Method for controlling current flow of magnetic component

Abstract

To provide a method for using a magnetic component that can prevent the structure from becoming complicated and large by integrating the functions of a reactor and a transformer.SOLUTION: A magnetic component 16 includes four teeth 42a arranged in directions along the first and second axes A and B, which are orthogonal in spatial phase, across an intersection C of the axes A and B, and α-phase coils α1 and α2 attached to two of the teeth 42a along the first axis A, and β-phase coils β1 and β2 attached to two of the teeth 42a along the second axis B. The magnetic component 16 is used such that the magnetic flux directions Fα of the α-phase coils α1 and α2 are the same and such that the magnetic flux directions Fβ of the β-phase coils β1 and β2 are the same, depending on the direction of the current flowing through the coils α1, α2, β1, and β2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling current flow to a magnetic component. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, research and development has been conducted into charging mobility vehicles equipped with secondary batteries that contribute to energy efficiency, in order to ensure that more people have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and advanced energy. Conventionally, for example, a magnetic component has been known that has a cross-shaped first magnetic body and a frame-shaped second magnetic body surrounding the first magnetic body in order to reduce size and improve heat dissipation, and operates as a reactor or a transformer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-79943 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in technology related to charging and supplying power to mobility vehicles equipped with secondary batteries, it is necessary to appropriately ensure the different functions of a reactor and a transformer in power conversion while preventing the configuration of magnetic components from becoming too complex. For example, as in the magnetic components of the above-mentioned conventional technology, if the magnetic components only function as a reactor or a transformer, separate magnetic components for the reactor and the transformer are required due to interference between the magnetic fluxes of multiple windings, which may result in a complex and large configuration.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to prevent the configuration from becoming complicated and large by integrating the functions of a reactor and a transformer, thereby contributing to energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following aspects. (1) A method for controlling current flow to a magnetic component according to one aspect of the present invention includes four teeth (e.g., teeth 42a, 52a in the embodiment) arranged along a first axis (e.g., first axis A in the embodiment) and a second axis (e.g., second axis B in the embodiment) that are orthogonal to each other in a spatial phase, with an intersection (e.g., intersection C in the embodiment) between the first axis and the second axis, an outer periphery (e.g., outer periphery 42b, 52b in the embodiment) connected to surround the four teeth from the outer periphery, a first coil (e.g., α-phase first coil 23 (α1) in the embodiment) and a second coil (e.g., α-phase second coil 24 (α2) in the embodiment) attached to the two teeth along the first axis, and a second coil (e.g., α-phase second coil 24 (α2) in the embodiment) attached to the two teeth along the second axis. a magnetic component (e.g., magnetic components 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D in the embodiments) including a third coil (e.g., β-phase first coil 33 (β1) in the embodiments) and a fourth coil (e.g., β-phase second coil 34 (β2) in the embodiments) attached to a portion, the method including setting the direction of current flowing through each of the first coil, the second coil, the third coil, and the fourth coil so that the magnetic flux direction of the first coil (e.g., magnetic flux direction Fα in the embodiments) and the magnetic flux direction of the second coil (e.g., magnetic flux direction Fα in the embodiments) are the same, and so that the magnetic flux direction of the third coil (e.g., magnetic flux direction Fβ in the embodiments) and the magnetic flux direction of the fourth coil (e.g., magnetic flux direction Fβ in the embodiments) are the same.

[0007] (2): In the method for controlling the flow of current to a magnetic component described in (1) above, the magnetic component may be arranged on the inner circumferential side of the four teeth and may have an inner circumferential portion (e.g., inner circumferential core 41A, 51 in the embodiment) in which a gap (e.g., slit (gap) 41a, 51a in the embodiment) is formed.

[0008] (3) In the method for controlling current flow to a magnetic component described in (2) above, the gap may be formed parallel to a direction along the first axis or the second axis.

[0009] (4): The method for controlling the flow of current to a magnetic component described in any one of (1) to (3) above may cause the first coil and the second coil to function as a transformer, and the third coil and the fourth coil to function as a reactor.

