Power converter and rotating electric machine system

Abstract

The present invention provides a power converter and a rotating electric machine system suitable for electrical connection between a power converter and a rotating electric machine. [Solution] The rotating electric machine system 10 comprises a rotating electric machine 11 and a power converter 20. The rotating electric machine 11 and the power converter 20 are housed in a case 13. The rotating electric machine 11 and the power converter 20 are electrically connected by a plurality of AC conductive members 22. The plurality of elements constituting the power converter 20 include a power component group 30, a control device 60, and a second heat exchanger 70. The power component group 30 includes a power circuit component group 40 and a first heat exchanger 50. The first heat exchanger 50 and the control device 60 are arranged between the power circuit component group 40 and the rotating electric machine 11. The first heat exchanger 50 and the control device 60 provide a non-overlapping region 80 that does not overlap with the power circuit component group 40. The plurality of AC conductive members 22 are arranged in the non-overlapping region 80.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure in this specification relates to a power conversion device and a rotating electrical machine system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power conversion device and a rotating electrical machine system. In Patent Document 1, a plurality of elements constituting the power conversion device are arranged in a stacked manner. The description of the prior art document is incorporated herein by reference as an explanation of the technical elements in this specification.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the device described in Patent Document 1, a conductive member that electrically connects the power conversion device and the rotating electrical machine is arranged between the power conversion device and the rotating electrical machine. However, the stacked arrangement of a plurality of elements may prevent the arrangement of the conductive member. In addition, the stacked arrangement of a plurality of elements may force a circuitous arrangement of the conductive member. In these cases, the conductive member that electrically connects the power conversion device and the rotating electrical machine becomes large. From the above viewpoints or other viewpoints not mentioned, further improvements are required for the power conversion device and the rotating electrical machine system.

[0005] One object to be disclosed is to provide a power conversion device suitable for electrical connection between a power conversion device and a rotating electrical machine, and a rotating electrical machine system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The power conversion device disclosed herein is a power conversion device (20) that is electrically arranged between a rotating electric machine (11) and a DC power supply (12) to convert power, A group of power components (30) including multiple power components arranged to occupy a portion of the layers (PDL) in the stacking direction (HD), A control device (60) is arranged to occupy a portion of the layers (CTL) in the stacking direction and includes components for controlling the power component group, The case heat exchanger (70) is provided in the case to occupy a portion of the layers (CHL) in the stacking direction and to exchange heat with the power components, The power components, the control device, and the case heat exchanger are arranged stacked along the stacking direction, such that the control device and / or the case heat exchanger are positioned between the power components and the rotating electric machine. The aforementioned power component group forms the power component projected area (A30) in the stacking direction, The control device and / or the case heat exchanger, which are positioned between the group of power components and the rotating electric machine, form the intermediate component projected area (A60, A70) in the stacking direction. The control device and / or the case heat exchanger are arranged to form an intermediate projected area smaller than the projected area of ​​the power components.

[0007] According to the disclosed power converter, the conductive members connecting the power converter and the rotating electric machine can be arranged in a region of difference in projected area. This provides a layout suitable for the electrical connection between the power converter and the rotating electric machine.

[0008] The rotating electric machine system disclosed herein comprises a case (13) that separates an electric machine room (14) and a circuit room (15), a rotating electric machine (11) housed in the electric machine room, the power converter (20) fixed to the circuit room, and a plurality of conductive members (22) arranged in the non-overlapping area that electrically connect the rotating electric machine and the power converter.

[0009] The power converter disclosed herein is a power converter (20) positioned between a rotating electric machine (11) and a DC power supply (12), A group of power components (30) including multiple power components arranged to occupy a portion of the layers (PDL) in the stacking direction (HD), A control device (60) is arranged to occupy a portion of the layers (CTL) in the stacking direction and includes components for controlling the power component group, The case heat exchanger (70) is provided in the case to occupy a portion of the layers (CHL) in the stacking direction and to exchange heat with the power components, The power components, the control device, and the case heat exchanger are arranged stacked along the stacking direction, such that the control device and / or the case heat exchanger are positioned between the power components and the rotating electric machine. The control device and / or the case heat exchanger, which are positioned between the group of power components and the rotating electric machine, provide an overlapping region that overlaps with the group of power components with respect to the stacking direction and a non-overlapping region (80) that does not overlap with the group of power components with respect to the stacking direction.

[0010] According to the disclosed power converter, the conductive members connecting the power converter and the rotating electric machine can be arranged in non-overlapping areas. This provides a layout suitable for the electrical connection between the power converter and the rotating electric machine.

[0011] The rotating electric machine system disclosed herein comprises a case (13) that separates an electric machine room (14) and a circuit room (15), a rotating electric machine (11) housed in the electric machine room, the power converter (20) fixed to the circuit room, and a plurality of conductive members (22) arranged in the non-overlapping area that electrically connect the rotating electric machine and the power converter.

[0012] In the present specification, the plurality of forms disclosed adopt different technical means to achieve their respective purposes. The claims and the reference signs in parentheses described in this section exemplify the correspondence with the parts of the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objects, features, and effects disclosed in this specification will become clearer by referring to the subsequent detailed description and the attached drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram of a rotating electrical machine system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of a rotating electrical machine system. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view in the stacking direction of a power conversion device. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of a power conversion device. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of a rotating electrical machine system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of a rotating electrical machine system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of a rotating electrical machine system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] It is an exploded perspective view of a power conversion device. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view of a rotating electrical machine system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view of a rotating electrical machine system according to the sixth embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] A plurality of embodiments will be described while referring to the drawings. In the plurality of embodiments, functionally and / or structurally, corresponding parts and / or associated parts may be assigned the same reference signs or reference signs that differ in the hundreds digit or more. For corresponding parts and / or associated parts, the descriptions of other embodiments can be referred to.

[0015] First Embodiment In FIG. 1, the rotating electrical machine system 10 includes a rotating electrical machine 11, a power conversion device 20, and a DC power supply 12. The rotating electrical machine system 10 provides a power device for an electric apparatus. The rotating electrical machine system 10 provides, for example, a power device for an electric apparatus for a ground vehicle to travel. The rotating electrical machine system 10 can be used as an electric drive device for propulsion of a moving body such as a ground vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft. The rotating electrical machine system 10 can be used as a generator or a motor. The rotating electrical machine system 10 can be used as various electric apparatuses such as an electric water pump, an electric blower, or an electric refrigerant compressor.

[0016] The rotating electrical machine 11 is a polyphase rotating electrical machine. The rotating electrical machine 11 is a generator and / or a motor. In this embodiment, the rotating electrical machine 11 is a three-phase rotating electrical machine. In this embodiment, the rotating electrical machine 11 is a motor generator that switches between a generator and a motor to function. The rotating electrical machine 11 is connected to a propeller of a moving body. In this embodiment, the rotating electrical machine 11 is connected to a driving wheel of a ground vehicle.

[0017] The DC power supply 12 is a power supply device that supplies DC power such as a secondary battery capable of charging and discharging, a fuel cell, etc. The DC power supply 12 is also called a battery. The DC power supply 12 can be provided by various batteries such as a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, or a sodium ion battery.

[0018] The power converter 20 is positioned between the rotating electric machine 11 and the DC power supply 12. The power converter 20 provides at least one-way power conversion. The power converter 20 provides power supply from the rotating electric machine 11 to the DC power supply 12 and / or power supply from the DC power supply 12 to the rotating electric machine 11. The power converter 20 provides AC to DC conversion and / or DC to AC power conversion. The power converter 20 provides power conversion with voltage adjustment and / or current adjustment. The power converter 20 provides power conversion with AC phase adjustment. In this embodiment, the power converter 20 provides bidirectional power conversion between the rotating electric machine 11 and the DC power supply 12.

[0019] The power converter 20 is configured to be housed in a container as a single unit. The power converter 20 includes multiple elements. These multiple elements are grouped according to different potential levels. These groups are arranged in multiple layers within the container. In other words, the multiple elements of the power converter 20 are arranged stacked along a predetermined stacking direction so as to form multiple layers within the container.

[0020] The power converter 20 has a power component group 30. The power component group 30 includes circuit components of the power system in the power converter 20 and related components. The power system is an element contrasted with the control system and is clearly distinguished in terms of voltage and current levels. The voltage and current levels handled by the power component group 30 are higher than the power supply voltage, power supply current, signal voltage, and signal current levels of control components such as computers. The power component group 30 is directly or indirectly related to the power flowing to the rotating electric machine 11 and / or the power flowing to the DC power supply 12. The power component group 30 provides an electrical circuit that converts the power flowing to the rotating electric machine 11 and / or the power flowing to the DC power supply 12 into power. Related components include thermal equipment such as heat exchangers that regulate the temperature of the circuit components.

