Power conversion apparatus and manufacturing method therefor

Abstract

To provide a power conversion apparatus having a seal structure with a reduced axial length, and a manufacturing method therefor.SOLUTION: A power conversion apparatus includes an element module 41 that stores a switching element. A heat exchanger 6 includes a first member 71 that is in thermal contact with a first surface 42 of the element module 41. The first member 71 has a passage 72 for a heat medium. The heat exchanger 6 includes a second member 75 that is in thermal contact with a second surface 43 of the element module 41. The second member 75 has a passage 76 for the heat medium. The two passages 72, 76 are fluidly connected at two passage connecting portions 81, 82. Each of the passage connecting portions 81, 82 has seal rings 83a, 83b. Each of the seal rings 83a, 83b is inserted into and held in a corresponding one of passage bores 79a, 79b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The disclosure herein relates to a power converter and a method for manufacturing a power converter. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an opening in a device and a grommet attached to the opening. Patent Document 1 provides a friction adjustment structure by adjusting the surface roughness of the opening in the device and the outer surface shape of the grommet. Patent Document 2 discloses a lip seal. The contents of the prior art documents are incorporated by reference as explanations of the technical elements in this specification. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-62597 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-310340 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The structure of the prior art document is not suitable for application to the heat transfer medium passage of a power converter because the axial length of the grommet is large. The seal of the power converter is required to be easy to install and to prevent it from falling off. In the above-mentioned respects and in other respects not mentioned, further improvements are required in the power converter and the manufacturing method thereof.

[0005] One disclosed object is to provide a power converter having a seal structure with a reduced axial length, and a manufacturing method thereof. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The power conversion device disclosed herein comprises one or more element modules (41) containing one or more switching elements, and a heat exchanger (6) that is thermally coupled to the element modules and defines a passage for flowing a heat medium that exchanges heat with the element modules.

[0007] Additionally, the heat exchanger has one or more passage connections (81, 82).

[0008] Furthermore, the passage connection portion includes a passage pipe (73) defining a passage for flowing the heat medium, a bore member (75) defining a passage bore (79) for receiving the passage pipe, and a seal ring for sealing between the passage bore and the passage pipe, the seal ring including a cylindrical member (84) made of an elastic material in contact with the inner surface of the passage bore, and a seal ring (83) extending radially inward from the cylindrical member and including a seal member (89) made of an elastic material in contact with the passage pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, the seal ring is held in the passage bore by bringing the cylindrical member into contact in a compressed state with the inner surface of the passage bore, which has a predetermined surface roughness.

[0010] In the disclosed power conversion device, the inner surface of the passage bore has a predetermined surface roughness. The surface roughness affects the installation load required to insert the tubular member into the passage bore. Furthermore, the surface roughness also affects the withdrawal load at which the tubular member falls out of the passage bore. The seal ring is held in the passage bore by contacting the tubular member in a compressed state with the inner surface of the passage bore without providing a step that engages with a member that defines the passage bore. Therefore, a seal ring with a reduced axial length can be used.

[0011] The power conversion device disclosed herein includes one or more element modules (41) that house one or more switching elements and have a three-dimensional shape including a first surface (42) and a second surface (43) opposite the first surface, and a heat exchanger (6) that is thermally coupled to the element modules and defines a passage for flowing a heat medium that exchanges heat with the element modules.

[0012] The heat exchanger further includes a first member (71) that defines a first passage for flowing the heat medium and is in thermal contact with the first surface, a first passage pipe (73a) that communicates with an upstream region of the first passage and defines the passage for flowing the heat medium, a second passage pipe (73b) that communicates with a downstream region of the first passage and defines the passage for flowing the heat medium, a second member (75) that defines a second passage for flowing the heat medium and is in thermal contact with the second surface, the second member defining a first passage bore (79a) that receives the first passage pipe and a second passage bore (79b) that receives the second passage pipe, and the first passage bore. The first seal ring (83a) seals between the first passage pipe and the second passage bore, and includes a first cylindrical member made of an elastic material in contact with the inner surface of the first passage bore and a first seal member made of an elastic material extending radially inward from the first cylindrical member and in contact with the first passage pipe; and the second seal ring (83b) seals between the second passage bore and the second passage pipe, and includes a second cylindrical member made of an elastic material in contact with the inner surface of the second passage bore and a second seal member made of an elastic material extending radially inward from the second cylindrical member and in contact with the second passage pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the first seal ring is held in the first passage bore by contacting the first cylindrical member in a compressed state with the inner surface of the first passage bore, which has a predetermined surface roughness, and the second seal ring is held in the second passage bore by contacting the second cylindrical member in a compressed state with the inner surface of the second passage bore, which has a predetermined surface roughness.

[0014] In the disclosed power conversion device, the inner surfaces of the two passage bores have a predetermined surface roughness. The surface roughness affects the installation load required to insert the tubular member into the passage bore. Furthermore, the surface roughness also affects the removal load at which the tubular member falls out of the passage bore. Each of the two seal rings is held in the passage bore by contacting the tubular member in a compressed state with the inner surface of the passage bore without providing a step that engages with the member that defines the passage bore. This allows the use of two seal rings with reduced axial length. As a result, the first member and the second member are disposed in a dispersed manner on both sides of the element module. Furthermore, a fluid communication relationship for flowing a heat transfer medium can be established between the first member and the second member.

[0015] The manufacturing method of a power conversion device disclosed herein provides a manufacturing method of a power conversion device that includes one or more element modules (41) that house one or more switching elements and have a three-dimensional shape including a first surface (42) and a second surface (43) opposite the first surface, and a heat exchanger (6) that is thermally coupled to the element modules and defines a passage for flowing a heat medium that exchanges heat with the element modules.

[0016] The heat exchanger further includes a first member (71) defining a first passage for flowing the heat medium, a first passage pipe (73a) communicating with an upstream region of the first passage and defining the passage for flowing the heat medium, a second passage pipe (73b) communicating with a downstream region of the first passage and defining the passage for flowing the heat medium, and a second member (75) defining a second passage for flowing the heat medium, the second member (75) defining a first passage bore (79a) capable of receiving the first passage pipe and a second passage bore (79b) capable of receiving the second passage pipe. The seal ring (83a) has a first cylindrical member made of an elastic material and having an outer diameter capable of contacting the inner surface of the first passage bore, and a sealing member made of an elastic material and having an inner diameter capable of contacting the first passage pipe, and seals between the first passage bore and the first passage pipe, and a second seal ring (83b) has a second cylindrical member made of an elastic material and having an outer diameter capable of contacting the inner surface of the second passage bore, and a sealing member made of an elastic material and having an inner diameter capable of contacting the second passage pipe, and seals between the second passage bore and the second passage pipe.

[0017] The method further includes a seal insertion step (193) in which a step of inserting a first seal ring into the first passage bore so that the first tubular member is in compressed contact with the inner surface of the first passage bore and a step of inserting a second seal ring into the second passage bore so that the second tubular member is in compressed contact with the inner surface of the second passage bore are carried out simultaneously in parallel.

