Electronic equipment and power conversion devices

Abstract

To make it possible to reduce the thickness of an electronic device in which a coolant is supplied to the inside of a case.SOLUTION: Electronic equipment includes a refrigerant supply pipe 8 that has a flange 8b fixed to the outer wall surface of a main body case and is connected to the open end. The refrigerant supply pipe 8 includes a connection open end 8d directly connected to the open end, a refrigerant pipe side reduced diameter flow passage 8e whose flow passage area decreases with distance from the connection open end 8d, a small diameter flow passage 8f connected to the end opposite the connection open end 8d of the refrigerant pipe side reduced diameter flow passage 8e, and the main body case has, as a part of the refrigerant flow passage, a case side reduced diameter flow passage 10d whose flow passage area decreases with distance from the open end, and a flat flow passage 10e formed in a flatter shape than the small diameter flow passage 8f and connected to the end opposite the open end of the case side reduced diameter flow passage 10d.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and a power conversion device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a power conversion device including electronic components. The power conversion device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a case for housing the electronic components. Further, a refrigerant flow path for guiding a refrigerant is provided inside the case. A pipe is connected to such a case, and the refrigerant can flow into and out of the refrigerant flow path through the pipe. When the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow path, the electronic components are cooled.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in an electronic device such as a power conversion device, in order to supply a refrigerant to a refrigerant flow path provided inside a case, generally, a refrigerant pipe is connected to the case from the outside of the case. For example, an opening end of the refrigerant flow path is provided on a side surface of the case. An end portion of the refrigerant pipe is inserted into this opening end. However, when inserting the refrigerant pipe into the case, the portion where the end portion of the refrigerant pipe exists needs to have a dimension larger than the outer diameter of the refrigerant pipe. Therefore, when the refrigerant pipe is inserted into the case, the case is formed to have a thickness dimension larger than the outer diameter of the refrigerant pipe in the range where the end portion of the refrigerant pipe is located. For this reason, it has been difficult to make the electronic device thinner.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to enable thinning in an electronic device in which a refrigerant is supplied inside a case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means to solve the above problems.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention comprises an electronic component, a main body case housing the electronic component and having an open end for a refrigerant flow path, and a refrigerant pipe having a flange fixed to the outer wall surface of the main body case and connected to the open end, wherein the refrigerant pipe has a connecting open end directly connected to the open end, a refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path whose flow path area decreases as it moves away from the connecting open end, and a small-diameter flow path connected to the end of the refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path opposite to the connecting open end, and as part of the refrigerant flow path, the main body case has a case-side reduced-diameter flow path whose flow path area decreases as it moves away from the open end, and a flattened flow path formed in a flatter shape than the small-diameter flow path and connected to the end of the case-side reduced-diameter flow path opposite to the open end. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant pipe has a flange, and the flange portion is fixed to the outer wall surface of the main body case. Therefore, the refrigerant pipe and the main body case can be connected without inserting the refrigerant pipe into the open end of the main body case. Consequently, it is not necessary to provide a portion inside the main body case where the end of the refrigerant pipe is located, and the main body case can be made thinner. Furthermore, the refrigerant flow path has a flattened flow path that is flatter than the small-diameter flow path of the refrigerant pipe. Therefore, the main body case in which the refrigerant flow path is formed can be made thinner compared to the case in which a flow path of the same shape as the small-diameter flow path is provided, by the difference between the inner diameter dimension of the small-diameter flow path in the short direction of the flattened flow path and the inner diameter dimension of the flattened flow path. Moreover, in one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting open end of the refrigerant pipe and the open end of the main body case are connected. Furthermore, the refrigerant pipe has a refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path in which the flow path area decreases as it moves away from the connecting open end, and the main body case has a case-side reduced-diameter flow path in which the flow path area decreases as it moves away from the open end. In this embodiment of the present invention, compared to the case where small-diameter channels and flattened channels of different shapes are directly connected, the channel shape can be changed gradually, and the pressure loss in the channel can be reduced. Therefore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to thin the main body case while suppressing an increase in pressure loss, and to achieve a thinner electronic device while maintaining cooling efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the power conversion device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view including the central case of a power converter according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the joint between the supply refrigerant pipe and the inlet opening end of the power conversion device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the supply refrigerant pipe of the power conversion device in the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the flange contact surface side. [Figure 5]This is a schematic partial enlargement view of the central case in the first embodiment of the present invention, with the entrance opening facing forward. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the joint between the exhaust refrigerant pipe and the outlet opening end of the power conversion device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing the exhaust refrigerant pipe of the power conversion device in the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the flange contact surface side. [Figure 8] This is a schematic partial enlargement view of the central case in the first embodiment of the present invention, with the outlet opening facing forward. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view including the central case of a power converter according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows a modified example of the cross-sectional shape of a flattened channel. [Figure 11] This figure shows a modified example of the cross-sectional shape of a flattened channel. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the electronic device and power converter according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the power converter 1 (electronic device) of this embodiment. The power converter 1 is mounted in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle and is installed between a motor (load) (not shown) and a battery. As shown in Figure 1, such a power converter 1 comprises an intelligent power module 2 (electronic component), a capacitor 3 (electronic component), a reactor 4 (electronic component), a DC-DC converter 5 (electronic component), a main body case 6, and a refrigerant pipe 7.

[0012] The intelligent power module 2 includes a power module 20, a gate driver board 21, an ECU board 22, etc. The power module 20 includes a plurality of power devices 20a having power semiconductor elements, a resin-made power module case 20b that houses these power devices 20a, and a power module bus bar 20c connected to the power devices 20a. Further, the power module 20 includes an insulating resin member that prevents a short circuit of the power module bus bar 20c, and a water jacket for cooling, etc.

