Power conversion device

Abstract

To provide a power conversion device capable of suppressing influence of noise on a control circuit due to a cable electrically connected to a circuit board.SOLUTION: A power conversion device 10 includes: a power conversion board 20 on which a power conversion circuit that converts input power into predetermined power is formed; a control board 30 on which a control circuit that controls drive of the power conversion circuit is formed; and an output cable 60 that has a conductive wire 61 exposed without being covered by a shield 62 and an end portion electrically connected to the power conversion board 20, and outputs power converted by the power conversion circuit. The output cable 60 is disposed such that the power conversion board 20 is located between the output cable and the control board 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a power conversion device.

Background Art

[0002] Cables for supplying power from a battery to a motor are known. As such a cable, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cable having one end connected to a battery and the other end supplying power to a motor. In such a cable, since an electric current for driving the motor flows through it, a higher voltage is applied compared to other wirings and the like.

[0003] Therefore, generally, it is known that electrical noise is generated around the cable. In order to suppress the generation of such electrical noise, generally, the cable is covered on its outer periphery by a shield made of a conductive material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, when supplying power from a battery to a motor, the power output from the battery is converted by a power conversion device, and the converted power is supplied to the motor. Therefore, the other end of the cable having one end connected to the battery is electrically connected to the circuit board constituting the power conversion device. Thus, the tip portion of the other end of the cable has a portion not covered by the shield so as to be electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0006] Generally, in the circuit board constituting the power conversion device, in addition to the power conversion circuit that performs power conversion, a control circuit that controls the driving of the power conversion circuit is provided. Therefore, if electrical noise occurs at the tip of the cable electrically connected to the circuit board and in a portion not covered by the shield, it may affect the operation of the control circuit.

[0007] Therefore, a configuration capable of suppressing the influence of noise on the control circuit by the cable electrically connected to the circuit board is desired.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a power conversion device capable of suppressing the influence of noise on a control circuit by a cable electrically connected to a circuit board.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The inventor of the present invention has intensively studied a configuration capable of suppressing the influence of noise on the control circuit by the cable in a power conversion device in which the cable is electrically connected to the circuit board. As a result, the inventor of the present invention came up with the following configuration.

[0010] A power conversion device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a power conversion substrate on which a power conversion circuit for converting input power into predetermined power is formed, a control substrate on which a control circuit for controlling the driving of the power conversion circuit is formed, and an output cable having an end portion where a conductor is exposed without being covered by a shield and being electrically connected to the power conversion substrate, and outputting the power converted by the power conversion circuit. The output cable is arranged such that the power conversion substrate is located between the output cable and the control substrate.

[0011] In the above configuration, the end portion of the output cable is electrically connected to the power conversion substrate on which the power conversion circuit is formed in a state where the conductor is exposed without being covered by the shield. Therefore, the electrical noise generated at the end portion of the output cable is likely to propagate to the surroundings.

[0012] On the other hand, by arranging the power conversion substrate between the output cable and the control substrate formed with the control circuit as described above, the power conversion substrate can space the output cable apart from the control substrate.

[0013] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the electrical noise generated in the output cable from affecting the control substrate.

[0014] From another aspect, the power conversion device of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration. The power conversion device has a connection member, one end of which is electrically connected to the power conversion circuit, extends in a direction opposite to the control substrate with respect to the power conversion substrate, and the other end of which is electrically connected to an end portion of the output cable where the conductor is exposed without being covered by a shield.

[0015] With the above configuration, the output cable can be electrically connected to the power conversion substrate via the connection member with respect to the power conversion substrate located between the output cable and the control substrate. Therefore, the output cable can be spaced apart from the control substrate.

[0016] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the electrical noise generated in the output cable from affecting the control substrate.

[0017] From another aspect, the power conversion device of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration. The power conversion device further has a cooling portion disposed between the power conversion substrate and the output cable for cooling the power conversion substrate. The connection member passes through the cooling portion and is connected to the output cable.

[0018] As a result, not only the power conversion substrate but also the cooling unit is positioned between the output cable and the control substrate. The cooling unit has a predetermined thickness dimension in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate in order to realize the cooling function of the power conversion substrate. Therefore, the output cable and the control substrate can be arranged farther apart. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the electrical noise generated in the output cable from affecting the control substrate.

