Capacitor module, inverter module, and motor unit

Abstract

A capacitor module, an inverter module, and a motor unit are provided. The capacitor module smoothes a voltage of an inverter circuit, and has a supply portion having a connection terminal connected to the inverter circuit, an alternating current portion having a capacitor element and a first bus bar, and a direct current portion having a second bus bar connecting a direct current power supply and the supply portion. The alternating current portion and the direct current portion are arranged in a lateral direction in a plan view and in a side view of one side, and are arranged so that side surfaces thereof face each other in a side view of the other side. In the plan view, the supply portion is located inside an outline region that surrounds both the alternating current portion and the direct current portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to capacitor modules, inverter modules, and motor units. Background Technology

[0002] The inverter module uses a capacitor module to smooth the current in the inverter circuit. The capacitor module has capacitor elements and multiple busbars. The multiple busbars have connection terminals for connecting to the capacitor elements, connection terminals for connecting to external power wiring, and connection terminals for connecting to the inverter circuit.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-17220

[0004] In capacitor modules that smooth the voltage of inverter circuits, the busbars connecting the power supply, capacitor elements, and inverter circuits are prone to overheating. Furthermore, to improve the performance of capacitor modules, it is necessary to reduce the equivalent series inductance (ESL). Therefore, capacitors that reduce the thermal impact from the busbars and have lower ESL are required. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide capacitor modules, inverter modules and motor units that increase the configuration freedom of busbars while reducing thermal impact and ESL.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a capacitor module for smoothing the voltage of an inverter circuit is provided. The capacitor module includes: a supply section having connection terminals for connection to the inverter circuit; an AC section having capacitor elements and a plate-shaped first busbar connecting the capacitor elements and the supply section; and a DC section having a plate-shaped second busbar connecting a DC power supply and the supply section. The AC section and the DC section are arranged laterally in a top view and a side view of one side of the capacitor module, and are arranged facing each other sideways in a side view of the other side. In the top view, the supply section is located inside the outer region enclosing both the AC section and the DC section.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a capacitor module, an inverter module, and a motor unit are provided that simultaneously reduce thermal impact and ESL. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is an illustrative diagram that schematically shows a longitudinal section of the inverter module.

[0009] Figure 2 This is the circuit block diagram of the inverter module.

[0010] Figure 3This is a 3D view of the capacitor module viewed from an angle above.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a side view of the capacitor module.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the capacitor module viewed from a slightly lower angle.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view showing the internal structure of the capacitor module.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a top view of the capacitor module.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the busbars on the positive side of the first busbar 11 and the second busbar.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the busbars on the negative side of the first and second busbars.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a side view of the capacitor element, the first busbar, and the second busbar.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a capacitor module that includes a magnetic core and a filter capacitor.

[0019] Label Explanation

[0020] 1: Inverter module; 2: Capacitor module; 6: DC power supply; 11: First busbar; 11P: First busbar on the positive side; 11N: First busbar on the negative side; 11A: Proximity configuration section; 12: Second busbar; 12P: Second busbar on the positive side; 12N: Second busbar on the negative side; 15: Capacitor element; 21: AC section; 22: DC section; 23: Supply section; 24: Resin component; 25: Fixing part; 26: Noise shielding component; 27: Magnetic core; 28: Filter capacitor; 31: Inverter circuit; 40a: Flat surface; 221N, 221P: Power supply side busbars; 222N, 222P: Supply side busbars; A: Outline area. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, the inverter module and capacitor module of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] In the accompanying drawings referenced in the following description, the XYZ coordinate system is appropriately shown as a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. In the XYZ coordinate system, ... Figure 1The vertical direction is defined as the Z-axis. The +Z direction is the upper side (opposite to the direction of gravity), and the -Z direction is the lower side (in the direction of gravity). The X-axis is perpendicular to the Z-axis and represents the orientation of the DC and AC sections in the capacitor module. The Y-axis is perpendicular to both the X-axis and Z-axis.

[0023] In this manual, "top view" refers to viewing the inverter module and capacitor module from the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the orientation of the capacitor module shown in this manual is an example and does not limit the actual orientation of the capacitor module installation.

[0024] Figure 1 This is an illustrative diagram that schematically shows a longitudinal section of the inverter module. Figure 2 This is the circuit block diagram of the inverter module.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the inverter module 1 of this embodiment includes a capacitor module 2, a power module 3, a control module 4 composed of a control board 40 and a drive board 41, a housing 7, and a refrigerant flow path 8.