[0010] (5): In the method for controlling the supply of current to a magnetic component described in (4) above, the magnetic component may constitute a power control unit (e.g., power control unit 10a in the embodiment) that controls power conversion between an external AC power supply and a power storage device (e.g., power storage device 11 in the embodiment). [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to (1) above, the magnetic flux directions of the first coil and the second coil are the same for each of the first axis and the second axis that are orthogonal in the spatial phase, and the magnetic flux directions of the third coil and the fourth coil are the same, so that two different functions can be integrated into one magnetic component without magnetic interference.

[0012] In the case of (2) or (3) above, different magnetic parameters can be designed depending on the inner circumferential portion shared by the first and second coils and the third and fourth coils.

[0013] In the case of (4) above, the function as a transformer and the function as a reactor can be integrated into one magnetic component without magnetic interference.

[0014] In the case of (5) above, it is possible to prevent the power control unit from becoming complicated and large in configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electric device including a magnetic component according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of each full-bridge circuit and magnetic components in the electric device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing connection states of coils in a parallel mode, a series mode, and a magnetically coupled mode in a magnetic component according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic component according to a first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic component according to a second modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic component according to a third modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic component according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an electric device including a magnetic component according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electric device 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of each of full-bridge circuits 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b and a magnetic component 16 in the electric device 10 according to the embodiment. The electrical device 10 of the embodiment is mounted on, for example, an electric vehicle, an electric moving body, an electric machine, a power supply device, etc. Examples of the electric vehicle include an electric car equipped with a rotating electric machine as a power source, a saddle-ride vehicle, a kick scooter, a hybrid vehicle combining a rotating electric machine with an internal combustion engine, and a fuel cell vehicle combining a power storage device with a fuel cell. Examples of the electric moving body include a robot, an aircraft, and a surface or underwater moving body. Examples of the electric machine include construction machinery equipped with a rotating electric machine as a power source. Examples of the power supply device include a stationary or mobile power supply device that discharges and charges a power storage device.

[0017] (Electrical Equipment) 1 and 2, an electrical device 10 according to an embodiment includes, for example, a power storage device 11, a first power conversion unit 12 and a second power conversion unit 13, a DC power supply connection unit 14 and an AC power supply connection unit 15, a magnetic component 16, a gate drive unit 17, and an electronic control unit 18. Note that, for example, the first power conversion unit 12 and the second power conversion unit 13, the DC power supply connection unit 14 and the AC power supply connection unit 15, the gate drive unit 17, and the electronic control unit 18 constitute a power control unit 10a.

[0018] The power storage device 11 is connected to a first power conversion unit 12 and a second power conversion unit 13, which will be described later. The power storage device 11 includes, for example, a plurality of battery cells connected in series or parallel. Each battery cell is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lead-acid battery, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or an all-solid-state battery, a capacitor such as an electric double-layer capacitor, or a combined battery that combines a secondary battery and a capacitor. Each battery cell is repeatedly charged and discharged. The power storage device 11 supplies power to the magnetic component 16 via the power control unit 10a. The power storage device 11 is charged by an external power source (an external DC power source and an external AC power source).

[0019] The first power conversion unit 12 includes a first full-bridge circuit 12a and a second full-bridge circuit 12b. Each of the first full-bridge circuit 12a and the second full-bridge circuit 12b includes a so-called H-bridge circuit formed by a plurality of switching elements bridge-connected in two phases. Each switching element is a transistor such as a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) made of silicon carbide (SiC) or an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor). Each switching element is, for example, an N-channel MOSFET. The switching elements are, for example, pairs of transistors forming element units 21a, 21b of a high-side arm and a low-side arm of each phase. Each pair of transistors of each element unit 21a, 21b is, for example, a pair of transistors connected in parallel. Each full-bridge circuit 12a, 12b may include a rectifying element such as a free wheel diode connected in parallel in the forward direction from the emitter to the collector between the collector and emitter of each transistor.