[0019] From another perspective, it is preferable that the power conversion device of the present invention includes the following configuration. A plurality of the output cables are arranged so as to be aligned along the power conversion substrate when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate.

[0020] In this way, even when a plurality of output cables are arranged so as to be aligned along the power conversion substrate when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate, the power conversion substrate is arranged between the plurality of output cables and the control substrate. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the electrical noise generated in the plurality of output cables from affecting the control substrate.

[0021] From another perspective, it is preferable that the power conversion device of the present invention includes the following configuration. The power conversion device has a casing capable of housing the power conversion substrate and the control substrate. The output cable is electrically connected to one end portion of the power conversion substrate in one direction when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate and is arranged to extend in the one direction along the power conversion substrate, and is held at the central portion of the casing in the one direction.

[0022] As a result, the output cable is held at one end portion of the power conversion substrate in one direction and at the central portion of the casing in the one direction when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging the portion of the output cable extending from the central portion of the casing in the one direction when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate can be improved. Accordingly, the degree of freedom in arranging the output cable can be improved as compared with the case where the end portion of the output cable is connected so as to extend in the normal direction with respect to the side surface of the casing.

[0023] The technical terms used in this specification are for the purpose of defining only specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the invention by said technical terms.

[0024] As used in this specification, "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed components.

[0025] In this specification, the use of "including", "comprising", or "having" and their variations identifies the presence of the described features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or their equivalents, but may include one or more of steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0026] In this specification, "attached", "connected", "coupled", and / or their equivalents are used in a broad sense and include both "direct and indirect" attachment, connection, and coupling. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connection or coupling, and may include direct or indirect electrical connection or coupling.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0028] Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art and this disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this specification.

[0029] In the description of the present invention, it is understood that several techniques and processes are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefits and can also be used together with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques.

[0030] Therefore, for the sake of clarity, in the description of the present invention, refrain from repeating all possible combinations of the individual steps unnecessarily. However, this specification and the claims should be read with the understanding that all such combinations are within the scope of the present invention.

[0031] In this specification, embodiments of a power conversion device according to the present invention will be described.

[0032] In the following description, numerous specific examples are given to provide a complete understanding of the present invention. However, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific examples.

[0033] Therefore, the following disclosure should be considered as illustrative of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments shown in the following drawings or description.

[0034] [Power conversion device] In this specification, a power conversion device is a device that converts and outputs input power. The power conversion device has a power conversion circuit that converts the input power. The power conversion circuit has, for example, a plurality of switching elements. The switching elements are driven and controlled by a control circuit formed on a control board. The power conversion circuit may be a circuit having components other than switching elements as long as it has a configuration capable of converting power.

[0035] [Output cable] In this specification, an output cable is a cable for outputting power from a power conversion device to a load. The output cable has a conductor and a shield covering the conductor. In the output cable, the end connected to the power conversion substrate of the power conversion device has the conductor exposed without being covered by the shield. The output cable may be configured to be able to apply a higher voltage than other wirings in order to supply power to the load.

[0036] [Power conversion substrate] In this specification, a power conversion substrate is a circuit substrate on which a power conversion circuit for converting input power and outputting it is formed. The power conversion circuit formed on the power conversion substrate is driven and controlled by a control circuit. One end of an output cable is electrically connected to the power conversion substrate.

[0037] [Control substrate] In this specification, a control substrate is a circuit substrate on which a control circuit for controlling a power conversion circuit formed on a power conversion substrate is formed. The control circuit is, for example, a circuit for controlling the driving of a plurality of switching elements when the power conversion circuit has the plurality of switching elements.

Advantages of the Invention

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a power conversion device capable of suppressing the influence of noise on a control circuit by an output cable electrically connected to a circuit substrate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0040] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the description of the same parts will not be repeated. Note that the dimensions of the constituent members in each figure do not faithfully represent the dimensions of the actual constituent members and the dimensional ratios of the constituent members.

