Electrical Equipment

Abstract

To provide an electric apparatus with which a space for installing a vehicle component is secured between a bonnet and itself.SOLUTION: Provided is an electric apparatus 3 that lies alongside a vehicle component 10 with respect to a vertical direction Z and is provided ahead of a battery 2B downward of a bonnet 1B with respect to a front-rear direction X that is orthogonal to the vertical direction. The electric apparatus 3 comprises a power module 38, a substrate 39 that is electrically connected to the power module, a first case 36 that accommodates the power module and the substrate, a connecting component 34 that is electrically connected to the battery and the power module, and a second case 37 that accommodates the connecting component and is smaller in physical constitution than the first case with respect to the front-rear direction. The second case is provided to an upper wall 363 upward of the first case, or lies alongside a rear wall 362C behind the first case with respect to the front-rear direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure herein relates to an electrical device that includes a power module. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a power converter that includes a first unit, a second unit, a circuit board, and a case. The first unit includes a first voltage converter, a first inverter, and a second inverter. The second unit includes a second voltage converter. The first unit, the second unit, and the circuit board are housed in the case. The power converter is housed in a front compartment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-150632 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The front compartment is located below the hood in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Inside the case, the circuit board, first unit, and second unit are lined up in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The case is a long, narrow rectangular parallelepiped that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to cover these components. This tends to make the case larger. It has been difficult to secure space within the front compartment between the hood and the power conversion device to accommodate vehicle components.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electrical device that has a space between it and the hood for providing vehicle components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electrical device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: An electric device (3) is provided below the hood (1B), aligned with the vehicle component (10) in a vertical direction (Z), and forward of the battery (2B) in a front-rear direction (X) perpendicular to the vertical direction, a power module (38); a substrate (39) electrically connected to the power module; a first case (36) for housing the power module and the substrate; a connection part (34) electrically connected to the battery and the power module; a second case (37) that houses the connecting components and is smaller in size than the first case in the front-to-rear direction; The second case is provided on the upper wall (363) of the first case, or is arranged parallel to the rear wall (362C) of the rear side of the first case in the front-rear direction. Beauty, Further provided is a conductive member (34A, 34B) that electrically connects the power module and the connection component, A first through-hole (366) opening in the vertical direction or the front-rear direction is formed in the first case, A second through-hole (376) opening in the vertical direction or the front-rear direction is formed in the second case, The conductive member extends through the first storage space (364) of the first case, the first through-hole, the second through-hole, and the second storage space (374) of the second case. do.

[0007] This ensures a space between the hood (1B) and the vehicle component (10) to be installed.

[0008] The reference numbers in parentheses above merely indicate the corresponding relationship with the configurations described in the embodiments below, and do not in any way limit the technical scope. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an electrical circuit diagram of the in-vehicle system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a top view illustrating an electric device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the electric device taken along line III-III shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electrical device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electrical device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electrical device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electrical device according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, several embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in the preceding embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only a part of the configuration is described, the other previously described embodiments may be applied to the other parts of the configuration.

[0011] In addition, it is not only possible to combine parts that are explicitly stated as being possible in each embodiment, but it is also possible to partially combine embodiments, embodiments and variants, and variants even if not explicitly stated, as long as there are no particular problems with the combination.

[0012] <In-vehicle systems> The vehicle system 1 in FIG. 1 constitutes a hybrid system. The vehicle system 1 includes a motor device 8, a battery 2A, and an auxiliary battery 2B. The motor device 8 includes an electric device 3 and a motor 4. The motor 4 has a first MG 41 and a second MG 42. MG stands for MOTOR GENERATOR. The vehicle system 1 also includes an engine 5 and a power distribution mechanism 6. In the drawings, the battery 2A and the auxiliary battery 2B are abbreviated as "BATT," and the engine 5 is abbreviated as "ENG."

[0013] The in-vehicle system 1 further includes multiple ECUs. These multiple ECUs transmit and receive signals to each other via bus wiring. The multiple ECUs cooperate to control the hybrid vehicle. Through cooperative control by the multiple ECUs, the power running and power generation (regeneration) of the motor 4 according to the SOC of the battery 2A, and the output of the engine 5, etc. are controlled. SOC stands for State of Charge. ECU stands for Electronic Control Unit.

[0014] More specifically, of the multiple ECUs, an MGECU that controls the motor 4 is provided in the electric device 3. The MGECU determines the target torque for each of the first MG 41 and the second MG 42 based on physical quantities detected by various sensors mounted on the hybrid vehicle and vehicle information input from other ECUs. The MGECU controls the torque generated in each of the first MG 41 and the second MG 42 so that it becomes the target torque.

[0015] The battery 2A has multiple secondary batteries connected in series to form a battery stack. The secondary batteries may be lithium-ion secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride secondary batteries, organic radical batteries, or the like.

[0016] The electric device 3 converts power between the battery 2A and the first MG 41 and between the battery 2A and the second MG 42. The electric device 3 converts DC power from the battery 2A into AC power at a voltage level suitable for powering the first MG 41 and the second MG 42. The electric device 3 converts AC power generated by power generation in the first MG 41 and the second MG 42 into DC power at a voltage level suitable for charging the battery 2A. The first MG 41, the second MG 42, and the engine 5 are each connected to a power distribution mechanism 6. The engine 5 generates rotational energy by burning fuel. This rotational energy is distributed to the first MG 41 and the second MG 42 via the power distribution mechanism 6. This provides propulsive force to the running wheels.