[0020] The first power conversion unit 12 includes, for example, a first switch 22 connected between midpoints Q2 and Q3 of the first and second full-bridge circuits 12a and 12b. The midpoint Q2 of the first full-bridge circuit 12a is, for example, a connection point between the high-side arm element unit 21a (a2H) and the low-side arm element unit 21b (a2L), which are connected in series in the second phase of the first and second phases of the two phases of the first full-bridge circuit 12a. For example, the midpoint Q2 is a connection point between the source of the high-side arm element unit 21a (a2H) and the drain of the low-side arm element unit 21b (a2L). The midpoint Q3 of the second full-bridge circuit 12b is, for example, a connection point between the high-side arm element unit 21a (a3H) and the low-side arm element unit 21b (a3L), which are connected in series in the first phase of the first and second phases of the two phases of the second full-bridge circuit 12b. For example, the midpoint Q3 is the connection point between the source of the element portion 21a (a3H) of the high-side arm and the drain of the element portion 21b (a3L) of the low-side arm.

[0021] The first switch 22 is, for example, a bidirectional switch formed by two switching elements. Each switching element is a transistor such as a MOSFET or an IGBT, for example, an N-channel MOSFET. The first switch 22 includes, for example, two transistors connected in anti-series. The two transistors are connected in series in opposite directions, for example, by connecting their sources to each other. The first switch 22 switches between conducting and blocking the current between the midpoints Q2 and Q3 by turning on (conducting) and off (blocking) the two transistors. Each transistor may include a rectifying element such as a free wheel diode connected in parallel in the forward direction from the emitter to the collector between the collector and the emitter.

[0022] The first power conversion unit 12 is connected to an α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and an α-phase second coil 24 (α2) of a magnetic component 16 (described later). The α-phase first coil 23 is connected between midpoints Q1 and Q2 of the first full-bridge circuit 12a. The α-phase second coil 24 (α2) is connected between midpoints Q3 and Q4 of the second full-bridge circuit 12b. The midpoint Q1 of the first full-bridge circuit 12a is, for example, a connection point between the high-side arm element unit 21a (a1H) and the low-side arm element unit 21b (a1L), which are connected in series in the first phase of the first full-bridge circuit 12a. For example, the midpoint Q1 is a connection point between the source of the high-side arm element unit 21a (a1H) and the drain of the low-side arm element unit 21b (a1L). The midpoint Q4 of the second full-bridge circuit 12b is, for example, a connection point between the high-side arm element unit 21a (a4H) and the low-side arm element unit 21b (a4L), which are connected in series in the second phase of the second full-bridge circuit 12b. For example, the midpoint Q4 is a connection point between the source of the high-side arm element unit 21a (a4H) and the drain of the low-side arm element unit 21b (a4L).

[0023] The first power conversion unit 12 includes a first circuit breaker 25 connected between the positive electrodes of the first full bridge circuit 12a and the second full bridge circuit 12b, and a second circuit breaker 26 connected between the negative electrodes of the first full bridge circuit 12a and the second full bridge circuit 12b. Each of the first and second switchgears 25 and 26 is, for example, a contactor, and switches on (conducting) and off (disconnecting) the connection between the first full-bridge circuit 12a and the second full-bridge circuit 12b.

[0024] The first power conversion unit 12 includes, for example, a capacitor 27 connected between the positive and negative poles. The capacitor 27 smoothes voltage fluctuations that occur due to the switching operation of each switching element of the first power conversion unit 12 between on (conduction) and off (cutoff). The first power conversion unit 12 includes, for example, a first current sensor 28a arranged between the α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the midpoint Q2, a second current sensor 28b arranged between the α-phase second coil 24 (α2) and the midpoint Q4, and a third current sensor 28c arranged between the storage device 11 and the first power conversion unit 12. For example, the first current sensor 28a detects the current flowing through the α-phase first coil 23 (α1), and the second current sensor 28b detects the current flowing through the α-phase second coil 24 (α2). The third current sensor 28c detects the current flowing between the first power conversion unit 12 and the power storage device 11.

