Power conversion device and bus bar connection terminal strip
The use of support protrusions in bus bar connection terminal blocks prevents tilting during assembly, ensuring stable and efficient fastening of bus bars in power conversion devices.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024130587
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-20
AI Technical Summary
Bus bars in power conversion devices often have offset centers of gravity due to complex shapes, leading to tilting during assembly, which hinders efficient fastening and assembly.
Incorporation of support protrusions located below the bus bar to prevent tilting by abutting against the bus bar if it tilts relative to its fixed position during fastening, using a bus bar connection terminal block with separate support protrusions for each end of the bus bar.
Prevents tilting of bus bars during assembly, facilitating efficient and stable fastening, thereby improving assembly efficiency and stability.
Smart Images

Figure 2026028298000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a power conversion device and a bus bar connection terminal block. [Background technology]
[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a power converter including a bus bar made of a plate-shaped conductor. The bus bar is a wiring for transmitting high-voltage and large-current power. As shown in Patent Document 1, such a bus bar is disposed inside the case of the power converter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6838775 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] A bus bar is formed in a thick plate shape and is used in a fixed state. Such a bus bar is fixed inside the case of a power conversion device by fastening both ends to terminal blocks installed inside the case. To install the bus bar, each end of the bus bar is placed on the terminal block and then fastened to the terminal block using bolts or the like. However, since bus bars are routed inside a narrow case, they are often formed into complex shapes with curved portions. For this reason, the center of gravity of the bus bar is often offset, resulting in poor balance when placed. In such cases, the bus bar placed on the terminal block before fastening may tilt from its original orientation, hindering the fastening operation using bolts or the like and potentially reducing work efficiency.
[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to prevent the bus bar from tilting when placed before fastening, and to facilitate the assembly work of the bus bar. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means for solving the above problems.
[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a power conversion device having a bus bar with a curved portion, a first terminal block to which one end of the bus bar is connected, and a second terminal block to which the other end of the bus bar is connected, and has a support protrusion located below the bus bar, and the support protrusion is configured to be able to abut from below against the bus bar when it is tilted relative to at least a fixed position in which it is fastened to the first terminal block and the second terminal block.
[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a bus bar connection terminal block that is placed inside the housing of a power conversion device and to which a bus bar is fastened, and that has a support protrusion located below the bus bar, and that is configured to be able to abut from below against the bus bar that is tilted relative to a fixed position in which it is fastened to the bus bar connection terminal block. [Effects of the Invention]
[0009] According to the present invention, the support protrusion is located below the bus bar having the curved portion. If the bus bar tilts relative to the fixed posture when fastened, the support protrusion can prevent the bus bar from tilting further. Therefore, according to the present invention, tilting of the bus bar when placed before fastening can be prevented, and the bus bar assembly work can be facilitated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a circuit diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a power conversion device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic structural configuration of a power conversion device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bus bar connection terminal block as seen from the same direction as FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bus bar connection terminal block as seen from a different direction from that of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 3 is a plan view of a positive electrode relay bus bar included in the power conversion device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a plan view of a negative electrode relay bus bar included in the power conversion device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a relay bus bar is fastened to a bus bar connection terminal block in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view including the positive electrode relay bus bar and the first support protrusion in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 8 is a cross-sectional view including the negative electrode relay bus bar and the second support protrusion in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic enlarged perspective view including a support protrusion provided on a bus bar connection terminal block according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a schematic enlarged perspective view including a support protrusion provided on a bus bar connection terminal block according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a power converter and a bus bar connection terminal block according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0012] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a power conversion device 1 of this embodiment. The power conversion device 1 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle such as an electric automobile, and is provided between a motor M and a battery B. The power conversion device 1 of this embodiment performs power conversion between the motor M and the battery B. For example, the power conversion device 1 of this embodiment converts DC power supplied from the battery B into three-phase AC power and supplies it to the motor M. The power conversion device 1 also converts regenerative power (AC power) from the motor M into DC power and supplies it to the battery B.
[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the power conversion device 1 of this embodiment has a power conversion circuit H. As described above, the power conversion circuit H converts DC power into AC power. The power conversion circuit H also converts AC power into DC power. Such a power conversion circuit H includes a capacitor C, an inverter circuit E, and a noise filter F. The power conversion device 1 may also include, for example, a step-up / step-down converter or a DC / DC converter, which are not shown.
[0014] The power conversion device 1 of this embodiment also includes conductive lines BU through which power is conducted. For example, the power conversion device 1 of this embodiment includes a conductive line BU that connects the inverter circuit E and the battery B, and a conductive line BU that connects the inverter circuit E and the motor M.
