Power Module

Abstract

A power module (101) includes three switching elements: a first switching element (11), a second switching element (12), and a third switching element (13). Each switching element (11-13) includes two positive terminals: a first positive terminal (22) and a second positive terminal (23) connected to a drain electrode. Furthermore, each switching element (11-13) includes a negative terminal (32) connected to a source electrode. In the power module (101), there are three positive and negative terminals in total.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on patent application No. 2019-161494 filed in Japan on September 4, 2019, and the contents of the basic application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a power module. Background Art

[0004] As an example of a power module, there is a semiconductor module disclosed in Patent Document 1. The semiconductor module includes a pair of metal plates and two transistor chips. The transistor chip is clamped by the pair of metal plates and sealed by a resin package. The emitter electrode of the transistor chip is conductively connected to one of the metal plates. The semiconductor module has two collector terminals extending from the other metal plate and one emitter terminal extending from one metal plate. The emitter terminal extends outward from between the two collector terminals on the side of the package. The emitter terminal extends from one metal plate at a position equidistant from the emitter electrodes of the two transistor chips.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-67657 Summary of the Invention

[0008] However, although Patent Document 1 takes gate oscillation into consideration, it does not take into consideration the case of using three or more elements that are smaller than those in Patent Document 1 and have a higher yield.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a power module capable of improving component yield.

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present disclosure is characterized by having:

[0011] Three or more switching elements connected in parallel;

[0012] a positive terminal connected to the positive electrode of each switching element; and

[0013] a negative terminal connected to the negative electrode of each switching element;

[0014] The total number of positive and negative terminals is three or more.

[0015] As described above, the present disclosure connects three or more switching elements in parallel, thereby improving the yield.

[0016] In addition, the present disclosure is further characterized in that the distance between the center of the switching element and the positive terminal closest to the switching element is the positive pole side distance, the distance between the center of the switching element and the negative terminal closest to the switching element is the negative pole side distance, and the total value of the positive pole side distance and the negative pole side distance is equal in each switching element.

[0017] Thus, the present disclosure can suppress current imbalance among the switching elements.

[0018] Note that the reference numerals in parentheses in the claims and the clauses thereof indicate a correspondence relationship with specific means described in an embodiment to be described later as one mode, and do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a power module according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line II-II.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inverter in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a plan view showing a schematic structure of a power module in the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 It is a plan view showing a schematic structure of a power module in the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between the distances of the respective elements in the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of a power module in a third embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a power module according to a fourth embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9 It is a plan view showing a schematic structure of a power module according to a fifth embodiment.

[0028] Figure 10 It is a plan view showing a schematic structure of a power module according to the sixth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 11 It is a plan view showing a schematic structure of a power module in a seventh embodiment.

[0030] Figure 12 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a power module according to the eighth embodiment.

[0031] Figure 13 It is a plan view showing a schematic structure of a power module in a ninth embodiment.

[0032] Figure 14 It is a plan view showing a schematic structure of a power module in a tenth embodiment.

[0033] Figure 15 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a power module in the eleventh embodiment.

[0034] Figure 16 This is a circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inverter in the eleventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, various embodiments for implementing the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Within each embodiment, portions corresponding to those described in a previous embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted. Within each embodiment, when only a portion of a structure is described, reference may be made to and applied to the remaining portions of the structure in the previously described embodiments. Furthermore, below, three mutually orthogonal directions are referred to as the X-direction, the Y-direction, and the Z-direction.

[0036] (First embodiment)

[0037] use Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 A power module 101 of this embodiment will be described. The power module 101 primarily includes a first switching element 11, a second switching element 12, a third switching element 13, a first terminal member 20, and a second terminal member 30. The power module 101 may also include signal terminals 40, wires 50, a connection body 60, a sealing portion 70, and the like.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the switching elements 11 to 13 are arranged in parallel in one direction. The switching elements 11 to 13 are arranged in the order of first switching element 11, second switching element 12, and third switching element 13. Here, an example of arrangement in the X direction is adopted.

[0039] In this embodiment, MOSFETs are used as an example of each switching element 11 to 13. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and IGBTs, RC-IGBTs, and the like can also be used for each switching element 11 to 13. Furthermore, each switching element 11 to 13 can have a structure primarily composed of Si, SiC, or GaN. Therefore, each switching element 11 to 13 is a semiconductor switching element.