[0013] The gate driver board 21 is a board provided with a gate driver that generates drive signals for a boost - buck converter or an inverter formed by the power device 20a. Such a gate driver board 21 is laminated on the power module 20. The ECU board 22 is a board provided with an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls the gate driver board 21. This ECU board 22 is laminated on the gate driver board 21.

[0014] The capacitor 3 is connected to the intelligent power module 2 and is arranged on the side of the power module 20. The reactor 4 is arranged below the intelligent power module 2.

[0015] The DCDC converter 5 is on the side of the reactor 4 and is arranged below the intelligent power module 2. The DCDC converter 5 converts the battery power into a voltage suitable for peripheral devices (electronic components mounted on the gate driver board 21 and the ECU board 22, etc.). <unk>0000090<unk>[<unk>0000090<unk>]]

[0016] The main body case 6 is a case that houses the intelligent power module 2, the capacitor 3, the reactor 4, and the DCDC converter 5, and includes an upper case 6a, a central case 6b, and a lower case 6c. These upper case 6a, central case 6b, and lower case 6c are connected in a dividable manner in the stacking direction of the power module 20, the gate driver board 21, and the ECU board 22. The upper case 6a covers the intelligent power module 2 from the side of the ECU board 22 and is fastened to the central case 6b. The central case 6b covers the periphery of the intelligent power module 2, the capacitor 3, the reactor 4, and the DCDC converter 5. The lower case 6c covers the reactor 4 and the DCDC converter 5 from below, and is provided with a connection connector for connecting the intelligent power module 2 and a motor (not shown), and is fastened to the central case 6b.

[0017] The refrigerant pipe 7 is a pipe for guiding the refrigerant X. In the present embodiment, two refrigerant pipes 7 are provided. One refrigerant pipe 7 is a pipe for guiding the refrigerant X supplied into the main body case 6 (hereinafter referred to as the supply refrigerant pipe ⑧). The other refrigerant pipe 7 is a pipe for guiding the refrigerant X discharged from the main body case 6 (hereinafter referred to as the discharge refrigerant pipe 9).

[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view including the central case 6b. As shown in this figure, a refrigerant flow path 10 is provided in the central case 6b. The refrigerant flow path 10 is a flow path through which the refrigerant X flows and is provided inside the central case 6b. As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerant flow path 10 of the present embodiment is a flow path folded in a U shape inside the central case 6b, and the two open ends 10a are located on the side wall surface of the central case 6b. That is, the central case 6b is provided with two open ends 10a on the same side wall surface.

[0019] In this embodiment, these open ends 10a are formed to be perfectly circular when viewed from the direction in which the refrigerant X flows. Furthermore, one open end 10a and the other open end 10a are formed to be the same size. In other words, these two open ends 10a are identical in shape. One open end 10a is connected to the supply refrigerant pipe 8. This open end 10a to which the supply refrigerant pipe 8 is connected is referred to as the inlet open end 10b. The other open end 10a is connected to the discharge refrigerant pipe 9. This open end 10a to which the discharge refrigerant pipe 9 is connected is referred to as the outlet open end 10c.

[0020] In the refrigerant flow path 10 provided in the central case 6b, refrigerant X guided by the supply refrigerant pipe 8 flows in from the inlet opening end 10b. The refrigerant X that flows into the inlet opening end 10b flows inside the refrigerant flow path 10 and reaches the outlet opening end 10c. The refrigerant X that reaches the outlet opening end 10c is guided by the discharge refrigerant pipe 9 and discharged to the outside.

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the joint between the supply refrigerant pipe 8 and the inlet opening end 10b. As shown in this figure, the supply refrigerant pipe 8 has a pipe body 8a and a flange 8b. The pipe body 8a is a cylindrical portion through which the refrigerant X flows, and is provided in a partially curved state as needed. The flange 8b is provided at the end of the pipe body 8a and is provided in a disc shape so as to protrude radially outward from the pipe body 8a. Note that the shape of the flange 8b does not necessarily have to be disc-shaped. The surface of such a flange 8b opposite to the pipe body 8a is the contact surface 8b1 with the outer wall surface of the central case 6b. Such a supply refrigerant pipe 8 has a flow path 8c inside. This flow path 8c is a flow path through which the refrigerant X is guided.

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the supply refrigerant pipe 8 as seen from the contact surface 8b1 side of the flange 8b. As shown in this figure, the contact surface 8b1 of the flange 8b is provided with an open end (connecting open end 8d) of the flow path 8c. The connecting open end 8d of the flow path 8c is an opening that is directly connected to the inlet open end 10b of the central case 6b. In this embodiment, the connecting open end 8d is formed to be a perfect circle when viewed from the direction in which the refrigerant X flows. Furthermore, the connecting open end 8d is formed to have the same diameter as the inlet open end 10b. In other words, in this embodiment, the connecting open end 8d is formed to have the same shape as the inlet open end 10b.

[0023] In order to prevent obstruction of the flow of refrigerant X, it is preferable that the shapes of the connecting opening end 8d and the inlet opening end 10b are the same. However, the shapes of the connecting opening end 8d and the inlet opening end 10b do not necessarily have to be the same and may be different.

[0024] The contact surface 8b1 of the flange 8b is provided with an annular groove 8b2 in which a seal ring 11 is positioned. This groove 8b2 is provided so as to surround the connecting opening end 8d. The flange 8b is also provided with a screw hole 8b3 through which a screw (not shown) is inserted. This flange 8b is fastened to the outer wall surface of the central case 6b by a screw inserted through the screw hole 8b3. By fastening the flange 8b to the central case 6b, the connecting opening end 8d and the inlet opening end 10b are connected.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the flow path 8c of the supply refrigerant pipe 8 is provided with a refrigerant pipe-side reduced diameter flow path 8e and a small diameter flow path 8f. In other words, the supply refrigerant pipe 8 has a refrigerant pipe-side reduced diameter flow path 8e, which is part of the flow path 8c, and a small diameter flow path 8f, which is part of the flow path 8c.