[0017] <Circuit configuration of power conversion device> As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical device 3 includes, as its components, a converter 31, an inverter 32, and a substrate 39. The converter 31 functions to increase or decrease the voltage level of DC power. The inverter 32 functions to convert DC power to AC power. The inverter 32 functions to convert AC power to DC power. The substrate 39 is equipped with the MGECU described above. In the drawings, the substrate 39 is abbreviated as "CB."

[0018] Converter 31 boosts the DC power of battery 2A to a voltage level suitable for torque generation in first MG 41 and second MG 42. Inverter 32 converts this DC power to AC power. This AC power is supplied to first MG 41 and second MG 42. Inverter 32 also converts the AC power generated by first MG 41 and second MG 42 into DC power. Converter 31 reduces the DC power to a voltage level suitable for charging battery 2A.

[0019] 1, the converter 31 is electrically connected to the battery 2A via a first positive bus bar 30A and a first negative bus bar 30B. The converter 31 is electrically connected to the inverter 32 via a second positive bus bar 30C and a second negative bus bar 30D.

[0020] <Converter> The converter 31 has, as electric elements, a filter capacitor 31A, an A-phase switch module 31B, a reactor 31C, and a DC-DC converter 34. One end of the first positive bus bar 30A is connected to the positive electrode of the battery 2A. One end of the first negative bus bar 30B is connected to the negative electrode of the battery 2A. One of two electrodes of the filter capacitor 31A is connected to the first positive bus bar 30A. The other of two electrodes of the filter capacitor 31A is connected to the first negative bus bar 30B.

[0021] One end of the reactor 31C is connected to the other end of the first positive bus bar 30A. The other end of the reactor 31C is connected to the A-phase switch module 31B via the first intermediate bus bar 71A. The positive electrode of the battery 2A and the A-phase switch module 31B are electrically connected via the first positive bus bar 30A, the reactor 31C, and the first intermediate bus bar 71A.

[0022] A first conductive bus bar 34A is connected to the first positive bus bar 30A. A second conductive bus bar 34B is connected to the first negative bus bar 30B. A DC-DC converter 34 is electrically connected to the first positive bus bar 30A and the first negative bus bar 30B via the first conductive bus bar 34A and the second conductive bus bar 34B. The DC-DC converter 34 will be described later. The conductive bus bars 34A and 34B correspond to conductive members.

[0023] The A-phase switch module 31B has a high-side switch 321 and a low-side switch 322. The A-phase switch module 31B has a high-side diode 321A and a low-side diode 322A. These semiconductor elements are covered and protected by a sealing resin (not shown). In this embodiment, N-channel IGBTs are used as the high-side switch 321 and the low-side switch 322. The tips of the terminals connected to the collector electrode, emitter electrode, and gate electrode of each of the high-side switch 321 and the low-side switch 322 are exposed to the outside of the sealing resin.

[0024] 1, the emitter electrode of high-side switch 321 is connected to the collector electrode of low-side switch 322. This connects high-side switch 321 and low-side switch 322 in series. The cathode electrode of high-side diode 321A is connected to the collector electrode of high-side switch 321. The anode electrode of high-side diode 321A is connected to the emitter electrode of high-side switch 321. High-side diode 321A is connected in anti-parallel to high-side switch 321.

[0025] Similarly, the cathode electrode of the low-side diode 322A is connected to the collector electrode of the low-side switch 322. The anode electrode of the low-side diode 322A is connected to the emitter electrode of the low-side switch 322. The low-side diode 322A is connected in anti-parallel to the low-side switch 322.

[0026] The high-side switch 321 and the low-side switch 322 are covered and protected by a sealing resin. Exposed from this sealing resin are the collector electrode and gate electrode of the high-side switch 321, the midpoint between the high-side switch 321 and the low-side switch 322, and the tips of the terminals connected to the emitter electrode and gate electrode of the low-side switch 322. Hereinafter, these terminals will be referred to as collector terminal 323A, midpoint terminal 323C, emitter terminal 323B, and gate terminal 323D.

[0027] The collector terminal 323A is connected to the second positive bus bar 30C. The emitter terminal 323B is connected to the second negative bus bar 30D. The high-side switch 321 and the low-side switch 322 are connected in series in this order from the second positive bus bar 30C to the second negative bus bar 30D. The midpoint terminal 323C is connected to the first intermediate bus bar 71A. DC power from the battery 2A is supplied to the high-side switch 321 and the low-side switch 322 via the first positive bus bar 30A, the reactor 31C, and the first intermediate bus bar 71A.

[0028] The AC power of the motor 4 converted into DC power by the inverter 32 is supplied to the collector electrode of the high-side switch 321 of the A-phase switch module 31B. The AC power of the motor 4 converted into DC power is supplied to the battery 2A via the high-side switch 321, the first intermediate bus bar 71A, the reactor 31C, and the first positive bus bar 30A.

[0029] The gate terminals 323D of the high-side switch 321 and the low-side switch 322 are connected to a substrate 39. The substrate 39 is equipped with the above-mentioned MGECU and gate driver. The MGECU generates a control signal and outputs it to the gate driver. The gate driver amplifies the control signal and outputs it to the gate terminal 323D. As a result, the high-side switch 321 and the low-side switch 322 are controlled to open and close by the MGECU. As a result, the voltage level of the DC power input to the converter 31 is increased or decreased.

