Capacitor module and power conversion device provided with capacitor module

Abstract

A capacitor module is provided with: first capacitor elements which are arranged so as to constitute a first row, and which are each provided with a first electrode and a second electrode; a second capacitor element disposed so as to constitute a second column, the second capacitor element having a third electrode and a fourth electrode, respectively; a first connection terminal connected to the first electrode and a second connection terminal connected to the second electrode; a third connection terminal connected to the third electrode and a fourth connection terminal connected to the fourth electrode; a first bus bar connected to the first connection terminal and the third connection terminal, one end of the first bus bar serving as an input terminal and the other end of the first bus bar serving as an output terminal; a second bus bar connected to the second connection terminal and the fourth connection terminal, one end of the second bus bar serving as an input terminal and the other end of the second bus bar serving as an output terminal; and a housing that houses the first and second capacitor elements, the first to fourth connection terminals, and the first and second bus bars, the housing having a first surface, output terminals of the first bus bar and output terminals of the second bus bar being drawn out from the first surface in the first direction, the first row being closer to the first surface than the second row, and the second row being closer to the second surface than the first row. A first connection terminal and a second connection terminal of at least one of the first capacitor elements are arranged along the first direction between the first capacitor element and the first bus bar and the second bus bar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a capacitor module and a power conversion device including the capacitor module. Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which multiple switching transistors and electrolytic capacitors are connected via two parallel plates. The two parallel plates are placed close together, and currents flowing in opposite directions cancel out the magnetic fields generated by the currents, thereby reducing circuit inductance.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-203686 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in the capacitor module described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to shorten the physical distance between the switching transistor and the electrolytic capacitor, and there is still room for improvement in reducing inductance.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a capacitor module with reduced inductance and a power conversion device including the capacitor module.

[0009] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0010] A capacitor module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: first capacitor elements arranged to form a first column, each including a first electrode and a second electrode; second capacitor elements arranged to form a second column, each including a third electrode and a fourth electrode; a first connecting terminal connected to the first electrode and a second connecting terminal connected to the second electrode; a third connecting terminal connected to the third electrode and a fourth connecting terminal connected to the fourth electrode; a first bus bar connected to the first connecting terminal and the third connecting terminal, one end of which serves as an input terminal and the other end of which serves as an output terminal; a second bus bar connected to the second connecting terminal and the fourth connecting terminal; connection, one end becoming an input terminal and the other end becoming an output terminal; and a housing, which accommodates the first capacitor element and the second capacitor element, the first connecting terminal to the fourth connecting terminal, and the first bus bar and the second bus bar, and has a first surface, the output terminal of the first bus bar and the output terminal of the second bus bar are led out from the first surface to the first direction, the first column is closer to the first surface than the second column, and the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal of at least one of the first capacitor elements are arranged along the first direction between the first capacitor element and the first bus bar and the second bus bar.

[0011] A power conversion device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: the capacitor module; and the power semiconductor electrically connected to the first bus bar and the second bus bar of the capacitor module.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, inductance can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a side view schematically showing the capacitor module and the power conversion device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A top view of the capacitor module and the power conversion device.

[0016] Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a capacitor module and some components of a power conversion device.

[0017] Figure 4A yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the capacitor elements used in the capacitor module.

[0018] Figure 4B yes Figure 1A three-dimensional diagram of the capacitor elements used in the capacitor module.

[0019] Figure 5 It will Figure 1 A side view showing a portion of the vehicle body in an enlarged and schematic manner.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a side view schematically showing a capacitor module and a power conversion device according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 It is schematically shown Figure 6 A top view of the capacitor module and the power conversion device.

[0022] Figure 8 It is schematically shown Figure 6 A three-dimensional diagram of a capacitor module and some components of a power conversion device.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a side view schematically showing a capacitor module and a power conversion device according to the third embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 It is schematically shown Figure 9 A top view of the capacitor module and the power conversion device.

[0025] Figure 11 It is schematically shown Figure 9 A three-dimensional diagram of a capacitor module and some components of a power conversion device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] According to a first embodiment, a capacitor module is provided, comprising: first capacitor elements arranged to form a first column, each including a first electrode and a second electrode; second capacitor elements arranged to form a second column, each including a third electrode and a fourth electrode; a first connecting terminal connected to the first electrode and a second connecting terminal connected to the second electrode; a third connecting terminal connected to the third electrode and a fourth connecting terminal connected to the fourth electrode; a first bus bar connected to the first connecting terminal and the third connecting terminal, one end of which serves as an input terminal and the other end of which serves as an output terminal; a second bus bar connected to the second connecting terminal and the fourth connecting terminal; sub-connection, one end becomes an input terminal and the other end becomes an output terminal; and a shell, which accommodates the first capacitor element and the second capacitor element, the first connecting terminal to the fourth connecting terminal, and the first bus bar and the second bus bar, and has a first surface, the output terminal of the first bus bar and the output terminal of the second bus bar are led out from the first surface to the first direction, the first column is closer to the first surface than the second column, and the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal of at least one of the first capacitor elements are arranged along the first direction between the first capacitor element and the first bus bar and the second bus bar.

[0027] According to a second embodiment, a capacitor module according to the first embodiment is provided, wherein a plurality of the first capacitor element, the first connecting terminal, and the second connecting terminal are respectively provided, and the plurality of first connecting terminals and the plurality of second connecting terminals are arranged along the first direction between the first capacitor element and the first bus bar and the second bus bar respectively corresponding to the first capacitor element.

[0028] According to a third aspect, a capacitor module according to the first or second aspect is provided, wherein the third connecting terminal and the fourth connecting terminal of at least one of the second capacitor elements are arranged between the second capacitor element and the first bus bar and the second bus bar along a second direction different from the first direction.

