JP4138562B2 - Inverter device for vehicle and electric vehicle equipped with the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention Inverter device for vehicle and mounted with the same The present invention relates to an electric vehicle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional electric device provided with a flow path for circulating a cooling medium for cooling the heating element, for example, a water-cooled inverter, for example, as described in FIG. 8 of JP-A-10-22428 A plurality of fins are formed on the surface of the module substrate on the side in contact with the refrigerant chamber, and the fin rows are arranged in the longitudinal direction from the refrigerant inlet to the refrigerant outlet and are formed as continuous fins in the refrigerant flow direction. Is known. Here, since the width of the refrigerant chamber is wider than the width of the refrigerant inlet, the refrigerant flow rate in the refrigerant chamber is made uniform so that uniform cooling can be achieved. It is known to form a pool of refrigerant in between.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the present inventors examined the structure described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-22428, it was found that there was a problem that the pressure loss of the flow path increased. That is, in the thing of Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 10-22428, although the flow path depth of a fin row | line is smaller than the flow path depth of a refrigerant | coolant inflow port, Furthermore, it is between a flow path of an inlet flow channel and a fin row | line | column. In addition, by providing a pool portion between the fin row channel and the outlet channel, in this pool portion, the channel depth changes abruptly between the inlet channel and the fin row channel. Pressure loss occurs. Similarly, a pressure loss occurs because the flow path depth changes abruptly between the flow path of the fin row and the outlet flow path. These pressure losses increase the load of the pump that sends the refrigerant to the flow path, and cause the problem of increasing the size of the pump.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has a flow path structure that enables uniform cooling without providing a pool, improves thermal characteristics, and reduces the pressure loss of the flow path. Inverter device for vehicle I will provide a. The present invention also provides: Equipped with a vehicle inverter device An electric vehicle is provided.
[0005]
(1) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a flow path through which cooling water flows. Aluminum Case and the above Aluminum A semiconductor module fixed to the case, and the semiconductor module has a cooling fin on the other surface. copper Base and said copper A plurality of semiconductor elements provided on one side of the base and acting as upper and lower arms of the U phase, V phase, and W phase, respectively, for converting DC power into AC power; A pipe inlet, a cooling part, and a discharge pipe outlet, the cooling part being provided with an opening, Above The cooling fin protrudes into the flow path and the opening is formed in the semiconductor module. copper Said to close with the base copper The base is the above Aluminum The cooling section of the flow path is fixed to the case, and the cross-sectional shape of the flow path is perpendicular to the flow of cooling water Four It has a square shape and its width direction is larger than its depth direction, and the cooling part of the flow path has its depth. Is one The water channel shape between the inlet of the water supply pipe and the cooling part is a shape that changes so that the depth direction gradually decreases and the width direction gradually increases along the flow of the cooling water, The shape of the water channel between the cooling section and the outlet of the discharge pipe has a shape that changes so that the depth direction gradually increases and the width direction gradually decreases along the flow of the cooling water.
With this configuration, it is possible to perform uniform cooling without providing a pool portion, improve the thermal characteristics, and reduce the pressure loss of the flow path.
[0006]
(2) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a flow path through which cooling water flows. Aluminum Case and the above Aluminum A semiconductor module fixed to a case, and the semiconductor module is copper Base and said copper A plurality of semiconductor elements provided on one side of the base and acting as upper and lower arms of the U phase, V phase, and W phase, respectively, for converting DC power into AC power; A pipe inlet, a cooling part, and a discharge pipe outlet; Aluminum A plurality of fins for cooling fixed to the case are provided, and the cooling section of the flow path is a cross-sectional shape of the flow path perpendicular to the flow of the cooling water Four The rectangular shape has a width direction larger than the depth direction, and forms the cooling part of the flow path. Aluminum In the case made, the semiconductor module copper The other side of the base is Aluminum The semiconductor module of the semiconductor module is located on the case side and the plurality of semiconductor elements of the semiconductor module are positioned corresponding to the cooling unit. copper The base is the above Aluminum An inverter device for a vehicle fixed to a case, wherein the cooling portion of the flow path has a depth thereof Is one The water channel shape between the inlet of the water supply pipe and the cooling part has a shape that changes so that the depth direction gradually decreases and the width direction gradually increases along the flow of the cooling water, The shape of the water channel between the cooling part and the outlet of the discharge pipe is a shape that changes so that the depth direction gradually increases and the width direction gradually decreases along the flow of the cooling water. .
With this configuration, it is possible to perform uniform cooling without providing a pool portion, improve the thermal characteristics, and reduce the pressure loss of the flow path.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Initially, the structure of the inverter apparatus by the 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated using FIGS.
[0023]
Here, the overall configuration of the inverter device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The water-cooled inverter according to the present embodiment is used for in-vehicle use such as an environment-friendly vehicle.
[0024]
FIG. 1A is a plan view of a 6-arm (U, V, W phase upper and lower arms) module of the inverter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a plan perspective view of the flow path portion of the inverter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of the inverter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ of FIG.
[0025]
As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the module 100 includes semiconductor elements 103 and 104, a substrate 102, and a copper base 101. Each of the semiconductor elements 103 and 104 is usually composed of an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) and an FWD (Free Wheeling Diode). The inverter device converts DC power supplied from a DC power source such as a battery of an automobile into AC power. When the semiconductor element 103 is switched by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control or the like, AC power is supplied to the motor. Supply and drive the motor.
