Air circuit breaker

Abstract

An air circuit breaker is disclosed. An air circuit breaker according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a housing having a space formed therein; a coupling member coupled to the housing and electrically connected to an external power source or an external load; and a cooling member coupled to the coupling member so as to dissipate heat generated from the coupling member to the outside, wherein a part of the coupling member is located outside the housing, and the cooling member can be coupled to the part of the coupling member so as to dissipate the heat to the outside on the outer side of the housing.

Description

breaker

[0001] The present invention relates to an air circuit breaker, and more specifically, to an air circuit breaker having a structure that can improve cooling efficiency.

[0002] A circuit breaker refers to a device capable of allowing or blocking external power supply through the contact and separation of fixed contacts and movable contacts. The fixed contacts and movable contacts provided in the circuit breaker are each connected to an external power source or load to enable power supply.

[0003] A movable contact is movably provided on the circuit breaker. The movable contact can be moved toward or away from the fixed contact. When the movable contact and the fixed contact come into contact, the circuit breaker can be electrically connected to an external power source or load.

[0004] At this time, the fixed contact or movable contact is electrically connected to an external power source or load by means of a terminal provided in the circuit breaker. In other words, the terminal mediates the connection of the fixed contact or movable contact to the external power source or load. While the circuit breaker electrically connects the external power source and load, heat is generated in the terminal.

[0005] If heat generated in the terminal is not dissipated, it remains in the circuit breaker. If heat remains in the circuit breaker for an extended period, there is a risk that the components of the circuit breaker may be damaged by the generated heat. In particular, since the terminal is formed from an electrically conductive material, it is relatively vulnerable to heat; therefore, there is a risk that the terminal may be thermally damaged by the generated heat.

[0006] In this case, there is a risk that the reliability of the electrical connection between the terminal and the external power source or load may be degraded. Additionally, the reliability of the connection between the terminal and the fixed or movable contacts may also be reduced, which consequently raises concerns about the operational reliability of the circuit breaker.

[0007] Therefore, technologies are required to rapidly and effectively dissipate heat generated in circuit breakers, particularly in terminals.

[0008] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-178483 discloses a blocking device. Specifically, it discloses a blocking device capable of cooling an arc generated in an internal space using a cooling body disposed in an internal space. The aforementioned prior art discloses the effect of preventing damage to the internal components of the blocking device by rapidly cooling the arc by the cooling body.

[0009] However, the circuit breaker disclosed in the aforementioned prior art only provides a method for cooling the heat of the arc. Furthermore, according to the prior art, a cooling body must be additionally provided in the internal space, which has the limitation of requiring excessive design changes.

[0010] Korean Registered Patent Document No. 10-2599372 discloses a switchboard equipped with a cooling unit. Specifically, it discloses a switchboard comprising a cooling unit positioned at an air outlet communicating with the internal space and the outside, which discharges air from the internal space to the outside of the housing.

[0011] However, the switchboard equipped with a cooling unit disclosed in the aforementioned prior art only provides a method for cooling components arranged in the internal space. The prior art does not provide a method for cooling components exposed to the outside of the housing, such as terminals.

[0012] Furthermore, the cooling unit disclosed in the aforementioned prior art requires a separate power supply for operation. Consequently, additional wiring work is required for the operation of the cooling unit, which presents difficulties in easy placement and utilization.

[0013] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-178483 (December 14, 2023)

[0014] Korean Registered Patent Document No. 10-2599372 (2023.11.02.)

[0015] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide an air circuit breaker with a structure that can improve the cooling effect.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an air circuit breaker with a structure that can improve the cooling effect without the need for a separate power supply or control means.

[0017] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an air circuit breaker with a structure that can improve the cooling effect without utilizing internal space further.

[0018] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an air circuit breaker with a structure capable of effectively cooling the most heat-generating components.

[0019] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an air circuit breaker with a structure that allows generated heat to be rapidly radiated to the outside without remaining inside.

[0020] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, an air circuit breaker is provided, comprising: a housing having a space formed therein; a coupling member coupled to the housing and electrically connected to an external power source or load, respectively; and a cooling member coupled to the coupling member and configured to release heat generated from the coupling member to the outside, wherein a portion of the coupling member is located on the outside of the housing, and the cooling member is coupled to the portion of the coupling member and configured to release the heat to the outside from the outside of the housing.

[0022] At this time, an air circuit breaker may be provided, comprising: a cooling body positioned spaced apart from the housing; a cooling rack coupled to the cooling body and the coupling member, respectively; and a cooling fin coupled to the cooling body and configured to release the heat to the outside.

[0023] Additionally, the housing may be formed to have a height in a first direction and a length in a second direction, and the cooling body may be provided with an air breaker positioned spaced apart from the housing along the first direction and the second direction.

[0024] At this time, the cooling fin may be provided with an air breaker positioned on one side of the cooling body opposite to the housing, spaced apart from the housing along the first direction and the second direction.

[0025] Additionally, the cooling rack may be provided with a first extension portion that extends in a first direction and is coupled to the cooling body; a second extension portion that extends obliquely with respect to the first direction and is connected to the first extension portion; and a third extension portion that extends in the first direction, is connected to the second extension portion, and is coupled to the coupling member.

[0026] At this time, the second extension may be provided with an air breaker that extends obliquely in a direction opposite to the housing along the direction from the third extension toward the first extension.

[0027] Additionally, the cooling member may be provided with an air breaker configured such that the distance from the housing increases along the third extension, the cooling body, and the cooling fin.