[0029] According to a fourth embodiment, a capacitor module according to the third embodiment is provided, wherein a plurality of the second capacitor element, the third connecting terminal, and the fourth connecting terminal are respectively provided, and the plurality of third connecting terminals and the plurality of fourth connecting terminals are arranged along the second direction between the respective corresponding second capacitor element and the first bus bar and the second bus bar.

[0030] According to a fifth aspect, a capacitor module according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is provided, wherein the orientation of the first capacitor element connected to the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal is different from the orientation of the second capacitor element connected to the third connecting terminal and the fourth connecting terminal.

[0031] According to a sixth aspect, a capacitor module according to any one of aspects 1 to 5 is provided, wherein the orientation of the first capacitor element connected to the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal is consistent with the orientation of the second capacitor element connected to the third connecting terminal and the fourth connecting terminal.

[0032] According to the seventh aspect, a capacitor module described in the third aspect or the fourth aspect is provided, wherein the capacitor module further comprises: a third capacitor element configured to constitute a third column, each comprising a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode; and a fifth connecting terminal and a sixth connecting terminal, the fifth connecting terminal connecting the fifth electrode and the first bus bar to each other, the sixth connecting terminal connecting the sixth electrode and the second bus bar to each other, the third column being farther from the first surface than the second column, and the fifth connecting terminal and the sixth connecting terminal of at least one of the third capacitor elements being arranged between the third capacitor element and the first bus bar and the second bus bar along a third direction different from the first direction.

[0033] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided the capacitor module according to the seventh aspect, wherein the second direction and the third direction are parallel to each other.

[0034] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided the capacitor module according to the seventh aspect or the eighth aspect, wherein the orientation of the second capacitor element and the orientation of the third capacitor element coincide with each other.

[0035] According to a tenth embodiment, a capacitor module according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments is provided, wherein the first bus bar comprises a first flat portion arranged along the first capacitor element and the second capacitor element, and a second flat portion bent from the first flat portion and arranged along the first surface within the shell, the second bus bar comprises a third flat portion arranged along the first capacitor element and the second capacitor element, and a fourth flat portion bent from the third flat portion and arranged along the first surface within the shell, the first connecting terminal is connected to the second flat portion, and the second connecting terminal is connected to the fourth flat portion.

[0036] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided the capacitor module according to the tenth aspect, wherein the third connection terminal is connected to the first flat plate portion, and the fourth connection terminal is connected to the third flat plate portion.

[0037] According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided the capacitor module according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the output terminal of the first bus bar and the output terminal of the second bus bar are electrically connected to a power semiconductor.

[0038] According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a power conversion device including: the capacitor module according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects; and the power semiconductor electrically connected to the first bus bar and the second bus bar of the capacitor module.

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, each element is shown in a simplified form for ease of description.

[0040] (Implementation Method 1)

[0041] Figure 1 This is a side view schematically showing the capacitor module 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the power conversion device 100 including the capacitor module 2 . Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A top view of the capacitor module 2 and the power conversion device 100 is shown. Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a capacitor module 2 and part of the components of the power conversion device 100. Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B It shows Figure 1 3D diagram of the capacitor elements 6 , 8 , and 10 used in the capacitor module 2 . Figure 5 It will Figure 1 The X, Y, and Z directions in the figure respectively represent the lateral direction, longitudinal direction, and height direction of the capacitor module 2 and the power conversion device 100.

[0042] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the power conversion device 100 includes a capacitor module 2 and a power semiconductor 4 .

[0043] The capacitor module 2 is a module including a plurality of capacitor elements 6, 8, and 10. The capacitor elements 6, 8, and 10 of the capacitor module 2 are electrically connected to the power semiconductor 4 via bus bars 16 and 18 to be described later.

[0044] The power semiconductor 4 is a semiconductor for controlling and converting electric power and may be any type of power semiconductor such as a diode, a transistor, or a thyristor.

[0045] The capacitor module 2 includes a plurality of capacitor elements 6 , 8 , and 10 , a case 12 , a sealing resin 14 , a first bus bar 16 , a second bus bar 18 , connection terminals 20A and 20B, connection terminals 22A and 22B, and connection terminals 24A and 24B.

[0046] exist Figure 1 In the figure, the sealing resin 14 is schematically shown by hatching. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 In the figure, the sealing resin 14 is omitted. Hereinafter, the components of the capacitor module 2 will be described.

[0047] Capacitor elements 6, 8, and 10 are respectively wound film capacitors. Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B As shown, capacitor elements 6, 8, and 10 of this embodiment are film capacitors having a common shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and film capacitors having different shapes and specifications may be used.

[0048] Capacitor elements 6 in the first column may be referred to as “first capacitor elements 6 ”, capacitor elements 8 in the second column may be referred to as “second capacitor elements 8 ”, and capacitor elements 10 in the third column may be referred to as “third capacitor elements 10 ”.

[0049] Capacitor elements 6 , 8 , and 10 each include a main body 38 , an electrode 40 on one side, and an electrode 42 on the other side.

[0050] The main body 38 is formed, for example, by winding a dielectric film having a metal vapor-deposited film formed on its surface and pressing the wound dielectric film into a flat shape. For example, a plastic film such as polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyphenylene sulfide, or polyethylene naphthalate can be used as the dielectric film. Furthermore, the metal vapor-deposited film formed on the surface of the plastic film can be made of materials such as Al and Zn. Electrodes 40 and 42 are formed by spraying Zn, for example, onto the ends of the wound dielectric film. The main body 38 extends in the height direction H of the capacitor elements 6, 8, and 10, and electrodes 40 and 42 are formed at positions opposing each other in the height direction H.