[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the inverter circuit E has three legs R corresponding to the respective phases of the motor M. Each leg R has an upper arm HA and a lower arm LA. The upper arm HA is connected to the positive side of a battery B via a conductive line BU. The lower arm LA is connected to the negative side of the battery B via a conductive line BU. The upper arm HA and the lower arm LA are connected in series. An output terminal that connects the legs R and the motor M is connected between the upper arm HA and the lower arm LA.
[0016] As shown in FIG. 1 , the power conversion device 1 of this embodiment includes power devices D corresponding to each leg R. That is, in this embodiment, the power conversion device 1 includes three power devices D. Each power device D includes a power transistor corresponding to the upper arm HA and a power transistor corresponding to the lower arm. That is, in this embodiment, each power device D includes two power transistors. Each of these power transistors is formed using a plurality of semiconductor elements. Such semiconductor elements are, for example, IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors). Furthermore, the semiconductor elements may be semiconductor elements using SiC (silicon carbide) or GaN (gallium nitride).
[0017] 1, the power conversion device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a noise filter F surrounding the conductive line BU connected to the positive electrode side of the battery B and the conductive line BU connected to the negative electrode side of the battery B. This noise filter F suppresses changes in the current flowing through the conductive line BU, thereby suppressing the generation of electromagnetic noise.
[0018] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic structural configuration of the power conversion device 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the power conversion device 1 of this embodiment includes an inverter case 2, an intelligent power module 3, a capacitor unit 4, a power terminal 5, a bus bar connection terminal block 6 (first terminal block), and a relay bus bar 7 (bus bar). Note that the power conversion device 1 may also include other components such as a reactor unit forming a step-up / step-down circuit and a DC-DC converter unit forming a DC-DC converter.
[0019] The inverter case 2 is a case that houses the intelligent power module 3, the capacitor unit 4, the power terminals 5, etc., and includes a center plate 2a and a case cover 2b. The center plate 2a and the case cover 2b are formed as separate parts that can be detached from each other. In FIG. 2, the case cover 2b is shown separated from the center plate 2a and positioned above it. However, the installation posture of the power conversion device 1 is not particularly limited. In other words, the power conversion device 1 may be mounted on a vehicle so that the case cover 2b is positioned to the side of the center plate 2a.
[0020] The central plate 2a has a bottom wall to which the intelligent power modules 3, capacitor units 4, and power terminals 5 are fixed, and side walls that surround the intelligent power modules 3, capacitor units 4, and power terminals 5. In other words, the central plate 2a is formed in the shape of a container that is open on the case cover 2b side. Such central plate 2a is provided with water channels as necessary, and is formed to be able to guide coolant that cools the intelligent power modules 3, capacitor units 4, and power terminals 5.
[0021] The case cover 2b is fixed to the center plate 2a and covers the intelligent power module 3 and the capacitor unit 4. That is, the intelligent power module 3 and the capacitor unit 4 are exposed when the case cover 2b is detached from the center plate 2a.
[0022] Such an inverter case 2 is fixed to, for example, a housing (not shown) that covers the motor M or a gear case that houses a gear that transmits power generated by the motor M to the outside. In such a case, for example, the center plate 2a is fastened to the motor housing or the gear case using a bolt (not shown) or the like. Note that if the housing that covers the motor M has a space for accommodating the power conversion device 1, the case cover 2b may be omitted.
[0023] The inverter case 2 also holds a conductive line BU (see FIG. 1) that connects the power supply terminal 5 to the intelligent power module 3 and the capacitor unit 4, and a bus bar that forms part of the conductive line BU (see FIG. 1) (not shown) that connects the intelligent power module 3 to the motor M. Note that these bus bars are omitted in FIG. 1.
[0024] The intelligent power module 3 includes a power module 3a and a substrate unit 3b. The power module 3a is a module provided with a plurality of power devices D, which will be described later. In other words, the power module 3a forms an inverter circuit E with the plurality of power devices D.
[0025] In this embodiment, the power module 3a has a terminal block portion 3a1 (second terminal block). The terminal block portion 3a1 is a portion to which the relay bus bar 7 is fastened. In this embodiment, the other end portion 72 (described later) of the relay bus bar 7 is fastened to the terminal block portion 3a1 using a bolt (not shown).
[0026] The board unit 3b is stacked on the power module 3a. This board unit 3b includes, for example, a gate driver board and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) board. The gate driver board is a board provided with a gate driver that generates a drive signal for the inverter circuit E formed by the power module 3a. The ECU board is a board provided with an ECU that controls the gate driver board.