[0030] The DC-DC converter 34 also includes switches 321 and 322 similar to those of the A-phase switch module 31B. The switches 321 and 322 included in the DC-DC converter 34 are, for example, on / off controlled by an ECU and a gate driver provided on a board different from the board 39. The DC-DC converter 34 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the auxiliary battery 2B via a first cable 34C. The DC-DC converter 34 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the auxiliary battery 2B via a second cable 34D. The DC-DC converter 34 corresponds to a connection component.

[0031] The DC-DC converter 34 performs down-conversion of the DC current supplied from the battery 2A. The DC current down-converted by the DC-DC converter 34 is supplied to the auxiliary battery 2B via cables 34C and 34D. The auxiliary battery 2B is charged by the supplied DC power. In addition, the cables 34C and 34D are electrically connected to the auxiliary devices. The auxiliary devices include, for example, a power steering device, a floodlight device, various electronic control units, etc. The auxiliary devices operate based on the power supplied from the auxiliary battery 2B.

[0032] <Inverter> The inverter 32 has, as electric elements, a smoothing capacitor 32G and U-phase switch modules 32A to Z-phase switch modules 32F. One of the two electrodes of the smoothing capacitor 32G is connected to the second positive bus bar 30C. The other of the two electrodes of the smoothing capacitor 32G is connected to the second negative bus bar 30D.

[0033] The second positive bus bar 30C extends in a manner connected to one electrode of the smoothing capacitor 32G and the collector terminals 323A of the U-phase switch modules 32A to Z-phase switch modules 32F. The second negative bus bar 30D extends in a manner connected to the other electrode of the smoothing capacitor 32G and the emitter terminals 323B of the U-phase switch modules 32A to Z-phase switch modules 32F. The smoothing capacitor 32G and the U-phase switch modules 32A to Z-phase switch modules 32F are connected in parallel between the second positive bus bar 30C and the second negative bus bar 30D.

[0034] Each of the U-phase switch modules 32A to Z-phase switch modules 32F has the same components as the A-phase switch module 31B. That is, each of the U-phase switch modules 32A to Z-phase switch modules 32F has a high-side switch 321, a low-side switch 322, a high-side diode 321A, a low-side diode 322A, and a sealing resin. Each of these six-phase switch modules 32A to 32F also has a collector terminal 323A, an emitter terminal 323B, a midpoint terminal 323C, and a gate terminal 323D. The collector terminal 323A of each of these six-phase switch modules 32A to 32F is connected to the second positive bus bar 30C. The emitter terminal 323B is connected to the second negative bus bar 30D.

[0035] The midpoint terminal 323C of the U-phase switch module 32A is connected to the U-phase stator coil of the first MG 41 via the second intermediate bus bar 71B. The midpoint terminal 323C of the V-phase switch module 32B is connected to the V-phase stator coil of the first MG 41 via the third intermediate bus bar 71C. The midpoint terminal 323C of the W-phase switch module 32C is connected to the W-phase stator coil of the first MG 41 via the fourth intermediate bus bar 71D.

[0036] Similarly, the midpoint terminal 323C of the X-phase switch module 32D is connected to the X-phase stator coil of the second MG 42 via the fifth intermediate bus bar 71E. The midpoint terminal 323C of the Y-phase switch module 32E is connected to the Y-phase stator coil of the second MG 42 via the sixth intermediate bus bar 71F. The midpoint terminal 323C of the Z-phase switch module 32F is connected to the Z-phase stator coil of the second MG 42 via the seventh intermediate bus bar 71G.

[0037] The gate terminal 323D of each of these six-phase switch modules 32A to 32F is connected to a gate driver on the substrate 39. When each of the first MG 41 and second MG 42 is powered, the high-side switch 321 and the low-side switch 322 provided in each of the six-phase switch modules 32A to 32F are PWM-controlled by the output of a control signal from the MGECU. This causes three-phase AC to be generated in the inverter 32. When each of the first MG 41 and second MG 42 generates (regenerates), the MGECU, for example, stops outputting the control signal. This causes AC power generated by power generation to pass through diodes provided in the six-phase switch modules 32A to 32F. As a result, the AC power is converted into DC power.

[0038] The AC power input to and output from the first MG 41 and the second MG 42 described above flows through the second through seventh intervening bus bars 71B through 71G, which connect the first MG 41 and the second MG 42 to the inverter 32, respectively. The types of switch elements included in the A-phase switch module 31B and the U-phase switch modules 32A through 32F are not particularly limited, and MOSFETs, for example, may be used. In this case, a freewheeling diode is connected in antiparallel to each of the MOSFETs. The diode may be a parasitic diode (body diode) of the MOSFET, or may be provided separately from the parasitic diode. The anode of the diode is connected to the source of the corresponding MOSFET, and the cathode is connected to the drain.

[0039] Furthermore, the switches 321, 322 and semiconductor elements such as diodes included in these switch modules 32A to 32F can be manufactured using semiconductors such as silicon and wide-gap semiconductors such as silicon. There are no particular limitations on the materials used to make the semiconductor elements.

[0040] <Layout of electrical equipment> Hereinafter, the three mutually orthogonal directions will be referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. The X direction is the direction along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 1C. The Y direction is the direction along the width direction of the vehicle 1C. The Z direction is the direction along the up-and-down direction of the vehicle 1C. Note that in Figures 2 to 7, the left side of the drawing corresponds to the front of the vehicle 1C, and the right side corresponds to the rear of the vehicle 1C.