[0028] At this time, the cooling fin may be configured to include a plurality of plate-shaped members having a height in a first direction, a length in a second direction, and a thickness in a third direction, and a plurality of plate-shaped members may be provided with an air breaker spaced apart along the second direction.

[0029] Additionally, an air breaker may be provided, wherein the cooling member further comprises a cooling fluid channel formed in the interior of the cooling body and the cooling rack, respectively, through which an external cooling fluid flows.

[0030] At this time, a portion of the cooling fluid passage may be formed by being recessed on one side of the surface of the cooling body facing the cooling fin, and the remainder of the cooling fluid passage is formed through the cooling rack, and an air breaker may be provided that communicates with the portion of the cooling fluid passage and the outside, respectively.

[0031] Additionally, an air circuit breaker may be provided, wherein the coupling member comprises: a coupling body coupled to the housing; a coupling wing continuous with the coupling body and electrically connected to the power source or the load; and a coupling hollow formed inside the coupling body or the coupling wing and coupled to the cooling member.

[0032] At this time, an air blocker may be provided in which the coupling body is formed to have a height in a first direction, a length in a second direction, and a thickness in a third direction, the coupling wing is formed to have a length in the second direction and a thickness in the third direction, and the coupling hollow is formed in a part where the coupling body and the coupling wing are coupled.

[0033] Additionally, an air blocker may be provided in which the coupling body and the coupling wing are formed to have a height in the first direction, and the coupling hollow is formed to penetrate along the first direction.

[0034] At this time, the coupling hollow is formed through and surrounds the inner circumference of the coupling body or the coupling wing, and the cooling member is in contact with the inner circumference of the coupling body or the coupling wing surrounding the coupling hollow, and an air blocker may be provided.

[0035] Additionally, an air circuit breaker may be provided, comprising an arc extinguishing member coupled to one side in the height direction of the housing and configured to extinguish an arc generated inside the housing, and the cooling member extending in a direction opposite to the arc extinguishing member along the length direction of the housing.

[0036] At this time, an air circuit breaker may be provided, which includes a terminal member that is coupled to one side of each side of the housing to which the coupling member is coupled, is located below the coupling member, and is electrically connected to an external power source or load, and the cooling member extends in a direction opposite to the terminal member along the height direction of the housing.

[0037] According to the above configuration, the cooling effect of the air circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the present invention can be improved.

[0038] In addition, according to the above configuration, the air circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the present invention can have an improved cooling effect without a separate power supply or control means.

[0039] In addition, according to the above configuration, the air circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the present invention can have an improved cooling effect without utilizing the internal space further.

[0040] In addition, according to the above configuration, the air circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the present invention can effectively cool the component with the most severe heat generation.

[0041] In addition, according to the above configuration, the air circuit breaker according to the embodiment of the present invention can rapidly radiate the generated heat to the outside without the heat remaining inside.

[0042] 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 configuration of the invention described in the detailed description or claims of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an air-circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 is a front view illustrating the air breaker of Figure 1.

[0045] Figure 3 is a plan view illustrating the air breaker of Figure 1.

[0046] Fig. 4 is a rear view illustrating the air breaker of Fig. 1.

[0047] Figures 5 and 6 are exploded perspective views illustrating the air breaker of Figure 1.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the housing and other configurations provided in the air breaker of FIG. 1.

[0049] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of part A illustrating the housing and other configurations of Figure 7.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a rear view illustrating the housing and other configurations of FIG. 7.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a cooling member provided in the air circuit breaker of FIG. 1.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating the cooling member of FIG. 10.

[0053] FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating the cooling member of FIG. 10.

[0054] FIG. 13 is a rear view illustrating the cooling member of FIG. 10.

[0055] FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating the cooling member of FIG. 10.

[0056] FIGS. 15 and FIGS. 16 are illustrative diagrams showing examples of deformation of the cooling member of FIG. 10.

[0057] FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view AA illustrating the process of heat being discharged from an air circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. To clearly explain the present invention, parts unrelated to the description in the drawings have been omitted, and the same reference numerals have been used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.

[0059] The words and terms used in this specification and claims are not limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention in accordance with the principles by which the inventor defines terms and concepts to best describe his invention.

[0060] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings correspond to preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all technical ideas of the present invention; thus, various equivalents and modifications that may replace such configurations may exist at the time of filing the present invention.

[0061] In the following description, descriptions of some components may be omitted to clarify the features of the present invention.

[0062]

[0063] In the following description, the term "connection" refers to one or more members being connected to each other in a manner that allows for fluid communication. In one embodiment, the connection may be formed by members such as a conduit, a pipe, or a piping system. In the following description, the term "connection" may be used interchangeably with the meaning that one or more members are "fluidly connected" to each other.

[0064] In the following description, the term "conduction" means that one or more components are connected to each other to transmit current or electrical signals. In one embodiment, the conduction may be formed in a wired form by a conductor member, etc., or in a wireless form such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RFID. In one embodiment, the conduction may include the meaning of "communication."

[0065] As used in the following description, the term "fluid" refers to any form of substance that flows due to an external force and whose shape or volume, etc., can be deformed. In one embodiment, the fluid may be a liquid such as water or a gas such as air.

[0066] The terms "upper side," "lower side," "left side," "right side," "front side," and "rear side" used in the following description shall be understood by referring to the coordinate system depicted throughout the attached drawings.

[0067]

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, an air circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The air circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be electrically connected to an external power source and a load. The air circuit breaker (10) may be configured to allow or block electrical connection between the external power source and the load.