[0051] The electrodes 40 and 42 are conductive members for connecting the internal electrodes of the capacitor elements 6, 8, and 10 to the connection terminals 20A, 20B, 22A, 22B, 24A, and 24B described later, respectively, and are formed by metal spraying, for example. Figure 4A 、 Figure 4BIn the example shown, the electrodes 40 and 42 are shaped as an oval, but may be shaped as another shape such as a circle.

[0052] The electrode 40 of the first capacitor element 6 may be referred to as the "first electrode 40," and the electrode 42 of the first capacitor element 6 may be referred to as the "second electrode 42." The electrode 40 of the second capacitor element 8 may be referred to as the "third electrode 40," and the electrode 42 of the second capacitor element 8 may be referred to as the "fourth electrode 42." The electrode 40 of the third capacitor element 10 may be referred to as the "fifth electrode 40," and the electrode 42 of the third capacitor element 10 may be referred to as the "sixth electrode 42."

[0053] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, capacitor elements 6, 8, and 10 are arranged in different columns relative to the power semiconductor 4. Starting from the column closest to the power semiconductor 4, capacitor element 6 (first capacitor element) is arranged in the first column, capacitor element 8 (second capacitor element) is arranged in the second column, and capacitor element 10 (third capacitor element) is arranged in the third column. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 In the example shown, three capacitor elements 6 , 8 , and 10 are provided in each column.

[0054] The case 12 is a member for housing the components of the capacitor module 2. The interior of the case 12 is filled with a sealing resin 14.

[0055] The sealing resin 14 is a resin that is filled in the case 12 and seals the components of the capacitor module 2. The sealing resin 14 may be, for example, a thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin or a urethane resin.

[0056] The bus bars 16 and 18 are conductive members for electrically connecting the electrodes 40 and 42 of the capacitor elements 6, 8, and 10 to the power semiconductor 4. The first bus bar 16 connects the electrodes 40 ( Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B ) is electrically connected to the power semiconductor 4 , and the second bus bar 18 electrically connects the electrodes 42 of the capacitor elements 6 , 8 , 10 to the power semiconductor 4 .

[0057] The busbars 16 and 18 of this embodiment are composed of two parallel flat plates. By flowing currents in opposite directions through the busbars 16 and 18, the magnetic fields caused by the currents are canceled out, and the inductance is reduced. Figure 1 In the example shown, the first bus bar 16 is disposed above the second bus bar 18 with a gap therebetween. The bus bars 16 and 18 are each integrally formed by bending a single metal plate made of, for example, Al, Cu, or brass.

[0058] The first bus bar 16 includes an input terminal 25, three flat plate portions 26, 27, and 28, and an output terminal 30. The second bus bar 18 includes an input terminal 31, three flat plate portions 32, 33, and 34, and an output terminal 36.

[0059] The input terminals 25 and 31 are terminals for supplying power to the capacitor elements 6, 8, and 10 of the capacitor module 2, respectively. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 In the illustrated example, the input terminals 25 and 31 are exposed from the left side surface 150 of the housing 12 .

[0060] Flat plate portions 26 and 32 are flat plate-shaped portions extending from input terminals 25 and 31 in the XY plane, respectively, and constitute parallel flat plates that are adjacent to each other with sealing resin 14 interposed therebetween. Flat plate portions 27 and 33 are flat plate-shaped portions bent approximately perpendicularly from flat plate portions 26 and 32 and extending in the XZ plane, respectively, and constitute parallel flat plates that are adjacent to each other with sealing resin 14 interposed therebetween. Flat plate portions 28 and 34 are flat plate-shaped portions bent approximately perpendicularly from flat plate portions 27 and 33 and extending in the XY plane, respectively, and constitute parallel flat plates that are adjacent to each other with sealing resin 14 interposed therebetween. The front ends of flat plate portions 28 and 34 constitute output terminals 30 and 36, respectively.

[0061] The flat plate portion 26 of the first bus bar 16 may be referred to as the "first flat plate portion 26," and the flat plate portion 27 of the first bus bar 16 may be referred to as the "second flat plate portion 27." The flat plate portion 32 of the second bus bar 18 may be referred to as the "third flat plate portion 32," and the flat plate portion 33 of the second bus bar 18 may be referred to as the "fourth flat plate portion 33."

[0062] The output terminals 30 and 36 are terminals for supplying the electric energy generated by the capacitor elements 6, 8, and 10 to the power semiconductor 4. The output terminals 30 and 36 may be directly connected to the power semiconductor 4, or may be indirectly connected to the power semiconductor 4 via another conductive member such as a bus bar. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 In the example shown, the output terminals 30 and 36 are exposed from a side surface 152 on the right side of the housing 12. The side surface 152 is the surface facing the power semiconductor 4 and may also be referred to as the "first surface." The output terminals 30 and 36 are led out in a lead-out direction A1, which is the direction from the side surface 152 of the housing 12 toward the power semiconductor 4.

[0063] Although the input terminals 25 and 31 and the output terminals 30 and 36 are exposed from different side surfaces 150 and 152 of the case 12 , the present invention is not limited thereto and they may be exposed from any surface of the case 12 , such as from the same side surface.

[0064] The flat plate portions 26 , 27 , 28 and the flat plate portions 32 , 33 , 34 each partially have protrusions, recesses, etc., and do not need to be entirely flat; at least a portion of each needs to be flat.

[0065] The connection terminals 20A, 20B, 22A, 22B, 24A, and 24B are used to connect the electrodes 40 and 42 ( Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B ) are terminals connected to the bus bars 16 and 18. The connection terminals 20A, 20B, 22A, 22B, 24A, and 24B are formed of, for example, rod-shaped conductive members.

