive film formed on the inner wall, and a line patterning formed to connect the plurality of via holes to the conductive layer; A circuit unit arranged close to the sensor unit for outputting a signal indicating the size of the current measured by the sensor unit to the outside; and A connection part for electrically connecting the signal output terminal of the above sensor part and the signal input terminal of the above circuit part Equipped with, The signal output terminal of the sensor section is formed at a position that minimizes the line length of the component that is perpendicular to the center line of the coil among the lines from the end of the coil to the signal output terminal. Current sensor.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above circuit part includes at least a low-pass filter and an amplifier. Current sensor.

4. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above coil comprises an iron core at the center, Current sensor.

5. In paragraph 1 or 2, Further comprising a shielding case made of a conductive material in the form of a box having an opening on the first side for accommodating both the sensor unit and the circuit unit inside. Current sensor.

6. A sensor unit including at least one coil formed by a plurality of via holes formed to penetrate the insulating layer and the conductive layer of a substrate including an insulating layer and a conductive layer formed on both sides of the insulating layer and a line patterning formed to connect the plurality of via holes to the conductive layer; and A signal output terminal for outputting a signal indicating the size of the current measured by the above sensor unit. Equipped with, The signal output terminal is formed at a position that minimizes the line length of the component orthogonal to the center line of the coil among the lines from the end of the coil to the signal output terminal. Current sensor.

7. In paragraph 6, A circuit unit arranged close to the sensor unit for outputting a signal indicating the size of the current measured by the sensor unit to the outside; and A connection part for electrically connecting the signal output terminal of the above sensor part and the signal input terminal of the above circuit part Equip more, The circuit part is arranged close to the sensor part so as to minimize the line length of the component that is perpendicular to the center line of the coil among the lines constituting the connection part. Current sensor.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1, 2, and 6, The above sensor unit includes a plurality of coils connected in series or parallel to each other, The above plurality of coils are arranged so as to minimize the line length of the component orthogonal to the center line of the coils among the lines connecting the plurality of coils in series or in parallel. Current sensor.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1, 2, and 7, The sensor part and the circuit part are formed on the same substrate, Current sensor.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1, 2, and 7, The sensor part and the circuit part are formed on the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively, The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged to overlap each other in the normal direction, Current sensor.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1, 2, and 7, It further comprises a mounting member made of insulating material, configured in a box shape to accommodate both the sensor unit and the circuit unit inside, and having a fastening portion on the outer surface to be fitted to the power line. Current sensor.

12. In paragraph 7, Further comprising a shielding case made of a conductive material in the form of a box having an opening on the first side for accommodating both the sensor unit and the circuit unit inside. Current sensor.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1, 2, and 12, It is configured in the form of a box with one side open so that the opening side of the shielding case can be inserted, and further includes a mounting member made of insulating material having a fastening portion on the outer surface so as to be fitted to the power line. Current sensor.

Images