[0026] The refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path 8e is located closer to the connection opening end 8d than the small-diameter flow path 8f, and its flow area decreases as it moves away from the connection opening end 8d. The inner wall surface of this refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path 8e is a tapered surface that connects the edge of the connection opening end 8d with the inner wall surface of the small-diameter flow path 8f.

[0027] The small-diameter channel 8f is connected to the end opposite to the connecting opening end 8d of the refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter channel 8e. This small-diameter channel 8f is formed to be perfectly circular when viewed from the direction of refrigerant X flow. The diameter of the small-diameter channel 8f is smaller than the diameter of the connecting opening end 8d. The diameter of this small-diameter channel 8f is set according to the flow rate of refrigerant X guided by the supply refrigerant pipe 8.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the refrigerant flow path 10 of the main case 6 is provided with a case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d and a flattened flow path 10e. In other words, the main case 6 has a case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d, which is part of the refrigerant flow path 10, and a flattened flow path 10e, which is part of the refrigerant flow path 10.

[0029] The case-side reduced-diameter channel 10d is located closer to the inlet opening end 10b than the flattened channel 10e, and its channel area decreases as it moves away from the inlet opening end 10b. The inner wall surface of such a case-side reduced-diameter channel 10d is a substantially tapered surface that connects the edge of the inlet opening end 10b with the inner wall surface of the flattened channel 10e.

[0030] The flattened flow path 10e is connected to the end of the case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d opposite to the inlet opening end 10b. Figure 5 is a schematic enlarged section of the central case 6b with the inlet opening end 10b facing forward. As shown in this figure, the flattened flow path 10e is formed to have an oval shape when viewed from the direction of refrigerant X flow. The flattened flow path 10e is formed such that its vertical height dimension is smaller than its horizontal width dimension when viewed from the direction of refrigerant X flow. The height dimension (short axis dimension) of the flattened flow path 10e is smaller than the height dimension (diameter dimension) of the small-diameter flow path 8f. Also, the width dimension (long axis dimension) of the flattened flow path 10e is larger than the width dimension (diameter dimension) of the small-diameter flow path 8f.

[0031] In this embodiment, the flow area of ​​the flattened flow path 10e is the same as the flow area of ​​the small-diameter flow path 8f. By having the same flow area as the small-diameter flow path 8f, the flow rate of refrigerant X flowing through the flow path 8c of the supply refrigerant pipe 8 and the flow rate of refrigerant X flowing through the refrigerant flow path 10 of the main body case 6 can be made the same.

[0032] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the joint between the exhaust refrigerant pipe 9 and the outlet opening end 10c. As shown in this figure, the exhaust refrigerant pipe 9 has a pipe body 9a and a flange 9b. The pipe body 9a is a cylindrical portion through which the refrigerant X flows, and is provided in a partially curved state as needed. The flange 9b is provided at the end of the pipe body 9a and is provided in a disc shape so as to protrude radially outward from the pipe body 9a. Note that the shape of the flange 9b does not necessarily have to be disc-shaped. The surface of such a flange 9b opposite to the pipe body 9a is the contact surface 9b1 with the outer wall surface of the central case 6b. Such an exhaust refrigerant pipe 9 has a flow path 9c inside. This flow path 9c is a flow path through which the refrigerant X is guided.

[0033] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the exhaust refrigerant pipe 9 as seen from the contact surface 9b1 side of the flange 9b. As shown in this figure, the contact surface 9b1 of the flange 9b is provided with an open end (connecting open end 9d) of the flow path 9c. The connecting open end 9d of the flow path 9c is an opening that is directly connected to the outlet open end 10c of the central case 6b. In this embodiment, the connecting open end 9d is formed to be a perfect circle when viewed from the direction in which the refrigerant X flows. Furthermore, the connecting open end 9d is formed to have the same diameter as the outlet open end 10c. In other words, in this embodiment, the connecting open end 9d is formed to have the same shape as the outlet open end 10c.

[0034] In order to prevent obstruction of the flow of refrigerant X, it is preferable that the shapes of the connecting opening end 9d and the outlet opening end 10c are the same. However, the shapes of the connecting opening end 9d and the outlet opening end 10c do not necessarily have to be the same and may be different.

[0035] The contact surface 9b1 of the flange 9b is provided with an annular groove 9b2 through which a seal ring 11 is positioned. This groove 9b2 is provided so as to surround the connecting opening end 9d. The flange 9b is also provided with a screw hole 9b3 through which a screw (not shown) is inserted. This flange 9b is fastened to the outer wall surface of the central case 6b by a screw inserted through the screw hole 9b3. The connection of the flange 9b to the central case 6b connects the connecting opening end 9d and the outlet opening end 10c.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the flow path 9c of the discharge refrigerant pipe 9 is provided with a refrigerant pipe-side reduced diameter flow path 9e and a small diameter flow path 9f. In other words, the discharge refrigerant pipe 9 has a refrigerant pipe-side reduced diameter flow path 9e, which is part of the flow path 9c, and a small diameter flow path 9f, which is part of the flow path 9c.

[0037] The refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path 9e is located closer to the connection opening end 9d than the small-diameter flow path 9f, and its flow area decreases as it moves away from the connection opening end 9d. The inner wall surface of this refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path 9e is a tapered surface that connects the edge of the connection opening end 9d with the inner wall surface of the small-diameter flow path 9f.