[0069] The air circuit breaker (10) may be provided in any form capable of allowing or blocking an electrical connection between an external power source and a load. In one embodiment, the air circuit breaker (10) may be provided as an air circuit breaker utilizing air as a blocking medium. In the above embodiment, the air circuit breaker (10) may utilize air as a blocking medium to extinguish a generated arc.

[0070] The air circuit breaker (10) may include any configuration electrically connected to an external power source and load. In one embodiment, the air circuit breaker (10) may be configured to include a fixed contact and a movable contact. The fixed contact and the movable contact may be electrically connected to either one of the external power source and load and the other, respectively.

[0071] As the name suggests, the fixed contact can be fixedly provided at a specific location. The movable contact can be provided to be movable in a direction toward the fixed contact and in a direction opposite thereto. When the fixed contact and the movable contact come into contact, the external power source and the load can be electrically connected. When the fixed contact and the movable contact are separated, the external power source and the load can be electrically cut off from each other.

[0072] Meanwhile, when the fixed contact and the movable contact come into contact and current flows, a large amount of heat may be generated in the circuit breaker (10).

[0073] In particular, a large amount of heat may be generated in the configuration where the circuit breaker (10) is connected to an external power source and load, namely the terminal member (300) and coupling member (400) to be described later. Considering the tendency for heat to rise, more heat may be concentrated in the coupling member (400) located at the top than in the terminal member (300) located at the bottom.

[0074] Accordingly, the air circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to effectively release heat generated in the coupling member (400) to cool the coupling member (400), that is, to include a cooling member (500) to be described later. In particular, since the cooling member (500) is located outside rather than inside the air circuit breaker (10), there is no need to change the internal structure of the air circuit breaker (10) to provide the cooling member (500).

[0075] Accordingly, the air circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention can effectively cool the coupling member (400) where the most heat is generated without excessive changes to the internal structure.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the air circuit breaker (10) includes a housing (100), an arc extinguishing member (200), a terminal member (300), a coupling member (400), and a cooling member (500).

[0077] The housing (100) forms the outer shape of the air circuit breaker (10) and has a space formed inside to accommodate various configurations. For example, the housing (100) can accommodate the fixed contact and movable contact described above.

[0078] The housing (100) is coupled with the arc extinguishing member (200). The housing (100) may be coupled such that it accommodates a portion of the arc extinguishing member (200) and the remaining portion is exposed to the outside. In the illustrated embodiment, the arc extinguishing member (200) is coupled to the upper side of the housing (100) in the height direction.

[0079] The housing (100) is coupled with a terminal member (300) and a coupling member (400). The configuration housed inside the housing (100) can be electrically connected to an external power source or load through the terminal member (300) and the coupling member (400). In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal member (300) and the coupling member (400) are respectively coupled to the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the housing (100).

[0080] Additionally, the coupling member (400) is coupled with the cooling member (500). Therefore, it can be said that the housing (100) is coupled with the cooling member (500) via the coupling member (400).

[0081] The housing (100) is combined with an arc extinguishing member (200), a terminal member (300), and a coupling member (400), and can be formed in any shape capable of accommodating various configurations to perform the function of an air circuit breaker (10). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing (100) is a three-dimensional shape having a width in the left-right direction, a length in the front-back direction, and a height in the up-down direction.

[0082] The housing (100) may be formed of an insulating material. This is to prevent the components housed inside the housing (100) from being arbitrarily connected to the outside. Additionally, the housing (100) may be formed of a heat-resistant material to prevent damage caused by heat generated inside the housing (100). In one embodiment, the housing (100) may be formed of an insulating plastic or the like.

[0083] The arc extinguishing member (200) performs the function of extinguishing the arc generated inside the housing (100). When the fixed contact and the movable contact are separated, the electrical energy being conducted is converted into an arc. If the generated arc remains inside the housing (100), there is a risk that other components may be damaged by the heat of the arc.

[0084] The arc extinguishing member (200) is configured to be positioned adjacent to the fixed contact and the movable contact to extinguish the generated arc. Extinguishing the arc means extending and cooling the generated arc to discharge it to the outside. To this end, the arc extinguishing member (200) may be connected to the internal space and the outside of the housing (100), respectively.

[0085] The arc extinguishing member (200) is coupled to the housing (100). The arc extinguishing member (200) may be coupled such that a portion is received inside the housing (100) and the remainder is exposed outside the housing (100). In the illustrated embodiment, the arc extinguishing member (200) is coupled to the upper side in the height direction of the housing (100).

[0086] The arc extinguishing member (200) may be provided in any shape capable of extinguishing the generated arc and discharging it to the outside. In one embodiment, the arc extinguishing member (200) may be configured to include a plurality of grids formed of a magnetizable material.

[0087] A plurality of arc extinguishing members (200) may be provided. A plurality of arc extinguishing members (200) may be spaced apart from each other and positioned adjacent to a plurality of fixed contacts and movable contacts. In the illustrated embodiment, three arc extinguishing members (200) are provided, including a first arc extinguishing member (200a), a second arc extinguishing member (200b), and a third arc extinguishing member (200c).

[0088] This is due to the fact that the current flowing through the air circuit breaker (10) according to the illustrated embodiment is a three-phase current. That is, the number of arc extinguishing members (200) can be changed according to the phase of the current flowing through the air circuit breaker (10).

[0089] The first arc extinguishing member (200a), the second arc extinguishing member (200b), and the third arc extinguishing member (200c) are spaced apart in the width direction of the housing (100), and in the left-right direction in the illustrated embodiment.