[0025] The second power conversion unit 13 includes a third full-bridge circuit 13a and a fourth full-bridge circuit 13b. Each of the third full-bridge circuit 13a and the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b includes a so-called H-bridge circuit formed by, for example, a plurality of switching elements bridge-connected in two phases. Each switching element is, for example, a MOSFET such as SiC or a transistor such as IGBT. Each switching element is, for example, an N-channel MOSFET. The switching elements are, for example, pairs of transistors that form the high-side arm and low-side arm element units 31a, 31b of each phase. The pairs of transistors in each element unit 31a, 31b are, for example, connected in parallel. Each of the full-bridge circuits 13a and 13b may include a rectifying element such as a free wheel diode connected in parallel in the forward direction from the emitter to the collector between the collector and emitter of each transistor.

[0026] The second power conversion unit 13 includes, for example, a second switch 32 connected between midpoints R2 and R3 of the third and fourth full-bridge circuits 13a and 13b. The midpoint R2 of the third full-bridge circuit 13a is, for example, a connection point between the high-side arm element unit 31a (b2H) and the low-side arm element unit 31b (b2L), which are connected in series in the second phase of the first and second phases of the two phases of the third full-bridge circuit 13a. For example, the midpoint R2 is a connection point between the source of the high-side arm element unit 31a (b2H) and the drain of the low-side arm element unit 31b (b2L). The midpoint R3 of the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b is, for example, a connection point between the high-side arm element unit 31a (b3H) and the low-side arm element unit 31b (b3L), which are connected in series in the first phase of the first and second phases of the two phases of the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b. For example, the midpoint R3 is the connection point between the source of the element portion 31a (b3H) of the high-side arm and the drain of the element portion 31b (b3L) of the low-side arm.

[0027] The second switch 32 is, for example, a bidirectional switch formed by two switching elements. Each switching element is a transistor such as a MOSFET or an IGBT, for example, an N-channel MOSFET. The second switch 32 includes, for example, two transistors connected in anti-series. The two transistors are connected in series in opposite directions, for example, by connecting their sources to each other. The second switch 32 switches between conducting and blocking the current between the midpoints R2 and R3 by turning on (conducting) and off (blocking) the two transistors. Each transistor may include a rectifying element such as a free wheel diode connected in parallel in the forward direction from the emitter to the collector between the collector and the emitter.

[0028] The second power conversion unit 13 is connected to a β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and a β-phase second coil 34 (β2) of a magnetic component 16 (described later). The β-phase first coil 33 is connected between midpoints R1 and R2 of the third full-bridge circuit 13a. The β-phase second coil 34 (β2) is connected between midpoints R3 and R4 of the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b. The midpoint R1 of the third full-bridge circuit 13a is, for example, a connection point between the high-side arm element 31a (b1H) and the low-side arm element 31b (b1L), which are connected in series in the first phase of the third full-bridge circuit 13a. For example, the midpoint R1 is a connection point between the source of the high-side arm element 31a (b1H) and the drain of the low-side arm element 31b (b1L). The midpoint R4 of the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b is, for example, a connection point between the high-side arm element unit 31a (b4H) and the low-side arm element unit 31b (b4L), which are connected in series in the second phase of the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b. For example, the midpoint R4 is a connection point between the source of the high-side arm element unit 31a (b4H) and the drain of the low-side arm element unit 31b (b4L).

[0029] The second power conversion unit 13 includes a third circuit breaker 35 connected between one end of the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the third full-bridge circuit 13a, and a fourth circuit breaker 36 connected between one end of the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) and the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b. Each of the third and fourth switchgears 35 and 36 is, for example, a contactor. The third switchgear 35 is connected, for example, between one end of the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and a midpoint R1 of the first phase of the third full-bridge circuit 13a, and switches the connection between the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the midpoint R1 on (conduction) and off (disconnection). The fourth switchgear 36 is connected, for example, between one end of the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) and a midpoint R4 of the fourth phase of the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b, and switches the connection between the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) and the midpoint R4 on (conduction) and off (disconnection).

[0030] The second power conversion unit 13 includes, for example, a capacitor 37 connected between the positive and negative electrodes. The capacitor 37 smoothes voltage fluctuations that occur due to the switching operation of each switching element of the second power conversion unit 13 between on (conduction) and off (cutoff). The second power conversion unit 13 includes, for example, a fourth current sensor 38a arranged between the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the midpoint R2, and a fifth current sensor 38b arranged between the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) and the midpoint R4. For example, the fourth current sensor 38a detects the current flowing through the β-phase first coil 33 (β1), and the fifth current sensor 38b detects the current flowing through the β-phase second coil 34 (β2).

