Power conversion device, inter-component connection system, and inter-component connection method

Abstract

To improve a fitting position accuracy between fitting members in a fitting part that electrically connects between components.SOLUTION: A power conversion device according to the present disclosure, comprises: first and second components; and a plurality of a pair of fitting members containing male and female type fitting members. In each of the first and second components, a pair of alignment keys is formed. The male type fitting member includes: an insertion part; and a connection part. The connection part is divided by a gap, and is bent to a vertical direction to the insertion part. The female type fitting member includes first and second nipping parts that are oppositely arranged each other. In each of the plurality of the pair of fitting members, the male type and female type fitting members are arranged to each of the first and second components by using each of the pair of alignment keys as a reference position. Both of the first and second components are bonded by nipping each insertion part by the first and second nipping parts in a state where a positional matching of the pair of alignment keys is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power conversion device, a component connection system, and a component connection method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, power conversion devices mounted on electric vehicles and the like are provided with multiple circuit boards on which circuit configurations such as DC / DC converters and inverters are mounted. For such power conversion devices, there is a demand for miniaturization from the viewpoint of, for example, mountability in a vehicle.

[0003] In this situation, a technology is known in which a power converter is miniaturized while maintaining the mounting area on the multiple circuit boards by stacking multiple circuit boards. In such a power converter, electrical connection between components may be achieved by fitting fittings such as connectors provided on the components such as the circuit boards. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-014128 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, if the fitting position accuracy between the fitting members at each fitting portion is low during the assembly process of the power conversion device, the fitting portions may not fit properly, which may result in poor electrical connection between the components.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a power conversion device, a component connection system, and a component connection method that can improve the fitting position accuracy between fitting members in a fitting portion that electrically connects the components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The power conversion device according to the present disclosure includes a first part, a second part, and a plurality of pairs of fitting members. The first part has one of a pair of first alignment keys formed thereon. The second part has the other of the pair of first alignment keys formed thereon. Each of the plurality of pairs of fitting members includes a male fitting member and a female fitting member. The male fitting member has an insertion portion and a connection portion that is divided by a gap and bent perpendicularly to the insertion portion. The female fitting member has a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion that are arranged opposite to each other. In each of the plurality of pairs of fitting members, the male fitting member is arranged on one of the first part and the second part with the first alignment key as a reference position, and the female fitting member is arranged on the other of the first part and the second part with the first alignment key as a reference position. The first part and the second part are coupled together by the female fitting member clamping the insertion portion of the male fitting member inserted between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion in each of the pairs of fitting members with the pair of first alignment keys being positionally aligned. Each of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion is bent to form a convex portion toward the opposing surfaces of the other. A gap is provided at the tip of each of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion. The first clamping portion includes a first elastic portion and a second elastic portion divided by the gap. The second clamping portion includes a third elastic portion and a fourth elastic portion divided by the gap. Each of the first elastic portion and the third elastic portion is extended from a first base portion provided on the female fitting member. The second elastic portion and the fourth elastic portion each extend from a second base portion provided on the female fitting member. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the power conversion device, the component connection system, and the component connection method disclosed herein, it is possible to improve the fitting position accuracy between the fitting members in the fitting portion that electrically connects the components. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a layered structure of a plurality of printed circuit boards in a power converter according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the pair of fitting members shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a fitted state of the pair of fitting members shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the male fitting member of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the female fitting member of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a plurality of printed circuit boards of FIG. 1 each provided with an alignment key. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a component connection system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a component connection system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the positional relationship of alignment keys before and after alignment between components in connecting components according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a process of fitting components together in connecting components according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of inter-component connection according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of the component connection system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining another example of the process of fitting components together in the connection between components according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of the component connection system according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of the component connection system according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of an alignment key according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing another example of inter-component connections according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing another example of inter-component connections according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of an arrangement of fitting members B in the connection between components according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining another example of the arrangement of the fitting members B in the connection between components according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing another example of inter-component connections according to the embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing another example of inter-component connections according to the embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing another example of inter-component connections according to the embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an example of the positional relationship of alignment keys before and after alignment between components in connecting components according to this embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing another example of inter-component connections according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a component connection structure, a power conversion device, a component connection system, and a component connection method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] In the description of the present disclosure, components having the same or substantially the same functions as those described above with respect to the previously-mentioned drawings may be given the same reference numerals, and the description may be omitted as appropriate. In addition, even when the same or substantially the same parts are shown, the dimensions and ratios of the components may be different depending on the drawing. In addition, for example, from the viewpoint of ensuring the visibility of the drawings, reference numerals may be given only to the main components in the description of each drawing, and reference numerals may not be given to components having the same or substantially the same functions as those described above with respect to the previously-mentioned drawings.

[0012] The inter-component connection structure according to the present disclosure is a structure for connecting between any components to be connected, such as electronic components, circuit boards, and board units. These components to be connected are, for example, components constituting a power conversion device such as a charger. As an example, the inter-component connection structure is a connection structure between circuit boards. As another example, the inter-component connection structure is a connection structure between an electronic component and a circuit board or board unit. As another example, the inter-component connection structure is a connection structure between a circuit board and a board unit. As another example, the inter-component connection structure is a connection structure between electronic components. As another example, the inter-component connection structure is a connection structure between board units. A cooling plate may be used as the component to be connected.

[0013] For example, the electronic components are components such as semiconductor elements, semiconductor modules, magnetic bodies, capacitors, and circuit breakers. The semiconductor modules are, for example, composed of multiple semiconductor elements. Here, the magnetic bodies are transformers, transformer-integrated printed circuit boards, transformers, reactors, and chokes. The circuit breakers are relays and fuses.

[0014] For example, the circuit board is a printed circuit board (PCB). As an example, the printed circuit board is a glass epoxy board formed with an aluminum alloy or a copper alloy as a base material. The circuit board may be a circuit board of a magnetic component such as a transformer, a transformer, a reactor, or a choke. This magnetic component has a substrate on which a conductor pattern forms a winding, and a magnetic core is passed through the inside and outside of the winding formed on the substrate to form a closed magnetic circuit, thereby functioning as a magnetic component. In this case, the electronic component can be expressed as a printed circuit board transformer or a transformer-integrated printed circuit board.

[0015] For example, the board unit is a plurality of circuit boards that are joined together. In the board unit, the plurality of circuit boards may be joined together by the inter-component connection structure according to the present disclosure, or may be joined together by adhesive, screws, bolts, or the like. The joined circuit boards may be electrically connected or insulated from each other. The board unit may be a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted. In this case, the electronic components and the circuit boards may be electrically connected or insulated from each other, or may be only thermally connected.

[0016] In the following description, the inter-component connection according to the present disclosure will be described using an example of board-to-board connection that electrically connects a plurality of printed circuit boards.