[0026]
In the illustrated example, six substrates 102 are mounted on the copper base 101 to form a six-arm module. On each substrate 102, three semiconductor elements 103 and two semiconductor elements 104 are mounted. The size of the substrate 102 is, for example, about 27 mm × 55 mm. The size of the semiconductor element 103 is, for example, about 9 mm □, and the size of the semiconductor element 104 is, for example, about 6 mm □. The substrate 102 has a structure in which copper foil is attached to the front and back surfaces of an aluminum nitride plate with solder. Here, the substrate 102 may have a configuration in which two arms (for example, an upper arm and a lower arm of the U phase) are mounted on one substrate.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 1C, semiconductor elements 103 and 104 are mounted on a substrate 102 via solder 106. The substrate 102 is mounted on the copper base 101 via solder 107. The size of the copper base 101 is about 100 mm × 230 mm. A screw hole 105 for screwing is formed on the copper base 101, and its size is about M6. The module 100 is bonded to a case 110 formed of aluminum die casting by fastening with screws 111 via grease 108.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 1C, a channel 120 indicated by hatching is formed inside the case 110. The shape of the channel 120 is the shape shown in FIGS. 1C and 1B. As shown in FIG. 1 (C), in the central portion of the case 110, a portion below the place where the semiconductors 103 and 104 are placed (hereinafter referred to as “cooling portion”) is integrally formed with the case 110. Fins 109 are formed.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 1B, the fins 109 are formed in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the flow path 120. In the illustrated example, 13 parallel fins 109 are provided. The width Wf1 of the fin 109 is, for example, 2.5 mm.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 1B, the module 100 is mounted at a position indicated by a thick dotted line with respect to the flow path 120. It cools by supplying LLC (Long Life Coolant) which is cooling water to the flow path 120 from an electric water pump (not shown). The electric water pump has a maximum flow rate of 20 liters per minute and a maximum pressure loss of about 14 kPa.
[0031]
A water supply pipe connected to the radiator is connected to the left end of the flow path 120. The flow path 120 includes a water supply pipe 112, a partial structure pipe 113, a cooling unit 114, a partial structure pipe 115, and a drain pipe 116. An inter-fin flow path 118 is formed at the center of the cooling unit 114. A drain pipe connected to the radiator is connected to the right end of the drain pipe 116.
[0032]
Here, the shape of the flow path 120 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0033]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the shape of the flow path provided in the inverter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0034]
A water supply pipe connected to the radiator is connected to the water supply pipe inlet 200. The diameter R1 of the feed pipe inlet 200 is, for example, 17 mm. The water supply pipe 112 has a quadrangular prism shape, the height H1 is, for example, 17 mm, and the width W1 is, for example, 17 mm. The length L1 is, for example, 10 mm.
[0035]
The cross-sectional flow channel shape of the partial structure pipe 113 extending from the water supply pipe 112 to the cooling part 114 is gradually reduced in the short side direction of the cooling part 112 and gradually enlarged in the long side direction. 114 is connected. That is, the partial structure tube 113 has a structure in which the flow passage section 202 gradually widens in the flow passage width (long side) direction and gradually narrows in the flow passage depth (short side) direction from the flow passage cross section 202. The width of the channel cross section 202 is equal to the width W1, for example, 17 mm. The width W2 of the channel cross section 203 is, for example, 60 mm. The length L2 of the partial structure tube 113 is 23 mm, for example. The rate of change in expansion in the channel width direction and the rate of change in reduction in the channel depth direction are substantially constant. The angle narrowed in the flow path depth direction of the partial structure tube 113, that is, the angle θ1 formed by the peripheral wall of the cooling unit 114 and the peripheral wall of the partial structure tube 113 is 30 °. This angle θ1 is desirably 45 ° or less in order to reduce pressure loss. The angle that extends in the flow path width direction of the partial structural tube 113, that is, the angle θ2 formed by the peripheral wall of the cooling unit 114 and the peripheral wall of the partial structural tube 113 is 30 °. This angle θ2 is desirably 45 ° or less in order to reduce pressure loss.
[0036]
In the cooling unit 114, an inter-fin flow path 118 in which the fins 109 integrally formed with the case 110 exist is formed. The fin width Wf1 of the fin 109 is, for example, 2.5 mm, whereas the fin interval Wf2 is, for example, 2 mm, and the fin height is, for example, 5 mm. When the flow rate is 20 liters per minute, the flow rate in the inter-fin channel 118 is about 2.5 m / s. The length L4 of the inter-fin channel 118 is, for example, 150 mm, and the lengths L3, L5 of the cooling units 114 before and after the channel are, for example, 10 mm.
[0037]
The LLC that has passed through the fin 109 narrows in the partial structure tube 115 from the flow path cross section 204 to the flow path cross section 205 at 30 ° in the flow path width direction and gradually spreads in the flow path depth direction. Furthermore, it flows from the drain pipe 116 to the drain pipe outlet 201 having a diameter of 17φ. The angle of the partial structure tube 115 spreading in the flow path depth direction is also preferably 45 ° or less. The length L6 of the partial structure tube 115 is, for example, 23 mm. The width and height of the channel cross section 204 are equal to the channel cross section 203, and the width and height of the channel cross section 205 are equal to the channel cross section 202. The width W4 of the drain pipe 116 is, for example, 17 mm, and the height H4 is, for example, 17 mm.