[0021] The power component group 30 includes a power circuit component group 40 and a first heat exchanger 50. The power circuit component group 40 includes multiple power circuit components. The power circuit components included in the power circuit component group 40 are components that handle the input and output voltages and currents of the power converter 20. The power circuit component group 40 includes multiple conductive members 41 and multiple switch modules 42. The first heat exchanger 50 is called a power heat exchanger 50. The first heat exchanger 50 is a component that exchanges heat with the multiple switch modules 42.

[0022] The power circuit component group 40 includes a plurality of conductive members 41. The plurality of conductive members 41 may be provided by insulated cables, busbars, metal fasteners, etc. The metal fasteners may be provided by bolts, nuts, etc. The plurality of conductive members 41 may include a DC positive electrode busbar, a DC negative electrode busbar, a plurality of AC busbars connected to a plurality of AC conductive members 22, etc. The plurality of conductive members 41 are incidental heat-generating components in the power converter 20.

[0023] In this embodiment, the multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged to extend from the power circuit component group 40. From this perspective, the multiple AC conductive members 22 are treated as independent components that do not belong to the power component group 30 or the power circuit component group 40.

[0024] The multiple AC conductive members 22 are multiple conductive members. The multiple AC conductive members 22 are provided by multiple busbars or multiple insulated cables. The multiple AC conductive members 22 electrically connect the power converter 20 and the rotating electric machine 11. The multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged to extend along the stacking direction in the power converter 20. The multiple AC conductive members 22 extend from the power converter 20 toward the rotating electric machine 11. The multiple AC conductive members 22 are molded to a small size to reduce the distance over which the current flows in order to suppress Joule heating. The multiple AC conductive members 22 are molded to suppress inductive and / or capacitive components. The busbars are metal plates molded into a predetermined shape. The busbars are made of copper or aluminum.

[0025] The power circuit component group 40 includes a plurality of switch modules 42. The plurality of switch modules 42 are connected to each other to form at least an inverter circuit. Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of switch modules 42 may be connected to form a converter circuit.

[0026] The switch module 42 is provided by a semiconductor package containing semiconductor switching elements. The switch module 42 is one of the main heat-generating components in the power converter 20. For example, the switch module 42 is provided by a plate-shaped semiconductor package. The switch module 42 may be called a power card or power module. For example, the switch module 42 may have heat dissipation surfaces on both sides. In this case, the switch module 42 is also called a double-sided cooled power card. In this embodiment, the switch module 42 is provided by a double-sided cooled power card.

[0027] The switch module 42 includes a parallel circuit of at least one set of switching elements and a reverse-connected diode. The switch module 42 may have multiple sets of parallel circuits. The switching elements are so-called power semiconductors. The switching elements can be provided by power MOSFETs, insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), or thyristors.

[0028] The group of power circuit components 40 includes a capacitor module 43. The capacitor module 43 may be provided by an assembly of one or more capacitor elements. The capacitor module 43 functions as a smoothing element and / or a filtering element. The capacitor module 43 is one of the incidental heat-generating components in the power converter 20. The capacitor module 43 may have more limited heat resistance than the other power circuit components 40. As a result, the capacitor module 43 is one of the power circuit components in the power converter 20 that requires cooling.

[0029] The power circuit component group 40 may include a sensor module 44. The sensor module 44 provides detection signals necessary for desired control in the power converter 20. The sensor module 44 may also provide feedback signals in the power converter 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor module 44 detects phase currents in a plurality of AC conductive members 22. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module 44 may be provided in each of a plurality of switch modules 42. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module 44 may be provided in the DC positive busbar and / or DC negative busbar. The power circuit component group 40 may include a reactor as an inductive element.

[0030] The power component group 30 has at least one first heat exchanger 50. Multiple thermal coupling relationships are formed between each power circuit component included in the power circuit component group 40 and the first heat exchanger 50. The first heat exchanger 50 forms a thermally close coupling relationship with each of the multiple switch modules 42. Of the multiple thermal coupling relationships, the thermal coupling relationship between the switch module 42 and the first heat exchanger 50 is the strongest. In the figure, the thermal coupling relationship between the first heat exchanger 50 and the switch module 42 is illustrated by a dashed line.

[0031] The switch module 42 is the primary heat source that generates the greatest amount of heat in the power converter 20. Therefore, the first heat exchanger 50 may also be referred to as the heat exchanger for the switch module 42. The first heat exchanger 50 may also be referred to as the primary heat exchanger in the power converter 20. The thermal coupling relationship between the switch module 42 and the first heat exchanger 50 may be provided by direct contact.

[0032] The first heat exchanger 50 is equipped with passages for circulating a heat transfer medium. The first heat exchanger 50 regulates the temperature of power circuit components by providing heat exchange between the heat transfer medium and the power circuit components. The heat transfer medium can be provided by a fluid such as water, antifreeze, oil, refrigerant, or gas. The first heat exchanger 50 can utilize a heat transfer medium supplied from a fluid circulation system that has a heat dissipation function.

[0033] When the switch module 42 is relatively cold, the first heat exchanger 50 functions as a device to heat the switch module 42. When the switch module 42 is relatively hot, the first heat exchanger 50 functions as a device to cool the switch module 42. The first heat exchanger 50 is sometimes also called a temperature controller. When power conversion is performed, the switch module 42 generates heat, so under many environmental conditions, the first heat exchanger 50 functions as a cooling device.

[0034] The power converter 20 includes a control device 60. The control device 60 controls the power converter 20. The control device 60 primarily provides control to make the power converter 20 function as at least an inverter device by driving a plurality of switch modules 42. The control device 60 includes drive circuits for the plurality of switch modules 42. The control device 60 receives detection signals from a sensor module 44. For example, the control device 60 performs duty cycle control of the plurality of switch modules 42 based on the detection signals.

[0035] The control device 60 includes an electrical control circuit. The control device 60 has a circuit board and a plurality of circuit components mounted on the circuit board. The voltage level and current level in the control device 60 are lower than the voltage level and current level in the power component group 30.

[0036] The control devices in this specification may also be called electronic control units (ECUs). The control devices, or control systems, are provided by (a) algorithms as a set of logic known as if-then-else forms, or (b) algorithms as trained models tuned by machine learning, such as neural networks.

[0037] The control device is provided by a control system that includes at least one computer. The control system may include multiple computers linked by a data communication device. The computer includes at least one hardware processor (hardware processor). The hardware processor can be provided by (i), (ii), or (iii) below.

[0038] (i) A hardware processor may be at least one processor core that executes a program stored in at least one memory. In this case, a computer is provided by at least one memory and at least one processor core. A processor core is also called a CPU: Central Processing Unit, GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, RISC-CPU, etc. Memory is also called a storage medium. Memory is a non-transitional and tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores "programs and / or data" that can be read by a processor. Storage mediums are provided by semiconductor memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks, etc. A program may be distributed on its own or as a storage medium on which a program is stored.

[0039] (ii) A hardware processor may be a hardware logic circuit. In this case, the computer is provided by a digital circuit that includes a large number of programmed logic units (gate circuits). Digital circuits are also called logic circuit arrays, e.g., ASIC: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, SoC: System on a Chip, PGA: Programmable Gate Array, CPLD: Complex Programmable Logic Device, etc. Digital circuits may have memory that stores programs and / or data. A computer may be provided by analog circuits. A computer may be provided by a combination of digital and analog circuits.

[0040] (iii) A hardware processor may be a combination of (i) and (ii) above. (i) and (ii) may be located on different chips or on a common chip. In these cases, the (ii) portion is also called an accelerator.

[0041] Control devices, signal sources, and controlled objects provide a variety of elements. At least some of these elements can be called blocks, modules, or sections. Furthermore, elements included in a control system are called functional means only when intentionally used.

[0042] The control units and methods described in this disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the control units and methods described in this disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor by one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control units and methods described in this disclosure may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. The computer program may also be stored as instructions executed by the computer on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium.

