POWER REGENERATOR DEVICE

Abstract

Power converter device (1, 2, 3, 5), comprising: a plurality of capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41), each comprising at least one capacitor which is charged with electric current supplied by a power source; a plurality of power converters (12, 22), each having primary terminals, secondary terminals and switching elements (SW1, SW2), wherein the primary terminals of the power converter (12, 22) are connected to a corresponding capacitor unit (11, 21, 31, 41) of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41), wherein the power converter (12, 22) is configured to convert electrical current supplied via the primary terminals into electrical current to be supplied to a load (9) connected to the secondary terminals by switching between on and off states of the switching elements (SW1, SW2), and to supply the converted electrical current to the load (9) via the secondary terminals; a base (10) with a main surface (10a) to which the switching elements (SW1, SW2) of each of the power converters (12, 22) are attached; at least one coupling element (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b) attached to some of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) arranged side by side; and a plurality of fitting elements (15a, 15b), each of which is attached to a corresponding capacitor unit (11, 21, 31, 41) of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) and is attached to the base (10), wherein the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) are arranged along the main surface (10a) of the base (10), and the fitting elements (15a, 15b) are attached to capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) which are located on both sides of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) arranged along the main surface (10a), and that at least one coupling element (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b) has at least one pair of first coupling elements (14a, 14b, 18a, 18b) which extend along the main surface (10a) of the base (10) and are opposite each other with a gap in a direction intersecting the main surface (10a) of the base (10).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power converter device. General state of the art

[0002] Power converter devices, such as drive control devices and power source devices installed in railway vehicles, include capacitor units comprising large-capacity capacitors. An example of this type of power converter device is disclosed in patent literature 1. List of citations, patent literature

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Unexamined Japanese patent application Publication JP 2015 - 46 993 A Brief description of the invention: Technical problem

[0004] A capacitor bank with large-capacity capacitors is very heavy. A power converter device equipped with several heavy capacitor banks therefore requires mounting frames to secure the individual capacitor banks in a way that resists vibration. In a power converter device equipped with switching elements, the heavy capacitor banks are preferably located near the switching elements to meet the requirement of reducing the inductance from the switching elements to the capacitor banks. However, if mounting frames for the individual capacitor banks are attached to a heat sink base on which the switching elements are mounted, the mounting frames occupy the space intended for the switching elements, resulting in an increased size of the heat sink base.

[0005] One objective of the present disclosure, which has been achieved in view of the situations mentioned above, is to secure capacitor units in such a way that they are resistant to vibrations and provide sufficient space for accommodating the components of a power converter device. Solution to the problem

[0006] To solve the above problem, a power converter device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of capacitor units, a plurality of power converters, a base, at least one coupling element, and a plurality of fitting elements. Each of the capacitor units comprises at least one capacitor charged with electric current supplied by a power source. Each of the power converters has primary terminals, secondary terminals, and switching elements. The primary terminals of the power converter are connected to a corresponding capacitor unit of the capacitor units.The power converter is designed to convert electrical current supplied via the primary terminals into electrical current to be supplied to a load connected to the secondary terminals by switching the switching elements between on and off states, and to supply the converted electrical current to the load via the secondary terminals. The base has a main surface to which the switching elements of each power converter are attached. At least one coupling element is attached to some of the capacitor units, which are arranged side by side. Each of the coupling elements is attached to a corresponding capacitor unit of the capacitor units and is also attached to the base. The capacitor units are arranged along the main surface of the base. The coupling elements are attached to capacitor units located on both sides of the capacitor units arranged along the main surface. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one coupling element is attached to some of the adjacent capacitor units, the fitting elements are attached to the capacitor units located on both sides of the capacitor units arranged along the main surface, and the fitting elements are also attached to the base. This arrangement can secure the capacitor units in such a way that they are resistant to vibrations and can ensure sufficient space for accommodating the components of the power converter device. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram of a power converter device according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the power converter device according to embodiment 1; Fig. 3 is a front view of the power converter device according to embodiment 1; Fig. Figure 4 is a top view of the power converter device according to embodiment 1; Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the power converter device according to embodiment 1 along line AA. Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a top view of a power converter device according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure; Fig. 7 is a top view of the power converter device according to embodiment 2; Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the power converter device according to embodiment 2 along line BB. Fig. 6; Fig. 9 is a top view of a power converter device according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure; Fig. 10 is a top view of the power converter device according to embodiment 3; Fig. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the power converter device according to embodiment 3 along line CC. Fig. 9; Fig. 12 is a top view of a power converter device according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure; Fig. 13 is a top view of the power converter device according to embodiment 4; Fig. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the power converter device according to embodiment 4 along line DD of Fig. 12; Fig. 15 is a top view of a power converter device according to embodiment 5 of the present disclosure; Fig. 16 is a top view of the power converter device according to embodiment 5; and Fig. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the power converter device according to embodiment 5 along line EE of Fig. 15. Description of the embodiments

[0008] A power converter device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding components are designated with the same reference numerals. Design 1

[0009] An example of power converter devices installed in railway vehicles is a power converter device that converts direct current (DC) supplied by a DC power source into three-phase alternating current (AC) and supplies the current to a motor. A power converter device according to embodiment 1 is described below, with the focus on an exemplary power converter device of a dual system comprising two power converters, one configured as the operating system and the other as a standby system. A power converter device 1 is supplied with direct current drawn from a substation via an overhead line by a pantograph (not shown), which corresponds to a power source. The power converter device 1 converts the supplied direct current into three-phase alternating current and supplies the current to a load 9. The load 9 comprises, for example, a three-phase induction motor.

[0010] The following describes a circuit configuration of the power converter device 1, focusing on an example where the power converter device 1 has a three-stage inverter. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the power converter device 1 comprises power converters 12 and 22 for converting direct current supplied via primary terminals into three-phase alternating current and outputting the three-phase alternating current via secondary terminals, a capacitor unit 11 connected to the primary terminals of the power converter 12, and a capacitor unit 21 connected to the primary terminals of the power converter 22.

