Liquid circulation structure, inverter device and vehicle

Abstract

A liquid circulation structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is a liquid circulation structure installed on a moving body and used. The liquid circulation structure includes: a shell having an internal space that can be filled with liquid; and a partition that partitions the internal space. At least a portion of the internal space is filled with liquid. A passage through which the liquid can pass is provided between the shell and the partition in the internal space and in at least one of the partitions. When the liquid circulation structure is installed on the moving body, the liquid passes through the passage due to the swing caused by the movement of the moving body and the action of gravity, thereby causing the liquid to circulate in the internal space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a liquid circulation structure, an inverter device and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a housing is filled with a coolant and a pump is provided in the housing to circulate the coolant through an inlet and an outlet.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a structure in which a stirrer and a stirrer driving unit are provided to cause convection of insulating oil in a container. The stirrer rotates in the insulating oil to stir the insulating oil, and the stirrer driving unit has a magnet portion that rotates in a housing in which the container is placed.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-18049

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-180114 Summary of the invention

[0008] However, it is required to circulate the liquid in the casing without providing a liquid circulation device such as a pump.

[0009] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid circulation structure and an inverter device capable of circulating liquid in a casing without providing a liquid circulation device, and a vehicle capable of suppressing failure.

[0010] A liquid circulation structure in one embodiment of the present invention is configured as a liquid circulation structure for use when installed on a moving body, comprising: a shell having an internal space that can be filled with liquid; and a partition portion, the partition portion partitioning the internal space, at least a portion of the internal space being filled with the liquid, and a passage through which the liquid can pass is provided between the shell and the partition portion in the internal space and in at least one of the partition portions. When the liquid circulation structure is installed on the moving body, the liquid passes through the passage due to the swing caused by the movement of the moving body and the action of gravity, thereby causing the liquid to circulate in the internal space.

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid circulation structure and an inverter device that circulate liquid in a casing without providing a liquid circulation device, and a vehicle that can suppress failure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1It is a perspective view schematically showing the inverter device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the inverter device according to the first embodiment cut along the XY plane.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 III-III sectional view.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed structure of the inverter device according to the first embodiment cut along the YZ plane.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the partition plate of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of a state where the power module unit according to the first embodiment is immersed in liquid.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the inverter device according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram of the circulation of liquid in the internal space of the casing according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 9 This is another explanatory diagram of the liquid circulation in the internal space of the casing according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Fig.10 It is an explanatory diagram of the circulation of liquid in the upper passage hole and the lower passage hole according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of the partition plate of the second embodiment.

[0023] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram of a partition plate according to a third embodiment.

[0024] Fig.13 It is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed structure of the inverter device according to the fourth embodiment cut along the YZ plane.

[0025] Fig.14 It is a cross-sectional view of the inverter device according to the fifth embodiment cut along the XY plane.

[0026] Fig.15 It is a cross-sectional view of the inverter device according to the sixth embodiment cut along the YZ plane.

[0027] (Explanation of symbols)

[0028] 1…inverter device, 2…liquid circulation structure, 5…vehicle (mobile body), 8…liquid, 9…inner space, 10…housing, 11…first member, 12…second member, 13…elastic member, 18…filter, 20A…first partition (partition), 20B…second partition (partition), 21…upper passage hole (uppermost passage), 22…lower passage hole, 25…intermediate space, 30…passage, 31…first passage, 32…second passage, 40…power module unit (electronic unit) Component), 41…Capacitor (electronic component), 42…First control substrate (electronic component), 43…Second control substrate (electronic component), 50…Coolant, 51…Cooling path, 220…Partition, 221…Upper through hole (uppermost path), 222…Lower through hole, 320…Partition, 321…Uppermost path, 402…Liquid circulation structure, 503…Electronic component, 560…Rectifier, 603…Electronic component, 671…First surface, 672…Second surface, 673…Inclined surface DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, the liquid circulation structure, the inverter device and the vehicle of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, in order to facilitate the understanding of each structure, the scale, quantity, etc. of each structure may be different from the actual structure. In the following description, the vertical up and down direction (gravity direction) is specified based on the positional relationship when the inverter device is installed on a vehicle (moving body) located on a horizontal road surface. In the following description, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is set, and the positional relationship of each component is described with reference to the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. The specified direction in the horizontal plane is set as the X direction, the direction in the horizontal plane that is orthogonal to the X direction is set as the Y direction, and the direction that is orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction (i.e., the vertical up and down direction) is set as the Z direction. The X direction is equivalent to the front and rear direction of the vehicle on which the inverter device is installed. The Y direction is equivalent to the width direction (left and right direction) of the vehicle. The Z direction is equivalent to the up and down direction (vertical up and down direction) of the vehicle.

[0030] <First embodiment>

[0031] <Inverter device>

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the inverter device 1 includes a liquid circulation structure 2, an electronic unit 3, and a cooling unit 4. For example, the inverter device 1 is installed in a motor unit 6 of a vehicle 5. For example, the vehicle 5 is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHV), an electric vehicle (EV), etc. The motor unit 6 includes a motor (not shown) as a power source of the vehicle 5.

[0033] The motor is connected to the inverter device 1 via a coil wire (not shown) and the like. The inverter device 1 is connected via conductors 7A, 7B and the like (see Figure 4 ) is connected to an external low-voltage power supply device (not shown). For example, the conductors 7A and 7B are busbars or wiring harnesses formed of conductive plates. In addition, the inverter device 1 is connected to an external high-voltage power supply device (not shown) via a high-voltage busbar (not shown) different from the conductors 7A and 7B.

