JP2015179691A - power converter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power converter with a magnetic coupling type reactor while suitably cooling the magnetic coupling type reactor.SOLUTION: A power converter (33) includes: a magnetic coupling type reactor (LC) including a plurality of coils (LC1, LC2, and LC3) and a core (LCC) for magnetically coupling the plurality of coils; and a cooler (322) for cooling the magnetic coupling type reactor. At least a part of the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of coils are facing the cooler, and one surface from among the core surfaces that is not facing the cooler is facing a heat radiation member (336) capable of radiating the heat of the magnetic coupling type reactor.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of a power converter that performs power conversion with a power storage device, for example.

  There is known a power converter that performs power conversion with a power storage device such as a secondary battery or a capacitor. In order to perform power conversion, the power converter generally includes a switching element and a reactor. In this case, the reactor can be a heat source accompanying power conversion. Therefore, in order to realize a stable operation of the power converter, it is preferable to cool the reactor.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 to Patent Literature 4 disclose power converters that can cool the reactor. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a power converter that secures a gap between a power module and a reactor so that a heat radiation path of a power module in which a switching element is accommodated and a heat radiation path of a reactor are separated as much as possible. ing. Patent Document 2 discloses a power converter that arranges a reactor at a position adjacent to a stacked cooler in which a cooling pipe and an electronic component are stacked. Patent Document 3 discloses an air-cooled power converter including two reactors arranged in series from the windward side toward the leeward side. Patent Document 4 discloses a power converter in which a reactor is disposed at a position adjacent to a stacked body formed by stacking a semiconductor module portion containing a semiconductor element and a refrigerant flow path.

JP 2013-051848 A JP 2010-225723 A JP2012-210115A JP 2013-038834 A

  In recent years, as disclosed in Patent Document 3, a power converter that accommodates a plurality of (for example, two) reactors in one housing has been proposed. On the other hand, the plurality of reactors can be replaced by a magnetically coupled reactor (in other words, a composite reactor) in which a plurality of coils are magnetically coupled. By using such a magnetically coupled reactor, the physique of the entire reactor can be made smaller than when using a plurality of reactors.

  On the other hand, the heat generation mode of such a magnetically coupled reactor is different from the heat generation mode of a reactor in which a plurality of coils are not magnetically coupled. Therefore, there is a possibility that the magnetically coupled reactor cannot be suitably cooled only by replacing the reactor in the power converter disclosed in Patent Literature 1 to Patent Literature 4 with a magnetically coupled reactor.

  Examples of problems to be solved by the present invention include the above. This invention makes it a subject to provide the power converter which can cool a magnetic coupling type reactor suitably, providing a magnetic coupling type reactor.

<1>
The power converter of the present invention includes a magnetically coupled reactor including a plurality of coils and a core that magnetically couples the plurality of coils, and a cooler that cools the magnetically coupled reactor, and at least one of the plurality of coils. The outer peripheral surface of the part faces the cooler, and the first surface of the core surface that does not face the cooler faces the heat radiating member that can radiate the heat of the magnetically coupled reactor. ing.

The power converter of the present invention includes a magnetically coupled reactor in which a plurality of coils are magnetically coupled by a core, and a cooler for cooling the magnetically coupled reactor. Such a power converter is used, for example, to perform power conversion with a power storage device. Here, characteristics of materials typically used for a plurality of coils and characteristics of materials typically used for a core are used. If the difference is taken into consideration, the thermal conductivity of the plurality of coils is larger than the thermal conductivity of the core. That is, the heat generation amount of the plurality of coils accompanying the operation of the power converter (typically power conversion) is larger than the heat generation amount of the core accompanying the operation of the power converter. Therefore, in the present invention, in order to preferentially cool the plurality of coils, at least a part of the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of coils constituting the magnetically coupled reactor (hereinafter simply referred to as “the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of coils”). Faces the cooler. That is, the magnetic coupling type reactor is accommodated in the power converter such that at least some of the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of coils face the cooler. At this time, the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of coils are typically opposed to the outer surface of the cooler that can exchange heat with the outside. For this reason, it becomes easy to transmit the heat | fever of a some coil to a cooler from the outer peripheral surface of a some coil. As a result, the cooler can efficiently cool the plurality of coils.

  In addition, "the outer peripheral surface of a coil" means the side surface outside the winding which comprises a coil. As such an “outer peripheral surface of the coil”, for example, a side surface of the coil that intersects or is orthogonal to the extending direction of the core around which the winding wire constituting the coil is wound can be cited. Moreover, the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of coils may face the cooler without interposing other structures between the coils. Alternatively, the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of coils may face the cooler with another structure (for example, a part of a case described later) interposed between the cooler and the cooler.

  On the other hand, considering the typical positional relationship between the plurality of coils and the core, when the outer peripheral surface of the plurality of coils faces the cooler, the surface of the core constituting the magnetically coupled reactor is The part may not necessarily face the cooler. In this case, the core may not be efficiently cooled, and as a result, the magnetically coupled reactor may not be suitably cooled. In particular, in a magnetically coupled reactor, there is a high possibility that the amount of heat generated by the core is larger than that of a normal reactor in which a plurality of coils are not magnetically coupled. For this reason, in order to cool efficiently with a magnetic coupling type reactor, it is desired that not only a plurality of coils but also a core be suitably cooled.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the first surface of the surface of the core that does not face the cooler faces the heat radiating member that can radiate the heat of the magnetically coupled reactor. At this time, considering that the heat radiating member has the characteristic of being able to radiate the heat of the magnetically coupled reactor, the heat conductivity of the heat radiating member is the same between the core and the core when the heat radiating member is not disposed. It is preferable to have a larger value than the thermal conductivity of the substance that fills the space between the outside and the outside. For this reason, the heat of the core is easily released to the outside (that is, the outside of the core or the outside of the magnetic reactor) through the heat dissipation member. As a result, the core is suitably cooled via the heat dissipation member.