[0026] The housing 7 internally houses the capacitor module 2, power module 3, control module 4, and refrigerant flow path 8. The components of the inverter module 1 are stacked vertically (Z-axis direction) inside the housing 7. Specifically, from the bottom up, the control board 40, capacitor module 2, drive board 41, power module 3, and refrigerant flow path 8 are stacked sequentially. Alternatively, this configuration is just one example; the capacitor module 2 and power module 3 can also be arranged laterally in the XY plane.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, inverter module 1 is connected between DC power supply 6 and motor 5. Inverter module 1 converts the DC current supplied by DC power supply 6 into AC current and supplies power to motor 5.

[0028] In this embodiment, motor 5 is a 3-phase motor. Motor 5 can also be a multi-phase motor with 4 or more phases. Motor 5 is connected to power module 3 of inverter module 1. DC power supply 6 is, for example, a secondary battery or a double-layer capacitor. DC power supply 6 is connected to the external power supply terminals 121P and 121N of inverter module 1.

[0029] Alternatively, it can be connected to a generator instead of motor 5. In this case, inverter module 1 converts the power input from the generator into DC power to charge DC power supply 6.

[0030] The power module 3 has an inverter circuit 31 composed of multiple switching elements 30. In this embodiment, the switching element 30 is an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor). The switching element 30 may also be a power semiconductor device other than an IGBT. The switching element 30 may also be a power MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor), a SiC-MOSFET, or a GaN-MOSFET.

[0031] The inverter circuit 31 is a 3-phase inverter composed of 6 switching elements 30. That is, the inverter circuit 31 has 3 arms consisting of 2 switching elements for each of the 3 phases corresponding to the U phase, V phase, and W phase. The midpoint of each arm is connected to the motor 5.

[0032] The positive terminals of the three arms are connected to the positive supply terminals 231P, 232P, and 233P of the capacitor module 2. The negative terminals of the three arms are connected to the negative supply terminals 231N, 232N, and 233N of the capacitor module 2.

[0033] Power module 3 has Figure 1 The cooling component 3A is shown. Cooling component 3A cools the inverter circuit 31. A portion of cooling component 3A is located within the refrigerant flow path 8. The refrigerant flow path 8 is located in the housing 7 or the power module 3. Heat from the inverter circuit 31 is dissipated to the refrigerant through contact between the refrigerant flowing within the refrigerant flow path 8 and the cooling component 3A. The refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant flow path 8 is, for example, LLC (an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol). The refrigerant can also be water. Alternatively, the inverter module 1 may also have a mechanism for cooling the capacitor module 2.

[0034] The control module 4 has a control substrate 40 and a drive substrate 41.

[0035] The control board 40 generates control signals for switching control of multiple switching elements 30 of the inverter circuit 31. The drive board 41 generates drive power for the switching elements 30 according to the control signals input from the control board 40.

[0036] The control module 4 is connected to a host device, such as a vehicle control unit, via CAN (Controller Area Network). Based on the control signals input from the host device, the control module 4 executes drive control of the motor 5 via the inverter circuit 31.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, capacitor module 2 is connected to DC power supply 6 and power module 3. The following refers to... Figure 3 The following diagrams provide a detailed explanation of capacitor module 2.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of capacitor module 2 viewed from an angle above. Figure 4 This is a side view of capacitor module 2. Figure 5 This is a 3D view of capacitor module 2 viewed from a slightly lower angle. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of capacitor module 2. Figure 7 This is a top view of capacitor module 2. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the busbars on the positive side of the first busbar 11 and the second busbar. Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the busbars on the negative side of the first and second busbars. Figure 10 This is a side view of the capacitor element, the first busbar, and the second busbar.

[0039] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, capacitor module 2 has an AC section 21, a DC section 22, and a supply section 23.

[0040] The AC section 21 has five capacitor elements 15 and a plate-shaped first busbar 11 connecting the five capacitor elements 15 and the supply section 23. In this embodiment, the five capacitor elements 15 are arranged along the Y-axis. The AC section 21 is generally elongated in the Y-axis direction. The number of capacitor elements 15 in the AC section 21 is not limited to five, and can be any number of four or less or six or more.

[0041] Five capacitor elements 15 each have electrodes on their upper and lower surfaces. The first busbar 11 has a positive side first busbar 11P connected to the electrodes on the upper surface of the capacitor element 15 and a negative side first busbar 11N connected to the electrodes on the lower surface of the capacitor element 15.