[0017] An example of a power conversion device according to the embodiment is an on-board charger that is mounted on an electric vehicle or the like, converts AC power supplied from a power source (external power source) into DC power of a predetermined voltage, and outputs the converted DC power to a battery such as a lithium-ion battery. Such a power conversion device is equipped with a plurality of circuit boards on which circuit configurations such as DC / DC converters and inverters are mounted. Note that the component connection structure according to the present disclosure may be applied to the connection between the DC / DC converter module or inverter module and the circuit board.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a layered structure of a plurality of printed circuit boards in a power conversion device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 illustrates a first circuit board PCB1, a second circuit board PCB2, a third circuit board PCB3, and a fourth circuit board PCB4 among the plurality of circuit boards included in the power conversion device 1.

[0019] The first circuit board PCB1, the second circuit board PCB2, the third circuit board PCB3, and the fourth circuit board PCB4 are each a printed circuit board. In the following description, a plurality of pairs of fitting members B may be referred to as a plurality of pairs of fitting members B. A pair of fitting members B may also be referred to as a fitting portion.

[0020] The first circuit board PCB1 is coupled to the second circuit board PCB2 by multiple pairs of mating members B. The second circuit board PCB2 is coupled to each of the first circuit board PCB1 and the third circuit board PCB3 by multiple pairs of mating members B. The third circuit board PCB3 is coupled to the second circuit board PCB2 and the fourth circuit board PCB4 by multiple pairs of mating members B. The fourth circuit board PCB4 is coupled to the third circuit board PCB3 by multiple pairs of mating members B. As a result, each board is electrically connected via each of the multiple pairs of mating members B.

[0021] It is also possible that only some of the multiple circuit boards included in the power conversion device 1 are printed circuit boards. For example, at least one of the first circuit board PCB1, the second circuit board PCB2, the third circuit board PCB3, and the fourth circuit board PCB4 can be a printed circuit board. Also, the connection between the circuit boards by a pair of fitting members B does not necessarily have to be an electrical connection. However, the embodiment mainly illustrates a case where two circuit boards are electrically coupled by multiple pairs of fitting members B.

[0022] In this manner, in the power conversion device 1 according to the embodiment, two adjacent circuit boards among at least two stacked circuit boards are coupled by a plurality of pairs of fitting members B. Each of the plurality of pairs of fitting members B includes a male fitting member Bm and a female fitting member Bf. That is, the plurality of pairs of fitting members B are a plurality of pairs of fitting members B. Also, each of the plurality of pairs of fitting members B, i.e., a pair of fitting members B, is a set of a male fitting member Bm and a female fitting member Bf. Here, one of the plurality of pairs of fitting members B is disposed on each of the opposing main surfaces of the two stacked circuit boards.

[0023] The male fitting member Bm or the female fitting member Bf is arranged on each circuit board with the alignment keys 31, 32 (see FIG. 6) as the origin, for example, and the alignment keys 31, 32 as the geometric reference positions.

[0024] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, in each of the multiple pairs of mating members B, the male mating member Bm is disposed on one of the two stacked circuit boards, and the female mating member Bf is disposed on the other of the two stacked circuit boards.

[0025] It is possible to arbitrarily determine whether a male fitting member Bm or a female fitting member Bf is to be disposed on each of the multiple circuit boards. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, only one of a male fitting member Bm and a female fitting member Bf is disposed on each of the two circuit boards that are coupled together by engaging the multiple pairs of fitting members B. As another example, at least one male fitting member Bm and at least one female fitting member Bf are disposed on each of the two circuit boards that are coupled together by engaging the multiple pairs of fitting members B. In this case, the male fitting member Bm can be disposed on one main surface of each circuit board, and the female fitting member Bf can be disposed on the other main surface. Alternatively, both the male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf can be disposed on one main surface of each circuit board.

[0026] Furthermore, two or more circuit boards may be bonded to one main surface of each circuit board.

[0027] The male fitting member Bm is a blade-shaped connector (plug) that is inserted. The male fitting member Bm can also be expressed as a flat plug blade. The female fitting member Bf is a connector (receptacle) that is inserted. The female fitting member Bf can also be expressed as a blade receiving spring.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the pair of fitting members B in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the fitted state of the pair of fitting members B in Fig. 1. Fig. 2(a) and Fig. 3 show an example of the fitted state of the pair of fitting members B. Fig. 2(b) shows each of the male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf in a simplified manner similar to Fig. 1. Fig. 2(c) and Fig. 3 show each of the male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf in detail.

[0029] The insertion portion 11 of the male fitting member Bm mounted on the circuit board PCB is inserted into the receiving portion 20 of the female fitting member Bf. Specifically, the insertion portion 11 is inserted so as to expand the gap between the first clamping portion 21 and the second clamping portion 22 while contacting the first clamping portion 21 and the second clamping portion 22. As shown in FIG. 2(a) and FIG. 3, the female fitting member Bf clamps the insertion portion 11 of the male fitting member Bm inserted between the first clamping portion 21 and the second clamping portion 22, thereby coupling the circuit board PCB on which the female fitting member Bf is arranged and the circuit board PCB on which the male fitting member Bm is arranged. The length of insertion of the male fitting member Bm into the female fitting member Bf, i.e., the insertion height, can be appropriately set according to the distance between the boards to be coupled, etc.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the male fitting member Bm in FIG. 1. The insertion portion 11 of the male fitting member Bm has a generally flat plate shape. The tip portion 13 of the insertion portion 11 is chamfered, and the thickness decreases toward the tip side. This makes it easier to insert the insertion portion 11 into the receiving portion 20 of the female fitting member Bf. The connection portions 15 of the insertion portion 11 are each of the rear end sides of the insertion portion 11 divided into three by the gap 17. The connection portions 15, i.e., each of the rear end sides of the divided insertion portion 11, are bent in a direction generally perpendicular to the insertion portion 11. The connection portions 15 are soldered to a predetermined position on the PCB board and electrically connect between the insertion portion 11 and the wiring on the PCB board. The insertion portion 11 and the connection portions 15 can be formed, for example, by bending a single metal plate.

[0031] The number of divisions on the rear end side of the insertion portion 11 of the male fitting member Bm can be designed to be any number equal to or greater than 2. As an example, the number of divisions is increased as the length of the insertion portion 11 increases.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the female fitting member Bf in Fig. 1. The female fitting member Bf holds the insertion portion 11 of the male fitting member Bm inserted into the receiving portion 20. The female fitting member Bf is formed, for example, by bending a single metal plate. The female fitting member Bf has a roughly Y- or X-shape with an open tip side when viewed from the side, i.e., the first base portion 26a or the second base portion 26b side.