[0038]
In order to reduce the pressure loss of the flow path, it is desirable that the angle θ1 formed by the partial structure tube 113 is smaller than the angle θ3 formed by the partial structure tube 115. For example, in the above example, the angle θ1 is 30 ° and the angle θ3 is 30 °, but the angle θ1 is 20 °. Thereby, although the total length of the flow path becomes long, the pressure loss can be further reduced. In order to shorten the total length of the flow path, for example, when the angle θ1 is 30 ° and the angle θ3 is 30 °, the pressure loss is slightly increased by setting the angle θ3 to 40 °. It is possible to reduce the size of the inverter device by shortening the channel length. Since the case 110 is a casting, each corner has a corner R (R = 1 mm or so), and actually has a gradient for corner removal of about several degrees.
[0039]
Here, the flow path structure in the conventional example will be described with reference to FIG.
[0040]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the shape of the flow path in the conventional example.
[0041]
The flow path 300 having the flow path structure shown in FIG. 3 enters the partial structure portion 301 from the water supply pipe inlet 200 through the flow path inlet 112. The channel cross section 305 extends from the channel cross section 306 in the channel width direction but does not change in the channel depth direction. Also on the drain pipe side, the channel cross section 307 to the channel cross section 308 narrow in the channel width direction but do not change in the channel depth direction. Further, a pool portion 303 exists between the partial structure portion 301 and the cooling portion 114 on the water supply pipe side, and a pool portion 304 exists between the cooling portion 114 and the partial structure portion 302 on the drain pipe side. The LLC is discharged from the drain pipe outlet 201 through the partial structure 302 through the drain pipe 116.
[0042]
Next, changes in the channel cross-sectional area when the channel structure according to the present embodiment is used will be described using FIG. 4 in comparison with the conventional example.
[0043]
FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a change in the channel cross-sectional area of the channel structure used in the inverter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a change in the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the conventional example.
[0044]
In FIG. 4A, the horizontal axis indicates the position X in the longitudinal direction of the flow path 120. The vertical axis represents the channel cross-sectional area S. In the figure, x1 is the position of the water supply pipe inlet 200 in FIG. 2, and when the channel cross-sectional shape changes from 17φ to 17 mm □ at this position, the channel cross-sectional area is S2 (227 mm). ² ) To S3 (289 mm ² ) Suddenly changes. The position x2 is the position of the channel cross section 202 in FIG. Further, the position x3 is the position of the channel cross section 203 in FIG. Since the partial structure tube 113 is used for the position x2 to the position x3, the flow path cross-sectional area is S3 (289 mm ² ) To S4 (300mm ² ) Gradually change. The positions x4 to x5 are positions where the inter-fin flow path 118 is formed. At the position x4, the cross-sectional area S4 (300 mm ² ) To S1 (150mm ² ) Suddenly changes. The position x6 is the position of the flow path cross section 204 in FIG. 2, and the position x7 is the position of the flow path cross section 205. Since the partial structure tube 115 is used for the positions x6 to x7, the flow path cross-sectional area is S4 (300 mm ² ) To S3 (289 mm ² ) Gradually change. The position x8 is the position of the drain pipe outlet 201 in FIG. 2, and when the channel cross-sectional shape changes from 17 mm □ to 17φ at this position, the channel cross-sectional area is S3 (289 mm ² ) To S2 (227mm) ² ) Suddenly changes.
[0045]
In FIG. 4B, the position x2 in the figure is the position of the channel cross section 305 in FIG. Further, the position x9 is the position of the channel cross section 306 in FIG. In the position x2 to the position x9, the flow path cross-sectional area is S3 (289 mm ² ) To S5 (1020mm ² ). The position x3 is the inlet of the cooling unit 114, and at the position x3, the cross-sectional area S5 (1020 mm ² ) To S4 (300mm ² ) Suddenly changes. Similarly, the position x6 is the position of the outlet of the cooling unit 114 in FIG. 3, the position x10 is the position of the flow path section 307, and the position x7 is the position of the flow path section 308. The position x10 to the position x7 have a cross-sectional area of S5 (1020 mm ² ) To S3 (289 mm ² ) Changes rapidly.
[0046]
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the pressure loss other than the cooling unit when the flow path structure according to the present embodiment is used will be described in comparison with the conventional example.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of pressure loss values other than the cooling section when the flow path structure used in the inverter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used. The vertical axis represents the pressure loss value (kPa) other than the cooling part.
[0047]
In the figure, (X) is a pressure loss value due to the flow path structure of the conventional example shown in FIG. 3, and due to the presence of the partial structure portions 301 and 302 and the pool ports 303 and 304, between these and the cooling portion 114, As a result, abrupt changes occur in the channel shape and cross-sectional area. It was 2.4 kPa when pressure loss values other than the cooling part 114 of FIG. 3 were measured. This pressure loss value does not contribute to heat transfer at all, and it is desirable to make it as small as possible.