[0042] like Figure 8 and Figure 10As shown, the first busbar 11P on the positive side has: a capacitor-side terminal 111P extending along the Y-axis direction over the upper surface of five capacitor elements; three wiring portions 112P extending upward from the end of the DC portion 22 side (+X side) of the capacitor-side terminal 111P; and three supply-side terminals 113P extending horizontally from the upper end of the three wiring portions 112P towards the DC portion 22 side. The width of the wiring portions 112P in the Y-axis direction is greater than the width of the supply-side terminals 113P in the Y-axis direction. The supply-side terminals 113P have a through hole extending through the supply-side terminals 113P along the plate thickness direction (Z-axis direction). The three supply-side terminals 113P, together with the three supply-side terminals 125P of the second busbar 12P on the positive side (described later), constitute the three supply terminals 231P, 232P, and 233P of the supply section 23.

[0043] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first busbar 11N on the negative side includes: a capacitor-side terminal 111N extending along the Y-axis direction over the upper surface of five capacitor elements; a wiring portion 112N extending upward from the end of the DC portion 22 side (+X side) of the capacitor-side terminal 111N; and three supply-side terminals 113N extending horizontally from the upper end of the wiring portion 112N towards the DC portion 22 side. The wiring portion 112N includes: a main body portion 112aN extending upward with a width equal to the Y-axis width of the capacitor-side terminal 111N; and three branch portions 112bN extending upward from the upper end of the main body portion 112aN. The supply-side terminals 113N extend from the front end of the branch portions 112bN. The width of the branch portions 112bN in the Y-axis direction is greater than the width of the supply-side terminals 113N in the Y-axis direction. The supply-side terminal 113N has a through hole that extends through the supply-side terminal 113N along the plate thickness direction (Z-axis direction). The three supply-side terminals 113N, together with the three supply-side terminals 125N of the second busbar 12N on the negative side described later, constitute the three supply terminals 231N, 232N, and 233N of the supply section 23.

[0044] like Figure 10 As shown, the positive-side first busbar 11P and the negative-side first busbar 11N of the first busbar 11 are arranged close to each other in the X-axis direction at the portions (wiring portions 112P and 112N) extending upward toward the supply section 23. That is, the first busbar 11 has a proximity arrangement portion 11A between the capacitor element 15 and the supply section 23, which makes the positive-side first busbar 11P and the negative-side first busbar 11N coincide and approach each other in their respective plate thickness directions.

[0045] According to this structure, the current flowing between the capacitor element 15 and the supply section 23 in the wiring section 112P and the wiring section 112N flows in opposite directions to each other, so the parasitic inductance of the first busbar 11P on the positive side cancels out the parasitic inductance of the first busbar 11N on the negative side. As a result, the ESL (equivalent series inductance) of the capacitor element 15 can be reduced.

[0046] exist Figure 10 In the proximity configuration unit 11A shown, an insulating sheet such as insulating paper may be sandwiched between the wiring unit 112P and the wiring unit 112N. The thickness of the insulating sheet is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and less than 1 mm. The thickness of the insulating sheet can be 0.1 mm or more. The thickness of the insulating sheet can be 0.7 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less.

[0047] That is, the first busbar 11P on the positive side and the first busbar 11N on the negative side can also be configured to face each other at close positions, separated by an insulating sheet thinner than the thickness of the first busbar plate. According to this structure, the wiring portions 112P and 112N can be brought close to the thickness of the insulating sheet. By bringing them as close as possible, the ESL reduction effect can be improved.

[0048] The DC section 22 has a plate-shaped second busbar 12 that connects the DC power supply 6 and the supply section 23. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the second busbar 12 has a positive side second busbar 12P connected to the positive side of the DC power supply 6 and a negative side second busbar 12N connected to the negative side of the DC power supply 6.

[0049] like Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the second busbar 12P on the positive side is composed of two busbars: the power supply side busbar 221P and the supply side busbar 222P.

[0050] The power supply side busbar 221P has a connection terminal 121P that is connected to the DC power supply 6 and a connection terminal 122P that is connected to the supply side busbar 222P. In the power supply side busbar 221P, the connection terminal 121P and the connection terminal 122P are connected via a wiring section 123P.

[0051] The wiring section 123P extends along the Y-axis from the connection terminal 121P located at the end of the DC section 22 on the -Y side toward the connection terminal 122P located at the end of the DC section 22 on the +Y side. The wiring section 123P is composed of multiple wiring portions 123aP to 123eP.