[0040] The three switching elements 11 to 13 have the same structure. Therefore, the third switching element 13 is used as a representative example for description. In addition, the positions of the switching elements 11 to 13 in the height direction (Z direction) are the same.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the third switching element 13 includes a gate electrode 13g, a drain electrode 13d, and a source electrode 13s. The gate electrode 13g and the source electrode 13s are formed on one surface of the third switching element 13, and the drain electrode 13d is formed on the opposite surface. The third switching element 13 has a hexahedral structure and a rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, each switching element 11 to 13 is arranged between a first terminal member 20 and a second terminal member 30 to be described later. The third switching element 13 is arranged such that its gate electrode 13g and source electrode 13s face the second terminal member 30 and its drain electrode 13d faces the first terminal member 20.

[0043] The source electrode 13s is arranged opposite the second terminal member 30 via the wiring body 60. The source electrode 13s is connected to the wiring body 60 via a conductive connecting member. Furthermore, the wiring body 60 is connected to the second terminal member 30 via a conductive connecting member. Thus, the source electrode 13s is electrically connected to the second terminal member 30 via the wiring body 60. Meanwhile, the drain electrode 13d is connected to the first terminal member 20 via a conductive connecting member. The conductive connecting member can be, for example, solder.

[0044] Therefore, the source electrodes of the three switching elements 11 to 13 are electrically connected via the second terminal member 30, and the drain electrodes are electrically connected via the first terminal member 20. In this way, the three switching elements 11 to 13 are connected in parallel.

[0045] The gate electrode 13g is electrically connected to the signal terminal 40 via the wire 50. The connection body 60 is provided to prevent the wire 50 connected to the gate electrode 13g from contacting the second terminal member 30. The connection body 60 may be composed mainly of a metal such as Al or Cu, or an alloy.

[0046] In the power module 101 , the first switching element 11 and the second switching element 12 are arranged and connected in the same manner as the third switching element 13 .

[0047] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the first terminal member 20 includes a positive electrode side heat sink 21, a first positive electrode terminal 22, a second positive electrode terminal 23, and the like. The first terminal member 20 is formed as an integral body of the positive electrode side heat sink 21, the first positive electrode terminal 22, and the second positive electrode terminal 23. The first terminal member 20 can be composed mainly of a metal such as Al or Cu, or an alloy.

[0048] The positive-side radiator 21 is located opposite the switching elements 11 to 13. The positive-side radiator 21 has the function of cooling the switching elements 11 to 13. Specifically, the heat generated by the switching elements 11 to 13 during operation is transferred to the positive-side radiator 21. Furthermore, the positive-side radiator 21 cools the switching elements 11 to 13 by dissipating the heat generated by the switching elements 11 to 13 to the outside of the sealing portion 70. To cool the switching elements 11 to 13, the positive-side radiator 21 is thicker than the positive terminals 22 and 23. The thickness here refers to the width in the Z direction.

[0049] The first positive terminal 22 and the second positive terminal 23 are equivalent to positive terminals. The first positive terminal 22 and the second positive terminal 23 are connected to the drain electrode (positive electrode) of each switching element 11 to 13. The height direction positions of the first positive terminal 22 and the second positive terminal 23 are set at the same position. Figure 2 As shown, the positive electrode terminals 22 and 23 are located at the same height positions as the switching elements 11 to 13. Here, as an example, the positive electrode terminals 22 and 23 and the switching elements 11 to 13 are arranged on the center line CL in the height direction of the power module 101.

[0050] The first positive terminal 22 and the second positive terminal 23 are external connection terminals for electrically connecting the power module 101 to external devices. The first positive terminal 22 and the second positive terminal 23 are provided so as to protrude from the side wall of the positive side heat sink 21. In addition, the first positive terminal 22 and the second positive terminal 23 are provided so as to protrude in the Z direction and are arranged in parallel in the X direction. Figure 1 As shown, the first positive electrode terminal 22 and the second positive electrode terminal 23 are spaced apart to allow the negative electrode terminal 32 to be placed between the terminals.

[0051] Alternatively, the first terminal member 20 may be formed of separate components, namely, the positive electrode side heat sink 21, the first positive electrode terminal 22, and the second positive electrode terminal 23. In this case, the positive electrode side heat sink 21 is connected to the first positive electrode terminal 22 and the second positive electrode terminal 23 by conductive connecting members such as solder.

[0052] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the second terminal member 30 includes a negative electrode side heat sink 31, a negative electrode terminal 32, and the like. The second terminal member 30 is formed as an integral body with the negative electrode side heat sink 31 and the negative electrode terminal 32. The second terminal member 30 can be composed primarily of a metal such as Al or Cu, or an alloy.

