Power converter

Abstract

To provide a power converter that can be arranged in a narrow space in one direction while connected to a plurality of connectors.SOLUTION: There is provided a power converter 10 provided in a space 7 in the engine room between the engine and the low-voltage battery in the width direction of the vehicle and behind the cooling device in the traveling direction, comprising: a main body 20 with an inverter and a board 15; a high-voltage connection part 42 connected to a high-voltage connector 41 provided on the main body and electrically connected to the high-voltage battery; and a low-voltage connection part 52 connected to a low-voltage connector 51 provided on the main body and electrically connected to the low-voltage battery. The distance between the engine and the low-voltage battery in the width direction is so narrow that it is impossible to place the main body with the low-voltage connector connected to the end in the width direction. The high-voltage connection part and the low-voltage connection part are provided at a portion of the main body that faces the high-voltage battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure described in this specification relates to a power conversion device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a power conversion device having a semiconductor module, a control circuit board, and a control connector. The control circuit board and the low-voltage DC power supply are connected via the control connector. The semiconductor module and the high-voltage DC power supply are connected via the input connector.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The semiconductor module and the control circuit board are housed in a case. The case has four walls provided in a frame shape. An input connector connected to the high-voltage DC power supply is provided on one of the four walls. A control connector connected to the low-voltage DC power supply is provided on the next adjacent wall to the wall on which the input connector is provided among the four walls.

[0005] The power conversion device is mounted on a vehicle. For example, in a hybrid vehicle, a high-voltage DC power supply is provided in the passenger compartment. In the engine room, a motor connected to the power conversion device, a radiator that supplies refrigerant to the power conversion device, and an engine that cooperates with the motor are provided. It is desirable that the engine be provided in the vicinity of the motor. The power conversion device is preferably provided in the vicinity of the high-voltage DC power supply, the low-voltage DC power supply, the motor, and the radiator. To satisfy these, it is required to arrange the power conversion device in a space surrounded by the engine, the high-voltage DC power supply, the low-voltage DC power supply, and the radiator.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the input connector and the control connector protrude in two different directions. When arranging the power converter, in addition to the size of the case, space is required to accommodate the connectors in two directions. Therefore, if, for example, the space is narrow in one direction, it is difficult to arrange a power converter with two connectors extending in different directions connected.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure ,one The objective is to provide a power conversion device that can be placed in a narrow space in a specific direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to a vehicle (1) in which an engine (2), a low-voltage battery (4), a cooling system (5), and a motor (6) are provided in an engine compartment (9), and a high-voltage battery (3) having a higher voltage than the low-voltage battery is mounted behind the engine compartment in the direction of travel, and is provided in a space (7) in the engine compartment between the engine and the low-voltage battery in the width direction of the vehicle, and behind the cooling system in the direction of travel, and is a power converter (10) that converts DC power supplied from the high-voltage battery into AC power that can drive the motor, The main unit (20) has an inverter (11) that converts DC power to AC power, and a circuit board (15) on which a control circuit is mounted that controls the on / off switching of a switch (13) included in the inverter by operating power supplied from a low-voltage battery, It is connected to a high-voltage connector (41) that is electrically connected to a high-voltage battery, and also to a high-voltage connection part (42) provided on the main body, It is connected to a low-voltage connector (51) that is electrically connected to a low-voltage battery, and also includes a low-voltage connection part (52) provided on the main body, The main body is provided with a high-voltage connection section and a low-voltage connection section on the high-voltage battery side. 、 The main body further comprises a case (30) that extends in the width direction and has a ring-shaped frame (31) centered on an axis along the width direction. The high-voltage connection section and the low-voltage connection section are provided on the opposing wall (32) of the frame, which is the part facing the high-voltage battery. The high-voltage connection section and the low-voltage connection section are provided on opposing walls such that at least a portion of them overlap when viewed from the height direction of the vehicle. The case further includes a partition wall (33) that divides the storage space (34) enclosed by the frame into two in the width direction, In the first storage space (34A) located on the engine side, surrounded by part of the frame and a partition wall, terminals (11A, 11B) connected to the high-voltage battery of the inverter are provided. A circuit board is installed in the second storage space (34B), located on the low-voltage battery side, which is surrounded by the remaining frame and partition wall. In the opposing wall, high-pressure and low-pressure connection points are provided in the portion located on the engine side of the partition wall. is present.

[0009] workman the distance between the engine (2) and the low-voltage battery (4) narrow even if , electric the power conversion device (10) can be arranged.

[0010] Note that the reference numbers in the above parentheses only indicate the correspondence with the configurations described in the embodiments below, and do not limit the technical scope in any way.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of the power conversion device on the vehicle. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram of a vehicle-mounted system on which the power conversion device is mounted. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the power conversion device. [Figure 4] It is a plan view of the power conversion device. [Figure 5] It is a plan view of the power conversion device. [Figure 6] It is a plan view of the power conversion device. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the power conversion device.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, a plurality of modes for carrying out the present disclosure will be described while referring to the drawings. In each mode, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the corresponding parts as those described in the preceding mode, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each mode, other modes described previously can be applied to the other parts of the configuration.

[0013] In addition, not only combinations of parts that clearly indicate that combinations are possible in each embodiment are allowed, but also, as long as there are no particular problems with combinations, it is possible to partially combine embodiments with each other, embodiments with modification examples, and modification examples with each other, even if not clearly stated.

[0014] (First Embodiment) <Vehicle Parts> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of the power conversion device 10 on the vehicle 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an in-vehicle system on which the power conversion device 10 is mounted. The components mounted on the vehicle 1 will be described using FIGS. 1 and 2. The vehicle 1 is equipped with an engine 2, a high-voltage battery 3, a low-voltage battery 4, a radiator 5, a motor generator 6, physical quantity sensors 6A and 6B, a control device 8, a power conversion device 10, and connectors 41, 51, and 61. The vehicle 1 is a hybrid vehicle capable of switching and / or combining the driving force of the engine 2 and the driving force of the motor generator 6 to travel.