[0033] Specifically, the female fitting member Bf has a first clamping portion 21 and a second clamping portion 22. The first clamping portion 21 and the second clamping portion 22 are disposed opposite to each other. The surface of the first clamping portion 21 facing the second clamping portion 22 and the surface of the second clamping portion 22 facing the first clamping portion 21 form the receiving portion 20. That is, the first clamping portion 21 and the second clamping portion 22 face each other through the receiving portion 20. The female fitting member Bf clamps the insertion portion 11 of the male fitting member Bm inserted into the receiving portion 20 between the first clamping portion 21 and the second clamping portion 22. The first clamping portion 21 is bent at the first bending portion 23a into a shape that is convex toward the opposing second clamping portion 22. Similarly, the second clamping portion 22 is bent at the first bent portion 23a into a shape that is convex toward the opposing first clamping portion 21. In other words, each of the first clamping portion 21 and the second clamping portion 22 is bent at the first bent portion 23a so as to form a convex portion toward the opposing surface of each other. The first bent portion 23a of the first clamping portion 21 and the first bent portion 23a of the second clamping portion 22 are separated from each other via the receiving portion 20. The distance between the first bent portion 23a of the first clamping portion 21 and the first bent portion 23a of the second clamping portion 22 is smaller than the thickness of the insertion portion 11 of the male fitting member Bm.

[0034] Each of the first clamping portion 21 and the second clamping portion 22 has a gap 27 from the front end side to the rear end side. That is, each of the first clamping portion 21 and the second clamping portion 22 is divided into two by the gap 27. In other words, the front end of the female fitting member Bf is divided into four by the gap 27. Specifically, the first clamping portion 21 includes a first elastic portion 21a and a second elastic portion 21b divided by the gap 27. Similarly, the second clamping portion 22 includes a third elastic portion 22a and a fourth elastic portion 22b divided by the gap 27. Here, the first elastic portion 21a and the second elastic portion 21b can also be expressed as being separated by the gap 27. Similarly, the third elastic portion 22a and the fourth elastic portion 22b can also be expressed as being separated by the gap 27.

[0035] 5 illustrates a female fitting member Bf divided into four by the gap 27, but the number of divisions by the gap 27 may be five or more. However, it is preferable that the number of divisions of the first clamping portion 21 and the number of divisions of the second clamping portion 22 are equal, and the number of divisions by the gap 27 is, for example, an even number of six or more. A relative rotational position shift between a pair of fitting members B, which will be described later, may occur in either direction. Therefore, by making the number of divisions of the first clamping portion 21 and the number of divisions of the second clamping portion 22 equal, the geometric tolerance of the fitting portion can be expanded regardless of the direction of the rotational position shift.

[0036] Each of the first elastic portion 21a and the third elastic portion 22a extends from the first base portion 26a. In other words, each of the first elastic portion 21a and the third elastic portion 22a is connected to the first base portion 26a in a continuous and integral manner via the second bent portion 23b. In addition, each of the second elastic portion 21b and the fourth elastic portion 22b extends from the second base portion 26b. In other words, each of the second elastic portion 21b and the fourth elastic portion 22b is connected to the second base portion 26b in a continuous and integral manner via the second bent portion 23b. In addition, each of the first base portion 26a and the second base portion 26b extends from the connection portion 25 to the printed circuit board. In other words, each of the first base portion 26a and the second base portion 26b is continuously and integrally connected to the connecting portion 25 via the third bent portion 23c.

[0037] Therefore, each of the first elastic portion 21a, the second elastic portion 21b, the third elastic portion 22a and the fourth elastic portion 22b corresponds to a divided shape of the first clamping portion 21 or the second clamping portion 22, and can deform independently depending on the contact state with the insertion portion 11.

[0038] The male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf are each made of a metal material, such as copper, a copper alloy including brass, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.

[0039] A conductor plating is applied to a part or the whole of the surface area of ​​the male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf, and the conductor plating may be, for example, tin plating, silver plating, or gold plating.

[0040] Here, tin has a property of being easily alloyed with nickel used as the base of the male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf. When the ambient temperature becomes high, the alloying of tin and nickel progresses, and the resistance value becomes 1 [mΩ] or more. On the other hand, silver and gold do not easily alloy with nickel, but are expensive to use. If the contact resistance between the male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf is large, a temperature rise occurs at the contact portion between the male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf. Therefore, in the power conversion device 1 according to the embodiment, the contact resistance at the contact portion between the male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf is set to 1 [mΩ] or less. In other words, the contact resistance between the insertion portion 11 of the male fitting member Bm and the convex portion of the first clamping portion 21 or the second clamping portion 22 in the state in which the pair of fitting members B are fitted is set to 1 [mΩ] or less.

[0041] The magnitude of the contact resistance is determined by the "contact pressure," "material (such as tin on the surface)," and "contact area." In the power conversion device 1 according to the embodiment, the contact resistance is adjusted to 1 [mΩ] or less by adjusting the elastic forces of the four elastic parts of the female fitting member Bf, for example. In other words, the elastic forces of the four elastic parts of the female fitting member Bf according to the embodiment are designed so that the contact resistance is 1 [mΩ] or less. The elastic forces of the four elastic parts depend on, for example, the material (base material) of the female fitting member Bf and its shape.

[0042] The insertion portion 11 of the male fitting member Bm according to the embodiment has a substantially flat plate shape. The female fitting member Bf according to the embodiment is configured to fit with the male fitting member Bm by clamping the inserted substantially flat plate-shaped insertion portion 11. As a result, the board-to-board connection structure according to the embodiment can increase the contact area between the pair of fitting members B compared to a board-to-board connection structure realized using a male fitting member having a pin-shaped insertion portion, for example, and therefore can reduce the contact resistance. The reduction in contact resistance between the pair of fitting members B contributes to suppression of heat generation and power loss in the pair of fitting members B, improvement of the degree of freedom regarding the shape and material of the female fitting member Bf, and simplification of the determination of the connection state.

[0043] For example, when the diameter of the pin shape and the thickness of the flat plate shape are the same, the width of the flat plate shape can be set arbitrarily, so that the flat plate-shaped male fitting member Bm can have a larger contact area with the female fitting member Bf than a pin-shaped male fitting member of the same length. Also, when the cross-sectional areas of the pin shape and the flat plate shape in a cross section parallel to the substrate are the same, the area of ​​the main surface of the flat plate shape can be made larger than the surface area of ​​a pin shape of the same length by appropriately setting the thickness and width of the flat plate shape. In other words, the flat plate-shaped male fitting member Bm can have a larger contact area with the female fitting member Bf than a pin-shaped male fitting member of the same length.

[0044] Here, the thickness of the insertion portion 11 refers to the size of the insertion portion 11 in the left-right direction in the state shown in Fig. 1. The length of the insertion portion 11 refers to the size of the insertion portion 11 in the up-down direction in the state shown in Fig. 1. The width of the insertion portion 11 refers to the size of the insertion portion 11 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in the state shown in Fig. 1.