  The “core surface” is typically a surface of the core surface that is exposed to the outside (that is, a surface that is not hidden inside the coil). In particular, the “core surface” is preferably, for example, the surface of the core that faces in the core stretching direction.

  Thus, according to the power converter of the present invention, both the plurality of coils and the core are suitably cooled. Therefore, the magnetic coupling type reactor can be suitably cooled while including the magnetic coupling type reactor.

<2>
In another aspect of the power converter of the present invention, at least a part of the first surface of the core is in contact with the heat radiating member.

  According to this aspect, the heat of the core is more easily released to the outside through the heat dissipation member. As a result, the core is more suitably cooled via the heat dissipation member.

<3>
In another aspect of the power converter of the present invention, at least a part of the heat dissipation member is in contact with the cooler.

  According to this aspect, the heat released to the heat radiating member is easily transmitted to the cooler. For this reason, the heat of the core is more easily released to the outside through the heat dissipation member. As a result, the core is more suitably cooled via the heat dissipation member.

<4>
In another aspect of the power converter of the present invention, at least a part of the first surface of the core transmits heat transferred from the magnetically coupled reactor to the heat radiating member between the core and the heat radiating member. A first transmission member is sandwiched.

  According to this aspect, the heat of the core is easily transmitted to the heat dissipation member via the first transmission member. For this reason, the heat of the core is more easily released to the outside through the heat dissipation member. As a result, the core is more suitably cooled via the heat dissipation member.

<5>
In another aspect of the power converter of the present invention, the heat dissipating member sandwiches a second transmission member for transmitting heat transmitted from the magnetically coupled reactor to the cooler between the heat dissipating member. doing.

  According to this aspect, the heat released to the heat dissipation member is easily transmitted to the cooler via the second transmission member. For this reason, the heat of the core is more easily released to the outside through the heat dissipation member. As a result, the core is more suitably cooled via the heat dissipation member.

<6>
In another aspect of the power converter of the present invention, a second surface of the surface of the core that is different from the first surface and does not face the cooler accommodates the magnetically coupled reactor therein. In contact with the first inner wall.

  According to this aspect, the heat of the core is released to the outside from the first surface of the core through the heat radiating member, and is released to the outside from the second surface of the core through the case. As a result, the core is suitably cooled via both the heat dissipation member and the case.

<7>
In the aspect of the power converter in which the second surface of the core is in contact with the first inner wall of the case as described above, at least a part of the case is in contact with the cooler.

  According to this aspect, the heat released to the case is easily transmitted to the cooler. For this reason, the heat of the core is more easily released to the outside through the case. As a result, the core is more suitably cooled through the case.

<8>
In the aspect of the power converter in which the second surface of the core is in contact with the first inner wall of the case as described above, the case is transmitted from the magnetically coupled reactor to the case between the case and the cooler. A third transmission member for transmitting heat to the cooler is sandwiched.

  According to this aspect, the heat released to the case is easily transmitted to the cooler via the third transmission member. For this reason, the heat of the core is more easily released to the outside through the case. As a result, the core is more suitably cooled through the case.

<9>
In the aspect of the power converter in which the second surface of the core is in contact with the first inner wall of the case as described above, the heat radiating member is the second inner wall of the case facing the first inner wall, or the first The lid member closes at least a part of the opening of the case facing the inner wall.

  According to this aspect, the heat of the core is released to the outside through the heat dissipating member that is integrated with the case or separated from the case but is used as a lid for the case. As a result, the core is suitably cooled via the heat dissipation member.

  The effect | action and other gain of this invention are clarified from the form for implementing demonstrated below.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle of this embodiment. It is a circuit diagram which shows the circuit structure of a power converter. It is the side view and top view which show typically the external appearance structure of a power converter. It is sectional drawing which shows the cross section along the YZ plane of the magnetic coupling type reactor shown to Fig.3 (a) and FIG.3 (b). It is the side view and top view which show an example of the arrangement | positioning aspect of the magnetic coupling type reactor LC. It is the side view and top view which show the other example of the arrangement | positioning aspect of the magnetic coupling type reactor LC.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the power converter of the present invention will be described. In the following description, an embodiment in which the power converter of the present invention is applied to a vehicle (in particular, a vehicle that travels using electric power output from a power storage device) will be described as an example. However, the power converter may be applied to any device other than the vehicle.

(1) Configuration of Vehicle First, the configuration of the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 includes a motor generator 10, an axle 21, wheels 22, a power supply system 30, and an ECU 40.

  The motor generator 10 functions as an electric motor that supplies power (that is, power necessary for traveling of the vehicle 1) to the axle 21 by being driven mainly by using electric power output from the power supply system 30 during power running. The power transmitted to the axle 21 becomes power for driving the vehicle 1 via the wheels 22. Furthermore, the motor generator 10 mainly functions as a generator for charging the first power supply 31 and the second power supply 32 included in the power supply system 30 during regeneration.

  Note that the vehicle 1 may include two or more motor generators 10. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 may further include an engine in addition to the motor generator 10.