[0015] The power conversion device 10 includes an inverter 11 and a control circuit board 15. The inverter 11 converts the DC power supplied from the high-voltage battery 3 into AC power capable of driving the motor generator 6. The control circuit board 15 is equipped with a control circuit that turns on and off the semiconductor elements 13 included in the inverter 11 using the operating power supplied from the low-voltage battery 4. A high-voltage connector 41, a low-voltage connector 51, and a motor connector 61 are connected to the power conversion device 10. High-voltage power is supplied from the high-voltage battery 3 to the inverter 11 via the high-voltage connector 41. Low-voltage power is supplied from the low-voltage battery 4 to the control circuit board 15 via the low-voltage connector 51. Driving power is supplied from the inverter 11 to the motor generator 6 via the motor connector 61.

[0016] In addition to the low-voltage battery 4, the low-voltage connector 51 is also electrically connected to the control unit 8, which acts as a higher-level ECU, and to physical quantity sensors 6A and 6B. The control circuit mounted on the control circuit board 15 works in cooperation with the control unit 8 to control the inverter 11 and auxiliary equipment included in the vehicle 1. The control circuit on the control circuit board 15 has functions such as acquiring physical quantities from physical quantity sensors 6A and 6B provided on the motor generator 6. The physical quantity sensors 6A and 6B include resolver 6A, which detects physical quantities related to the rotational speed of the motor generator 6, and temperature sensor 6B, which detects physical quantities related to the temperature emitted by the motor generator 6. The physical quantity sensors 6A and 6B are also called detectors that detect physical quantities related to the rotation of the motor generator 6.

[0017] An engine room 9 is located at the front of the vehicle 1 in the direction of travel. The engine room 9 houses the engine 2, low-voltage battery 4, radiator 5, motor generator 6, control device 8, power converter 10, and connectors 41, 51, and 61. A high-voltage battery 3 is located behind the engine room 9 in the direction of travel. The high-voltage battery 3 is, in one example, located in the passenger compartment. In Figure 1, the engine 2, high-voltage battery 3, low-voltage battery 4, radiator 5, power converter 10, high-voltage connector 41, and low-voltage connector 51 are shown in particular.

[0018] A radiator 5 is located at the front of the engine compartment 9 in the direction of travel. A high-voltage battery 3 is located behind the engine compartment 9 in the direction of travel. An engine 2 is located on the right side of the vehicle 1 in the width direction within the engine compartment 9. A low-voltage battery 4 is located on the left side of the vehicle 1 in the width direction within the engine compartment 9. In the drawings, the front in the direction of travel is indicated as "FR", the rear in the direction of travel as "RR", the right side in the width direction as "RT", and the left side in the width direction as "LT".

[0019] The radiator 5, engine 2, high-voltage battery 3, and low-voltage battery 4 are arranged in a ring shape. The engine 2 and low-voltage battery 4 are spaced apart in the width direction. The radiator 5 and high-voltage battery 3 are spaced apart in the direction of travel. In the engine compartment 9, a power converter 10, high-voltage connector 41, low-voltage connector 51, and motor connector 61 are provided in the space 7 between the engine 2 and low-voltage battery 4 in the width direction of the vehicle 1, and behind the radiator 5 in the direction of travel.

[0020] With respect to the direction of travel, the radiator 5 and the high-voltage battery 3 are spaced apart to allow for the placement of the power converter 10 with the high-voltage connector 41 and / or the low-voltage connector 51 connected at the end in the direction of travel. With respect to the width direction, the engine 2 and the low-voltage battery 4 are spaced apart to prevent the placement of the power converter 10 with the high-voltage connector 41 and / or the low-voltage connector 51 connected at the end in the width direction. Note that the end in the direction of travel refers to the part of the power converter 10 facing the radiator 5, or the part of the power converter 10 facing the high-voltage battery 3. The end in the width direction refers to the part of the power converter 10 facing the engine 2, or the part of the power converter 10 facing the low-voltage battery 4. The end in the direction of travel and the end in the width direction correspond to a part of the wall section described later.

[0021] <Power converters and in-vehicle systems> Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an in-vehicle system equipped with a power converter 10. The power converter 10 includes an inverter 11 and a control circuit board 15, as well as a capacitor 14. The inverter 11 includes multiple semiconductor modules 12. The inverter 11 converts the power input from the high-voltage battery 3. The converted power is supplied to the motor generator 6. The capacitor 14 is connected in parallel to the multiple semiconductor modules 12.

[0022] The inverter 11 converts the DC power supplied from the high-voltage battery 3 into AC power by switching the semiconductor elements 13 of the semiconductor module 12 on and off. The high-voltage battery 3 is, for example, multiple rechargeable batteries. Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries, and organic radical batteries can be used as rechargeable batteries.

[0023] The motor-generator 6 includes a three-phase AC rotating electric machine, i.e., a three-phase AC motor. The motor-generator 6 functions as an electric motor that is the driving source for the vehicle 1. The motor-generator 6 functions as a generator during regeneration. The inverter 11 performs power conversion between the high-voltage battery 3 and the motor-generator 6.

[0024] A capacitor 14 is connected to the input side of the inverter 11. A motor generator 6 is connected to the output side of the inverter 11. The capacitor 14 primarily smooths the DC voltage supplied from the high-voltage battery 3. The capacitor 14 is connected between the high-potential power line and the low-potential power line.

[0025] Hereafter, the power line on the high-potential side may be referred to as the high-potential high-voltage wiring 10A. The power line on the low-potential side may be referred to as the low-potential high-voltage wiring 10B. The high-potential high-voltage wiring 10A and the low-potential high-voltage wiring 10B may be collectively referred to as high-voltage wiring 10A and 10B.

[0026] The high-potential side high-voltage wiring 10A is connected to the high-potential side electrode of the high-voltage battery 3. The low-potential side high-voltage wiring 10B is connected to the low-potential side electrode of the high-voltage battery 3. One of the electrodes of the capacitor 14 is connected to the high-potential side high-voltage wiring 10A between the high-voltage battery 3 and the semiconductor module 12. The other electrode of the capacitor 14 is connected to the low-potential side high-voltage wiring 10B between the high-voltage battery 3 and the semiconductor module 12.