[0041] Hereinafter, the arrow FR in the figure indicates one of the depth directions of the power conversion devices 10, 100, and 200. The arrow RR in the figure indicates the other of the depth directions of the power conversion devices 10, 100, and 200. The arrow LF in the figure indicates one of the width directions of the power conversion devices 10, 100, and 200. The arrow RG in the figure indicates the other of the width directions of the power conversion devices 10, 100, and 200. The arrow UP in the figure indicates one of the longitudinal directions of the power conversion devices 10, 100, and 200. The arrow DW in the figure indicates the other of the longitudinal directions of the power conversion devices 10, 100, and 200.

[0042] <Embodiment 1> (Schematic Configuration) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a power conversion device 10 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the power conversion device 10. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. Although not particularly shown, the power conversion device 10 is attached to an attachment target such as a moving body. The vertical directions UP and DW of the power conversion device 10 coincide with the vertical direction of the attachment target when the power conversion device 10 is attached to the attachment target. The moving body includes, for example, motorcycles, four-wheeled vehicles, ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), ROVs (Recreational Off-highway Vehicles), drones, water vehicles, and the like.

[0043] The power conversion device 10 is a device that converts the power supplied from a power source and supplies it to an external load. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the power conversion device 10 includes a power conversion substrate 20, a control substrate 30, a casing 50, and an output cable 60. Although not particularly shown, an input cable is connected to the power conversion substrate 20. The point of omitting the illustration and description of the input cable is the same in other embodiments.

[0044] The power conversion substrate 20 has a power conversion circuit that converts the power input from a battery or the like (not shown) into a predetermined power for supplying to a load. The power conversion circuit may convert DC power or AC power into predetermined AC power, or may convert DC power or AC power into predetermined DC power. The power conversion circuit has, for example, a plurality of switching elements. Therefore, the plurality of switching elements are mounted on one surface (mounting surface) in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 20.

[0045] In addition to the switching elements, components constituting the power conversion circuit may be mounted on the power conversion substrate 20, or components not constituting the power conversion circuit may be mounted. Also, components may be mounted on both surfaces of the power conversion substrate 20.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the base end portion of a bus bar 25 (connecting member) is electrically connected to the power conversion circuit of the power conversion substrate 20. The tip end portion of the bus bar 25 is electrically connected to an output cable 60, which will be described later. The bus bar 25 is a plate-like member made of a conductive material such as copper, for example.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the bus bar 25 is connected to an end portion in the longitudinal direction, which is one direction in the power conversion substrate 20, when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 20.

[0048] The control substrate 30 has a control circuit for driving and controlling the power conversion circuit of the power conversion substrate 20. The control circuit includes control components for driving and controlling the power conversion circuit. When the power conversion circuit has a plurality of switching elements, the control circuit controls the driving of the plurality of switching elements. The control components are mounted on one surface (mounting surface) of the control substrate 30. The control circuit of the control substrate 30 and the power conversion circuit of the power conversion substrate 20 are electrically connected so as to be able to transmit and receive signals including control signals.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the control substrate 30 is arranged with its mounting surface aligned with the mounting surface of the power conversion substrate 20 in the same direction with respect to the power conversion substrate 20. Although not particularly shown, the power conversion substrate 20 and the control substrate 30 are connected in the thickness direction by a plurality of connecting members in a state where they are arranged side by side in their thickness directions.

[0050] Thus, in this embodiment, the power conversion substrate 20 and the control substrate 30 are arranged in a two-story state parallel to each other. Note that the parallelism includes not only the case where the distance between the power conversion substrate 20 and the control substrate 30 is uniform over the entire power conversion substrate 20, but also the case where the distance between the power conversion substrate 20 and the control substrate 30 varies depending on the position as long as the power conversion substrate 20 and the control substrate 30 are not in contact with each other.

[0051] The casing 50 houses the power conversion substrate 20 and the control substrate 30 arranged side by side as described above. The casing 50 is attached to an object in a state where the power conversion substrate 20 and the control substrate 30 are housed. In the present embodiment, the casing 50 is attached to the object such that the respective surfaces of the power conversion substrate 20 and the control substrate 30 are along the vertical direction. The thickness direction of at least one of the power conversion substrate 20 and the control substrate 30 coincides with the depth direction of the power conversion device 10.