[0011] The power converter device 1 is further equipped with a contactor MC1 and a contactor MC2. One end of contactor MC1 is connected to the current collector and the other end to the capacitor unit 11. Contactor MC1 electrically connects the power converter 12 to the current collector or electrically disconnects the power converter 12 from the current collector. One end of contactor MC2 is connected to the current collector and the other end to the capacitor unit 21. Contactor MC2 electrically connects the power converter 22 to the current collector or electrically disconnects the power converter 22 from the current collector.

[0012] The power converter 12 comprises the primary terminals, which include a positive electrode terminal 12a, a middle terminal 12b, and a negative electrode terminal 12c. The power converter 12 also includes a variety of switching elements. These switching elements toggle between on and off states under the control of a switching controller (not shown). The switching between the on and off states of the switching elements enables the power converter 12 to convert the direct current supplied via the primary terminals into three-phase alternating current and to supply the three-phase alternating current to the load 9 via the secondary terminals.

[0013] The power converter 22 has primary terminals comprising a positive electrode terminal 22a, a middle terminal 22b, and a negative electrode terminal 22c. The power converter 22 also has a variety of switching elements. These switching elements are controlled by the switching controller (not shown), enabling the power converter 22 to convert the direct current supplied via the primary terminals into three-phase alternating current and output the three-phase alternating current to the load 9 via the secondary terminals.

[0014] One of the power converters 12 and 22 is configured as the operating system, while the other is configured as a standby system. The following description assumes that power converter 12 is configured as the operating system. The secondary terminals of power converters 12 and 22 are electrically connected to the common load 9.

[0015] The capacitor unit 11 comprises filter capacitors FC11 and FC12 connected in series. Filter capacitors FC11 and FC12 are charged with an electric current supplied by the current collector. The capacitor unit 11 also has output terminals 11a, 11b, and 11c. Output terminal 11a is electrically connected to one end of filter capacitor FC11. Output terminal 11b is electrically connected to a junction between the other end of filter capacitor FC11 and one end of filter capacitor FC12. Output terminal 11c is electrically connected to the other end of filter capacitor FC12.

[0016] The capacitor unit 21 comprises filter capacitors FC21 and FC22 connected in series. Filter capacitors FC21 and FC22 are charged with an electric current supplied by the current collector. The capacitor unit 21 also has output terminals 21a, 21b, and 21c. Output terminal 21a is electrically connected to one end of filter capacitor FC21. Output terminal 21b is electrically connected to a junction between the other end of filter capacitor FC21 and one end of filter capacitor FC22. Output terminal 21c is electrically connected to the other end of filter capacitor FC22.

[0017] Output terminals 11a, 11b, and 11c are electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal 12a, the middle terminal 12b, and the negative electrode terminal 12c, respectively. Output terminals 21a, 21b, and 21c are electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal 22a, the middle terminal 22b, and the negative electrode terminal 22c, respectively.

[0018] The contactors MC1 and MC2 are electromagnetic DC contactors. The contactors MC1 and MC2 are controlled by a contactor controller (not shown) such that one of the contactors MC1 and MC2 is closed during operation of the power converter device 1.

[0019] During operation of the power converter device 1 with the configuration described above, the switching elements of power converter 12, which is set as the operating system, repeatedly cycle on and off. In the event of a fault in power converter 12, power converter 22, which is set as the standby system, is set as the operating system, and the switching elements of power converter 22 then begin cycling on and off. The switching elements generate heat due to the repeated on and off cycles. The switching elements of power converters 12 and 22 are mounted on a base equipped with a heat sink to cool the switching elements. Furthermore, capacitor units 11 and 21 are mounted next to the switching elements on the base to prevent an increase in parasitic inductance and parasitic impedance.The capacitor units 11 and 21 are to be attached to the base in such a way that they are resistant to the vibrations of the rail vehicle.

[0020] A design of the power converter device 1 for attaching the capacitor units 11 and 21 to the base in order to be resistant to vibrations of the rail vehicle is described below with reference to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 described. Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 show the MC1 or MC2 contactor in Fig. 1 or the components of the power converters 12 and 22, with the exception of the switching elements SW1 and SW2, are not shown to simplify the presentation. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the power converter device 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a front view of the power converter device 1. Fig. Figure 4 is a top view of the power converter device 1, and Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along line AA. Fig. 4. In the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 the Z-axis shows the vertical direction, the X-axis extends along a principal surface 10a of a cooler base 10 (hereinafter referred to as “base 10”), and the Y-axis extends along the direction orthogonal to the principal surface 10a of the base 10 and is orthogonal to the X- and Z-axes.

[0021] The base 10 is provided with a plurality of heat tubes 51, which are attached to a main surface 10b of the base 10. Fins 52 are attached to the heat tubes 51 such that the heat tubes 51 extend through the fins 52. The fins 52 cause the heat transferred via the heat tubes 51 from the switching elements SW1 and SW2 attached to the main surface 10a to be dissipated into the air, as described below. This heat dissipation cools the switching elements SW1 and SW2.

[0022] The capacitor unit 11 comprises the filter capacitors FC11 and FC12 in Fig. 1, a housing 11d accommodating the filter capacitors FC11 and FC12, and the output terminals 11a, 11b and 11c. In particular, the output terminals 11a, 11b and 11c are arranged on the top of the housing 11d.

[0023] Furthermore, the capacitor unit 21 comprises the filter capacitors FC21 and FC22, a housing 21d that accommodates the filter capacitors FC21 and FC22, and the output terminals 21a, 21b and 21c. In particular, the output terminals 21a, 21b and 21c are arranged on the top of the housing 21d.

[0024] Capacitor units 11 and 21 are arranged next to each other in the direction of the X-axis.