[0048]
On the other hand, in the figure, (Y) is the case of the flow channel structure according to the present embodiment, and the partial structural tubes 113, 115 are gradually changed in the flow channel width and flow channel depth directions. A sudden change in the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area of the flow path between 115 and the cooling unit 114 can be avoided, and pressure loss can be reduced. When the pressure loss value other than the cooling part 114 of this example was measured, it was 0.5 kPa, which was reduced to about 1/5 from 2.4 kPa in FIG. The pressure loss value of the cooling unit 114 does not change between FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, and the heat dissipation capability of the module 100 is the same.
[0049]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the partial structure tube 113 is configured to gradually change in the flow channel width and flow channel depth directions, so that the cooling portion width W2 ( 60 mm) is wide, the flow rate of the refrigerant (cooling water) in the cooling unit 114 can be made uniform to enable uniform cooling. That is, according to the present embodiment, the pressure loss of the flow path can be reduced without deteriorating the heat transfer characteristics of the flow path. Therefore, the pump can be reduced in size. Moreover, since the inverter can be cooled more efficiently by reducing the pressure loss, the inverter can be downsized.
[0050]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the partial structure having a cross-sectional shape that gradually decreases in the short side direction of the cooling unit and gradually expands in the long side direction in the flow path from the water supply pipe inlet to the cooling unit. In the cooling section, a partial structure section having a cross-sectional shape that gradually expands from the short side of the cooling section and gradually decreases from the long side is provided in the flow path from the cooling section to the drain pipe outlet. Uniform cooling is possible, thermal characteristics can be improved, and pressure loss in the flow path other than the cooling section can be reduced.
[0051]
Next, the configuration of the inverter device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The overall configuration of the water-cooled inverter according to this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.
[0052]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the shape of the flow path provided in the inverter device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 indicate the same parts.
[0053]
The water supply pipe 501 and the drain pipe 504 constituting the flow channel 500 are cylinders having the same diameter as the diameter of the water supply pipe inlet 200 and the drain pipe outlet 201, respectively. The partial structure portion 502 has a structure in which the cross-sectional flow path 505 gradually expands in the flow path width direction from the cross-sectional flow path 505 and gradually decreases in the flow path depth direction. Further, the partial structure portion 503 has a structure in which the cross-sectional flow path 507 gradually decreases in the flow path width direction from the cross-sectional flow path 507 and gradually increases in the flow path depth direction. The partial structures 502 and 503 may be nested, or an opening may be provided only on the surface in contact with the module, and a combination of a semi-cylinder and a rectangular parallelepiped may be used.
[0054]
In the present embodiment, the pressure loss value can be further reduced as compared with the structure shown in FIG. This is because the water supply pipe 501 has a circular cross section and has the same diameter as the water supply pipe connected to the radiator, so that no pressure loss occurs in this portion, and the partial structure portion 502 gradually has a cross sectional area. Due to the changing structure, pressure loss can be reduced. When the pressure loss value other than the cooling part 114 was measured, it was 0.3 kPa, which was further reduced from the pressure loss of 0.5 kPa in the structure shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the pump or the size of the inverter.
[0055]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by providing the partial structure portion in the flow path from the water supply pipe inlet to the cooling section and the flow path from the cooling section to the drain pipe outlet, the cooling section is uniform. Cooling is possible, and the thermal characteristics can be improved, and pressure loss in the flow path other than the cooling section can be reduced. Moreover, pressure loss can be further reduced by making the shape of a water supply pipe and a drain pipe into a cylindrical shape.
[0056]
Next, the configuration of the inverter device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0057]
FIG. 7A is a plan view of a 6-arm (U, V, W phase upper and lower arms) module of the inverter device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a plan perspective view of the flow path portion of the inverter device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the inverter device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB ′ of FIG. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same parts.
[0058]
In the inverter device of the present embodiment, a water-cooled inverter having a finned direct cooling module structure is used. That is, the fin 602 is integrally formed on the copper base 601. An opening is formed in the upper center of the case 110. By inserting the fin 602 into the opening and fastening the module 600 to the case 110 with the screw 111, the flow path 603 is formed. The size of the fin 602 is equivalent to that of the fin 109 shown in FIG. Thus, by forming the fins 602 integrally with the copper base 601, the cooling efficiency can be improved as a direct cooling method in which cooling water is directly applied to the copper base 601 of the module 600. The module 600 normally prevents water leakage from the flow path to the high-pressure part by screwing and an O-ring (not shown), but welding or FSW (Friction
Stirring Welding) may prevent flooding.
[0059]
The flow path portions 112, 113, 114, 115, and 116 are substantially the same as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the partial structure portions 113 and 115 are provided. As a result of forming the flow path with the copper base 601, the width of the flow path is narrowed by the thickness t1 (for example, 2 mm) of the upper plate at the end 110A from the center of the upper plate of the case 110. Therefore, a pressure loss may occur. Therefore, a corner R117 is provided in a portion corresponding to the end portion 110A to reduce the pressure loss.
[0060]
In the flow channel structure having the shape shown in FIG. 7, the pressure loss value other than that of the cooling unit 114 was measured to be 0.6 kPa. Although the pressure loss increases by about 0.1 kPa from the structure shown in FIG. 2, it can be reduced as compared with the conventional structure, and the pump can be downsized or the inverter can be downsized. On the other hand, the cooling efficiency can be improved by adopting the direct cooling structure.