[0018] The method further includes a stacking arrangement step (194) of positioning the first member so as to face the first surface of the element module, and positioning the second member so as to face the second surface of the element module.

[0019] The method further includes a tube insertion step (195) in which the step of inserting the first passage pipe into the seal member of the first seal ring and the step of inserting the second passage pipe into the seal member of the second seal ring are carried out simultaneously in parallel until the first member and the first surface are in thermal contact and the second member and the second surface are in thermal contact.

[0020] Furthermore, there is a holding step (196) of subsequently holding the first seal ring in the first passage bore (79a) simply by bringing the cylindrical member of the first seal ring into compressed contact with the inner surface of the first passage bore (79a), and holding the second seal ring in the second passage bore (79b) simply by bringing the cylindrical member of the second seal ring into compressed contact with the inner surface of the second passage bore (79b).

[0021] According to the disclosed method for manufacturing a power converter, a first member and a second member are disposed in a dispersed manner on each of the two surfaces of an element module. A fluid communication relationship for flowing a heat transfer medium is established between the first member and the second member. Each of the two seal rings is held in the passage bore by contacting a cylindrical member in a compressed state with the inner surface of the passage bore without providing a step that engages with a member that defines the passage bore. Therefore, a power converter can be manufactured using two seal rings with reduced axial length.

[0022] The various embodiments disclosed in this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. The reference numerals in parentheses in the claims and in this section are intended to exemplify the correspondence with the following embodiments and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objectives, features, and advantages disclosed in this specification will become more apparent by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electrically powered device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a temperature control device for heat-generating equipment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a passage connection portion of the temperature control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a passage connecting portion. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the inner surface of the seal hole. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a seal insertion step. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views showing a product at an intermediate stage of the manufacturing process. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a stacking arrangement step. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a tube insertion step. [Figure 11] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a seal ring according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In several embodiments, functionally and / or structurally corresponding and / or associated parts may be designated by the same reference numerals or reference numerals that differ in the hundredth or more digits. For corresponding and / or associated parts, reference may be made to the descriptions of other embodiments.

[0025] First embodiment FIG. 1 shows a drive system 1 for electrically powered equipment. The drive system 1 provides a drive system for, for example, a mobile device. The mobile device includes a vehicle for people and a non-rider device. The mobile device may be a vehicle that moves on land, a ship that moves on and / or underwater, or an aircraft that moves through the air. The drive system drives a propeller of the mobile device.

[0026] The drive system 1 includes a rotating electric machine 2 that drives a propeller of the mobile device. The rotating electric machine 2 is, for example, a polyphase AC rotating electric machine. The rotating electric machine 2 rotates, for example, drive wheels that serve as the propeller. Alternatively, the rotating electric machine 2 may drive a screw or a propeller.

[0027] The drive system 1 includes a power supply device 3 (DCPS). The power supply device 3 supplies at least drive power to the rotating electric machine 2. The power supply device 3 may store power generated by the rotating electric machine 2. The power supply device 3 is, for example, a DC power supply device. The power supply device 3 is provided by, for example, a secondary battery, a fuel cell, or the like.

[0028] The drive system 1 includes a power converter 4 (INV). The power converter 4 adjusts the power supplied from the power supply device 3 and supplies the adjusted power to the rotating electric machine 2. The power converter 4 may adjust the power generated by the rotating electric machine 2 and supply the adjusted power to the power supply device 3. The power converter 4 may include, for example, an inverter circuit having an AC-to-DC conversion function. The power converter 4 may further include, for example, a converter circuit that converts the voltage of the power supply device 3.

[0029] The drive system 1 includes a capacitor 5. The capacitor 5 smoothes the DC power between the power supply device 3 and the power conversion device 4.

[0030] The drive system 1 includes one or more heat-generating devices in its electrical circuit. For example, the inverter circuit and / or the converter circuit include one or more switching elements. The switching elements are examples of heat-generating devices. In many cases, the inverter circuit and / or the converter circuit include multiple switching elements.

[0031] One or more switching elements are provided by a semiconductor package called an element module 41. An example of a switching element is illustrated by a symbol in the figure. The element module 41 is one of the main heat-generating devices in the power conversion device 4. One element module 41 may include one or more switching elements. One element module 41 may include multiple switching elements. The element module 41 is an assembly of multiple semiconductor packages. In this embodiment, all of the switching elements that make up the power conversion device 4 are housed in the element module 41.

[0032] The drive system 1 includes a temperature adjustment device for heat-generating equipment. The temperature adjustment device adjusts the temperature of one or more element modules 41 of the power conversion device 4. The temperature adjustment device includes a heat exchanger 6 (HEX) that exchanges heat with the element module 41. The heat exchanger 6 provides heat exchange between the element module 41 and a heat exchange medium.

[0033] The temperature control device includes a medium system 7 (CL) that supplies a heat medium to the heat exchanger 6. The heat medium is provided as a liquid or gas. The heat medium is a liquid called water, oil, coolant, antifreeze, etc. The heat medium may be provided as a refrigerant in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The medium system 7 supplies the heat medium to the heat exchanger 6 to lower the temperature of the element module 41. The medium system 7 may include, for example, a passage pipe for circulating the heat medium and a pump. The medium system 7 may include a heat dissipation heat exchanger that lowers the temperature of the heat medium. The heat dissipation heat exchanger provides, for example, heat exchange between the heat exchange medium and the atmosphere. The medium system 7 may include a refrigeration cycle that supplies a low-temperature heat medium.

[0034] In the following description and in the drawings, the first passage connecting portion 81 and the second passage connecting portion 82 are provided by components of the same shape. The first passage connecting portion 81 and the second passage connecting portion 82 have similar shapes. In the following description, the first passage connecting portion 81 may be described as a representative example. The description of the first passage connecting portion 81 and its component parts can be referred to as the description of the second passage connecting portion 82 and its component parts.

[0035] Components of the first passageway connection 81 and components of the second passageway connection 82 may be identified by the suffixes a and b. In Figures 3, 4, and 11, components common to the first passageway connection 81 and the second passageway connection 82 are shown without the suffixes a and b. These components are described without the suffixes a and b. For example, a description of the seal ring 83 should be understood as a description of the first seal ring 83a of the first passageway connection 81 and a description of the second seal ring 83b of the second passageway connection 82.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the element module 41 and the heat exchanger 6. The element module 41 has a predetermined three-dimensional shape. The element module 41 has a flat plate shape. The element module 41 has a first surface 42 in the flat plate shape. The first surface 42 is one of the surfaces with the largest area of ​​the element module 41. The first surface 42 includes a surface of the resin material that constitutes the element module 41. The first surface 42 may include a surface of a metal component that constitutes the element module 41. The element module 41 has a second surface 43 located on the opposite side to the first surface 42. The second surface 43 is one of the surfaces with the largest area of ​​the element module 41. The second surface 43 includes a surface of the resin material that constitutes the element module 41. The second surface 43 may include a surface of a metal component that constitutes the element module 41. Both the first surface 42 and the second surface 43 of the element module 41 are main heat dissipation surfaces.