[0027] The capacitor unit 4 is a unit that houses a capacitor element therein. The capacitor unit 4 is connected to the power module 3a. The capacitor unit 4 is also connected to the power terminal 5 via a bus bar (not shown). The capacitor unit 4 forms the capacitor C shown in FIG. 1.
[0028] The power supply terminal 5 is a component for connecting to the battery B of the power conversion device 1 of this embodiment. A terminal portion of a harness (not shown) connected to the battery B is inserted into the inverter case 2. The power supply terminal 5 is connected to the battery B by fastening to the harness.
[0029] The power terminal 5 includes, for example, a resin housing 5a, a filter core (not shown), and a terminal bus bar 5b. The filter core is formed in a cylindrical shape and is enclosed in the resin housing 5a. The resin housing 5a and the filter core have an opening through which the terminal bus bar 5b is inserted.
[0030] The terminal bus bar 5b is a plate-shaped conductive part that forms part of the conductive line BU. Two terminal bus bars 5b are provided. One terminal bus bar 5b is connected to the positive electrode side of the battery B. The other terminal bus bar 5b is connected to the negative electrode side of the battery B. These terminal bus bars 5b are inserted through openings provided in the resin housing 5a and the filter core. The tip of each terminal bus bar 5b is fastened to the bus bar connection terminal block 6 using a bolt (not shown).
[0031] Such a power supply terminal 5 forms a noise filter F, which can suppress changes in the current flowing through the conductive line BU (terminal bus bar 5b), and can suppress the generation of electromagnetic noise.
[0032] The bus bar connection terminal block 6 is a terminal block to which one end of the relay bus bar 7 is connected, and is fixed to the center plate 2a of the inverter case 2. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the bus bar connection terminal block 6 seen from the same direction as Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the bus bar connection terminal block 6 seen from a different direction than Fig. 3. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the bus bar connection terminal block 6 includes a main body portion 6a, an attachment portion 6b, a locking wall 6c, a support protrusion 6d, and a reinforcing rib 6e.
[0033] The main body 6a is a portion to which one end of the relay bus bar 7 is fastened. The main body 6a also supports the mounting portion 6b, the locking wall 6c, the support protrusion 6d, and the reinforcing rib 6e. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the main body 6a is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a nut 6f for fastening the relay bus bar 7 is fixed to the top surface. Two relay bus bars 7 can be fastened to the top surface of the main body 6a.
[0034] As will be described later, the power conversion device 1 of this embodiment includes two relay bus bars 7. One of the relay bus bars 7 is a positive relay bus bar 7a connected to the positive electrode side of battery B. The other relay bus bar 7 is a negative relay bus bar 7b connected to the negative electrode side of battery B. In other words, the upper surface of the main body 6a is provided with a positive relay bus bar fastening portion 6a1 to which the positive relay bus bar 7a is fastened, and a negative relay bus bar fastening portion 6a2.
[0035] In this embodiment, the relay bus bar 7 is fastened to the main body 6a via the terminal bus bar 5b. That is, the relay bus bar 7 is fastened to the main body 6a together with the terminal bus bar 5b by a bolt (not shown). Therefore, the terminal bus bar 5b is located between the relay bus bar 7 and the main body 6a.
[0036] The mounting portion 6b is connected to the lower portion of the main body portion 6a. The mounting portion 6b is a portion for fastening the bus bar connection terminal block 6 to the center plate 2a. The mounting portion 6b is fastened to the center plate 2a using bolts (not shown), thereby fixing the bus bar connection terminal block 6 to the center plate 2a.
[0037] The locking walls 6c are provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the main body 6a. The locking walls 6c are provided for each of the positive relay busbar fastening portion 6a1 and the negative relay busbar fastening portion 6a2. One of the locking walls 6c is provided so as to extend along one side of the positive relay busbar fastening portion 6a1, which is rectangular when viewed from above. The other locking wall 6c is provided so as to extend along one side of the negative relay busbar fastening portion 6a2, which is rectangular when viewed from above. Each of the locking walls 6c has a locking recess 6c1 recessed from top to bottom.
[0038] Each locking recess 6c1 is a portion that houses a protrusion 76 (described later) that is provided on each relay bus bar 7. The protrusion 76 is inserted into the locking recess 6c1 from above, and is thereby positioned inside the locking recess 6c1. The housing of the protrusion 76 in the locking recess 6c1 restricts movement of the relay bus bar 7 in the horizontal direction (the direction in which the locking wall 6c extends).