[0025] The switching elements SW1 of the power converter 12 and the switching elements SW2 of the power converter 22 are both attached to the main surface 10a of the base 10.

[0026] The power converter device 1 is further equipped with a busbar 13 for connecting the respective output terminals 11a, 11b and 11c to the corresponding switching elements SW1 and a busbar 23 for connecting the respective output terminals 21a, 21b and 21c to the corresponding switching elements SW2. The busbars 13 and 23 comprise, for example, laminated busbars.

[0027] In particular, the busbar 13 electrically connects the output terminal 11a to one of the switching elements SW1, which leads to the positive electrode terminal 12a, electrically connects the output terminal 11b to one of the switching elements SW1, which leads to the middle terminal 12b, and electrically connects the output terminal 11c to one of the switching elements SW1, which leads to the negative electrode terminal 12c.

[0028] The busbar 23 electrically connects the output terminal 21a to one of the switching elements SW2, which leads to the positive electrode terminal 22a, electrically connects the output terminal 21b to one of the switching elements SW2, which leads to the middle terminal 22b, and electrically connects the output terminal 21c to one of the switching elements SW2, which leads to the negative electrode terminal 22c.

[0029] Each of the busbars 13 and 23 comprises a laminated busbar made by stacking conductors and insulators.

[0030] In order to secure the capacitor units 11 and 21 to the base 10 in such a way that they are resistant to vibrations of the rail vehicle, the converter device 1 is further equipped with at least one coupling element attached to the capacitor units 11 and 21 and with fitting elements 15a and 15b to secure the capacitor units 11 and 21 to the main surface 10a of the base 10.

[0031] In embodiment 1, at least one coupling element comprises a pair of first coupling elements 14a and 14b, which extend in the direction of the X-axis and the Z-axis and are opposite each other with a gap in a direction intersecting the main surface 10a of the base 10. In particular, the two first coupling elements 14a and 14b extend in the direction of the X- and Z-axes and are opposite each other with a gap in the direction of the Y-axis. The pair of first coupling elements 14a and 14b is attached to the housing 11d of the capacitor unit 11 and the housing 21d of the capacitor unit 21 by connecting elements 141 and 142, while the capacitor units 11 and 21 are held between the first coupling elements 14a and 14b in the direction of the Y-axis.

[0032] In detail, the first coupling element 14a is attached to the housings 11d and 21d by the four connecting elements 141, while it is in contact with the respective surfaces of the housings 11d and 21d that face the main surface 10a. The first coupling element 14b is attached to the housings 11d and 21d by the four connecting elements 142, while it is in contact with the respective surfaces of the housings 11d and 21d that are opposite the surfaces facing the main surface 10a. The first coupling element 14a pushes the housings 11d and 21d in the direction of the negative Y-axis. The first coupling element 14b pushes the housings 11d and 21d in the direction of the positive Y-axis.

[0033] The first coupling elements 14a and 14b are not attached to the main surface 10a.

[0034] The fitting element 15a is attached to the capacitor unit 11 and to the main surface 10a of the base 10. Specifically, the fitting element 15a is attached to the housing 11d by connecting elements 151, while it is in contact with the side surface of the housing 11d that is opposite the side surface facing the housing 21d. The fitting element 15a is also attached to the main surface 10a by connecting elements 152, while it is in contact with the main surface 10a.

[0035] The fitting element 15b is attached to the capacitor unit 21 and to the main surface 10a of the base 10. Specifically, the fitting element 15b is attached to the housing 21d by connecting elements 153, while it is in contact with the side surface of the housing 21d that is opposite the side surface facing the housing 11d. The fitting element 15b is also attached to the base 10 by connecting elements 154, while it is in contact with the main surface 10a.

[0036] Each of the first coupling elements 14a and 14b and the fitting elements 15a and 15b is made from a plate element. The fitting elements 15a and 15b preferably have a box shape with an opening on a surface formed by bending a plate element. In this case, the fitting element 15a can be attached to the main surface 10a of the base 10 such that the opening points in the direction of the negative X-axis, and the fitting element 15b can, for example, be attached to the main surface 10a of the base 10 such that the opening points in the direction of the positive X-axis. The first coupling elements 14a and 14b and the fitting elements 15a and 15b are made from elements with sufficient stiffness and strength to maintain at least the positions of the capacitor units 11 and 21 regardless of the maximum expected vibration of the rail vehicle.

[0037] As described above, the capacitor units 11 and 21 in the power converter device 1 according to embodiment 1 are attached to the base 10 by the fitting elements 15a and 15b. Furthermore, the pair of first coupling elements 14a and 14b is attached to the capacitor units 11 and 21. The capacitor units 11 and 21 are therefore mounted without displacement, regardless of the maximum expected vibration of the rail vehicle.

[0038] The first pair of coupling elements 14a and 14b is not attached to the main surface 10a of the base 10. This configuration provides more space for accommodating the components of the power converter device 1 compared to a configuration where mounting frames, provided at both ends of each of the capacitor units 11 and 21 in the X-axis direction, are attached to the base 10. In particular, the arrangement of the switching elements SW1 and SW2 on the main surface 10a of the base 10 in the power converter device 1 is less restricted. This advantage allows the switching elements SW1 and SW2 to be positioned closer together, resulting in a reduction in the size of the power converter device 1. Design 2

[0039] The number of capacitor units is not necessarily two, and the direction of the arrangement of the capacitor units is not necessarily only the direction of the X-axis. Embodiment 2 relates to an exemplary setup in which four capacitor units are arranged in a two-dimensional manner in the direction of the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0040] As in Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. Figure 8 shows a power converter device 2 according to embodiment 2 capacitor units 11, 21, 31 and 41. Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows top views of the power converter device 2, and Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line BB. Fig. 6. In the Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 are the MC1 or MC2 contactors in Fig. 1 or the components of the power converters 12 and 22, with the exception of the switching elements SW1 and SW2, are not shown to simplify the illustration. Fig. 7 is obtained by removing busbars 13 and 23 from the top view of the converter device 2. Fig. 6 formed.