[0031] The second power conversion unit 13 includes, for example, an AC power supply connection unit 15 (described later) and a fifth switch 39 connected between the connection point of the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the third switch 35. The fifth switch 39 is, for example, a contactor. The fifth switch 39 switches the connection between the AC power supply connection unit 15 and the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) between on (conduction) and off (disconnection).

[0032] The DC power supply connection unit 14 and the AC power supply connection unit 15 include, for example, connectors for DC power and AC power of predetermined standards. The DC power supply connection unit 14 and the AC power supply connection unit 15 are connected to an external DC power supply (external DC power supply) and an AC power supply (external AC power supply) based on, for example, a commercial power supply connected to a power grid. The DC power supply connection unit 14 is connected, for example, to the negative electrode of the second power conversion unit 13 and to the midpoint of each of the first switch 22 and the second switch 32 (that is, between the two transistors connected in anti-series). The AC power supply connection unit 15 is connected, for example, to each of the first midpoint R1 and the fourth midpoint R4 of the second power conversion unit 13, the connection point between the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) and the fourth circuit breaker 36, and the fifth circuit breaker 39.

[0033] The magnetic component 16 functions as, for example, a transformer and a reactor, and includes, for example, an α-phase first coil 23 (α1), an α-phase second coil 24 (α2), a β-phase first coil 33 (β1), a β-phase second coil 34 (β2), an inner core 41, and an outer core 42. The outer shape of the inner core 41 is, for example, cylindrical. The inner core 41 is, for example, arranged on the inner side with a predetermined gap from the inner peripheral surface of the outer core 42. The outer core 42 is, for example, arranged on the outer side with a predetermined gap from the outer peripheral surface of the inner core 41. The outer core 42 includes, for example, a plurality of teeth 42a and an outer peripheral portion 42b arranged so as to surround the plurality of teeth 42a from the outer peripheral side. The outer shape of the outer peripheral portion 42b is, for example, cylindrical. The plurality of teeth 42a protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion 42b to the inner peripheral side.

[0034] The plurality of teeth 42a includes, for example, four teeth 42a arranged along the first axis A and the second axis B, sandwiching an intersection C between the first axis A and the second axis B, which are orthogonal to each other in a spatial phase. The four teeth 42a protrude inward from the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential portion 42b in the directions along the first axis A and the second axis B. Coils α1, α2, β1, and β2 are wound around each of the four teeth 42a. For example, an α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and an α-phase second coil 24 (α2) are wound around two teeth 42a facing each other in the direction along the first axis A. For example, a β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and a β-phase second coil 34 (β2) are wound around two teeth 42a facing each other in the direction along the second axis B.

[0035] The α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2), and the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) are so-called open-end coils, and the ends of each coil α1, α2, β1, and β2 are not connected to each other (i.e., each coil α1, α2, β1, and β2 are disconnected from each other) and are pulled out to the outside of the magnetic component 16.

[0036] The α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2) are wound in the same direction around two opposing tooth portions 42a in a direction along the first axis A, for example, so that the spatial phase difference between them is zero, when viewed from the axial direction along the central axis of the magnetic component 16. The β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) are wound in the same direction around two opposing tooth portions 42a in a direction along the second axis B, for example, so that the spatial phase difference between them is zero, when viewed from the axial direction along the central axis of the magnetic component 16.

[0037] The α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2) and the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) are arranged so as not to magnetically interfere with each other by setting the spatial phase difference between them to 90°. For example, in the α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2) to which current is applied so that the magnetic flux directions Fα are the same, and the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) to which current is applied so that the magnetic flux directions Fβ are the same, the directions of current flowing through the coils α1, α2, β1, and β2 are set so that the magnetic flux directions Fα and Fβ are spatially perpendicular to each other.

[0038] For example, when the storage device 11 is AC charged by an external AC power source, the magnetic component 16 causes the α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2) to function as a transformer, and causes the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) to function as a reactor.