[0037] The heat exchanger 6 is arranged so as to be thermally coupled to the first surface 42 and the second surface 43 of the element module 41. The heat exchanger 6 is arranged so as to be in mechanical contact with the first surface 42 and the second surface 43 of the element module 41. The heat exchanger 6 is arranged so as to sandwich the element module 41. The heat exchanger 6 is arranged so as to remove heat from the first surface 42 of the element module 41. The heat exchanger 6 is arranged so as to remove heat from the second surface 43 of the element module 41. In other words, the heat exchanger 6 and the element module 41 are arranged so that the element module 41 dissipates heat from both surfaces thereof. The heat exchanger 6 and the element module 41 are arranged in a stacked manner. The heat exchangers 6 are arranged in a dispersed manner on both surfaces of the element module 41.

[0038] The heat exchanger 6 includes a first member 71. The heat exchanger 6 includes a second member 75. The first member 71 and the second member 75 are also called heat exchange tubes or heat exchange plates. The first member 71 and the second member 75 are made of metal. The first member 71 and the second member 75 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0039] The first member 71 is in thermal contact with the first surface 42. The second member 75 is in thermal contact with the second surface 43. The first member 71, the element module 41, and the second member 75 are arranged in a stacked configuration. Direct or indirect contact is provided between the first member 71 and the element module 41 and / or between the element module 41 and the second member 75. The indirect contact may be provided via an insulating member and / or a heat transfer member such as thermally conductive grease that provides high heat transfer.

[0040] The heat exchanger 6 includes one or more passage connecting portions 80. The passage connecting portion 80 fluidly connects a passage for flowing a heat medium formed in one member with a passage for flowing a heat medium formed in another member. The passage connecting portion 80 suppresses leakage of the heat medium. In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 6 includes two passage connecting portions 81 and 82. The passage connecting portion 81 and the passage connecting portion 82 have similar shapes and structures. The passage connecting portion 81 provides the upstream end of the passage for flowing the heat medium. The passage connecting portion 81 provides the downstream end of the passage for flowing the heat medium.

[0041] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 6 has two passage connections 81 and 82. Each of the two passage connections 81 and 82 includes a passage pipe 73, a common bore member (second member 75), and a seal ring 83. Alternatively, the heat exchanger 6 may include one passage connection. Alternatively, the heat exchanger 6 may include three or more passage connections.

[0042] The heat exchanger 6 has the element module 41 disposed between only two members, a first member 71 and a second member 75. The heat exchanger 6 can also be called a sandwich structure. The heat exchanger 6, which includes only two members, allows for a simple passage configuration and can provide high reliability. Furthermore, the element module 41 includes all of the switching elements included in the power conversion device 4. The sandwich-structured heat exchanger 6 regulates the temperature of all of the switching elements. As a result, the reliability of the electrically powered device 1 can be improved.

[0043] 2, the heat-generating component is one or more element modules 41 that house one or more switching elements. The element module 41 has a three-dimensional shape that includes a first surface 42 and a second surface 43 that is opposite to the first surface 42. In the illustrated example, the element module 41 has a flat plate shape.

[0044] The heat exchanger 6 is thermally coupled to the element module 41. The heat exchanger 6 defines passages 72 and 76 for flowing a heat medium that exchanges heat with the element module 41.

[0045] The first passages 72 extend along the element modules 41 so as to allow the heat medium to flow along the element modules 41. The first passages 72 are defined and formed by the first members 71. The first members 71 may define the first passages 72 by stacking a plurality of members. Alternatively, the first members 71 may define the first passages 72 by cutting a metal base material or by molding using a die-casting method or the like.

[0046] The second passages 76 extend along the element modules 41 so as to allow the heat medium to flow along the element modules 41. The second passages 76 are defined and formed by the second members 75. The second members 75 may be formed by stacking a plurality of members. Alternatively, the second passages 76 may be defined by cutting a metal base material or by molding using a die-casting method or the like.

[0047] The first passage 72 and the second passage 76 are arranged mechanically in parallel. The first passage 72 and the second passage 76 provide parallel flow paths through which the heat medium flows in parallel. The first passage 72 and the second passage 76 are connected to provide parallel flow paths in the heat exchanger 6. The parallel flow of the heat medium suppresses distribution of the heat exchange amount. Note that instead of the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 6 may connect the first passage 72 and the second passage 76 as a serial flow path through which the heat medium flows in series.

[0048] In this embodiment, the second member 75 includes an inlet 77 for the heat medium of the heat exchanger 6 and an outlet 78 for the heat medium of the heat exchanger 6. Furthermore, the second member 75 includes a passage between the inlet 77 and the outlet 78 that fluidly connects the first passage 72 and the second passage 76. In this embodiment, the first passage 72 and the second passage 76 are arranged in parallel between the inlet 77 and the outlet 78. Thus, the first passage 72 and the second passage 76 provide a parallel circuit of the heat medium. Alternatively, the first passage 72 and the second passage 76 may be arranged in series between the inlet 77 and the outlet 78. Furthermore, the inlet 77 and / or the outlet 78 may be arranged in the first member 71.

[0049] The heat exchanger 6 has one or more passage connections 80. In the illustrated example, the heat exchanger 6 has two passage connections 81 and 82. Alternatively, the heat exchanger 6 may have three or more passage connections 80.

[0050] The first passage connecting portion 81 provides the upstream end of the first passage 72 and the upstream end of the second passage 76. The first passage connecting portion 81 provides a branch portion between the first passage 72 and the second passage 76. At the first passage connecting portion 81, the heat medium flowing toward the first passage 72 and the heat medium flowing toward the second passage 76 are separated.

[0051] The second passage connecting portion 82 provides the downstream end of the first passage 72 and the downstream end of the second passage 76. The second passage connecting portion 82 provides a convergence portion of the first passage 72 and the second passage 76. At the second passage connecting portion 82, the heat medium discharged from the first passage 72 and the heat medium discharged from the second passage 76 join together.

[0052] In FIG. 2 , the first passage connection portion 81 has a first passage pipe 73a. The second passage connection portion 82 has a second passage pipe 73b. The first passage pipe 73a and the second passage pipe 73b are pipes that define a passage for flowing the heat transfer medium. The first passage pipe 73a is fixedly connected to the first member 71. The second passage pipe 73b is fixedly connected to the first member 71. The first passage pipe 73a and the second passage pipe 73b are connected to the first member 71 by a connecting device such as brazing, welding, or screwing. A central axis AXa of the passage of the first passage pipe 73a and a central axis AXb of the passage of the second passage pipe 73b are arranged parallel to each other. The central axes AXa and AXb are positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first member 71. The central axes AXa and AXb are also the axial directions of a seal ring 83, which will be described later.