[0039] The support protrusions 6d are located below the relay bus bars 7 and are provided so as to protrude upward from support pieces 6a3 provided at the bottom of the main body 6a. In this embodiment, the support protrusions 6d are formed separately from the main body 6a. The support protrusions 6d are provided below each relay bus bar 7. That is, in this embodiment, a support protrusion 6d located below the positive relay bus bar 7a and a support protrusion 6d located below the negative relay bus bar 7b are provided. The support protrusion 6d located below the positive relay bus bar 7a is referred to as a first support protrusion 6d1. The support protrusion 6d located below the negative relay bus bar 7b is referred to as a second support protrusion 6d2.
[0040] 3 and 4, each support protrusion 6d is formed in a plate shape with the vertical direction as the longitudinal direction. The upper end of each support protrusion 6d is arranged to face the lower surface of the relay busbar 7. When the relay busbar 7 is attached to the busbar connection terminal block 6, if the relay busbar 7 tilts with respect to the fixed position in which it is fastened to the busbar connection terminal block 6, such a support protrusion 6d abuts against the relay busbar 7 from below, preventing the relay busbar 7 from further tilting.
[0041] In other words, when attaching the positive relay bus bar 7a to the bus bar connection terminal block 6, if the positive relay bus bar 7a tilts with respect to the fixed posture in which it is fastened to the bus bar connection terminal block 6, the first support protrusion 6d1 abuts against the positive relay bus bar 7a from below, preventing the positive relay bus bar 7a from tilting further. Also, when attaching the negative relay bus bar 7b to the bus bar connection terminal block 6, if the negative relay bus bar 7b tilts with respect to the fixed posture in which it is fastened to the bus bar connection terminal block 6, the second support protrusion 6d2 abuts against the negative relay bus bar 7b from below, preventing the negative relay bus bar 7b from tilting further.
[0042] In this way, the support protrusion 6d can come into contact from below with the relay bus bar 7 that is tilted with respect to the fixed posture, preventing the relay bus bar 7 from tilting. In other words, the first support protrusion 6d1 can come into contact from below with the positive relay bus bar 7a that is tilted with respect to the fixed posture, preventing the positive relay bus bar 7a from tilting. Furthermore, the second support protrusion 6d2 can come into contact from below with the negative relay bus bar 7b that is tilted with respect to the fixed posture, preventing the negative relay bus bar 7b from tilting.
[0043] The reinforcing rib 6e is a rib that connects the main body portion 6a and the support protrusion 6d. A reinforcing rib 6e is provided for each of the support protrusions 6d. That is, in this embodiment, two reinforcing ribs 6e are provided. One reinforcing rib 6e connects the first support protrusion 6d1 and the main body portion 6a. The other reinforcing rib 6e connects the second support protrusion 6d2 and the main body portion 6a. The reinforcing rib 6e that connects the first support protrusion 6d1 and the main body portion 6a is referred to as the first reinforcing rib 6e1. The reinforcing rib 6e that connects the second support protrusion 6d2 and the main body portion 6a is referred to as the second reinforcing rib 6e2.
[0044] Each of the reinforcing ribs 6e is provided on the upper surface of the support piece 6a3 of the main body 6a. The amount of protrusion of each reinforcing rib 6e from the support piece 6a3 (i.e., the height of the reinforcing rib 6e) is different. In other words, the height of the reinforcing rib 6e provided for each support protrusion 6d is different. In this embodiment, the height of the first reinforcing rib 6e1 provided on the first support protrusion 6d1 is higher than the height of the second reinforcing rib 6e2 provided on the second support protrusion 6d2. Since the heights of the reinforcing ribs 6e are different in this way, the height of the reinforcing ribs 6e can be used as a guide during assembly to install the bus bar connection terminal block 6 or the relay bus bar 7.
[0045] Such reinforcing ribs 6e improve the strength of the support protrusions 6d. That is, the first reinforcing rib 6e1 improves the strength of the first support protrusions 6d1. Furthermore, the second reinforcing rib 6e2 improves the strength of the second support protrusions 6d2.
[0046] Fig. 5 is a plan view of the positive electrode relay bus bar 7a. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the negative electrode relay bus bar 7b. The relay bus bar 7 is a plate-shaped conductive portion with a curved intermediate portion, and forms part of the conductive line BU. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the relay bus bar 7 has one end 71 and the other end 72. The one end 71 is a portion that is fastened to the bus bar connection terminal block 6. The other end 72 is a portion that is fastened to the terminal block portion 3a1 of the power module 3a.