[0045] In addition, the present disclosure illustrates a male fitting member Bm having a substantially flat insert portion 11, but is not limited thereto. For example, the male fitting member Bm may have a substantially cylindrical insert portion 11, such as a pin shape. Even in this case, the multiple elastic parts of the female fitting member Bf according to the embodiment can be deformed independently according to the contact state with the substantially cylindrical insert portion 11. In addition, the multiple elastic parts of the female fitting member Bf can be arranged, for example, in a ring shape so as to fit with the male fitting member Bm by clamping the inserted substantially cylindrical insert portion 11.

[0046] An insulating portion is provided on the outer periphery of the female fitting member Bf. As an example, the insulating portion is a layer of an insulator formed on the outer periphery of the female fitting member Bf. The layer of the insulator may be formed by applying an insulator to the outer periphery of the female fitting member Bf, or may be formed by attaching an insulating film made of an insulator to the outer periphery of the female fitting member Bf. As an example, the insulator is a resin. Here, the outer periphery of the female fitting member Bf is a surface area of ​​the female fitting member Bf excluding the area of ​​the first clamping portion 21 facing the second clamping portion 22, the area of ​​the second clamping portion 22 facing the first clamping portion 21, and the area of ​​the connection portion 25 that contacts the printed circuit board. This allows electrical inspection to detect a connection failure when a malfunction occurs in the fitting of the pair of male fitting members Bm and female fitting members Bf due to a misalignment between the insertion portion 11 and the receiving portion 20. Here, the electrical test is the measurement of the resistance value through the contact portion between the male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the plurality of circuit boards in FIG. 1 each having an alignment key. As shown in FIG. 6, each of the plurality of circuit boards according to this embodiment has alignment keys 31 and 32 on its main surface. For example, each circuit board has an alignment key 31 on its front side and an alignment key 32 on its back side. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the alignment key 31 is provided on the main surface of the first circuit board PCB1 facing the second circuit board PCB2. Also, the alignment key 32 is provided on the main surface of the second circuit board PCB2 facing the first circuit board PCB1. That is, the pair of alignment keys 31 and 32 are formed on the mutually opposing surfaces of the first circuit board PCB1 and the second circuit board PCB2. Also, the pair of alignment keys 31 and 32 are provided on the two circuit boards to be joined at positions facing each other when the two circuit boards are joined.

[0048] The alignment keys 31, 32 may or may not be provided on the main surface of the first circuit board PCB1 opposite to the second circuit board PCB2 and on the main surface of the fourth circuit board PCB4 opposite to the third circuit board PCB3. In other words, each of the multiple circuit boards has the alignment keys 31, 32 provided at least on the main surface facing the other circuit board to be joined.

[0049] The alignment keys 31 and 32 are marks used as geometric reference positions such as an origin position when placing the male fitting member Bm or the female fitting member Bf on each circuit board.

[0050] The alignment keys 31 and 32 are marks for adjusting the position used for alignment in the process of joining the circuit boards. The alignment keys 31 and 32 may also be called alignment marks. The alignment keys 31 and 32 are pattern shapes formed on each of the two circuit boards to be joined. Here, each of the pair of alignment keys 31 and 32 for aligning the two circuit boards to be joined is an example of a first alignment key.

[0051] Here, alignment, which will be described in detail later, refers to positioning and aligning each circuit board in the process of joining the circuit boards based on alignment keys 31, 32. Positioning and aligning each circuit board refers to moving a stage 62 (see FIG. 9) that holds each circuit board, thereby moving the circuit board vertically above the other circuit board to be joined.

[0052] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inter-component connection system 4 according to an embodiment. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inter-component connection system according to an embodiment. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the positional relationship of alignment keys 31, 32 before and after alignment between components in inter-component connection according to an embodiment. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a process of fitting between components in inter-component connection according to an embodiment.

[0053] The inter-component connection system 4 is a system that connects components of the power conversion device 1, such as an on-board charger. That is, the inter-component connection system 4 can be used in the assembly process of the power conversion device 1. The inter-component connection system 4 includes a control device 40, an alignment key recognition device 50, and a substrate moving device 60, as shown in FIG.

[0054] The control device 40 includes a processor 41 and a memory 43 .

[0055] The processor 41 controls the overall operation of the control device 40. As the processor 41, various types of processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) can be appropriately used.

[0056] The memory 43 stores various data and programs used by the control device 40. As the memory 43, various storage media and storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a Flash memory can be appropriately used. The memory 43 is further provided with a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data being worked on. Note that the memory 43 may be an external storage device connected to the control device 40 via a telecommunications line.

[0057] The control device 40 has functions as a recognition control unit 411 and a movement control unit 413. The control device 40 realizes the functions of the recognition control unit 411 and the movement control unit 413 by, for example, causing the processor 41 to execute an inter-component connection program loaded in the memory 43.

[0058] The recognition control unit 411 controls the operation of the alignment key recognition device 50. For example, the recognition control unit 411 moves a support member 51 on which multiple cameras 53 are mounted, and inserts it between the two circuit boards to be joined. The recognition control unit 411 also recognizes the alignment keys 31, 32 provided on each of the two circuit boards to be joined, using the multiple cameras 53. The recognition control unit 411 outputs the recognition results of the alignment keys 31, 32 to the movement control unit 413.

[0059] The movement control unit 413 calculates the amount of movement of the stage 62 mounting one of the two circuit boards to be joined relative to the stage 61 mounting the other of the two circuit boards to be joined, based on the recognition result of the alignment keys 31, 32 by the recognition control unit 411. When the recognized alignment keys 31, 32 are not positionally aligned as shown in (a) of Fig. 9, for example, the movement control unit 413 calculates the amount of movement of the stage 62 based on the direction and amount of deviation of the recognized alignment keys 31, 32. In other words, the movement control unit 413 calculates the amount of movement of the stage 62, with a state where the alignment keys 31, 32 are positionally aligned as shown in (b) of Fig. 9 as a target position.

[0060] Furthermore, the movement control unit 413 moves the stage 62 based on the calculated movement amount to positionally match the two circuit boards to be joined and complete the alignment. Thereafter, the movement control unit 413 moves the stage 62 in the vertical direction D1 so as to approach the stage 61, as shown in Fig. 11, and couples the two circuit boards by fitting the pairs of fitting members B together.

[0061] Note that achieving positional alignment between two circuit boards refers to, but is not limited to, changing the relative position so that alignment key 31 fits into the gap between alignment keys 32. For example, achieving positional alignment between two circuit boards may mean changing the relative position so that alignment keys 31, 32 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and face the same direction.

[0062] The alignment key recognition device 50 is a device that recognizes the alignment keys 31, 32 provided on each of two circuit boards to be joined in the circuit board assembly process. As shown in FIG. 8, the alignment key recognition device 50 has a support member 51 and a plurality of cameras 53. The plurality of cameras 53 are provided on the support member 51. The plurality of cameras 53 includes at least two cameras 53 provided at positions facing the two circuit boards when the support member 51 is inserted between the two circuit boards. These cameras 53 are configured to be able to photograph the alignment keys 31, 32 provided on the opposing circuit boards. The positions of the plurality of cameras 53 on the support member 51 are stored in advance in the memory 43 or the like. The number and arrangement of the plurality of cameras 53 may be appropriately determined according to the circuit boards on which the alignment keys 31, 32 are provided.