[0034] For example, the external low-voltage power supply device and the external high-voltage power supply device are secondary batteries installed in the vehicle 5. The inverter device 1 generates a signal for inverter control using the DC current supplied from the external low-voltage power supply device. The inverter device 1 converts the DC current supplied from the external high-voltage power supply device into AC current and supplies it to the motor.

[0035] <Liquid circulation structure>

[0036] The liquid circulation structure 2 includes a housing 10 having an internal space 9 that can be filled with a liquid 8, and partitions 20A and 20B that partition the internal space 9. A passage 30 through which the liquid 8 can pass is provided between the housing 10 and the partitions 20A and 20B in the internal space 9 and in each of the partitions 20A and 20B.

[0037] The liquid 8 is an insulating oil (insulating oil). The liquid 8 fills a part of the internal space 9. Hereinafter, the state where the inverter device 1 is installed in the vehicle 5 is referred to as the "vehicle installation state", the state where the vehicle 5 is stationary is referred to as the "vehicle stationary state", and the state where the vehicle 5 is moving is referred to as the "vehicle moving state". Figure 3 As shown, in the vehicle installation state and the vehicle stationary state, air exists between the housing 10 in the interior space 9 and the upper surface (liquid level) of the liquid 8 .

[0038] <Housing>

[0039] The housing 10 is in the shape of a rectangular box having long sides in the Y direction. Figure 4 As shown, the housing 10 includes: a first member 11; a second member 12, the second member 12 is connected to the first member 11; and an elastic member 13, the elastic member 13 is arranged at the connection between the first member 11 and the second member 12, and closes the internal space 9. The internal space 9 is a space surrounded by the first member 11, the second member 12 and the elastic member 13.

[0040] The first member 11 includes an upper wall 15 disposed at the uppermost portion of the housing 10 when installed in the vehicle, and a peripheral wall 16 connected to the outer periphery of the upper wall 15 .

[0041] The upper wall 15 has a rectangular plate shape and has a mounting hole 15a for mounting the filter 18 and a connection hole 15b for connecting the second conductor 7B.

[0042] The peripheral wall 16 is in the shape of a rectangular tube. Figure 2 As shown, the surrounding wall 16 includes: a front wall 16a disposed at the frontmost part of the housing 10 in the vehicle installation state; a rear wall 16b disposed at the rearmost part of the housing 10; a left wall 16c disposed at the leftmost part of the housing 10; and a right wall 16d disposed at the rightmost part of the housing 10. Any one of the front wall 16a, the rear wall 16b, the left wall 16c, and the right wall 16d has a connection hole (not shown) for connecting a high-voltage busbar (not shown).

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the second member 12 is arranged at the lowest part of the housing 10 in the vehicle installation state. The outer shape of the second member 12 is larger than the outer shape of the first member 11 when viewed from the top and bottom. The second member 12 includes an extension portion 17 that extends outward further than the first member 11. The extension portion 17 of the second member 12 is fixed to the installation surface 6a of the motor unit 6 by a fastening member 19 such as a bolt. The extension portion 17 of the second member 12 has a recessed portion 17a that can accommodate the second protrusion 13c of the elastic member 13. The recessed portion 17a is arranged between the peripheral wall 16 and the bolt.

[0044] The elastic member 13 is in a rectangular frame shape along the outer periphery of the first member 11. For example, the elastic member 13 is an O-ring made of rubber. The first member 11 and the second member 12 are connected to each other in a state where the elastic member 13 is pressed and deformed. The first member 11 and the second member 12 are connected to each other without a gap through the elastic member 13.

[0045] The elastic member 13 includes an elastic body 13a disposed between the peripheral wall 16 and the second member 12, a first protrusion 13b extending upward from the upper surface of the elastic body 13a, and a second protrusion 13c extending downward from the lower surface of the elastic body 13a.

[0046] The elastic portion main body 13 a is pressed and deformed in the up-down direction by the peripheral wall 16 and the second member 12 .

[0047] The first protrusion 13 b is in close contact with the outer surface of the peripheral wall 16 from the outside.

[0048] The second convex portion 13 c enters the concave portion 17 a of the second member 12 .

[0049] The housing 10 includes a filter 18 that allows gas to pass between the internal space 9 and the external space but does not allow liquid to pass. The filter 18 is provided in the mounting hole 15a of the upper wall 15. For example, the filter 18 is an exhaust filter (waterproof ventilation filter). For example, the filter 18 is formed of a porous waterproof and breathable material. For example, as a porous waterproof and breathable material, a material obtained by compounding a film obtained by stretching polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with a polyurethane polymer can be cited.

[0050] <Divider>

[0051] The partitions 20A and 20B are in the shape of plates extending in the vertical up-down direction. The partitions 20A and 20B have thickness in the Y direction. Figure 5 As shown, the partitions 20A and 20B have an upper through hole 21 and a lower through hole 22 through which the liquid 8 can pass. The upper through hole 21 and the lower through hole 22 are passages provided in the partition itself. When viewed from the plate thickness direction of the partitions 20A and 20B, the upper through hole 21 and the lower through hole 22 are rectangular shapes having long sides in the X direction. A gap 23 (passage 30) through which the liquid 8 can pass is provided between the partitions 20A and 20B and the peripheral wall 16 in the internal space 9.

[0052] The upper through hole 21 is opened in the plate thickness direction (Y direction) at the upper part of the partitions 20A and 20B. In other words, the upper through hole 21 is a recessed portion that is recessed downward from the center of the upper end of the partitions 20A and 20B. The upper ends of the partitions 20A and 20B (the portion other than the upper through hole 21) are fixed to the upper wall 15 of the first member 11. The upper through hole 21 is the uppermost passage arranged at the uppermost side in the vertical up-down direction.