[0061]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by providing the partial structure portion in the flow path from the water supply pipe inlet to the cooling section and the flow path from the cooling section to the drain pipe outlet, the cooling section is uniform. Cooling is possible, and the thermal characteristics can be improved, and pressure loss in the flow path other than the cooling section can be reduced. Further, the cooling efficiency can be improved by adopting the direct cooling method.
[0062]
Next, the structure of the inverter apparatus by the 4th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated using FIG.
[0063]
FIG. 8A is a plan view of a 6-arm (U, V, W phase upper and lower arms) module of the inverter device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8B is a plan perspective view of the flow path portion of the inverter device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the inverter device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC ′ of FIG. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same parts.
[0064]
In the inverter device of this embodiment, a water-cooled inverter having a finless direct cooling module structure is used. That is, the copper base 100 is a flat plate without fins. The configuration other than that is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. The cooling method is also a direct cooling method. The channel 700 is formed by joining the module 100 to the case 110 by screwing or welding. The flow path depth H6 of the cooling unit 701 is, for example, about 2 mm, and when the flow rate is 20 liters per minute, the flow rate in the cooling unit 701 is about 2.5 m / s.
[0065]
In the flow channel structure having the shape shown in FIG. 8, the pressure loss value except for the cooling part 114 was measured and found to be 1 kPa. Although the pressure loss is larger than that of the structure shown in FIG. 7, it can be reduced as compared with the conventional structure, and the pump can be downsized or the inverter can be downsized. On the other hand, the cooling efficiency can be improved by adopting the direct cooling structure.
[0066]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by providing the partial structure portion in the flow path from the water supply pipe inlet to the cooling section and the flow path from the cooling section to the drain pipe outlet, the cooling section is uniform. Cooling is possible, and the thermal characteristics can be improved, and pressure loss in the flow path other than the cooling section can be reduced. Further, the cooling efficiency can be improved by adopting the direct cooling method.
[0067]
Next, the structure of the inverter apparatus by the 5th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated using FIG.
[0068]
FIG. 9A is a plan perspective view of the flow path portion of the inverter device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the inverter device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD ′ of FIG. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same parts.
[0069]
The inverter according to the present embodiment is a two-inverter system having serial and parallel flow paths. The planar configuration of the inverter device according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1A, but two modules are arranged in series in the flow path direction on the same plane.
[0070]
In the flow channel 800, the cooling water flows from the cooling unit 114 at the previous stage through the flow channel 801 to the cooling unit 802 at the subsequent stage. The size of the fin 803 is the same as that of the fin 109, and the fin 109 and the fin 803 may be connected and integrated. The water supply / drain pipes 112 and 116 may be substantially perpendicular to the cooling unit 114.
[0071]
When the cooling water was flowed at 20 liters per minute, the pressure loss except for the cooling parts 114 and 802 was measured and found to be 1.5 kPa. This is because the pressure loss in the flow path 801 is large. Still, when the conventional structure shown in FIG. 3 is applied to the two inverters, the pressure loss value is 3.4 kPa, so that the pressure loss can be reduced. In addition, when exceeding the supply capacity of a pump, what is necessary is just to reduce to the flow volume equivalent to a pressure loss upper limit. Also in this structure, the inverter can be downsized. In addition, although the water cooling system has shown the indirect water cooling system, a direct cooling system like FIG. 7, FIG. 8 may be used.
[0072]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by providing the partial structure portion in the flow path from the water supply pipe inlet to the cooling section and the flow path from the cooling section to the drain pipe outlet, the cooling section is uniform. Cooling is possible, and the thermal characteristics can be improved, and pressure loss in the flow path other than the cooling section can be reduced.
[0073]
Next, the structure of the inverter apparatus by the 6th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated using FIG.
[0074]
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the flow path portion of the inverter device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the flow path portion of the inverter device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE ′ of FIG. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same parts.
[0075]
In this embodiment, the water supply / drainage pipe is substantially perpendicular to the cooling part, and the cross-sectional flow path shape from the water supply pipe to the cooling part gradually increases in the short side direction of the connection cross section between the partial structure part and the cooling part. The cross-sectional channel shape from the cooling part to the drain pipe gradually expands from the short side of the connection cross section between the cooling part and the partial structure part, and gradually increases from the long side. The structure is gradually shrinking.
[0076]
The configuration shown in FIG. 10 is the same as that shown in FIG. Both the water supply pipe 901 and the drain pipe 904 are substantially perpendicular to the cooling unit 114. Between the water supply pipe 901 and the cooling unit 114, the partial structure unit 902 that expands from the channel cross section 905 to the channel cross section 906 in the channel width (long side) direction and contracts in the channel depth (short side) direction. Is provided. Similarly, a partial structure between the cooling unit 114 and the drain pipe 904 is reduced from the channel cross section 907 to the channel cross section 908 in the channel width (long side) direction and expanded in the channel depth (short side) direction. A portion 903 is provided.
[0077]
In the flow channel structure having the shape shown in FIG. 10, the pressure loss value except for the cooling portion 114 was measured and found to be 1.7 kPa. Compared to the conventional structure shown in FIG. 3, the pressure loss value can be reduced by about 30%, and the pump can be downsized or the inverter downsized. Further, by providing the water supply side and the drainage side of the flow path in the vertical direction, the area of the water-cooled inverter can be reduced as compared with the conventional structure, and the inverter can be downsized. Furthermore, since the water supply / drainage pipe is on the same side of the inverter, the degree of freedom in design is increased.