[0063] The arrangement of the alignment keys 31, 32 may be different between the first circuit board PCB1 and the second circuit board PCB2 and between the second circuit board PCB2 and the third circuit board PCB3. In this case, a different alignment key recognition device 50 may be used according to the arrangement of the alignment keys 31, 32 of the two circuit boards to be joined. Also, the positions of the multiple cameras 53 may be changeable according to the arrangement of the alignment keys 31, 32 of the two circuit boards to be joined.

[0064] In the example shown in Fig. 8, the multiple cameras 53 recognize the alignment key 31 provided on the second circuit board PCB2 side of the first circuit board PCB1 and the alignment key 32 provided on the first circuit board PCB1 side of the second circuit board PCB2. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the camera 53 recognizing the alignment key 31 provided on the second circuit board PCB2 side of the first circuit board PCB1 and the camera 53 recognizing the alignment key 32 provided on the first circuit board PCB1 side of the second circuit board PCB2 are arranged such that their imaging axes are coaxial.

[0065] The board moving device 60 is a device that aligns two circuit boards to be joined in a circuit board assembly process. As shown in Fig. 8, the board moving device 60 has stages 61 and 62 that hold the two circuit boards to be joined, respectively. The stages 61 and 62 are configured so that the surfaces facing each other are parallel to each other. The stage 61 is, for example, a fixed stage. The stage 62 is, for example, a movable stage. The stage 62 is, for example, a three-axis stage that can move in the up, down, left, and right directions. The stage 62 may be configured so that the circuit board it holds can be tilted.

[0066] In the example shown in Fig. 8, a stage 61 of the board moving device 60 holds a first circuit board PCB1. Also, a stage 62 holds a second circuit board PCB2 so as to be movable in a horizontal direction D. The board moving device 60 aligns the second circuit board PCB2 with respect to the first circuit board PCB1 by moving the stage 62 parallel to the stage 61. Also, as shown in Fig. 10, the board moving device 60 couples the second circuit board PCB2 to the first circuit board PCB1 by moving the stage 62 vertically with respect to the stage 61.

[0067] The board moving device 60 may not have the stage 61 configured as a fixed stage. In this case, the board moving device 60 may use the housing of the power conversion device 1, such as an aluminum die-cast or stainless steel plate, instead of the stage 61. Alternatively, the board moving device 60 is realized as a device that aligns the second circuit board PCB2 with respect to the first circuit board PCB1 coupled to the housing. That is, in the present disclosure, the stage 61 can be appropriately interpreted as one of a pair of components to be connected in the assembly process of the power conversion device 1. The other of the pair of components to be connected is moved by the stage 62 in the same manner whether the stage 61 is used or a component such as the housing of the power conversion device 1 is used instead of the stage 61.

[0068] Hereinafter, an example of a flow of inter-component connection according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of inter-component connection according to an embodiment. Here, as shown in Figs. 8 and 10, a case in which a second circuit board PCB2 is coupled to a first circuit board PCB1 will be described as an example.

[0069] First, the male fitting member Bm is placed on the main surface of the first circuit board PCB1 facing the second circuit board PCB2 with the alignment key 31 as a reference (S101). Also, the female fitting member Bf is placed on the main surface of the second circuit board PCB2 facing the first circuit board PCB1 with the alignment key 32 as a reference (S102). In this way, by placing the male fitting member Bm or the female fitting member Bf with the alignment keys 31 and 32 as reference positions, the positional alignment of each circuit board can be achieved by performing alignment using the alignment keys 31 and 32.

[0070] Next, the circuit boards are set on the board moving device 60 so that the main surfaces of the circuit boards to be joined face each other (S103). Specifically, the first circuit board PCB1 is held by a stage 61. The second circuit board PCB2 is held by a stage 62.

[0071] Thereafter, the recognition control unit 411 inserts the support member 51 between the two circuit boards to be joined, and recognizes the alignment keys 31, 32 provided on each of the two circuit boards to be joined by the multiple cameras 53 (S104). After recognizing the alignment keys 31, 32, the recognition control unit 411 removes the support member 51 from between the two circuit boards to be joined.

[0072] After the support member 51 is moved from between the two circuit boards to be joined, the movement control unit 413 moves the stage 62 relative to the stage 61 based on the recognition result of the alignment keys 31, 32 by the recognition control unit 411, thereby joining the first circuit board PCB1 and the second circuit board PCB2 (S203). Specifically, the movement control unit 413 calculates the movement amount of the stage 62 related to the alignment based on the recognition result of the alignment keys 31, 32 by the recognition control unit 411. In addition, the movement control unit 413 moves the stage 62 in parallel based on the calculated movement amount to complete the alignment. After the alignment is completed, the movement control unit 413 moves the stage 62 closer to the stage 61, thereby fitting each of the multiple pairs of fitting members B.

[0073] In step S203, the movement control unit 413 presses one of the printed circuit boards against the other printed circuit board after the contact between the male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf is detected by the sensor, thereby forming a fixed state of the layered structure. As the sensor, a sensor that measures a resistance value through the contact portion between the male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf can be used. The female fitting member Bf has an elastic force (spring force) in the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the insertion portion 11 of the male fitting member Bm. Therefore, if multiple male fitting members Bm are simultaneously pressed into multiple female fitting members Bf, some of the male fitting members Bm may come off from the receiving portion 20 of the female fitting member Bf. Therefore, in this step, after a reliable mating state is created once, one of the printed circuit boards is further pressed into the other printed circuit board to achieve good mating. Here, the securely fitted state refers to a steady state in which the insertion portion 11 is pressed into the receiving portion 20 by, for example, about 1 mm.

[0074] As described above, the two circuit boards are joined by fitting the male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf mounted on each circuit board. However, when the male fitting member Bm or the female fitting member Bf is mounted on the circuit board, it may be positioned out of the intended position. In such a case, the pair of fitting members B may not be fitted properly, which may cause a connection failure between the boards. Even if the male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf are mounted in a predetermined position, the pair of fitting members B may not be fitted properly, depending on the positional accuracy during assembly, which may cause a connection failure between the boards.

[0075] In the inter-component connection structure according to the embodiment, the male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf are arranged with the alignment keys 31, 32 provided on the circuit board as reference positions. The alignment of the two circuit boards to be joined is performed based on the recognition result of the alignment keys 31, 32. By providing the alignment keys 31, 32 on the circuit board in this way, the multiple pairs of fitting members B can be properly fitted together by aligning the circuit boards based on the recognition result of the alignment keys 31, 32. The alignment key recognition device 50 is configured to recognize the alignment keys 31, 32 provided at predetermined positions on the circuit board by multiple cameras 53 arranged so that the imaging axes are coaxial at positions according to the arrangement of the alignment keys 31, 32. With this configuration, even if the sizes of the two circuit boards to be joined are different, the alignment of the two circuit boards to be joined can be performed by the alignment keys 31, 32.