[0053] The negative side heat sink 31 has the same structure and function as the positive side heat sink 21. The negative terminal 32 is equivalent to the negative terminal. It is connected to the source electrode (negative electrode) of each switching element 11 to 13. The negative terminal 32 has the same structure and function as the first positive terminal 22 and the second positive terminal 23. Figure 1 As shown, the negative terminal 32 is disposed between the first positive terminal 22 and the second positive terminal 23. Thus, the second terminal member 30 functions as both a negative terminal and a cooling device for the switching elements 11 to 13. However, the second terminal member 30 is provided with only one negative terminal 32 protruding from the negative-side heat sink 31.

[0054] The negative electrode terminal 32 is provided at the same height position as the positive electrode terminals 22 and 23 .

[0055] Alternatively, the second terminal member 30 may be formed as a separate body consisting of the negative electrode side heat sink 31 and the negative electrode terminal 32. In this case, the negative electrode side heat sink 31 and the negative electrode terminal 32 are connected by a conductive connection member such as solder.

[0056] Thus, in power module 101, there are three positive terminals 22, 23 and three negative terminals 32 in total. That is, power module 101 has two positive terminals 22, 23 and one negative terminal 32. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and any number of positive and negative terminals combined is sufficient. Furthermore, because power module 101 has three switching elements 11-13 connected in parallel, it can improve the yield rate. In other words, power module 101 can improve the yield rate compared to a structure using three or more smaller elements than those in Patent Document 1, which have a higher yield rate.

[0057] The signal terminals 40 can be composed primarily of a metal such as Al or Cu, or an alloy. Multiple signal terminals 40 are provided, arranged in parallel along the X direction. The signal terminals 40 include a gate terminal connected to the gate electrodes of the switching elements 11 to 13 via a wire 50 . If the switching elements 11 to 13 are equipped with temperature sensors, the signal terminals 40 also include a temperature detection terminal electrically connected to the temperature sensor. The signal terminals 40 may also include other terminals, not limited to gate terminals and temperature detection terminals.

[0058] The sealing portion 70 is mainly composed of an electrically insulating resin such as an epoxy resin. Figure 2 As shown, the sealing portion 70 contacts and covers the switching elements 11-13, a portion of the first terminal member 20, and a portion of the second terminal member 30. Furthermore, the sealing portion 70 contacts and covers a portion of the wire 50, the connection body 60, and the signal terminal 40. Furthermore, the sealing portion 70 also covers the connections between the components of the power module 101.

[0059] In power module 101, portions of positive terminals 22 and 23, portions of negative terminal 32, and portions of signal terminal 40 protrude from sealing portion 70. Specifically, positive terminals 22 and 23 and negative terminal 32 protrude from one side wall of sealing portion 70. Meanwhile, signal terminal 40 protrudes from another side wall of sealing portion 70. In other words, signal terminal 40 protrudes from a different side wall of sealing portion 70 than positive terminals 22 and 23 and the like. Furthermore, signal terminal 40 can be said to be located on the opposite side of switching elements 11 to 13 from positive terminals 22 and 23 and negative terminal 32. Consequently, in power module 101, signal terminal 40 is less susceptible to noise from positive terminals 22 and 23 and negative terminal 32.

[0060] Furthermore, in the first terminal member 20, the surface of the positive-side heat sink 21 opposite to the surface facing the switching elements 11 to 13 is exposed from the sealing portion 70. Similarly, in the second terminal member 30, the surface of the negative-side heat sink 31 opposite to the surface facing the switching elements 11 to 13 is exposed from the sealing portion 70. This allows the power module 101 to easily dissipate heat from the switching elements 11 to 13 through the positive-side heat sink 21 and the negative-side heat sink 31.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, the power module 101 can be applied to the inverter 200. The inverter 200 is a circuit that drives and controls the motor generator 300. The power module 101 includes six power modules 101. However, the power module 101 is not limited thereto and can also be applied to a converter.

[0062] Power module 101, configured in this manner, defines the distances between each switching element 11-13 and its positive electrode terminals 22, 23, and negative electrode terminal 32. Specifically, power module 101 defines the distances L11, L21 on the positive side and L12, L22 on the negative side of each switching element 11-13 so that the sum of these distances is equal. Furthermore, positive electrode terminals 22, 23 and negative electrode terminal 32 can be considered main circuit terminals.

[0063] The positive electrode side distance L11 is the distance between the center point CP of the first switching element 11 and the positive electrode terminal (the second positive electrode terminal 23) closest to the first switching element 11. The negative electrode side distance L12 is the distance between the center point CP of the first switching element 11 and the negative electrode terminal (the negative electrode terminal 32) closest to the first switching element 11.