[0039] The gate drive unit 17 switches on (conducting) and off (disconnecting) each of the switching elements of the first power conversion unit 12 and the second power conversion unit 13 and each of the disconnectors 25, 26, 35, 36, and 39 based on a control signal received from the electronic control unit 18. For example, the gate drive unit 17 switches on (conducting) and off (disconnecting) each of the switching elements of the full bridge circuits 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b by outputting a gate signal generated by amplifying and level-shifting a control signal.

[0040] The electronic control unit 18 comprehensively controls the operations of the power control unit 10a and the magnetic component 16. For example, the electronic control unit 18 is a software function unit that functions when a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes a predetermined program. The software function unit is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that includes a processor such as a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data, and electronic circuits such as a timer. At least a part of the electronic control unit 18 may be an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration).

[0041] The electronic control unit 18 generates control signals that indicate the timing to turn on (conducting) and off (disconnecting) each of the switching elements of the first power conversion unit 12 and the second power conversion unit 13 and each of the disconnectors 25, 26, 35, 36, 39. The electronic control unit 18 inputs the generated control signals to the gate drive unit 17.

[0042] (Control operation of electrical equipment) During DC charging, that is, when charging the power storage device 11 from an external DC power supply connected to the DC power supply connection unit 14, the electronic control unit 18 sets the first switch 25 and the second switch 26 to an on (conductive) state. For example, with respect to an external DC power supply having a lower voltage than the power storage device 11, the electronic control unit 18 causes the combination of the α-phase coils α1, α2 and the first power conversion unit 12 and the combination of the β-phase coils β1, β2 and the second power conversion unit 13 to function as non-insulated DC-DC converters that perform a boost operation using so-called chopper control. In this case, the α-phase coils α1, α2 and the β-phase coils β1, β2 function as reactors.

[0043] During AC charging, i.e., when charging the power storage device 11 using an external AC power source connected to the AC power source connection portion 15, the electronic control unit 18 sets the first circuit breaker 25 and the second circuit breaker 26 to an off (disconnected) state for insulation. The electronic control unit 18, for example, configures the α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2), which are magnetically coupled to each other with the same polarity, as a DC conversion phase (α-phase) coil used for conversion between DC power. The electronic control unit 18, for example, causes the combination of the α-phase coils α1 and α2 and the first power conversion unit 12 to function as a DAB (Dual Active Bridge) DC-DC converter, which is an insulated bidirectional (boost and buck) converter. In this case, the α-phase coils α1 and α2 function as transformers.

[0044] The electronic control unit 18, for example, configures the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2), which are magnetically coupled to each other with the same polarity, as the coils of the AC input phase (β-phase) connected to the external AC power supply. The electronic control unit 18, for example, causes the combination of the β-phase coils β1 and β2 and the second power conversion unit 13 to function as a so-called full-bridgeless (or bridgeless and totem-pole) power factor correction (PFC) circuit that converts AC power to DC power. The so-called bridgeless PFC is a PFC that does not include a bridge rectifier made up of multiple bridge-connected diodes, while the so-called totem-pole PFC is a PFC that includes a pair of switching elements of the same conductivity type connected in series in the same direction (totem-pole connection). The electronic control unit 18, for example, controls the switching of each switching element in each full-bridge circuit 13a, 13b of the second power conversion unit 13 to rectify and boost AC power received from an external AC power source into DC power, while improving the power factor of the input voltage Vac and the input current Iac. In this case, each of the β-phase coils β1, β2 functions as a reactor.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the connection states of the coils α1, α2, β1, and β2 in the magnetic component 16 of the embodiment in the parallel mode, the series mode, and the magnetic coupling mode. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2), which function as a reactor or a transformer, are set in the first power conversion unit 12 to any of the following connection states: a parallel mode in which they are connected in parallel with each other, a series mode in which they are connected in series with each other, or a magnetically coupled mode in which they are magnetically coupled in an insulated manner.