[0066] Connecting terminals 20A and 20B respectively connect electrodes 40 and 42 of capacitor element 6 in the first column to bus bars 16 and 18. Connecting terminal 20A connects electrode 40 of capacitor element 6 to first bus bar 16, and connecting terminal 20B connects electrode 42 of capacitor element 6 to second bus bar 18. Connecting terminal 20A may also be referred to as "first connecting terminal 20A," and connecting terminal 20B may also be referred to as "second connecting terminal 20B."

[0067] Connection terminals 22A and 22B respectively connect electrodes 40 and 42 of capacitor elements 8 in the second column to bus bars 16 and 18. Connection terminal 22A connects electrode 40 of capacitor element 8 to first bus bar 16, and connection terminal 22B connects electrode 42 of capacitor element 8 to second bus bar 18. Connection terminal 22A may also be referred to as "third connection terminal 22A," and connection terminal 22B may be referred to as "fourth connection terminal 22B."

[0068] Connecting terminals 24A and 24B respectively connect electrodes 40 and 42 of capacitor elements 10 in the third column to bus bars 16 and 18. Connecting terminal 24A connects electrode 40 of capacitor element 10 to first bus bar 16, and connecting terminal 24B connects electrode 42 of capacitor element 10 to second bus bar 18. Connecting terminal 24A may also be referred to as "fifth connecting terminal 24A," and connecting terminal 24B may also be referred to as "sixth connecting terminal 24B."

[0069] Although not shown in the figure, through holes are formed in the second bus bar 18 for allowing the connection terminals 20A, 22A, and 24A connected to the first bus bar 16 to pass therethrough.

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, the direction in which the connection terminals 20A and 20B are led out from the electrodes 40 and 42 is set as the lead-out direction P1, the direction in which the connection terminals 22A and 22B are led out from the electrodes 40 and 42 is set as the lead-out direction P2, and the direction in which the connection terminals 24A and 24B are led out from the electrodes 40 and 42 is set as the lead-out direction P3.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the lead-out direction P1 and the lead-out directions P2 and P3 are different directions from each other.

[0072] The connection terminals 20A and 20B extend in a direction P1 toward the power semiconductor 4 (the +Y direction) and are parallel to the direction A1 of the output terminals 30 and 36. The connection terminals 20A and 20B extending in the direction P1 are connected to the flat plate portions 27 and 33 of the bus bars 16 and 18, respectively.

[0073] The extension direction P2 of the connection terminals 22A and 22B is a direction (+Z direction) different from the direction toward the power semiconductor 4. The connection terminals 22A and 22B extending in the extension direction P2 are connected to the flat plate portions 26 and 32 of the bus bars 16 and 18, respectively.

[0074] The extension direction P3 of the connection terminals 24A and 24B is a direction (+Z direction) different from the direction toward the power semiconductor 4. The connection terminals 24A and 24B extending in the extension direction P3 are connected to the flat plate portions 26 and 32 of the bus bars 16 and 18, respectively.

[0075] In the present embodiment, in order to make the lead-out direction P1 and the lead-out directions P2 and P3 different from each other, the orientation of the capacitor element 6 and the orientation of the capacitor elements 8 and 10 are made different from each other.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the capacitor elements 6 in the first row are arranged so that their height direction H1 is substantially aligned with the X direction (the lateral direction L2 of the housing 12). The capacitor elements 8 and 10 in the second and third rows are arranged so that their height directions H2 and H3 are substantially aligned with the Y direction (the longitudinal direction L1 of the housing 12).

[0077] The capacitor elements 6 in the first row are arranged along the inner wall surface 44 closest to the power semiconductor 4 in the housing 12, and the capacitor elements 8 and 10 in the second and third rows are arranged at positions away from the inner wall surface 44 and the power semiconductor 4 relative to the capacitor elements 6 in the first row. The inner wall surface 44 is Figure 1 、 Figure 2 The inner side of the side 152 is shown.

[0078] By making the orientation of capacitor element 6 different from that of capacitor elements 8 and 10 , it is easy to make the lead-out direction P1 of connection terminals 20A and 20B connected to capacitor element 6 and the lead-out directions P2 and P3 of connection terminals 22A, 22B, 24A, and 24B connected to capacitor elements 8 and 10 different from each other.

[0079] According to the above structure, Figure 5As shown, by directing the lead-out direction P1 of connection terminals 20A and 20B toward the power semiconductor 4 (i.e., the lead-out direction A1 of output terminals 30 and 36), the physical distance D1 from electrodes 40 and 42 of capacitor element 6 through connection terminals 20A and 20B to power semiconductor 4 can be shortened. This reduces the inductance of capacitor module 2. If connection terminals 20A and 20B are replaced with connection terminals 120A and 120B, as indicated by dashed lines, and their lead-out directions align with lead-out directions P2 and P3, distance D2 from electrodes 40 and 42 through connection terminals 120A and 120B to power semiconductor 4 becomes longer than distance D1 by the amount of the temporary upward detour.

[0080] By using connection terminals 20A and 20B extending in direction P1 toward power semiconductor 4 , distance D1 can be shortened compared to using connection terminals 120A and 120B extending in directions P2 and P3 , effectively reducing the inductance of capacitor module 2 .

[0081] The lead-out directions P2 and P3 of connection terminals 22A, 22B, 24A, and 24B are different from the lead-out direction P1 of connection terminals 20A and 20B, and are also different from the direction toward power semiconductor 4 (the +Y direction). If the lead-out direction of connection terminals 22A, 22B, 24A, and 24B were set to the same lead-out direction P1 as connection terminals 20A and 20B, interference with other components, such as other connection terminals and capacitors, would become more likely from electrodes 40 and 42 of capacitor elements 8 and 10 to flat plate portions 27 and 33 of bus bars 16 and 18. Therefore, a design to avoid interference is required, which could complicate the arrangement of the capacitor elements and connection terminals and unnecessarily increase the length of the connection terminals.