[0090] The first arc extinguishing member (200a), the second arc extinguishing member (200b), and the third arc extinguishing member (200c) are each located adjacent to the first coupling member (400a), the second coupling member (400b), and the third coupling member (400c). Additionally, the first arc extinguishing member (200a), the second arc extinguishing member (200b), and the third arc extinguishing member (200c) are each located adjacent to the first cooling member (500a), the second cooling member (500b), and the third cooling member (500c).

[0091] The terminal member (300) is a configuration in which the air circuit breaker (10) is energized with an external power source or load. A portion of the terminal member (300) is coupled to the housing (100) and is electrically connected to a configuration housed inside the housing (100). Additionally, another portion of the terminal member (300) is exposed to the outside of the housing (100) and can be connected to an external power source or load.

[0092] In an embodiment where the circuit breaker (10) is provided in a form that is coupled to a cradle, the terminal member (300) can be electrically connected by being coupled to a terminal provided in the cradle.

[0093] The terminal member (300) may be positioned at any location that can be electrically connected to the configuration housed inside the housing (100) and to an external power source or load. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal member (300) is located at the lower rear side of the housing (100).

[0094] Accordingly, it will be understood that the terminal member (300) is located below the coupling member (400) and the cooling member (500) coupled to the coupling member (400).

[0095] A plurality of terminal members (300) may be provided. The plurality of terminal members (300) may be spaced apart from each other and electrically connected to a configuration housed inside the housing (100) and an external power source or load, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, three terminal members (300) are provided, including a first terminal member (300a), a second terminal member (300b), and a third terminal member (300c).

[0096] The number of terminal members (300) may be changed according to the phase of the current provided to the air circuit breaker (10). That is, as described above, assuming that three-phase current is supplied to the air circuit breaker (10) according to the embodiment of the present invention, three terminal members (300) may also be provided.

[0097] The first terminal member (300a), the second terminal member (300b), and the third terminal member (300c) may be spaced apart in the width direction of the housing (100), and in the left-right direction in the illustrated embodiment.

[0098] The first terminal member (300a) may be positioned on the left side and located below the first coupling member (400a) and the first cooling member (500a). The second terminal member (300b) may be positioned in the center and located below the second coupling member (400b) and the second cooling member (500b), and the third terminal member (300c) may be positioned on the right side and located below the third coupling member (400c) and the third cooling member (500c).

[0099] The coupling member (400) is another component to which the air circuit breaker (10) is energized with an external power source or load. One part of the coupling member (400) is coupled to the housing (100) and is electrically connected to a component housed inside the housing (100). Additionally, another part of the coupling member (400) is exposed to the outside of the housing (100) and can be connected to an external power source or load.

[0100] As described above, in an embodiment in which the circuit breaker (10) is provided in a form that is coupled to a cradle, the coupling member (400) can be electrically connected by being coupled to a terminal provided in the cradle.

[0101] The coupling member (400) may be positioned at any location where it can be electrically connected to the configuration housed inside the housing (100) and to an external power source or load. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling member (400) is located on the upper rear side of the housing (100).

[0102] Accordingly, it will be understood that the connecting member (400) is located on the upper side of the terminal member (300).

[0103] The coupling member (400) is coupled with the cooling member (500). At least a portion of the heat generated in the coupling member (400) can be released to the outside through the cooling member (500). Accordingly, the cooling efficiency of the coupling member (400) can be improved compared to the case where the coupling member (400) is provided alone.

[0104] A plurality of coupling members (400) may be provided. The plurality of coupling members (400) may be spaced apart from each other and electrically connected to a configuration housed inside the housing (100) and an external power source or load, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, three coupling members (400) are provided, including a first coupling member (400a), a second coupling member (400b), and a third coupling member (400c).

[0105] The number of coupling members (400) may be changed according to the phase of the current provided to the air circuit breaker (10). That is, as described above, assuming that three-phase current is conducted in the air circuit breaker (10) according to the embodiment of the present invention, three coupling members (400) may also be provided.

[0106] The first connecting member (400a), the second connecting member (400b), and the third connecting member (400c) may be spaced apart in the width direction of the housing (100), and in the left-right direction in the illustrated embodiment.

[0107] The first coupling member (400a) is positioned on the left side and coupled with the first cooling member (500a), and is located above the first terminal member (300a). The second coupling member (400b) is positioned in the center and coupled with the second cooling member (500b), and is located above the second terminal member (300b). The third coupling member (400c) is positioned on the right side and coupled with the third cooling member (500c), and is located above the third terminal member (300c).

[0108] The first connecting member (400a), the second connecting member (400b), and the third connecting member (400c) differ in their placement positions, but their structure and function are identical. Accordingly, in the description of the common parts below, the first connecting member (400a), the second connecting member (400b), and the third connecting member (400c) will be collectively referred to as the connecting member (400).

[0109] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the coupling member (400) includes a coupling body (410), a coupling wing (420), and a coupling hollow (430).

[0110] The coupling body (410) constitutes the body of the coupling member (400). The coupling body (410) is the part where the coupling member (400) is coupled to the housing (100). The coupling body (410) is coupled to one side in the longitudinal direction of the housing (100), the rear side in the illustrated embodiment. The coupling body (410) is electrically connected to a configuration accommodated inside the housing (100).

[0111] The coupling body (410) is continuous with the coupling wing (420). The coupling body (410) may be electrically connected to the coupling wing (420). In the illustrated embodiment, one side in the thickness direction of the coupling body (410), namely the rear side, is continuous with the coupling wing (420).