[0053] The lower through hole 22 is opened in the plate thickness direction at the lower part of the partitions 20A and 20B. In other words, the lower through hole 22 is a recessed portion that is recessed upward from the center of the lower end of the partitions 20A and 20B. The lower ends of the partitions 20A and 20B (parts other than the lower through hole 22) are fixed to the second member 12.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of partitions 20A and 20B are provided (two in the present embodiment). Hereinafter, the partition provided near the left wall 16c of the housing 10 of the two partitions 20A and 20B is referred to as the "first partition 20A", and the partition provided near the right wall 16d of the housing 10 is referred to as the "second partition 20B". The first partition 20A and the second partition 20B have the same shape as each other. Hereinafter, the space between the first partition 20A and the second partition 20B in the internal space 9 is referred to as the "intermediate space 25".

[0055] The passage 30 includes a first passage 31 and a second passage 32, wherein the first passage 31 is arranged between the shell 10 and the first partition 20A in the internal space 9 and in each of the first partitions 20A, and the second passage 32 is arranged between the shell 10 and the second partition 20B in the internal space 9 and in each of the second partitions 20B.

[0056] The first passage 31 includes an upper through hole 21 and a lower through hole 22 (see Figure 5 ). The first passage 31 corresponds to the space around the first partition portion 20A in the internal space 9 .

[0057] The second passage 32 includes an upper through hole 21 and a lower through hole 22 of the second partition 20B (see Figure 5 ). The second passage 32 corresponds to the space around the second partition portion 20B in the internal space 9.

[0058] <Electronic Unit>

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the electronic unit 3 includes a plurality of electronic components 40 to 43 disposed in the intermediate space 25 in the internal space 9. The plurality of electronic components 40 to 43 include a power module unit 40, a capacitor 41, a first control substrate 42, and a second control substrate 43. The entire electronic unit 3 (all of the plurality of electronic components 40 to 43) is immersed in the liquid 8 when the electronic unit 3 is installed in the vehicle and the vehicle is stationary.

[0060] The power module unit 40 has a bridge circuit (power conversion circuit) formed by connecting two power switching elements (power switching elements of the upper arm and the lower arm) for the U phase, V phase, and W phase, respectively, for a total of 6 power switching elements. In addition, as a power switching element, for example, IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor), bipolar transistor (Bipolar junction transistor), etc. can be cited, and the power switching element includes silicon (Si), gallium arsenide (GaAs), gallium nitride (GaN), silicon carbide (SiC), etc. as a semiconductor compound. In this embodiment, the power module unit 40 is installed on the second member 12. The power module unit 40 is assumed to be the hottest component with the largest heat generation among the multiple electronic components 40 to 43, and is described below. The heat generation temperature of the power module unit 40 is the highest among the multiple electronic components 40 to 43 when the vehicle is installed and the vehicle is moving. It is preferred that at least a portion of the power module unit 40 other than the lower surface is entirely immersed in the liquid 8 when the power module unit 40 is installed in the vehicle and the vehicle is stationary.

[0061] Figure 4 The inverter device 1 is shown in a posture in which the long side direction of the housing 10 is arranged in the horizontal direction (Y direction). Figure 6 The inverter device 1 is shown in a posture in which the long side direction of the housing 10 is arranged in the vertical up-down direction. Figure 4 and Figure 6 In any of the postures, at least a portion, preferably the entirety of the power module unit 40 is immersed in the liquid 8. That is, at least a portion, preferably the entirety of the portion other than the lower surface of the power module unit 40 is always immersed in the liquid 8.

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, the capacitor 41 is mounted on the second member 12. The capacitor 41 is arranged between the power module unit 40 and the second partition 20B in the Y direction. The vertical height of the capacitor 41 (the upper surface of the capacitor 41) is higher than the vertical height of the power module unit 40 (the upper surface of the power module unit 40). The capacitor 41 is a component whose heat generation is second only to the power module unit 40 among the multiple electronic components 40 to 43. At least a part of the capacitor 41, preferably all of it, is immersed in the liquid 8 when it is installed in the vehicle and the vehicle is stationary. Similar to the power module unit 40, at least a part of the capacitor 41, preferably all of it, is always immersed in the liquid 8.

[0063] The first control substrate 42 is a circuit substrate that outputs a drive signal to the power module unit 40 and switches the power switch element on / off. The first control substrate 42 is in the shape of a plate extending in the Y direction. The first control substrate 42 is disposed above the power module unit 40. The upper surface of the first control substrate 42 is lower than the upper surface of the capacitor 41. At least a portion of the first control substrate 42, preferably the entirety, is immersed in the liquid 8 when the first control substrate 42 is installed in the vehicle and the vehicle is stationary.

[0064] The second control substrate 43 is a circuit substrate that outputs a control signal to the first control substrate 42. The second control substrate 43 is in the shape of a plate extending in the Y direction. The second control substrate 43 is disposed above the capacitor 41. The second control substrate 43 is disposed above the first control substrate 42. The upper surface of the second control substrate 43 is arranged at a position higher than the Figure 5 The upper portions of the partitions 20A and 20B shown are located below the hole 21 (uppermost passage).

[0065] In addition, Figure 4 In the figure, reference numeral 7A indicates a first conductor connecting the first control substrate 42 and the second control substrate 43, and reference numeral 7B indicates a second conductor connecting the second control substrate 43 and an external low-voltage power supply device (not shown). The second conductor 7B is connected to the external low-voltage power supply device through the connection hole 15b of the upper wall 15 via a wiring (not shown).