[0082] In this embodiment, by extending the connection terminals 22A, 22B, 24A, and 24B in directions P2 and P3 that are different from the direction toward the power semiconductor 4, a structure is achieved that is less likely to cause interference with other components. Furthermore, by providing the connection terminals 20A and 20B extending in direction P1, the inductance of the capacitor module 2 is effectively reduced. This allows the capacitor module 2 as a whole to have a well-balanced structure and arrangement.

[0083] [Effect]

[0084] According to the capacitor module 2 according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0085] The capacitor module 2 of the first embodiment includes: a first capacitor element 6 arranged to form a first column, each including a first electrode 40 and a second electrode 42; a second capacitor element 8 arranged to form a second column, each including a third electrode 40 and a fourth electrode 42; a first connection terminal 20A connected to the first electrode 40 and a second connection terminal 20B connected to the second electrode 42; a third connection terminal 22A connected to the third electrode 40 and a fourth connection terminal 22B connected to the fourth electrode 42; a first bus bar 16 connected to the first connection terminal 20A and the third connection terminal 22A, one end of which serves as an input terminal 25 and the other end of which serves as an output terminal 30; a second bus bar 18 connected to the second connection terminal 20B and the fourth connection terminal 22B is connected, one end becomes the input terminal 31 and the other end becomes the output terminal 36; and the housing 12 accommodates the first capacitor element 6 and the second capacitor element 8, the first connecting terminals 20A to the fourth connecting terminals 22B, and the first bus bar 16 and the second bus bar 18, has a side surface 152 (first surface), the output terminal 30 of the first bus bar 16 and the output terminal 36 of the second bus bar 18 are led out from the side surface 152 in the lead-out direction A1 (first direction), the first column is closer to the side surface 152 than the second column, and the first connecting terminal 20A and the second connecting terminal 20B of the first capacitor element 6 are arranged between the first capacitor element 6 and the first bus bar 16 and the second bus bar 18 along the lead-out direction P1 corresponding to the lead-out direction A1.

[0086] With this configuration, the physical distance D1 from electrodes 40 , 42 of capacitor elements 6 in the first column to output terminals 30 , 36 or power semiconductor 4 via connection terminals 20A, 20B can be shortened, thereby reducing the inductance of capacitor module 2 .

[0087] Furthermore, in the capacitor module 2 of the first embodiment, a plurality of first capacitor elements 6, first connecting terminals 20A, and second connecting terminals 20B are provided. The plurality of first connecting terminals 20A and the plurality of second connecting terminals 20B are arranged between the corresponding first capacitor elements 6 and the first bus bars 16 and second bus bars 18, along an extension direction P2 corresponding to the extension direction A1 (first direction). This configuration further shortens the distance between the electrodes 40, 42 of the first column of capacitor elements 6 and the output terminals 30, 36 (and the power semiconductor 4), further reducing the inductance.

[0088] Furthermore, in the capacitor module 2 of the first embodiment, the third connecting terminal 22A and the fourth connecting terminal 22B of the second capacitor element 8 are arranged between the second capacitor element 8 and the first bus bar 16 and the second bus bar 18, along a lead-out direction P2 (second direction) that differs from the lead-out direction A1 (first direction). This configuration reduces interference with other capacitor elements 6 and the connecting terminals 20A and 20B, compared to a case where the lead-out direction P2 of the connecting terminals 22A and 22B coincides with the lead-out direction A1 of the output terminals 30 and 36.

[0089] Furthermore, in the capacitor module 2 of the first embodiment, a plurality of second capacitor elements 8, third connecting terminals 22A, and fourth connecting terminals 22B are provided. The plurality of third connecting terminals 22A and the plurality of fourth connecting terminals 22B are arranged along the lead-out direction P2 (second direction) between the corresponding second capacitor element 8 and the first bus bar 16 and the second bus bar 18. This configuration makes it easier to avoid interference with the capacitor element 6 and the connecting terminals 20A and 20B when the connecting terminals 22A and 22B are extended. This also facilitates designing the connection terminals 22A and 22B so that the lead-out direction P2 is aligned, and also facilitates designing the capacitor element 8 so that the orientation is aligned.

[0090] Furthermore, in the capacitor module 2 of the first embodiment, the orientation of the first capacitor element 6, to which the first connecting terminal 20A and the second connecting terminal 20B are connected, is different from the orientation of the second capacitor element 8, to which the third connecting terminal 22A and the fourth connecting terminal 22B are connected. With this configuration, by making the orientations of the capacitor elements 6 and 8 different from each other, it is possible to easily make the lead-out direction P1 of the connecting terminals 20A and 20B and the lead-out direction P2 of the connecting terminals 22A and 22B different from each other.

[0091] In addition, the capacitor module 2 of the first embodiment further includes: a third capacitor element 10 arranged to form a third column, each including a fifth electrode 40 and a sixth electrode 42; and a third connecting terminal 24A and a sixth connecting terminal 24B, wherein the third connecting terminal 24A connects the fifth electrode 40 and the first bus bar 16 to each other, and the sixth connecting terminal 24B connects the sixth electrode 42 and the second bus bar 18 to each other. The third column is farther from the side surface 152 (the first surface) than the second column. The fifth connecting terminal 24A and the sixth connecting terminal 24B of the third capacitor element 10 are arranged between the third capacitor element 10 and the first bus bar 16 and the second bus bar 18 along an extension direction P3 (a third direction) different from the extension direction A1 (the first direction). According to such a structure, the lead-out directions P2 and P3 of the connection terminals 22A, 22B, 24A, and 24B corresponding to the capacitor elements 8 and 10 in the second and third columns can also be inconsistent with the lead-out direction A1 of the output terminals 30 and 36, so when the connection terminals are extended, it is possible to prevent interference with other capacitor elements and other connection terminals.