[0027] The semiconductor module 12 has two IGBTs and two diodes 13A, which are semiconductor elements 13. The two semiconductor elements 13 are connected in series between the high-voltage wiring 10A on the high-potential side and the high-voltage wiring 10B on the low-potential side.

[0028] A high-potential input terminal 11A, connected to a high-voltage battery 3, is connected to the collector of one of the two semiconductor elements 13, which is located on the high-potential side. A low-potential input terminal 11B, connected to a high-voltage battery 3, is connected to the emitter of one of the two semiconductor elements 13, which is located on the low-potential side. Motor terminals 11C, connected to a motor generator 6, are connected to the emitter of the high-potential semiconductor element 13 and the collector of the low-potential semiconductor element 13. Control terminals 11D, connected to a control circuit board 15, are connected to the gates of both semiconductor elements 13.

[0029] The anode of diode 13A is connected to the emitter of the corresponding IGBT. The cathode of diode 13A is connected to the collector of the corresponding IGBT. The two semiconductor elements 13 and the two diodes 13A are sealed by a resin material. The high-potential input terminal 11A, the low-potential input terminal 11B, the motor terminal 11C, and the control terminal 11D are exposed from the resin material.

[0030] The control circuit mounted on the control circuit board 15 includes a microcomputer. The control circuit board 15 is connected to a low-voltage battery 4. The low-voltage battery 4 supplies operating power to the microcomputer on the control circuit board 15. The microcomputer includes a CPU, memory, and other components. The control circuit of the control circuit board 15 generates drive commands to operate the IGBT based on torque requests input from the control device 8 and signals detected by the resolver 6A. The control circuit of the control circuit board 15 outputs a PWM signal as a drive command, for example.

[0031] <Mechanical configuration of a power converter> Next, the mechanical configuration of the power converter 10 will be described. In addition to the components described above, the power converter 10 includes high-voltage wiring 10A, 10B, low-voltage wiring 16, 17, 18, a case 30, connecting parts 39A, 39B, connection parts 42, 52, 62, and a cooler 70. The power module 130 is composed of the cooler 70 and a plurality of semiconductor modules 12.

[0032] The high-voltage wiring 10A, 10B, capacitor 14, control circuit board 15, low-voltage wiring 16, 17, 18, case 30, connecting parts 39A, 39B, and power module 130 are sometimes collectively referred to as the main body 20. The power converter 10 can also be said to have the main body 20 and the connecting parts 42, 52, 62. The power converter 10 is configured by providing the connecting parts 42, 52, 62 on the main body 20.

[0033] To explain the mechanical configuration of the power converter 10, the drawings will be used. Figure 3 is one perspective view of the power converter 10 as seen from the rear in the direction of travel. Figure 4 is a plan view of the power converter 10 as seen from the first storage space 34A side, excluding the first cover 110 and capacitor 14. Figure 5 is a plan view of the power converter 10 as seen from the first storage space 34A side, with connectors 41, 51, and 61 connected. Figure 6 is a plan view of the power converter 10 as seen from the second storage space 34B side, excluding the second cover 120. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the power converter 10 to explain the routing of the low-voltage wiring 16, 17, and 18. The connection parts 42, 52, and 62 will be explained first.

[0034] <Connection part> The connection sections 42, 52, and 62 comprise a high-voltage connection section 42, a low-voltage connection section 52, and a motor connection section 62. The high-voltage connection section 42 is the connector on the power converter 10 side to which the high-voltage connector 41 is electrically connected. When the high-voltage connector 41 and the high-voltage connection section 42 are mated and energized, the power converter 10 and the high-voltage battery 3 are electrically connected. In the drawings, the high-voltage connector 41 and the high-voltage connection section 42 are collectively referred to as the high-voltage mating section 40.

[0035] The low-voltage connection section 52 is the connector on the power converter 10 side to which the low-voltage connector 51 is electrically connected. When the low-voltage connector 51 and the low-voltage connection section 52 are mated and energized, the power converter 10 is electrically connected to the low-voltage battery 4, the power converter 10 to the control device 8, and the power converter 10 to the physical quantity sensors 6A and 6B.

[0036] In other words, when the low-voltage connector 51 and the low-voltage connection part 52 are mated together and energized, the control circuit board 15 is electrically connected to the low-voltage battery 4, the control circuit board 15 to the physical quantity sensors 6A and 6B, and the control device 8. In the drawing, the low-voltage connector 51 and the low-voltage connection part 52 are collectively referred to as the low-voltage mating part 50.

[0037] The motor connection section 62 is the connector on the power converter 10 side to which the motor connector 61 is electrically connected. When the motor connector 61 and the motor connection section 62 are mated together and energized, the power converter 10 and the motor generator 6 are electrically connected. In the drawing, the motor connector 61 and the motor connection section 62 together are referred to as the motor mating section 60.

[0038] <High-voltage wiring> The high-voltage wiring 10A and 10B are wirings that electrically connect the high-voltage connection part 42 to the inverter 11 and the capacitor 14. The high-voltage wiring 10A and 10B consist of a high-potential side high-voltage wiring 10A and a low-potential side high-voltage wiring 10B. The high-potential side high-voltage wiring 10A, as a high-potential side power line, electrically connects the high-potential side input terminal 11A of the power module 130, the high-potential side electrode of the capacitor 14, and the high-voltage connection part 42. The low-potential side high-voltage wiring 10B, as a low-potential side power line of the power module 130, electrically connects the low-potential side input terminal 11B of the power module 130, the low-potential side electrode of the capacitor 14, and the high-voltage connection part 42.

[0039] <Low-voltage wiring> The low-voltage wiring 16, 17, and 18 connects the low-voltage connection part 52 to the control circuit board 15. The low-voltage wiring 16, 17, and 18 comprises a detection wiring 16, a communication wiring 17, and a power wiring 18. The detection wiring 16 electrically connects the resolver 6A and the control circuit board 15 via the low-voltage mating part 50. The signal detected by the resolver 6A is transmitted to the control circuit board 15 via the low-voltage mating part 50 and the detection wiring 16. The detection wiring 16 is externally covered with a covering member.