[0041] As in Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the capacitor units 11, 21, 31, and 41 are arranged in a two-dimensional manner along the X-axis and Y-axis. Specifically, capacitor units 11 and 21 are arranged side by side along the X-axis. Capacitor units 11 and 31 are arranged side by side along the Y-axis. Capacitor units 21 and 41 are arranged side by side along the Y-axis.

[0042] Capacitor units 31 and 41 have the same construction as capacitor units 11 and 21. In particular, capacitor unit 31 comprises filter capacitors, a housing 31d for receiving the filter capacitors, and output terminals 31a, 31b, and 31c. More precisely, the output terminals 31a, 31b, and 31c are located on the top of the housing 31d. The output terminals 31a, 31b, and 31c are electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal 12a, the middle terminal 12b, and the negative electrode terminal 12c, respectively. Fig. 1 connected.

[0043] The in Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. The capacitor unit 41 shown in Figure 8 comprises filter capacitors, a housing 41d for receiving the filter capacitors, and output terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c. The output terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c are located on the top of the housing 41d. The output terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c are electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal 22a, the middle terminal 22b, and the negative electrode terminal 22c, respectively. Fig. 1 connected.

[0044] The assembly of the power converter device 2 for attaching the capacitor units 11, 21, 31 and 41 to the base 10 is described below with reference to Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 described, with the emphasis on the differences from embodiment 1. At least one coupling element in the power converter device 2 comprises the pair of first coupling elements 14a and 14b, which extend in the direction of the X-axis and the Z-axis and are opposite each other with a gap in the direction intersecting the main surface 10a of the base 10, and a plurality of second coupling elements 16a and 16b, which extend in the direction intersecting the main surface 10a of the base 10. In addition to the components of the power converter device 1, the power converter device 2 is further equipped with spacers 17a in contact with the capacitor units 11 and 31 and spacers 17b in contact with the capacitor units 21 and 41.

[0045] Busbar 13 connects the respective output terminals 11a, 11b and 11c to the corresponding switching elements SW1, and connects the respective output terminals 31a, 31b and 31c to the corresponding switching elements SW1. Busbar 23 connects the respective output terminals 21a, 21b and 21c to the corresponding switching elements SW2, and connects the respective output terminals 41a, 41b and 41c to the corresponding switching elements SW2.

[0046] The first two coupling elements 14a and 14b extend in the direction of the X-axis and the Z-axis and are positioned opposite each other with a gap in the direction of the Y-axis. The pair of first coupling elements 14a and 14b is attached to the housings 11d, 21d, 31d and 41d of the capacitor units 11, 21, 31 and 41 by the connecting elements 141 and 142, while capacitor unit 11, spacers 17a and capacitor unit 31 are held between the first coupling elements 14a and 14b in the direction of the Y-axis, and capacitor unit 21, spacers 17b and capacitor unit 41 are held between the first coupling elements 14a and 14b in the direction of the Y-axis.

[0047] In detail, the first coupling element 14a is attached to the housings 11d and 21d by the four connecting elements 141, while it is in contact with the respective surfaces of housings 11d and 21d that face the main surface 10a. The first coupling element 14b is attached to the housings 31d and 41d by the four connecting elements 142, while it is in contact with the respective surfaces of housings 31d and 41d that are opposite the surfaces facing the main surface 10a. The first coupling element 14a pushes the housings 11d and 21d in the direction of the negative Y-axis, and the first coupling element 14b pushes the housings 31d and 41d in the direction of the positive Y-axis.

[0048] The first coupling elements 14a and 14b are not attached to the main surface 10a.

[0049] Each of the second coupling elements 16a and 16b extends in the direction of the Y-axis and the Z-axis, respectively. The second coupling element 16a is attached to the housing 11d of the capacitor unit 11 and to the housing 31d of the capacitor unit 31 by connecting elements 161. Specifically, the second coupling element 16a is attached to the housing 11d by the four connecting elements 161 and to the housing 31d by the four connecting elements 161, while it is in contact with the respective surfaces of the housings 11d and 31d that face the surfaces facing the fitting element 15a. The second coupling element 16a presses the housings 11d and 31d against the fitting element 15a.

[0050] The second coupling element 16b is attached to the housing 21d of the capacitor unit 21 and the housing 41d of the capacitor unit 41 by connecting elements 162. Specifically, the second coupling element 16b is attached to the housing 21d by the four connecting elements 162 and to the housing 41d by the four connecting elements 162, while it is in contact with the respective surfaces of the housings 21d and 41d that face the surfaces facing the connecting element 15b. The second coupling element 16b presses the housings 21d and 41d against the fitting 15b. Each of the second coupling elements 16a and 16b is made of a plate element.

[0051] The spacers 17a ensure the space between the housings 11d and 31d. The spacers 17a are in contact with the housings 11d and 31d and extend in the direction of the Z-axis.

[0052] The spacers 17b ensure the space between the housings 21d and 41d. The spacers 17b are in contact with the housings 21d and 41d and extend in the direction of the Z-axis.

[0053] The first coupling elements 14a and 14b, the fitting elements 15a and 15b, the second coupling elements 16a and 16b and the spacers 17a and 17b are made of elements with sufficient stiffness and strength to at least maintain the positions of the capacitor units 11, 21, 31 and 41 regardless of the maximum expected vibration of the rail vehicle.

[0054] As described above, the capacitor units 11, 21, 31, and 41 in the power converter device 2, according to embodiment 2, are attached to the base 10 by the fitting elements 15a and 15b. Furthermore, the pair of first coupling elements 14a and 14b and the second coupling elements 16a and 16b are attached to the capacitor units 11, 21, 31, and 41. The capacitor units 11, 21, 31, and 41 are therefore mounted without displacement, regardless of the maximum expected vibration of the rail vehicle.