[0092] Furthermore, in the capacitor module 2 of Embodiment 1, the extension direction P2 (second direction) of the connection terminals 22A and 22B and the extension direction P3 (third direction) of the connection terminals 24A and 24B are parallel to each other. This configuration can prevent the connection terminals from interfering with each other.

[0093] Furthermore, in the capacitor module 2 of the first embodiment, the orientation of the second capacitor element 8 and the orientation of the third capacitor element 10 coincide with each other. With such a configuration, the arrangement of the capacitor elements 8 and 10 becomes easy.

[0094] Furthermore, in the capacitor module 2 of the first embodiment, the first bus bar 16 includes a first flat portion 26 arranged along the first capacitor element 6 and the second capacitor element 8, and a second flat portion 27 bent from the first flat portion 26 and arranged along the inner wall surface 44 and the side surface 152 (first surface) within the housing 12. The second bus bar 18 includes a third flat portion 32 arranged along the first capacitor element 6 and the second capacitor element 8, and a fourth flat portion 33 bent from the third flat portion 32 and arranged along the inner wall surface 44 and the side surface 152 within the housing 12. The first connecting terminal 20A is connected to the second flat portion 27, and the second connecting terminal 20B is connected to the fourth flat portion 33. With this configuration, the extension direction P1 of the connecting terminals 20A and 20B can be aligned with the extension direction A1 of the output terminals 30 and 36 with a simple structure.

[0095] Furthermore, in the capacitor module 2 of the first embodiment, the third connection terminal 22A is connected to the first flat plate portion 26, and the fourth connection terminal 22B is connected to the third flat plate portion 32. With this configuration, the extension direction P2 of the connection terminals 22A and 22B can be set to a direction different from the extension direction A1 of the output terminals 30 and 36 with a simple structure.

[0096] Furthermore, in capacitor module 2 of Embodiment 1, output terminal 30 of first bus bar 16 and output terminal 36 of second bus bar 18 are electrically connected to power semiconductor 4. This configuration shortens the physical distance D1 from electrodes 40 and 42 of capacitor elements 6 in the first column to power semiconductor 4 via connection terminals 20A and 20B, thereby reducing the inductance of capacitor module 2.

[0097] Furthermore, the power conversion device 100 of the first embodiment includes the capacitor module 2 and the power semiconductor 4 electrically connected to the bus bars 16 and 18 of the capacitor module 2. With this configuration, the same effects as those of the capacitor module 2 of the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0098] [Modification]

[0099] In the first embodiment, an example is described in which all of the plurality of connection terminals 20A, 20B extend in the same extension direction P1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the extension direction P1 of at least one of the plurality of connection terminals 20A, 20B is toward the power semiconductor 4 (i.e., the extension direction A1 of the output terminals 30, 36).

[0100] In the first embodiment, an example is described in which all of the plurality of connection terminals 22A and 22B are extended in the same extension direction P2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the extension direction is different from the direction toward the power semiconductor 4 (+Y direction), the extension direction of some of the connection terminals 22A and 22B may be different.

[0101] Similarly, while the example in which all of the plurality of connection terminals 24A and 24B are extended in the same extension direction P3 has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as the extension direction is different from the direction toward the power semiconductor 4 (+Y direction), the extension direction of some of the connection terminals 24A and 24B may be different.

[0102] In the first embodiment, the case where three capacitor elements 6, 8, and 10 are provided in each column is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. The number of capacitor elements 6, 8, and 10 in each column can be at least one. In addition, it is also possible to provide only capacitor elements 6 and 8 in the first and second columns without providing capacitor elements 10 in the third column.

[0103] (Implementation Method 2)

[0104] A capacitor module 202 and a power conversion device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0105] Figure 6 This is a side view schematically showing a capacitor module 202 and a power conversion device 200 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 7 It is schematically shown Figure 6 A top view of the capacitor module 202 and the power conversion device 200. Figure 8 It is schematically shown Figure 6 2 is a perspective view of a capacitor module 202 and part of the components of the power conversion device 200.

[0106] In the first embodiment, the orientation of capacitor element 6 (first capacitor element) and the orientation of capacitor elements 8 and 10 (second and third capacitor elements) are different from each other. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the orientation of capacitor element 46 (first capacitor element) and the orientation of capacitor elements 8 and 10 (second and third capacitor elements) are the same.

[0107] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the orientation of the capacitor element 46 in the first column is different from the orientation of the capacitor element 6 in the first column of the embodiment 1, and is consistent with the orientation of the capacitor elements 8 and 10 in the second and third columns. Figure 8 As shown, the capacitor element 46 , like the capacitor elements 8 and 10 , is arranged in such a direction that the height direction H4 and the Y direction (the longitudinal direction L1 of the housing 12 ) substantially coincide with each other.

[0108] The extension direction P4 of the connection terminals 48A and 48B connected to the electrodes 40 and 42 of the capacitor elements 46 in the first column is set to the same direction as the extension direction P1 of the connection terminals 20A and 20B in the first embodiment.

[0109] like Figure 6 、 Figure 7 As shown, the connection terminals 48A and 48B are both led out in a leading direction P4 , which is a direction toward the power semiconductor 4 , and are connected to the flat plate portions 27 and 33 of the bus bars 16 and 18 , respectively.

[0110] like Figure 7 As shown, first connection terminal 48A connected to electrode 40 extends along the surface of first electrode 40, then bends approximately 90 degrees and extends in the +Y direction. Second connection terminal 48B connected to electrode 42 extends along the surface of electrode 42, then bends approximately 90 degrees and extends in the +Y direction. Connection terminals 48A and 48B have different lengths, with first connection terminal 48A being shorter than second connection terminal 48B.