[0043] The power converter 20 has a second heat exchanger 70. The power converter 20 has at least one second heat exchanger 70. The second heat exchanger 70 is provided in a case that houses the power converter 20. The second heat exchanger 70 is thermally coupled to each of the multiple power circuit components. The thermal coupling between the second heat exchanger 70 and the switch module 42 is weaker and less intense than the thermal coupling between the first heat exchanger 50 and the switch module 42. The second heat exchanger 70 has a strong thermal coupling with power circuit components other than the switch module 42. The thermal coupling between the second heat exchanger 70 and power circuit components other than the switch module 42 may be stronger and greater than the thermal coupling between the second heat exchanger 70 and the switch module 42. In the figure, the thermal coupling between the second heat exchanger 70 and the power component group 30 is illustrated by dashed lines. The second heat exchanger 70 is sometimes also called an auxiliary heat exchanger in the power converter 20.

[0044] The second heat exchanger 70 is equipped with a passage for circulating a heat transfer medium. The second heat exchanger 70 regulates the temperature of the power circuit components 40 by providing heat exchange between the heat transfer medium and the power circuit components 40. The heat transfer medium can be provided by a fluid such as water, antifreeze, oil, refrigerant, or gas. The second heat exchanger 70 can utilize a heat transfer medium supplied from a fluid circulation system that has a heat dissipation function.

[0045] The first heat exchanger 50 and the second heat exchanger 70 may use a common heat transfer medium. The first heat exchanger 50 and the second heat exchanger 70 may be arranged in series or in parallel in the heat transfer medium path. Alternatively, the first heat exchanger 50 and the second heat exchanger 70 may use different heat transfer mediums flowing through independent passages.

[0046] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine system 10. The rotating electric machine system 10 includes a rotating electric machine 11 and a power converter 20. The rotating electric machine 11 and the power converter 20 are supported by a case 13. The case 13 separates an electrical room 14 and a circuit room 15. The case 13 has a side wall 13a that separates the electrical room 14. The case 13 has a side wall 13b that separates the circuit room 15. The case 13 has a partition wall 13c that separates the electrical room 14 and the circuit room 15. The electrical room 14 houses the rotating electric machine 11. The electrical room 14 is a room that can be described as having a cylindrical shape. The power converter 20 is fixed to the circuit room 15. The second heat exchanger 70, which will be described later, is fixed to the circuit room 15, but it can be interpreted as being housed in the circuit room 15. The circuit room 15 houses the power converter 20. Circuit chamber 15 is a chamber that can be described as having a rectangular prism shape.

[0047] The circuit chamber 15 has a side wall 13b as a surrounding wall. The circuit chamber 15 has a partition wall 13c as its bottom wall. The circuit chamber 15 is formed within a container partitioned by the side wall 13b and the partition wall 13c. The side wall 13b is cylindrical. One end of the cylinder formed by the side wall 13b is closed by the partition wall 13c. The cover wall 13d and the laminated wall 13e are stacked on top of each other and joined together. The cover wall 13d and the laminated wall 13e are located at the other end of the cylinder formed by the side wall 13b. As a result, the cover wall 13d and the laminated wall 13e function as a lid at the other end of the cylinder formed by the side wall 13b. The other end of the cylinder formed by the side wall 13b is closed by the stacked structure of the cover wall 13d and the laminated wall 13e. Furthermore, the cover wall 13d and the laminated wall 13e are arranged in a stacked configuration, and a passage 71 for the heat transfer medium is partitioned between them, thereby providing a second heat exchanger 70. Since the cover wall 13d and the laminated wall 13e provide the second heat exchanger 70, they constitute a part of the power conversion device 20.

[0048] The power converter 20 comprises a power component group 30, a control device 60, and a second heat exchanger 70. The power component group 30, the control device 60, and the second heat exchanger 70 are multiple elements that constitute the power converter 20. From another perspective, the power converter 20 comprises a power circuit component group 40, a first heat exchanger 50, a control device 60, and a second heat exchanger 70. These multiple elements are arranged in a stacked manner along the height direction HD. These multiple elements are arranged in a stacked manner relative to the case 13. In other words, the power component group 30, the control device 60, and the second heat exchanger 70 are arranged in a stacked manner relative to the circuit chamber 15. The power component group 30 comprises a power circuit component group 40 and a first heat exchanger 50. The power circuit components and the first heat exchanger 50 are partially mixed together. However, layers containing only power circuit components can be identified. Layers containing only the first heat exchanger 50 can also be identified. With respect to these layers, the power circuit component group 40 and the first heat exchanger 50 are arranged in a stacked manner.

[0049] Here, the stacking direction of the power component group 30, the control device 60, and the second heat exchanger 70 is conveniently defined as the height direction HD. The power component group 30, the control device 60, and the second heat exchanger 70 each extend in layers perpendicular to the height direction HD. The direction in which these layers extend is conveniently defined as the width direction WD and the depth direction DD. The multiple layers described below are characterized by their thickness in the height direction HD. The height direction HD, which is the stacking direction, is the direction away from the rotating electric machine 11. An example of the height direction HD is the radial direction of the rotating electric machine 11. The height direction HD is the direction of gravity. Note that the height direction HD may be inclined with respect to the radial direction. Therefore, the height direction HD may be inclined with respect to gravity.

[0050] Multiple elements constituting the power component group 30 are arranged within the circuit chamber 15 to occupy a portion of the layers in the height direction HD (stacking direction). The power component group 30 includes multiple power components. As a result, the power component group 30 forms a power-related component layer PDL. The power-related component layer PDL includes a power circuit layer PCL and a power heat exchange layer PHL.

[0051] Multiple elements constituting the power circuit component group 40 are arranged within the circuit chamber 15 so as to occupy a portion of the layers in the height direction HD (stacking direction). The power circuit component group 40 forms a power circuit layer PCL, which mainly consists of multiple conductive members 41. The first heat exchanger 50 is not located in this power circuit layer PCL. A switch module 42, a capacitor module 43, or a sensor module 44 is partially located in this power circuit layer PCL.

[0052] The first heat exchanger 50 is a stacked heat exchanger having a plurality of heat exchange sections 51. The plurality of heat exchange sections 51 are arranged in a stacked manner with predetermined gaps between them. In the illustrated example, the plurality of heat exchange sections 51 are arranged in a stacked manner along the width direction WD. A passage for a heat transfer medium is formed inside the heat exchange section 51. As a result, each of the plurality of heat exchange sections 51 provides heat exchange. At least one switch module 42 is placed between two adjacent heat exchange sections 51. As a result, the switch module 42 dissipates heat from both sides to the two heat exchange sections 51. This configuration is suitable for a double-sided cooled power card. The plurality of elements constituting the first heat exchanger 50 are arranged in the circuit chamber 15 so as to occupy a portion of the layers in the height direction HD (stacked direction). The first heat exchanger 50 forms the power heat exchange layer PHL in which the first heat exchanger 50 is located.

[0053] A control device 60 is positioned between the power component group 30 and the partition wall 13c. The control device 60 includes a circuit board 61 and a plurality of circuit components 62. The circuit board 61 is provided by a printed circuit board. The circuit board 61 may comprise a plurality of circuit boards. The circuit board 61 may comprise a flexible circuit board in part or entirely. The plurality of circuit components 62 are mounted on the circuit board 61. The plurality of circuit components 62 include resistors, capacitors, ICs, etc. The control device 60 is positioned within the circuit chamber 15 to occupy a portion of the layers in the height direction HD (stacking direction). The control device 60 includes components that control the power circuit component group 40 of the power component group 30. The control device 60 forms a control device layer CTL.

[0054] The distance between the control device 60 and the partition wall 13c is shorter than the distance between the electrical component group 30 and the partition wall 13c. The distance between the control device 60 and the partition wall 13c is shorter than the distance between the second heat exchanger 70 and the partition wall 13c. The control device 60 is located closer to the partition wall 13c than the power component group 30 and the second heat exchanger 70 (case heat exchanger). The distance between the control device 60 and the rotating electric machine 11 is shorter than the distance between the electrical component group 30 and the rotating electric machine 11. The distance between the control device 60 and the rotating electric machine 11 is shorter than the distance between the second heat exchanger 70 and the rotating electric machine 11. The control device 60 is located closer to the rotating electric machine 11 than the power component group 30 and the second heat exchanger 70 (case heat exchanger). The control device 60 is located closest to the partition wall 13c among the elements constituting the power conversion device 20. In other words, the control device 60 is positioned closest to the rotating electric machine 11 among the elements that make up the power conversion device 20.