[0052] One end of the output cable 60 is connected to the bus bar 25. The other end of the output cable 60 is electrically connected to a load (not shown). Thereby, power is supplied from the power conversion substrate 20 to the load via the output cable 60. The output cable 60 is arranged such that the power conversion substrate 20 is positioned between it and the control substrate 30. That is, the power conversion substrate 20 is positioned between the output cable 60 and the control substrate 30.

[0053] The output cable 60 has at least one conductor 61 and a shield 62 covering the conductor. In the present embodiment, the output cable 60 has three conductors 61 and a shield 62 covering each conductor. One ends of the three conductors 61 are electrically connected to the bus bar 25, and the other ends are electrically connected to the U-phase coil, V-phase coil, and W-phase coil in a motor (load), for example. The output cable 60 is configured to transmit power at a higher voltage than other wirings so as to be able to supply power from the power conversion substrate 20 to the load.

[0054] The conductor 61 has a core wire made of a conductive metal material such as copper. The core wire may be coated with resin or the like. The shield 62 is composed of, for example, a metal braided strand such as copper or aluminum, a non-braided spiral winding of copper tape, or a layer of conductive polymer. The shield 62 suppresses the generation of electrical noise around the output cable 60 when a current flows through the conductor 61.

[0055] In this embodiment, the three conducting wires 61 covered by the shield 62 are covered by the cable tube 63. The cable tube 63 is a cylindrical member and can bundle and accommodate a plurality of conducting wires 61. The cable tube 63 is made of a material such as resin, for example. The cable tube 63 may be configured in a bellows shape.

[0056] At the end of the conducting wire 61 of the output cable 60 that is connected to the bus bar 25, the conducting wire 61 is not covered by the shield 62 and is exposed. Therefore, at the end where the conducting wire 61 is exposed in the output cable 60, electrical noise is generated around it due to the current flowing through the conducting wire 61. This electrical noise may affect the operation of the control circuit formed on the control board 30.

[0057] In this embodiment, the portions of the three conducting wires 61 of the output cable 60 that are not covered by the shield 62 and are exposed are arranged side by side in the width direction when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 20. And the power conversion substrate 20 is located between the portion where the conducting wire 61 is exposed in the output cable 60 and the control board 30. That is, when the power conversion device 10 is viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 20, the portion where the conducting wire 61 is exposed in the output cable 60, the power conversion substrate 20, and the control board 30 overlap in the thickness direction.

[0058] Thereby, the distance between the portion where the conducting wire 61 is exposed in the output cable 60 and the control board 30 can be ensured. Therefore, even when electrical noise is generated around the portion where the conducting wire 61 is not covered by the shield 62 and is exposed when a current flows through the conducting wire 61 of the output cable 60, the influence on the control board 30 can be suppressed.

[0059] In the plurality of output cables 60, the portions where the conductive wires 61 are exposed and the portions where the conductive wires 61 are connected to the bus bar 25 are covered by a cover 70. The cover 70 is made of, for example, metal or resin and is attached to the casing 50. The cover 70 is configured to hold the conductive wires 61 in a state of being inserted through the central portion of the casing 50 in one direction when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 20. Note that the cover 70 can also suppress the propagation of electrical noise generated in the exposed conductive wires 61 in the output cable 60 to the surroundings.

[0060] Also, as described above, since the bus bar 25 is provided at one end of the power conversion substrate 20 in one direction when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 20, the output cable 60 is electrically connected to one end of the power conversion substrate 20 in one direction when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 20. The output cable 60 is arranged to extend in the one direction along the power conversion substrate 20 from one end connected to the bus bar 25. The output cable 60 is held by the cover 70 at the central portion of the casing 50 in the one direction.

[0061] Thereby, in the output cable 60, the degree of freedom in arranging the portion extending from the central portion of the casing 50 in the one direction can be improved when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 20. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging the output cable 60 can be improved as compared with the case where the end portion of the output cable is connected so as to extend in the normal direction with respect to the side surface of the casing.

[0062] From the above, the power conversion device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a power conversion substrate 20 on which a power conversion circuit for converting input power into a predetermined power is formed, a control substrate 30 on which a control circuit for controlling the driving of the power conversion circuit is formed, and an output cable 60 having an end portion where the conductive wire 61 is exposed without being covered by the shield 62 and is electrically connected to the power conversion substrate 20, and outputs the power converted by the power conversion circuit. The output cable 60 is arranged such that the power conversion substrate 20 is located between the control substrate 30.