[0040] The communication wiring 17 electrically connects the control device 8 and the control circuit board 15 via the low-voltage mating portion 50. Command signals from the control device 8 are transmitted to the control circuit board 15 via the low-voltage mating portion 50 and the communication wiring 17. The power wiring 18 electrically connects the low-voltage battery 4 and the control circuit board 15 via the low-voltage mating portion 50. Power from the low-voltage battery 4 is transmitted to the control circuit board 15 via the low-voltage mating portion 50 and the power wiring 18. The communication wiring 17 and the power wiring 18 are bundled together and their outsides are covered by a covering member. The temperature sensor 6B and the control circuit board 15 are also electrically connected by electrical wiring (not shown). The connection configuration between the temperature sensor 6B and the control circuit board 15 will not be explained. Hereafter, the low-voltage wirings 16, 17, and 18 will be referred to as detection wiring 16, communication wiring 17, and power wiring 18 as appropriate.

[0041] <Connection section> The connecting sections 39A and 39B comprise a first connecting section 39A and a second connecting section 39B. The first connecting section 39A is a connecting member for electrically connecting the detection wiring 16 to the control circuit board 15. The second connecting section 39B is a connecting member for electrically connecting the communication wiring 17 and the power wiring 18 to the control circuit board 15. The first connecting section 39A and the second connecting section 39B are electrically and mechanically connected to the control circuit board 15 via solder or the like. This electrically connects the control circuit board 15 to the low-voltage wiring 16, 17, and 18.

[0042] <Case> The case 30 forms a single container. The case 30 is made of a metal material. For example, the case 30 is made of die-cast aluminum. The case 30 comprises a frame 31, a partition wall 33, a first cover 110, and a second cover 120.

[0043] The frame 31 extends in the width direction and has a ring-shaped frame centered on an axis along the width direction. The frame 31 has two ends that are separated in the width direction. A first opening 31B that opens in the width direction is formed by one end of the frame 31. A second opening 31C that opens in the width direction is formed by the other end of the frame 31.

[0044] A first cover 110 is provided at one end of the frame 31 so as to close the first opening 31B. A second cover 120 is provided at the other end of the frame 31 so as to close the second opening 31C. The frame 31, the first cover 110, and the second cover 120 define a storage space 34 in which electrical components can be housed.

[0045] The frame 31 has two walls spaced apart in the direction of travel and two walls spaced apart in the height direction. Specifically, the frame 31 comprises a first wall section 32 and a second wall section 35A, spaced apart in the direction of travel. The first wall section 32 faces the high-voltage battery 3 at the rear in the direction of travel. The first wall section 32 is sometimes referred to as the facing wall. The second wall section 35A faces the radiator 5 at the front in the direction of travel.

[0046] The frame 31 comprises a third wall section 35B and a fourth wall section 35C, which are spaced apart in the height direction. The third wall section 35B is positioned towards the top in the height direction. The fourth wall section 35C is positioned towards the bottom in the height direction. One end of the first wall section 32 and one end of the second wall section 35A are connected to the third wall section 35B. The other end of the first wall section 32 and the other end of the second wall section 35A are connected to the fourth wall section 35C.

[0047] Furthermore, a partition wall 33 is provided on the inner surface 31A of the frame 31, dividing the storage space 34 in the width direction. The partition wall 33 divides the storage space 34 into a first storage space 34A and a second storage space 34B. The first storage space 34A houses high-voltage wiring 10A, 10B, part of the low-voltage wiring 16, 17, 18, a capacitor 14, and part of the power module 130. The second storage space 34B houses the control circuit board 15, part of the low-voltage wiring 16, 17, 18, connecting parts 39A, 39B, and part of the power module 130. The first storage space 34A is sometimes referred to as the high-voltage area. The second storage space 34B is sometimes referred to as the low-voltage area.

[0048] The first storage space 34A is located on the engine 2 side in the width direction. The second storage space 34B is located on the low-voltage battery 4 side in the width direction. The first opening 31B faces the engine 2. A first cover 110 is provided at the end of the frame 31 on the engine 2 side so as to close the first opening 31B. The second opening 31C is located on the low-voltage battery 4 side. A second cover 120 is provided at the end of the frame 31 on the low-voltage battery 4 side so as to close the second opening 31C.

[0049] The partition wall 33 is provided with a placement hole 33B for arranging the power module 130 and a through hole 33A for passing low-voltage wiring 16, 17, and 18. The placement hole 33B and the through hole 33A are holes that penetrate the partition wall 33 in the width direction. The placement hole 33B is located closer to the second wall section 35A than the through hole 33A. The through hole 33A is located closer to the first wall section 32 than the placement hole 33B. With respect to the height direction, the through hole 33A is located on the fourth wall section 35C side of the center line passing through the center of the power converter 10. The placement hole 33B is located between the third wall section 35B and the fourth wall section 35C, straddling the center line. The placement hole 33B and the through hole 33A communicate with the first storage space 34A and the second storage space 34B. "Communication" refers to a state in which air can circulate between the first storage space 34A and the second storage space 34B.

[0050] <Power Module> As described above, the power module 130 is formed by a plurality of semiconductor modules 12 and a cooler 70. The cooler 70 has a stacked cooling structure. The cooler 70 includes a supply pipe 71, a discharge pipe 73, and a plurality of intermediate pipes 72. The supply pipe 71 and the discharge pipe 73 extend along the direction of travel. The plurality of intermediate pipes 72 are provided between the supply pipe 71 and the discharge pipe 73. The plurality of intermediate pipes 72 are arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the direction of travel. The supply pipe 71 and the discharge pipe 73 are connected in such a manner that refrigerant can flow through the intermediate pipes 72.