[0066] <Function of inverter device>

[0067] The inverter device 1 is configured such that when the inverter device 1 is mounted on a vehicle and the vehicle is moving, the liquid 8 passes through the passage 30 due to the swing caused by the movement of the vehicle 5 and the action of gravity, thereby causing the liquid 8 to circulate in the internal space 9. On the other hand, when the inverter device 1 is mounted on a vehicle and the vehicle is stationary, the liquid 8 does not circulate in the internal space 9 unless swing other than the movement of the vehicle 5 occurs.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, the upper surface of the liquid 8 is arranged at a position lower than the upper passage hole 21 (uppermost passage) of the partitions 20A and 20B when the vehicle is installed in the vehicle and the vehicle is stationary. That is, when the vehicle is installed in the vehicle and the vehicle is stationary, the liquid 8 does not pass through the upper passage hole 21. On the other hand, when the vehicle is installed in the vehicle and the vehicle is moving, the liquid 8 is configured to pass through the upper passage hole 21.

[0069] For example, if the vehicle 5 swings in one direction of the left and right directions, the liquid level is as follows: Figure 8Then, due to the swing in the one direction and the action of gravity, the liquid 8 passes through the upper passage hole 21 of the first partition 20A and the lower passage hole 22 of the second partition 20B. At this time, the liquid 8 flows in the direction of arrow W1 in the upper passage hole 21 of the first partition 20A, and flows in the direction of arrow W2 in the lower passage hole 22 of the second partition 20B.

[0070] For example, if the vehicle 5 swings in the other direction of the left and right directions, the liquid level will be as follows: Fig. 9 Then, due to the swing in the other direction and the action of gravity, the liquid 8 passes through the lower passage hole 22 of the first partition 20A and the upper passage hole 21 of the second partition 20B. At this time, the liquid 8 flows in the direction of arrow W3 in the lower passage hole 22 of the first partition 20A, and flows in the direction of arrow W4 in the upper passage hole 21 of the second partition 20B.

[0071] For example, if the vehicle 5 swings in both the left and right directions, the liquid level alternately changes as follows: Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown in Figure 1, Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the liquid 8 passes through the first passage 31 and the second passage 32 due to the swing in the above two directions and the action of gravity. That is, the liquid 8 flows around the first partition 20A in the directions of arrows W1 and W3 ( Fig.10 The liquid 8 circulates in the direction of arrows W2 and W4 around the second partition 20B. Thus, the liquid 8 flows in the intermediate space 25 between the first partition 20A and the second partition 20B. Figure 7 In the figure, the inclined liquid surface is represented by a double-dotted line.

[0072] Then, the liquid 8 flowing in the intermediate space 25 passes through the plurality of electronic components 40 to 43 (see Figure 8 The liquid 8 flowing in the intermediate space 25 contributes to cooling of the plurality of electronic components 40 to 43.

[0073] <Cooling unit>

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, the cooling unit 4 is installed in the second member 12 at a position on the opposite side of the internal space 9. The cooling unit 4 has a cooling path 51 for the coolant 50 for cooling the lower surface of the power module unit 40 to flow. For example, as the coolant 50, a coolant containing a coolant (LLC) in cooling water can be cited. The cooling path 51 is separated from the internal space 9 by, for example, an O-ring and is not connected. The symbol 52 in the figure represents a fin provided on the lower surface of the power module unit 40. A plurality of fins 52 are provided at intervals along the X direction or the Y direction.

[0075] The cooling unit 4 includes: a box-shaped cooling unit body 55, which accommodates a plurality of fins 52; a first cooling pipe 56, which is provided on one side of the cooling unit body 55 in the Y direction; a second cooling pipe 57, which is provided on the other side of the cooling unit body 55 in the Y direction; and a pump (not shown) which circulates the coolant 50 in the cooling path 51 through the first cooling pipe 56 and the second cooling pipe 57. The cooling unit 4 is configured to circulate the coolant 50 in the cooling path 51 by driving the pump. The coolant 50 circulating in the cooling path 51 passes through each gap between the plurality of fins 52. The coolant 50 circulating in the cooling path 51 contributes to cooling of the power module unit 40.

[0076] <Effects>

[0077] As described above, the liquid circulation structure 2 of the present embodiment is a liquid circulation structure installed in the vehicle 5 and used. The liquid circulation structure 2 includes: a housing 10 having an internal space 9 that can be filled with a liquid 8; and partitions 20A and 20B that partition the internal space 9. A portion of the internal space 9 is filled with the liquid 8. A passage 30 through which the liquid 8 can pass is provided between the housing 10 and the partitions 20A and 20B in the internal space 9 and in each of the partitions 20A and 20B. When the liquid circulation structure 2 is installed in the vehicle 5, the liquid 8 is configured to circulate in the internal space 9 by passing through the passage 30 due to the swing caused by the movement of the vehicle 5 and the action of gravity.

[0078] According to this structure, when the liquid circulation structure 2 is installed in the vehicle 5, the liquid 8 circulates in the internal space 9 of the housing 10, and it is not necessary to provide a liquid circulation device such as a pump. Therefore, it is possible to provide a liquid circulation structure 2 that can circulate the liquid 8 in the housing 10 without providing a liquid circulation device.

[0079] In the present embodiment, part, preferably all, of the portion of the component that generates the most heat and can be contacted by the liquid 8 is immersed in the liquid 8 when the liquid circulation structure 2 is installed in the vehicle 5 and the vehicle 5 is stationary.

[0080] According to this configuration, even when the liquid circulation structure 2 is installed in the vehicle 5 and the vehicle 5 is stationary, the heat generated from the component generating the most heat is transferred to the liquid 8 , so that the heat can be dissipated from the component generating the most heat.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the passage 30 includes the uppermost passage 21 disposed at the uppermost side in the vertical up-down direction. When the vehicle 5 is stationary, the upper surface of the liquid 8 is disposed at a position lower than the uppermost passage 21. The liquid circulation structure 2 is configured to allow the liquid 8 to pass through the uppermost passage 21 when the vehicle 5 moves.