[0055] The first pair of coupling elements 14a and 14b is not attached to the main surface 10a of the base 10. Likewise, the second coupling elements 16a and 16b are not attached to the main surface 10a of the base 10. This configuration provides more space for the components of the power converter device 2 compared to a configuration where mounting frames, provided at both ends of each of the capacitor units 11, 21, 31, and 41 in the X-axis direction, are attached to the base. In particular, the arrangement of the switching elements SW1 and SW2 on the main surface 10a of the base 10 in the power converter device 2 is less restricted. This advantage allows the switching elements SW1 and SW2 to be positioned closer together, resulting in a reduction in the size of the power converter device 2. embodiment 3

[0056] The power converter device 2 can have any configuration for mounting the capacitor units 11, 21, 31 and 41 to the base 10, provided that the configuration can mount the capacitor units 11, 21, 31 and 41 without displacement, regardless of the maximum expected vibration of the rail vehicle. Embodiment 3 relates to an exemplary configuration with two pairs of first coupling elements.

[0057] A configuration of the power converter device 3 according to embodiment 3 for attaching the capacitor units 11, 21, 31 and 41 to the base 10 is described below with reference to the Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. 11 described, with the focus on the differences to embodiment 2. Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows top views of the power converter device 3, and Fig. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along line CC. Fig. 9. In Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. 11 The contactor MC1 or MC2 and the components of the converters 12 and 22 are not shown, with the exception of the switching elements SW1 and SW2, in order to simplify the illustration. Fig. 10 is created by removing the busbars 13 and 23 from the top view of the converter device 3 in Fig. 9 formed.

[0058] At least one coupling element in the power converter device 3 comprises the pair of first coupling elements 14a and 14b and another pair of first coupling elements 18a and 18b, which extend in the direction of the X-axis and the Z-axis and are opposite each other with a gap in the direction intersecting the main surface 10a of the base 10. The power converter device 3 is not equipped with the second coupling element 16a or 16b.

[0059] The pair of first coupling elements 14a and 14b extends in the direction of the X-axis and the Z-axis and is positioned opposite each other with a gap in the direction of the Y-axis. The pair of first coupling elements 14a and 14b is attached to the housing 11d of capacitor unit 11 and the housing 21d of capacitor unit 21 by the connecting elements 141 and 142, while the capacitor units 11 and 21 are held between the first coupling elements 14a and 14b in the direction of the Y-axis.

[0060] In detail, the first coupling element 14a is attached to the housings 11d and 21d by the four connecting elements 141, and is in contact with the respective surfaces of the housings 11d and 21d that face the main surface 10a. The first coupling element 14b is attached to the housings 11d and 21d by the four connecting elements 142, and is in contact with the respective surfaces of the housings 11d and 21d that are opposite the surfaces facing the main surface 10a. The pair of first coupling elements 14a and 14b pushes the housings 11d and 21d in the direction of the Y-axis.

[0061] The first coupling elements 14a and 14b are not attached to the main surface 10a.

[0062] The first two coupling elements 18a and 18b extend in the direction of the X-axis and the Z-axis and are positioned opposite each other with a gap in the direction of the Y-axis. The pair of first coupling elements 18a and 18b is attached to the housing 31d of the capacitor unit 31 and the housing 41d of the capacitor unit 41 by connecting elements 181 and 182, while the capacitor units 31 and 41 are held between the first coupling elements 18a and 18b in the direction of the Y-axis.

[0063] In detail, the first coupling element 18a is attached to the housings 31d and 41d by the four connecting elements 181, and is in contact with the respective surfaces of the housings 31d and 41d that face the main surface 10a. The first coupling element 18b is attached to the housings 31d and 41d by the four connecting elements 182, and is in contact with the respective surfaces of the housings 31d and 41d that are opposite the surfaces facing the main surface 10a. The pair of first coupling elements 18a and 18b pushes the housings 31d and 41d in the direction of the Y-axis.

[0064] The first coupling elements 18a and 18b are not attached to the main surface 10a.

[0065] Each of the first coupling elements 14a, 14b, 18a and 18b is made from a plate element. The first coupling elements 14a, 14b, 18a and 18b and the fitting elements 15a and 15b consist of elements with sufficient stiffness and strength to maintain at least the positions of the capacitor units 11, 21, 31 and 41 independently of the maximum expected vibration of the rail vehicle.

[0066] As described above, the capacitor units 11, 21, 31, and 41 in the power converter device 3 according to embodiment 3 are attached to the base 10 by the fitting elements 15a and 15b. Furthermore, the pair of first coupling elements 14a and 14b is attached to the capacitor units 11 and 21, and the pair of first coupling elements 18a and 18b is attached to the capacitor units 31 and 41. The capacitor units 11, 21, 31, and 41 are therefore mounted without displacement, regardless of the maximum expected vibration of the rail vehicle.

[0067] The pair of first coupling elements 14a and 14b and the pair of first coupling elements 18a and 18b are not attached to the main surface 10a of the base 10. This configuration provides more space for accommodating the components of the power converter device 3 compared to the configuration where mounting frames provided at both ends of each of the capacitor units 11, 21, 31, and 41 are attached to the base in the direction of the X-axis. In particular, the arrangement of the switching elements SW1 and SW2 on the main surface 10a of the base 10 in the power converter device 3 is less restricted. This advantage allows the switching elements SW1 and SW2 to be positioned closer together, resulting in a reduction in the size of the power converter device 3. Design 4

[0068] Embodiment 4 relates to a further exemplary structure of the power converter device 2 for attaching the capacitor units 11, 21, 31 and 41 to the base 10.