[0053] The first passage connection portion 81 and the second passage connection portion 82 share a bore member as a common member. The bore member is provided by the second member 75. The second member 75 (bore member) defines two passage bores, a first passage bore 79a and a second passage bore 79b, which respectively receive the first passage pipe 73a and the second passage pipe 73b. When the first member 71 and the second member 75 are positioned at a predetermined position, the first passage bore 79a receives the first passage pipe 73a, and the second passage bore 79b receives the second passage pipe 73b. The first passage bore 79a is formed in the second member 75 at a position corresponding to the first passage pipe 73a, so as to have a diameter and depth sufficient to receive the first passage pipe 73a. The second passage bore 79b is formed in the second member 75 at a position corresponding to the second passage pipe 73b, so as to have a diameter and depth sufficient to receive the second passage pipe 73b. The first passage bore 79a and the second passage bore 79b are formed as cylindrical cavities in the second member 75. The inner surfaces of the first passage bore 79a and the second passage bore 79b are machined.

[0054] As described above, in this embodiment, the first member 71 is provided with the first passage pipe 73a and the second passage pipe 73b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second member 75 is provided with the first passage bore 79a and the second passage bore 79b. As an alternative to the illustrated embodiment, the second member 75 may be provided with the first passage pipe 73a and the second passage pipe 73b, and the first member 71 may be provided with the first passage bore 79a and the second passage bore 79b. As an alternative to the illustrated embodiment, the second member 75 may be provided with the first passage pipe 73a and the second passage bore 79b, and the first member 71 may be provided with the first passage bore 79a and the second passage pipe 73b.

[0055] The first passage connection portion 81 is provided with a first seal ring 83a, which seals between the first passage bore 79a and the first passage pipe 73a.

[0056] The second passage connection portion 82 is provided with a second seal ring 83b, which seals between the second passage bore 79b and the second passage pipe 73b.

[0057] In FIG. 3 , the seal ring 83 represents a first seal ring 83a or a second seal ring 83b. A central axis AX is shown as the passage connecting portion 80 in the drawing. The central axis AX is also the axial direction of the seal ring 83, which will be described later. The seal ring 83 includes a tubular member 84. The tubular member 84 is made of an elastic material. The tubular member 84 contacts the inner surface of the passage bore 79. The passage bore 79 represents a first passage bore 79a or a second passage bore 79b. The tubular member 84 has a stepped outer surface. The tubular member 84 has a small diameter portion 86 and a large diameter portion 87. When the seal ring 83 is housed in the passage bore 79, the large diameter portion 87 contacts the inner surface of the passage bore 79 in a compressed state. The tubular member 84 of the first seal ring 83a is also referred to as the first tubular member. The cylindrical member 84 of the second seal ring 83b is also called a second cylindrical member.

[0058] The seal ring 83 includes a seal member 89. The seal member 89 is made of an elastic material. The seal member 89 extends from one end of the tubular member 84. The seal member 89 extends from the end of the tubular member 84 on the first member 71 side. The seal member 89 extends radially inward from one end of the tubular member 84. The seal member 89 extends axially from one end to the other end of the tubular member 84. One end of the tubular member 84 is positioned at the open end of the passage bore 79. As a result, the seal member 89 extends obliquely inward from one end of the tubular member 84. The seal member 89 extends radially inward and axially from the end of the tubular member 84 at the open end of the passage bore 79.

[0059] The seal member 89 is frusto-conical in shape with a side surface that can be called tapered or cone-shaped. The seal member 89 contacts the outer surface of the passage pipe 73. The passage pipe 73 indicates the first passage pipe 73a or the second passage pipe 73b. The seal member 89 is also called a lip seal. The seal member 89 is a lip seal that contacts the passage pipe 73. The seal member 89 of the first seal ring 83a is also called the first seal member. The seal member 89 of the second seal ring 83b is also called the second seal member.

[0060] The seal ring 83 includes a tubular member 85. The tubular member 85 is made of a material harder than the elastic material that forms the cylindrical member 84 and the seal member 89. The tubular member 85 is made of a metal such as iron. The tubular member 85 is disposed radially inside the large diameter portion 87. The tubular member 85 provides a reinforcing member for maintaining the shape of the cylindrical member 84. The tubular member 85 determines the amount of deformation of the large diameter portion 87. The tubular member 85 presses the large diameter portion 87 against the inner surface of the passage bore 79, compressively deforming the large diameter portion 87. The large diameter portion 87 is in compressive contact with the inner surface of the passage bore 79. The tubular member 85 of the first seal ring 83a is also referred to as the first tubular member. The tubular member 85 of the second seal ring 83b is also referred to as the second tubular member.

[0061] The seal ring 83 is held in the passage bore 79 by contacting the cylindrical member 84 with the inner surface of the passage bore 79 in a compressed state. The inner surface of the passage bore 79 has a predetermined surface roughness. The surface roughness is also called surface roughness. Here, the surface roughness is defined by the maximum height roughness Rz defined by JIS. The surface roughness of the inner surface of the passage bore 79 is controlled within a range of a lower limit value to an upper limit value. The lower limit value is 6.3. The upper limit value is 12.5. The surface roughness of the inner surface of the passage bore 79 is controlled to be equal to or greater than 6.3 and equal to or less than 12.5. Therefore, the inner surface of the passage bore 79 has a predetermined lower limit surface roughness and / or a predetermined upper limit surface roughness.

[0062] The surface roughness of the inner surface of the passage bore 79 affects the installation load required to insert the seal ring 83 into the passage bore 79. From another perspective, the surface roughness of the inner surface of the passage bore 79 also affects the pull-out load at which the tubular member 84 falls out of the passage bore 79. The pull-out load indicates how easily the seal ring 83 can be removed. In this embodiment, by setting a lower limit for the inner surface of the passage bore 79, an appropriate pull-out load can be applied without excessively reducing the installation load. In this embodiment, by setting an upper limit for the inner surface of the passage bore 79, an appropriate pull-out load can be applied without requiring an excessive installation load.

[0063] Returning to FIG. 2, the inner surface of the first passage bore 79a has a predetermined surface roughness. The first seal ring 83a is held in the first passage bore 79a by contacting the cylindrical member 84 with the inner surface of the first passage bore 79a in a compressed state. The inner surface of the second passage bore 79b has a predetermined surface roughness. The second seal ring 83b is held in the second passage bore 79b by contacting the cylindrical member 84 with the inner surface of the second passage bore 79b in a compressed state.

[0064] In FIG. 4, the passage pipe 73 has an outer diameter D73. The passage bore 79 has an inner diameter D79. The seal member 89 defines an inner diameter D89 in its free state before the passage pipe 73 is inserted. The free state is also referred to as the unloaded state of the seal member 89. The inner diameter D89 is smaller than the outer diameter D73.

[0065] The seal member 89 is capable of receiving the passage pipe 73. When the passage pipe 73 is inserted into the seal member 89, the seal member 89 expands and the inner diameter D89 is enlarged. As a result, the seal member 89 is deformed into a state of contacting the passage pipe 73.