[0052] Wiring portion 123aP extends downward from the end of connection terminal 121P on the side opposite to AC section 21 (+X side). Wiring portion 123bP extends downward from the lower end of wiring portion 123aP towards the +Y side, reaching the center of DC section 22 in the Y-axis direction. Wiring portion 123cP extends upward from the +Y side end of wiring portion 123bP. Wiring portion 123dP extends downward from the upper end of wiring portion 123cP towards the +Y side. Wiring portion 123eP extends downward from the +Y side end of wiring portion 123dP towards the +X side and connects to connection terminal 122P.

[0053] The wiring portions 123bP, 123cP, and 123dP of the wiring portions 123aP to 123eP extend their board surfaces in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) or a Y-axis direction. That is, the board surfaces of the wiring portions 123bP, 123cP, and 123dP extend along the direction in which the AC section 21 and the DC section 22 are arranged (X-axis direction). Specifically, the power supply side busbar 221P has a portion between the two connection terminals 121P and 122P where its board surface extends along the direction in which the AC section 21 and the DC section 22 are arranged (X-axis direction).

[0054] According to this structure, the board surfaces of the wiring portions 123bP, 123cP, and 123dP do not face the AC section 21 side (-X side), so the heat dissipated from these board surfaces is not easily directed towards the AC section 21 side. As a result, the heat from the power supply side busbar 221P, which becomes hot due to the large current flowing through it, is not easily transferred to the capacitor element 15.

[0055] The supply-side busbar 222P has a connection terminal 124P that connects to the power-side busbar 221P and three supply-side terminals 125P that connect to the supply section 23. The connection terminal 124P is fixed to the connection terminal 122P of the power-side busbar 221P with screws. In the supply-side busbar 222P, the connection terminal 124P and the three supply-side terminals 125P are connected via a wiring section 126P.

[0056] Viewed from above, the wiring section 126P extends along the X-axis from the connection terminal 124P located at the end of the DC section 22 on the side opposite to the AC section 21 (+X side) toward the supply side terminal 125P located in the supply section 23. The wiring section 126P is composed of multiple wiring portions 126aP to 126dP.

[0057] Wiring portion 126aP extends downward from the end of connection terminal 124P on the AC section 21 side (-X side). Wiring portion 126bP extends from the lower end of wiring portion 126aP toward the AC section 21 side. Wiring portion 126cP extends upward from the end of wiring portion 126bP on the AC section 21 side and toward the connection terminal 121P side (-Y side). That is, wiring portion 126cP extends along the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. Wiring portion 126dP extends upward from three points at the upper end of wiring portion 126cP and connects to supply side terminal 125P respectively.

[0058] The supply-side terminal 125P has a through hole that extends through the supply-side terminal 125P along the thickness direction (Z-axis direction). The three supply-side terminals 125P together with the three supply-side terminals 113P of the first busbar 11P on the positive side constitute the three supply terminals 231P, 232P, and 233P of the supply section 23.

[0059] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the second busbar 12N on the negative side is composed of two busbars: the power supply side busbar 221N and the supply side busbar 222N.

[0060] The power supply side busbar 221N has a connection terminal 121N connected to the DC power supply 6 and a connection terminal 122N connected to the supply side busbar 222N. In the power supply side busbar 221N, the connection terminal 121N and the connection terminal 122N are connected via a wiring section 123N.

[0061] The wiring section 123N extends along the Y-axis from the connection terminal 121N located at the end of the DC section 22 on the -Y side toward the connection terminal 122N located at the end of the DC section 22 on the +Y side. The wiring section 123N is composed of multiple wiring portions 123aN to 123dN.

[0062] Wiring portion 123aN extends downward from the end of connection terminal 121N on the AC section 21 side (-X side). Wiring portion 123bN extends downward from the lower end of wiring portion 123aN towards the +Y side, reaching the center of DC section 22 in the Y-axis direction. Wiring portion 123cN extends upward from the end of wiring portion 123bN on the +Y side. Wiring portion 123dN extends upward from the upper end of wiring portion 123cN towards the +Y side, connecting to the end of connection terminal 122N on the AC section 21 side (-X side).

[0063] The wiring portions 123bN, 123cN, and 123dN of the wiring portions 123aN to 123dN extend with their board surfaces facing either vertically (Z-axis direction) or horizontally (Y-axis direction). That is, the board surfaces of the wiring portions 123bN, 123cN, and 123dN extend along the direction in which the AC section 21 and the DC section 22 are arranged (X-axis direction). Specifically, the power supply side busbar 221N has a portion between the two connection terminals 121N and 122N where the board surface extends along the direction in which the AC section 21 and the DC section 22 are arranged (X-axis direction).