[0047] The relay bus bar 7 also has a horizontal portion 73 with its front and back surfaces facing up and down between one end 71 and the other end 72. The relay bus bar 7 also has a bent portion 74 between the one end 71 and the other end 72. The relay bus bar 7 also has a vertical portion 75 extending vertically between the one end 71 and the other end 72. A relay bus bar 7 having such a bent portion 74 has a biased center of gravity, and is prone to tilting when placed without the one end 71 and the other end 72 being fastened.
[0048] As shown in Fig. 5, when viewed from above, a first support protrusion 6d1 is disposed below the horizontal portion 73 of the positive relay bus bar 7a. When such a positive relay bus bar 7a is placed on the bus bar connection terminal block 6 in an untightened state, the positive relay bus bar 7a may tilt from its original position (fixed position). In such a case, the first support protrusion 6d1 abuts against the horizontal portion 73 of the positive relay bus bar 7a from below, preventing the positive relay bus bar 7a from tilting.
[0049] As shown in Fig. 6, when viewed from above, the second support protrusion 6d2 is disposed below the horizontal portion 73 of the negative relay bus bar 7b. If such a negative relay bus bar 7b is installed in the bus bar connection terminal block 6 in an untightened state, the negative relay bus bar 7b may tilt from its original position (fixed position). In such a case, the second support protrusion 6d2 abuts against the horizontal portion 73 of the negative relay bus bar 7b from below, preventing the negative relay bus bar 7b from tilting.
[0050] 5 and 6, the relay bus bar 7 has a protrusion 76. The protrusion 76 is provided to protrude laterally from the edge of the one end 71. The protrusion 76 is arranged so as to be received in the locking recess 6c1 of the locking wall 6c when the relay bus bar 7 is fixed to the bus bar connection terminal block 6.
[0051] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the relay bus bar 7 is fastened to the bus bar connection terminal block 6. As shown in this figure, the positive relay bus bar 7a is fastened to the positive relay bus bar fastening portion 6a1 of the main body 6a via the terminal bus bar 5b. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view including the positive relay bus bar 7a and the first support protrusion 6d1 in FIG. 7. As shown in this figure, a gap S is provided between the positive relay bus bar 7a in a fixed position and the first support protrusion 6d1. In other words, the upper end of the first support protrusion 6d1 is located below the lower surface of the positive relay bus bar 7a fastened to the bus bar connection terminal block 6. This prevents shape errors in the first support protrusion 6d1 from affecting the position of the positive relay bus bar 7a.
[0052] As shown in Fig. 7, the negative relay bus bar 7b is fastened to the negative relay bus bar fastening portion 6a2 of the main body 6a via the terminal bus bar 5b. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view including the negative relay bus bar 7b and the second support protrusion 6d2 in Fig. 7. As shown in this figure, a gap S is provided between the negative relay bus bar 7b in a fixed position and the second support protrusion 6d2. In other words, the upper end of the second support protrusion 6d2 is located below the lower surface of the negative relay bus bar 7b fastened to the bus bar connection terminal block 6. This prevents shape errors in the second support protrusion 6d2 from affecting the position of the negative relay bus bar 7b.
[0053] The other end 72 of the relay bus bar 7 is fastened to a terminal block 3a1 provided on the power module 3a included in the intelligent power module 3. One end 71 of this relay bus bar 7 is connected to the power terminal 5 via the bus bar connection terminal block 6, and the other end 72 is connected to the power module 3a. In other words, the relay bus bar 7 electrically connects the power terminal 5 and the power module 3a. In this way, the power conversion device 1 of this embodiment has the bus bar connection terminal block 6 to which one end 71 of the relay bus bar 7 is connected, and the terminal block 3a1 to which the other end 72 of the relay bus bar 7 is connected.
[0054] When assembling the power conversion device 1 of this embodiment, the intelligent power modules 3 and the bus bar connection terminal block 6 are fixed to the center plate 2a. Next, the power terminals 5 are fixed to the center plate 2a. At this time, the power terminals 5 are fixed to the center plate 2a so that the tip of the terminal bus bar 5b, of the two terminal bus bars 5b, that is connected to the positive electrode of battery B, overlaps with the positive electrode relay bus bar fastening portion 6a1 of the bus bar connection terminal block 6. In addition, the power terminals 5 are fixed to the center plate 2a so that the tip of the terminal bus bar 5b, of the two terminal bus bars 5b, that is connected to the negative electrode of battery B, overlaps with the negative electrode relay bus bar fastening portion 6a2 of the bus bar connection terminal block 6.
[0055] Next, the relay bus bar 7 is installed. First, the relay bus bar 7 is placed so that one end 71 of the relay bus bar 7 overlaps the main body 6a of the bus bar connection terminal block 6, and the other end 72 of the relay bus bar 7 overlaps the terminal block portion 3a1 of the power module 3a.