[0064] In addition, the starting point of these distances on the switching element 11 to 13 side is the center point CP of the switching elements 11 to 13. On the other hand, the starting point on the terminal side is the interface between the terminals 22, 23, 32 and the sealing portion 70. Therefore, for example, the positive electrode side distance L11 can be said to be the distance between the center point CP of the first switching element 11 and the interface between the second positive terminal 23 and the sealing portion 70. In addition, the positive electrode side distance L11 can also be said to be the distance between the center point CP of the first switching element 11 and the boundary between the second positive terminal 23 and the sealing portion 70. In addition, the boundary surface is equivalent to a cross-section along the thickness direction (Z direction) of the terminals 22, 23, 32 at the boundary between the terminals 22, 23, 32 and the sealing portion 70.

[0065] The positive electrode side distance L21 is the distance between the center point CP of the second switching element 12 and the positive electrode terminal closest to the second switching element 12 (the first positive electrode terminal 22). The negative electrode side distance L22 is the distance between the center point CP of the second switching element 12 and the negative electrode terminal closest to the second switching element 12 (the negative electrode terminal 32).

[0066] Furthermore, the positive electrode side distance associated with the third switching element 13 is the distance between the center point CP of the third switching element 13 and the first positive electrode terminal 22 closest to the third switching element 13. The negative electrode side distance associated with the third switching element 13 is the distance between the center point CP of the third switching element 13 and the negative electrode terminal 32 closest to the third switching element 13.

[0067] The sum of the positive-pole distance L11 and the negative-pole distance L12 of the first switching element 11 is equal to the sum of the positive-pole distance L21 and the negative-pole distance L22 of the second switching element 12. Furthermore, the sum of the positive-pole distance L21 and the negative-pole distance L22 of the third switching element 13 is equal to the sum of the positive-pole distance L21 and the negative-pole distance L22 of the second switching element 12. Thus, in the power module 101, the wiring between each of the switching elements 11 to 13 and the main circuit terminals is of equal length.

[0068] Therefore, power module 101 can suppress current imbalances flowing through switching elements 11 to 13. Furthermore, since power module 101 has multiple main circuit terminals, wiring of equal lengths is easier. Furthermore, by setting the terminal-side starting point at the interface between terminals 22, 23, and 32 and sealing portion 70, power module 101 can suppress current imbalances while taking into account manufacturing variations.

[0069] Furthermore, the starting point on the terminal side is preferably the center of the interface between terminals 22, 23, and 32 and seal 70. Current distribution occurs at the interface between terminals 22, 23, and 32. However, current flow is most likely to occur at the center of the interface between terminals 22, 23, and 32. Therefore, power module 101 effectively suppresses current imbalance.

[0070] As described above, power module 101 has positive terminals 22, 23 and negative terminal 32 arranged side by side in one direction. Furthermore, power module 101 has switching elements 11-13 arranged in a row along the direction in which positive terminals 22, 23 and negative terminal 32 are arranged. Therefore, power module 101 can easily allow signal terminals 40 to protrude from sealing portion 70. Furthermore, power module 101 can easily provide wiring with equal lengths.

[0071] In this embodiment, the power module 101 including the three switching elements 11 to 13 is employed. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any power module including three or more switching elements may be employed.

[0072] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the second to eleventh embodiments will be described as other modes of the present disclosure. The above embodiments and the second to eleventh embodiments can be implemented separately, but can also be implemented in appropriate combinations. The present disclosure is not limited to the combinations shown in the embodiments and can be implemented in various combinations.

[0073] (Second embodiment)

[0074] use Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 A power module 102 according to the second embodiment will be described. Here, the differences between power module 102 and power module 101 will be primarily described. Power module 102 differs from power module 101 in the number of switching elements 11 to 14 . Components in power module 102 that are identical to those in power module 101 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in power module 101 .

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, power module 102 includes a fourth switching element 14 in addition to switching elements 11-13. Similar to power module 101, power module 102 has wiring of equal length between each switching element 11-14 and the main circuit terminals. Therefore, power module 102 can achieve the same effects as power module 101. Furthermore, the configuration of four switching elements 11-13 can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0076] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, the present disclosure may also use the shortest distance and the longest distance interval of each switching element 11 to 14 to make the wiring between each switching element 11 to 14 and the main circuit terminal equal in length.

[0077] Figure 5 Reference symbol L11min in the figure represents the shortest distance between the first switching element 11 and the second positive terminal 23. The second positive terminal 23 is the positive terminal closest to the first switching element 11. Reference symbol L11max represents the longest distance between the first switching element 11 and the second positive terminal 23. Reference symbol L12min represents the shortest distance between the first switching element 11 and the negative terminal 32. The negative terminal 32 is the negative terminal closest to the first switching element 11. Reference symbol L12max represents the longest distance between the first switching element 11 and the negative terminal 32. The method for measuring the shortest and longest distances is the same for the other switching elements 12 to 14.