[0063] In the above configuration, the end of the output cable 60 is electrically connected to the power conversion substrate 20 on which the power conversion circuit is formed with the conductor 61 exposed without being covered by the shield 62. Therefore, the electrical noise generated at the end of the output cable 60 is likely to propagate to the surroundings.

[0064] On the other hand, by disposing the power conversion substrate 20 between the output cable 60 and the control substrate 30 on which the control circuit is formed as in the above configuration, the power conversion substrate 20 can space the output cable 60 apart from the control substrate 30.

[0065] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the electrical noise generated in the output cable 60 from affecting the control substrate 30.

[0066] Further, in the present embodiment, the power conversion device 10 further includes a bus bar 25 having one end electrically connected to the power conversion circuit and the other end electrically connected to an end of the output cable 60 where the conductor 61 is exposed without being covered by the shield 62.

[0067] With the above configuration, the output cable 60 can be electrically connected to the power conversion substrate 20 located between the output cable 60 and the control substrate 30 via the bus bar 25. Therefore, the output cable 60 can be spaced apart from the control substrate 30.

[0068] <Embodiment 2> FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a power conversion device 100 according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the power conversion device 100. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4. In this Embodiment 2, the power conversion device 100 is different from the power conversion device 10 of Embodiment 1 in that it has a cooling unit 140. Hereinafter, the same components as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted, and only the parts different from Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the power conversion device 100 includes a power conversion substrate 20, a control substrate 30, a cooling unit 140, a casing 50, and an output cable 60. The power conversion substrate 20 is a metal substrate made of a metal material such as aluminum, for example.

[0070] The cooling unit 140 cools the power conversion substrate 20. The power conversion substrate 20 rises in temperature due to the heat generated by the drive of the power conversion circuit. The cooling unit 140 is disposed on the other surface in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 20 to cool the power conversion substrate 20. That is, the cooling unit 140 is disposed on the back surface of the power conversion substrate 20 with respect to the mounting surface. Therefore, the power conversion substrate 20 is located between the control substrate 30 and the cooling unit 140.

[0071] The cooling unit 140 is a plate-shaped member made of metal. The cooling unit 140 is disposed on the back surface of the power conversion substrate 20 with respect to the mounting surface in a state of being arranged in the thickness direction with respect to the power conversion substrate 20. The cooling unit 140 has a flow path (not shown) through which a coolant flows on the surface facing the power conversion substrate 20. The coolant flows into the flow path from the inlet portion 141 and flows out to the outside from the outlet portion 142. Thereby, the cooling unit 140 directly cools the power conversion substrate 20 with the coolant. That is, the cooling unit 140 is a direct cooling type cooling system. Note that the cooling unit 140 may have a heat sink portion for radiating heat to the outside.

[0072] A through hole 143 through which a bus bar 125 (connecting member) passes is formed in the cooling unit 140. The bus bar 125 is electrically connected to the power conversion substrate 20 and the output cable 60 in a state of passing through the through hole 143 of the cooling unit 140. That is, the bus bar 125 penetrates the cooling unit 140 in the thickness direction. Thereby, the output cable 60 is electrically connected to the power conversion substrate 20 via the bus bar 125.

[0073] In this embodiment, the power conversion substrate 20, the control substrate 30, and the cooling unit 140 are arranged in the order of the control substrate 30, the power conversion substrate 20, and the cooling unit 140, side by side in their thickness directions.

[0074] The casing 50 houses the power conversion substrate 20 and the control substrate 30. The cooling unit 140 is attached to the casing 50 in which the power conversion substrate 20 and the control substrate 30 are housed so as to be in contact with the back surface of the power conversion substrate 20 with respect to the mounting surface.

[0075] One end of the output cable 60 is connected to the bus bar 125 passing through the through hole 143 of the cooling unit 140. The other end of the output cable 60 is electrically connected to a load (not shown). Thereby, power is supplied from the power conversion substrate 20 to the load via the output cable 60. The output cable 60 is arranged such that the cooling unit 140 is positioned between the output cable 60 and the power conversion substrate 20. Therefore, the power conversion substrate 20 and the cooling unit 140 are positioned between the output cable 60 and the control substrate 30.