[0064] According to this structure, the board surfaces of the wiring portions 123bN, 123cN, and 123dN do not face the AC section 21 side (-X side), so the heat dissipated from these board surfaces is not easily directed towards the AC section 21 side. As a result, the heat from the power supply side busbar 221N, which becomes hot due to the large current flowing through it, is not easily transferred to the capacitor element 15.

[0065] The supply-side busbar 222N has a connection terminal 124N that connects to the power-side busbar 221N and three supply-side terminals 125N that connect to the supply section 23. The connection terminal 124N is fixed to the power-side busbar 221N with screws. In the supply-side busbar 222N, the connection terminal 124N and the three supply-side terminals 125N are connected via a wiring section 126N.

[0066] Viewed from above, the wiring section 126N extends along the X-axis from the connection terminal 124N at the end of the DC section 22 located on the side opposite to the AC section 21 (+X side) toward the supply-side terminal 125N located in the supply section 23. The wiring section 126N is composed of multiple wiring portions 126aN to 126dN.

[0067] Wiring portion 126aN extends downward from the end of connection terminal 124N on the AC section 21 side (-X side). Wiring portion 126bN extends from the lower end of wiring portion 126aN toward the AC section 21 side. Wiring portion 126cN extends upward from the end of wiring portion 126bN on the AC section 21 side and toward the connection terminal 121N side (-Y side). That is, wiring portion 126cN extends along the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. Wiring portion 126dN extends upward from three points at the upper end of wiring portion 126cN and connects to supply side terminal 125N respectively.

[0068] The supply-side terminal 125N has a through hole that extends through the supply-side terminal 125N along the plate thickness direction (Z-axis direction). The three supply-side terminals 125N together with the three supply-side terminals 113N of the first busbar 11N on the negative side constitute the three supply terminals 231N, 232N, and 233N of the supply section 23.

[0069] like Figure 10As shown, in the second busbar 12, the supply-side busbars 222P and 222N are also arranged close to each other in the thickness direction near the supply section 23. More specifically, in Figure 10 In the proximity configuration unit 12A shown, the wiring portion 126cP of the wiring portion 126P and the wiring portion 126cN of the wiring portion 126N are arranged close to each other in the thickness direction, and the wiring portion 126dP and the wiring portion 126dN are arranged close to each other in the thickness direction.

[0070] In the proximity configuration section 12A, a thin insulating sheet, such as insulating paper, may be sandwiched between the supply-side busbars 222P and 222N. That is, the positive-side second busbar 12P and the negative-side second busbar 12N may be positioned close to each other, separated by an insulating sheet thinner than the plate thickness of the second busbar 12. With this structure, the distance between the busbars can be reduced, making it easier to miniaturize the DC section 22.

[0071] In addition, even in locations other than those mentioned above, insulating sheets can be placed between the busbars where they are close to each other.

[0072] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, capacitor module 2 has a magnetic core 27 and two filter capacitors 28 in the DC section 22.

[0073] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of capacitor module 2, which includes magnetic core 27 and filter capacitor 28.

[0074] The magnetic core 27 is composed of a cylindrical magnetic body. The magnetic core 27 is, for example, a ferrite core. The magnetic core 27 is arranged to extend along the Y-axis. Wiring portions 123bP and 123bN of the power supply side busbars 221P and 221N are inserted into the inner hole of the magnetic core 27. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the power supply side busbars 221P and 221N are in a crank-shaped, bent form. The magnetic core 27 is disposed in the Y-axis direction between the connection terminals 121P and 121N and the wiring portions 123cP and 123cN, which are crank-shaped, bent portions.

[0075] The filter capacitor 28 is configured such that it is sandwiched in the vertical direction between the wiring portions 123dP and 123dN of the power supply side busbars 221P and 221N and the wiring portions 126bP and 126bN of the supply side busbars 222P and 222N. One filter capacitor 28 is connected between the supply side busbar 222P and ground, and one filter capacitor 28 is connected between the supply side busbar 222N and ground.

[0076] In the capacitor module 2 of this embodiment, the magnetic core 27 and the filter capacitor 28 are arranged laterally when viewed from above, with their sides facing each other. This structure allows the magnetic core 27 and the filter capacitor 28 to be placed in a relatively narrow space. It also helps to address noise from the DC section 22 while avoiding an excessively large capacitor module 2.

[0077] Furthermore, in the capacitor module 2 of this embodiment, when viewed from the side, the power supply side busbars 221P and 221N are bent in a crank shape, and the magnetic core 27 and the filter capacitor 28 are arranged laterally across the bent portions of the power supply side busbars 221P and 221N. With this structure, the power supply side busbars 221P and 221N, the magnetic core 27, and the filter capacitor 28 can be efficiently arranged in a narrower space.