[0041] Batteries 2A and 2B, electric equipment 3, motor 4, engine 5, refrigerant circulation device 9, and vehicle component 10 are housed under hood 1B. 2 and 3 illustrate only the auxiliary battery 2B, electric equipment 3, refrigerant circulation device 9, and vehicle component 10 from among the components provided under hood 1B. 2 and 3 omit illustration of battery 2A, motor 4, and engine 5. Although the drawings illustrate auxiliary battery 2B, refrigerant circulation device 9, and vehicle component 10 as metal components, some or all of these components may be made of resin.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a refrigerant circulation device 9 is provided on the front side of an engine compartment 1A below a hood 1B. An auxiliary battery 2B is provided below the passenger compartment, rearward of the engine compartment 1A. In the X direction, an electric device 3 is provided between the refrigerant circulation device 9 and the auxiliary battery 2B. In the following description, the front side of the vehicle 1C can be alternatively referred to as the refrigerant circulation device 9 side. The rear side of the vehicle 1C can be alternatively referred to as the auxiliary battery 2B side.

[0043] The vehicle components 10 include an intake duct and a torsion bar. The intake duct is a component provided for drawing air from the outside into the engine 5 and for cooling the electric equipment 3, etc. The torsion bar is a component provided for dispersing and absorbing vertical movement applied to the tires. The vehicle component 10 is provided on the front side of the engine compartment 1A and on the upper side of the engine compartment 1A in the X direction. Specifically, the vehicle component 10 is provided between the refrigerant circulation device 9 and the second case 37 of the electric equipment 3 in the X direction. The vehicle component 10 is provided between the second case 37 of the electric equipment 3 and the hood 1B in the Z direction. The arrangement of the second case 37 in the engine compartment 1A will be described later.

[0044] <Mechanical configuration of electrical equipment> In addition to the components described above, the electrical device 3 includes a cooler 33, a first case 36, and a second case 37. The cooler 33 includes a supply pipe 33A, a discharge pipe 33B, and multiple relay pipes 33C. The supply pipe 33A and the discharge pipe 33B extend in the X direction. The supply pipe 33A and the discharge pipe 33B are spaced apart in the Y direction. U-phase switch modules 32A to Z-phase switch modules 32F are individually housed between relay pipes 33C adjacent to each other in the Y direction. This configuration forms a power module 38.

[0045] Each of the multiple relay pipes 33C extends in the Y direction from the supply pipe 33A to the discharge pipe 33B. One end of the relay pipe 33C is integrally connected to the supply pipe 33A. The other end of the relay pipe 33C is integrally connected to the discharge pipe 33B. When a refrigerant is supplied from the supply pipe 33A, the refrigerant passes through the relay pipe 33C. The refrigerant that has passed through the relay pipe 33C is discharged through the discharge pipe 33B. The supply pipe 33A and the discharge pipe 33B penetrate a first front wall 362A (described below) located on the front side in the X direction and extend to the outside of the first case 36. The supply pipe 33A and the discharge pipe 33B exposed to the outside are connected to the refrigerant circulation device 9.

[0046] The first case 36 includes a first bottom wall 361, a first annular wall 362, and a first opposing wall 363. The first bottom wall 361 has a flat shape that is thin in the Z direction. The first annular wall 362 stands upright in an annular shape from a surface 361A of the first bottom wall 361. The first annular wall 362 includes a first front wall 362A and a first rear wall 362C that are spaced apart in the X direction, and a first left side wall 362B and a first right side wall 362D that are spaced apart in the Y direction. The first annular wall 362 is connected around the periphery in the Z direction in the order of the first front wall 362A, the first left side wall 362B, the first rear wall 362C, and the first right side wall 362D. The first opposing wall 363 is provided at an end of the first annular wall 362 that is farther from the first bottom wall 361 in the Z direction. The first opposing wall 363 corresponds to the upper wall.

[0047] A first storage space 364 is defined by a first bottom wall 361, a first annular wall 362, and a first opposing wall 363. The first storage space 364 accommodates a filter capacitor 31A, a smoothing capacitor 32G, a reactor 31C, a power module 38, a circuit board 39, a portion of the positive bus bars 30A and 30C, a portion of the negative bus bars 30B and 30D, and a portion of the conductive bus bars 34A and 34B. Note that the filter capacitor 31A, the smoothing capacitor 32G, the reactor 31C, the positive bus bars 30A and 30C, and the negative bus bars 30B and 30D are not shown in FIG. 3 . These may be disposed at positions farther away in the Y direction than the positions shown in FIG. 3 .

[0048] A cooling through-hole 365 penetrating in the X direction is formed in the first front wall 362A. The supply pipe 33A and the discharge pipe 33B pass through the cooling through-hole 365. Furthermore, a first through-hole 366 penetrating in the Z direction is formed in the first opposing wall 363. The conductive bus bars 34A, 34B pass through the first through-hole 366. In the first storage space 364, the power module 38 and the substrate 39 are aligned in the Z direction. The substrate 39 is provided above the power module 38 in the Z direction.

[0049] A board rear end 39B at the end of the board 39 facing the auxiliary battery 2B is located closer to the auxiliary battery 2B than a power module rear end 38B at the end of the power module 38 facing the auxiliary battery 2B. A board front end 39A at the end of the board 39 facing the refrigerant circulation device 9 is located closer to the refrigerant circulation device 9 than a power module front end 38A at the end of the power module 38 facing the refrigerant circulation device 9. The power module 38 is located within the overlapping range of the board 39 in the Z direction. The power module 38 is located within the projection area of ​​the board 39 in the Z direction.