  The power supply system 30 outputs power necessary for the motor generator 10 to function as an electric motor to the motor generator 10 during power running. Furthermore, the electric power generated by the motor generator 10 that functions as a generator is input from the motor generator 10 to the power supply system 30 during regeneration.

  Such a power supply system 30 includes a first power supply 31 that is a specific example of “power storage device”, a second power supply 32 that is a specific example of “power storage device”, a power converter 33, and an inverter 35. I have.

  Each of the first power supply 31 and the second power supply 32 is a power supply capable of outputting power (that is, discharging). Each of the first power supply 31 and the second power supply 32 may be a power supply capable of inputting power (that is, charging) in addition to outputting power. At least one of the first power supply 31 and the second power supply 32 may be, for example, a lead storage battery, a lithium ion battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a fuel cell, an electric double layer capacitor, or the like.

  Under the control of the ECU 40, the power converter 33 uses the power output from the first power supply 31 and the power output from the second power supply 32 as required power required by the power supply system 30 (typically, the power supply system 30. In accordance with the power to be output to the motor generator 10). The power converter 33 outputs the converted power to the inverter 35. Further, the power converter 33 converts the power input from the inverter 35 under the control of the ECU 40 (that is, the power generated by the regeneration of the motor generator 10) to the required power (typically, required for the power supply system 30). Is a power to be input to the power supply system 30 and is substantially converted in accordance with a power to be input to the first power supply 31 and the second power supply 32). The power converter 33 outputs the converted power to at least one of the first power supply 31 and the second power supply 32. By such power conversion, the power converter 33 substantially distributes power between the first power supply 31 and the second power supply 32 and the inverter 35 and between the first power supply 31 and the second power supply 32. Power distribution in can be performed.

  The inverter 35 converts power (DC power) output from the power converter 33 into AC power during powering. Thereafter, the inverter 35 supplies the electric power converted into AC power to the motor generator 10. Furthermore, the inverter 35 converts the electric power (AC power) generated by the motor generator 10 into DC power during regeneration. Thereafter, the inverter 35 supplies the power converted to DC power to the power converter 33.

  The ECU 40 is an electronic control unit configured to be able to control the entire operation of the vehicle 1.

(2) Circuit Configuration of Power Converter Next, the circuit configuration of the power converter 33 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of the power converter 33.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the power converter 33 includes a switching element S1, a switching element S2, a switching element S3, a switching element S4, a diode D1, a diode D2, a diode D3, a diode D4, and a reactor. L1, a reactor L2, and a smoothing capacitor C are provided.

  The switching element S1 can be switched in accordance with a control signal output from the ECU 40. That is, the switching element S1 can switch the switching state from the on state to the off state or from the off state to the on state in accordance with a control signal output from the ECU 40. As such a switching element S1, for example, an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), a power MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) transistor, or a power bipolar transistor is used. The switching element S2, the switching element S3, and the switching element S4 are the same as the switching element S1.

  Switching element S1, switching element S2, switching element S3, and switching element S4 are electrically connected in series between power supply line PL and ground line GL. Specifically, switching element S1 is electrically connected between power supply line PL and node N1. Switching element S2 is electrically connected between nodes N1 and N2. Switching element S3 is electrically connected between nodes N2 and N3. Switching element S4 is electrically connected between node N3 and ground line GL.

  The diode D1 is electrically connected in parallel to the switching element S1. The diode D2 is electrically connected in parallel to the switching element S2. The diode D3 is electrically connected in parallel to the switching element S3. The diode D4 is electrically connected in parallel to the switching element S4. The diode D1 is connected in a direction having an antiparallel relationship with the switching element S1. The same applies to the diodes D2 to D4.

  Reactor L1 is electrically connected between the positive terminal of first power supply 31 and node N2. Reactor L2 is electrically connected between the positive terminal of second power supply 32 and node N1. Smoothing capacitor C is electrically connected between power supply line PL and ground line GL. The negative terminal of the first power supply 31 is electrically connected to the ground line GL. The negative terminal of the second power supply 32 is electrically connected to the node N3. Inverter 35 is electrically connected to each of power supply line PL and ground line GL.

  The power converter 33 includes a boost chopper circuit corresponding to each of the first power supply 31 and the second power supply 32. As a result, the power converter 33 can perform power conversion with both the first power supply 31 and the second power supply 32.

  Specifically, for the first power supply 31, a first chopper circuit is formed in which the switching elements S1 and S2 are upper arm elements while the switching elements S3 and S4 are lower arm elements. When the vehicle 1 is powering, the first chopper circuit may function as a boost chopper circuit for the first power supply 31. In this case, the electric power output from the first power supply 31 is accumulated in the reactor L1 during the period in which the switching elements S3 and S4 are in the on state. The electric power stored in reactor L1 is discharged to power supply line PL through switching elements S1 and S2 and at least part of diodes D1 and D2 during a period in which at least one of switching elements S3 and S4 is in an off state. . On the other hand, when the vehicle 1 is regenerating, the first chopper circuit may function as a step-down chopper circuit for the first power supply 31. In this case, the electric power generated by the regeneration is accumulated in the reactor L1 during the period in which the switching elements S1 and S2 are in the on state. The electric power stored in the reactor L1 is discharged to the ground line GL through the switching elements S3 and S4 and at least a part of the diodes D3 and D4 during a period in which at least one of the switching elements S1 and S2 is in the off state. .