[0046] As described above, according to the electric device 10 of the embodiment, the magnetic flux directions Fα of the α-phase coils α1 and α2 are the same with respect to the first axis A and the second axis B that are orthogonal to each other in the spatial phase, and the magnetic flux directions Fβ of the β-phase coils β1 and β2 are the same, so that two different functions can be integrated into one magnetic component 16 without magnetic interference. The function of a transformer and the function of a reactor can be integrated into one magnetic component 16, which prevents the configuration of the power control unit 10a from becoming complicated and large.

[0047] (Variation) Modifications of the embodiment will be described below. Note that the same parts as those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified. In the above-described embodiment, the inductance of the α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2) and the inductance of the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) may be changed, for example, depending on the core shape of the magnetic component 16, etc. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic component 16A according to a first modified example of the embodiment. 4, the magnetic component 16A of the first modification includes an inner core 41A in which a plurality of slits (gaps) 41a are formed so as to be aligned along the magnetic flux direction (axial direction of the first axis A) of the α-phase coils α1 and α2. Each of the plurality of slits (gaps) 41a is formed so as to extend parallel to the magnetic flux direction (axial direction of the second axis B) of the β-phase coils β1 and β2. In the magnetic component 16A of the first modification, the inductance of the α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2) is smaller than that of the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) depending on the difference in the increase in the gaps due to the plurality of slits 41a.

[0048] According to the first modification, different magnetic parameters can be designed by using inner core 41A shared by each of the α-phase coils α1, α2 and each of the β-phase coils β1, β2. In the first modified example described above, the multiple slits (gaps) 41a are formed so as to be aligned along the magnetic flux direction (axial direction of the first axis A) of each α-phase coil α1, α2, but this is not limited to this and, for example, they may be formed so as to be aligned along an appropriate direction. For example, the multiple slits (gaps) 41a may be formed so as to be aligned along the magnetic flux direction of each β-phase coil β1, β2 (axial direction of second axis B), and may also be formed so as to extend parallel to the magnetic flux direction of each α-phase coil α1, α2 (axial direction of first axis A). In this case, the inductance of the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) is smaller than that of the α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2).

[0049] In the above-described embodiment, the magnetic component 16 includes the inner core 41 and the outer core 42 that are arranged with a predetermined gap between them, but is not limited to this. For example, the magnetic component 16 may include cores that are integrally connected. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic component 16B according to a second modification of the embodiment. 5, the magnetic component 16B of the second modification includes coils α1, α2, β1, and β2, and an inner core 51 and an outer core 52 that are integrally connected. The outer shape of the inner core 51 is, for example, cylindrical. The inner core 51 has a plurality of slits (gaps) 51a formed in it along the magnetic flux direction (the axial direction of the first axis A) of the α-phase coils α1 and α2. The outer core 52 includes, for example, four teeth 52a arranged in directions along the first axis A and the second axis B across an intersection C of the first axis A and the second axis B, which are orthogonal in spatial phase, and an outer portion 52b arranged to surround the four teeth 52a from the outer peripheral side. The outer shape of the outer portion 52b is, for example, a rectangular tube. The four teeth 52a protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion 52b to the inner peripheral side and are connected to the outer peripheral surface of the inner core 51. Coils α1, α2, β1, and β2 are wound around each of the four teeth 52a.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic component 16C according to a third modification of the embodiment. 6, a magnetic component 16C of the third modified example includes coils α1, α2, β1, and β2, and two integrally connected first cores 61a, 61b and a second core 62. The two first cores 61a, 61b each have, for example, a plate-like outer shape with an E-shaped cross section. The second core 62 has, for example, a plate-like outer shape with an I-shaped cross section. The two first cores 61a, 61b are arranged in mirror symmetry along the thickness direction of the second core 62 (the axial direction of the second axis B) so that their protruding portions 61c face each other, sandwiching the second core 62 from both sides in the thickness direction. The α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2) are wound, for example, around both longitudinal ends (axial direction of the first axis A) of the second core 62. The β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) are wound, for example, around the protruding portions 61c of the two first cores 61a and 61b. The magnetic component 16C of the third modified example has two first cores 61a, 61b and a second core 62 connected integrally, and is therefore provided with a rectangular frame-shaped outer peripheral portion, two teeth portions (corresponding to the second core 62) protruding from the outer peripheral portion toward the inner peripheral side in a direction along the first axis A, and two teeth portions (corresponding to the protruding portion 61c) protruding from the outer peripheral portion toward the inner peripheral side in a direction along the second axis B.