[0078]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by providing the partial structure portion in the flow path from the water supply pipe inlet to the cooling section and the flow path from the cooling section to the drain pipe outlet, the cooling section is uniform. Cooling is possible, and the thermal characteristics can be improved, and pressure loss in the flow path other than the cooling section can be reduced.
[0079]
Next, the structure of the inverter apparatus by the 7th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated using FIG.
[0080]
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the flow path portion of the inverter device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the flow path portion of the inverter device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF ′ of FIG. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same parts.
[0081]
In the present embodiment, the point where the water supply / drainage pipe is substantially perpendicular to the cooling section is the same as in the case of FIG. Except for the configuration of the channel 1000, the configuration is the same as that of FIG. Both the water supply pipe 1001 and the drain pipe 1004 are substantially perpendicular to the cooling unit 114. Between the water supply pipe 1001 and the cooling unit 114, there is provided a partial structure unit 1002 that expands from the channel cross section 1005 to the channel cross section 1006 in the channel width direction and contracts in the channel depth direction. Similarly, between the cooling part 114 and the drain pipe 1004, a partial structure part 1003 is provided which is reduced in the flow path width direction from the flow path cross section 1007 to the flow path cross section 1008 and expanded in the flow path depth direction.
[0082]
In this embodiment, the angle with respect to the cooling part 114 of the surrounding wall of the partial structure parts 1002 and 1003 is different from that shown in FIG. That is, the angle θ5 formed by the peripheral wall of the water supply pipe 1001 and the peripheral wall of the partial structure portion 1002 is set to 45 °. Further, an angle θ6 formed by the peripheral wall of the partial structure portion 1002 and the peripheral wall of the cooling portion 114 is set to 45 °. As a result, the direction of the flow of the cooling water flowing into the water supply pipe inlet 200 is bent by approximately 45 ° between the water supply pipe 1001 and the partial structure portion 1002, and further approximately 45 ° is bent between the partial structure portion 1002 and the cooling portion 114. And flows to the cooling unit 114. Similarly, also on the drain pipe side, the direction of flow between the cooling part 114 and the partial structure part 1003 is bent by approximately 45 °, and further between the partial structure part 1003 and the drain pipe 1004 is further bent by approximately 45 °. Spill from.
[0083]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the change in the flow direction between the water supply / drain pipes 1001 and 1004 and the cooling unit 114 is divided into two stages, and the vector change is set to 45 °, whereby the pressure due to the abrupt vector change. The loss is prevented. The angle θ5 formed by the peripheral wall of the water supply pipe 1001 and the peripheral wall of the partial structure portion 1002 is preferably 45 ° or less, and the angle θ6 formed by the peripheral wall of the partial structure portion 1002 and the peripheral wall of the cooling portion 114 is preferably less than 90 °. is there.
[0084]
In this embodiment, when the pressure loss value other than the cooling unit 114 is measured, it becomes 1.1 kPa, and the pressure loss value can be further reduced as compared with the example shown in FIG. Further, by providing the water supply side and the drainage side of the flow path in the vertical direction, the area of the water-cooled inverter can be reduced as compared with the conventional structure, and the inverter can be downsized. Furthermore, since the water supply / drainage pipe is on the same side of the inverter, the degree of freedom in design is increased.
[0085]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by providing the partial structure portion in the flow path from the water supply pipe inlet to the cooling section and the flow path from the cooling section to the drain pipe outlet, the cooling section is uniform. Cooling is possible, and the thermal characteristics can be improved, and pressure loss in the flow path other than the cooling section can be reduced.
[0086]
Next, the configuration of the inverter apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0087]
FIG. 12A is a plan perspective view of the flow path portion of the inverter device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the inverter device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line GG ′ of FIG. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same parts.
[0088]
The inverter according to the present embodiment is a two-inverter system having L-shaped flow paths in series. The planar configuration of the inverter device according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1A, but two modules exist on the same plane. Further, in the flow path 1100, two modules are arranged in series in the flow direction, and are roughly L-shaped between the two inverters.
[0089]
In the channel 1100, the cooling water flows from the cooling unit 114 at the front stage to the cooling unit 1102 at the subsequent stage through the channel 1101. The size of the fin 1103 is the same as that of the fin 109, and the fins 109 and 1103 may be connected and integrated. The water supply / drain pipes 112 and 116 and the partial structure portions 113 and 115 may be substantially perpendicular to the cooling portion 114. In addition, although the water cooling system has shown the indirect water cooling system, a direct cooling system like FIG. 7, FIG. 8 may be used.
[0090]
When the cooling water was allowed to flow at 20 liters per minute, the pressure loss value except for the cooling parts 114 and 1102 was measured and found to be 3.2 kPa. And a pressure loss can be reduced with respect to the case where the conventional structure shown in FIG. 3 is applied to 2 inverters. In addition, when exceeding the supply capacity of a pump, what is necessary is just to reduce to the flow volume equivalent to a pressure loss upper limit. Also in this structure, the inverter can be downsized.
[0091]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by providing the partial structure portion in the flow path from the water supply pipe inlet to the cooling section and the flow path from the cooling section to the drain pipe outlet, the cooling section is uniform. Cooling is possible, and the thermal characteristics can be improved, and pressure loss in the flow path other than the cooling section can be reduced.