  On the other hand, for the second power source 32, a second chopper circuit is formed in which the switching elements S4 and S1 are upper arm elements while the switching elements S2 and S3 are lower arm elements. When the vehicle 1 is powering, the second chopper circuit may function as a boost chopper circuit for the second power supply 32. In this case, the power output from the second power supply 32 is accumulated in the reactor L2 during the period in which the switching elements S2 and S3 are in the on state. The electric power stored in reactor L2 is discharged to power supply line PL through switching elements S4 and S1 and at least part of diodes D4 and D1 during a period in which at least one of switching elements S2 and S3 is in an off state. . On the other hand, when the vehicle 1 is regenerating, the second chopper circuit may function as a step-down chopper circuit for the second power supply 32. In this case, the electric power generated by the regeneration is accumulated in the reactor L2 during the period in which the switching elements S4 and S1 are in the on state. The electric power accumulated in the reactor L2 is supplied to the negative electrode of the second power supply 32 via at least a part of the switching elements S2 and S3 and the diodes D2 and D3 during a period in which at least one of the switching elements S4 and S1 is in an off state. Released to the line to which the terminal is connected.

  Note that the smoothing capacitor C suppresses fluctuations in the voltage between the terminals between the power supply line PL and the ground line GL due to switching of the switching state of the switching elements S1 to S4.

  Note that the circuit configuration of the power converter 33 illustrated in FIG. 2 is merely an example. Therefore, the circuit configuration of the power converter 33 may be a circuit configuration different from the circuit configuration illustrated in FIG. However, even when the circuit configuration of the power converter 33 is different from the circuit configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, the power converter 33 preferably includes a plurality of reactors.

(3) External appearance of power converter Subsequently, the external structure of the power converter 33 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A is a side view schematically showing the external configuration of the power converter 33, and FIG. 3B is a top view schematically showing the external configuration of the power converter 33. However, in FIG. 3A, in order to make the drawing easy to see, only the housing 330 is drawn as a cross-sectional view, while members other than the housing 330 are drawn as side views. Further, in FIG. 3B, the upper surface of the housing 330 and a control board CB and a bracket 331a, which will be described later, are omitted for easy viewing of the drawing. In FIG. 3, the external configuration of the power converter 33 is drawn in a three-dimensional coordinate space defined by the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis that are orthogonal to each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the power converter 33 includes a box-shaped housing 330. Inside the housing 330 are housed a plurality of plate-like semiconductor modules 333, the smoothing capacitor C described above, and the magnetically coupled reactor LC constituting the reactors L1 and L2 described above. Further, a control board CB is accommodated in the housing 330. In the housing 330, other circuit elements (for example, other capacitors) may be accommodated.

  Each of the plurality of semiconductor modules 333 is sealed with at least one of the switching elements S1 to S4 and the diodes D1 to D4 described above.

  The plurality of semiconductor modules 333 are integrated with a cooling mechanism 332 which is a specific example of a “cooler”. However, the plurality of semiconductor modules 333 may not be integrated with the cooling mechanism 332. Hereinafter, the structure in which the plurality of semiconductor modules 333 and the cooling mechanism 332 are integrated is referred to as a power module PM.

  The cooling mechanism 332 includes an introduction pipe line 332a, a lead-out pipe line 332b, and a plurality of cooling plates 332c. The introduction pipe 332a is supplied with a refrigerant (for example, cooling water) for cooling at least one of the plurality of semiconductor modules 333, the smoothing capacitor C, and the magnetically coupled reactor LC. As a result, the refrigerant is introduced into the power converter 33 via the introduction conduit 332a. From the outlet line 332b, the refrigerant introduced into the power converter 33 is led out (discharged) through the inlet line 332a. Each of the introduction pipe line 332a and the outlet pipe line 332b passes through each of the plurality of cooling plates 332c, thereby supporting the plurality of cooling plates 332c so that the plurality of cooling plates 332c are arranged in parallel. The internal gaps of the introduction pipe line 332a and the lead-out pipe line 332b communicate with the internal gaps of the plurality of cooling plates 332c. Therefore, the refrigerant introduced from the introduction pipe line 332a is led out through the lead-out pipe line 332b after passing through the gaps inside the plurality of cooling plates 332c.

  The semiconductor module 333 is accommodated in the slit 332d between the two adjacent cooling plates 332c. That is, in the power module PM, a plurality of plate-like semiconductor modules 333 and a plurality of cooling plates 332c are alternately stacked. As a result, since the semiconductor module 333 is cooled from both sides (both sides along the X-axis direction in FIG. 3), the semiconductor module 333 is efficiently cooled.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3B, two semiconductor modules 333 are accommodated in each slit 332d. However, one or three or more semiconductor modules 333 may be accommodated in each slit 332d.

  A smoothing capacitor C is arranged on the side of the power module PM (in the example shown in FIG. 3, the side located in the −Y axis direction).

  Furthermore, in the space SP located on the side of the power module PM and on the side different from the side where the smoothing capacitor C is disposed (in the example shown in FIG. 3, the space SP is located in the + X axis direction). A magnetically coupled reactor LC accommodated in a metal case (eg, aluminum die cast) 335 is disposed. Particularly in the present embodiment, the space SP is the cooling plate 332c that is the endmost among the plurality of cooling plates 332c included in the power module PM (hereinafter, the cooling plate 332c that is the end is called “cooling plate 332ce”). It is a space adjacent to Furthermore, the space SP is a space located between the introduction pipe line 332a and the lead-out pipe line 332b. That is, in the present embodiment, the magnetically coupled reactor LC is located on the side of the power module PM, is adjacent to the cooling plate 332ce, and is located between the inlet conduit 332a and the outlet conduit 332b. And accommodated in the housing 330.