[0066] The small-diameter portion 86 has an outer diameter D86 that is smaller than the inner diameter D79 of the passage bore 79 (D79 > D86). As a result, the small-diameter portion 86 can be inserted into the passage bore 79 without resistance. The large-diameter portion 87 has an outer diameter D87 that is larger than the inner diameter D79 of the passage bore 79 (D79 < D87). A slope portion 88 is disposed between the small-diameter portion 86 and the large-diameter portion 87. The slope portion 88 connects the outer surface of the small-diameter portion 86 and the outer surface of the large-diameter portion 87 by a smooth slope. The slope portion 88 has a frustum-shaped outer surface that can be called a tapered surface or a conical surface. The slope portion 88 connects the small-diameter portion 86 and the large-diameter portion 87.

[0067] The small-diameter portion 86, the large-diameter portion 87, and the slope portion 88 of the first seal ring 83a are also referred to as the first small-diameter portion, the first large-diameter portion, and the first slope portion. The small-diameter portion 86, the large-diameter portion 87, and the slope portion 88 of the second seal ring 83b are also referred to as the second small-diameter portion, the second large-diameter portion, and the second slope portion.

[0068] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the area indicated by arrow V in FIG. 4. Spiral cutting marks 79MK are left on the inner surface of the passage bore 79 by the cutting process. The cutting marks 79MK are caused by the movement of a contact point CP between the cutting tool and the inner surface. The contact point CP moves along the cutting marks 79MK. The speed CSD of the contact point CP is defined by the relative rotation speed RSD between the cutting tool and the inner surface and the feed speed ASD of the cutting tool in the direction of the central axis AX of the inner surface. In this embodiment, the cutting marks 79MK left on the inner surface of the passage bore 79 define the surface roughness of the inner surface of the passage bore 79. Furthermore, the machining conditions for the inner surface of the passage bore 79 are specified to form the cutting marks 79MK, and the bore machining step 192, described below, is performed in accordance with these instructions.

[0069] 6 is a process diagram showing a manufacturing method 190 for a power conversion device. The manufacturing method 190 includes a preparation step 191. In the preparation step 191, a plurality of parts for combining the element module 41 and the heat exchanger 6 are prepared. In the preparation step 191, a first member 71, a second member 75, a first seal ring 83a, a second seal ring 83b, and one or more element modules 41 are prepared. A first passage pipe 73a and a second passage pipe 73b are attached to the first member 71.

[0070] The manufacturing method 190 includes a bore machining step 192. In the bore machining step 192, a first passage bore 79a and a second passage bore 79b are formed in the second member 75. The first passage bore 79a and the second passage bore 79b are formed by bore machining on the base material of the second member 75. The bore machining includes a preliminary machining stage in which a preliminary bore is machined, and a finish machining stage in which the inner surface of the bore is finished. In the finish machining stage, the inner surface of the bore is machined to a predetermined surface roughness. In this embodiment, the surface roughness of the inner surface of the passage bore 79 is machined to be 6.3 or more and 12.5 or less. In the finish machining stage, an inner surface cutting process is performed. In the inner surface cutting process, a cutting tool is brought into contact with the inner surface, and the cutting tool and the inner surface are rotated relative to each other while being fed axially.

[0071] The manufacturing method 190 includes a seal insertion step 193. In the seal insertion step 193, each of the plurality of seal rings 83 is inserted into each of the plurality of passage bores 79 so that the tubular member 84 is in compressive contact with the inner surface of the passage bore 79. One seal ring 83 is inserted from the open end of one of the passage bores 79. The first seal ring 83a is inserted into the first passage bore 79a. The second seal ring 83b is inserted into the second passage bore 79b.

[0072] In the initial stage of the seal insertion step 193, the small diameter portion 86 is inserted from the open end of the passage bore 79. The small diameter portion 86 functions as a positioning portion that positions the seal ring 83 in the initial stage of the insertion process. Furthermore, the small diameter portion 86 functions as a guide portion that guides the seal ring 83 within a predetermined insertion stroke range in the initial stage of the insertion process. At this stage, the tubular member 84 of the seal ring 83 is not compressed.

[0073] During an intermediate stage of the seal insertion step 193, the beveled portion 88 contacts the edge of the open end of the passage bore 79. The seal ring 83 is further pressed in. In this manner, the beveled portion 88 gradually elastically deforms the tubular member 84 so that the large diameter portion 87 enters the passage bore 79. The tubular member 84 is gradually pressed into the passage bore 79 while compressing the large diameter portion 87 between the tubular member 85 and the inner surface of the passage bore 79. In this way, the entire axial extent of the large diameter portion 87 comes into compressive contact with the inner surface of the passage bore 79.

[0074] At the end of the seal insertion step 193, the seal ring 83 is further inserted until it reaches a predetermined position.

[0075] The seal insertion step 193 is performed simultaneously in parallel for both the first passage connection portion 81 and the second passage connection portion 82. The seal insertion step 193 includes a first step for the first passage connection portion 81. The first step is a step of inserting a first seal ring 83a into the first passage bore 79a so that the first tubular member 84 is in compressive contact with the inner surface of the first passage bore 79a. The seal insertion step 193 includes a second step for the second passage connection portion 82. The second step is a step of inserting a second seal ring 83b into the second passage bore 79b so that the second tubular member 84 is in compressive contact with the inner surface of the second passage bore 79b. The first and second steps are performed simultaneously in parallel.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an insertion tool 193a and the second member 75 in the seal insertion step 193. The insertion tool 193a inserts multiple seal rings 83 simultaneously in parallel. The insertion tool 193a includes multiple supports 193b, 193c that support the multiple seal rings 83 throughout the insertion process. Furthermore, the insertion tool 193a includes a connecting portion 193d that connects the multiple supports 193b, 193c and allows them to be operated simultaneously. Alternatively, the insertion tool 193a may not include the connecting portion 193d. In this case, the multiple supports 193b, 193c are operated simultaneously in parallel in the seal insertion step 193. For example, the support 193b is operated by one robot arm, and the support 193c is operated by another robot arm. These robot arms are operated synchronously, allowing the multiple seal rings 83 to be inserted simultaneously in parallel into the passage bore 79.

[0077] In this embodiment, two seal rings 83a, 83b are supported by two support portions 193b, 193c, respectively. The support portions 193b, 193c can be provided by, for example, columnar or cylindrical members. Each of the support portions 193b, 193c is inserted into a corresponding seal member 89 to support the corresponding seal ring 83. In the seal insertion step 193, the insertion tool 193a supporting the multiple seal rings 83 is operated to insert the seal rings 83 into the multiple passage bores 79 of the second member 75.

[0078] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the second member 75 after the seal rings 83 have been inserted in the seal insertion step 193. In the seal insertion step 193, all of the seal rings 83 are inserted into all of the passage bores 79. This allows the seal insertion step 193 to be completed in a short time. Furthermore, the passage bores 79 have a predetermined surface roughness, which reduces the difference in the installation load between the seal rings 83. As a result, the seal rings 83 can be inserted into the passage bores 79 stably and smoothly.