[0076] Note that the configuration of the output cable 60 is the same as that in Embodiment 1. Therefore, at the portion where the conductor 61 of the output cable 60 is connected to the bus bar 125, electrical noise is generated by the current flowing through the conductor 61.

[0077] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the power conversion device 100 further has a cooling unit 140 that is arranged between the power conversion substrate 20 and the output cable 60 and cools the power conversion substrate 20. The bus bar 125 passes through the cooling unit 140 and is connected to the output cable 60.

[0078] As a result, not only the power conversion substrate 20 but also the cooling unit 140 is positioned between the output cable 60 and the control substrate 30. The cooling unit 140 has a predetermined thickness dimension in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 20 in order to realize the cooling function of the power conversion substrate 20. In the present embodiment, for example, the cooling unit 140 is thicker than the configuration of the cooling unit without a flow path for the flow path through which the coolant flows. Therefore, the output cable 60 and the control substrate 30 can be arranged farther apart. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the electrical noise generated in the output cable 60 from affecting the control substrate 30.

[0079] Similar to the first embodiment, in the plurality of output cables 60, the portion where the conductor 61 is exposed and the portion where the conductor 61 is connected to the bus bar 125 are covered by the cover 70. The cover 70 is configured to hold the conductor 61 in a state of being inserted through the central portion in one direction of the casing 50 when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 20. Thereby, in the output cable 60, the degree of freedom in arranging the portion extending from the central portion in the one direction of the casing 50 can be improved when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 20.

[0080] <Embodiment 3> FIG. 7 is a rear view showing a schematic configuration of the power conversion device 200 according to the third embodiment. In this third embodiment, the power conversion substrate 220 of the power conversion device 200 is connected to two output cables 60, which is different from the power conversion device 100 of the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and only the portions different from the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0081] The power conversion device 200, for example, converts the power of a power source such as a battery and supplies it to a motor (load), while converting the power generated by a generator and supplying it to the power source. The power conversion device 200 includes a power conversion substrate 220, a control substrate 230, a cooling unit 240, a casing 250, and an output cable 60.

[0082] Although not particularly shown, the power conversion substrate 220 has a first power conversion circuit that converts power and supplies it to a load, and a second power conversion circuit that converts the power generated by the generator and outputs it to a power source. Since the configurations of the first power conversion circuit and the second power conversion circuit are the same as those of a general power conversion circuit, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0083] The control substrate 230 has a first control circuit that controls the driving of the first power conversion circuit and a second control circuit that controls the driving of the second power conversion circuit. Since the configurations of the first control circuit and the second control circuit are the same as those of a general control circuit, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0084] The power conversion substrate 220 and the control substrate 230 are electrically connected in a stacked state in the thickness direction. The casing 250 houses the power conversion substrate 220 and the control substrate 230. The cooling unit 240 is attached to the casing 250 in which the power conversion substrate 220 and the control substrate 230 are housed so as to contact the back surface of the power conversion substrate 220 with respect to the mounting surface. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 241 is the inlet portion of the cooling unit 240, and reference numeral 242 is the outlet portion of the cooling unit 240.

[0085] The bus bar 125 is electrically connected to the power conversion substrate 220 and the output cable 60 in a state of passing through the through hole of the cooling unit 240. That is, the bus bar 125 penetrates the cooling unit 240 in the thickness direction. Thereby, the output cable 60 is electrically connected to the power conversion substrate 220 via the bus bar 125.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the bus bar 125 is connected to two output cables 60, respectively. That is, the bus bar 125 is connected to the respective conductor wires 61 of the two output cables 60. One of the two output cables 60 is electrically connected to a load. The other output cable 60 of the two output cables 60 is connected to a generator.

[0087] Note that the configuration of each of the two output cables 60 is the same as that in Embodiments 1 and 2. Therefore, at the portion where the conducting wires 61 of the two output cables 60 are connected to the bus bar 125, electrical noise is generated by the current flowing through the conducting wires 61.