[0078] Reference numeral 231 denotes an interface (first interface) between the second positive electrode terminal 23 and the sealing portion 70 , while reference numeral 321 denotes an interface (second interface) between the second positive electrode terminal 23 and the sealing portion 70 .

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, power module 102 has an area (overlapping area) where the distance from the shortest to the longest distance between each switching element 11-14 overlaps across all switching elements 11-14. In other words, power module 102 is configured to have an overlapping area. Because of the overlapping area, the wiring between each switching element 11-14 and the main circuit terminals can be considered to be of equal length. Consequently, power module 102 can achieve the same effects as power module 101.

[0080] (Third embodiment)

[0081] use Figure 7 A power module 103 according to the third embodiment will be described. Here, the differences between the power module 103 and the power module 101 will be mainly described. The power module 103 differs from the power module 101 in that the switching elements 11 to 13 are heat-dissipated on one side. Figure 7 is with Figure 2 In the power module 103 , the same components as those in the power module 101 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the power module 101 .

[0082] like Figure 7 As shown, power module 103 is not provided with a second terminal member 30 or a connection body 60. Sealing portion 70 does not seal each switching element 11-13, the second terminal member 30, or the connection body 60. Therefore, heat is dissipated primarily from each switching element 11-13 via the positive-side heat sink 21. Furthermore, each switching element 11-13 has its source electrode 13s electrically connected to its negative terminal 32 via a wire or the like.

[0083] The power module 103 can achieve the same effects as the power module 101. The configuration in which the switching elements 11 to 13 are heat-dissipated from one side can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0084] (Fourth embodiment)

[0085] use Figure 8 A power module 104 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. Here, the differences between the power module 104 and the power module 101 will be mainly described. The power module 104 differs from the power module 101 in the structure of the first terminal member 20a. Figure 8 is with Figure 2 In the power module 104 , the same components as those in the power module 101 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the power module 101 .

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown, the power module 104 includes a first terminal member 20a. Similar to the first terminal member 20, the first terminal member 20a includes a positive-side heat sink 21a and a first positive terminal 22a. Also, similar to the first terminal member 20, the first terminal member 20a includes a second positive terminal 23. The Z-direction position of the second positive terminal 23 is the same as that of the first positive terminal 22a.

[0087] The first terminal component 20a is a first positive terminal 22a whose position relative to the switching elements 11 to 13 is different from that of the first terminal component 20. The position of the first positive terminal 22a in the height direction is different from that of the switching elements 11 to 13. The first positive terminal 22a is arranged in the Z direction at a position farther away from the switching elements 11 to 13 than the mounting surface of the switching elements 11 to 13 on the positive side heat sink 21a. Therefore, it can be said that the first positive terminal 22a is arranged below the center line CL. In addition, here, the direction closer to the second terminal component 30 than the center line CL is set as the upper side, and the direction closer to the first terminal component 20a than the center line CL is set as the lower side.

[0088] The power module 104 can achieve the same effects as the power module 101. The structure of the first terminal member 20a can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0089] (Fifth embodiment)

[0090] use Figure 9 A power module 105 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Here, the differences between power module 105 and power module 102 will be primarily described. Power module 105 differs from power module 102 in the number of positive electrode terminals 22b and negative electrode terminals 32b and 33b. In power module 105, components identical to those of power module 102 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of power module 102.

[0091] like Figure 9 As shown, the power module 105 has a second terminal component 30b. The second terminal component 30b has a negative-side radiator 31b, a first negative terminal 32b, and a second negative terminal 33b. In addition, the first terminal component has a positive terminal 22b and a positive-side radiator. Moreover, the positive terminal 22b is connected to the positive-side radiator. Therefore, the second terminal component 30b has the same structure as the first terminal component 20. The first terminal component has the same structure as the second terminal component 30. In this way, the power module 105 has a positive terminal 22b, two negative terminals 32b, and a second negative terminal 33b.

[0092] The terminals 22 b , 32 b , and 33 b are arranged in parallel along the X direction. The height-direction positions of the terminals 22 b , 32 b , and 33 b are the same as those of the switching elements 11 to 13 .