[0082] According to this configuration, the circulation force of the liquid 8 can be improved compared to a case where the upper surface of the liquid 8 is arranged above the uppermost passage 21 in a state where the vehicle 5 is stationary.

[0083] In the present embodiment, a plurality of partitions 20A and 20B are provided.

[0084] According to this structure, the circulation force of the liquid 8 can be improved compared with the case where only one partition is provided.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the plurality of partitions 20A, 20B include: a first partition 20A; and a second partition 20B provided at a position different from the first partition 20A. The passage 30 includes a first passage 31 provided between the housing 10 and the first partition 20A in the internal space 9 and in each of the first partitions 20A, and a second passage 32 provided between the housing 10 and the second partition 20B in the internal space 9 and in each of the second partitions 20B. The liquid circulation structure 2 is configured so that the liquid 8 flows in the intermediate space 25 between the first partition 20A and the second partition 20B in the internal space 9 through each of the first passage 31 and the second passage 32 due to the swing caused by the movement of the vehicle 5 and the action of gravity. The component with the highest heat generation is provided in the intermediate space 25.

[0086] The flow of the liquid 8 in the intermediate space 25 is more active than in other spaces in the internal space 9, and the heat dissipation effect is also excellent. Therefore, the component that generates the most heat in the intermediate space 25 can dissipate heat more effectively.

[0087] In this embodiment, the housing 10 includes: a first member 11; a second member 12 connected to the first member 11; and an elastic member 13, which is disposed at a connection portion between the first member 11 and the second member 12 and closes the internal space 9.

[0088] According to this structure, it is possible to suppress water or the like from entering the internal space 9 from the external space of the housing 10. In addition, it is possible to suppress the liquid 8 from leaking from the internal space 9 of the housing 10 to the external space.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the housing 10 includes a filter 18 that allows gas to pass between the internal space 9 of the housing 10 and the external space but does not allow liquid to pass through.

[0090] According to this structure, since the internal pressure of the housing 10 (the pressure of the internal space 9 ) and the external pressure (the pressure of the external space) are equal to each other, the occurrence of condensation in the internal space 9 and excessive increase in pressure can be suppressed.

[0091] In this embodiment, part, preferably all, of the portion of the hottest component that is in contact with liquid 8 is immersed in liquid 8. Liquid circulation structure 2 further includes cooling path 51 through which coolant 50 flows for cooling part of the portion of the hottest component that is not in contact with liquid 8.

[0092] According to this configuration, since the component generating the most heat is cooled by the cooling path 51 , the component generating the most heat can dissipate heat more effectively.

[0093] In the present embodiment, the cooling path 51 does not communicate with the internal space 9 .

[0094] According to this structure, since heat transfer caused by mixing of the coolant 50 and the liquid 8 does not occur, the cooling effect of the liquid 8 on the hottest component and the cooling effect of the coolant 50 on the hottest component are combined, so that the hottest component can dissipate heat more effectively.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the partitions 20A and 20B are in the shape of plates extending in the vertical up-down direction. The passage 30 includes an upper through hole 21 that opens the upper portion of the partitions 20A and 20B in the plate thickness direction of the partitions 20A and 20B, and a lower through hole 22 that opens the lower portion of the partitions 20A and 20B in the plate thickness direction of the partitions 20A and 20B.

[0096] According to this structure, the liquid 8 circulates in the internal space 9 of the housing 10 through the upper passage holes 21 and the lower passage holes 22 of the partitions 20A and 20B, so that the effect of gravity can be more effectively utilized.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the inverter device 1 includes the above-mentioned liquid circulation structure 2 .

[0098] According to this configuration, since the liquid circulation structure 2 is included, it is possible to provide the inverter device 1 that can circulate the liquid 8 in the casing 10 without providing a liquid circulation device outside the casing 10 .

[0099] In the present embodiment, a plurality of electronic components 40 to 43 including a power module unit 40 and a capacitor 41 are provided in the internal space 9. Part, preferably all, of the power module unit 40 and the capacitor 41 are always immersed in the liquid 8.

[0100] According to this structure, since the plurality of electronic components 40 to 43 can be radiated by the circulation of the liquid 8 utilizing the movement of the vehicle 5, the temperature difference between the electronic components can be reduced as much as possible. Therefore, the failure of the electronic components can be suppressed and the life span can be extended. In addition, since there is no need for potting materials and coating materials for insulating the power module unit 40 and the capacitor 41 respectively, the material cost of the potting materials and the coating materials can be reduced. In addition, since there is no need for potting materials and coating materials, the inverter device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the vehicle 5 includes the inverter device 1 described above.

[0102] According to this configuration, since the inverter device 1 is included, it is possible to suppress failure of electronic components. Therefore, it is possible to suppress failure of the vehicle 5 itself.

[0103] <Second embodiment>

[0104] In the first embodiment, the upper through hole 21 and the lower through hole 22 are described as being rectangular in shape with long sides in the X direction when viewed from the plate thickness direction of the partitions 20A and 20B, but the invention is not limited thereto. Fig.11 As shown, the upper through hole 221 and the lower through hole 222 may each be an ellipse (long circle) having a long side in the X direction when viewed from the plate thickness direction of the partition 220. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0105] The upper through hole 221 is a through hole opened in the plate thickness direction near the upper end of the upper part of the partition 220. No recessed portion recessed downward is provided at the upper end of the partition 220. The upper end of the partition 220 is fixed to the upper wall 15 of the first member 11.

[0106] The lower through hole 222 is a through hole opened in the plate thickness direction near the lower end of the lower portion of the partition 220. No recessed portion recessed upward is provided at the lower end of the partition 220. The lower end of the partition 220 is fixed to the second member 12.