[0088] In contrast, in the power conversion device 200 of the present embodiment, a plurality of output cables 60 are arranged along the power conversion substrate 220 when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 220. And between the control substrate 230 and the two output cables 60, the power conversion substrate 220 and the cooling unit 240 for cooling the power conversion substrate 220 are arranged.

[0089] In this way, even when a plurality of output cables 60 are arranged along the power conversion substrate 220 when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 220, the power conversion substrate 220 and the cooling unit 240 are arranged between the plurality of output cables 60 and the control substrate 230. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the electrical noise generated at the portion where the conducting wires 61 are exposed in the plurality of output cables 60 from affecting the control substrate 230.

[0090] Note that, similar to Embodiments 1 and 2, the portions where the conducting wires 61 are exposed and the portions where the conducting wires 61 are connected to the bus bar 125 in the plurality of output cables 60 are covered by the cover 270. The cover 270 is configured to hold the conducting wires 61 in a state of being inserted through the central portion in one direction of the casing 250 when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 220. Thereby, in the output cable 60, the degree of freedom in the routing of the portion extending from the central portion in the one direction of the casing 250 when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 220 can be improved.

[0091] (Other Embodiments) The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the above-described embodiments are merely examples for implementing the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is possible to appropriately modify and implement the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit thereof.

[0092] In each of the above embodiments, the power conversion devices 10, 100, 200 are attached to, for example, a moving body. However, the power conversion device may be attached to other devices or structures, etc., or may be used alone without being attached to other devices or structures, etc.

[0093] In each of the above embodiments, the power conversion circuit on the power conversion substrate 20, 220 has a plurality of switching elements. However, as long as the power conversion circuit has a configuration capable of power conversion, it may be constituted by components other than the switching elements.

[0094] In each of the above embodiments, the output cable 60 has a cable tube 63 that bundles a plurality of conductive wires 61. However, the output cable may have a configuration in which a plurality of conductive wires are bundled and covered with a resin member. Also, the output cable may not have a cable tube.

[0095] In each of the above embodiments, the casings 50, 250 house the control substrates 30, 230 and the power conversion substrates 20, 220. However, the control substrate and the power conversion substrate may be housed in another casing, or may not be housed in a casing. Also, the casing may house components other than the control substrate and the power conversion substrate, such as a cooling unit.

[0096] In each of the above embodiments, the portions of the output cable 60 where the conductive wires 61 are exposed are covered by covers 70, 270. However, the portions of the output cable 60 where the conductive wires 61 are exposed may not be covered by a cover. That is, in the power conversion device, a cover may not be provided.

[0097] In each of the above embodiments, the output cable 60 is electrically connected to one end of the power conversion substrates 20 and 220 in one direction when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrates 20 and 220. The output cable 60 is arranged to extend in the one direction along the power conversion substrates 20 and 220 from one end connected to the bus bars 25 and 125. However, the output cable may be electrically connected to a position other than one end of the power conversion substrate in one direction when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate. The output cable may be arranged to extend in a direction other than the one direction along the power conversion substrate, or may not be arranged along the power conversion substrate.

[0098] In each of the above embodiments, the output cable 60 is held by the covers 70 and 270 at the central portion in one direction of the casings 50 and 250. However, the cover may not hold the output cable. The output cable may be held by the casing by other members, or may not be held by the casing.

[0099] In each of the above embodiments, the control substrates 30 and 230 are arranged such that the mounting surfaces of the control substrates 30 and 230 are aligned in the same direction as the mounting surfaces of the power conversion substrates 20 and 220 with respect to the power conversion substrates 20 and 220. However, the control substrate and the power conversion substrate may be arranged such that the mounting surface of the control substrate faces the mounting surface of the power conversion substrate.

[0100] In each of the above embodiments, an input cable electrically connected to the power conversion substrates 20 and 220 may be arranged side by side with the output cable. That is, the power conversion substrate may be arranged between the input cable and the control substrate. Further, the input cable may be connected to the power conversion substrate so as to extend in a direction opposite to the direction in which the output cable extends.