[0112] A coupling hollow (430) may be formed in the coupling body (410). A coupling hollow (430) is formed adjacent to the left and right ends in the portion of the coupling body (410) that is continuous with the coupling wing (420).

[0113] The coupling body (410) may be any shape that is coupled to the housing (100) and electrically connected to the internal configuration, is continuous with the coupling wing (420), and can have a coupling hollow (430) formed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling body (410) is a polygonal plate shape having a length in the left-right direction longer than the thickness in the front-back direction and a height in the up-down direction.

[0114] At this time, the part of the combined body (410) that is combined with the combined wing (420) may be formed rounded so as to be convex outward.

[0115] That is, as best illustrated in FIG. 8, each end in the longitudinal direction of the combined body (410), namely the left end and the right end, can be formed rounded so as to be convex outward.

[0116] The horizontal cross-section of the joint body (410) may be in the shape of an oblong. The above structure may provide sufficient space for the joint hollow (430) to be formed.

[0117] The coupling wing (420) is a part of the coupling member (400) that is electrically connected to an external power source or load. The coupling wing (420) is coupled to and electrically connected to the coupling body (410). In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling wing (420) is continuous with the one side, i.e., the rear side, in the thickness direction of the coupling body (410) at a predetermined angle.

[0118] In one embodiment, the predetermined angle may be a right angle. The coupling wing (420) extends toward the rear side in the thickness direction of the coupling body (410) in the illustrated embodiment. The coupling wing (420) may have a height in the same direction as the coupling body (410), that is, a height in the vertical direction.

[0119] Therefore, it will be understood that the combined wing (420) is a polygonal plate having a length in the front-rear direction, a thickness in the left-right direction, and a height in the up-down direction.

[0120] At this time, the part where the connecting wing (420) is connected to the connecting body (410) may be formed rounded so as to be convex on the inside and outside.

[0121] That is, as best illustrated in FIG. 8, one end in the longitudinal direction of the coupling wing (420), namely the left and right sides of the front end, can be extended in a rounded shape so as to be convex outward, respectively.

[0122] The above structure can secure sufficient space for the combined hollow (430) to be formed.

[0123] Multiple coupling wings (420) may be formed. Multiple coupling wings (420) may be spaced apart from each other and each may be electrically connected to a coupling body (410) and an external power source or load. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of coupling wings (420) is provided.

[0124] One of the connecting wings (420) is connected to one side in the longitudinal direction of the connecting body (410), namely the left end. The other connecting wing (420) is connected to the other side in the longitudinal direction of the connecting body (410), namely the right end. A pair of connecting wings (420) are positioned facing each other with a space between them.

[0125] The coupling hollow (430) is the part where the coupling member (400) is coupled with the cooling member (500). The coupling hollow (430) is formed in the part where the coupling body (410) and the coupling wing (420) are connected. Specifically, the coupling hollow (430) is located in the part where a pair of coupling wings (420) are connected to the coupling body (410), that is, on the front side of the coupling wing (420) and on the left and right sides of the coupling body (410).

[0126] The coupling hollow (430) can partially accommodate the cooling rack (520). To this end, the coupling hollow (430) may be formed through the portion in the height direction of the coupling body (410) or coupling wing (420). In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling hollow (430) is formed through in the vertical direction. The cooling rack (520) can be inserted into the coupling hollow (430).

[0127] The combined hollow (430) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the cooling rack (520). In the illustrated embodiment, the combined hollow (430) is formed as a cylindrical space having a circular cross-section and a height in the vertical direction.

[0128] Multiple coupling hollows (430) may be formed. Multiple coupling hollows (430) may be formed at different locations and each may be coupled to multiple cooling racks (520). In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of coupling hollows (430) are formed. One coupling hollow (430) is located adjacent to the left end of the coupling body (410) and the front end of the coupling wing (420). The other coupling hollow (430) is located adjacent to the right end of the coupling body (410) and the front end of the coupling wing (420).

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 14, an air circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a cooling member (500).

[0130] Heat may be generated as current is passed through the coupling member (400). As described above, since heat tends to rise, more heat may be generated in the coupling member (400) than in the terminal member (300).

[0131] Therefore, it can be said that cooling the coupling member (400) rather than the terminal member (300) is more desirable to improve the cooling effect.

[0132] Accordingly, an air circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a cooling member (500) coupled to a coupling member (400). The cooling member (500) is inserted into a coupling hollow (430) and comes into contact with a coupling body (410) and a coupling wing (420), respectively. The cooling member (500) can receive heat generated from the coupling member (400) in various forms, for example, any form among conduction, convection, and radiation, and discharge it to the outside.

[0133] Accordingly, heat generated in the coupling member (400) can be quickly discharged and the coupling member (400) can be quickly cooled.

[0134] The cooling member (500) may be formed from a material with high thermal conductivity. This is to quickly receive heat generated from the bonding member (400) and quickly discharge the received heat to the outside. In one embodiment, the cooling member (500) may be formed from aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), or an alloy material containing these.

[0135] The cooling member (500) is coupled with the coupling member (400) and is located outside the housing (100). That is, referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4, the cooling member (500) is coupled with the coupling member (400) on the rear side of the housing (100).

[0136] Therefore, in order to provide the cooling member (500), or to express it differently, to improve the cooling effect of the coupling member (400), the internal structure of the housing (100) does not need to be changed. As a result, the cooling effect of the coupling member (400) can be improved with a simple structure.

[0137] In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling member (500) includes a cooling body (510), a cooling rack (520), and cooling fins (530).