[0056] For example, one end 71 of the positive relay bus bar 7a is arranged to overlap the tip of the terminal bus bar 5b located on the positive relay bus bar fastening portion 6a1 of the main body 6a, and the other end 72 of the positive relay bus bar 7a is arranged on the terminal block portion 3a1 of the power module 3a.
[0057] One end 71 of the negative relay bus bar 7b is arranged to overlap the tip of the terminal bus bar 5b located on the negative relay bus bar fastening portion 6a2 of the main body 6a, and the other end 72 of the negative relay bus bar 7b is arranged on the terminal block portion 3a1 of the power module 3a.
[0058] When the relay bus bar 7 is placed in this manner, if the relay bus bar 7 tilts from its original position (fixed position for fastening), the support protrusions 6d come into contact with the relay bus bar 7 from below, restricting movement of the relay bus bar 7. In other words, the support protrusions 6d can prevent the relay bus bar 7 from tilting significantly before fastening.
[0059] For example, when the positive electrode relay bus bar 7a is installed and tilts from its original position, the first support protrusion 6d1 comes into contact with the positive electrode relay bus bar 7a from below, restricting movement of the positive electrode relay bus bar 7a. In other words, the first support protrusion 6d1 can prevent the positive electrode relay bus bar 7a from tilting significantly before fastening.
[0060] Furthermore, when the negative relay bus bar 7b is installed, if the negative relay bus bar 7b tilts from its original position, the second support protrusion 6d2 comes into contact with the negative relay bus bar 7b from below, restricting movement of the negative relay bus bar 7b. In other words, the second support protrusion 6d2 can prevent the negative relay bus bar 7b from tilting significantly before fastening.
[0061] Thereafter, the relay bus bar 7 is fastened to the bus bar connection terminal block 6 and the terminal block portion 3a1 of the power module 3a using bolts (not shown). For example, one end 71 of the positive relay bus bar 7a is fastened together with the terminal bus bar 5b to the bus bar connection terminal block 6, and the other end 72 is fastened to the terminal block portion 3a1. Also, one end 71 of the negative relay bus bar 7b is fastened together with the terminal bus bar 5b to the bus bar connection terminal block 6, and the other end 72 is fastened to the terminal block portion 3a1.
[0062] Furthermore, the capacitor unit 4, the case cover 2b, and the like are installed, and thus the power conversion device 1 of this embodiment is assembled.
[0063] The power conversion device 1 of this embodiment as described above includes a relay bus bar 7 having a curved portion 74, a bus bar connection terminal block 6 to which one end 71 of the relay bus bar 7 is connected, and a terminal block portion 3a1 to which the other end 72 of the relay bus bar 7 is connected. The power conversion device 1 also includes a support protrusion 6d located below the relay bus bar 7. The support protrusion 6d is capable of abutting from below against the relay bus bar 7 that is tilted with respect to the fixed position in which the relay bus bar 7 is fastened to the bus bar connection terminal block 6 and the terminal block portion 3a1.
[0064] In the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the support protrusion 6d is located below the relay busbar 7 having the curved portion 74. If the relay busbar 7 tilts relative to the fixed posture at the time of fastening, the support protrusion 6d can prevent the posture of the relay busbar 7 from tilting further. Therefore, according to the power converter 1 of this embodiment, when the relay busbar 7 is placed before fastening, tilting of the relay busbar 7 can be prevented, and the assembly work of the relay busbar 7 can be facilitated.
[0065] In this embodiment, the bus bar connection terminal block 6 has a main body 6a to which one end 71 of the relay bus bar 7 is fastened, and a support protrusion 6d that is separate from the main body 6a. According to the bus bar connection terminal block 6 of this embodiment, the main body 6a to which the relay bus bar 7 is fastened and the support protrusion 6d can be separate bodies. This improves the degree of freedom in the shape of the support protrusion 6d.
[0066] In addition, in this embodiment, the bus bar connection terminal block 6 has a reinforcing rib 6e that connects the main body 6a and the support protrusion 6d. The bus bar connection terminal block 6 of this embodiment can improve the strength of the support protrusion 6d, thereby preventing deformation of the support protrusion 6d.
[0067] In this embodiment, the bus bar connection terminal block 6 has a plurality of support protrusions 6d and a reinforcing rib 6e provided for each support protrusion 6d. The height of the reinforcing rib 6e varies for each support protrusion 6d. With the bus bar connection terminal block 6 of this embodiment, the posture of the bus bar connection terminal block 6 and the attachment position of the relay bus bar 7 during assembly can be easily confirmed by visually checking the shape of the reinforcing rib 6e.