[0076] As described above, the component connecting method according to the embodiment can improve the fitting position accuracy between the fitting members in the fitting portion that electrically connects the components. This allows a plurality of circuit boards to be appropriately stacked, thereby achieving a reduction in the size of the power conversion device 1.

[0077] Hereinafter, each modified example of the inter-component connection structure, the power conversion device, the inter-component connection system, and the inter-component connection method according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following description, differences from the above-mentioned embodiment or each modified example will be mainly described, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0078] (First Modification) In the above-described embodiment, a case was illustrated in which the imaging axes of the camera 53 recognizing the alignment keys of the circuit board on the stage 61 and the camera 53 recognizing the alignment keys of the circuit board on the stage 62 are coaxial, but this is not limited to this.

[0079] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of the component connection system 4 according to the first modified example. Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining another example of the process of fitting components in the component connection according to the first modified example.

[0080] 12, in the alignment key recognition device 50 according to this modification, the imaging axis of the camera 53 that recognizes the alignment keys of the circuit board on the stage 61 and the imaging axis of the camera 53 that recognizes the alignment keys of the circuit board on the stage 62 are not positioned on the same axis. Here, the distance L1 between the imaging axes of the two cameras 53 that recognize the alignment keys of the circuit board on the stage 61 is equal to the distance L2 between the imaging axes of the two cameras 53 that recognize the alignment keys of the circuit board on the stage 62. As a result, even if the imaging axes of the multiple cameras 53 facing the stages 61 and 62 are not positioned on the same axis, the corresponding alignment keys 31 and 32 can be recognized.

[0081] As in the above-described embodiment, it is sufficient that the positions of the alignment keys correspond between the two circuit boards to be joined, and the sizes of the two circuit boards to be joined may be different, as shown in Figures 12 and 13.

[0082] 13, the board moving device 60 according to this modification, under the control of the control device 40 as in the above embodiment, moves the stage 62 in the horizontal direction D11 to complete the alignment based on the recognition result of the alignment key recognition device 50. Also, under the control of the control device 40, the board moving device 60 moves the stage 62 in the vertical direction D12 to couple the first circuit board PCB1 and the second circuit board PCB2.

[0083] Even with this configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0084] (Second Modification) In the above-described embodiment and first modified example, a case has been illustrated in which one alignment key recognition device 50 recognizes the alignment keys of a circuit board on stage 61 and the alignment keys of a circuit board on stage 62, respectively, but this is not limited to this.

[0085] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of the component connection system 4 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, the component connection system 4 according to this modification has an alignment key recognition device 50a and an alignment key recognition device 50b. The alignment key recognition device 50a recognizes the alignment keys of the circuit board on the stage 61. The alignment key recognition device 50b recognizes the alignment keys of the circuit board on the stage 62.

[0086] The number of alignment key recognition devices 50 may be three or more. For example, there may be cases where the second circuit board PCB2 and the third circuit board PCB3 are coupled to one main surface of the first circuit board PCB1. In such a case, three alignment key recognition devices 50 may be used to recognize the alignment keys of the first circuit board PCB1, the second circuit board PCB2, and the third circuit board PCB3, respectively.

[0087] Even with these configurations, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0088] (Third Modification) In the above-described embodiment and each of the modified examples, the case where a plurality of cameras 53 are inserted between two circuit boards to be joined has been illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0089] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of the component-to-component connection system 4 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 15, in the component-to-component connection system 4 according to this modification, the stage 62 has a transmission section 621. The transmission section 621 is provided at a position facing the alignment key 31 of the circuit board held by the stage 62. The transmission section 621 only needs to be configured so that the alignment key 31 can be recognized by the camera 53 via the stage 62, and may be configured as a through hole or may be configured as a transparent member such as glass.

[0090] Moreover, the stage 62 according to this modification has a recess 623 on the side of the circuit board to be held. The recess 623 is provided at a position facing the male fitting member Bm or the female fitting member Bf provided on the circuit board to be held by the stage 62.

[0091] The movement control unit 413 according to this modification calculates the amount of movement of the stage 62 based on the alignment keys 31 of the first circuit board PCB1 and the alignment keys 31 of the second circuit board PCB2. Here, the alignment keys 31 of the first circuit board PCB1 and the alignment keys 31 of the second circuit board PCB2 have the same pattern shape and are an example of a pair of alignment keys formed on the surfaces of the first circuit board PCB1 and the second circuit board PCB2 facing the same side. Note that it is also possible to perform alignment using the alignment keys 32 in a similar manner.

[0092] According to this configuration, in addition to the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. For example, when multiple circuit boards are stacked, the circuit board forming the intermediate layer is provided with at least one of the male fitting member Bm and the female fitting member Bf on both main surfaces. In this situation, according to the configuration of this modification, the alignment key 31 can be recognized without inserting the support member 51 of the alignment key recognition device 50 between the two circuit boards to be joined, so that interference between the fitting member B provided on the circuit board and the support member 51 can be suppressed.

[0093] (Fourth Modification) In the above-described embodiments and variant examples, examples have been given of a pair of alignment keys, such as a set of a cross-shaped alignment key 31 and four rectangular alignment keys 32 having cross-shaped gaps, or a pair of cross-shaped alignment keys 31, but this is not limited to the above.

[0094] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of an alignment key according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, various shapes can be used as the alignment key. For example, as shown in FIG. 16(a), the alignment key may have a shape obtained by rotating each of the alignment keys 31 and 32. For example, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the alignment key may be a set of an * (asterisk) shape and six triangular shapes having gaps in the asterisk shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 16(c), the alignment key may be a set of a circular or elliptical shape and a ring shape having gaps in the circular or elliptical shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 16(d), the alignment key may be a set of a shape obtained by combining two rectangles and a shape obtained by combining the two rectangles and having gaps. The shape of the alignment key is not limited to the shapes shown in FIG. 16, and any polygonal shape such as a triangle or a square can be used.

[0095] The alignment key may be a through hole formed in a circuit board and having a conductive plating film formed thereon. For example, either or both of the alignment keys shown in FIG. 16(c) may be formed as a through hole in a printed circuit board.

[0096] In addition, the male fitting member Bm or the female fitting member itself provided on the circuit board may be used as the alignment key. As an example, alignment can be performed so that the alignment key 31 and the four elastic parts of the female fitting member Bf are aligned with each other.