[0038] The small-diameter channel 9f is connected to the end opposite to the connecting opening end 9d of the refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter channel 9e. This small-diameter channel 9f is formed to be perfectly circular when viewed from the direction of refrigerant X flow. The diameter of the small-diameter channel 9f is smaller than the diameter of the connecting opening end 9d. The diameter of such a small-diameter channel 9f is set according to the flow rate of refrigerant X guided by the discharge refrigerant pipe 9.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the refrigerant flow path 10 of the main case 6 is provided with a case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10f. In other words, the main case 6 has a case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10f which is part of the refrigerant flow path 10. The case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10f is located closer to the outlet opening end 10c than the flattened flow path 10e, and its flow path area decreases as it moves away from the outlet opening end 10c. The inner wall surface of such a case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10f is a substantially tapered surface that connects the edge of the outlet opening end 10c and the inner wall surface of the flattened flow path 10e.

[0040] Furthermore, the flattened flow path 10e is connected to the end of the case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10f opposite to the outlet opening end 10c. Figure 8 is a schematic enlarged view of the central case 6b with the outlet opening end 10c facing forward. As shown in this figure, the flattened flow path 10e is formed to be oval-shaped when viewed from the flow direction of the refrigerant X, even on the outlet opening end 10c side. The height dimension (short axis dimension) of this flattened flow path 10e is smaller than the height dimension (diameter dimension) of the small-diameter flow path 9f. Also, the width dimension (long axis dimension) of the flattened flow path 10e is larger than the width dimension (diameter dimension) of the small-diameter flow path 9f.

[0041] In this embodiment, the flow area of ​​the flattened flow path 10e is the same as the flow area of ​​the small-diameter flow path 9f. By having the same flow area as the small-diameter flow path 9f, the flow rate of refrigerant X flowing through the flow path 9c of the discharge refrigerant pipe 9 and the flow rate of refrigerant X flowing through the refrigerant flow path 10 of the main body case 6 can be made the same.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the flattened channel 10e is formed in a folded shape by curving into a U shape in the middle, and has an upstream section 10e1, a downstream section 10e2, and a curved section 10e3.

[0043] The upstream portion 10e1 is located on the upstream side in the flow direction of the refrigerant X and extends linearly in the horizontal direction. The upstream portion 10e1 is connected to the inlet opening end 10b via the case-side diameter-reducing flow path 10d. The downstream portion 10e2 is located on the downstream side in the flow direction of the refrigerant X and is arranged above the upstream portion 10e1, extending parallel to the upstream portion 10e1. The downstream portion 10e2 is connected to the outlet opening end 10c via the case-side diameter-reducing flow path 10f. The curved portion 10e3 is a U-shaped portion that connects the upstream portion 10e1 and the downstream portion 10e2.

[0044] In this flattened channel 10e, both the upstream section 10e1 and the downstream section 10e2 are folded back so that the minor axis of the ellipse in the cross-sectional shape is aligned vertically. Therefore, even when the flattened channel 10e is folded back, the height dimension of the central case 6b can be suppressed.

[0045] In this embodiment of the power converter 1, the refrigerant X flowing through the supply refrigerant pipe 8 is discharged from the connection opening end 8d and flows into the refrigerant flow path 10 from the inlet opening end 10b. In this embodiment of the power converter 1, the supply refrigerant pipe 8 is provided with a refrigerant pipe side diameter reduction flow path 8e, the flow path area of ​​which decreases as it moves away from the connection opening end 8d.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, in the supply refrigerant pipe 8, refrigerant X flows from the small-diameter flow path 8f toward the connecting opening end 8d. Based on the flow direction of refrigerant X, the flow path 8c expands in the refrigerant pipe side reduced-diameter flow path 8e. Therefore, when refrigerant X flows from the small-diameter flow path 8f of the supply refrigerant pipe 8 into the refrigerant pipe side reduced-diameter flow path 8e, the flow velocity of refrigerant X decreases and the pressure of refrigerant X increases.

[0047] Furthermore, since the refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path 8e continuously expands towards the connection opening end 8d, the inner wall surface of the refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path 8e is tapered. Therefore, separation of the refrigerant X flow from the inner wall surface of the flow path 8c can be prevented, and an increase in pressure loss can be suppressed.

[0048] Furthermore, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the main body case 6 is provided with a case-side diameter-reducing flow path 10d as part of the refrigerant flow path 10, which decreases in diameter as it moves away from the inlet opening end 10b. In the case-side diameter-reducing flow path 10d, as shown in Figure 3, refrigerant X flows from the inlet opening end 10b toward the flattened flow path 10e provided on the opposite side of the refrigerant pipe-side diameter-reducing flow path 8e. Therefore, when refrigerant X flows from the inlet opening end 10b into the case-side diameter-reducing flow path 10d, the flow velocity of refrigerant X increases, and the pressure of refrigerant X decreases to about the same level as the small-diameter flow path 8f of the supply refrigerant pipe 8.

[0049] Furthermore, since the case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d continuously narrows as it approaches the flattened flow path 10e, the inner wall surface of the case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d is substantially tapered. Therefore, separation of the refrigerant X flow from the inner wall surface of the refrigerant flow path 10 can be prevented, and an increase in pressure loss can be suppressed.

[0050] When the small-diameter flow path 8f of the supply refrigerant pipe 8, which has a different shape, is directly connected to the flattened flow path 10e of the main body case 6, a step is created at the boundary. As a result, the flow of refrigerant X is disturbed by collisions and separation at the step, increasing pressure loss. In contrast, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the reduced-diameter flow path 8e on the refrigerant pipe side and the reduced-diameter flow path 10d on the case side are provided, which suppresses disturbance in the flow of refrigerant X. Therefore, the increase in pressure loss can be suppressed.