[0055] Furthermore, incidental components may be placed between the control device 60 and the partition wall 13c, or between the control device 60 and the rotating electric machine 11. These incidental components belong to the power conversion device 20. These incidental components may belong to the power component group 30 or the second heat exchanger 70 (case heat exchanger). Examples of incidental components include bolts, nuts, piping, conductive members, terminal blocks, and bushings. These are incidental components. Therefore, even if these are placed between the control device 60 and the partition wall 13c, the control device 60 should be considered to be located closest to the partition wall 13c. Similarly, even if these are placed between the control device 60 and the rotating electric machine 11, the control device 60 should be considered to be located closest to the rotating electric machine 11.

[0056] On the opposite side of the partition wall 13c in the circuit chamber 15, a cover wall 13d and a laminated wall 13e are arranged as a lid for the circuit chamber 15. A passage for the heat transfer medium is partitioned between the cover wall 13d and the laminated wall 13e. The cover wall 13d and the laminated wall 13e provide a second heat exchanger 70. The second heat exchanger 70 is also a heat exchanger belonging to the case 13. The second heat exchanger 70 (case heat exchanger) is arranged in the circuit chamber 15 so as to occupy a portion of the layers in the height direction HD (lamination direction). The second heat exchanger 70 is provided in the case 13 to exchange heat with the power component group 30. The second heat exchanger 70 forms the case heat exchange layer CHL.

[0057] The first heat exchanger 50 and the second heat exchanger 70 utilize a common heat transfer medium. The first heat exchanger 50 and the second heat exchanger 70 are arranged in series in the heat transfer medium passage. In the illustrated example, the heat transfer medium flows into the first heat exchanger 50 from the inlet pipe 24. The heat transfer medium exchanges heat with the switch module 42 as it flows through the first heat exchanger 50. The heat transfer medium flows from the outlet of the first heat exchanger 50 through the connecting pipe 25 to the inlet of the second heat exchanger 70. The heat transfer medium exchanges heat with the power circuit components of the power-related components 40, including the conductive member 41, as it flows through the second heat exchanger 70. Finally, the heat transfer medium flows out from the outlet of the second heat exchanger 70.

[0058] The plurality of AC conductive members 22 are arranged between the power component group 30 and the rotating electric machine 11. The plurality of AC conductive members 22 are arranged between the power circuit component group 40 and the rotating electric machine 11. The partition wall 13c partitions the communication hole 16 through which the plurality of AC conductive members 22 pass. The communication hole 16 communicates the electric machine chamber 14 and the circuit chamber 15. The plurality of AC conductive members 22 extend along the height direction HD, that is, the stacking direction. The plurality of AC conductive members 22 extend linearly. The plurality of AC conductive members 22 may be provided as components belonging to the power circuit component group 40. In this case, the plurality of AC conductive members 22 are formed in a shape extending from the power circuit component group 40 toward the rotating electric machine 11. The plurality of AC conductive members 22 are connected to the rotating electric machine 11 in the electric machine chamber 14. Alternatively, the plurality of AC conductive members 22 may be provided as components belonging to the rotating electric machine 11. In this case, the plurality of AC conductive members 22 are formed in a shape extending from the rotating electric machine 11 toward the power circuit component group 40. The plurality of AC conductive members 22 are connected to the power circuit component group 40 in the circuit chamber 15.

[0059] In the height direction HD, that is, the stacking direction, a control device 60 is arranged between the power component group 30 and the rotating electric machine 11. The control device 60 partitions a non-overlapping region 80 that does not overlap with the power component group 30 so as to enable the arrangement of the plurality of AC conductive members 22. The power component group 30 and the control device 60 are stacked so as to form both an overlapping region and the non-overlapping region 80 in the stacking direction. In the width direction WD, the width W60 of the control device 60 is smaller than the width W30 of the power component group 30 (W60 < W30). The difference between the width W60 and the width W30 provides the non-overlapping region 80 for arranging the plurality of AC conductive members 22. In this embodiment, the control device 60 is arranged between the power component group 30 and the rotating electric machine 11. The control device 60 provides a non-overlapping region 80 that does not overlap with the power component group 30 in the height direction HD (stacking direction).

[0060] In the height direction HD, that is, in the stacking direction, a first heat exchanger 50 and a control device 60 are arranged between the power circuit component group 40 and the rotating electric machine 11. Both the first heat exchanger 50 and the control device 60 define a non-overlapping region 80 that does not overlap with the power circuit component group 40 so as to enable the arrangement of a plurality of AC conductive members 22. The power circuit component group 40 and the first heat exchanger 50 are stacked so as to form both an overlapping region and the non-overlapping region 80 in the stacking direction. The power circuit component group 40 and the control device 60 are stacked so as to form both an overlapping region and the non-overlapping region 80 in the stacking direction. The first heat exchanger 50 and the control device 60 are stacked so as to form both an overlapping region and the non-overlapping region 80 in the stacking direction. In the width direction WD, the width W50 of the first heat exchanger 50 is smaller than the width W40 of the power circuit component group 40 (W50 < W40). In addition, in the width direction WD, the width W60 of the control device 60 is smaller than the width W40 of the power circuit component group 40 (W60 < W40). In addition, in the width direction WD, the width W60 of the control device 60 is smaller than the width W50 of the first heat effector 50 (W60 < W50). The difference between the width W50 and the width W40, and the difference between the width W60 and the width W40 provide the non-overlapping region 80 for arranging the plurality of AC conductive members 22.

[0061] From another perspective, the power component group 30 extends beyond the overlapping region that overlaps with the control device 60 in the height direction HD (stacking direction) to a non-overlapping region 80 that does not overlap with the control device 60 in the height direction HD (stacking direction). The power component group 30 extends significantly beyond the control device 60 to demarcate the non-overlapping region 80 for arranging multiple AC conductive members 22. From another perspective, the power circuit component group 40 extends beyond the overlapping region that overlaps with the control device 60 in the height direction HD (stacking direction) to a non-overlapping region 80 that does not overlap with the control device 60 in the height direction HD (stacking direction). From another perspective, the power circuit component group 40 extends beyond the overlapping region that overlaps with the first heat exchanger 50 in the height direction HD (stacking direction) to a non-overlapping region 80 that does not overlap with the first heat exchanger 50 in the height direction HD (stacking direction). The power circuit component group 40 extends significantly beyond the control device 60 to demarcate the non-overlapping region 80 for arranging multiple AC conductive members 22. The power circuit component group 40 extends significantly beyond the first heat exchanger 50 to demarcate a non-overlapping region 80 for arranging multiple AC conductive members 22. The multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged in the non-overlapping region 80 with respect to the height direction HD (stacking direction).

[0062] Multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged in a non-overlapping region 80. This allows the multiple AC conductive members 22 to provide an electrical connection between the power component group 30 and the rotating electric machine 11. The multiple AC conductive members 22 can provide an electrical connection with a size that allows them to be arranged within the non-overlapping region 80. The multiple AC conductive members 22 can provide an electrical connection with a linear shape that allows them to be arranged within the non-overlapping region 80.

[0063] From another perspective, the multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged in overlap with the elements of the power converter 20 located between the power circuit component group 40 and the rotating electric machine 11, with respect to an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the height direction HD (stacking direction). The multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged in overlap with the first heat exchanger 50, with respect to an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the height direction HD (stacking direction). The multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged in overlap with the control device 60, with respect to an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the height direction HD (stacking direction). The multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged in overlap with the first heat exchanger 50, with respect to the width direction WD. The multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged in overlap with the control device 60, with respect to the width direction WD.

[0064] Figure 3 is a view in the direction of arrow III in Figure 2. Case 13 partitions the circuit chamber 15. The power converter 20 is supported in the circuit chamber 15. Of the power converter 20, the second heat exchanger 70 is provided by a cover wall 13d, which is part of case 13. The cover wall 13d is positioned to close off the circuit chamber 15. The cover wall 13d is also one of the components housed in the circuit chamber 15 partitioned by case 13. The cover wall 13d provides a projected area A13d in the height direction HD (stacking direction). In this specification, the projected plane refers to the projected plane in the height direction HD (stacking direction).

[0065] The second heat exchanger 70 has passages for the heat transfer medium. The passages for the heat transfer medium are illustrated by dashed arrows. The passages for the heat transfer medium are U-shaped reciprocating passages. Alternatively, the passages for the heat transfer medium can be provided by a variety of passages, such as passages that allow unidirectional flow, passages that include multiple reciprocating passages, and passages that include one or more branches and mergers.

[0066] The effective range in which the second heat exchanger 70 functions effectively as a heat exchanger is illustrated by the dashed-dot frame. The effective range is the area in which heat can be effectively exchanged with the power converter 20 housed in the circuit chamber 15. The effective range is understood as the projected area in the height direction HD (stacking direction). The second heat exchanger 70 provides a projected area A70 in the height direction HD (stacking direction). The effective range is equal to the projected area A70.