[0097] Even with these configurations, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0098] (Fifth Modification) In the above-described embodiment and each modified example, the description has been focused on the joining of two circuit boards, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0099] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing another example of inter-component connection according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the techniques according to the above-mentioned embodiment and each modified example can also be applied to the case where a plurality of circuit boards are coupled to one circuit board. In the example shown in FIG. 17, a second circuit board PCB2 is stacked on a first circuit board PCB1. A third circuit board PCB3 and a fourth circuit board PCB4 are stacked on the second circuit board PCB2. The third circuit board PCB3 is coupled to the second circuit board PCB2, and the fourth circuit board PCB4 is coupled to the second circuit board PCB2 in the same manner as the above-mentioned inter-component connection. When a plurality of circuit boards are coupled to one circuit board, the sizes of the circuit boards may be different for each circuit board.

[0100] The shape of the alignment key may be different for each of the two circuit boards to be joined. For example, when multiple circuit boards are joined to one circuit board, the shape of the alignment key may be configured to enable identification of the circuit boards to be joined.

[0101] Even with these configurations, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, when a different alignment key is used for each circuit board to be coupled, the alignment key can be distinguished from the alignment keys provided for coupling with other circuit boards, so that the accuracy of the fitting position between the fitting members in the fitting portion that electrically connects the components can be further improved.

[0102] (Sixth Modification) Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the connection between components according to the embodiment. Fig. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of the arrangement of fitting members B in the connection between components according to the embodiment.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 18, each circuit board may be provided with an alignment key 33 for aligning the fitting member B on the circuit board. The alignment key 33 for arranging the fitting member B is provided with the alignment keys 31 and 32 of the circuit board as a reference position such as an origin. Here, each of the alignment keys 37 for aligning the pairs of fitting members B is an example of a second alignment key. Each fitting member B is moved while checking the relative position with the alignment key 33 with a camera or the like, and is solder-mounted at a predetermined position with respect to the alignment key 33, as shown in FIG. 19, for example. FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a case where the female fitting member Bf is aligned so that the four elastic parts and the alignment key 33 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and have the same inclination.

[0104] 19 illustrates a position that is spaced a predetermined distance from the alignment key 33 and has the same inclination as the predetermined position with respect to the alignment key 33, but is not limited thereto. Fig. 20 is a diagram for explaining another example of the arrangement of the fitting member B in the connection between components according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 20, the fitting member B can also be arranged so that the four elastic portions and the alignment key 33 are aligned in the same manner as the alignment using the alignment keys 31 and 32.

[0105] It is also possible to provide an alignment key corresponding to the alignment key 33 on the fitting member B itself. In this case, alignment is performed between the alignment key 33 and the alignment key provided on the fitting member B, and the fitting member B is placed at a predetermined position on the circuit board.

[0106] In this modified example, the female fitting member Bf has been described as an example, but the male fitting member Bm can also be arranged in a similar manner using the alignment key 33.

[0107] According to these configurations, in addition to the effects obtained in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to obtain an effect that the positional accuracy relating to the arrangement of the fitting members B can be improved.

[0108] (Seventh Modification) 21 and 22 are schematic diagrams showing another example of inter-component connection according to the embodiment. Fig. 21 shows a schematic diagram of the circuit boards before they are joined. Fig. 22 shows a schematic diagram of the circuit boards after they are joined.

[0109] The stage 61 according to this modification is a part of the housing of the power conversion device 1. The housing is provided with positioning pins 625a, 625b such as dowel pins, knock pins, or parallel pins. The positioning pins 625a, 625b are marks for position adjustment used at the time of alignment in the process of coupling the circuit boards, and therefore can be expressed as an example of a first alignment key. Each circuit board according to this modification is provided with holes 35a, 35b instead of the alignment keys 31, 32. The holes 35a, 35b are marks for position adjustment used at the time of alignment in the process of coupling the circuit boards, and therefore can be expressed as an example of a first alignment key. The holes 35a, 35b of each circuit board are provided at positions corresponding to the positioning pins 625a, 625b of the housing, respectively. The holes 35a, 35b of each circuit board have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the positioning pins 625a, 625b. In each circuit board, the fitting member B is disposed with the holes 35a, 35b as reference positions.

[0110] The recognition control unit 411 according to this modification recognizes the positioning pins 625a, 625b and the holes 35a, 35b by the alignment key recognition device 50. The movement control unit 413 completes the alignment by moving each substrate in the horizontal direction based on the recognition results of the positioning pins 625a, 625b and the holes 35a, 35b. After the alignment is completed, the movement control unit 413 moves each substrate in the vertical direction while aligning the holes 35a, 35b of each substrate with the positioning pins 625a, 625b, as shown in FIG. 22, to sequentially couple each substrate.

[0111] In this way, similar to the above-described embodiment, good fitting of the fitting member B can be achieved even in a configuration using the positioning pins 625a, 625b and the holes 35a, 35b instead of the alignment keys 31, 32. In other words, according to the configuration of this modified example, similar to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to obtain the effect of improving the positional accuracy related to the arrangement of the fitting member B.

[0112] (Eighth Modification) Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram showing another example of inter-component connection according to the embodiment. Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a state before circuit boards are joined. Fig. 24 is a diagram for explaining an example of the positional relationship of alignment keys before and after alignment between components in inter-component connection according to the embodiment.

[0113] The stage 61 according to this modification is generally similar to that of the seventh modification. The stage 61 is a part of the housing of the power conversion device 1, and has positioning pins 625a, 625b such as dowel pins, knock pins, or parallel pins. Unlike the seventh modification, the alignment keys 37 are provided on the upper surfaces of the positioning pins 625a, 625b according to this modification. Here, each of the pair of alignment keys 37 for aligning the two circuit boards to be joined is an example of a first alignment key. Unlike the seventh modification, each circuit board according to this modification is provided with holes 35a, 35b in addition to the alignment key 32. The holes 35a, 35b of each circuit board are provided at positions corresponding to the positioning pins 625a, 625b of the housing. In each circuit board, the fitting member B is disposed with the holes 35a, 35b or the alignment key 32 as a reference position.

[0114] The recognition control unit 411 according to this modification recognizes the alignment keys 32 provided on the circuit board and the alignment keys 37 provided on the positioning pins 625a, 625b by the alignment key recognition device 50. The movement control unit 413 completes the alignment by moving each board in the horizontal direction based on the recognition results of the alignment keys 32, 37. After the alignment is completed, the movement control unit 413 moves each board in the vertical direction to sequentially bond each board, in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

[0115] In addition, in the configuration of this modified example, instead of alignment key 32, other shapes of alignment keys such as alignment key 31 may be used as appropriate.

[0116] In the seventh modified example, holes 35a, 35b having a diameter slightly larger than that of the positioning pins 625a, 625b are exemplified in order to move each substrate vertically while aligning the holes 35a, 35b with the positioning pins 625a, 625b. On the other hand, in this modified example, alignment keys 37 are provided on the upper surfaces of the positioning pins 625a, 625b, so it is not necessary to move each substrate vertically while aligning the holes 35a, 35b with the positioning pins 625a, 625b. Therefore, according to the configuration of this modified example, the dimensional constraints of the holes 35a, 35b and the positioning pins 625a, 625b can be relaxed compared to the configuration of the seventh modified example.