[0069] A structure of a power converter device 4 for attaching the capacitor units 11, 21, 31 and 41 to the base 10 is described below with reference to the Fig. 12, Fig. 13 to Fig. 14 described, with the focus on the differences to embodiment 2. Fig. 12 and Fig. Figure 13 shows top views of the power converter device 4, and Fig. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view along line DD of Fig. 12. In the Fig. 12, Fig. 13 to Fig. 14 The contactor MC1 or MC2 and the components of the converters 12 and 22 are not shown, with the exception of the switching elements SW1 and SW2, in order to simplify the illustration. Fig. 13 is created by removing busbars 13 and 23 from the top view of the converter device 4 in Fig. 12 formed.

[0070] At least one coupling element in the converter device 4 has a plurality of second coupling elements 19a and 19b extending in a direction that intersects the main surface 10a of the base 10. The converter device 4 does not include any of the first coupling elements 14a, 14b, 18a and 18b.

[0071] Each of the second coupling elements 19a and 19b extends in the direction of the Y-axis and the Z-axis, respectively. The second coupling element 19a is attached to the housing 11d of the capacitor unit 11 and the housing 31d of the capacitor unit 31 by connecting elements 191. Specifically, the second coupling element 19a is attached to the housings 11d and 31d by the eight connecting elements 191, making contact with the respective surfaces of the housings 11d and 31d that face the fitting element 15a. The second coupling element 19a presses the housings 11d and 31d against the fitting element 15a. The second coupling element 19a has one end that is curved on the positive side in the direction of the Y-axis, and this end is attached to the main surface 10a of the base 10.In detail, the second coupling element 19a is attached to the main surface 10a by two connecting elements 193, so that the end is in contact with the main surface 10a.

[0072] The second coupling element 19b is attached to the housing 21d of the capacitor unit 21 and the housing 41d of the capacitor unit 41 by connecting elements 192. Specifically, the second coupling element 19b is attached to the housings 21d and 41d by the eight connecting elements 192, making contact with the respective surfaces of the housings 21d and 41d that are opposite the surfaces opposite the connecting element 15b. The second coupling element 19b presses the housings 21d and 41d against the fitting element 15b. The second coupling element 19b has one end that is curved on the positive side in the direction of the Y-axis, and this end is attached to the second coupling element 19a. In detail, the second coupling element 19b is attached to the second coupling element 19a by the two connecting elements 193, so that the end is in contact with the second coupling element 19a.Since the second coupling element 19b is attached to the second coupling element 19a which is attached to the main surface 10a, the second coupling element 19b is attached to the main surface 10a.

[0073] Each of the second coupling elements 19a and 19b is made from a plate element with a curved end. The fitting elements 15a and 15b and the second coupling elements 19a and 19b consist of elements with sufficient stiffness and strength to maintain at least the positions of the capacitor units 11, 21, 31 and 41 regardless of the maximum expected vibration of the rail vehicle.

[0074] As described above, the capacitor units 11, 21, 31, and 41 in the power converter device 4 according to embodiment 4 are attached to the base 10 by the fitting elements 15a and 15b. Furthermore, the second coupling elements 19a and 19b are attached to the capacitor units 11, 21, 31, and 41. The capacitor units 11, 21, 31, and 41 are therefore mounted without displacement, regardless of the maximum expected vibration of the rail vehicle. Design 5

[0075] In embodiments 1 to 4, the fitting element 15a is attached to the housings 11d and 31d while in contact with them. Alternatively, the fitting element 15a can be attached to the housings 11d and 31d without being in contact with them. The same applies to the fitting element 15b and the second coupling elements 16a and 16b. Embodiment 5 relates to an exemplary structure in which the fitting element 15a is not in contact with the housings 11d and 31d, the fitting element 15b is not in contact with the housings 21d and 41d, the second coupling element 16a is not in contact with the housings 11d and 31d, and the second coupling element 16b is not in contact with the housings 21d and 41d.

[0076] A structure of the power converter device 5 according to embodiment 5 for attaching the capacitor units 11, 21, 31 and 41 to the base 10 is described below with reference to the Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. 17 described, with the focus on the differences to embodiment 2. Fig. 15 and Fig. Figure 16 shows top views of the power converter device 5, and Fig. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view along line EE of Fig. 15. In the Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. 17 The contactor MC1 or MC2 and the components of the converters 12 and 22 are not shown, with the exception of the switching elements SW1 and SW2, in order to simplify the illustration. Fig. 16 is created by removing busbars 13 and 23 from the top view of the converter device 5 in Fig. 15 formed.

[0077] At least one coupling element in the power converter device 5 comprises the pair of first coupling elements 14a and 14b, which extend in the direction of the X-axis and the Z-axis and are opposite each other with a gap in the direction intersecting the main surface 10a of the base 10, and the plurality of second coupling elements 16a and 16b, which extend in the direction intersecting the main surface 10a of the base 10. The power converter device 5 is further equipped with a fastening element 61a, which is attached to the fitting element 15a and the housing 11d, a fastening element 61b, which is attached to the connecting element 15b and the housing 21d, a fastening element 61c, which is attached to the fitting element 15a and the housing 31d, and a fastening element 61d, which is attached to the connecting element 15b and the housing 41d.

[0078] In particular, the fastening element 61a is attached to the fitting element 15a by the two connecting elements 151 while it is in contact with the fitting element 15a. The fastening element 61a is also attached to the housing 11d by two fastening elements 611 while it is in contact with the housing 11d.

[0079] The fastening element 61b is attached to the fitting part 15b by the two connecting elements 153, while it is in contact with the fitting part 15b. The fastening element 61b is also attached to the housing 21d by two fastening elements 612, while it is in contact with the housing 21d.

[0080] The fastening element 61c is attached to the fitting element 15a by the two connecting elements 151, and is in contact with the fitting element 15a. The fastening element 61c is also attached to the housing 31d by two fastening elements 613, and is in contact with the housing 31d.