[0079] 6 , the manufacturing method 190 includes a stacking and arranging step 194. In the stacking and arranging step 194, a first member 71, one or more element modules 41 as heat-generating components, and a second member 75 are arranged in a stacked manner. The first member 71 in the stacking and arranging step 194 has a plurality of passage pipes 73. The second member 75 in the stacking and arranging step 194 has a plurality of passage bores 70 and a plurality of seal rings 83 inserted into the plurality of passage bores 79, respectively.

[0080] The stacking and arranging step 194 includes a first step of positioning the first member 71 so as to face the first surface 42 of the element module 41. The stacking and arranging step 194 includes a second step of positioning the second member 74 so as to face the second surface 43 of the element module 41. The stacking and arranging step 194 includes a first step and a second step. The first step and the second step can be performed simultaneously or in sequence.

[0081] 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the first member 71, the element module 41, and the second member 75 in the stacking and arranging step 194. In this stacking and arranging step 194, the first member 71 and the element module 41 may be arranged in contact with each other. Similarly, in the stacking and arranging step 194, the element module 41 and the second member 75 may be arranged in contact with each other.

[0082] 10, during stacking arrangement step 194, the initial stage of a subsequent tube insertion step 195 may be performed. For example, the leading end of the first passage tube 73a is inserted into the first seal ring 83a. The leading end of the first passage tube 73a is positioned within the seal member 89 of the first seal ring 83a. At the same time, the leading end of the second passage tube 73b is inserted into the seal ring 83b. The leading end of the second passage tube 73b is positioned within the seal member 89 of the second seal ring 83b.

[0083] 6, the manufacturing method 190 includes a tube insertion step 195. In the tube insertion step 195, each of the plurality of passage tubes 73 is inserted into each of the plurality of associated seal rings 83.

[0084] The tube insertion step 195 includes a process of inserting each of the plurality of passage tubes 73 into each of the corresponding plurality of seal members 89. This process is performed simultaneously in parallel until the first member 71 and the first surface 42 are in thermal contact and the second member 75 and the second surface 43 are in thermal contact.

[0085] The tube inserting step 195 includes a first inserting step of inserting the first passage tube 73a into the seal member 89 of the first seal ring 83a. The seal member 89 of the first seal ring 83a is also referred to as the first seal member. The tube inserting step 195 includes a second inserting step of inserting the second passage tube 73b into the seal member 89 of the second seal ring 83b. The seal member 89 of the second seal ring 83b is also referred to as the second seal member. In the tube inserting step 195, the first passage tube 73a is gradually inserted deeper into the seal member 89 of the first seal ring 83a. In the tube inserting step 195, the second passage tube 73b is gradually inserted deeper into the seal member 89 of the second seal ring 83b.

[0086] The first insertion step is performed until the first member 71 and the first surface 42 are in thermal contact. The second insertion step is performed until the second member 75 and the second surface 43 are in thermal contact. The first insertion step and the second insertion step are performed gradually and simultaneously in parallel. The tube insertion step 195 is performed by bringing the first member 71 and the second member 75 closer to each other with the element module 41 positioned between them.

[0087] After the tube insertion step 195, a holding step 196 is performed.

[0088] The manufacturing method 190 includes a holding step 196 in which each of the plurality of seal rings 83 is held in a corresponding one of the plurality of passage bores 79. The holding state is achieved and continuously maintained by simply bringing the tubular member 84 of the seal ring 83 into compressive contact with the inner surface of the passage bore 79.

[0089] The holding step 196 includes a first holding stage in which the first seal ring 83a is held in the first passage bore 79a simply by compressing the tubular member 84 of the first seal ring 83a against the inner surface of the first passage bore 79a. The holding step 196 includes a second holding stage in which the second seal ring 83b is held in the second passage bore 79b simply by compressing the tubular member 84 of the second seal ring 83b against the inner surface of the second passage bore 79b. The holding step 196 includes both the first and second holding stages performed simultaneously.

[0090] By the manufacturing method described above, the heat exchanger 6 that exchanges heat with both sides of the element module 41 can be assembled.

[0091] According to this embodiment, the inner surface of the passage bore 79 has a predetermined surface roughness. The surface roughness affects the installation load required to insert the tubular member 84 into the passage bore 79. Furthermore, the surface roughness also affects the withdrawal load at which the tubular member 84 falls out of the passage bore 79. The seal ring 83 does not have a step that engages with the member (second member 75) that defines the passage bore 79. The seal ring 83 contacts the tubular member 84 in a compressed state with the inner surface of the passage bore 79 without providing a step for engagement. The seal ring 83 is held in the passage bore 79 only by contact between the inner surface of the passage bore 79 and the tubular member 84. Therefore, a seal ring 83 with a reduced axial length can be used. Even a seal ring 83 with a reduced axial length can be prevented from falling out of the passage bore 79.

[0092] Second embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the previous embodiment. In the previous embodiment, the sealing member 89 is made of an elastic material. In addition, in this embodiment, the sealing member 89 includes an auxiliary reinforcing member.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 11 , the seal member 89 includes a ring-shaped spring 208 as a reinforcing member. The spring 208 applies a compressive force to the seal member 89. The compressive force applied by the spring 208 compresses the seal member 89 in a direction that reduces the inner diameter D89. Therefore, when the passage pipe 73 is positioned inside the seal member 89, the inner diameter D89 is expanded. At this time, the spring 208 presses the seal member 89 toward the passage pipe 73. The spring 208 ensures that the seal member 89 is reliably pressed against the passage pipe 73. The spring 208 ensures stable contact between the passage pipe 73 and the seal member 89.

[0094] Other embodiments The disclosure in this specification and drawings, etc. is not limited to the exemplified embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the exemplified embodiments and variations thereon by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combinations of parts and / or elements shown in the embodiments. The disclosure can be implemented in various combinations. The disclosure can have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the omission of parts and / or elements from the embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the substitution or combination of parts and / or elements between one embodiment and another embodiment. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. Some disclosed technical scopes are defined by the claims, and should be interpreted as including all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the heat exchanger 6 has two passage connections 81 and 82. Alternatively, the heat exchanger 6 may have only one passage connection. For example, two passages may be provided inside one passage tube. In this case, one passage connection may fluidly connect the two passages. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 6 may have two or more passage connections. For example, the upstream end and / or the downstream end of the passage may be provided by multiple passage connections. In this case, the multiple passage connections can increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the heat medium passage. Similarly, a passage connection may be provided at each of the upstream end, intermediate portion, and downstream end of the passage. In this case, the flow rate distribution of the heat medium can be adjusted along the flow of the heat medium.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the element module 41 accommodates all of the switching elements of the power conversion device 4. Alternatively, the element module 41 may accommodate a single switching element. Also, the element module 41 may accommodate two switching elements that form a pair in the power conversion device 4.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the element module 41 is an assembly of a plurality of semiconductor modules. Alternatively, one element module 41 may correspond to one semiconductor module.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the heat exchanger 6 exchanges heat with one element module 41. Alternatively, the heat exchanger 6 may exchange heat with a plurality of element modules 41.