[0068] Furthermore, in the bus bar connection terminal block 6 of this embodiment, the relay bus bar 7 has a protrusion 76 that protrudes laterally from an edge portion. The bus bar connection terminal block 6 also has a locking recess 6c1 in which the protrusion 76 of the relay bus bar 7 is locked. According to the bus bar connection terminal block 6 of this embodiment, by accommodating the protrusion 76 in the locking recess 6c1, it is possible to prevent the relay bus bar 7 from moving relative to the bus bar connection terminal block 6.
[0069] Furthermore, in the bus bar connection terminal block 6 of this embodiment, a gap S is provided between the relay bus bar 7 in a fixed position and the support protrusion 6d. According to the bus bar connection terminal block 6 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent shape errors of the support protrusion 6d from affecting the position of the relay bus bar 7.
[0070] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.
[0071] 10 is a schematic enlarged perspective view including the support protrusion 6d of the bus bar connection terminal block 6 of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the bus bar connection terminal block 6 of this embodiment has a positioning pin 6g (positioning portion) that protrudes upward from the upper end of the first support protrusion 6d1. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, a recess 77 that accommodates the positioning pin 6g is provided on the edge of the positive electrode relay bus bar 7a.
[0072] According to the bus bar connection terminal block 6 of this embodiment, the relay bus bar 7 is positioned above the support protrusions 6d. Therefore, even if the relay bus bar 7 is tilted, the support protrusions 6d can be reliably brought into contact with the relay bus bar 7.
[0073] A positioning pin protruding upward from the upper end of the second support protrusion 6d2 may be provided. In such a case, it is preferable to provide a recess in the edge of the negative electrode relay busbar 7b to accommodate the positioning pin.
[0074] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.
[0075] 11 is a schematic enlarged perspective view including the support protrusion 6d of the bus bar connection terminal block 6 of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the bus bar connection terminal block 6 of this embodiment has a positioning piece 6h (positioning portion) that protrudes upward from the upper end of the first support protrusion 6d1. Also, as shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, a recess 78 that accommodates the positioning piece 6h is provided on the edge portion of the positive electrode relay bus bar 7a.
[0076] According to the bus bar connection terminal block 6 of this embodiment, the relay bus bar 7 is positioned above the support protrusions 6d. Therefore, even if the relay bus bar 7 is tilted, the support protrusions 6d can be reliably brought into contact with the relay bus bar 7.
[0077] Note that a positioning piece may be provided that protrudes upward from the upper end of the second support protrusion 6d2. In such a case, it is preferable to provide a recess in the edge of the negative electrode relay busbar 7b to accommodate the positioning piece.
[0078] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0079] For example, in the above embodiment, the bus bar connection terminal block 6 is configured to include the support protrusion 6d. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the power module 3a includes the support protrusion. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the support protrusion 6d is provided separately from the bus bar connection terminal block 6.
[0080] In the above embodiment, a configuration including the reinforcing rib 6e is employed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration without the reinforcing rib 6e may also be employed.
[0081] The above embodiment can also be described as follows, for example:
[0082] (Appendix 1) a bus bar having a curved portion; a first terminal block to which one end of the bus bar is connected; a second terminal block to which the other end of the bus bar is connected; A power conversion device having: a support protrusion located below the bus bar, The support protrusion is capable of contacting, from below, the bus bar tilted with respect to a fixed posture in which the bus bar is fastened to the first terminal block and the second terminal block. A power conversion device characterized by:
[0083] (Appendix 2) The first terminal block is a main body portion to which one end of the bus bar is fastened; The support protrusion, which is separate from the main body portion, 2. The power conversion device according to claim 1, comprising:
[0084] (Appendix 3) 3. The power conversion device according to claim 2, wherein the first terminal block has a reinforcing rib that connects the main body and the support protrusion.
[0085] (Appendix 4) The first terminal block is A plurality of the support protrusions; the reinforcing rib provided for each of the support protrusions; and The height of the reinforcing rib varies for each of the support protrusions. 4. The power conversion device according to claim 3.
[0086] (Appendix 5) 6. The power converter according to claim 1, further comprising a positioning portion provided at a tip of the support protrusion and configured to position the bus bar.
[0087] (Appendix 6) The bus bar has a protrusion protruding laterally from an edge portion, At least one of the first terminal block and the second terminal block has a locking recess in which the protrusion of the bus bar positioned by the positioning portion is locked. 6. The power conversion device according to claim 5,
[0088] (Appendix 7) 7. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein a gap is provided between the bus bar in the fixed position and the support protrusion.