[0067] The circuit chamber 15 houses a group of power components 30. The group of power components 30 includes a group of power circuit components 40 and a first heat exchanger 50. The group of power components 30 is illustrated with fine dashed lines and coarse dashed lines. The group of power components 30 provides a projected area A30 in the height direction HD (stacking direction). The projected area A30 is sometimes called the power component projected area. The projected area A30 is a composite area that includes the projected area A40 of the power circuit component group 40 (described later) and the projected area A50 of the first heat exchanger 50 (described later). In many cases, the projected area A30 is equal to the projected area A40.

[0068] The power circuit component group 40 is housed within the circuit chamber 15. The power circuit component group 40 includes a conductive member 41, a switch module 42, a capacitor module 43, and a sensor module 44. The conductive member 41, the switch module 42, the capacitor module 43, and the sensor module 44 are shown by fine dashed lines. The power circuit component group 40 provides a projected area A40 in the height direction HD (stacking direction). The projected area A40 is a composite area including the projected area of ​​the conductive member 41, the projected area of ​​the switch module 42, the projected area of ​​the capacitor module 43, and the projected area of ​​the sensor module 44.

[0069] The power converter 20 includes a plurality of AC conductive members 22 that electrically connect the power converter 20 to the rotating electric machine 11. The plurality of AC conductive members 22 are electrically connected to the power circuit component group 40. The power converter 20 also includes a plurality of DC busbars 23 that electrically connect the power converter 20 to the DC power supply 12. The plurality of DC busbars 23 are electrically connected to the power circuit component group 40. The plurality of DC busbars 23 extend from the power circuit component group 40 to the outside of the case 13 via a terminal block that penetrates the case 13.

[0070] Multiple AC conductive members 22 and multiple DC busbars 23 are also called input / output conductor groups. These input / output conductor groups may be provided as a group of components belonging to a power circuit component group 40. Alternatively, these input / output conductor groups may be provided as a group of components not belonging to the power circuit component group 40. For example, multiple AC conductive members 22 may be provided as a group of components belonging to the rotating electric machine 11. Therefore, the power converter 20 may be provided as a device without input / output conductor groups. In this case, the manufacturing method for producing the rotating electric machine unit 10 by connecting the power converter 20 and the rotating electric machine 11 includes a step of connecting the power converter 20 and the input / output conductor groups by connecting members such as welding, soldering, and fastening members.

[0071] The first heat exchanger 50 has passages for the heat transfer medium. The passages for the heat transfer medium are illustrated by dashed arrows. The passages for the heat transfer medium include one or more branches and mergers. Alternatively, the passages for the heat transfer medium can be provided by a variety of passages, such as passages that allow unidirectional flow, U-shaped reciprocating passages, and passages that include multiple reciprocating passages.

[0072] The first heat exchanger 50 is housed within the circuit chamber 15. The first heat exchanger 50 is a stacked heat exchanger having a plurality of heat exchange sections 51. The first heat exchanger 50 is illustrated by a rough dashed line. The first heat exchanger 50 provides a projected area A50 in the height direction HD (stacked direction). The projected area A50 is the area excluding the cavities for arranging the plurality of switch modules 42. Alternatively, the projected area A50 may be the area demarcated by the outer edge including the cavities for arranging the plurality of switch modules 42.

[0073] The control circuit 60 is housed within the circuit chamber 15. The control circuit 60 is illustrated by a dashed line. The control circuit 60 provides a projected area A60 in the height direction HD (stacking direction). The projected area A60 is sometimes called the intermediate component projected area. The projected area A60 of the control device 60 is exclusively demarcated by the circuit board 61. The circuit board 61 has a shape that can be called a quadrilateral, such as a rectangle. The heat transfer medium flows in the following order: inlet pipe 24, first heat exchanger 50, connecting pipe 25, second heat exchanger 70, and outlet pipe 26.

[0074] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the multiple elements included in the power converter 20. The multiple elements are shown separated from each other with respect to the height direction HD (stacking direction). In addition, the multiple AC conductive members 22 are shown extended along the height direction HD (stacking direction) to illustrate their relationship with the other elements.

[0075] The power circuit component group 40 constituting the power component group 30 is arranged within the range of the power circuit layer PCL. The power circuit layer PCL does not include the first heat exchanger 50. The power circuit component group 40 is arranged within the range of the projected area A40 with respect to the height direction HD (stacking direction).

[0076] The first heat exchanger 50, which constitutes the power component group 30, is located within the range of the power heat exchange layer PHL. The power heat exchange layer PHL includes a portion of the power circuit component group 40. The power heat exchange layer PHL includes at least a portion of the switch module 42. The first heat exchanger 50 is located within the range of the projected area A50 with respect to the height direction HD (stacking direction). The projected area A50 of the first heat exchanger 50 is smaller than the projected area A40 of the power circuit component group 40 (A50 <A40)。

[0077] The elements constituting the power component group 30 are arranged within the combined range of the power circuit layer PCL and the power heat exchange layer PHL. This combined range is called the power-related component layer PDL. The power component group 30 is arranged within the projected area A30 with respect to the height direction HD (stacking direction). In this embodiment, the projected area A30 and the projected area A40 are equal.

[0078] The control device 60 is located within the range of the control device layer CTL. The control device 60 is located within the range of the projected area A60 with respect to the height direction HD (stacking direction). The projected area A60 of the control device 60 is smaller than the projected area A40 of the power circuit component group 40 (A60 <A40)。

[0079] The second heat exchanger 70 is located within the range of the case heat exchange layer CHL. The second heat exchanger 70 is located within the range of the projected area A70 with respect to the height direction HD (stacking direction).

[0080] The distance between the second heat exchanger 70 and the rotating electric machine 11 is greater than the distance between the power circuit component group 40 and the rotating electric machine 11. With respect to the distance from the rotating electric machine 11, the second heat exchanger 70 is located in a region farther away from the power circuit component group 40. The projected area A70 of the second heat exchanger 70 is greater than or equal to the projected area A40 of the power circuit component group 40 (A70 ≥ A40). Alternatively, the projected area A70 may be smaller than the projected area A40.

[0081] The distance between the first heat exchanger 50 and the rotating electric machine 11 is shorter than the distance between the power circuit component group 40 and the rotating electric machine 11. With respect to the distance from the rotating electric machine 11, the first heat exchanger 50 is located in a region closer to the power circuit component group 40. The projected area A50 is smaller than the projected area A40. The distance between the control device 60 and the rotating electric machine 11 is shorter than the distance between the power circuit component group 40 and the rotating electric machine 11. With respect to the distance from the rotating electric machine 11, the control device 60 is located in a region closer to the power circuit component group 40. The projected area A60 is smaller than the projected area A40. Among the elements constituting the power conversion device 20, the projected area of ​​the elements located in a region closer to the power circuit component group 40 with respect to the distance from the rotating electric machine 11 is smaller than the projected area A40 of the power circuit component group 40. Both the projected area A50 and the projected area A60 are smaller than the projected area A40.

[0082] The difference between projected area A40 and projected area A50 provides projected area A81. Projected area A81 is also called the unplaced projected area where the first heat exchanger 50 is not placed. Projected area A81 is located in the width direction WD of the first heat exchanger 50. Alternatively, or additionally, projected area A81 may be located in the depth direction DD of the first heat exchanger 50. Multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged within the scope of projected area A81.

[0083] The difference between projected area A40 and projected area A60 provides projected area A82. Projected area A82 is located in the width direction WD of the control device 60. Alternatively, or additionally, projected area A82 may be located in the depth direction DD of the control device 60. Multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged within the range of projected area A82.

[0084] Multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged so as to pass through projected area A81 and projected area A82. The multiple AC conductive members 22 are located in the area where the first heat exchanger 50 and the control device 60 are not located. The area where they are not located is the area where neither the first heat exchanger 50 nor the control device 60 is located. Projected areas A81 and A82 are the projected areas of the non-overlapping region 80.

[0085] According to the embodiments described above, the power circuit component group 40 and the rotating electric machine 11 are connected by a plurality of AC conductive members 22. The plurality of AC conductive members 22 are arranged within the ranges of the projected areas A81 and A82. The plurality of AC conductive members 22 are provided with a small physical size that can be arranged within the ranges of the projected areas A81 and A82. The plurality of AC conductive members 22 are provided with a linear and simple shape.