[0099] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses multiple technical ideas described in the following multiple clauses. Some clauses may be written in a multiple dependent form, with the subsequent clause referring to the preceding clause as an alternative. Furthermore, some clauses may be written in a multiple dependent form, referring to another multiple dependent clause. These multiple dependent clauses define multiple technical ideas.

[0100] (Technical thought 1) one or more element modules (41) containing one or more switching elements; a heat exchanger (6) that is thermally coupled to the element module and defines a passage for flowing a heat medium that exchanges heat with the element module; The heat exchanger has one or more passage connections (81, 82), The passage connection portion is a passage pipe (73) defining a passage for flowing the heat transfer medium; a bore member (75) defining a passage bore (79) for receiving the passage pipe; a seal ring (83) for sealing between the passage bore and the passage pipe, the seal ring (83) including a tubular member (84) made of an elastic material in contact with the inner surface of the passage bore, and a seal member (89) made of an elastic material extending radially inward from the tubular member and in contact with the passage pipe; The power conversion device wherein the seal ring is held in the passage bore by bringing the cylindrical member into contact in a compressed state with the inner surface of the passage bore, which has a predetermined surface roughness.

[0101] (Technical thought 2) A power conversion device described in Technical Idea 1, wherein the inner surface of the passage bore with which the tubular member is in contact in a compressed state has a predetermined lower limit surface roughness and / or a predetermined upper limit surface roughness.

[0102] (Technical Thought 3) The power converter according to Technical Concept 2, wherein the surface roughness of the inner surface of the passage bore is 6.3 or more and 12.5 or less (Rz).

[0103] (Technical Thought 4) A power conversion device described in Technical Idea 2 or Technical Idea 3, in which spiral cutting marks (79MK) formed by cutting processing are left on the inner surface of the passage bore, and the cutting marks determine the surface roughness.

[0104] (Technical Thought 5) The cylindrical member is a small diameter portion (86) having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the passage bore; a large diameter portion (87) having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the passage bore; a slope portion (88) connecting the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion; The power converter according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 4, wherein the large diameter portion is in contact with the inner surface of the passage bore in a compressed state.

[0105] (Technical Thought 6) The power converter according to Technical Idea 5, wherein the seal ring is disposed radially inside the large diameter portion and includes a tubular member (85) made of a material harder than the elastic material.

[0106] (Technical Thought 7) A power conversion device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 6, wherein the sealing member is a lip seal that extends radially inward and axially from the end of the cylindrical member at the open end of the passage bore and is in contact with the passage pipe.

[0107] (Technical Thought 8) The heat exchanger has two or more of the passage connection portions (81, 82), The power converter according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 7, wherein each of the plurality of passage connection parts includes the passage pipe, the bore member, and the seal ring.

[0108] (Technical Thought 9) One or more element modules (41) each containing one or more switching elements and having a three-dimensional shape including a first surface (42) and a second surface (43) opposite to the first surface; a heat exchanger (6) that is thermally coupled to the element module and defines a passage for flowing a heat medium that exchanges heat with the element module; The heat exchanger comprises: a first member (71) that defines a first passage for flowing the heat medium and is in thermal contact with the first surface; a first passage pipe (73a) communicating with an upstream region of the first passage and defining a passage for flowing the heat medium; a second passage pipe (73b) communicating with a downstream region of the first passage and defining a passage for flowing the heat medium; a second member (75) that defines a second passage for flowing the heat medium and is in thermal contact with the second surface, the second member (75) defining a first passage bore (79a) that receives the first passage pipe and a second passage bore (79b) that receives the second passage pipe; a first seal ring (83a) for sealing between the first passage bore and the first passage pipe, the first seal ring (83a) comprising a first cylindrical member made of an elastic material in contact with the inner surface of the first passage bore, and a first seal member made of an elastic material extending radially inward from the first cylindrical member and in contact with the first passage pipe; a second seal ring (83b) for sealing between the second passage bore and the second passage pipe, the second seal ring (83b) comprising a second cylindrical member made of an elastic material in contact with the inner surface of the second passage bore, and a second seal member made of an elastic material extending radially inward from the second cylindrical member and in contact with the second passage pipe; the first seal ring is held in the first passage bore by bringing the first cylindrical member into contact in a compressed state with an inner surface of the first passage bore having a predetermined surface roughness; A power conversion device in which the second seal ring is held in the second passage bore by contacting the second tubular member in a compressed state with the inner surface of the second passage bore, which has a predetermined surface roughness.

[0109] (Technical Thought 10) One or more element modules (41) each containing one or more switching elements and having a three-dimensional shape including a first surface (42) and a second surface (43) opposite to the first surface; a heat exchanger (6) thermally coupled to the element module and defining a passage for flowing a heat medium for heat exchange with the element module, The heat exchanger comprises: a first member (71) defining a first passage through which the heat transfer medium flows; a first passage pipe (73a) communicating with an upstream region of the first passage and defining a passage for flowing the heat medium; a second passage pipe (73b) communicating with a downstream region of the first passage and defining a passage for flowing the heat medium; a second member (75) defining a second passage for flowing the heat transfer medium, the second member (75) defining a first passage bore (79a) capable of receiving the first passage pipe and a second passage bore (79b) capable of receiving the second passage pipe; a first seal ring (83a) having a first cylindrical member made of an elastic material and having an outer diameter capable of contacting the inner surface of the first passage bore, and a seal member made of an elastic material and having an inner diameter capable of contacting the first passage pipe, and sealing between the first passage bore and the first passage pipe; a second cylindrical member made of an elastic material and having an outer diameter capable of contacting the inner surface of the second passage bore; and a second seal ring (83b) having a seal member made of an elastic material and having an inner diameter capable of contacting the second passage pipe, and sealing between the second passage bore and the second passage pipe; a seal insertion step (193) simultaneously performing a step of inserting the first seal ring into the first passage bore so that the first tubular member is in compressed contact with the inner surface of the first passage bore, and a step of inserting the second seal ring into the second passage bore so that the second tubular member is in compressed contact with the inner surface of the second passage bore; a stacking arrangement step (194) of positioning the first member so as to face the first surface of the element module and positioning the second member so as to face the second surface of the element module; a pipe insertion step (195) of simultaneously and in parallel performing the step of inserting the first passage pipe into the seal member of the first seal ring and the step of inserting the second passage pipe into the seal member of the second seal ring until the first member and the first surface are in thermal contact and the second member and the second surface are in thermal contact; and then, a holding step (196) of holding the first seal ring in the first passage bore (79a) simply by bringing a cylindrical member of the first seal ring into compressed contact with the inner surface of the first passage bore (79a), and holding the second seal ring in the second passage bore (79b) simply by bringing a cylindrical member of the second seal ring into compressed contact with the inner surface of the second passage bore (79b). [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1 drive system, 2 rotating electric machine, 3 power supply device, 4 power converter; 5 capacitor; 6 heat exchanger, 7 medium system, 41 element module, 42 first surface, 43 second surface, 71 first member, 72 passage, first passage, 73 passage pipe, 73a first passage pipe, 73b second passage pipe, 75 second member, bore member; 76 passage, first passage; 77 entrance, 78 exit, 79 passage bore, 79a first passage bore, 79b second passage bore, 79MK Cutting marks, 81, 82 Passage connection part, 83 Seal ring, 83a first seal ring, 83b second seal ring, 84 cylindrical member, 85 tubular member, 86 Small diameter part, 87 Large diameter part, 88 Sloped portion, 89 Sealing member.