[0081] The fastening element 61d is attached to the fitting part 15b by the two connecting elements 153, while it is in contact with the fitting part 15b. The fastening element 61d is also attached to the housing 41d by two fastening elements 614, while it is in contact with the housing 41d.

[0082] Each of the second coupling elements 16a and 16b extends in the direction of the Y-axis and the Z-axis, respectively. The second coupling element 16a has ends that are curved in the direction of the Y-axis. One end of the second coupling element 16a is attached to the first coupling element 14a, and the other end is attached to the first coupling element 14b. Specifically, one end of the second coupling element 16a is attached to the first coupling element 14a in the direction of the Y-axis by two connecting elements 163, while remaining in contact with the first coupling element 14a. The other end of the second coupling element 16a is attached to the first coupling element 14b by the two connecting elements 163, while remaining in contact with the first coupling element 14b.

[0083] The second coupling element 16b has ends that are curved in the direction of the Y-axis. One end of the ends is attached to the first coupling element 14a and the other end to the first coupling element 14b. Specifically, one end of the second coupling element 16b is attached to the first coupling element 14a in the direction of the Y-axis by two connecting elements 164, while it is in contact with the first coupling element 14a. The other end of the second coupling element 16b in the direction of the Y-axis is attached to the first coupling element 14b by the two connecting elements 164, while it is in contact with the first coupling element 14b.

[0084] As described above, the capacitor units 11, 21, 31, and 41 in the power converter device 5 according to embodiment 5 are attached to the base 10 by the fastening elements 61a, 61b, 61c, and 61d and the fitting elements 15a and 15b. Furthermore, the first coupling elements 14a and 14b are attached to the capacitor units 11, 21, 31, and 41, and the second coupling elements 16a and 16b are attached to the first coupling elements 14a and 14b. The capacitor units 11, 21, 31, and 41 are therefore mounted without displacement, regardless of the maximum expected vibration of the rail vehicle.

[0085] The embodiments described above are not to be understood as limiting the present disclosure. Two or more of the embodiments described above can be combined. For example, the power converter device 1 can be equipped with the fastening elements 61a, 61b, 61c and 61d and the connecting elements 611, 612, 613 and 614.

[0086] The number of capacitor units is any natural number equal to or greater than two. For example, power converter devices 2 to 5 can be equipped with six capacitor units arranged in two rows along the X-axis and three columns along the Y-axis.

[0087] Alternatively, the power converter devices 2 to 5 can be equipped with six capacitor units arranged in three rows along the X-axis and two columns along the Y-axis. In this case, the fitting elements 15a and 15b are attached to each of the capacitor units, which are arranged on both sides along the X-axis.

[0088] The above-mentioned arrangement directions of the capacitor units are merely examples. For instance, the power converter device 1 can be equipped with capacitor units 11 and 21 arranged side by side in the direction of the Z-axis.

[0089] The power converter device 1 can be equipped with an adhesive to connect the first coupling element 14a to the housings 11d and 21d instead of the connecting elements 141. Furthermore, the power converter device 1 can be equipped with an adhesive to connect the first coupling element 14b to the housings 11d and 21d instead of the connecting elements 142.

[0090] The power converter devices 1 to 5 do not necessarily comprise a three-stage inverter of a dual system and can be any power converter device equipped with a variety of capacitor units and a variety of switching elements. For example, the power converter devices 1 to 5 can be a power converter device powered by alternating current from an alternating current source.

[0091] The power converter devices 1 to 5 can be installed in any environment exposed to vibrations, such as in a rail vehicle.

[0092] Fitting elements 15a and 15b can also be made from a column element instead of a plate element. The first coupling elements 14a, 14b, 18a and 18b and the second coupling elements 16a, 16b, 19a and 19b can also be made from a column element instead of a plate element.

[0093] The number and shape of the spacers 17a and 17b can be changed as desired, provided that the spacers 17a and 17b can ensure the distance between the housings 11d and 31d and the distance between the housings 21d and 41d.

[0094] The power converter devices 2 to 5 can operate without the spacers 17a or 17b. In this case, housing 11d can be in contact with housing 31 and housing 21d can be in contact with housing 41d.

[0095] The number and positions of the connecting elements 141, 142, 151, 152, 161, 162, 163, 164, 181, 182, 191, 192, 193, 611, 612, 613 and 614 can be changed as desired, as long as the assembly can secure the capacitor units 11, 21, 31 and 41 without displacement, regardless of the maximum expected vibration of the rail vehicle.

[0096] The foregoing describes some exemplary embodiments for illustrative purposes. Although specific embodiments were presented in the preceding discussion, the person skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be understood in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense. This detailed description is therefore not to be understood in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims, together with the entire range of equivalents that these claims assert. Reference symbol list 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Power converter device 9 Last 10 cooler base 10a, 10b Main area 11, 21, 31, 41 Capacitor unit Output connections: 11a, 11b, 11c, 21a, 21b, 21c, 31a, 31b, 31c, 41a, 41b, 41c 11d, 21d, 31d, 41d Case 12, 22 Power converters 12a, 22a Plus electrode connection 12b, 22b Middle clamp 12c, 22c negative electrode connection 13, 23 busbar 14a, 14b, 18a, 18b First coupling element 15a, 15b Fitting element 16a, 16b, 19a, 19b Second coupling element 17a, 17b spacers 51 Heat pipe 52nd rib 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d Fastening element 141, 142, 151, 152, 153, 154, 161, 162, 163, connecting element 164, 181, 182, 191, 192, 193, 611, 612, 613, 614 Connecting element FC11, FC12, FC21, FC22 filter capacitor MC1, MC2 contactor SW1, SW2 switching element