  The power module PM is fixed to a bracket 331a positioned above the power module PM via a stay 331c extending upward (in the + Z-axis direction in the example shown in FIG. 3). A case 335 that accommodates the magnetically coupled reactor LC is fixed to a bracket 331a positioned above the case 335 via a stay 331d extending upward (in the + Z-axis direction in the example shown in FIG. 3). . The smoothing capacitor C is fixed to a bracket 331a positioned above the smoothing capacitor C via a stay 331e extending upward (in the + Z-axis direction in the example shown in FIG. 3). The bracket 331a is disposed in the housing 330 such that the edge thereof is fixed to the flange 330a inside the housing 330.

  Further, a plate-like control board CB is fixed to the bracket 331a via a stay 331b extending upward (in the example shown in FIG. 3, + Z-axis direction). A lead wire 333a extends from the semiconductor module 333 toward the control board CB. As a result, the switching elements S1 to S4 accommodated in the semiconductor module 333 switch the switching state via a control signal output from the control board CB via the lead wire 333a. Note that electrical conduction between the plurality of semiconductor modules 333, the smoothing capacitor C, and the reactor L1 and the reactor L2 (that is, the magnetically coupled reactor LC) is realized by a bus bar (not shown).

(4) Arrangement Mode of Magnetically Coupled Reactor LC Subsequently, an arrangement mode (accommodating mode) of the magnetically coupled reactor LC will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section along the YZ plane of the magnetically coupled reactor LC shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). FIG. 5 is a side view and a top view showing the arrangement of the magnetically coupled reactor LC. However, in FIG. 5 (a), the case 335 is drawn as a cross-sectional view and the introduction conduit 332a and the lead-out conduit 332b are omitted to make the drawing easy to see, while the case 335 and the introduction conduit 332a and Members other than the lead-out conduit 332b are drawn as side views. Further, in FIG. 5B, the lid member 336 on the upper side of the case 335 is omitted for easy viewing of the drawing. 4 and 5, as in FIG. 3, the external configuration of the power converter 33 is drawn in a three-dimensional coordinate space defined by the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis.

  The magnetically coupled reactor LC is a reactor in which a coil constituting the reactor L1 and a coil constituting the reactor L2 are magnetically coupled via a core.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the magnetically coupled reactor LC includes a coil LC1 that constitutes the reactor L1, a coil LC2 that constitutes the reactor L2, and a coil LC3 that constitutes the reactor L1. The coils LC1 and LC3 constituting the reactor L1 are electrically connected. On the other hand, the coils LC1 and LC3 constituting the reactor L1 and the coil LC2 constituting the reactor L2 are electrically insulated.

  FIG. 4 shows an example in which the magnetically coupled reactor LC includes three coils (that is, the coils LC1 to LC3). However, the magnetically coupled reactor LC may include two or four or more coils. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the coil LC1 and the coil LC3 constitute the reactor L1, and the coil LC2 constitutes the reactor L2. However, a part of coil LC1 to coil LC3 may constitute reactor L1, and another part of coil LC1 to coil LC3 may constitute reactor L2.

  The magnetically coupled reactor LC further includes a core LCC for magnetically coupling the coils LC1 to LC3. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the core LCC includes an upper E core LCC (UE) disposed above the magnetically coupled reactor LC, and a lower E core LCC (LE) disposed below the magnetically coupled reactor LC. It has. Further, the core LCC includes an end I core LCC (R) sandwiched between the upper E core LCC (UE) and the lower E core LCC (LE) in the winding of the coil LC1, and an upper portion in the winding of the coil LC2. A central I-core LCC (C) sandwiched between the E-core LCC (UE) and the lower E-core LCC (LE), and an upper E-core LCC (UE) and a lower E-core LCC (LE) in the winding of the coil LC3 And an end I-core LCC (L) sandwiched between the two.

  Such a magnetically coupled reactor LC can achieve a reduction in the size of the physique as compared to the case where the reactor L1 and the reactor L2 are separately provided using coils that are not magnetically coupled. On the other hand, due to the downsizing of the physique, loss of the magnetically coupled reactor LC (so-called coil loss, core loss, etc.) increases. As a result, in the magnetically coupled reactor LC, the amount of heat generated by the coils LC1 to LC3 and the core LCC is larger than when the reactor L1 and the reactor L2 are separately provided using coils that are not magnetically coupled. For this reason, in the magnetic coupling type reactor LC, more efficient or more suitable cooling is desired compared with the case where the reactor L1 and the reactor L2 are separately provided independently using the coils which are not magnetically coupled. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the magnetically coupled reactor LC is accommodated in the case 335 in the arrangement mode (accommodating mode) described below in order to achieve efficient or suitable cooling of the magnetically coupled reactor LC. The

  First, considering that a metal wire (for example, a copper wire) is generally used as the material of the coils LC1 to LC3, the thermal conductivity of the coils LC1 to LC3 is equal to the thermal conductivity of the core LCC. More likely to be higher. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the magnetically coupled reactor LC is accommodated in the case 335 in an arrangement mode in which the cooling of the coils LC1 to LC3 can be preferentially performed over the cooling of the core LCC.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the magnetically coupled reactor LC is configured such that at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of each of the coils LC1 to LC3 faces the cooling plate 332ce. In the case 335. In particular, the magnetically coupled reactor LC is such that at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of each of the coils LC1 to LC3 faces the side surface of the cooling plate 332ce (specifically, the side surface having a relatively large surface area). It is preferable to be accommodated in the case 335. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the outer peripheral surface on the −X axis side of each of the coils LC1 to LC3 faces the side surface on the + X axis side of the cooling plate 332ce.