[0111] According to the above configuration, by setting the lead-out direction P4 of the connection terminals 48A and 48B connected to the capacitor elements 46 of the first column toward the power semiconductor 4 (i.e., the lead-out direction A1 of the output terminals 30 and 36), the length of the connection terminals 48A and 48B can be shortened as in the first embodiment. Figure 5 The distance D1 shown reduces the inductance of the capacitor module 202 .

[0112] In the second embodiment, the orientation of capacitor elements 46 in the first row is aligned with the orientation of capacitor elements 8 and 10 in the second and third rows. This facilitates the arrangement of capacitor elements 46, 8, and 10 and reduces the likelihood of dead space within housing 12. In contrast, in capacitor module 2 of the first embodiment, it is easy to make the lengths of connection terminals 20A and 20B consistent, making it easier to share components.

[0113] [Effect]

[0114] According to the capacitor module 202 and the power conversion device 200 according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0115] In the capacitor module 202 of the second embodiment, the orientation of the first capacitor element 46 connected to the first connecting terminal 48A and the second connecting terminal 48B, the orientation of the second capacitor element 8 connected to the third connecting terminal 22A and the fourth connecting terminal 22B, and the orientation of the third capacitor element 10 connected to the fifth connecting terminal 24A and the sixth connecting terminal 24B are consistent with each other.

[0116] According to such a configuration, by aligning the orientations of capacitor elements 46 , 8 , and 10 , capacitor elements 46 , 8 , and 10 can be easily arranged in case 12 , and dead zones can be less likely to be generated.

[0117] (Implementation Method 3)

[0118] A capacitor module 302 and a power conversion device 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0119] Figure 9This is a side view schematically showing a capacitor module 302 and a power conversion device 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 It is schematically shown Figure 9 A top view of the capacitor module 302 and the power conversion device 300 is shown. Figure 11 It is schematically shown Figure 9 3D is a perspective view of a capacitor module 302 and part of the components of the power conversion device 300.

[0120] In the third embodiment, the orientations of capacitor elements 50 and 52 in the second and third columns differ from those of capacitor elements 8 and 10 in the first embodiment, and the structures of bus bars 54 and 56 also differ from those of bus bars 16 and 18 in the first embodiment.

[0121] like Figure 9 As shown, bus bars 54 and 56 of the third embodiment are arranged at intervals to sandwich capacitor elements 6, 50, and 52 in the Z direction. First bus bar 54 is arranged above capacitor elements 6, 50, and 52, and second bus bar 56 is arranged below capacitor elements 6, 50, and 52.

[0122] The first bus bar 54 includes an input terminal 25, three flat plate portions 62, 63, and 64, and an output terminal 66. The second bus bar 56 includes an input terminal 31, four flat plate portions 68, 69, 70, and 71, and an output terminal 72.

[0123] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown in FIG, the capacitor elements 50 and 52 in the second and third columns are arranged so that the two electrodes 40 and 42 face each other along the Z direction. Figure 11 As shown, capacitor elements 50 and 52 are arranged so that height directions H5 and H6 are substantially aligned with the Z direction, which is the height direction of housing 12 .

[0124] like Figure 9 As shown, the electrodes 40 of the capacitor elements 50 and 52 are arranged to face upward, the third electrode 40 of the second capacitor element 50 is connected to the third connecting terminal 58A, and the fifth electrode 40 of the third capacitor element 52 is connected to the fifth connecting terminal 60A. The electrodes 42 of the capacitor elements 50 and 52 are arranged to face downward, the fourth electrode 42 of the second capacitor element 50 is connected to the fourth connecting terminal 58B, and the sixth electrode 42 of the third capacitor element 52 is connected to the sixth connecting terminal 60B.

[0125] Connection terminals 20A and 20B connected to capacitor elements 6 in the first column are drawn out in a drawing direction P1 , which is a direction toward power semiconductor 4 , and are connected to flat plate portions 63 and 70 of bus bars 54 and 56 , respectively.

[0126] The connection terminals 58A and 58B connected to the capacitor elements 8 of the second column are led out in a direction P5 ( Figure 10 ) are led out and connected to the flat plate portions 62 and 69 of the bus bars 54 and 56 respectively.

[0127] The connection terminals 60A and 60B connected to the capacitor elements 10 of the third column are led out in a direction P6 ( Figure 10 ) are led out and connected to the flat plate portions 62 and 69 of the bus bars 54 and 56 respectively.

[0128] exist Figure 10 In the illustrated example, the extension direction P5 of the connection terminals 58A and 60A is the −X direction, and the extension direction P6 of the connection terminals 58B and 60B is the +X direction.

[0129] In the above structure, the connection terminals 20A and 20B extending from the electrodes 40 and 42 of the capacitor element 6 in the first column are also extended in the direction P1 toward the power semiconductor 4 (i.e., the extension direction A1 of the output terminals 30 and 36). Figure 5 The distance D1 shown reduces the inductance of the capacitor module 302 .

[0130] [Effect]

[0131] According to the capacitor module 302 and the power conversion device 300 according to the third embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0132] In the capacitor module 302 of the third embodiment, the orientation of the first capacitor element 6 connected to the first connecting terminal 20A and the second connecting terminal 20B is different from the orientation of the second capacitor element 50 connected to the third connecting terminal 58A and the fourth connecting terminal 58B, and the orientation of the third capacitor element 52 connected to the fifth connecting terminal 60A and the sixth connecting terminal 60B.

[0133] According to this structure, by making the orientation of capacitor element 6 different from that of capacitor elements 50 and 52, the lead-out direction P1 of connection terminals 20A and 20B can be easily made different from the lead-out direction P5 of connection terminals 58A and 58B and the lead-out direction P6 of connection terminals 60A and 60B.