Claims

[1] Power converter device (1, 2, 3, 5), comprising: a plurality of capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41), each comprising at least one capacitor which is charged with electric current supplied by a power source; a plurality of power converters (12, 22), each having primary terminals, secondary terminals and switching elements (SW1, SW2), wherein the primary terminals of the power converter (12, 22) are connected to a corresponding capacitor unit (11, 21, 31, 41) of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41), wherein the power converter (12, 22) is configured to convert electrical current supplied via the primary terminals into electrical current to be supplied to a load (9) connected to the secondary terminals by switching between on and off states of the switching elements (SW1, SW2), and to supply the converted electrical current to the load (9) via the secondary terminals; a base (10) with a main surface (10a) to which the switching elements (SW1, SW2) of each of the power converters (12, 22) are attached; at least one coupling element (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b) attached to some of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) arranged side by side; and a plurality of fitting elements (15a, 15b), each of which is attached to a corresponding capacitor unit (11, 21, 31, 41) of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) and is attached to the base (10), wherein the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) are arranged along the main surface (10a) of the base (10), and the fitting elements (15a, 15b) are attached to capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) which are located on both sides of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) arranged along the main surface (10a), and that at least one coupling element (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b) has at least one pair of first coupling elements (14a, 14b, 18a, 18b) which extend along the main surface (10a) of the base (10) and are opposite each other with a gap in a direction intersecting the main surface (10a) of the base (10). [2] Power converter device (1, 2, 3, 5) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pair of first coupling elements (14a, 14b, 18a, 18b) is attached to some of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) which are arranged side by side in one direction along the main surface (10a) of the base (10). [3] Power converter device (1, 2, 3, 5) according to claim 2, further comprising: a fastening element (61a, 61b, 61c, 61d) which is attached to the fitting elements (15a, 15b) and to the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41). [4] Power converter device (2, 3, 5) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) are arranged in a two-dimensional manner in a direction along the main surface (10a) of the base (10) and in a direction intersecting the main surface (10a) of the base (10). [5] Power converter device (2, 5), comprising: a plurality of capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41), each comprising at least one capacitor which is charged with electric current supplied by a power source; a plurality of power converters (12, 22), each having primary terminals, secondary terminals and switching elements (SW1, SW2), wherein the primary terminals of the power converter (12, 22) are connected to a corresponding capacitor unit (11, 21, 31, 41) of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41), wherein the power converter (12, 22) is configured to convert electrical current supplied via the primary terminals into electrical current to be supplied to a load (9) connected to the secondary terminals by switching between on and off states of the switching elements (SW1, SW2), and to supply the converted electrical current to the load (9) via the secondary terminals; a base (10) with a main surface (10a) to which the switching elements (SW1, SW2) of each of the power converters (12, 22) are attached; at least one coupling element (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b) attached to some of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) arranged side by side; and a plurality of fitting elements (15a, 15b), each of which is attached to a corresponding capacitor unit (11, 21, 31, 41) of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) and is attached to the base (10), wherein the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) are arranged in a two-dimensional manner in one direction along the main surface (10a) of the base (10) and in a direction intersecting the main surface (10a) of the base (10), and the fitting elements (15a, 15b) are attached to capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) which are located on both sides of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) arranged along the main surface (10a), which has at least one coupling element (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b): at least one pair of first coupling elements (14a, 14b) extending along the main surface (10a) of the base (10) and opposite each other with a gap in the direction intersecting the main surface (10a) of the base (10), and a multitude of second coupling elements (16a, 16b) extending in the direction intersecting the main surface (10a) of the base (10), that at least one pair of first coupling elements (14a, 14b) is attached to some of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) which are arranged side by side in the direction along the main surface (10a) of the base (10), and the second coupling elements (16a, 16b) are each attached to some of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) which are arranged side by side in the direction intersecting the main surface (10a) of the base (10). [6] Power converter device (4) comprising: a plurality of capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41), each comprising at least one capacitor which is charged with electric current supplied by a power source; a plurality of power converters (12, 22), each having primary terminals, secondary terminals and switching elements (SW1, SW2), wherein the primary terminals of the power converter (12, 22) are connected to a corresponding capacitor unit (11, 21, 31, 41) of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41), wherein the power converter (12, 22) is configured to convert electrical current supplied via the primary terminals into electrical current to be supplied to a load (9) connected to the secondary terminals by switching between on and off states of the switching elements (SW1, SW2), and to supply the converted electrical current to the load (9) via the secondary terminals; a base (10) with a main surface (10a) to which the switching elements (SW1, SW2) of each of the power converters (12, 22) are attached; at least one coupling element (19a, 19b) attached to some of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) arranged side by side; and a plurality of fitting elements (15a, 15b), each of which is attached to a corresponding capacitor unit (11, 21, 31, 41) of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) and is attached to the base (10), wherein the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) are arranged in a two-dimensional manner in one direction along the main surface (10a) of the base (10) and in a direction intersecting the main surface (10a) of the base (10), and the fitting elements (15a, 15b) are attached to capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) which are located on both sides of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) arranged along the main surface (10a), that at least one coupling element (19a, 19b) has a plurality of second coupling elements (19a, 19b) extending in the direction intersecting the main surface (10a) of the base (10), the second coupling elements (19a, 19b) are each attached to some of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) which are arranged side by side in the direction intersecting the main surface (10a) of the base (10), and at least one of the second coupling elements (19a, 19b) is attached to the base (10) and another of the second coupling elements (19a, 19b) is attached to the at least one of the second coupling elements (19a, 19b) that is attached to the base (10). [7] Power converter device (2, 3, 4, 5) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising: a spacer (17a, 17b) which is in contact with some of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41) which are arranged side by side in the direction intersecting the main surface (10a) of the base (10). [8] Power converter device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: Connecting elements (141, 142, 161, 162, 181, 182, 191, 192) to attach at least one coupling element (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b, 19a, 19b) to some of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41). [9] Power converter device (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: an adhesive to connect at least one coupling element (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b, 19a, 19b) to some of the capacitor units (11, 21, 31, 41).

Images