[0092]
Next, the configuration of the inverter device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0093]
FIG. 13A is a plan perspective view of the flow path portion of the inverter device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the inverter device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH ′ of FIG. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 denote the same parts.
[0094]
The inverter according to the present embodiment is a two-inverter system having U-shaped flow paths in series. The planar configuration of the inverter device according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 1A, but two modules exist on the same plane. Further, the flow path 1200 is arranged in series in the flow direction, and is substantially U-shaped between the two inverters.
[0095]
In the flow channel 1200, the cooling water flows from the cooling unit 114 at the front stage through the flow channel 1201 to the cooling unit 1202 at the rear stage. The size of the fin 1203 is the same as that of the fin 109, and the fin 109 and the fin 1203 may be connected and integrated. The water supply / drain pipes 112 and 116 and the partial structure portions 113 and 115 may be substantially perpendicular to the cooling portion 114. In addition, although the water cooling system has shown the indirect water cooling system, a direct cooling system like FIG. 7, FIG. 8 may be used.
[0096]
When the cooling water was flowed at 20 liters per minute, the pressure loss value except for the cooling parts 114 and 1202 was measured and found to be 4.2 kPa. And a pressure loss can be reduced with respect to the case where the conventional structure shown in FIG. 3 is applied to 2 inverters. In addition, when exceeding the supply capacity of a pump, what is necessary is just to reduce to the flow volume equivalent to a pressure loss upper limit. Also in this structure, the inverter can be downsized.
[0097]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by providing the partial structure portion in the flow path from the water supply pipe inlet to the cooling section and the flow path from the cooling section to the drain pipe outlet, the cooling section is uniform. Cooling is possible, and the thermal characteristics can be improved, and pressure loss in the flow path other than the cooling section can be reduced.
[0098]
FIG. 14 shows an electric vehicle controller (inverter device) and an electric motor cooling system to which any one of the above inverter devices is applied, such as an electric vehicle and a hybrid vehicle. The cooling system includes a motor 2 that drives wheels, a controller 1 (inverter device) that controls the output of the motor 2, a radiator 3 for cooling a cooling medium, and an electric pump 4 that are connected by a cooling pipe 5. ing. The cooling pipe 5 is filled with an antifreeze that is a refrigerant. A radiator fan motor 6 for forcibly cooling the refrigerant is attached to the side surface of the radiator 3. In the above configuration, the amount of heat generated from the controller 1 (inverter device) and the electric motor 2 is approximately the same, but the electronic components such as transistors and capacitors that constitute the controller 1 (inverter device) are generated by their own heat and surroundings. Failure to do so may cause malfunction or destruction. These parts have a heat-resistant guaranteed temperature of 150 ° C. or less, and the temperature environment in the electric vehicle becomes very severe. Therefore, priority is given to the controller 1 (inverter device) as the cooling order of the system, and then the system 2 is arranged so as to cool the motor 2 with high heat resistance and to effectively cool it by improving the thermal balance. It is composed.
[0099]
According to the present embodiment, since any one of the inverter devices, that is, the inverter device that can reduce the pressure loss, is provided, the ability of the electric pump 4 that forcibly circulates the antifreeze liquid or water that is the cooling medium is reduced (electric type The pump 4 can be reduced in size. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a small and inexpensive cooling system can be provided.
[0100]
FIG. 15 shows a configuration of an electric drive system of an electric vehicle on which the cooling system is mounted. In the present embodiment, the case where any one of the inverter devices is mounted on an electric vehicle that uses an electric motor as a sole drive source will be described as an example. However, a hybrid vehicle that uses an engine that is an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to reduce driving of the vehicle. Any of the above inverter devices may be applied.
[0101]
In the figure, reference numeral 39 denotes a vehicle body. An axle 42 provided with wheels 40a and 40b at both ends is rotatably attached to the front portion of the vehicle body 39. That is, the front wheel is attached. An axle 43 having wheels 41a and 41b at both ends is rotatably attached to the rear portion of the vehicle body 39. That is, the rear wheel is attached. The electric motor 2 is mechanically connected to the axle 42 via a gear 44. An inverter device 10 is electrically connected to the electric motor 2, and DC power supplied from a battery 20 that is a vehicle power source is converted into three-phase AC power and supplied. A host control device 21 is electrically connected to the inverter device 10, and a command signal corresponding to depression of the accelerator is input.
[0102]
According to the present embodiment, since any one of the inverter devices, that is, the inverter device capable of reducing the pressure loss is provided, the capacity of the electric pump constituting the cooling system for cooling the inverter device is reduced (electric type The pump can be downsized). Therefore, according to the present embodiment, an inexpensive and small cooling system can be provided, so that the mountability of the cooling system to the electric vehicle can be improved and the cost of the electric vehicle can be reduced. it can.
[0103]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to perform uniform cooling without providing a pool portion, improve the thermal characteristics, and reduce the pressure loss of the flow path.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a module of an inverter device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a plan perspective view of a flow path portion of the inverter device, and a cross-sectional view showing an overall configuration of the inverter device.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the shape of a flow path provided in the inverter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the shape of a flow path in a conventional example.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a change in the channel cross-sectional area of the channel structure used in the inverter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a diagram showing a change in the channel cross-sectional area of the conventional example.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of pressure loss values other than those for the cooling section when the flow path structure used in the inverter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the shape of a flow path provided in the inverter device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a module of an inverter device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, a plan perspective view of a flow path portion of the inverter device, and a cross-sectional view showing the entire configuration of the inverter device.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a module of an inverter device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a plan perspective view of a flow path portion of the inverter device, and a cross-sectional view showing the entire configuration of the inverter device.