[0107] In the vehicle installation state and the vehicle moving state, the liquid 8 passes through the upper through hole 221 and the lower through hole 222 in the direction of the arrow, thereby circulating in the internal space 9 .

[0108] According to this structure, the liquid 8 circulates in the internal space 9 of the housing 10 through the upper passage hole 221 and the lower passage hole 222 of the partition 220, so that the effect of gravity can be more effectively utilized. In addition, compared with the case where the recessed portion is provided at the upper end of the partition 220, the upper end of the partition 220 can be firmly fixed to the upper wall 15 of the first member 11. In addition, compared with the case where the recessed portion is provided at the lower end of the partition 220, the lower end of the partition 220 can be firmly fixed to the second member 12.

[0109] <Third Embodiment>

[0110] In the first embodiment described above, an example is given in which the first partition 20A has the upper through hole 21 and the lower through hole 22, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig.12 As shown, the partition 320 may not have the upper through hole and the lower through hole. When viewed from the plate thickness direction of the partition 320, the partition 320 may also be in the shape of a rectangular plate having long sides in the X direction. In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those in the first embodiment, and their detailed description is omitted.

[0111] Neither a recess nor a through hole is provided in the partition 320. One end of the partition 320 in the X direction is fixed to the front wall 16a of the first member 11. The other end of the partition 320 in the X direction is fixed to the rear wall 16b of the first member 11. An uppermost passage 321 disposed at the uppermost side in the vertical vertical direction is provided between the upper wall 15 of the first member 11 and the upper end of the partition 320 in the internal space 9. A lowermost passage 322 disposed at the lowermost side in the vertical vertical direction is provided between the lower end of the partition 320 in the internal space 9 and the second member 12.

[0112] In the vehicle installation state and the vehicle moving state, the liquid 8 passes through the uppermost passage 321 and the lowermost passage 322 in the direction of the arrow, and circulates in the internal space 9 .

[0113] According to this structure, since the liquid 8 circulates in the internal space 9 of the housing 10 through the uppermost passage 321 and the lowermost passage 322, the effect of gravity can be more effectively utilized. In addition, the rigidity of the partition 320 can be improved compared to the case where the recess and the through hole are provided in the partition 320. In addition, compared to the case where the recess is provided at both ends of the partition 320 in the X direction, both ends of the partition 320 can be firmly fixed to the first member 11.

[0114] <Fourth embodiment>

[0115] In the first embodiment, the cooling path 51 is described as not communicating with the internal space 9, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig.13 As shown, the cooling path 451 may also be connected to the internal space 9. The liquid 8 may also serve as the coolant. The liquid circulation structure 402 may not include the cooling unit 4. Furthermore, a pump for circulating the coolant 50 flowing to the cooling unit 4 may not be included. In the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those in the first embodiment, and their detailed description is omitted.

[0116] The liquid circulation structure 402 includes a second circulation part 404, which is arranged at a position on the opposite side of the internal space 9 (first circulation part) in the second component 12. The second circulation part 404 has a cooling path 451 for the flow of liquid 8 for cooling the lower surface of the power module unit 40. The second circulation part 404 is in the shape of a box that accommodates a plurality of fins 52. The second circulation part 404 is configured so that the liquid 8 circulates in the cooling path 451 due to the swing caused by the movement of the vehicle 5 and the action of gravity. The liquid 8 circulating in the cooling path 451 passes through the respective gaps of the plurality of fins 52. The liquid 8 in the cooling path 451 contributes to the cooling of the power module unit 40. Regardless of the posture of the housing 10, the power module unit 40 is immersed in the liquid 8.

[0117] According to this configuration, only one type of liquid 8 needs to be prepared for filling the internal space 9 and flowing through the cooling path 451 , so that the material cost of the liquid 8 can be reduced compared to a case where the liquid 8 does not also serve as the coolant 50 (a different case).

[0118] According to this structure, the heat generated from the component generating the most heat is transferred to the liquid 8 regardless of the posture of the housing 10 , so that the heat generated from the component generating the most heat can be dissipated.

[0119] <Fifth Embodiment>

[0120] In the first embodiment, the example in which the liquid 8 flowing in the intermediate space 25 passes through the gaps between the plurality of electronic components 40 to 43 is given for explanation, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig.14 As shown, the liquid 8 flowing in the intermediate space 25 may also flow in one direction along the rectifying portion 560 of the electronic component 503. The electronic component 503 may also include a rectifying portion 560 that causes the liquid 8 to flow in one direction when the liquid 8 circulates in the internal space 9. In the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0121] For example, the rectifying portion 560 is a groove provided on the upper surface of the electronic component 503. The rectifying portion 560 extends linearly along the Y direction. The rectifying portion 560 extends from one end to the other end of the electronic component 503 in the Y direction. A plurality of rectifying portions 560 (for example, three in this embodiment) are provided at intervals along the X direction. The plurality of rectifying portions 560 are respectively arranged at the same intervals along the X direction.

[0122] According to this structure, since the liquid 8 flows in one direction along the rectifying portion 560 when flowing around the electronic component 503, it is possible to suppress stagnation of the liquid 8 during the flow.

[0123] <Sixth Embodiment>

[0124] In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the electronic component (eg, capacitor 41) has a rectangular parallelepiped shape is given for explanation, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 6 , the electronic component 603 may have a shape in which the corners of a rectangular parallelepiped are cut off. In the sixth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0125] The electronic component 603 may also include: a first surface 671 along the vertical up-down direction; a second surface 672 orthogonal to the first surface 671; and an inclined surface 673, the inclined surface 673 being connected to the first surface 671 and the second surface 672 and intersecting obliquely with respect to the vertical up-down direction. The first surface 671 corresponds to the left side and right side of the electronic component 603. The second surface 672 corresponds to the upper surface and the lower surface of the electronic component 603. The inclined surface 673 corresponds to the tapered surface connected to the left side and the right side and the upper surface and the lower surface of the electronic component 603.