[0078] The supply unit 23 has six supply terminals 231P, 232P, 233P, 231N, 232N and 233N to the inverter circuit 31.

[0079] The positive side supply terminals 231P, 232P, and 233P are composed of three supply side terminals 113P of the first busbar 11P on the positive side and three supply side terminals 125P of the second busbar 12P on the positive side.

[0080] The supply terminals 231N, 232N, and 233N on the negative side are composed of three supply-side terminals 113N of the first busbar 11N on the negative side and three supply-side terminals 125N of the second busbar 12N on the negative side.

[0081] like Figure 10 and Figure 7 As shown, the first busbar 11 is disposed only from the supply section 23 on the capacitor element 15 side (-X side), and the second busbar 12 is disposed only from the supply section 23 on the side opposite to the capacitor element 15 (+X side). That is, when viewed from above, the first busbar 11 and the second busbar 12 overlap each other only at the supply section 23.

[0082] According to this structure, since the first busbar 11 and the second busbar 12 have few close parts, the heat from the second busbar 12, which is connected to the DC power supply 6, is not easily transferred to the first busbar 11. As a result, the heat is also not easily transferred to the capacitor element 15 connected to the first busbar 11.

[0083] In the capacitor module 2 of this embodiment, as follows Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the AC unit 21 and the DC unit 22 are arranged laterally in a top view (viewed along the Z-axis) with their sides facing each other. In this embodiment, the AC unit 21 and the DC unit 22 are arranged along the X-axis. That is, the AC unit 21 and the DC unit 22 are arranged laterally in a top view (viewed along the Z-axis) and a side view (viewed along the Y-axis) of one of them. The side of the AC unit 21 facing the +X side and the side of the DC unit 22 facing the -X side face each other in the X-axis direction. That is, the AC unit 21 and the DC unit 22 are arranged with their sides facing each other in the direction of the other side view (X-axis direction). Moreover, in a top view, the supply unit 23 is located between the AC unit 21 and the DC unit 22. Specifically, in the region extending along the Y-axis between the AC unit 21 and the DC unit 22, the supply terminals 231P, 231N, 232P, 232N, 233P, and 233N are arranged in a row in the Y-axis direction.

[0084] According to the above structure, the horizontal (X-axis direction) spacing between the power supply side busbars 221P and 221N, which become hot due to the large current flowing through them, and the capacitor element 15, which should be kept cool, can be significantly separated, allowing the supply section 23 to be positioned between them. This suppresses heat transfer from the power supply side busbars 221P and 221N to the capacitor element 15. It also prevents the electrical characteristics of the capacitor element 15 from changing due to high temperatures or its lifespan from shortening.

[0085] Furthermore, by arranging the AC section 21 and DC section 22 laterally and placing the supply section 23 between them, the shapes of the busbars included in the supply section 23 and the busbars included in the DC section can be freely designed and connected to the supply section 23. Therefore, the shapes of the DC section and the AC section are not mutually restrictive, and busbar designs that can reduce ESL are possible.

[0086] Furthermore, the location of the supply unit 23 is not limited to between the AC unit 21 and the DC unit 22. Alternatively, the supply unit 23 may be located at a position overlapping either the AC unit 21 or the DC unit 22 when viewed from above. Or, the supply unit 23 may be located at a position overlapping both the AC unit 21 and the DC unit 22. That is, if the supply unit 23 is located... Figure 7 Within the area of ​​the shown external region A, the position can be changed. It can be configured such that, when viewed from above, the supply unit 23 is located inside the external region A that surrounds both the AC unit 21 and the DC unit 22. According to this structure, when viewed from above, the supply unit 23 is not located outside the AC unit 21 or outside the DC unit, thus reducing the area of ​​overlap between the AC unit 21 and the DC unit 22 when viewed from above. This suppresses heat transfer from the high-temperature portions of the second busbar 12 (power-side busbars 221P, 221N) to the first busbar 11 and the capacitor element 15.

[0087] like Figure 3 As shown, the capacitor module 2 of this embodiment has a resin component 24 that holds the AC section 21 and the DC section 22. The resin component 24 surrounds the side and bottom surfaces of the AC section 21 and the DC section 22. That is, the resin component 24 is the housing of the capacitor module 2. The resin component 24 is shaped with an opening on the upper side, but it may also have a cover that covers the AC section 21 and the DC section 22 from the upper side. Alternatively, sealing resin may flow into the AC section 21 and the DC section 22 from the upper surface side to seal the AC section 21 and the DC section 22 with resin.