[0086] Alternatively, with respect to the distance from the rotating electric machine 11, the second heat exchanger 70 may be arranged in a region closer to the power circuit component group 40. In this case, the projected area A70 may be referred to as an intermediate component projected area. The second heat exchanger 70 is formed to provide a projected area A70 that is smaller than the projected area A40 of the power circuit component group 40 (A70 < A40). In this case, the plurality of AC conductive members 22 are arranged within the range of the projected area that is the difference between the projected area A70 and the projected area A40. Further, the plurality of AC conductive members 22 are arranged so as to pass through both the range of the projected area A81 and the range of the projected area A82.

[0087] Alternatively, with respect to the distance from the rotating electric machine 11, the first heat exchanger 50 may be arranged in a region farther from the power circuit component group 40. In this case, the projected area A50 of the first heat exchanger 50 may be formed to be equal to or larger than the projected area A40 of the power circuit component group 40 (A50 ≧ A40). Also, the projected area A50 may be smaller than the projected area A40. Even in these cases, the projected area A60 of the control device 60 is smaller than the projected area A40 of the power circuit component group 40 (A60 < A40). In this case, the plurality of AC conductive members 22 are arranged within the range of the projected area A82.

[0088] Instead, with respect to the distance from the rotating electrical machine 11, the control device 60 may be arranged in a region farther from the power circuit component group 40. In this case, the control device 60 may be formed to provide a projected area A60 that is equal to or larger than the projected area A40 of the power circuit component group 40 (A60 ≧ A40). Also, the projected area A60 may be smaller than the projected area A40. Even in these cases, the projected area A50 of the first heat exchanger 50 is smaller than the projected area A40 of the power circuit component group 40 (A50 < A40). In this case, the plurality of AC conductive members 22 are arranged within the range of the projected area A81.

[0089] Thus, in this embodiment, a power conversion device 20 is provided in which at least one of the projected areas A50, A60, and A70 is smaller than the projected area A40. With respect to the distance from the rotating electrical machine 11, this power conversion device 20 can arrange the plurality of AC conductive members 22 without being obstructed by elements arranged in a region closer to the power circuit component group 40. Therefore, the power conversion device has a layout suitable for the electrical connection between the power conversion device and the rotating electrical machine. In this embodiment, a power conversion device and a rotating electrical machine system suitable for the electrical connection between the power conversion device and the rotating electrical machine are provided. In this embodiment, an AC conductive member 22 having a linear shape can be employed.

[0090] Second Embodiment This embodiment is a modified example based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the height direction HD of the power conversion device 20 is the direction of gravity. Instead, in this embodiment, the height direction HD is clearly inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. This inclination is such that it suppresses the retention of foreign matter on the electrical circuit including the control device 60. In the embodiment, the height direction HD is orthogonal to the direction of gravity.

[0091] As shown in Figure 5, the elements included in the power converter 220 of this embodiment are stacked in the height direction HD. The height direction HD is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The elements included in the power converter 220 include power-related components 30, a control device 60, and a second heat exchanger 70. These are fixed to the circuit chamber 15 in the order of control device 60, power component group 30, and second heat exchanger 70. In another view, the elements included in the power converter 220 include power circuit component group 40, a first heat exchanger 50, a control device 60, and a second heat exchanger 70. These are fixed to the circuit chamber 15 in the order of control device 60, first heat exchanger 50, power circuit component group 40, and second heat exchanger 70.

[0092] The circuit board 61 constituting the control device 60 is arranged so that both sides of it spread out in the direction of gravity. As a result, conductive foreign matter falls off the circuit board 61 due to gravity without accumulating on it. The power circuit component group 40 is arranged so that the surfaces of the multiple components it contains spread out in the direction of gravity. For example, the surfaces of multiple conductive components 41, such as busbars, are arranged so that they spread out in the direction of gravity. As a result, conductive foreign matter falls off the power circuit component group 40 due to gravity without accumulating on it.

[0093] Case 13 provides the bottom wall of the circuit chamber 15 by a side wall 13c that partitions the circuit chamber 15. A cavity 213f is formed between the side wall 13c and the control device 60 (circuit board 61). A cavity 213f is also formed between the side wall 13c and the power circuit component group 40. The cavity 213f is located at the lower end of the circuit chamber 15 in the direction of gravity. The cavity 213f traps foreign objects due to gravity. This suppresses electrical failures caused by foreign objects.

[0094] The multiple AC conductive members 22 are positioned above the direction of gravity in the circuit chamber 15. The multiple AC conductive members 22 are positioned above the control device 60 in the direction of gravity. The multiple AC conductive members 22 are also positioned relatively above the direction of gravity within the power circuit component group 40. The arrangement of the multiple AC conductive members 22 also contributes to suppressing electrical failures caused by foreign matter.

[0095] The second heat exchanger 70 is located at the end of the case 13, far from the rotating electric machine 11. In this case, the center of gravity of the power converter 20 is located far from the rotating electric machine 11. As a result, the durability of the power components 30 and the control device 60 may be compromised in a vibrating environment. In this embodiment, of the multiple elements that make up the power converter 20, the control device 60 is located closest to the rotating electric machine 11. As a result, the durability of the control device 60 in a vibrating environment is improved.

[0096] In this embodiment as well, the first heat exchanger 50 and the control device 60 provide areas for arranging a plurality of AC conductive members 22. This provides the same effects as in the previous embodiment.

[0097] Third Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the power converter 20 is fixed in the circuit chamber 15 in a stacked manner from the bottom of the circuit chamber 15, in the order of control device 60, first heat exchanger 50, power circuit component group 40, and second heat exchanger 70. Instead, in this embodiment, the power converter 320 is fixed in the circuit chamber 15 in a stacked manner from the bottom of the circuit chamber 15, in the order of second heat exchanger 70, power component group 30, and control device 60. From another viewpoint, the power converter 320 is fixed in the circuit chamber 15 in a stacked manner from the bottom of the circuit chamber 15, in the order of second heat exchanger 70, power circuit component group 40, first heat exchanger 50, and control device 60.

[0098] As shown in Figure 6, the case 13 has a side wall 13a for the electrical room 14 and a side wall 313b for the circuit room 15. The electrical room 14 is partitioned by the side wall 13a and a partition wall 313c. The side wall 313b is a separate component from the partition wall 313c. A laminated wall 313e is positioned between the partition wall 313c and the side wall 313b. The laminated wall 313e is laminated and fixed to the partition wall 313c. A passage 71 for a heat transfer medium is formed between the partition wall 313c and the laminated wall 313e. The partition wall 313c and the laminated wall 313e form a second heat exchanger 70. The second heat exchanger 70 is positioned to occupy the case heat exchange layer CHL. The second heat exchanger 70 provides heat exchange with the power converter 20. The second heat exchanger 70 provides heat exchange with the rotating electric machine 11. The second heat exchanger 70 contributes to both the temperature control of the power converter 20 and the temperature control of the rotating electric machine 11.

[0099] Within the circuit chamber 15, the power component group 30 is arranged adjacent to the stacked wall 313e. In the power component group 30, the power circuit component group 40 and the first heat exchanger 50 are arranged stacked along the height direction HD. The power circuit component group 40 is arranged to occupy the power circuit layer PCL on the side closer to the rotating electric machine 11 within the circuit chamber 15. The first heat exchanger 50 is arranged to occupy the power heat exchange layer PHL on the side further away from the rotating electric machine 11 within the circuit chamber 15.

[0100] The power circuit component group 40 is positioned adjacent to the laminated wall 313e. The power circuit component group 40 can be positioned away from the laminated wall 313e or in contact with the laminated wall 313e. A strong thermal coupling relationship is formed between the second heat exchanger 70 and the power circuit component group 40. As a result, the second heat exchanger 70 contributes to temperature control, particularly cooling, of the power circuit component group 40.

[0101] The first heat exchanger 50 is located adjacent to the power circuit component group 40. The first heat exchanger 50 has a plurality of heat exchange sections 51 and a plurality of switch modules 42. The plurality of heat exchange sections 51 and the plurality of switch modules 42 are arranged alternately in a stacked manner. The switch modules 42 are also part of the power circuit component group 40.

[0102] Within the circuit chamber 15, the control device 60 is positioned adjacent to the power component group 30. The control device 60 is positioned between the power component group 30 and the cover wall 313d. The control device 60 is positioned to occupy the control device layer CTL. The control device 60 forms a thermal coupling relationship with both the first heat exchanger 50 and the second heat exchanger 70. The control device 60 exchanges heat with both the first heat exchanger 50 and the second heat exchanger 70. As a result, both the first heat exchanger 50 and the second heat exchanger 70 contribute to the temperature control, particularly cooling, of the control device 60. The control device 60 is positioned furthest from the rotating electric machine 11 among the multiple elements constituting the power converter 320. In this case, the control device 60 exchanges heat with the external environment via the side wall 313b and the cover wall 313d. As a result, both the side wall 313b and the cover wall 313d contribute to the temperature control, particularly cooling, of the control device 60.