[0051] The power module 130 is housed in case 30. A supply pipe 71 and a discharge pipe 73 are exposed from the second wall 35A of case 30. The supply pipe 71 and the discharge pipe 73 overlap in height. A radiator 5 is connected to the end of the supply pipe 71 exposed from the second wall 35A and the end of the discharge pipe 73 exposed from the second wall 35A. Refrigerant is supplied from the radiator 5 to the supply pipe 71. The refrigerant supplied to the supply pipe 71 flows to the intermediate pipe 72. The refrigerant flowing through the intermediate pipe 72 flows to the discharge pipe 73. The refrigerant flowing through the discharge pipe 73 is discharged to the radiator 5. The radiator 5 is sometimes also referred to as a cooling device.

[0052] The semiconductor modules 12 are individually housed between adjacent relay tubes 72. The semiconductor modules 12 are sandwiched between adjacent relay tubes 72. The power module 130 is formed by housing the semiconductor modules 12 in the cooler 70. The heat from the semiconductor modules 12 is efficiently dissipated to the relay tubes 72.

[0053] In the power module 130, the high-potential input terminal 11A, the low-potential input terminal 11B, and the motor terminal 11C protrude away from one end of the resin member in the width direction. The control terminal 11D protrudes away from the other end of the resin member in the width direction. The high-potential input terminal 11A, the low-potential input terminal 11B, and the motor terminal 11C are located in the first storage space 34A. The control terminal 11D is located in the second storage space 34B.

[0054] Furthermore, the high-voltage wiring 10A is electrically connected to the high-voltage input terminal 11A. The low-voltage high-voltage wiring 10B is electrically connected to the low-voltage input terminal 11B. The wiring connected to the motor generator 6 is electrically connected to the motor terminal 11C. The wiring connected to the control circuit board 15 is electrically connected to the control terminal 11D. Various types of wiring can be used, such as busbars, cables, and solder.

[0055] <Control circuit board and low-voltage wiring> In the second storage space 34B, the control circuit board 15 is located closer to the second wall portion 35A than to the through hole 33A with respect to the direction of travel. The control circuit board 15 and the through hole 33A are not facing each other with respect to the width direction. With respect to the direction of travel, the control circuit board 15 is located between the through hole 33A and the second wall portion 35A. With respect to the direction of travel, the control circuit board 15 extends continuously between the through hole 33A and the second wall portion 35A. The distance between the control circuit board 15 and the first wall portion 32 is longer than the distance between the control circuit board 15 and the third wall portion 35B or the fourth wall portion 35C. The distance between the control circuit board 15 and the third wall portion 35B or the fourth wall portion 35C is shorter than the distance between the control circuit board 15 and the first wall portion 32.

[0056] In terms of width, the control circuit board 15 overlaps the power module 130. Control terminals 11D extend from the power module 130 toward the control circuit board 15. The control terminals 11D are connected to the control circuit board 15 via solder or the like.

[0057] Furthermore, a first connecting portion 39A and a second connecting portion 39B are provided on the edge of the control circuit board 15 on the side of the through hole 33A. With respect to the height, a part of the first connecting portion 39A and the second connecting portion 39B are provided on the fourth wall portion 35C side of the center line. The second connecting portion 39B is provided closer to the fourth wall portion 35C with respect to the height than the first connecting portion 39A. The detection wiring 16 is connected to the first connecting portion 39A. The communication wiring 17 and the power wiring 18 are connected to the second connecting portion 39B. The detection wiring 16, the communication wiring 17, and the power wiring 18 extend through the through hole 33A across the first storage space 34A and the second storage space 34B.

[0058] <First wall section and connection section> The arrangement of the high-voltage connection section 42 and the low-voltage connection section 52 in the first wall section 32 will now be described. As described above, the first wall section 32 is a wall facing the high-voltage battery 3 in the direction of travel. The first wall section 32 is provided with a high-voltage connection section 42 that is electrically connected to the high-voltage connector 41 and a low-voltage connection section 52 that is electrically connected to the low-voltage connector 51. More specifically, the high-voltage connection section 42 and the low-voltage connection section 52 are provided in the first wall section 32 in a location that is on the first opening 31B side of the partition wall 33. It can also be said that the high-voltage connection section 42 and the low-voltage connection section 52 are provided in the first wall section 32 in a location that is on the engine 2 side of the partition wall 33. The high-voltage connection section 42 and the low-voltage connection section 52 are provided in the first wall section 32 such that at least a portion of them overlap in the height direction. The high-voltage connection section 42 is provided on the third wall section 35B side of the center line. A low-voltage connection section 52 is provided on the fourth wall section 35C side of the center line.

[0059] More specifically, the first wall section 32 comprises a first extension section 36 and a second extension section 37, which are at different distances from the second wall section 35A in the direction of travel, and a third extension section 38 connecting the first extension section 36 and the second extension section 37. When viewed from the rear in the direction of travel, the second extension section 37 is roughly L-shaped. The second extension section 37 extends along the second cover 120 and the fourth wall section 35C. The first extension section 36 is provided in a roughly rectangular shape so as to fit into the right and top portion of the L-shaped gap of the second extension section 37. A dividing wall 33 is provided between the first extension section 36 and the second extension section 37 in the width direction. The first extension section 36 is provided across the center line, extending from the third wall section 35B side to the fourth wall section 35C side. The first extension section 36 and the second extension section 37 are connected via the third extension section 38. The ends of the first extension 36 and the second extension 37 are connected to the third wall 35B. The other end of the first extension 36 and the other end of the second extension 37 are connected to the first cover 110.

[0060] With respect to the direction of travel, the first extension 36 is located further from the control circuit board 15 than the second extension 37. The distance L1 between the first extension 36 and the control circuit board 15 is longer than the distance L2 between the second extension 37 and the control circuit board 15. A high-voltage connection 42 is provided on the first extension 36. A low-voltage connection 52 is provided on the second extension 37 at a location on the fourth wall 35C side than the first extension 36. According to this, the high-voltage connection 42 and the low-voltage connection 52 are provided on the first wall 32 at a location on the first opening 31B side than the partition wall 33. It can also be said that the high-voltage connection 42 and the low-voltage connection 52 are provided on the first wall 32 at a location on the engine 2 side than the partition wall 33.