[0126] According to this structure, since the liquid 8 passes through the inclined surface 673 when flowing from one of the first surface 671 and the second surface 672 of the electronic component 603 to the other, it is possible to suppress stagnation of the liquid 8 during the flow.

[0127] <Modification>

[0128] In addition, the shapes, combinations, and the like of the structural members shown in the above examples are merely examples, and various changes can be made based on design requirements and the like.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the example in which the liquid circulation structure is installed in a vehicle is described, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid circulation structure may be installed in a mobile body other than a vehicle, such as a ship or an aircraft.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the example of filling a part of the internal space with liquid is given for explanation, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid may be filled in the entire internal space. That is, the liquid only needs to be filled in at least a part of the internal space.

[0131] In the above embodiment, an example in which a plurality of electronic components are arranged in the internal space is given for explanation, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, only one electronic component may be arranged in the internal space. For example, the number of electronic components arranged may be changed according to the required specifications.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the following example is given for explanation: the capacitor is arranged between the power module unit and the second partition in the Y direction, the first control substrate is arranged above the power module unit, and the second control substrate is arranged at a position higher than the capacitor and the first control substrate, but it is not limited to this. For example, it can also be formed into a stacked structure in which the power module unit, the first control substrate, the capacitor, and the second control substrate are stacked in order from the bottom. For example, the setting positions of the power module unit, the first control substrate, the capacitor, and the second control substrate can be changed according to the required specifications.

[0133] In the above embodiment, an example is given in which part or all of the heat generating component is immersed in liquid when the liquid circulation structure is installed in the vehicle and the vehicle is stationary, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, part or all of the heat generating component may be immersed in liquid when the liquid circulation structure is not installed in the vehicle.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the upper surface of the liquid is arranged below the uppermost passage when the vehicle is stationary, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the vehicle is stationary, the upper surface of the liquid may be arranged above the uppermost passage.

[0135] In the above embodiment, an example in which a plurality of partitions are provided is given for explanation, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, only one partition may be provided. For example, the number of partitions provided may be changed according to the required specifications.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the following example is given for explanation: the liquid circulation structure is configured such that the liquid passes through each of the first passage and the second passage due to the swing caused by the movement of the vehicle and the action of gravity, so that the liquid flows in the intermediate space between the first partition and the second partition in the internal space, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid circulation structure may also be configured such that the liquid passes through either of the first passage and the second passage due to the swing caused by the movement of the vehicle and the action of gravity, so that the liquid flows in the intermediate space.

[0137] In the above embodiment, an example is given in which the housing includes a first member, a second member connected to the first member, and an elastic member provided at the connection portion between the first member and the second member and closing the internal space, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the housing may not include the elastic member. For example, the first member and the second member may also be connected to each other without a gap.

[0138] In the above embodiment, the following example is given for explanation: when the housing is installed in a vehicle, the front wall is arranged at the frontmost part of the housing, the rear wall is arranged at the rearmost part of the housing, the left wall is arranged at the leftmost part of the housing, and the right wall is arranged at the rightmost part of the housing, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the housing is installed in a vehicle, the front wall may be arranged at the rearmost part, or the left wall or the right wall may be arranged at the frontmost part or the rearmost part.

[0139] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the following example is given for explanation: the first member has an upper wall and a peripheral wall, the outer shape of the second member is larger than the outer shape of the first member when viewed from the top and bottom, and the second member has an extension portion, but it is not limited to this. For example, the first member may not have a peripheral wall. For example, the second member may also have a bottom wall and a peripheral wall connected to the periphery of the bottom wall. In addition, the first member and the second member may have the same outer shape as each other when viewed from the top and bottom, or may have different outer shapes from each other. For example, the form of the first member and the second member can be changed according to the required specifications.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the long side direction of the shell (horizontal direction, Y direction, extension direction of the cooling path) is specified and described, but it is not limited to this. For example, a specified side in the shell can be longer than other sides, and the lengths of all sides in the shell can also be equal. For example, the length of each side of the shell can be changed according to the required specifications.

[0141] In the above embodiment, an example is given in which the extension of the second member is fixed to the motor unit by a fastening member such as a bolt, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first member may also be fixed to the motor unit by a fastening member such as a bolt. For example, the fixing method of the first member and the second member relative to the motor unit may be changed according to the required specifications.

[0142] In the above embodiment, an example is given in which the second member is arranged at the bottom of the housing in the vehicle installation state, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second member may also be arranged at the top of the housing in the vehicle installation state. For example, the arrangement of the second member in the vehicle installation state may be changed according to the required specifications.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the component that generates the most heat is described as a power module unit, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, any component of the electronic unit contained in the housing may be the component that generates the most heat.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the following situation is described: the power module unit has a bridge circuit (power conversion circuit) formed by connecting two power switching elements (power switching elements of the upper arm and the lower arm) of each U phase, V phase, and W phase, a total of six power switching elements, and converts DC power into AC power by switching the power switching elements on / off to drive the motor, but is not limited to this. For example, the power module unit can also be a DC-DC converter that steps down or boosts the voltage of the DC power supplied from an external high-voltage power supply to the inverter. In addition, for example, the DC-DC converter can also have two power switching elements. Alternatively, the power module unit can also have both an inverter unit that converts DC current into AC current and a converter unit that changes the voltage of the DC current.

[0145] In the above embodiment, an example is given in which the housing includes a filter that allows gas to pass between the inner space and the outer space of the housing but does not allow liquid to pass through, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the housing may not include a filter. For example, the structure of the housing may be changed according to the required specifications.