[0051] The refrigerant X that flows into the refrigerant flow path 10 flows from the case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d into the flattened flow path 10e. The refrigerant X that flows into the flattened flow path 10e is guided by the flattened flow path 10e and flows into the case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d which is connected to the outlet opening end 10c.

[0052] Subsequently, the refrigerant X is discharged from the outlet opening 10c and flows into the discharge refrigerant pipe 9 from the connecting opening 9d. As the refrigerant X flows through the flattened flow path 10e in this manner, electronic components such as the intelligent power module 2, condenser 3, reactor 4, and DC-DC converter 5 are cooled.

[0053] Furthermore, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the main body case 6 is provided with a case-side diameter-reducing flow path 10f as part of the refrigerant flow path 10, the flow path area of ​​which decreases as it moves away from the outlet opening end 10c. In the case-side diameter-reducing flow path 10f, as shown in Figure 6, the refrigerant X flows from the flattened flow path 10e toward the outlet opening end 10c, so based on the flow direction of the refrigerant X, the refrigerant flow path 10 expands in the case-side diameter-reducing flow path 10f. Therefore, when the refrigerant X flows from the flattened flow path 10e into the case-side diameter-reducing flow path 10f, the flow velocity of the refrigerant X decreases and the pressure of the refrigerant X increases.

[0054] Furthermore, since the case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10f continuously expands towards the outlet opening end 10c, the inner wall surface of the case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10f is substantially tapered. Therefore, separation of the refrigerant X flow from the inner wall surface of the refrigerant flow path 10 can be prevented, and an increase in pressure loss can be suppressed.

[0055] Furthermore, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the discharge refrigerant pipe 9 is provided with a refrigerant pipe-side diameter-reducing flow path 9e that decreases in diameter as it moves away from the connection opening end 9d. In the refrigerant pipe-side diameter-reducing flow path 9e, as shown in Figure 6, refrigerant X flows from the connection opening end 9d toward a small-diameter flow path 9f provided on the opposite side of the refrigerant pipe-side diameter-reducing flow path 9e. Therefore, when refrigerant X flows from the connection opening end 9d into the refrigerant pipe-side diameter-reducing flow path 9e, the flow velocity of refrigerant X increases, and the pressure of refrigerant X decreases to about the same level as the flattened flow path 10e of the main body case 6.

[0056] Furthermore, since the refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path 9e continuously narrows as it approaches the smaller-diameter flow path 9f, the inner wall surface of the refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path 9e is tapered. This prevents the flow of refrigerant X from separating from the inner wall surface of the flow path 9c, thereby suppressing an increase in pressure loss.

[0057] When the small-diameter flow path 9f of the discharge refrigerant pipe 9, which has a different shape, is directly connected to the flattened flow path 10e of the main body case 6, a step is created at the boundary. As a result, the flow of refrigerant X is disturbed by collisions and separation at the step, increasing pressure loss. In contrast, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the reduced-diameter flow path 9e on the refrigerant pipe side and the reduced-diameter flow path 10f on the case side are provided, which suppresses disturbance in the flow of refrigerant X. Therefore, the increase in pressure loss can be suppressed.

[0058] The power conversion device 1 of this embodiment, as described above, comprises an electronic component that performs power conversion, such as an intelligent power module 2, a main body case 6, and a supply refrigerant pipe 8. The main body case 6 houses the intelligent power module 2, etc. The main body case 6 is also provided with an inlet opening end 10b for the refrigerant flow path 10. The supply refrigerant pipe 8 has a flange 8b fixed to the outer wall surface of the main body case 6. The supply refrigerant pipe 8 is also connected to the inlet opening end 10b.

[0059] Furthermore, in the power conversion device 1 of this embodiment, the supply refrigerant pipe 8 has a connecting opening end 8d that is directly connected to the inlet opening end 10b, a refrigerant pipe side reduced diameter flow path 8e whose flow path area decreases as it moves away from the connecting opening end 8d, and a small diameter flow path 8f that is connected to the end of the refrigerant pipe side reduced diameter flow path 8e opposite to the connecting opening end 8d.

[0060] Furthermore, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the main body case 6 has a case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d, which is part of the refrigerant flow path 10, and a flattened flow path 10e, which is part of the refrigerant flow path 10. The case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d is a flow path whose flow area decreases as it moves away from the inlet opening end 10b. The flattened flow path 10e is formed in a flatter shape than the small-diameter flow path 8f and is connected to the end of the case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d opposite to the inlet opening end 10b.

[0061] In this embodiment of the power converter 1, the supply refrigerant pipe 8 has a flange 8b, and the flange 8b is fixed to the outer wall surface of the main body case 6. Therefore, the supply refrigerant pipe 8 and the main body case 6 can be connected without inserting the supply refrigerant pipe 8 into the inlet opening end 10b of the main body case 6.

[0062] Therefore, it is no longer necessary to provide a portion inside the main body case 6 where the end of the supply refrigerant pipe 8 is located, and the main body case 6 can be made thinner. In addition, the refrigerant flow path 10 has a flattened flow path 10e that is flatter than the small-diameter flow path 8f of the supply refrigerant pipe 8. As a result, the main body case 6 in which the refrigerant flow path 10 is formed can be made thinner compared to the case in which a flow path with the same shape as the small-diameter flow path 8f is provided, by the difference between the inner diameter of the flattened flow path 10e and the inner diameter of the small-diameter flow path 8f in the short direction of the flattened flow path 10e.