[0061] <Third wall section and connection section> As described above, the high-voltage connection section 42 and the low-voltage connection section 52 are provided on the first wall section 32. On the other hand, the motor connection section 62, which is electrically connected to the motor connector 61, is provided on the third wall section 35B. The motor connection section 62 is provided on the third wall section 35B in the portion of the third wall section 35B that is on the side of the through hole 33A. In the height direction, the high-voltage connection section 42 and the motor connection section 62, which are high-voltage connection sections, are provided on the third wall section 35B side of the center line. The low-voltage connection section 52, which is a low-voltage connection section, is provided on the fourth wall section 35C side of the center line. It can also be said that the high-voltage connection sections are grouped on the third wall section 35B side of the center line, and the low-voltage connection sections are grouped on the fourth wall section 35C side of the center line.

[0062] <Wiring arrangement> The routing of the high-voltage wiring 10A, 10B and the low-voltage wiring 16, 17, 18 will be described below. As described above, the first storage space 34A is provided with the high-voltage wiring 10A, 10B and a portion of the low-voltage wiring 16, 17, 18. The second storage space 34B is provided with a portion of the low-voltage wiring 16, 17, 18. The high-voltage wiring 10A and 10B are routed through the first storage space 34A so as to connect the input terminals 11A, 11B, the capacitor 14, and the high-voltage connection section 42.

[0063] Detection wiring 16 is routed through the through hole 33A, connecting the first connection part 39A and the low-voltage connection part 52, and extending across the first storage space 34A and the second storage space 34B. Communication wiring 17 and power wiring 18 are routed through the through hole 33A, connecting the second connection part 39B and the low-voltage connection part 52, and extending across the first storage space 34A and the second storage space 34B.

[0064] The detection wiring 16, communication wiring 17, and power wiring 18 are passed through the through-hole 33A. Parts of the high-voltage wiring 10A and 10B overlap with the through-hole 33A in the width direction. Through the through-hole 33A, a portion of the detection wiring 16 faces parts of the high-voltage wiring 10A and 10B in the width direction. The communication wiring 17 and power wiring 18 are not facing the high-voltage wiring 10A and 10B in the width direction.

[0065] <Structure of the connection part> The high-voltage connection section 42 has a high-voltage terminal 42A that electrically connects the high-voltage wirings 10A and 10B to the high-voltage connector 41, and a high-voltage enclosure 42B that surrounds the high-voltage terminal 42A in an annular shape. The high-voltage enclosure 42B and the first extension 36 are continuously formed from the same material. The high-voltage enclosure 42B protrudes away from the first extension 36. The low-voltage connection section 52 has a low-voltage terminal 52A that electrically connects the low-voltage wirings 16, 17, and 18 to the low-voltage connector 51, and a low-voltage enclosure 52B that surrounds the low-voltage terminal 52A in an annular shape. The low-voltage enclosure 52B and the second extension 37 are continuously formed from the same material. The low-voltage enclosure 52B protrudes away from the second extension 37. The low-pressure protruding end 52C, which is the end of the low-pressure enclosure 52B furthest from the second extension 37, is located closer to the radiator 5 than the high-pressure protruding end 42C, which is the end of the high-pressure enclosure 42B furthest from the first extension 36.

[0066] <Effects and Effects> The engine compartment 9 houses the engine 2, low-voltage battery 4, radiator 5, motor generator 6, control device 8, power converter 10, high-voltage connector 41, and low-voltage connector 51. The high-voltage battery 3 is located behind the engine compartment 9 in the direction of travel. In the engine compartment 9, the power converter 10, high-voltage connector 41, low-voltage connector 51, and motor connector 61 are located in the space 7 between the engine 2 and the low-voltage battery 4 in the width direction of the vehicle 1, and behind the radiator 5 in the direction of travel. The power converter 10 comprises a main body 20, a high-voltage connection part 42, and a low-voltage connection part 52. The main body 20 includes an inverter 11, a capacitor 14, a control circuit board 15, and a case 30. The case 30 is provided with the high-voltage connection part 42 and the low-voltage connection part 52.

[0067] With respect to the direction of travel, the radiator 5 and the high-voltage battery 3 are spaced apart to allow for the placement of the power converter 10 with the high-voltage connector 41 and / or the low-voltage connector 51 connected at the ends in the direction of travel. With respect to the width direction, the engine 2 and the low-voltage battery 4 are spaced apart to prevent the placement of the power converter 10 with the high-voltage connector 41 and / or the low-voltage connector 51 connected at the ends in the width direction.

[0068] A high-voltage connection section 42 and a low-voltage connection section 52 are provided on the first wall section 32, which is the wall facing the high-voltage battery 3. A high-voltage connector 41 is connected to the high-voltage connection section 42. A low-voltage connector 51 is connected to the low-voltage connection section 52. With respect to the direction of travel, the high-voltage connection section 42 and the high-voltage battery 3 are electrically connected via the high-voltage connector 41 between the radiator 5 and the high-voltage battery 3. The low-voltage connection section 52 and the low-voltage battery 4 are connected via the low-voltage connector 51.

[0069] As described above, the distance between the low-voltage battery 4 and the engine 2 in the width direction is so narrow that it is impossible to place the power converter 10 with connectors 41 and 51 connected to the ends in the width direction. In contrast, by placing the high-voltage connection section 42 and the low-voltage connection section 52 on the first wall section 32, the power converter 10 with the high-voltage connector 41 and the low-voltage connector 51 connected can be placed in the space 7. Even in a space 7 that is so narrow that it is not possible to provide the high-voltage connection section 42 on the high-voltage battery 3 side of the case 30 and the low-voltage connection section 52 on the low-voltage battery 4 side, it is possible to place the power converter 10 equipped with the high-voltage connection section 42 and the low-voltage connection section 52.

[0070] The power converter 10 is installed in the engine room 9 such that the first wall portion 32 is positioned on the high-voltage battery 3 side. The first wall portion 32 is provided with a high-voltage connection portion 42 and a low-voltage connection portion 52. The first wall portion 32 is provided such that the high-voltage connection portion 42 and the low-voltage connection portion 52 overlap at least partially in the height direction. This prevents an increase in the size of the power converter 10 in the width direction.