[0103] In the height direction HD, that is, in the stacking direction, a second heat exchanger 70 is disposed between the power circuit component group 40 and the rotating electric machine 11. The second heat exchanger 70 defines a non-overlapping region 80 that does not overlap with the power circuit component group 40 so as to enable the arrangement of the plurality of AC conductive members 22. The second heat exchanger 70 is stacked and arranged so as to form both an overlapping region and the non-overlapping region 80 in the stacking direction. In the width direction WD, the width W70 of the second heat exchanger 70 is smaller than the width W40 of the power circuit component group 40 (W70 < W40). The width W30 of the power component group 30 is equal to the width W40. The difference between the width W70 and the width W40 provides the non-overlapping region 80 for arranging the plurality of AC conductive members 22. In this embodiment, the second heat exchanger 70 is disposed between the power component group 30 and the rotating electric machine 11. The second heat exchanger 70 (case heat exchanger) provides a non-overlapping region 80 that does not overlap with the power component group 30 in the height direction HD (stacking direction).

[0104] The power component group 30 provides a projected area A30. The power circuit component group 40 provides a projected area A40. The first heat exchanger 50 (power heat exchanger) provides a projected area A50. The control device 60 provides a projected area A60. The second heat exchanger 70 (case heat exchanger) provides a projected area A70. The projected area A70 is smaller than the projected area A40 (A70 < A40). The projected area A50 is smaller than the projected area A40 (A50 < A40). Alternatively, the projected area A50 may be greater than or equal to the projected area A40 (A50 ≧ A40). The projected area A60 is larger than the projected area A40 (A60 > A40). Alternatively, the projected area A60 may be less than or equal to the projected area A40 (A60 ≦ A40). The projected area A60 is larger than the projected area A50 (A60 > A50). Alternatively, the projected area A60 may be less than or equal to the projected area A50 (A60 ≦ A50).

[0105] From another perspective, the power component group 30 extends beyond the overlapping region that overlaps with the second heat exchanger 70 in the height direction HD (stacking direction) to a non-overlapping region 80 that does not overlap with the second heat exchanger 70 in the height direction HD (stacking direction). The power component group 30 extends significantly beyond the second heat exchanger 70 to demarcate the non-overlapping region 80 for arranging the multiple AC conductive members 22. From another perspective, the power circuit component group 40 extends beyond the overlapping region that overlaps with the second heat exchanger 70 in the height direction HD (stacking direction) to a non-overlapping region 80 that does not overlap with the second heat exchanger 70 in the height direction HD (stacking direction). The multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged in the non-overlapping region 80 in the height direction HD (stacking direction).

[0106] Multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged between the power circuit component group 40 and the rotating electric machine 11. The second heat exchanger 70 overlaps with the power circuit component group 40 in the height direction HD (stacking direction) across the entire second heat exchanger 70. At the same time, the second heat exchanger 70 provides a non-overlapping region 80 that does not overlap with the power circuit component group 40 in the height direction HD (stacking direction). Multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged in this non-overlapping region 80. The second heat exchanger 70 provides a region for arranging multiple AC conductive members 22. Multiple AC conductive members 22 have a length that penetrates the thickness of the second heat exchanger 70 along the height direction HD.

[0107] Alternatively, the control device 60 may be located between the power circuit component group 40 and the second heat exchanger 70. Alternatively, the control device 60 may be located between the second heat exchanger 70 and the rotating electric machine 11. In these cases, both the control device 60 and the second heat exchanger 70 are located between the power component group 30 and the rotating electric machine 11. The control device 60 and the second heat exchanger 70 (case heat exchanger) provide a non-overlapping region 80 that does not overlap with the power component group 30 in the height direction HD (stacking direction).

[0108] In this embodiment, the same effects and advantages as in the prior embodiment can be obtained.

[0109] Fourth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment. In the above embodiment, the control device 60 has a circuit board 61 that can be described as quadrilateral. Instead, in this embodiment, the control device 60 of the power converter 420 is equipped with a circuit board 461 having an external shape more complex than quadrilateral.

[0110] As shown in Figure 7, the control device 60 includes a circuit board 461. The circuit board 461 has a projection surface with an outer shape more complex than a quadrilateral. The circuit board 461 has a projection surface that can be called irregularly shaped. The circuit board 461 has notches 463 for arranging a plurality of AC conductive members 22. The notches 463 are formed to be concave inward from one side of the projection surface of a virtual quadrilateral.

[0111] In Figure 8, in this embodiment as well, the difference between projected area A40 and projected area A50 provides projected area A81. The power circuit component group 40 extends beyond the overlapping area with the first heat exchanger 50 into a non-overlapping area 80 that does not overlap with the first heat exchanger 50. The multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged within the range of projected area A81.

[0112] The control circuit 60 provides a projected area A60. The projected area A60 is provided solely by the circuit board 461. The difference between the projected area A40 and the projected area A60 provides a projected area A83. The notch 463 defines the projected area A83. The projected area A83 is the projected area of ​​the notch 463.

[0113] The control circuit 60 provides a non-overlapping region 80 that does not overlap with the power circuit component group 40 in the height direction HD (stacking direction). The non-overlapping region 80 is provided by a notch 463. The non-overlapping region 80 corresponds to the projected area A83.

[0114] Multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged inside the notch 463. Multiple AC conductive members 22 are arranged within the projected area A83.

[0115] In this embodiment, the projected area A60 is smaller than the projected area A40 (A60 < A40). Alternatively, the projected area A60 may be greater than or equal to the projected area A40 (A60 ≧ A40). Even in this case, the non-overlapping region 80 provided by the notch 463 allows the arrangement of the plurality of AC conductive members 22. Even in this embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the previous embodiments can be obtained.

[0116] Embodiment 5 This embodiment is a modification based on the previous embodiment. In the above embodiment, the first heat exchanger 50 is a double-sided cooling type stacked heat exchanger that alternately arranges a plurality of heat exchange parts 51 and a plurality of switch modules 42. Instead of this, in this embodiment, the power conversion device 520 includes a first heat exchanger 550. The first heat exchanger 550 is a double-sided cooling type stacked heat exchanger that arranges a plurality of switch modules 42 between two heat exchange parts 551.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 9, the first heat exchanger 550 has two heat exchange parts 551 stacked in the height direction HD. A gap for arranging the switch module 42 is formed between the two heat exchange parts 551. A plurality of switch modules 42 are arranged between the two heat exchange parts 551. Alternatively, the two heat exchange parts 551 may be stacked in the width direction WD or the depth direction DD.

[0118] The first heat exchanger 550 of this embodiment can be used in place of the first heat exchanger 50 of the previous embodiment. Even in this embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the previous embodiments can be obtained.

[0119] Embodiment 6 This embodiment is a modification based on the previous embodiment. In the above embodiment, the first heat exchanger 50 is a stacked heat exchanger. Instead of this, in this embodiment, the power conversion device 620 includes a first heat exchanger 650. The first heat exchanger 650 is a single-sided cooling type heat exchanger that arranges a plurality of switch modules 42 on the surface of one heat exchange part 651.

[0120] As shown in Figure 10, the first heat exchanger 650 has a single heat exchange section 651. Multiple switch modules 42 are arranged on the surface of the heat exchange section 651.

[0121] The first heat exchanger 650 in this embodiment can be used in place of the first heat exchanger 50 in the prior embodiment. The same effects and advantages as in the prior embodiment can be obtained in this embodiment as well.

[0122] Other Embodiments The disclosures in this specification and drawings are not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The disclosures include the exemplary embodiments and variations thereof by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosures are not limited to combinations of parts and / or elements shown in the embodiments. The disclosures are implementable in a variety of combinations. The disclosures may have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosures include those in which parts and / or elements of an embodiment have been omitted. The disclosures include substitutions or combinations of parts and / or elements between one embodiment and another. The scope of the disclosed technical areas is not limited to the descriptions of the embodiments. Some of the scope of the disclosed technical areas are indicated by the claims and should be understood to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0123] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses several technical concepts, as listed in the following paragraphs. Some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, where subsequent paragraphs optionally refer to preceding paragraphs. Furthermore, some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, referring to other multiple dependent forms. These paragraphs written in multiple dependent forms define several technical concepts.