[0089] (Appendix 8) A bus bar connection terminal block that is disposed inside a housing of a power conversion device and to which a bus bar is fastened, a support protrusion located below the bus bar, The support protrusion is capable of contacting, from below, the bus bar tilted with respect to a fixed position in which the bus bar is fastened to the bus bar connection terminal block. A bus bar connection terminal block characterized by:
[0090] (Appendix 9) a main body portion to which one end of the bus bar is fastened; The support protrusion, which is separate from the main body portion, 9. The bus bar connection terminal block according to claim 8, comprising:
[0091] (Appendix 10) 10. The bus bar connection terminal block according to claim 9, further comprising a reinforcing rib connecting the main body and the support protrusion.
[0092] (Appendix 11) A plurality of the support protrusions; the reinforcing rib provided for each of the support protrusions; and The height of the reinforcing rib varies for each of the support protrusions. 11. The bus bar connection terminal block according to claim 10.
[0093] (Appendix 12) 12. The bus bar connection terminal block according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising a positioning portion provided at a tip of the support protrusion and positioning the bus bar.
[0094] (Appendix 13) 13. The bus bar connection terminal block according to claim 12, further comprising a locking recess in which a protrusion of the bus bar positioned by the positioning portion is locked. [Explanation of symbols]
[0095] 1...power conversion device, 3a1...terminal block portion (second terminal block), 6...bus bar connection terminal block (first terminal block), 6a...main body portion, 6a1...positive relay bus bar fastening portion, 6a2...negative relay bus bar fastening portion, 6a3...support piece, 6b...mounting portion, 6c...locking wall, 6c1...locking recess, 6d...support protrusion, 6d1...first support protrusion, 6d2...second support protrusion, 6e...reinforcing rib, 6e1...first reinforcing rib, 6e2...second reinforcing rib, 6f...nut, 6g...positioning pin, 6h...positioning piece, 7...relay bus bar (bus bar), 7a...positive relay bus bar, 7b...negative relay bus bar, 71...one end portion, 72...other end portion, 73...horizontal portion, 74...curved portion, 75...vertical portion, 76...projection portion, 77...recess, 78...recess, S...gap
Claims
1. a bus bar having a curved portion; a first terminal block to which one end of the bus bar is connected; a second terminal block to which the other end of the bus bar is connected; A power conversion device having: a support protrusion located below the bus bar, The support protrusion is capable of contacting, from below, the bus bar tilted with respect to a fixed posture in which the bus bar is fastened to the first terminal block and the second terminal block. A power conversion device characterized by:
2. The first terminal block is a main body portion to which one end of the bus bar is fastened; The support protrusion, which is separate from the main body portion, 2. The power conversion device according to claim 1, further comprising:
3. 3. The power converter according to claim 2, wherein the first terminal block has a reinforcing rib that connects the main body and the support protrusion.
4. The first terminal block is A plurality of the support protrusions; the reinforcing rib provided for each of the support protrusions; and The height of the reinforcing rib varies for each of the support protrusions.
4. The power conversion device according to claim 3.
5. The power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a positioning portion provided at a tip of the support protrusion and positioning the bus bar.
6. The bus bar has a protrusion protruding laterally from an edge portion, At least one of the first terminal block and the second terminal block has a locking recess in which the protrusion of the bus bar positioned by the positioning portion is locked.
6. The power conversion device according to claim 5.
7. The power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a gap is provided between the bus bar in the fixed position and the support protrusion.
8. A bus bar connection terminal block that is disposed inside a housing of a power conversion device and to which a bus bar is fastened, a support protrusion located below the bus bar, The support protrusion is capable of contacting, from below, the bus bar tilted with respect to a fixed position in which the bus bar is fastened to the bus bar connection terminal block. A bus bar connection terminal block characterized by:
9. a main body portion to which one end of the bus bar is fastened; The support protrusion, which is separate from the main body portion, 9. The bus bar connection terminal block according to claim 8, further comprising:
10. 10. The bus bar connection terminal block according to claim 9, further comprising a reinforcing rib connecting the main body and the support protrusion.
11. A plurality of the support protrusions; the reinforcing rib provided for each of the support protrusions; and The height of the reinforcing rib varies for each of the support protrusions.
11. The bus bar connection terminal block according to claim 10.
12. The bus bar connection terminal block according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising a positioning portion provided at a tip of the support protrusion and positioning the bus bar.
13. 13. The bus bar connection terminal block according to claim 12, further comprising a locking recess for locking a protrusion of the bus bar positioned by the positioning portion.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Power Conversion Device
JP6838775B2