[0071] The storage space 34 is divided into a first storage space 34A and a second storage space 34B by a partition wall 33. Input terminals 11A and 11B, and part of the low-voltage wiring 16, 17, and 18 are provided in the first storage space 34A. A control circuit board 15 is provided in the second storage space 34B. A high-voltage connection part 42 and a low-voltage connection part 52 are provided in the part of the first wall 32 that is located on the side of the first opening 31B from the partition wall 33.

[0072] The power converter 10 also has high-voltage wiring 10A and 10B that connect the input terminals 11A and 11B to the high-voltage connection section 42. The high-voltage wiring 10A and 10B are provided in the first storage space 34A. The input terminals 11A and 11B are connected to the high-voltage connection section 42 via the high-voltage wiring 10A and 10B. The power converter 10 also has low-voltage wiring 16, 17, and 18 that connect the control circuit board 15 to the low-voltage connection section 52.

[0073] A through-hole 33A is provided in the partition wall 33, connecting the first storage space 34A and the second storage space 34B. Low-voltage wiring 16, 17, and 18 extend through the through-hole 33A across the first storage space 34A and the second storage space 34B. This structure allows the low-voltage connection section 52 provided on the first storage space 34A side and the control circuit board 15 provided on the second storage space 34B side to be connected via the low-voltage wiring 16, 17, and 18, in order to suppress an increase in the size of the power converter 10 in the width direction.

[0074] The low-voltage wiring 16, 17, and 18 comprises a detection wiring 16, a communication wiring 17, and a power wiring 18. The detection wiring 16 electrically connects the resolver 6A and the control circuit board 15. The communication wiring 17 electrically connects the control device 8 and the control circuit board 15. The power wiring 18 electrically connects the low-voltage battery 4 and the control circuit board 15. The detection wiring 16, the communication wiring 17, and the power wiring 18 are passed through the through hole 33A. The communication wiring 17 is not facing the high-voltage wiring 10A and 10B in the width direction. This suppresses the generation of noise in the communication wiring 17 by the magnetic field generated around the high-voltage wiring 10A and 10B.

[0075] The control circuit board 15 is provided with a first connecting portion 39A for connecting the detection wiring 16 to the control circuit board 15. The control circuit board 15 is also provided with a second connecting portion 39B for connecting the communication wiring 17 and the power wiring 18 to the control circuit board 15. In the height direction, the low-voltage connection portion 52, a part of the first connecting portion 39A, the second connecting portion 39B, and the through hole 33A are located on the fourth wall portion 35C side of the center line. In the direction of travel, the through hole 33A is located between the low-voltage connection portion 52 and the control circuit board 15. This arrangement makes it possible to suppress the length of the detection wiring 16, communication wiring 17, and power wiring 18 from becoming excessively long.

[0076] The first wall section 32 also includes a first extension section 36 and a second extension section 37, which are at different distances from the second wall section 35A in the direction of travel, and a third extension section 38 that connects the first extension section 36 and the second extension section 37. In the direction of travel, the first extension section 36 is located further from the control circuit board 15 than the second extension section 37. The distance L1 between the first extension section 36 and the control circuit board 15 is longer than the distance L2 between the second extension section 37 and the control circuit board 15. A high-voltage connection section 42 is provided on the first extension section 36. This makes it possible to reduce the length of the detection wiring 16, communication wiring 17, and power wiring 18 because the distance between the connecting sections 39A, 39B and the low-voltage connection section 52 is reduced.

[0077] The high-voltage connection section 42 has a high-voltage terminal 42A that electrically connects the high-voltage wirings 10A and 10B to the high-voltage connector 41, and a high-voltage enclosure 42B that surrounds the high-voltage terminal 42A in an annular shape. The low-voltage connection section 52 has a low-voltage terminal 52A that electrically connects the low-voltage wirings 16, 17, and 18 to the low-voltage connector 51, and a low-voltage enclosure 52B that surrounds the low-voltage terminal 52A in an annular shape. The low-voltage protruding end 52C, which is the end of the low-voltage enclosure 52B furthest from the second extension 37, is located closer to the radiator 5 than the high-voltage protruding end 42C, which is the end of the high-voltage enclosure 42B furthest from the first extension 36. This suppresses an increase in the size of the power converter 10 in the direction of travel. In the engine room 9, the space 7 required to accommodate the power converter 10 can be reduced in the direction of travel.

[0078] Case 30 comprises a first wall section 32 and a second wall section 35A that are spaced apart in the direction of travel, and a third wall section 35B and a fourth wall section 35C that are spaced apart in the height direction. The distance between the control circuit board 15 and the third wall section 35B or the fourth wall section 35C is smaller than the distance between the control circuit board 15 and the first wall section 32. This suppresses an increase in the size of the power converter 10 in the height direction. In the engine room 9, the space 7 required to accommodate the power converter 10 in the direction of travel can be reduced.

[0079] Furthermore, a motor connection section 62, which is electrically connected to the motor connector 61, is provided on the third wall section 35B. The high-voltage connection section 42 is located on the third wall section 35B side of the centerline in the height direction. The low-voltage connection section 52 is located on the fourth wall section 35C side of the centerline in the height direction. The high-voltage system is grouped on the third wall section 35B side of the centerline in the height direction. The low-voltage system is grouped on the fourth wall section 35C side of the centerline in the height direction. This suppresses the complexity of the wiring.

[0080] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the low-voltage wiring 16, 17, and 18 included detection wiring 16, communication wiring 17, and power wiring 18. However, the wiring included in the low-voltage wiring 16, 17, and 18 is not limited to this. The low-voltage wiring 16, 17, and 18 may also include wiring connected to an ignition switch or wiring connected to auxiliary equipment such as an audio system.

[0081] (Third embodiment) In addition to the configurations described above, the power converter 10 may also include, for example, a noise suppression capacitor, a discharge resistor, and a boost converter. For example, two capacitors may be connected in series between the high-voltage wiring 10A and the low-potential high-voltage wiring 10B. A discharge resistor may be provided between the high-voltage wiring 10A and the low-potential high-voltage wiring 10B. A boost converter may be provided between the high-voltage wiring 10A and the low-potential high-voltage wiring 10B. The power converter 10 may include any other configurations as long as the power converter 10 connected to connectors 41 and 51 can be placed in space 7.