[0134] [Modification]

[0135] In the third embodiment, the example in which the extension direction P5 of the connection terminals 58A and 60A is the +X direction and the extension direction P6 of the connection terminals 58B and 60B is the -X direction is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The extension directions of the connection terminals 58A and 58B and the connection terminals 58B and 60B may be appropriately changed as long as they can be connected to the flat plate portions 62 and 69 of the bus bars 54 and 56, respectively.

[0136] This disclosure refers to the attached Figure 1 While fully described in relation to preferred embodiments, various variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that such variations and modifications are encompassed within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, variations in the combination and order of elements within each embodiment are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0137] Furthermore, by appropriately combining any of the various embodiments and modifications described above, the effects possessed by each can be achieved.

[0138] Industrial applicability

[0139] The present invention is useful for capacitor modules used in various electronic devices, electrical devices, industrial equipment, vehicle devices, and the like, and for power conversion devices including the capacitor modules.

[0140] Description of Reference Numerals

[0141] 2 capacitor modules

[0142] 4 Power Semiconductors

[0143] 6. Capacitor element (first capacitor element)

[0144] 8 Capacitor element (second capacitor element)

[0145] 10 Capacitor element (third capacitor element)

[0146] 12 Housing

[0147] 16 Bus Bar 1

[0148] 18 Bus Bar 2

[0149] 20A connection terminal (first connection terminal)

[0150] 20B connection terminal (second connection terminal)

[0151] 22A connection terminal (third connection terminal)

[0152] 22B connection terminal (4th connection terminal)

[0153] 24A connection terminal (5th connection terminal)

[0154] 24B connection terminal (6th connection terminal)

[0155] 40 electrodes (1st electrode, 3rd electrode, 5th electrode)

[0156] 42 electrodes (2nd electrode, 5th electrode, 6th electrode)

[0157] A1 Lead-out direction (1st direction)

[0158] P1~P6 lead-out direction.

Claims

1. A capacitor module comprising: The first capacitor elements are arranged to form a first column and each include a first electrode and a second electrode; a second capacitor element arranged to form a second column and each including a third electrode and a fourth electrode; a first connection terminal connected to the first electrode and a second connection terminal connected to the second electrode; a third connection terminal connected to the third electrode and a fourth connection terminal connected to the fourth electrode; a first bus bar connected to the first connection terminal and the third connection terminal, one end of the bus bar serving as an input terminal and the other end serving as an output terminal; a second bus bar connected to the second connection terminal and the fourth connection terminal, one end of the bus bar serving as an input terminal and the other end serving as an output terminal; and a housing for accommodating the first and second capacitor elements, the first to fourth connecting terminals, and the first and second bus bars, and having a first surface; The output terminal of the first bus bar and the output terminal of the second bus bar are led out from the first surface in a first direction. The first column is closer to the first surface than the second column, The first connection terminal and the second connection terminal of at least one of the first capacitor elements are arranged along the first direction between the first capacitor element and the first bus bar and the second bus bar.

2. The capacitor module according to claim 1, wherein The first capacitor element, the first connection terminal, and the second connection terminal are each provided in plurality. The plurality of first connection terminals and the plurality of second connection terminals are arranged along the first direction between the corresponding first capacitor element and the first bus bar and the second bus bar.

3. The capacitor module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The third connection terminal and the fourth connection terminal of at least one of the second capacitor elements are arranged between the second capacitor element and the first and second bus bars along a second direction different from the first direction.

4. The capacitor module according to claim 3, wherein: The second capacitor element, the third connection terminal, and the fourth connection terminal are each provided in plurality. The plurality of third connection terminals and the plurality of fourth connection terminals are arranged along the second direction between the corresponding second capacitor element and the first bus bar and the second bus bar.

5. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The orientation of the first capacitor element to which the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are connected is different from the orientation of the second capacitor element to which the third connection terminal and the fourth connection terminal are connected.

6. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The orientation of the first capacitor element to which the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are connected coincides with the orientation of the second capacitor element to which the third connection terminal and the fourth connection terminal are connected.

7. The capacitor module according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The capacitor module further comprises: a third capacitor element, arranged to form a third column, each including a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode; and a fifth connection terminal and a sixth connection terminal, wherein the fifth connection terminal connects the fifth electrode and the first bus bar to each other, and the sixth connection terminal connects the sixth electrode and the second bus bar to each other, The third column is further away from the first surface than the second column, The fifth connection terminal and the sixth connection terminal of at least one of the third capacitor elements are arranged between the third capacitor element and the first and second bus bars along a third direction different from the first direction.

8. The capacitor module according to claim 7, wherein: The second direction and the third direction are parallel to each other.

9. The capacitor module according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The orientation of the second capacitor element and the orientation of the third capacitor element coincide with each other.

10. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The first bus bar includes a first flat plate portion arranged along the first capacitor element and the second capacitor element, and a second flat plate portion bent from the first flat plate portion and arranged along the first surface in the housing. The second bus bar includes a third flat portion arranged along the first capacitor element and the second capacitor element, and a fourth flat portion bent from the third flat portion and arranged along the first surface in the housing. The first connection terminal is connected to the second flat plate portion, and the second connection terminal is connected to the fourth flat plate portion.

11. The capacitor module according to claim 10, wherein: The third connection terminal is connected to the first flat plate portion, and the fourth connection terminal is connected to the third flat plate portion.

12. The capacitor module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The output terminal of the first bus bar and the output terminal of the second bus bar are electrically connected to a power semiconductor.

13. A power conversion device comprising: The capacitor module according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and The power semiconductor is electrically connected to the first bus bar and the second bus bar of the capacitor module.

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