  In this case, it is preferable that at least a part of the case 335 is in physical contact with the cooling plate 332ce. For example, FIG. 5A illustrates an example in which the side surface on the −X axis side of the case 335 is physically in contact with the side surface on the + X axis side of the cooling plate 332ce.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the magnetically coupled reactor LC is disposed in the space SP between the introduction pipe line 332a and the outlet pipe line 332b. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, the magnetically coupled reactor LC is preferably accommodated in the case 330 so that at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the coil LC3 faces the introduction conduit 332a. . In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the magnetically coupled reactor LC is accommodated in the case 330 so that the outer peripheral surface on the −Y-axis side of the coil LC3 faces the introduction conduit 332a.

  Similarly, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the magnetically coupled reactor LC is accommodated in the case 330 so that at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the coil LC1 faces the outlet conduit 332b. It is preferred that In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the magnetically coupled reactor LC is accommodated in the case 330 so that the outer peripheral surface on the + Y-axis side of the coil LC1 faces the outlet conduit 332b.

  In this case, it is preferable that a heat transfer block 337a, which is a specific example of the “second transfer member” or the “third transfer member”, is disposed between the case 335 and the introduction pipe line 332a. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, a heat transfer block 337a is disposed between the outer wall of the case 335 on the −Y axis side and the introduction pipe line 332a. The heat transfer block 337a is a member that can physically contact both the case 335 and the introduction pipe line 332a, and can transfer the heat of the case 335 to the introduction pipe line 332a.

  Similarly, it is preferable that a heat transfer block 337b, which is a specific example of the “second transfer member” or the “third transfer member”, is disposed between the case 335 and the outlet pipe line 332b. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, a heat transfer block 337b is disposed between the outer wall of the case 335 on the + Y axis side and the outlet conduit 332b. The heat transfer block 337b is a member that can physically contact both the case 335 and the outlet conduit 332b and can transfer the heat of the case 335 to the outlet conduit 332b.

  The heat transfer block 337a may have any shape as long as efficient heat transfer from the case 335 to the introduction pipe line 332a can be realized, and is made of any material. It may be. However, the heat transfer block 337a is preferably composed of a member (for example, metal) having a relatively high thermal conductivity. The same applies to the heat transfer block 337b.

  It is preferable that a gap is secured between the outer peripheral surface of each of the coils LC1 to LC3 and the inner wall of the case 335. That is, it is preferable that the outer peripheral surfaces of the coils LC1 to LC3 and the inner wall of the case 335 are not in contact with each other. As a result, the state in which the coils LC1 and LC3 and the case 335 are electrically insulated from each other is maintained. In this case, the periphery of the magnetic reactor LC (that is, the space between the magnetic reactor LC and the inner wall of the case 335) is preferably filled with a filler capable of efficiently transferring heat.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of each of the coils LC1 to LC3 faces the cooling plate 332ce. Therefore, as indicated by arrows 1A in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the heat of the magnetically coupled reactor LC (particularly, the heat of each of the coils LC1 to LC3) is changed from the coils LC1 to LC3. Are transmitted to the cooling mechanism 332 (particularly, the cooling plate 332ce) through the case 335 from the respective outer peripheral surfaces. Accordingly, the magnetically coupled reactor LC (particularly, the coils LC1 to LC3) is efficiently or suitably cooled.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the coil LC3 is opposed to the introduction conduit 332a. Therefore, as indicated by an arrow 1B in FIG. 5B, the heat of the magnetically coupled reactor LC (particularly, the heat of the coil LC3) is cooled from the outer peripheral surface of the coil LC3 via the case 335 (particularly, the cooling mechanism 332). , To the introduction line 332a). Therefore, the magnetic coupling type reactor LC (particularly, the coil LC3) is efficiently or suitably cooled.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the coil LC1 faces the outlet conduit 332b. For this reason, as indicated by an arrow 2B in FIG. 5B, the heat of the magnetically coupled reactor LC (particularly the heat of the coil LC1) is supplied from the outer peripheral surface of the coil LC1 through the case 335 to the cooling mechanism 332 (particularly, , To the outlet conduit 332b). Therefore, the magnetically coupled reactor LC (particularly, the coil LC1) is efficiently or suitably cooled. Therefore, the magnetically coupled reactor LC (particularly, the coil LC1) is efficiently or suitably cooled.

  In addition, in this embodiment, at least a part of the case 335 is in physical contact with the cooling plate 332ce. Therefore, efficient heat transfer from the case 335 to the cooling plate 332ce is realized. As a result, the magnetically coupled reactor LC (particularly, the coils LC1 to LC3) is cooled more efficiently or suitably.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, a heat transfer block 337a is disposed between the case 335 and the introduction pipe line 332a. As a result, the heat of the magnetically coupled reactor LC (particularly the heat of the coil LC3) is transferred from the outer peripheral surface of the coil LC3 to the cooling mechanism 332 (particularly the introduction pipe line 332a) through the case 335 and the heat transfer block 337a. The Therefore, the magnetically coupled reactor LC (particularly, the coil LC3) is further efficiently or suitably cooled.