[0051] In the above-described embodiment, the α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2), and the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) are each wound around a different tooth portion 42a, but this is not limited to this. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a magnetic component 16D according to a fourth modification of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2), and the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) may each be wound around the same tooth portion 42a of the outer core 42.

[0052] In the above-described embodiment, the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) are magnetically coupled to each other with the same polarity, but this is not limiting, and the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) may be magnetically coupled to each other with opposite polarities. In this case, for example, a disconnector may be provided connected between one end of the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and a midpoint R2 of the second phase of the third full-bridge circuit 13a, or a disconnector may be provided between one end of the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) and a midpoint R3 of the third phase of the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, the DC power supply connection unit 14 is connected in a parallel pattern to the negative electrode of the second power conversion unit 13 and the midpoint of each of the first switch 22 and the second switch 32 (i.e., between the two transistors connected in anti-series), but this is not limiting. For example, the DC power supply connection unit 14 may be connected in a series pattern to the negative electrode of the second power conversion unit 13 and the midpoint Q4 of the first power conversion unit 12 and the midpoint R4 of the second power conversion unit 13. For example, the DC power supply connection unit 14 may be connected in another parallel pattern to the negative electrode of the second power conversion unit 13 and the midpoints Q2 and Q4 of the first power conversion unit 12 and the midpoints R2 and R4 of the second power conversion unit 13.

[0054] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be embodied 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 intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10...electrical equipment, 10a...power control unit, 11...energy storage device, 12...first power conversion section, 12a...first full bridge circuit, 12b...second full bridge circuit, 13...second power conversion section, 13a...third full bridge circuit, 13b...fourth full bridge circuit, 14...DC power supply connection section, 15...AC power supply connection section, 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D...magnetic components, 17...gate drive unit, 18...electronic control unit, 22...first switch, 23...α-phase first coil (α1) (first coil), 24...α-phase second coil (α2) (second coil), 25... First circuit breaker, 26...second circuit breaker, 32...second switch, 33...β-phase first coil (β1) (third coil), 34...β-phase second coil (β2) (fourth coil), 35...third circuit breaker, 36...fourth circuit breaker, 39...fifth circuit breaker, 41, 41A...inner core, 41a...slit (gap), 42...outer core, 42a...teeth portion, 42b...outer portion, 51...inner core, 51a...slit (gap), 52...outer core, 52a...teeth portion, 52b...outer portion, 61a, 61b...first core, 61c...protrusion (teeth portion), 62...second core (teeth portion).

Claims

1. four teeth portions arranged in directions along a first axis and a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being orthogonal to each other in a spatial phase, across an intersection of the first axis and the second axis; an outer circumferential portion connected to the four teeth so as to surround them from an outer circumferential side; a first coil and a second coil attached to the two teeth portions along the first axis; a third coil and a fourth coil attached to the two teeth portions along the second axis; A method for controlling current flow to a magnetic component, comprising: The direction of the current flowing through each of the first coil, the second coil, the third coil, and the fourth coil is set so that the magnetic flux direction of the first coil and the magnetic flux direction of the second coil are the same, and so that the magnetic flux direction of the third coil and the magnetic flux direction of the fourth coil are the same. A method for controlling current flow to magnetic components.

2. The magnetic component is The rotor has an inner peripheral portion disposed on the inner peripheral side of the four teeth portions and having a gap formed therein. The method for controlling current flow to a magnetic component according to claim 1.

3. The gap is formed parallel to the direction along the first axis or the second axis The method for controlling current supply to a magnetic component according to claim 2.

4. The first coil and the second coil function as a transformer, The third coil and the fourth coil function as a reactor. The method for controlling current supply to a magnetic component according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The magnetic component is A power control unit that controls power conversion between an external AC power source and the power storage device is configured.

5. The method for controlling current flow to a magnetic component according to claim 4.

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