[0138] The cooling body (510) constitutes the body of the cooling member (500). The cooling body (510) is exposed to the outside and is combined with other components of the cooling member (500) to support them. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling body (510) is combined with the cooling rack (520) and the cooling fin (530), respectively.

[0139] Specifically, one side in the height direction of the cooling body (510), i.e., the lower side, is coupled with the cooling rack (520). One side in the thickness direction of the cooling body (510), the rear side in the illustrated embodiment, is coupled with the cooling fin (530). Heat generated from the coupling member (400) can be transferred to the cooling fin (530) by passing through the cooling rack (520) and the cooling body (510) in turn. At this time, the cooling body (510) itself can also radiate the received heat to the outside.

[0140] The cooling body (510) may be of any shape that can be combined with the cooling rack (520) and the cooling fin (530) respectively to thermally connect them. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling body (510) is provided in the form of a polygonal plate having a square cross-section and a thickness in the front-rear direction.

[0141] The cooling rack (520) is a part where the cooling member (500) is joined to the joining member (400). The cooling rack (520) may be configured to directly receive heat generated from the joining member (400). The cooling rack (520) may transfer the received heat to other components of the cooling member (500).

[0142] The cooling rack (520) is inserted and coupled into the coupling hollow (430). In one embodiment, the cooling rack (520) may be coupled through the coupling hollow (430). The cooling rack (520) may receive heat in the form of conduction by contacting the inner circumference of the coupling body (410) or coupling wing (420) surrounding the coupling hollow (430).

[0143] The cooling rack (520) extends in the height direction of the coupling member (400), in the up-and-down direction in the illustrated embodiment. One side of the cooling rack (520) in the height direction, the upper side in the illustrated embodiment, is coupled to the cooling body (510). The other side of the cooling rack (520) in the height direction, the lower side in the illustrated embodiment, is inserted into the coupling hollow (430) and comes into contact with the inner circumference of the coupling body (410) and the coupling wing (420).

[0144] The cooling rack (520) may be of any shape that can be combined with the combined hollow (430) and the cooling body (510), respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling rack (520) is a cylindrical shape having a circular cross-section and an up-and-down length.

[0145] At this time, the cooling rack (520) may be composed of multiple parts. Each part may be connected to each other and may form a predetermined angle. Accordingly, each end of the cooling rack (520) in the height direction may be positioned spaced apart along the length direction of the housing (100), that is, the front-rear direction.

[0146] The cooling rack (520) includes a first extension (521), a second extension (522), and a third extension (523).

[0147] The first extension (521) forms a part of the cooling rack (520). The first extension (521) is connected to the cooling body (510). In the illustrated embodiment, the first extension (521) extends in the height direction of the housing (100), i.e., in the vertical direction, and one end, i.e., the upper end, is connected to the lower side of the cooling body (510).

[0148] The other end in the longitudinal direction of the first extension part (521), that is, the lower end, is continuous with the second extension part (522). At this time, the first extension part (521) may be continuous with the second extension part (522) at a predetermined angle. In one embodiment, the predetermined angle may be an obtuse angle. The structure may be formed such that the second extension part (522) is extended at an angle.

[0149] The second extension (522) constitutes another part of the cooling rack (520). The second extension (522) is connected to the first extension (521) and the third extension (523), respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the second extension (522) extends in the vertical direction, and one end, i.e., the upper end, is connected to the lower end of the first extension (521). Additionally, the other end in the longitudinal direction of the second extension (522), i.e., the lower end, is connected to the upper end of the third extension (523).

[0150] At this time, the second extension (522) may be extended at an angle with respect to the first extension (521) or the third extension (523). In other words, the second extension (522) may be extended at an angle with respect to the vertical direction. In one embodiment, the second extension (522) may be extended at an angle so as to extend toward the rearward upper side. That is, the second extension (522) extends upward at an acute angle with respect to the vertical direction.

[0151] Accordingly, the upper end, which is one end in the longitudinal direction of the second extension (522), may be located further back than the lower end, which is the other end in the longitudinal direction of the second extension (522). Accordingly, the cooling body (510) and the cooling fin (530) may be sufficiently spaced apart from the arc extinguishing member (200) along the horizontal direction, thereby preventing damage caused by the extinguishing arc.

[0152] The third extension (523) constitutes the remaining part of the cooling rack (520). The third extension (523) is the part where the cooling rack (520) is joined to the joining member (400). The third extension (523) is connected to the second extension (522). In the illustrated embodiment, the third extension (523) extends in the vertical direction, and one end, i.e., the upper end, is connected to the lower end of the second extension (522). Additionally, the other end in the longitudinal direction of the third extension (523), i.e., the lower end, is maintained as a free end.

[0153] The third extension (523) is inserted into or penetrated into the coupling hollow (430). To this end, the third extension (523) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the coupling hollow (430). In the illustrated embodiment, the third extension (523) is a cylindrical shape having a circular cross-section and an up-and-down length.

[0154] Meanwhile, as described above, as the second extension part (522) is extended at an angle, the third extension part (523) is positioned on the front side of the first extension part (521) and the cooling body (510) and cooling fin (530) coupled thereto. At this time, the third extension part (523) is positioned on the rear side of the housing (100) so that contact with the arc extinguished by the arc extinguishing member (200) can be blocked.

[0155] Therefore, in any case, damage to the cooling body (510), cooling rack (520) and cooling fin (530) can be prevented by the arc extinguished in the arc extinguishing member (200).