[0050] The second case 37 includes a second bottom wall 371, a second annular wall 372, and a second opposing wall 373. The second bottom wall 371 has a flat shape that is thin in the Z direction. The second annular wall 372 stands upright in an annular shape from a surface 371A of the second bottom wall 371. The second annular wall 372 includes a second front wall 372A and a second rear wall 372C that are spaced apart in the X direction, and a second left side wall 372B and a second right side wall 372D that are spaced apart in the Y direction. The second annular wall 372 is connected around the periphery in the Z direction in the order of the second front wall 372A, the second left side wall 372B, the second rear wall 372C, and the second right side wall 372D. The second opposing wall 373 is provided at an end of the second annular wall 372 that is farther from the second bottom wall 371 in the Z direction.

[0051] A second storage space 374 is defined by the second bottom wall 371, the second annular wall 372, and the second opposing wall 373. The second storage space 374 houses the DC-DC converter 34, parts of the conductive bus bars 34A and 34B, and parts of the cables 34C and 34D. In the engine room 1A, the second case 37 is provided above the first case 36 in the Z direction. The DC-DC converter 34 housed in the second case 37 is provided above the circuit board 39 in the Z direction. The DC-DC converter 34 is provided above the power module 38 in the Z direction.

[0052] The second case 37 is provided above the first opposing wall 363 of the first case 36. The second case 37 is fastened to the upper side of the first opposing wall 363 of the first case 36 via bolts or the like. The second case 37 is provided between the hood 1B and the first case 36 in the Z direction. This makes it possible to open the hood 1B and easily remove the second case 37 from the first case 36. This simplifies maintenance in the event of a malfunction.

[0053] Further, a second through hole 376 penetrating in the Z direction is formed in the second opposing wall 373. The conductive bus bars 34A, 34B are passed through the second through hole 376. The first through hole 366 and the second through hole 376 are aligned in the Z direction. The first through hole 366 and the second through hole 376 are connected in the Z direction. The conductive bus bars 34A, 34B are passed through a communication hole 386 that connects the first through hole 366 and the second through hole 376. Further, a conductive through hole 375 penetrating in the X direction is formed in the second rear wall 372C. The cables 34C, 34D are passed through the conductive through hole 375.

[0054] <First case, second case and vehicle parts> As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the size of the second case 37 in the X direction is smaller than the size of the first case 36 in the X direction. The size of the second case 37 in the Y direction is smaller than the size of the first case 36 in the Y direction. The size of the second case 37 in the Z direction is smaller than the size of the first case 36 in the Z direction. As described above, the second case 37 is provided above the first opposing wall 363 of the first case 36. In the Z direction, the second case 37 is included within the overlapping range of the first case 36. In the Z direction, the second case 37 is included within the projection area of ​​the first case 36.

[0055] The second case 37 is provided on the first opposing wall 363 of the first case 36 so that the second front wall 372A is located more rearward in the X direction than the first front wall 362A. In other words, the second case 37 is provided on the first opposing wall 363 of the first case 36 so that the second front wall 372A is located closer to the auxiliary battery 2B in the X direction than the first front wall 362A. The second case 37 is provided on the first opposing wall 363 of the first case 36 so that the second rear wall 372C is located at the same position as the first rear wall 362C in the X direction. The position of the second rear wall 372C is not limited to being the same position as the first rear wall 362C in the X direction.

[0056] For this arrangement, a space in which the vehicle component 10 can be placed is provided forward of the second front wall 372A in the X direction and above the first opposing wall 363 in the Z direction. The space in which the vehicle component 10 can be placed overlaps with the front portion of the first case 36 in the Z direction. The space in which the vehicle component 10 can be placed overlaps with the second case 37 in the X direction. Furthermore, the vehicle component 10 is provided in the space in which the vehicle component 10 can be placed. The vehicle component 10 and the front portion of the first case 36 overlap with each other in the Z direction. The vehicle component 10 and the second case 37 overlap with each other in the X direction.

[0057] <Power module, board, and DC / DC converter> As described above, the substrate 39 and the power module 38 are aligned in the Z direction. In the X direction, the substrate rear end 39B is provided rearward of the power module rear end 38B. In other words, in the X direction, the power module rear end 38B is provided forward of the substrate rear end 39B. In the X direction, a space is provided between the power module rear end 38B and the substrate rear end 39B.

[0058] Furthermore, in the X direction, the substrate rear end 39B is located forward of the communication hole 386 that connects the first through-hole 366 and the second through-hole 376. In other words, in the X direction, the communication hole 386 is located rearward of the substrate rear end 39B. Furthermore, in the X direction, the DC-DC converter rear end 34E, which is the end of the DC-DC converter 34 on the auxiliary battery 2B side, is located rearward of the substrate rear end 39B. In short, in the X direction, the DC-DC converter 34 is located rearward of the substrate 39 and the power module 38. The DC-DC converter rear end 34E corresponds to the connection rear end.

[0059] The conductive bus bars 34A, 34B are electrically connected to terminals of the power module 38 on the rear side of the center of the power module 38 in the X direction. The conductive bus bars 34A, 34B extend rearward from the power module 38 in the X direction, and then extend in the Z direction toward the first opposing wall 363. The conductive bus bars 34A, 34B extend through the first storage space 364, the communication hole 386, and the second storage space 374 to connect the power module 38 and the DC-DC converter 34.