Claims

1. one or more element modules (41) containing one or more switching elements; a heat exchanger (6) that is thermally coupled to the element module and defines a passage for flowing a heat medium that exchanges heat with the element module; The heat exchanger has one or more passage connections (81, 82), The passage connection portion is a passage pipe (73) defining a passage for flowing the heat transfer medium; a bore member (75) defining a passage bore (79) for receiving the passage pipe; a seal ring (83) for sealing between the passage bore and the passage pipe, the seal ring (83) including a tubular member (84) made of an elastic material in contact with the inner surface of the passage bore, and a seal member (89) made of an elastic material extending radially inward from the tubular member and in contact with the passage pipe; The power conversion device wherein the seal ring is held in the passage bore by bringing the cylindrical member into contact in a compressed state with the inner surface of the passage bore, which has a predetermined surface roughness.

2. The power conversion device according to claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of the passage bore, with which the cylindrical member is in contact in a compressed state, has a predetermined lower limit of surface roughness and / or a predetermined upper limit of surface roughness.

3. The power converter according to claim 2 , wherein the surface roughness of the inner surface of the passage bore is equal to or greater than 6.3 and equal to or less than 12.5 (Rz).

4. 4. The power converter according to claim 3, wherein spiral cutting marks (79MK) formed by cutting are left on the inner surface of the passage bore, and the cutting marks define the surface roughness.

5. The cylindrical member is a reduced diameter portion (86) having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the passage bore; a large diameter portion (87) having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the passage bore; a slope portion (88) connecting the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion; The power converter according to claim 1 , wherein the large diameter portion is in compressive contact with the inner surface of the passage bore.

6. The power conversion device according to claim 5, wherein the seal ring is disposed radially inside the large diameter portion and includes a tubular member (85) made of a material harder than the elastic material.

7. 2. The power conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is a lip seal that extends radially inward and axially from an end of the tubular member at the open end of the passage bore and is in contact with the passage pipe.

8. The heat exchanger has two or more of the passage connections (81, 82), The power conversion device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of passage coupling portions includes the passage pipe, the bore member, and the seal ring.

9. One or more element modules (41) each containing one or more switching elements and having a three-dimensional shape including a first surface (42) and a second surface (43) opposite to the first surface; a heat exchanger (6) that is thermally coupled to the element module and defines a passage for flowing a heat medium that exchanges heat with the element module; The heat exchanger comprises: a first member (71) that defines a first passage for flowing the heat medium and is in thermal contact with the first surface; a first passage pipe (73a) communicating with an upstream region of the first passage and defining a passage for flowing the heat medium; a second passage pipe (73b) communicating with a downstream region of the first passage and defining a passage for flowing the heat medium; a second member (75) that defines a second passage for flowing the heat medium and is in thermal contact with the second surface, the second member (75) defining a first passage bore (79a) that receives the first passage pipe and a second passage bore (79b) that receives the second passage pipe; a first seal ring (83a) for sealing between the first passage bore and the first passage pipe, the first seal ring comprising: a first cylindrical member made of an elastic material in contact with the inner surface of the first passage bore; and a first seal member made of an elastic material extending radially inward from the first cylindrical member in contact with the first passage pipe; a second seal ring (83b) for sealing between the second passage bore and the second passage pipe, the second seal ring (83b) comprising a second tubular member made of an elastic material in contact with the inner surface of the second passage bore, and a second seal member made of an elastic material extending radially inward from the second tubular member in contact with the second passage pipe; the first seal ring is held in the first passage bore by bringing the first cylindrical member into contact in a compressed state with an inner surface of the first passage bore having a predetermined surface roughness, a second cylindrical member that is in a compressed state and that contacts the inner surface of the second passage bore, the second seal ring being held in the second passage bore, the second cylindrical member having a predetermined surface roughness;

10. One or more element modules (41) each containing one or more switching elements and having a three-dimensional shape including a first surface (42) and a second surface (43) opposite to the first surface; a heat exchanger (6) thermally coupled to the element module and defining a passage for flowing a heat medium for heat exchange with the element module, The heat exchanger comprises: a first member (71) that defines a first passage for flowing the heat medium; a first passage pipe (73a) communicating with an upstream region of the first passage and defining a passage for flowing the heat medium; a second passage pipe (73b) communicating with a downstream region of the first passage and defining a passage for flowing the heat medium; a second member (75) defining a second passage for flowing the heat medium, the second member (75) defining a first passage bore (79a) capable of receiving the first passage pipe and a second passage bore (79b) capable of receiving the second passage pipe; a first seal ring (83a) having a first cylindrical member made of an elastic material and having an outer diameter capable of contacting the inner surface of the first passage bore, and a seal member made of an elastic material and having an inner diameter capable of contacting the first passage pipe, and sealing between the first passage bore and the first passage pipe; a second cylindrical member made of an elastic material and having an outer diameter capable of contacting the inner surface of the second passage bore; and a second seal ring (83b) having a seal member made of an elastic material and having an inner diameter capable of contacting the second passage pipe, and sealing between the second passage bore and the second passage pipe; a seal insertion step (193) simultaneously performing a step of inserting the first seal ring into the first passage bore so that the first tubular member is in compressive contact with the inner surface of the first passage bore, and a step of inserting the second seal ring into the second passage bore so that the second tubular member is in compressive contact with the inner surface of the second passage bore; a stacking arrangement step (194) of positioning the first member so as to face the first surface of the element module and positioning the second member so as to face the second surface of the element module; a pipe insertion step (195) of simultaneously and in parallel performing the steps of inserting the first passage pipe into the seal member of the first seal ring and inserting the second passage pipe into the seal member of the second seal ring until the first member and the first surface are in thermal contact and the second member and the second surface are in thermal contact; and then, a holding step (196) of holding the first seal ring in the first passage bore (79a) simply by bringing a cylindrical member of the first seal ring into compressed contact with the inner surface of the first passage bore (79a), and holding the second seal ring in the second passage bore (79b) simply by bringing a cylindrical member of the second seal ring into compressed contact with the inner surface of the second passage bore (79b).

Images