  Similarly, in the present embodiment, a heat transfer block 337b is disposed between the case 335 and the outlet conduit 332b. As a result, the heat of the magnetically coupled reactor LC (particularly the heat of the coil LC1) is transferred from the outer peripheral surface of the coil LC1 to the cooling mechanism 332 (particularly, the outlet conduit 332b) through the case 335 and the heat transfer block 337b. The Therefore, the magnetically coupled reactor LC (particularly, the coil LC1) is more efficiently or suitably cooled.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the outer peripheral surfaces of the coils LC1 to LC3 face the cooling plate 332ce. However, some outer peripheral surfaces of the coils LC1 to LC3 are opposed to the cooling plate 332ce, while other outer peripheral surfaces of the coils LC1 to LC3 are not opposed to the cooling plate 332ce. Good.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5A, the outer peripheral surfaces of the coils LC1 to LC3 face the cooling plate 332ce with the side wall of the case 335 sandwiched between the coils LC1 and LC3. However, the outer peripheral surfaces of the coils LC1 to LC3 may face the cooling plate 332ce without sandwiching the side wall of the case 332 therebetween. For example, an opening is provided on the side surface of the case 335, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the coils LC1 to LC3 may face the cooling plate 332ce through the opening.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the case 335 is in physical contact with the cooling plate 332ce. However, the case 335 may be in physical contact with a cooling plate 332 other than the cooling plate 332ce. The case 335 may not be in physical contact with the cooling plate 332ce (or the cooling mechanism 332). Between the case 335 and the cooling plate 332ce, a heat transfer block 337c that physically contacts both the case 335 and the cooling plate 332ce and can transfer the heat of the case 335 to the cooling plate 332ce (FIG. 6A). Reference) may be arranged. The characteristics of the heat transfer block 337c disposed between the case 335 and the cooling plate 332ce may be the same as the characteristics of the heat transfer blocks 337a and 337b described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. The heat transfer block 337c is a specific example of a “second transfer member” or a “third transfer member”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5B, a heat transfer block 337a is disposed between the case 335 and the introduction pipe line 332a. However, the heat transfer block 337a may not be disposed between the case 335 and the introduction pipe line 332a. At least a part of the case 335 may be in physical contact with the introduction conduit 332a (see FIG. 6C).

  Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 5B, a heat transfer block 337b is disposed between the case 335 and the outlet conduit 332b. However, the heat transfer block 337b may not be disposed between the case 335 and the outlet conduit 332b. At least a part of the case 335 may be in physical contact with the outlet conduit 332b (see FIG. 6C).

  The arrangement mode for realizing efficient or suitable cooling of the coils LC1 to LC3 has been described above. Needless to say, it is preferable that the core LCC is also efficiently or suitably cooled. However, in consideration of the positional relationship between the coils LC1 to LC3 and the core LCC, when the outer peripheral surfaces of the coils LC1 to LC3 face the cooling mechanism 332, a part of the surface of the core LCC is cooled. The mechanism 332 cannot be opposed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the surface of the core LCC that faces the extending direction of the core LCC (specifically, the Z-axis direction) cannot face the cooling mechanism 332. That is, the upper surface of the upper E core LCC (UE) (that is, the surface on the + Z axis side) and the lower surface of the lower E core LC (LE) (that is, the surface on the −Z axis side) may face the cooling mechanism 332. Can not. On the other hand, considering that the surface areas of the upper surface of the upper E core LCC (UE) and the lower surface of the lower E core LC (LE) are relatively large, the upper surface of the upper E core LCC (UE) and the lower E core LC (UE) Since the heat radiation from the lower surface of LE) is efficiently performed, the core LCC is likely to be efficiently cooled. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the magnetically coupled reactor LC is accommodated in the case 335 so that heat is efficiently radiated from the upper surface of the upper E core LCC (UE) and the lower surface of the lower E core LC (LE). Is done.

  Specifically, the magnetically coupled reactor LC is formed in the case 335 such that the lower surface of the lower E core LCC (LE) physically contacts the inner wall of the case 335 (in FIG. 5A, the inner wall of the bottom). Is housed in. At this time, the entire lower surface of the lower E-core LCC (LE) may be in physical contact with the inner wall of the case 335. Alternatively, a part of the lower surface of the lower E core LCC (LE) may be in physical contact with the inner wall of the case 335. Even if the lower surface of the lower E core LCC (LE) is physically in contact with the inner wall of the case 335, electrical insulation between the core LCC and the coils LC1 to LC3 is ensured by a bobbin or the like. Electrical insulation between the case 335 and the coils LC1 to LC3 is also ensured.

  As a result, as indicated by the arrow 2A in FIG. 5A, the heat of the core LCC is in physical contact with the case 335 via the case 335 from the lower surface of the lower E core LCC (LE). It is transmitted to the cooling mechanism 332. Therefore, the magnetically coupled reactor (in particular, the core LCC) is efficiently or suitably cooled. In this case, the case 335 (or part of the case 335) can be said to be a specific example of the “heat radiating member”.

  Further, the case 335 has a shape in which the upper part of the case 335 is an opening in order to facilitate the insertion / extraction of the magnetically coupled reactor LC into the case 335. In the present embodiment, a lid member 336 that closes all or part of the opening is disposed in the case 335.

  In this case, the magnetically coupled reactor LC is accommodated in the case 335 so that the upper surface of the upper E-core LCC (UE) physically contacts the surface of the lid member 336 (the lower surface in FIG. 5A). The At this time, the entire upper surface of the upper E core LCC (UE) may be in physical contact with the lower surface of the lid member 336. Alternatively, a part of the upper surface of the upper E core LCC (UE) may be in physical contact with the lower surface of the lid member 336. Even if the upper surface of the upper E core LCC (UE) physically contacts the lower surface of the lid member 336, electrical insulation between the core LCC and the coils LC1 to LC3 is ensured by a bobbin or the like. Therefore, electrical insulation between the lid member 336 and the coils LC1 to LC3 is also ensured.