[0124] (Technical thought 1) In a power conversion device (20) electrically arranged between a rotating electric machine (11) and a DC power supply (12) to convert power, A group of power components (30) including multiple power components arranged to occupy a portion of the layers (PDL) in the stacking direction (HD), A control device (60) is arranged to occupy a portion of the layers (CTL) in the stacking direction and includes components for controlling the power component group, The case heat exchanger (70) is provided in the case to occupy a portion of the layers (CHL) in the stacking direction and to exchange heat with the power components, The power components, the control device, and the case heat exchanger are arranged stacked along the stacking direction, such that the control device and / or the case heat exchanger are positioned between the power components and the rotating electric machine. The aforementioned power component group forms the power component projected area (A30) in the stacking direction, The control device and / or the case heat exchanger, which are positioned between the group of power components and the rotating electric machine, form the intermediate component projected area (A60, A70) in the stacking direction. A power converter in which the control device and / or the case heat exchanger are arranged to form an intermediate projected area smaller than the projected area of ​​the power components.

[0125] (Technical thought 2) The aforementioned stacking direction is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. The control device has a circuit board (61) and circuit components (62) mounted on the circuit board. The power conversion device according to technical concept 1, wherein both sides of the circuit board are spread out in the direction of gravity so that conductive foreign matter does not remain on the circuit board but falls off due to gravity.

[0126] (Technical Thought 3) Furthermore, the power conversion device according to technical concept 2 comprises a case (13) that partitions a circuit chamber (15) housing the power conversion device, and a cavity (213f) is formed between the bottom wall of the circuit chamber and the control device to capture foreign matter by gravity.

[0127] (Technical Thought 4) The aforementioned power components are A power circuit component group (40) including multiple conductive members (41) and multiple switch modules (42), A power conversion device according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 3, comprising a power heat exchanger (50) that exchanges heat with a plurality of the aforementioned switch modules.

[0128] (Technical Thought 5) The power conversion device according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 4, wherein the control device is located closer to the rotating electric machine than to the power components and the case heat exchanger.

[0129] (Technical Thought 6) Furthermore, it includes the aforementioned power component group, or ancillary components belonging to the case heat exchanger, The power conversion device according to technical concept 5, wherein the aforementioned auxiliary components are located closer to the rotating electric machine than to the control device.

[0130] (Technical Thought 7) A power conversion device according to any one of technical ideas 1 to 6, wherein the control device and / or the case heat exchanger, which are located between the group of power components and the rotating electric machine, provide a non-overlapping region (80) that does not overlap with the group of power components with respect to the stacking direction.

[0131] (Technical Thought 8) A case (13) that separates the electrical room (14) and the circuit room (15), The rotating electric machine (11) housed in the aforementioned electric room, A power conversion device (20) described in Technical Concept 7, fixed to the aforementioned circuit room, A rotating electric machine system comprising a plurality of conductive members (22) arranged in the non-overlapping region and electrically connecting the rotating electric machine and the power conversion device.

[0132] (Technical Thought 9) In a power converter (20) positioned between a rotating electric machine (11) and a DC power supply (12), A group of power components (30) including multiple power components arranged to occupy a portion of the layers (PDL) in the stacking direction (HD), A control device (60) is arranged to occupy a portion of the layers (CTL) in the stacking direction and includes components for controlling the power component group, The case heat exchanger (70) is provided in the case to occupy a portion of the layers (CHL) in the stacking direction and to exchange heat with the power components, The power components, the control device, and the case heat exchanger are arranged stacked along the stacking direction, such that the control device and / or the case heat exchanger are positioned between the power components and the rotating electric machine. A power conversion device wherein the control device and / or the case heat exchanger, which are disposed between the group of power components and the rotating electric machine, provide an overlapping region that overlaps with the group of power components with respect to the stacking direction and a non-overlapping region (80) that does not overlap with the group of power components with respect to the stacking direction.

[0133] (Technical Thought 10) A case (13) that separates the electrical room (14) and the circuit room (15), The rotating electric machine (11) housed in the aforementioned electric room, A power conversion device (20) described in technical concept 9, fixed to the circuit room, A rotating electric machine system comprising a plurality of conductive members (22) arranged in the non-overlapping region and electrically connecting the rotating electric machine and the power conversion device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0134] 10 Rotating electric machine systems, 11 Rotating electric machines, 12 DC power supplies, 13 cases, 14 electrical rooms, 15 circuit rooms, 20 Power converter, 22 AC conductive member, 30 power components, 40 Power Circuit Components, 50 first heat exchanger, 60 control devices, 70 second heat exchanger, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620 power converters, 550, 650 1st heat exchanger.

Claims

1. In a power conversion device (20) electrically arranged between a rotating electric machine (11) and a DC power supply (12) to convert power, A group of power components (30) including multiple power components arranged to occupy a portion of the layers (PDL) in the stacking direction (HD), A control device (60) is arranged to occupy a portion of the layers (CTL) in the stacking direction and includes components for controlling the power component group, The case heat exchanger (70) is provided in the case to occupy a portion of the layers (CHL) in the stacking direction and to exchange heat with the power components, The power components, the control device, and the case heat exchanger are arranged stacked along the stacking direction, such that the control device and / or the case heat exchanger are positioned between the power components and the rotating electric machine. The aforementioned power component group forms the power component projected area (A30) in the stacking direction, The control device and / or the case heat exchanger, which are positioned between the group of power components and the rotating electric machine, form the intermediate component projected area (A60, A70) in the stacking direction. A power conversion device in which the control device and / or the case heat exchanger are arranged to form an intermediate projected area smaller than the projected area of ​​the power components.

2. The aforementioned stacking direction is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. The control device comprises a circuit board (61) and circuit components (62) mounted on the circuit board. The power conversion device according to claim 1, wherein both sides of the circuit board are spread out in the direction of gravity so that conductive foreign matter does not remain on the circuit board but falls off due to gravity.

3. Furthermore, the power conversion device according to claim 2, comprising a case (13) that partitions a circuit chamber (15) housing the power conversion device, and a cavity (213f) for capturing foreign matter by gravity is formed between the bottom wall of the circuit chamber and the control device.

4. The aforementioned power components are A power circuit component group (40) including multiple conductive members (41) and multiple switch modules (42), The power conversion device according to claim 1, further comprising a power heat exchanger (50) that exchanges heat with a plurality of the switch modules.

5. The power conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is positioned closer to the rotating electric machine than to the power components and the case heat exchanger.

6. Furthermore, it includes the aforementioned power component group, or ancillary components belonging to the case heat exchanger, The power conversion device according to claim 5, wherein the auxiliary component is located closer to the rotating electric machine than the control device.

7. The power conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the control device and / or the case heat exchanger, which are disposed between the group of power components and the rotating electric machine, provide a non-overlapping region (80) that does not overlap with the group of power components with respect to the stacking direction.

8. A case (13) that separates the electrical room (14) and the circuit room (15), The rotating electric machine (11) housed in the aforementioned electric room, A power conversion device (20) according to claim 7, fixed in the circuit room, A rotating electric machine system comprising a plurality of conductive members (22) arranged in the non-overlapping region and electrically connecting the rotating electric machine and the power conversion device.

9. In a power conversion device (20) positioned between a rotating electric machine (11) and a DC power supply (12), A group of power components (30) including multiple power components arranged to occupy a portion of the layers (PDL) in the stacking direction (HD), A control device (60) is arranged to occupy a portion of the layers (CTL) in the stacking direction and includes components for controlling the power component group, The case heat exchanger (70) is provided in the case to occupy a portion of the layers (CHL) in the stacking direction and to exchange heat with the power components, The power components, the control device, and the case heat exchanger are arranged stacked along the stacking direction, such that the control device and / or the case heat exchanger are positioned between the power components and the rotating electric machine. A power conversion device wherein the control device and / or the case heat exchanger, which are disposed between the group of power components and the rotating electric machine, provide an overlapping region that overlaps with the group of power components with respect to the stacking direction and a non-overlapping region (80) that does not overlap with the group of power components with respect to the stacking direction.

10. A case (13) that separates the electrical room (14) and the circuit room (15), The rotating electric machine (11) housed in the aforementioned electric room, A power conversion device (20) according to claim 9, fixed to the circuit room, A rotating electric machine system comprising a plurality of conductive members (22) arranged in the non-overlapping region and electrically connecting the rotating electric machine and the power conversion device.

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