[0156] The cooling fins (530) are configured to release heat generated and transferred from the coupling member (400). The cooling fins (530) are coupled with the cooling body (510) and can receive heat provided to the cooling body (510) from the cooling rack (520). The cooling fins (530) can release the provided heat to the outside, thereby ultimately cooling the coupling member (400).

[0157] The cooling fin (530) is coupled to the cooling body (510). Specifically, the cooling fin (530) is coupled to one side of the cooling body (510) opposite to the housing (100), namely the rear side. Thus, it will be understood that the heat transferred to the cooling fin (530) is released in a direction opposite to the rear side of the air circuit breaker (10), namely the arc extinguishing member (200) or the coupling member (400).

[0158] The cooling fins (530) may be provided in any shape that maximizes the heat dissipation effect received. In one embodiment, the cooling fins (530) may be provided in a shape that maximizes the surface area exposed to the outside.

[0159] In one embodiment, the cooling fin (530) may be provided in the form of a heat dissipation fin. In the above embodiment, the cooling fin (530) may be configured to include a plurality of plate-shaped members spaced apart in one direction.

[0160] In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling fin (530) is configured to include a plurality of plates spaced apart in the left-right direction, having a length in the front-back direction, a height in the up-down direction, and a thickness in the left-right direction.

[0161]

[0162] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a modified example of a cooling member (500) according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as an example. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling member (500) may further comprise a cooling fluid channel (540).

[0163] In the above embodiment, the cooling fluid channel (540) may be formed inside the cooling body (510) and the cooling rack (520), respectively. In one embodiment, a portion of the cooling fluid channel (540) may be formed as a recess on one side of the cooling body (510) that is coupled with the cooling fin (530), i.e., the rear side in the illustrated embodiment.

[0164] Additionally, the remainder of the cooling fluid passage (540) may be formed through the interior of the cooling rack (520). As described above, the first extension (521), the second extension (522), and the third extension (523) constituting the cooling rack (520) may be extended at a predetermined angle to each other.

[0165] Accordingly, the remainder of the cooling fluid channel (540) formed in the cooling rack (520) can be formed corresponding to the shape of each of the first to third extensions (521, 522, 523). Accordingly, each part constituting the remainder of the cooling fluid channel (540) can also be extended at a predetermined angle to one another.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the portion of the cooling fluid channel (540) formed inside the first extension (521) may be in communication with the portion of the cooling fluid channel (540) formed inside the cooling body (510). Additionally, the portion of the cooling fluid channel (540) formed inside the third extension (523) may be fluidically connected to an external cooling fluid supply source (not shown).

[0167] To this end, the remainder of the cooling fluid channel (540) formed in the cooling rack (520) may be formed through the interior of the cooling rack (520) along the longitudinal direction of the cooling rack (520).

[0168] Additionally, the cooling fluid channel (540) formed in the cooling body (510) is formed with one side facing the cooling rack (520), and the lower side in the illustrated embodiment is formed open so as to be in communication with the cooling fluid channel (540) formed in the cooling rack (520).

[0169] Accordingly, the cooling fluid is supplied to the cooling member (500) through the third extension (523), flows along the cooling rack (520), circulates through the cooling body (510), and then can be discharged again along the cooling rack (520).

[0170] At this time, a pair of cooling racks (520) can form an inlet path for cooling fluid and an outlet path for cooling fluid. That is, one cooling rack (520) can form an inlet path for cooling fluid, and the other cooling rack (520) can form an outlet path for cooling fluid.

[0171] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the left cooling rack (520) forms an inlet path for the cooling fluid, and the right cooling rack (520) forms an outlet path for the cooling fluid. In the above embodiment, the left cooling rack (520) and the right cooling rack (520) may be connected to each other while connected to the connecting member (400). It will be understood that this is the case where the cooling fluid provided to the cooling member (500) is circulated.

[0172] Additionally, in another embodiment, each of the pair of cooling racks (520) may constitute both an inlet and outlet path for the cooling fluid. That is, the cooling fluid introduced into one of the cooling racks (520) may flow through the cooling body (510) and then be discharged through any cooling rack (520). Likewise, the cooling fluid introduced into the other cooling rack (520) may also flow through the cooling body (510) and then be discharged through any cooling rack (520).

[0173] In the above embodiment, heat generated in the coupling member (400) can be released to the outside in the form of radiation through the cooling body (510), cooling rack (520), and cooling fin (530). At the same time, heat generated in the coupling member (400) can be released in the form of conduction to the cooling fluid flowing in the cooling fluid channel (540).

[0174] Accordingly, in the above embodiment, the cooling efficiency of the coupling member (400) can be further improved.

[0175]

[0176] Referring to FIG. 17, the process of heat generated in an air circuit breaker (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention being released to the outside is illustrated as an example. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrows indicate examples of heat flow paths.

[0177] As the circuit breaker (10) electrically connects to an external power source and load, current is applied to the coupling member (400), generating a large amount of heat. The heat generated in the coupling body (410) and the coupling wing (420) is received in the coupling hollow (430) and transferred to the third extension (523) in contact with its inner circumference.

[0178] At this time, some of the heat generated in the coupling member (400) can be directly released from the coupling member (400) to the outside.

[0179] The heat transferred to the third extension (523) is transferred to the cooling body (510) via the second extension (522) and the first extension (521). The heat transferred to the cooling body (510) is transferred to the cooling fins (530) and discharged in a direction opposite to the housing (100) and the arc extinguishing member (200), in the illustrated embodiment, towards the rear.