[0117] (Ninth Variation) Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram showing another example of inter-component connection according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 25, in the configuration according to the eighth modification, the positioning pins 625a and 625b may not be provided on the stage 61 as a part of the housing of the power conversion device 1. In this case, as shown in Fig. 25, an alignment key 37 is provided at the position on the stage 61 where the positioning pins 625a and 625b were provided in the configuration according to the eighth modification.

[0118] According to this configuration, since the alignment of the circuit board can be performed based on the alignment keys 33 and 37, unlike the configuration according to the eighth modified example, the positioning pins 625a and 625b are not required. Not providing the positioning pins 625a and 625b reduces the number of parts of the power conversion device 1, which contributes to reducing costs.

[0119] As described above, the component connection structure, power conversion device 1, component connection system 4, and component connection method disclosed herein can improve the fitting position accuracy between fitting members in a fitting portion that electrically connects components.

[0120] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1 Power conversion device 4 Inter-component connection system 11 Insertion part 13 Tip 15 Connection 17 Gap 20 Reception Department 21 First clamping part 21a First elastic portion 21b Second elastic portion 22 Second clamping part 22a Third elastic part 22b Fourth elastic part 23a First bend 23b Second bend 23c Third bend 26a First base 26b Second base 25 Connection 27 Gap 31, 32, 33, 37 Alignment key 35a,35b Hole 40 Control device 41 Processors 411 Recognition control unit 413 Movement control section 43 Memory 50, 50a, 50b Alignment key recognition device 51 Support member 53 Camera 60 Substrate moving device 61,62 Stage 621 Transparent part 623 Recess 625a, 625b Positioning pin B A pair of fitting members Bf Female fitting Bm Male Mating Part PCB1 First circuit board PCB2 Second circuit board PCB3 Third circuit board PCB4 The fourth circuit board

Claims

1. a first component on which one of a pair of first alignment keys is formed; a second part on which the other of the pair of first alignment keys is formed; and a male fitting member having a plug portion and a connecting portion separated by a gap and bent perpendicularly to the plug portion; a female fitting member having a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion disposed opposite to each other; A plurality of pairs of fitting members each including Equipped with In each of the plurality of pairs of fitting members, the male fitting member is disposed on one of the first component and the second component with the first alignment key serving as a reference position; the female fitting member is disposed on the other of the first component and the second component with the first alignment key as a reference position; the first component and the second component are coupled together by, in each of the pairs of fitting members, clamping the insertion portion of the male fitting member inserted between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion with the female fitting member clamping the insertion portion of the male fitting member inserted between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion while the pair of first alignment keys are positionally aligned; each of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion is bent so as to form a convex portion toward a surface facing each other; A gap is provided at a tip end of each of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion, the first clamping portion includes a first elastic portion and a second elastic portion separated by the gap, the second clamping portion includes a third elastic portion and a fourth elastic portion separated by the gap, Each of the first elastic portion and the third elastic portion extends from a first base portion provided on the female fitting member, Each of the second elastic portion and the fourth elastic portion extends from a second base portion provided on the female fitting member. Power conversion equipment.

2. The power conversion device according to claim 1 , wherein the pair of first alignment keys are formed on opposing surfaces of the first component and the second component.

3. The power conversion device according to claim 1 , wherein the pair of first alignment keys are formed on surfaces of the first component and the second component facing the same side.

4. The power conversion device according to claim 1 , wherein the first alignment key is a pattern shape formed on each of the first component and the second component.

5. The power conversion device according to claim 1 , wherein the pair of first alignment keys have the same pattern shape.

6. one of the pair of first alignment keys is at least two positioning pins provided on the first component; the other of the pair of first alignment keys is at least two holes provided in the second component; The power conversion device according to claim 1 .

7. one of the pair of first alignment keys has a pattern shape formed on a surface facing the second component of each of at least two positioning pins provided on the first component; the other of the pair of first alignment keys has a pattern shape formed near at least two holes formed in the second component, The power conversion device according to claim 1 .

8. Each of the first component and the second component further includes a plurality of second alignment keys formed with the first alignment keys as reference positions; each of the male fitting members and the female fitting members is disposed at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of second alignment keys; The power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. a third part coupled to the second part; each of the pair of first alignment keys is further formed on the second component or the third component; the plurality of pairs of fitting members are further disposed between the second part and the third part; In each of the pairs of fitting members disposed between the second part and the third part, the male fitting member is disposed on one of the second component and the third component with the first alignment key serving as a reference position; the female fitting member is disposed on the other of the second component and the third component with the first alignment key serving as a reference position; The power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The power conversion device according to claim 1 , wherein the insertion portion of the male fitting member has a generally flat plate shape.

11. the connection portion of the male fitting member is soldered to a predetermined position on a substrate of one of the first component and the second component and is in contact with a surface of the substrate; The power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. a connecting portion provided on a rear end side of the female fitting member is soldered to a predetermined position on the other substrate of the first component and the second component and is in contact with a surface of the substrate; Each of the first base portion and the second base portion extends from the connection portion of the female fitting member. The power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A system for connecting components of a power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, a plurality of cameras for photographing the first component and the second component, a moving device for changing a relative position of the second part with respect to the first part; a recognition control unit that controls the plurality of cameras to recognize each of the pair of first alignment keys; a movement control unit that controls the movement device and changes a relative position of the second component with respect to the first component based on a recognition result of the pair of first alignment keys by the recognition control unit until positional alignment of the pair of first alignment keys is achieved; Inter-component connection system.

14. forming a pair of alignment keys on each of the first and second components; a male fitting member having a plug portion and a connecting portion separated by a gap and bent perpendicularly to the plug portion; a female fitting member having a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion disposed opposite to each other; a step of disposing a plurality of pairs of fitting members, each including the pair of alignment keys, on the first component and the second component such that the male fitting member and the female fitting member of each of the plurality of pairs of fitting members are disposed on different components from each other, with the pair of alignment keys being used as reference positions; recognizing each of the pair of alignment keys; changing a relative position of the second component with respect to the first component based on a recognition result of the pair of alignment keys until a positional alignment of the pair of alignment keys is achieved; a step of coupling the first component and the second component by clamping the insertion portion of the male fitting member inserted between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion with the female fitting member clamping the insertion portion of the male fitting member inserted between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion in a state in which the pair of alignment keys are positionally aligned in each of the plurality of pairs of fitting members; Equipped with each of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion is bent so as to form a convex portion toward a surface facing each other; A gap is provided at a tip end of each of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion, the first clamping portion includes a first elastic portion and a second elastic portion separated by the gap, the second clamping portion includes a third elastic portion and a fourth elastic portion separated by the gap, Each of the first elastic portion and the third elastic portion extends from a first base portion provided on the female fitting member, Each of the second elastic portion and the fourth elastic portion extends from a second base portion provided on the female fitting member. Method of connection between components.

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