[0146] In the above embodiment, an example in which the partition is in the shape of a plate extending in the vertical up-down direction is given for explanation, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the partition may extend in a direction intersecting the vertical up-down direction. For example, the partition may be in the shape of a column. For example, the shape of the partition may be changed according to the required specifications.

[0147] In the above embodiment, an inverter device including a liquid circulation structure is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid circulation structure may also be applied to other devices besides the inverter device.

[0148] For example, the liquid circulation structure can also be applied to batteries installed in vehicles. According to this structure, the electrolyte (liquid) can be circulated without providing a liquid circulation device. Therefore, the so-called stratification phenomenon in which the electrolyte is separated into a layer with a higher ion concentration and a layer with a lower ion concentration can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the battery.

[0149] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples. The shapes and combinations of the various structural members shown in the above examples are only examples, and various changes can be made according to design requirements, etc. without departing from the scope of the present invention. The various components recorded as the above embodiments and their modifications can be appropriately combined within the scope of the present invention, and some of the combined multiple components can also be appropriately not used.

Claims

1. A liquid circulation structure installed on a moving body for use, wherein: include: a housing having an inner space that can be filled with a liquid; as well as a partition portion, wherein the partition portion partitions the internal space, At least a portion of the internal space is filled with the liquid, A passage through which the liquid can pass is provided between the housing and the partition in the inner space and in at least one of the partitions. The pathway includes: an upper through hole, wherein the upper through hole opens the upper portion of the partition along the plate thickness direction of the partition; as well as A lower through hole, wherein the lower through hole opens the lower portion of the partition along the plate thickness direction of the partition, When the liquid circulation structure is installed in the moving body, the liquid passes through the passage due to the swing caused by the movement of the moving body and the action of gravity, so that the liquid circulates in the internal space.

2. The liquid circulation structure according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid has insulating properties, A plurality of electronic components are arranged in the inner space. Regardless of the posture of the housing, the heat generating component with the highest heat generation among the plurality of electronic components is immersed in the liquid.

3. The liquid circulation structure according to claim 2, wherein: The liquid has insulating properties, A plurality of electronic components are arranged in the inner space. In a state where the liquid circulation structure is installed on the moving body and the moving body is stationary, a heat generating component that generates the largest amount of heat among the plurality of electronic components is immersed in the liquid.

4. The liquid circulation structure according to claim 3, wherein: The passage includes an uppermost passage arranged at the uppermost side in the vertical up-down direction, When the moving body is stationary, the upper surface of the liquid is arranged at a position lower than the uppermost passage. The liquid passes through the uppermost passage when the moving body moves.

5. The liquid circulation structure according to claim 4, wherein: A plurality of the partitions are provided.

6. The liquid circulation structure according to claim 5, wherein: The liquid has insulating properties, A plurality of electronic components are arranged in the inner space. The plurality of partitions include: a first partition; and a second partition, the second partition being disposed at a position different from that of the first partition, The pathway includes: a first passage provided between the housing and the first partition in the internal space and at least one of the first partition; and a second passage provided between the housing and the second partition in the internal space and at least one of the second partition, The liquid passes through each of the first passage and the second passage due to the swing caused by the movement of the moving body and the action of gravity, so that the liquid flows in the intermediate space between the first partition and the second partition in the internal space, A heat generating component that generates the most heat among the plurality of electronic components is disposed in the intermediate space.

7. The liquid circulation structure according to claim 6, wherein: The housing comprises: first component; a second member connected to the first member; and An elastic member is provided at a connection portion between the first member and the second member and closes the internal space.

8. The liquid circulation structure according to claim 7, wherein: The housing includes a filter that allows gas to pass between the inner space and an outer space of the housing but does not allow the liquid to pass.

9. The liquid circulation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The liquid has insulating properties, A plurality of electronic components are arranged in the inner space. A portion of the hottest component of the plurality of electronic components that generates the most heat is immersed in the liquid, A cooling path is also included for allowing a coolant to flow for cooling another portion of the heat-generating component.

10. The liquid circulation structure according to claim 9, wherein: The cooling path is not in communication with the internal space.

11. The liquid circulation structure according to claim 9, wherein: The cooling path is in communication with the internal space, The liquid also serves as the coolant.

12. The liquid circulation structure according to claim 6, wherein: The partition is in the shape of a plate extending in a vertical up-down direction.

13. The liquid circulation structure according to claim 11, wherein: The partition is in the shape of a plate extending in a vertical up-down direction.

14. The liquid circulation structure according to claim 6, wherein: An electronic component is arranged in the inner space. The electronic component includes a rectifying portion that causes the liquid to flow in one direction when the liquid circulates in the internal space.

15. The liquid circulation structure according to claim 13, wherein: An electronic component is arranged in the inner space. The electronic component includes a rectifying portion that causes the liquid to flow in one direction when the liquid circulates in the internal space.

16. The liquid circulation structure according to claim 6, wherein: An electronic component is arranged in the inner space. The electronic components include: A first surface along the vertical up-down direction; a second surface orthogonal to the first surface; and An inclined surface is connected to the first surface and the second surface and intersects with an inclination relative to the vertical up-down direction.

17. The liquid circulation structure according to claim 15, wherein: An electronic component is arranged in the inner space. The electronic components include: A first surface along the vertical up-down direction; a second surface orthogonal to the first surface; and An inclined surface is connected to the first surface and the second surface and intersects with an inclination relative to the vertical up-down direction.

18. An inverter device, comprising: The liquid circulation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The inverter device according to claim 18, wherein: The liquid has insulating properties, A plurality of electronic components including a power module and a capacitor are arranged in the inner space. The power module and the capacitor are always immersed in the liquid.

20. A vehicle comprising: The liquid circulation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

21. A vehicle comprising: The inverter device according to claim 18 or 19.

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