[0060] More specifically, a space is provided between the power module rear end 38B and the circuit board rear end 39B and the first rear wall 362C in the X direction. The conductive bus bars 34A, 34B pass through the space between the power module rear end 38B and the circuit board rear end 39B in the X direction and extend to the space between the circuit board rear end 39B and the first rear wall 362C. More specifically, the conductive bus bars 34A, 34B extend rearward beyond the circuit board rear end 39B. The conductive bus bars 34A, 34B then pass through the space between the circuit board rear end 39B and the first rear wall 362C and extend in the Z direction toward the DC-DC converter 34.

[0061] The conductive bus bars 34A and 34B are passed through the communication holes 386. The conductive bus bars 34A and 34B that pass through the communication holes 386 extend in the Z direction toward the DC-DC converter 34. The conductive bus bars 34A and 34B that pass through the communication holes 386 are electrically connected to the DC-DC converter 34. The sizes of the first through holes 366 and the second through holes 376 need only be large enough to allow the conductive bus bars 34A and 34B to pass through. Because the sizes of the first through holes 366 and the second through holes 376 are large enough to allow the conductive bus bars 34A and 34B to pass through, external electromagnetic noise is less likely to enter the first case 36 or the second case 37. This reduces the influence of electromagnetic noise on the power module 38, the substrate 39, and the DC-DC converter 34.

[0062] <Action and effect> As described above, the electric device 3 and the vehicle component 10 aligned with the electric device 3 in the Z direction are provided in the engine compartment 1A below the hood 1B. A power module 38 and a circuit board 39 are housed in a first case 36 of the electric device 3. A DC-DC converter 34 is housed in a second case 37 of the electric device 3. The size of the second case 37 in the X direction is smaller than the size of the first case 36 in the X direction. The second case 37 is provided above the first case 36 in the Z direction. The second case 37 is provided above a first opposing wall 363 of the first case 36.

[0063] This ensures that a space in which the vehicle component 10 can be arranged is secured above the first opposing wall 363 in the Z direction. A space in which the vehicle component 10 can be arranged is secured between the hood 1B. Unlike the present embodiment, the degree of freedom in arranging the vehicle component 10 and the electrical device 3 in the engine compartment 1A is improved compared to an embodiment in which all of the components that make up the electrical device 3 are contained in a single rectangular parallelepiped case.

[0064] As described above, the DC-DC converter 34 is provided rearward of the power module 38 in the X direction. This ensures a space for arranging the vehicle component 10 in front of the DC-DC converter 34 in the X direction.

[0065] A conductive through-hole 375 is formed in the second rear wall 372C of the second case 37 that houses the DC-DC converter 34, through which cables 34C and 34D that connect the DC-DC converter 34 and the auxiliary battery 2B pass. The cables 34C and 34D extend through the conductive through-hole 375 toward the auxiliary battery 2B. This prevents the cables 34C and 34D from interfering with the vehicle component 10 provided in the front of the vehicle 1C. A space for arranging the vehicle component 10 in front of the DC-DC converter 34 is secured.

[0066] Furthermore, in the X direction, the DC-DC converter 34 is provided between the refrigerant circulation device 9 and the auxiliary battery 2B. Even if the vehicle 1C is submerged in water or if water leaks from the refrigerant circulation device 9, the power module 38 is exposed to water before the DC-DC converter 34, and protection control can be applied to the electrical equipment 3.

[0067] As described above, the second case 37 is provided on the first opposing wall 363 of the first case 36 so that the second front wall 372A is located rearward in the X direction from the first front wall 362A. In other words, the second case 37 is provided on the first opposing wall 363 of the first case 36 so that the second front wall 372A is located closer to the auxiliary battery 2B than the first front wall 362A in the X direction. This ensures a space above the first opposing wall 363 and forward of the second front wall 372A in which the vehicle component 10 can be placed. The vehicle component 10 is an intake duct, a torsion bar, or the like that is provided at the front of the vehicle. In the engine compartment 1A, interference between the vehicle component 10, such as the intake duct or the torsion bar, and the electrical device 3 is suppressed.

[0068] As described above, the circuit board rear end 39B is located closer to the auxiliary battery 2B in the X direction than the power module rear end 38B. This prevents the supply pipe 33A and the discharge pipe 33B from becoming longer in the X direction than in a configuration in which the power module rear end 38B is located closer to the auxiliary battery 2B than the circuit board rear end 39B. This prevents the first case 36 from becoming larger in size toward the auxiliary battery 2B in the X direction. As a result, the space required to mount the electrical device 3 in the engine compartment 1A is likely to be reduced. Cost reductions are also expected due to the shorter lengths of the supply pipe 33A and the discharge pipe 33B.

[0069] As described above, in the X direction, the DC-DC converter rear end 34E of the DC-DC converter 34 is disposed closer to the auxiliary battery 2B than the board rear end 39B of the board 39. This allows the DC-DC converter 34 to be disposed further rearward in the X direction. As a result, more space is available in the front for arranging the vehicle components 10. This improves the degree of freedom in arranging the vehicle components 10 and the electrical equipment 3.

[0070] As described above, the conductive bus bars 34A, 34B connect the power module 38 and the DC-DC converter 34 through the first storage space 364, the first through-hole 366, the second through-hole 376, and the second storage space 374. This prevents the conductive bus bars 34A, 34B from being exposed from the engine room 1A. It prevents the conductive bus bars 34A, 34B from becoming longer. It prevents the size of the electric device 3 in the engine room 1A from increasing. It is easy to reduce the space required to mount the electric device 3 in the engine room 1A. This is also expected to lead to cost reductions.