[0180] Accordingly, heat generated in the coupling member (400) is not released toward the air circuit breaker (10), thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the coupling member (400). Additionally, as described above, since the cooling member (500) is spaced apart from the arc extinguishing member (200), the influence of the arc extinguished in the arc extinguishing member (200) can be minimized.

[0181] As a result, the cooling efficiency of the coupling member (400) can be improved while minimizing structural changes to the air circuit breaker (10).

[0182] It will be understood that, although not illustrated, some of the heat transferred to the cooling rack (520) may also be released directly from the cooling rack (520) to the outside, and some of the heat transferred to the cooling body (510) may also be released directly from the cooling body (510) to the outside.

[0183]

[0184] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented in this specification. Those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention may easily propose other embodiments within the scope of the same spirit by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components, and such embodiments shall also be considered to fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0185] 10: Air circuit breaker 100: Housing

[0186] 200: Arc extinguishing member 200a: First arc extinguishing member

[0187] 200b: Second arc extinguishing member 200c: Third arc extinguishing member

[0188] 300: Terminal component 300a: First terminal component

[0189] 300b: Second terminal missing 300c: Third terminal missing

[0190] 400: Connecting member 400a: First connecting member

[0191] 400b: Second connecting member 400c: Third connecting member

[0192] 410: Connecting body 420: Connecting wing

[0193] 430: Combined hollow 500: Cooling member

[0194] 500a: First cooling member 500b: Second cooling member

[0195] 500c: 3rd cooling member 510: Cooling body

[0196] 520: Cooling rack 521: First extension

[0197] 522: 2nd extension 523: 3rd extension

[0198] 530: Cooling fin 540: Cooling fluid flow path

Claims

1. A housing in which a space is formed internally; A coupling member coupled to the above housing and electrically connected to an external power source or load, respectively; and It includes a cooling member coupled to the above-mentioned coupling member and configured to release heat generated from the above-mentioned coupling member to the outside, and A portion of the above-mentioned coupling member is located on the outside of the housing, and The cooling member is coupled to the part of the coupling member and configured to release the heat to the outside from the outside of the housing. Crane circuit breaker.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above cooling member is, A cooling body positioned spaced apart from the above housing; A cooling rack coupled to the cooling body and the coupling member, respectively; and A cooling fin coupled to the above cooling body and configured to release the heat to the outside, Crane circuit breaker.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above housing is formed to have a height in a first direction and a length in a second direction, and The above cooling body is, Positioned spaced apart from the housing along the first direction and the second direction, Crane circuit breaker.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above cooling fins are, Among the surfaces of the cooling body, located on one surface opposite to the housing and spaced apart from the housing along the first direction and the second direction, Crane circuit breaker.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above cooling rack is, A first extension extending in a first direction and coupled to the cooling body; A second extension portion that is extended at an angle with respect to the first direction and connected to the first extension portion; and A third extension extending in the first direction, connected to the second extension, and coupled to the coupling member, Crane circuit breaker.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above second extension part is, Extending obliquely in a direction opposite to the housing along the direction toward the first extension from the third extension, Crane circuit breaker.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above cooling member is, The distance from the housing is configured to increase along the third extension, the cooling body, and the cooling fins, Crane circuit breaker.

8. In Paragraph 2, The above cooling fins are, It is configured to include a plurality of plate-shaped members having a height in a first direction, a length in a second direction, and a thickness in a third direction, and A plurality of the above plate-shaped members are spaced apart along the second direction, Crane circuit breaker.

9. In Paragraph 2, The above cooling member is, Further comprising cooling fluid channels formed respectively inside the cooling body and in the cooling rack, through which an external cooling fluid flows. Crane circuit breaker.

10. In Paragraph 9, A portion of the above cooling fluid channel is formed as a depression on one side of the surface of the cooling body facing the cooling fin, and The remainder of the above cooling fluid channel is formed penetrating the cooling rack and is in communication with the above part and the outside of the above cooling fluid channel, respectively. Crane circuit breaker.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned connecting member is, A coupling body coupled to the above housing; A coupling wing that is continuous with the coupling body and electrically connected to the power source or the load; and A coupling hollow formed inside the coupling body or the coupling wing and coupled to the cooling member, Crane circuit breaker.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above-mentioned coupling body is formed to have a height in a first direction, a length in a second direction, and a thickness in a third direction, and The above-mentioned connecting wing is formed to have a length in the second direction and a thickness in the third direction, and The above-mentioned coupling hollow is formed in a portion where the coupling body and the coupling wing are coupled, Crane circuit breaker.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above-mentioned connecting body and the above-mentioned connecting wing are formed to have a height in the first direction, and The above-mentioned coupling hollow is formed through along the first direction, Crane circuit breaker.

14. In Paragraph 12, The above-mentioned coupling hollow is formed through and is surrounded by the inner circumference of the coupling body or the coupling wing, and The cooling member is in contact with the inner circumference of the coupling body or the coupling wing surrounding the coupling hollow. Crane circuit breaker.

15. In Paragraph 1, It includes an arc extinguishing member coupled to one side in the height direction of the above housing and configured to extinguish an arc generated inside the housing, and The cooling member extends in a direction opposite to the arc extinguishing member along the longitudinal direction of the housing, Crane circuit breaker.

16. In Paragraph 1, It includes a terminal member that is coupled to one side of each side of the housing to which the coupling member is coupled, is located on the lower side of the coupling member, and is electrically connected to an external power source or load, respectively. The cooling member extends in a direction opposite to the terminal member along the height direction of the housing, Crane circuit breaker.

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