[0063] Furthermore, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the connection opening end 8d of the supply refrigerant pipe 8 is connected to the inlet opening end 10b of the main body case 6. The supply refrigerant pipe 8 also has a refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path 8e, where the flow path area decreases as it moves away from the connection opening end 8d, and the main body case 6 has a case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d, where the flow path area decreases as it moves away from the opening end. In this power converter 1 of this embodiment, compared to the case where a small-diameter flow path 8f and a flattened flow path 10e with different shapes are directly connected, the flow path can be changed in shape more gradually, and the pressure loss in the flow path can be reduced.

[0064] Therefore, according to the power converter 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the main body case 6 while suppressing an increase in pressure loss, and to achieve a thinner electronic device while maintaining cooling efficiency.

[0065] Furthermore, the power converter 1 of this embodiment, as described above, comprises electronic components such as an intelligent power module 2, a main body case 6, and a discharge refrigerant pipe 9. The main body case 6 houses the intelligent power module 2 and the other components. The main body case 6 is also provided with an outlet opening end 10c of the refrigerant flow path 10. The discharge refrigerant pipe 9 has a flange 9b fixed to the outer wall surface of the main body case 6. The discharge refrigerant pipe 9 is also connected to the outlet opening end 10c.

[0066] Furthermore, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the discharge refrigerant pipe 9 has a connecting opening end 9d that is directly connected to the outlet opening end 10c, a refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path 9e whose flow path area decreases as it moves away from the connecting opening end 9d, and a small-diameter flow path 9f that is connected to the end of the refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path 9e opposite to the connecting opening end 9d.

[0067] Furthermore, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the main body case 6 has a case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d, which is part of the refrigerant flow path 10, and a flattened flow path 10e, which is part of the refrigerant flow path 10. The case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d is a flow path whose flow area decreases as it moves away from the outlet opening end 10c. The flattened flow path 10e is formed in a flatter shape than the small-diameter flow path 9f and is connected to the end of the case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d opposite to the outlet opening end 10c.

[0068] In this embodiment of the power converter 1, the exhaust refrigerant pipe 9 has a flange 9b, and the flange 9b is fixed to the outer wall surface of the main body case 6. Therefore, the exhaust refrigerant pipe 9 and the main body case 6 can be connected without inserting the exhaust refrigerant pipe 9 into the outlet opening end 10c of the main body case 6. Consequently, it is not necessary to provide a portion inside the main body case 6 where the end of the exhaust refrigerant pipe 9 is located, and the main body case 6 can be made thinner. Furthermore, the refrigerant flow path 10 has a flattened flow path 10e that is flatter than the small-diameter flow path 9f of the exhaust refrigerant pipe 9. Therefore, the main body case 6 in which the refrigerant flow path 10 is formed can be made thinner compared to the case in which a flow path with the same shape as the small-diameter flow path 9f is provided, by the difference between the inner diameter dimension of the small-diameter flow path 9f and the inner diameter dimension of the flattened flow path 10e in the short direction of the flattened flow path 10e.

[0069] Furthermore, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the connecting open end 9d of the discharge refrigerant pipe 9 is connected to the outlet open end 10c of the main body case 6. The discharge refrigerant pipe 9 has a refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path 9e whose flow path area decreases as it moves away from the connecting open end 9d, and the main body case 6 has a case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d whose flow path area decreases as it moves away from the open end. In this power converter 1 of this embodiment, compared to the case where a small-diameter flow path 9f and a flattened flow path 10e with different shapes are directly connected, the shape of the flow path can be changed more gradually, and the pressure loss in the flow path can be reduced.

[0070] Therefore, according to the power converter 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the main body case 6 while suppressing an increase in pressure loss, and to achieve a thinner electronic device while maintaining cooling efficiency.

[0071] Furthermore, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the flattened flow path 10e is formed such that, when viewed from a direction along the direction in which the refrigerant X flows, its vertical height dimension is smaller than its horizontal width dimension. With this power converter 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to make the device thinner in the vertical direction, and thus the power converter 1 can be made lower in profile.

[0072] Furthermore, in the power conversion device 1 of this embodiment, the flattened flow path 10e has an upstream portion 10e1, a downstream portion 10e2, and a curved portion 10e3. The upstream portion 10e1 is located on the upstream side in the flow direction of the refrigerant X and extends linearly in the horizontal direction. The downstream portion 10e2 is located on the downstream side in the flow direction of the refrigerant X. The downstream portion 10e2 is also arranged vertically with respect to the upstream portion 10e1 and extends parallel to the upstream portion 10e1. The curved portion 10e3 is formed in a U shape that connects the upstream portion 10e1 and the downstream portion 10e2.

[0073] According to the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the flattened flow path 10e can be formed in a folded manner. Therefore, the inlet opening end 10b and the outlet opening end 10c can be provided together on the same outer wall surface of the main body case 6. Consequently, the supply refrigerant pipe 8 and the discharge refrigerant pipe 9 can be arranged together.

[0074] Furthermore, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the flow area of ​​the flattened flow path 10e is the same as the flow area of ​​the small-diameter flow path 8f. Therefore, the flow rate of the supply refrigerant pipe 8 and the flow rate of the flattened flow path 10e are the same, and an increase in pressure loss can be suppressed.

[0075] Furthermore, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the flow area of ​​the flattened flow path 10e is the same as the flow area of ​​the small-diameter flow path 9f. Therefore, the flow rate of the discharge refrigerant pipe 9 and the flow rate of the flattened flow path 10e are the same, and an increase in pressure loss can be suppressed.