[0071] Furthermore, as the length of the conductive bus bars 34A, 34B is shortened, the resistance value of the conductive bus bars 34A, 34B can be reduced, and costs can also be reduced. Furthermore, because the conductive bus bars 34A, 34B are prevented from being exposed to the engine compartment 1A, bus bars can be used for the conductive bus bars 34A, 34B instead of harnesses. This allows for a stable connection between the power module 38 and the DC-DC converter 34.

[0072] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , a substrate through hole 391 opening in the Z direction is formed in the substrate 39. The substrate through hole 391 is provided between the power module rear end 38B and the substrate rear end 39B in the X direction. The first through hole 366, the second through hole 376, and the substrate through hole 391 are aligned in the Z direction. The conductive bus bars 34A and 34B extend in the X direction to a position where the first through hole 366, the second through hole 376, and the substrate through hole 391 overlap in the Z direction. The conductive bus bars 34A and 34B further extend in the Z direction from there toward the DC-DC converter 34. The conductive bus bars 34A and 34B pass through the first through hole 366, the second through hole 376, and the substrate through hole 391 on their way toward the DC-DC converter 34. This allows the conductive bus bars 34A and 34B to be connected to the DC-DC converter 34 without detouring around the substrate 39. This prevents the conductive bus bars 34A and 34B from becoming long.

[0073] (Third embodiment) 5, in the third embodiment, a substrate through hole 391 that opens in the Z direction is formed in the substrate 39. The substrate through hole 391 is provided forward of the power module rear end portion 38B in the X direction. The first through hole 366, the second through hole 376, and the substrate through hole 391 are aligned along the Z direction. The conductive bus bars 34A and 34B extend only in the Z direction toward the DC-DC converter 34. The conductive bus bars 34A and 34B pass through the first through hole 366, the second through hole 376, and the substrate through hole 391 on their way to the DC-DC converter 34. This further prevents the conductive bus bars 34A and 34B from becoming long.

[0074] (Fourth embodiment) In the first to third embodiments described so far, the second case 37 is provided above the first opposing wall 363 of the first case 36. In the fourth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the second case 37 is provided between the first case 36 and the auxiliary battery 2B in the X direction. A first through-hole 366 opening in the X direction is formed in the first rear wall 362C. A second through-hole 376 opening in the X direction is formed in the second front wall 372A. The conductive bus bars 34A, 34B extend only in the X direction from the power module 38 toward the DC-DC converter 34.

[0075] As the conductive bus bars 34A, 34B extend from the power module 38 toward the DC-DC converter 34, they pass through a communication hole 386 that connects the first through hole 366 and the second through hole 376. Even in the arrangement of the fourth embodiment, a space in which the vehicle component 10 can be arranged is secured above the first opposing wall 363 in the Z direction. A space in which the vehicle component 10 can be arranged is secured between the conductive bus bars 34A, 34B and the hood 1B in the Z direction. The length of the conductive bus bars 34A, 34B is prevented from increasing. Furthermore, since the conductive bus bars 34A, 34B are far from the refrigerant circulation device 9 in the X direction, the DC-DC converter 34 is likely to be prevented from being flooded even if water leaks from the refrigerant circulation device 9.

[0076] (Fifth embodiment) In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the cooler 33 does not have to be divided into the supply pipe 33A, the discharge pipe 33B, and the relay pipe 33C. As an example, the cooler 33 in the fifth embodiment has a plate-like shape that is thin in the Z direction and has a flow path formed therein through which the refrigerant flows. Alternatively, the cooler 33 in the fifth embodiment may have a U-shape. The cooler 33 is exposed from the first front wall 362A and connected to the refrigerant circulation device 9. The switch modules 31B to 32F are provided above the cooler 33. The switch modules 31B to 32F are provided above the cooler 33 adjacent to each other in the X direction. The arrangement of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 7 also achieves the same effects as those described above.

[0077] (Sixth embodiment) In the first to fifth embodiments described so far, the DC-DC converter 34 is provided above the first case 36. However, the component provided above the first case 36 is not limited to the DC-DC converter 34. For example, instead of the DC-DC converter 34, a charging port of a plug-in hybrid car may be provided above the first case 36. Instead of the charging port of a plug-in hybrid car, an electric compressor, a terminal block, a fuse box, or the like may be provided above the first case 36. Note that the second case 37 does not have to be configured to cover the periphery of the component that replaces the DC-DC converter 34; for example, the second case 37 may form part of the outer casing of the component. The sixth embodiment also provides the same effects as those described above.

[0078] (Other embodiments) Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and modifications within the scope of equivalents. In addition, although various combinations and configurations are shown in the present disclosure, other combinations and configurations including only one element, more, or less are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0079] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses multiple technical ideas described in the following multiple clauses. The technical ideas may be described in a multiple dependent form, with subsequent clauses alternatively referring to preceding clauses. The technical ideas may be described in a multiple dependent form, with subsequent clauses referring to clauses in other multiple dependent forms.