[0088] The resin component 24 has a fixing part 25 on its outer periphery, which is fixed to an external device, as viewed from above. The external device is, for example,... Figure 1 The inverter module 1 shown has a housing 7. Based on this structure, it is easy to mount the capacitor module 2 onto the inverter module 1, etc.

[0089] An aluminum noise shielding component 26 is mounted on the lower surface of the resin component 24. The noise shielding component 26 is plate-shaped and extends along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (XY plane). The noise shielding component 26 covers the AC section 21, the DC section 22, and the supply section 23 from the lower surface. By having the noise shielding component 26, the propagation of noise in the vertical direction in the inverter module 1 can be suppressed.

[0090] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a drive substrate 41 and a power module 3 are disposed on the upper surface of the capacitor module 2, and a control substrate 40 is disposed on the lower surface of the capacitor module 2. In this structure, a noise shielding member 26 is disposed between the control substrate 40 and the drive substrate 41 and the power module 3, thereby suppressing the transmission of noise generated on the drive substrate 41 to the control substrate 40.

[0091] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the capacitor module 2 has a plurality of cylindrical threaded bosses 241 protruding downward from the lower surface of the resin component 24. In this embodiment, the resin component 24 has 11 threaded bosses 241. The threaded bosses 241 pass through a through hole provided in the noise shielding component 26 and protrude downward from the noise shielding component 26.

[0092] The lower ends of the 11 threaded bosses 241 are located on a single plane. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the control board 40 can be mounted on the threaded boss 241 by screw fastening. By fixing the control board 40 to the threaded boss 241 aligned at its lower end, the control board 40 can be mounted parallel to the lower surface of the capacitor module 2.

[0093] The control board 40 has a flat surface 40a on its upper surface that faces the capacitor module 2 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the control board 40 is positioned to overlap with both the AC section 21 and the DC section 22 when viewed from above. That is, in this embodiment, a component (control board 40) having a flat surface 40a facing the lower surface of the capacitor module 2 and overlapping at least a portion of either the AC section 21 or the DC section 22 when viewed from above can be provided on the lower surface of the capacitor module 2.

[0094] According to the above structure, the capacitor module 2 and the components (e.g., the control board 40) disposed on the lower surface side of the capacitor module 2 can be compactly arranged in the vertical direction. The internal space of the housing 7 of the inverter module 1 can be effectively utilized. The inverter module 1 can be easily miniaturized. Since the noise shielding component 26 and the control board 40 can be arranged at uniform intervals, the noise shielding function of the noise shielding component 26 can be effectively utilized.

[0095] In this embodiment, inverter module 1 is mounted on a motor unit (not shown). The motor unit is mounted on a vehicle. As described above, the inverter module of this embodiment is equipped with a capacitor inverter that reduces thermal impact and ESL, thus exhibiting high performance and fault tolerance. Therefore, the motor unit equipped with this inverter module can also withstand high currents, achieving a long lifespan.

Claims

1. A capacitor module for smoothing the voltage of an inverter circuit, wherein, This capacitor module has: The supply unit has connection terminals that connect to the inverter circuit. The AC section has a capacitor element and a plate-shaped first busbar connecting the capacitor element and the supply section; as well as The DC section has a plate-shaped second busbar that connects the DC power supply and the supply section. The AC and DC sections are arranged laterally in the top view and the side view of one side of the capacitor module, and are arranged facing each other sideways in the side view of the other side. Viewed from above, the supply unit is located between the AC unit and the DC unit. When viewed from above, the supply unit is located inside the outer region that surrounds both the AC unit and the DC unit. The first busbar is disposed only from the supply section on the capacitor element side. The second busbar is located only from the supply section on the side opposite to the capacitor element. The second busbar includes a second busbar on the positive electrode side and a second busbar on the negative electrode side. The second busbar on the positive side and the second busbar on the negative side are respectively composed of a power supply side busbar and a supply side busbar. The two power-side busbars each have a connection terminal for connecting to a DC power source and a connection terminal for connecting to the supply-side busbar. Each of the two power-side busbars has a portion of its plate extending along the direction in which the AC section and the DC section are arranged between the two connection terminals.

2. The capacitor module according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed from above, the first busbar and the second busbar overlap each other only at the supply section.

3. The capacitor module according to claim 1, wherein, The supply section is located at a position that overlaps with the AC section or the DC section when viewed from above.

4. The capacitor module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first busbar includes a positive-side first busbar and a negative-side first busbar. The first busbar has a proximity configuration between the capacitor element and the supply section, which makes the positive-side first busbar and the negative-side first busbar coincide and approach each other in the thickness direction of their respective plates.

5. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The capacitor module also features: A magnetic core is mounted on the second busbar; as well as The filter capacitor is connected to the second busbar. The magnetic core and the filter capacitor are arranged laterally when viewed from above, with their sides facing each other.

6. The capacitor module according to claim 5, wherein, The second busbar includes a positive-side second busbar and a negative-side second busbar. The second busbar on the positive side and the second busbar on the negative side are respectively composed of a power supply side busbar and a supply side busbar. When viewed from the side, the power supply side busbar is bent in a crank shape. The magnetic core and the filter capacitor are arranged laterally, separated by the buckled portion of the power supply side busbar.

7. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, This capacitor module has: Resin component, which holds the AC section and the DC section; and An aluminum noise shielding component is mounted on the resin component.

8. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The supply section is disposed on the upper surface of the capacitor module. A component having a flat surface opposite to the lower surface and overlapping at least a portion of both the AC and DC sections when viewed from above can be provided on the lower surface of the capacitor module.

9. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The capacitor module has a mounting part that is fixed to an external device.

10. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first busbar has a positive electrode side first busbar and a negative electrode side first busbar. The first busbar on the positive side and the first busbar on the negative side are positioned close to each other and are separated by an insulating sheet that is thinner than the plate thickness of the first busbar.

11. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second busbar has a positive electrode side second busbar and a negative electrode side second busbar. The second busbar on the positive side and the second busbar on the negative side are positioned close to each other and separated by an insulating sheet that is thinner than the plate thickness of the second busbar.

12. A capacitor module that smooths the voltage of an inverter circuit, wherein, This capacitor module has: The supply unit has connection terminals that connect to the inverter circuit. The AC section has a capacitor element and a plate-shaped first busbar connecting the capacitor element and the supply section; as well as The DC section has a plate-shaped second busbar that connects the DC power supply and the supply section. The AC and DC sections are arranged laterally in the top view and the side view of one side of the capacitor module, and are arranged facing each other sideways in the side view of the other side. Viewed from above, the supply unit is located between the AC unit and the DC unit. When viewed from above, the supply unit is located inside the outer region that surrounds both the AC unit and the DC unit. The first busbar is disposed only from the supply section on the capacitor element side. The second busbar is located only from the supply section on the side opposite to the capacitor element. The capacitor module also features: A magnetic core is mounted on the second busbar; as well as The filter capacitor is connected to the second busbar. The magnetic core and the filter capacitor are arranged laterally when viewed from above, with their sides facing each other. The second busbar includes a positive-side second busbar and a negative-side second busbar. The second busbar on the positive side and the second busbar on the negative side are respectively composed of a power supply side busbar and a supply side busbar. When viewed from the side, the power supply side busbar is bent in a crank shape. The magnetic core and the filter capacitor are arranged laterally, separated by the buckled portion of the power supply side busbar.

13. The capacitor module according to claim 12, wherein, When viewed from above, the first busbar and the second busbar overlap each other only at the supply section.

14. The capacitor module according to claim 12, wherein, The supply section is located at a position that overlaps with the AC section or the DC section when viewed from above.

15. The capacitor module according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The first busbar includes a positive-side first busbar and a negative-side first busbar. The first busbar has a proximity configuration between the capacitor element and the supply section, which makes the positive-side first busbar and the negative-side first busbar coincide and approach each other in the thickness direction of their respective plates.

16. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, This capacitor module has: Resin component, which holds the AC section and the DC section; and An aluminum noise shielding component is mounted on the resin component.

17. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The supply section is disposed on the upper surface of the capacitor module. A component having a flat surface opposite to the lower surface and overlapping at least a portion of both the AC and DC sections when viewed from above can be provided on the lower surface of the capacitor module.

18. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The capacitor module has a mounting part that is fixed to an external device.

19. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The first busbar has a positive electrode side first busbar and a negative electrode side first busbar. The first busbar on the positive side and the first busbar on the negative side are positioned close to each other and are separated by an insulating sheet that is thinner than the plate thickness of the first busbar.

20. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The second busbar has a positive electrode side second busbar and a negative electrode side second busbar. The second busbar on the positive side and the second busbar on the negative side are positioned close to each other and separated by an insulating sheet that is thinner than the plate thickness of the second busbar.

21. An inverter module, comprising: The capacitor module according to any one of claims 1 to 20; and Inverter circuit.

22. A motor unit, wherein, The motor unit has the inverter module as described in claim 21.

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