[0076] Furthermore, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the small-diameter flow path 8f is circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the flattened flow path 10e is oval. With the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the difference between the cross-sectional shape of the small-diameter flow path 8f and the cross-sectional shape of the flattened flow path 10e can be kept small, and the changes in the inner wall surface of the flow path 8c and the refrigerant flow path 10 can be reduced. Therefore, the power converter 1 of this embodiment can further suppress the increase in pressure loss.

[0077] Furthermore, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the small-diameter flow path 9f is circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the flattened flow path 10e is oval. With the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the difference between the cross-sectional shape of the small-diameter flow path 9f and the cross-sectional shape of the flattened flow path 10e can be kept small, and the changes in the inner wall surface of the flow path 9c and the refrigerant flow path 10 can be reduced. Therefore, the power converter 1 of this embodiment can further suppress the increase in pressure loss.

[0078] Furthermore, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the connection opening end 8d and the inlet opening end 10b are formed to the same shape. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a step at the boundary between the connection opening end 8d and the inlet opening end 10b. Accordingly, the power converter 1 of this embodiment can further suppress the increase in pressure loss.

[0079] Furthermore, in the power converter 1 of this embodiment, the connection opening end 9d and the outlet opening end 10c are formed to be the same shape. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a step at the boundary between the connection opening end 9d and the outlet opening end 10c. Accordingly, the power converter 1 of this embodiment can further suppress the increase in pressure loss.

[0080] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 9. In this description, parts that are the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0081] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view including the central case 6b of the power converter of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, in the power converter of this embodiment, the inlet opening end 10b and the outlet opening end 10c of the refrigerant flow path 10 are provided on the outer wall surface located on the opposite side of the central case 6b. That is, the inlet opening end 10b is provided on one outer wall surface of the central case 6b, and the outlet opening end 10c is provided on the outer wall surface located on the opposite side of the outer wall surface on which the inlet opening end 10b is provided.

[0082] Furthermore, in the power conversion device of this embodiment, the flattened flow path 10e is not folded back, but extends in a straight line connecting the inlet opening end 10b and the outlet opening end 10c.

[0083] In this embodiment of the power converter, similar to the power converter of the first embodiment, the supply refrigerant pipe 8 has a flange 8b, and the flange 8b is fixed to the outer wall surface of the main body case 6. Therefore, the supply refrigerant pipe 8 and the main body case 6 can be connected without inserting the supply refrigerant pipe 8 into the inlet opening end 10b of the main body case 6. Consequently, it is not necessary to provide a portion inside the main body case 6 where the end of the supply refrigerant pipe 8 is located, and the main body case 6 can be made thinner. Furthermore, the refrigerant flow path 10 has a flattened flow path 10e that is flatter than the small-diameter flow path 8f of the supply refrigerant pipe 8. Therefore, the main body case 6 in which the refrigerant flow path 10 is formed can be made thinner compared to the case in which a flow path with the same shape as the small-diameter flow path 8f is provided, by the difference between the inner diameter dimension of the small-diameter flow path 8f and the inner diameter dimension of the flattened flow path 10e in the short direction of the flattened flow path 10e.

[0084] Furthermore, in the power converter of this embodiment, the connection opening end 8d of the supply refrigerant pipe 8 is connected to the inlet opening end 10b of the main body case 6. The supply refrigerant pipe 8 also has a refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path 8e, where the flow path area decreases as it moves away from the connection opening end 8d, and the main body case 6 has a case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d, where the flow path area decreases as it moves away from the opening end. In this power converter of this embodiment, compared to the case where a small-diameter flow path 8f and a flattened flow path 10e with different shapes are directly connected, the flow path can be changed in shape more gradually, and the pressure loss in the flow path can be reduced.

[0085] Furthermore, in the power converter of this embodiment, the exhaust refrigerant pipe 9 has a flange 9b, and the flange 9b is fixed to the outer wall surface of the main body case 6. Therefore, the exhaust refrigerant pipe 9 and the main body case 6 can be connected without inserting the exhaust refrigerant pipe 9 into the outlet opening end 10c of the main body case 6. Consequently, it is not necessary to provide a portion inside the main body case 6 where the end of the exhaust refrigerant pipe 9 is located, and the main body case 6 can be made thinner. In addition, the refrigerant flow path 10 has a flattened flow path 10e that is flatter than the small-diameter flow path 9f of the exhaust refrigerant pipe 9. Therefore, the main body case 6 in which the refrigerant flow path 10 is formed can be made thinner compared to the case in which a flow path with the same shape as the small-diameter flow path 9f is provided, by the difference between the inner diameter dimension of the flattened flow path 10e and the inner diameter dimension of the small-diameter flow path 9f in the short direction of the flattened flow path 10e.

[0086] Furthermore, in the power converter of this embodiment, the connecting open end 9d of the discharge refrigerant pipe 9 is connected to the outlet open end 10c of the main body case 6. The discharge refrigerant pipe 9 also has a refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter flow path 9e, where the flow path area decreases as it moves away from the connecting open end 9d, and the main body case 6 has a case-side reduced-diameter flow path 10d, where the flow path area decreases as it moves away from the open end. In this power converter of this embodiment, compared to the case where a small-diameter flow path 9f and a flattened flow path 10e with different shapes are directly connected, the shape of the flow path can be changed more gradually, and the pressure loss in the flow path can be reduced.

[0087] Therefore, according to the power conversion device of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the main body case 6 while suppressing an increase in pressure loss, and to achieve a thinner electronic device while maintaining cooling efficiency.

[0088] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the constituent members shown in the above embodiments are examples, and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0089] For example, the above embodiment describes a configuration in which a flattened channel 10e has an oval cross-sectional shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Figure 10, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a flattened channel 10g has an elliptical cross-sectional shape instead of the flattened channel 10e. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a flattened channel 10h has a narrowed central portion in the width direction instead of the flattened channel 10e.