  The lid member 336 physically contacts the case 335 in addition to contacting the lower surface of the upper E core LCC (UE). In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the lid member 336 is in physical contact with the outer edge of the upper opening of the case 335. The lid member 336 can transfer the heat of the upper E core LCC (UE) to the case 335 by physically contacting the case 335. That is, the lid member 336 is a member that can substantially transfer the heat of the upper E core LCC (UE) to the case 335. The lid member 336 is a specific example of “a heat radiating member”.

  The lid member 336 may have any shape as long as the heat of the upper E-core LCC (UE) can be efficiently transferred to the case 335, and You may be comprised from such a material. However, the lid member 336 is preferably composed of a member having a relatively high thermal conductivity (for example, a metal such as copper).

  As a result, as indicated by an arrow 3A in FIG. 5A, the heat of the core LCC is transmitted from the upper surface of the upper E core LCC (UE) to the cooling mechanism 332 via the lid member 336 and the case 335. Therefore, the magnetically coupled reactor (in particular, the core LCC) is efficiently or suitably cooled.

  Thus, according to the power converter 33 of the present embodiment, the heat dissipation path from the coil LC1 to the coil LC3 (arrow 1A in FIG. 5A and arrows 1B and 2B in FIG. 5B) Both of the heat dissipation paths (arrows 2A and 3A in FIG. 5A) through the core LCC are suitably secured. For this reason, the power converter 33 of this embodiment can cool the magnetic coupling type reactor LC suitably while providing the magnetic coupling type reactor LC.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the lower surface of the lower E core LCC (LE) is in physical contact with the case 335. However, other surfaces other than the lower surface of the lower E core LCC (LE) may be in physical contact with the case 335. The lower E core LCC (LE) may not be in physical contact with the case 335. Between the lower E-core LCC (LE) and the case 335, the lower E-core LCC (LE) and the case 335 are in physical contact with each other and heat of the lower E-core LCC (LE) is transferred to the case 335. A possible heat transfer block 337d may be arranged (see FIG. 6A). The heat transfer block 337d is a specific example of “first transfer member”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the upper surface of the upper E core LCC (UE) is in physical contact with the lid member 336. However, other surfaces other than the upper surface of the upper E core LCC (UE) may be in physical contact with the lid member 336. The upper E core LCC (UE) may not be in physical contact with the lid member 336. Between the upper E-core LCC (UE) and the lid member 336, the lid member is in physical contact with both the upper E-core LCC (UE) and the lid member 336, and heat of the upper E-core LCC (UE) is covered with the lid member 336. A heat transfer block 337e capable of transferring to 336 may be disposed (see FIG. 6A). The heat transfer block 337e is a specific example of “first transfer member”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the lid member 336 is in physical contact with the case 335. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 5A, the side wall of the case 335 is disposed between the lid member 336 and the cooling plate 332ce. That is, the case 335 functions as a member that physically contacts both the lid member 336 and the cooling plate 332ce and can transfer the heat of the lid member 336 to the cooling plate 332ce. However, the lid member 336 may be in physical contact with the cooling plate 332ce (or other cooling mechanism 332) in addition to or instead of the case 335 (see FIG. 6A).

  In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the lid member 336 is a separate member from the case 335. However, the lid member 336 may be integrated with the case 335 (see FIG. 6B). That is, the lid member 336 may be substantially the upper wall of the case 335 (that is, the upper wall).

  In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the upper portion of the case 335 is an opening. However, the lower part of the case 335 may be an opening. In this case, the lid member 336 may block all or a part of the lower opening of the case 335 and may be in physical contact with the lower surface of the lower E core LCC (LE).

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and a power converter with such a change. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle 30 Power supply system 33 Power converter 332 Cooling mechanism 335 Case 336 Lid member L1, L2 Reactor LC Magnetic coupling type reactor LC1, LC2, LC3 Coil LCC core

Claims (9)

A magnetically coupled reactor including a plurality of coils and a core for magnetically coupling the plurality of coils;
A cooler for cooling the magnetically coupled reactor,
An outer peripheral surface of at least a part of the plurality of coils faces the cooler;
The 1st surface which is not facing the said cooler among the surfaces of the said core is facing the thermal radiation member which can thermally radiate the heat | fever of the said magnetic coupling type reactor. The power converter characterized by the above-mentioned. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the first surface of the core is in contact with the heat radiating member. The power converter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a part of the heat dissipation member is in contact with the cooler. At least a part of the first surface of the core sandwiches a first transmission member for transmitting heat transmitted from the magnetically coupled reactor to the heat dissipation member between the heat dissipation member and the heat dissipation member. The power converter according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized by these. The heat radiating member sandwiches a second transmission member for transmitting heat transmitted from the magnetically coupled reactor to the cooler between the heat radiating member and the cooler. The power converter according to any one of 4. Of the surface of the core, a second surface that is different from the first surface and does not face the cooler is in contact with a first inner wall of a case that accommodates the magnetically coupled reactor therein. The power converter according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The power converter according to claim 6, wherein at least a part of the case is in contact with the cooler. The case is provided with a third transmission member for transmitting heat transmitted from the magnetically coupled reactor to the housing to the cooler between the case and the cooler. Item 8. The power converter according to Item 6 or 7. The heat dissipation member is a lid member that closes at least a part of the second inner wall of the case facing the first inner wall or the opening of the case facing the first inner wall. The power converter as described in any one of 1 to 8.

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