[0101] In Embodiments 2 and 3 described above, the cooling units 140 and 240 cool the power conversion substrates 20 and 220 by allowing a coolant to flow through the flow paths. However, the cooling unit may air-cool the power conversion substrate without allowing the coolant to flow. In this case, it is preferable that the cooling unit has a heat sink or the like. Further, the cooling units 140 and 240 may have a flow path through which the coolant flows inside, instead of the direct cooling type in which the coolant is brought into direct contact with the power conversion substrates 20 and 220 for cooling.

[0102] In Embodiments 2 and 3 described above, an example of the arrangement of the inlet portions 141 and 241 and the outlet portions 142 and 242 of the cooling units 140 and 240 has been described. The arrangement of the inlet portion and the outlet portion of the cooling unit is not limited to the examples of Embodiments 2 and 3, and any arrangement may be used.

[0103] In Embodiment 3 described above, the power conversion device 200 has the cooling unit 240. However, the power conversion device may not have a cooling unit. Even in this case, since the power conversion substrate is arranged between the control substrate and the plurality of output cables, it is possible to suppress the electrical noise generated by the exposed conductors in the output cables from affecting the control substrate.

[0104] In Embodiment 3 described above, a plurality of output cables 60 are arranged in a plurality along the power conversion substrate 220 when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate 220. However, the plurality of output cables may not be arranged along the power conversion substrate when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate. The plurality of output cables may be arranged in any manner as long as they can electrically connect the power conversion substrate to the outside.

[0105] In the second embodiment, the bus bar 125 penetrates the cooling unit 140. However, as shown in FIG. 8, the bus bar 325 may be connected to the power conversion substrate 20 and the output cable 60 across the cooling unit 140 in the thickness direction without penetrating the cooling unit 140. That is, the bus bar 325 includes a first extension portion 325a extending along one surface of the plate-shaped cooling unit 140, a second extension portion 325b extending along the other surface of the cooling unit 140, and a connecting portion 325c connecting the first extension portion 325a and the second extension portion 325b in the thickness direction of the cooling unit 140. The first extension portion 325a is electrically connected to the power conversion circuit of the power conversion substrate 20. The second extension portion 325b is electrically connected to the output cable 60. Thereby, the bus bar 325 can electrically connect the power conversion substrate 20 and the output cable 60 without penetrating the cooling unit 140. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the flow path and the like in the cooling unit 140 can be improved. In FIG. 8, the illustration of the casing and the cover is omitted.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0106] 10, 100, 200 Power conversion device 20, 220 Power conversion substrate 25, 125, 325 Bus bar (connecting member) 30, 230 Control substrate 50, 250 Casing 60 Output cable 61 Conductive wire 62 Shield 63 Cable tube 70, 270 Cover 140, 240 Cooling unit 141, 241 Inlet portion 142, 242 Outlet portion 143 Through hole 325a First extension portion 325b Second extension portion 325c Connecting portion

Claims

1. A power conversion substrate on which a power conversion circuit for converting input power into a predetermined power is formed; A control substrate on which a control circuit for controlling the driving of the power conversion circuit is formed; An output cable having an end portion where a conductor is exposed without being covered by a shield and being electrically connected to the power conversion substrate, and outputting the power converted by the power conversion circuit; and having; The output cable is disposed between the control substrate such that the power conversion substrate is positioned therebetween. A power conversion device.

2. In the power conversion device according to Claim 1, further comprising a connecting member having one end electrically connected to the power conversion circuit, extending in a direction opposite to the control substrate with respect to the power conversion substrate, and the other end electrically connected to an end portion where a conductor is exposed without being covered by a shield in the output cable. A power conversion device.

3. In the power conversion device according to Claim 2, further comprising a cooling portion disposed between the power conversion substrate and the output cable for cooling the power conversion substrate, The connecting member passes through the cooling portion and is connected to the output cable. A power conversion device.

4. In the power conversion device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, a plurality of the output cables are arranged side by side along the power conversion substrate when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate. A power conversion device.

5. In the power conversion device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, having a casing capable of accommodating the power conversion substrate and the control substrate, The output cable is electrically connected to one end portion of the power conversion substrate in one direction when viewed in the thickness direction of the power conversion substrate and is arranged to extend in the one direction along the power conversion substrate, and is held at the central portion of the casing in the one direction. A power conversion device.

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