[0090] Furthermore, the above embodiments described an example in which the electronic device of the present invention is applied to a power conversion device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can be applied to an electronic device comprising an electronic component, a main body case that houses the electronic component and is provided with an open end for a refrigerant flow path, and a refrigerant pipe connected to the open end of the main body case. Furthermore, the above embodiments can also be described, for example, as shown in the following appendix.

[0091] (Note 1) Electronic components and, A main body case that houses the aforementioned electronic components and is provided with an open end for a refrigerant flow path, The main body case has a flange that is fixed to the outer wall surface and a refrigerant pipe that is connected to the open end. Equipped with, The aforementioned refrigerant pipe is A connecting opening end directly connected to the aforementioned opening end, A refrigerant pipe side diameter-reducing flow path in which the flow path area decreases as it moves away from the aforementioned connecting opening end, A small-diameter channel connected to the end of the refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter channel opposite to the connecting opening end, It has, As part of the refrigerant flow path, the main body case is A case-side narrowing channel whose flow area decreases as it moves away from the aforementioned open end, A flattened channel is formed in a shape flatter than the aforementioned small-diameter channel and is connected to the end of the case-side reduced-diameter channel opposite to the opening end. possess An electronic device characterized by the following features.

[0092] (Note 2) The electronic device according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the flattened flow path is formed in a shape in which the vertical height dimension is smaller than the horizontal width dimension when viewed from a direction along the direction in which the refrigerant flows.

[0093] (Note 3) The flat flow path is An upstream portion located on the upstream side in the flow direction of the refrigerant and extending linearly in the horizontal direction, The downstream portion is located on the downstream side in the flow direction of the refrigerant and is arranged vertically with respect to the upstream portion, and extends parallel to the upstream portion. A U-shaped curved portion connecting the upstream portion and the downstream portion has The electronic device described in Appendix 2, characterized by the features described herein.

[0094] (Note 4) The electronic device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that the flow area of ​​the flattened flow channel is the same as the flow area of ​​the small diameter flow channel.

[0095] (Note 5) The electronic device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of the small-diameter channel is circular and the cross-sectional shape of the flattened channel is oval.

[0096] (Note 6) The appendix is ​​characterized in that the connecting opening end and the opening end are formed in the same shape. An electronic device listed in any one of the following 1-5.

[0097] (Note 7) The electronic component that performs power conversion is provided, Consists of any one of the electronic devices described in Appendix 1 to 6. A power conversion device characterized by the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1...Power converter, 2...Intelligent power module (electronic component), 3...Capacitor (electronic component), 4...Reactor (electronic component), 5...DC-DC converter (electronic component), 6...Main case, 7...Refrigerant pipe, 8...Supply refrigerant pipe, 8a...Pipe body, 8b...Flange, 8b1...Contact surface, 8b2...Groove, 8b3...Screw hole, 8c...Flow path, 8d...Connection opening end, 8e...Refrigerant pipe side reduced diameter flow path, 8f...Small diameter flow path, 9...Discharge refrigerant pipe, 9a...Pipe body, 9b...Flange Lunge, 9b1...Abutment surface, 9b2...Groove, 9b3...Screw hole, 9c...Flow path, 9d...Connection opening end, 9e...Refrigerant pipe side reduced diameter flow path, 9f...Small diameter flow path, 10...Refrigerant flow path, 10a...Open end, 10b...Inlet opening end, 10c...Outlet opening end , 10d...Case side reduced diameter channel, 10e...Flat channel, 10e1...Upstream part, 10e2...Downstream part, 10e3...Curved part, 10f...Case side reduced diameter channel, 10g...Flat channel, 10h...Flat channel, 11...Seal ring, X...Refrigerant

Claims

1. Electronic components and, A main body case that houses the aforementioned electronic components and is provided with an open end for a refrigerant flow path, The main body case has a flange that is fixed to the outer wall surface and a refrigerant pipe that is connected to the open end. Equipped with, The aforementioned refrigerant pipe is A connecting opening end directly connected to the aforementioned opening end, A refrigerant pipe side diameter-reducing flow path in which the flow path area decreases as it moves away from the aforementioned connecting opening end, A small-diameter channel connected to the end of the refrigerant pipe-side reduced-diameter channel opposite to the connecting opening end, It has, As part of the refrigerant flow path, the main body case is A case-side narrowing channel whose flow area decreases as it moves away from the aforementioned open end, A flattened channel is formed in a shape flatter than the aforementioned small-diameter channel and is connected to the end of the case-side reduced-diameter channel opposite to the opening end. possess An electronic device characterized by the following features.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flattened flow path is formed in such a shape that, when viewed from a direction along the direction in which the refrigerant flows, the height dimension in the vertical direction is smaller than the width dimension in the horizontal direction.

3. The flat flow path is An upstream portion located on the upstream side in the flow direction of the refrigerant and extending linearly in the horizontal direction, The downstream portion is located on the downstream side in the flow direction of the refrigerant and is arranged vertically with respect to the upstream portion, and extends parallel to the upstream portion. A U-shaped curved portion connecting the upstream portion and the downstream portion has The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that it is a feature of the electronic device described in claim 2.

4. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flow area of ​​the flattened flow channel is the same as the flow area of ​​the small diameter flow channel.

5. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of the small-diameter channel is circular and the cross-sectional shape of the flattened channel is oval.

6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connecting opening end and the opening end are formed in the same shape.

7. The electronic component that performs power conversion is provided, The electronic device comprises the electronic device described in any one of claims 1 to 3. A power conversion device characterized by the following features.

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