[0082] (Other embodiments) This disclosure is described in accordance with embodiments, but it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments or structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the scope of equivalents. In addition, while various combinations and forms are shown in this disclosure, other combinations and forms that include one, more, or fewer of those elements also fall within the scope and idea of ​​this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1 Vehicle, 10 Power converter, 10A, 10B High-voltage wiring, 11 Inverter, 11A, 11B Terminals, 13 Switch, 15 Circuit board, 16 Low-voltage wiring, 16 Detection wiring, 17 Low-voltage wiring, 17 Communication wiring, 18 Low-voltage wiring, 18 Power wiring, 2 Engine, 20 Main body, 3 High-voltage battery, 30 Case, 31 Frame, 32 Opposite wall, 33 Partition wall, 33A Through hole, 34 Storage space, 34A First storage space, 34B Second storage space, 35B, 35C Wall, 36 First extension, 39A, 39B Connection section, 37 Second extension, 38 Third extension, 4 Low-voltage battery, 41 High-voltage connector, 42 High-voltage connection section, 42C High-pressure protruding end, 5 Cooling device, 51 Low-pressure connector, 52 Low-pressure connection, 52C Low-pressure protruding end, 6 Motor, 61 Motor connector, 62 Motor connection, 6A Detector, 7 Space, 8 Control device, 9 Engine room, L1, L2 Distance.

Claims

1. The present invention relates to a vehicle (1) in which an engine (2), a low-voltage battery (4), a cooling system (5), and a motor (6) are provided in an engine compartment (9), and a high-voltage battery (3) having a higher voltage than the low-voltage battery is mounted behind the engine compartment in the direction of travel, and is provided in a space (7) in the engine compartment between the engine and the low-voltage battery in the width direction of the vehicle, and behind the cooling system in the direction of travel, and converts the DC power supplied from the high-voltage battery into AC power that can drive the motor, The main body (20) has an inverter (11) that converts the DC power to the AC power, and a circuit board (15) on which a control circuit is mounted that controls the on / off switching of a switch (13) included in the inverter by operating power supplied from the low-voltage battery, A high-voltage connector (41) is electrically connected to the high-voltage battery, and a high-voltage connection part (42) is provided on the main body, It is connected to a low-voltage connector (51) that is electrically connected to the low-voltage battery, and also includes a low-voltage connection part (52) provided on the main body, The high-voltage connection portion and the low-voltage connection portion are provided in the portion of the main body that is on the high-voltage battery side. The main body further comprises a case (30) that extends in the width direction and has a ring-shaped frame (31) centered on an axis along the width direction, The high-voltage connection portion and the low-voltage connection portion are provided on the facing wall (32) of the frame, which is the portion facing the high-voltage battery. The high-voltage connection portion and the low-voltage connection portion are provided in the opposing wall such that at least a portion of them overlap when viewed from the height direction of the vehicle. The case further comprises a partition wall (33) that divides the storage space (34) enclosed by the frame into two in the width direction, In the first storage space (34A) located on the engine side, surrounded by a part of the frame and the partition wall, terminals (11A, 11B) connected to the high-voltage battery of the inverter are provided. The circuit board is provided in the second storage space (34B) located on the low-voltage battery side, which is surrounded by the remainder of the frame and the partition wall. A power conversion device in which the high-voltage connection portion and the low-voltage connection portion are provided in the opposite wall, in a portion located on the engine side of the partition wall.

2. The main body further comprises low-voltage wiring (16, 17, 18) that electrically connects the circuit board and the low-voltage connection part. The partition wall is provided with a through hole (33A) that connects the first storage space and the second storage space. The power conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the low-voltage wiring extends through the through-hole and across the first storage space and the second storage space, thereby electrically connecting the substrate and the low-voltage connection portion.

3. In addition to the low-voltage battery, the low-voltage connector is connected to a detector (6A) that detects physical quantities related to the rotation of the motor, and to the vehicle's control device (8). The low-voltage wiring comprises a detection wiring (16) that electrically connects the substrate and the detector, a communication wiring (17) that electrically connects the substrate and the control device, and a power wiring (18) that electrically connects the substrate and the low-voltage battery. The main body further includes high-voltage wiring (10A, 10B) that electrically connects the terminal and the high-voltage connection part. The power conversion device according to claim 2, wherein the communication wiring and the high-voltage wiring are not facing each other in the width direction.

4. The main body further includes connecting parts (39A, 39B) that connect the low-voltage wiring and the circuit board. The connecting portion, the through hole, and the low-voltage connecting portion are provided on one side of the center of the main body portion with respect to the height direction. The power conversion device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the through hole is provided between the connecting portion and the low-voltage connecting portion with respect to the aforementioned direction of travel.

5. The high-voltage connection portion is provided on one side of the main body with respect to the height direction, The opposing wall comprises a first extension (36) on which the high-voltage connection is provided, a second extension (37) on which the low-voltage connection is provided, and a third extension (38) connecting the first extension and the second extension. The power conversion device according to claim 4, wherein the distance (L1) between the substrate end on the high-voltage battery side and the first extension on the substrate is longer than the distance (L2) between the substrate end and the second extension.

6. The high-voltage connection portion and the low-voltage connection portion protrude away from the opposing wall with respect to the direction of travel. The power conversion device according to claim 5, wherein the low-pressure protruding end (52C), which is a protruding tip in the low-pressure connection portion, is closer to the cooling device than the high-pressure protruding end (42C), which is a protruding tip in the high-pressure connection portion.

7. The frame further comprises wall portions (35B, 35C) connected to the ends in the height direction of the opposing wall, The power conversion device according to claim 6, wherein the distance between the wall portion and the substrate is smaller than the distance between the substrate and the opposing wall.

8. The main body further includes a motor connection portion (62) connected to a motor connector (61) connected to the motor, The power conversion device according to claim 7, wherein the motor connection portion is provided on the wall portion.

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