[0093] The power module 105 can achieve the same effects as the power module 102. The structure of the positive electrode terminal 22b and the negative electrode terminals 32b and 33b can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0094] (Sixth embodiment)

[0095] use Figure 10 A power module 106 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. Here, the differences between power module 106 and power module 102 will be primarily described. Power module 106 differs from power module 102 in the number of negative terminals 32c and 33c and the arrangement of switching elements 11 to 14. In power module 106, components identical to those of power module 102 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of power module 102.

[0096] like Figure 10 As shown, the power module 106 includes a second terminal member 30c. The second terminal member 30c includes a negative-side heat sink 31c, a first negative terminal 32c, and a second negative terminal 33c. Although the second terminal member 30c has the same structure as the second terminal member 30, it has more negative terminals than the second terminal member 30. Furthermore, similar to the first terminal member 20, the first terminal member includes a first positive terminal 22c, a second positive terminal 23c, and a positive-side heat sink connected thereto.

[0097] The terminals 23c, 33c, 32c, and 22c are arranged in parallel along the X direction. The height-direction positions of the terminals 23c, 33c, 32c, and 22c are the same as those of the switching elements 11 to 14.

[0098] Of the switching elements 11-14, the first switching element 11 and the fourth switching element 14 are arranged in parallel along the X direction, and the second switching element 12 and the third switching element 13 are arranged in parallel along the X direction. The second switching element 12 and the third switching element 13 are arranged between the first switching element 11 and the fourth switching element 14. Furthermore, the second switching element 12 and the third switching element 13 are arranged at positions offset from the first switching element 11 and the fourth switching element 14 toward the signal terminal 40. Power module 106 can achieve the same effects as power module 102. The structure of negative terminals 32c and 33c and the arrangement of switching elements 11-14 can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0099] (Seventh embodiment)

[0100] use Figure 11 A power module 107 according to the seventh embodiment will be described. Here, the differences between power module 107 and power module 101 will be primarily described. The protruding direction of the negative electrode terminal 32d in power module 107 differs from that in power module 101. Components in power module 107 that are identical to those in power module 101 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in power module 101.

[0101] like Figure 11As shown, the power module 107 includes a second terminal member 30d. The second terminal member 30d includes a negative-side heat sink 31d and a negative terminal 32d. The negative terminal 32d is provided on the side opposite to the positive terminals 22 and 23. In other words, the power module 107 includes the negative terminal 32d and the positive terminals 22 and 23 protruding from the sealing portion 70. Furthermore, in the power module 107, the negative terminal 32d and the positive terminals 22 and 23 protrude in different directions relative to the switching elements 11 to 13. Furthermore, the height-direction positions of the terminals 22, 23, and 32d are the same as those of the switching elements 11 to 14.

[0102] The power module 107 can achieve the same effects as the power module 101. The structure of the negative electrode terminal 32d can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0103] (Eighth Embodiment)

[0104] use Figure 12 A power module 108 according to the eighth embodiment will be described. Here, the differences between power module 108 and power module 102 will be primarily described. Power module 108 differs from power module 102 in the structure of the switching element 13a. In power module 108, components identical to those of power module 102 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of power module 102.

[0105] like Figure 12 As shown, in power module 108, among the four switching elements 11, 12, 13a, and 14, only the third switching element 13a differs from the other switching elements 11, 12, and 14 in element size. The other switching elements 11, 12, and 14 all have the same element size. The third switching element 13a is even smaller than the first switching element 11. Therefore, power module 108 can achieve improved versatility compared to power module 102.

[0106] Furthermore, component size refers to at least the size in the XY plane. Component size may also refer to the thickness in the Z direction in addition to the size in the XY plane. Furthermore, any power module 108 having a configuration in which at least one of the three or more switching elements has a different element size from the other switching elements may be employed. Thus, for example, the power module 108 may have a configuration in which two of the four switching elements have different element sizes from the other two.

[0107] Furthermore, the third switching element 13a may differ from the other switching elements 11, 12, and 14 in its semiconductor structure. For example, the other switching elements 11, 12, and 14 may be primarily composed of Si. On the other hand, the third switching element 13a may be primarily composed of SiC. However, the semiconductor structure is not limited to these combinations. The power module 108 may also include a switching element primarily composed of GaN, a switching element primarily composed of Si, or the like.

[0108] Therefore, the power module 108 can also be applied to hybrid drives of IGBTs and MOSFETs. In other words, the power module 108 can be: the other switching elements 11, 12, and 14 are IGBTs composed mainly of Si, and the third switching element 13a is set as a MOSFET composed mainly of SiC.

[0109] Furthermore, any power module 108 can be configured as long as at least one of its three or more switching elements has a different semiconductor structure from the other switching elements. Therefore, for example, the power module 108 may have two of its four switching elements have a different semiconductor structure from the other two.