[0080] Technical thought 1 An electric device (3) is provided below the hood (1B), aligned with the vehicle component (10) in a vertical direction (Z), and forward of the battery (2B) in a front-rear direction (X) perpendicular to the vertical direction, a power module (38); a substrate (39) electrically connected to the power module; a first case (36) that houses the power module and the substrate; a connection part (34) electrically connected to the battery and the power module; a second case (37) that houses the connecting parts and is smaller in size than the first case in the front-rear direction, An electrical device in which the second case is provided on an upper wall (363) on the upper side of the first case, or is aligned with a rear wall (362C) on the rear side of the first case in the front-rear direction.

[0081] Technical thought 2 The electrical device according to Technical Idea 1, wherein the connecting component is provided closer to the battery than the power module in the front-rear direction.

[0082] Technical thought 3 An electrical device described in Technical Idea 1 or 2, wherein a second front wall (372A) located on the side of the second case away from the battery is positioned closer to the battery than a first front wall (362A) located on the side of the first case away from the battery.

[0083] Technical thought 4 An electrical device according to any one of technical ideas 1 to 3, wherein a substrate rear end (39B) at the end of the substrate facing the battery is positioned closer to the battery in the front-to-rear direction than a power module rear end (38B) at the end of the power module facing the battery.

[0084] Technical thought 5 The electrical device according to Technical Idea 4, wherein a rear connection end (34E) of the end of the connecting component on the battery side is located closer to the battery in the front-rear direction than the rear end of the board.

[0085] technical thought 6 Further provided is a conductive member (34A, 34B) that electrically connects the power module and the connection component, A first through-hole (366) that opens in the vertical direction or the front-rear direction is formed in the first case, A second through-hole (376) that opens in the vertical direction or the front-rear direction is formed in the second case, An electrical device described in any one of technical ideas 1 to 5, wherein the conductive member extends through the first storage space (364) of the first case, the first through hole, the second through hole, and the second storage space (374) of the second case.

[0086] Technical thought 7 The electrical device according to Technical Idea 6, wherein the conductive member is connected to the power module closer to the battery than the center of the power module in the front-to-rear direction.

[0087] Technical thought 8 A substrate through-hole (391) is formed in the substrate, penetrating in the vertical direction. The electrical device according to Technical Idea 6 or 7, wherein the conductive member is passed through the first through hole, the second through hole, and the substrate through hole.

[0088] Technical thought 9 The electrical device according to any one of Technical Concepts 6 to 8, wherein the conductive member extends only in the up-down direction or only in the front-rear direction.

[0089] Technical thought 10 The electric device according to any one of Technical Concepts 6 to 9, wherein the first through hole and the second through hole have a size that allows the conductive member to pass through. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10...vehicle part, 1B...hood, 2B...auxiliary battery, 3...electrical equipment, 34...DCDC converter, 34A, 34B...conductive bus bar, 34E...rear end of DCDC converter, 36...first case, 362A...first front wall, 362C...first rear wall, 363...first opposing wall, 364...first storage space, 366...first through hole, 37...second case, 372A...second front wall, 374...second storage space, 376...second through hole, 38...power module, 38B...rear end of power module, 39...circuit board, 391...circuit board through hole, 39B...rear end of circuit board, X...front-rear direction, Z...up-down direction

Claims

1. An electric device (3) is provided below the hood (1B), aligned with the vehicle component (10) in a vertical direction (Z), and forward of the battery (2B) in a front-rear direction (X) perpendicular to the vertical direction, a power module (38); a substrate (39) electrically connected to the power module; a first case (36) for housing the power module and the substrate; a connection part (34) electrically connected to the battery and the power module; a second case (37) that houses the connecting components and is smaller in size than the first case in the front-rear direction, The second case is provided on an upper wall (363) on the upper side of the first case, or is aligned with a rear wall (362C) on the rear side of the first case in the front-rear direction, Further provided is a conductive member (34A, 34B) that electrically connects the power module and the connection component, A first through hole (366) that opens in the up-down direction or the front-rear direction is formed in the first case, A second through hole (376) opening in the vertical direction or the front-rear direction is formed in the second case, An electrical device in which the conductive member extends through the first storage space (364) of the first case, the first through hole, the second through hole, and the second storage space (374) of the second case.

2. The electrical device according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting part is provided closer to the battery than the power module in the front-rear direction.

3. 3. The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein a second front wall (372A) located on the side of the second case away from the battery is positioned closer to the battery than a first front wall (362A) located on the side of the first case away from the battery.

4. The second case is provided on an upper wall (363) above the first case, a substrate rear end portion (39B) at the end of the substrate on the battery side is provided closer to the battery in the front-rear direction than a power module rear end portion (38B) at the end of the power module on the battery side; the first through hole and the second through hole are provided rearward of the rear end portion of the substrate, 3. The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member extends from the power module rearward of a rear end of the substrate in the front-rear direction, and then extends toward the first through hole and the second through hole without passing through the substrate.

5. The electrical device according to claim 4, wherein a rear connection end (34E) of the connecting part at the end on the battery side is provided closer to the battery in the front-rear direction than the rear end of the board.

6. The electric device according to claim 1 , wherein the conductive member is connected to the power module on a side closer to the battery than the center of the power module in the front-rear direction.

7. A substrate through-hole (391) is formed in the substrate, penetrating in the vertical direction, The electrical device according to claim 1 , wherein the conductive member is passed through the first through-hole, the second through-hole, and the substrate through-hole.

8. The electrical device according to claim 1 , wherein the conductive member extends only in the up-down direction or only in the front-rear direction.

9. The electrical device according to claim 1 , wherein the first through hole and the second through hole have a size large enough to allow the conductive member to pass through.

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