[0110] The power module 108 can achieve the same effects as the power module 102. The structure in which one switching element 13a is different from the other switching elements can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0111] (Ninth embodiment)

[0112] use Figure 13 A power module 109 according to a ninth embodiment will be described. Here, the differences between power module 109 and power module 102 will be primarily described. Power module 109 differs from power module 102 in the relationship between switching elements 11 to 14 and gate terminals 41 and 42. In power module 109, components identical to those in power module 102 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in power module 102.

[0113] like Figure 13 As shown, power module 109 has two gate terminals 41 and 42. Gate terminals 41 and 42 are part of the signal terminals. The gate electrodes of first switching element 11 and second switching element 12 are electrically connected to first gate terminal 41. The gate electrodes of third switching element 13 and fourth switching element 14 are electrically connected to second gate terminal 42. Alternatively, power module 109 may have three or more gate terminals.

[0114] Reference numeral L13 denotes the distance between the first switching element 11 and the second gate terminal 42, which is the gate terminal closest to the first switching element 11. Distance L13 is, for example, the distance between the center of the sidewall of the switching element 11 on the second gate terminal 42 side and the boundary between the second gate terminal 42 and the sealing portion 70. The same applies to the other distances L23 to L43.

[0115] Reference numeral L23 denotes the distance between the second switching element 12 and the second gate terminal 42, which is the gate terminal closest to the second switching element 12. Reference numeral L33 denotes the distance between the third switching element 13 and the first gate terminal 41, which is the gate terminal closest to the third switching element 13. Reference numeral L43 denotes the distance between the fourth switching element 14 and the first gate terminal 41, which is the gate terminal closest to the fourth switching element 14. Distances L13, L23, L33, and L43 correspond to gate distances.

[0116] In power module 109, distances L13, L23, L33, and L43 are equal. In other words, power module 109 sets at least one of the positions of gate terminals 41 and 42 and the positions of switching elements 11 to 14 so that distances L13, L23, L33, and L43 are equal.

[0117] Power module 109 achieves the same effects as power module 102. Furthermore, by providing equal-length wiring between switching elements 11-14 and gate terminals 41 and 42, power module 109 can further reduce current imbalances in the switching elements 11-14. Furthermore, since power module 109 includes multiple gate terminals 41 and 42, it is easier to provide equal-length wiring for the gate terminals 41 and 42. Furthermore, the relationship between the switching elements 11-14 and gate terminals 41 and 42 can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0118] (Tenth embodiment)

[0119] use Figure 14 A power module 110 according to the tenth embodiment will be described. Here, the differences between power module 110 and power module 102 will be primarily described. Power module 110 differs from power module 102 in the relationship between the switching elements 11 to 14 and the terminals 22, 23, and 32. In power module 110, components identical to those of power module 102 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of power module 102.

[0120] Reference symbol L11a is the distance between the first switching element 11 and the second positive electrode terminal 23. Reference symbol L11b is the distance between the first switching element 11 and the first positive electrode terminal 22. Reference symbol L12 is the distance between the first switching element 11 and the negative electrode terminal 32.

[0121] Reference symbol L21a is the distance between the third switching element 13 and the second positive electrode terminal 23. Reference symbol L21b is the distance between the third switching element 13 and the first positive electrode terminal 22. Reference symbol L22 is the distance between the third switching element 13 and the negative electrode terminal 32.

[0122] Here, the starting point on the side of the switching elements 11 to 14 is the center of the side wall on the side of the terminals 22, 23, and 32. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the same starting point as in the first embodiment may be used. Meanwhile, the starting point on the side of the terminals 22, 23, and 32 is the same as in the above embodiment.

[0123] The power module 109 defines the sum of the average value of the distances between each switching element 11 to 14 and the positive electrode terminals 22 and 23, and the average value of the distances between each switching element 11 to 13 and the negative electrode terminal 32. In other words, the power module 109 defines the sum of the average value of the distances between each switching element 11 to 13 and the positive electrode terminals 22 and 23, and the average value of the distances between each switching element 11 to 13 and the negative electrode terminal 32 so that the sum is equal for each switching element 11 to 14.

[0124] For example, the total distance associated with the first switching element 11 is the sum of the average of distances L11a and L11b, and the average of distance L12. The total distance associated with the third switching element 13 is the sum of the average of distances L21a and L21b, and the average of distance L22. The same applies to the other switching elements 12 and 14. The power module 109 specifies that these total distances are equal.

[0125] The power module 109 can achieve the same effects as the power module 102 .

[0126] (Eleventh embodiment)

[0127] use Figure 15 、 Figure 16 A power module 111 according to the eleventh embodiment will be described. Here, the differences between power module 111 and power module 101 will be primarily described. Power module 111 differs from power module 101 in that the upper arm and lower arm are formed as a single package. In power module 111, components identical to those in power module 101 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in power module 101.

[0128] like Figure 15 As shown, the power module 111 includes an upper arm first switching element 11p, an upper arm second switching element 12p, and an upper arm third switching element 13p as upper arm switching elements. These switching elements 11p to 13p are connected in parallel and can be said to be upper arm elements.

[0129] The power module 111 includes a first lower arm switching element 11n, a second lower arm switching element 12n, and a third lower arm switching element 13n as lower arm switching elements. These switching elements 11n to 13n are connected in parallel and can be said to be lower arm elements.

[0130] The power module 111 includes an upper arm terminal member 20e, a lower arm terminal member 30e, and an O terminal 32f. The upper arm terminal member 20e includes an upper arm heat sink 21e and a P terminal 22e. The lower arm terminal member 30e includes a lower arm heat sink 31e and an N terminal 32e.

[0131] like Figure 16 As shown, power module 111 constitutes the upper and lower arms of inverter 200. Power module 111 includes switching elements 11p to 13p, 11n to 13n, an upper arm terminal member 20e, a lower arm terminal member 30e, and an O terminal 32f to form inverter 200. Power module 111 can also be used in converters.

[0132] The power module 110 can achieve the same effects as the power module 101 .

[0133] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments and configurations. The present disclosure encompasses various modifications and equivalents. Furthermore, while the present disclosure illustrates various combinations and configurations, other combinations and configurations that include only one element, more elements, or fewer elements also fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A power module, wherein: have: Three or more switching elements connected in parallel; a positive terminal connected to the positive electrode of each switching element; a negative electrode terminal connected to the negative electrode of each switching element; and a sealing portion that integrally seals the switching element, a portion of the positive electrode terminal, and a portion of the negative electrode terminal; The total number of the positive electrode terminals and the negative electrode terminals is three or more, In a structure in which each switching element and a portion of the positive terminal and a portion of the negative terminal are integrally sealed by the sealing portion, the distance between the center of the switching element and the positive terminal closest to the switching element is the positive pole side distance, the distance between the center of the switching element and the negative terminal closest to the switching element is the negative pole side distance, the total value of the positive pole side distance and the negative pole side distance is equal in each switching element, and the wiring between each switching element and the positive terminal and the negative terminal is equal length wiring.

2. The power module according to claim 1, wherein: The positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal protrude from the sealing portion, The positive electrode side distance is the distance between the center of the switching element and the boundary between the positive electrode terminal closest to the switching element and the sealing portion. The negative electrode side distance is the distance between the center of the switching element and the boundary between the negative electrode terminal closest to the switching element and the sealing portion.

3. The power module according to claim 2, wherein: The positive electrode side distance is the distance between the center of the switching element and the center of the interface between the positive electrode terminal closest to the switching element and the sealing portion. The negative electrode side distance is the distance between the center of the switching element and the center of the interface between the negative electrode terminal closest to the switching element and the sealing portion.

4. The power module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The power module further includes a signal terminal connected to the switching element. The signal terminal is provided on a side of the switching element opposite to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal.

5. The power module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are arranged in parallel along one direction, The three or more switching elements are arranged in a row along the arrangement direction of the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal.

6. The power module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least one of the three or more switching elements is different in element size from the other switching elements.

7. The power module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The switching element is a semiconductor switching element, At least one of the three or more switching elements is different from the other switching elements in semiconductor structure.

8. A power module, wherein: have: Three or more switching elements connected in parallel; a positive terminal connected to the positive electrode of each switching element; a negative electrode terminal connected to the negative electrode of each switching element; and a sealing portion that integrally seals the switching element, a portion of the positive electrode terminal, and a portion of the negative electrode terminal; The total number of the positive electrode terminals and the negative electrode terminals is three or more, The distance between the center of the switching element and the positive terminal closest to the switching element is the positive electrode side distance, and the distance between the center of the switching element and the negative terminal closest to the switching element is the negative electrode side distance, and the total value of the positive electrode side distance and the negative electrode side distance is equal in each switching element. The power module further includes two or more gate terminals connected to the gate electrodes of the switching elements. The distance between the switching element and the gate terminal closest to the switching element is a gate distance, and the gate distance is equal in each switching element. The wiring between each switching element and the positive terminal and the negative terminal is of equal length.

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