FIG. 9 is a plan perspective view of a flow path portion of an inverter device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the inverter device.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a flow path portion of an inverter device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and a sectional view showing the overall configuration of the inverter device.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a flow path portion of an inverter device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and a sectional view showing the overall configuration of the inverter device.
FIG. 12 is a perspective plan view of a flow path portion of an inverter device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and a sectional view showing the overall configuration of the inverter device.
FIG. 13 is a plan perspective view of a flow path portion of an inverter device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, and a sectional view showing the overall configuration of the inverter device.
FIG. 14 is a system block diagram of an electric vehicle controller (inverter device) and an electric motor cooling system to which the inverter device according to any of the embodiments of the present invention is applied.
15 is a system configuration diagram of an electric drive system of an electric vehicle on which the cooling system shown in FIG. 14 is mounted.
[Explanation of symbols]
100, 600 ... module
101,601 ... copper base
102 ... Aluminum nitride substrate
103, 104 ... Semiconductor element
105 ... Screw hole
106,107 ... solder
108: Grease
109,602,803,1103,1203 ... fins
110 ... Case
111 ... Screw
112, 501, 901, 1001 ... water supply pipe
113, 115, 301, 302, 502, 503, 902, 903, 1002, 1003... Partial structure
114,701,802,1102,1202 ... cooling part
116,504,904,1004 ... Drain pipe
117 ... Corner R
118 ... Fin channel
120,300,500,603,700,800,801,900,1100,1101,1200,1201 ... flow path
200 ... Water supply pipe entrance
201 ... Drain pipe outlet
202, 203, 204, 205, 305, 306, 307, 308, 505, 506, 507, 508, 905, 906, 907, 908, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008.
303, 304 ... Tamaguchi

Claims (15)

An aluminum case having a flow path for cooling water and a semiconductor module fixed to the aluminum case;
The semiconductor module includes a copper base with cooling fins on the other side, the direct-current power to act as respective upper and lower arms of the provided on the side of one surface of the copper-based U-phase and V-phase and W-phase It has a plurality of semiconductor elements that convert to AC power,
Said opening with said flow path, have a water supply pipe inlet and the cooling unit and the discharge pipe outlet, the cooling portion opening is formed, protruding from the opening in the fin flow passage for cooling The copper base is fixed to the aluminum case so as to close the copper base of the semiconductor module,
Cooling part of said flow path in cross section is four-sided vertical flow path to the flow of the cooling water, the width direction is not make larger shape than its depth direction,
Cooling part of said flow path at that depth a constant, the water supply pipe inlet and waterways shape gradually decreased widthwise depth direction along the flow of cooling water between the cooling part gradually A shape that changes to increase,
The shape of the water channel between the cooling part and the outlet of the discharge pipe has a shape that changes so that the depth direction gradually increases and the width direction gradually decreases along the flow of the cooling water.
A vehicle inverter device characterized by the above. The vehicle inverter device according to claim 1 ,
The height of the fin, a vehicle inverter device wherein the is a flow path depth of the cooling unit and the same. The vehicle inverter device according to claim 2 ,
The semiconductor module includes a U-phase, a V-phase, and a W-phase semiconductor element that are held on the copper base so as to be arranged along the direction of the flow of cooling water. . The vehicle inverter device according to claim 1 ,
The fins along said flow direction of cooling water formed in plurality in parallel, vehicle inverter device interval between adjacent fins, characterized in that one Jode. The vehicle inverter device according to claim 2,
The flow path through which the cooling water formed in the aluminum case flows has first and second cooling parts between the water supply pipe inlet and the discharge pipe outlet, and the first cooling part has A first semiconductor module that converts DC power to AC power is fixed, and a second semiconductor module that converts DC power to AC power is fixed to the second cooling unit,
First and second openings are formed in the first and second cooling parts, respectively.
The fins of the first semiconductor module protrude into the flow path from the first opening, and the first opening is blocked by the copper base of the first semiconductor module and is formed in the second cooling unit. The fin of the second semiconductor module protrudes into the flow path from the opening, and the second opening is blocked by the copper base of the second semiconductor module,
The vehicle inverter apparatus, wherein the first and second cooling sections are connected by a curved channel in the flow direction of the cooling water. The vehicle inverter device according to claim 5,
Said first and second two cooling unit, a vehicle inverter apparatus characterized by being arranged on a flat row along the direction of flow of the cooling water. The vehicle inverter device according to claim 2,
The vehicle inverter apparatus, wherein the water supply pipe inlet and the discharge pipe outlet are provided on a side opposite to a surface on which the semiconductor module is attached. An electric vehicle equipped with the vehicle inverter device according to claim 2,
A power source mounted on a vehicle and supplying the DC power;
A cooling device mounted on the vehicle and cooling the cooling water ,
The electric pump is an electric vehicle that supplies the cooling water supplied from the cooling device to the water supply pipe of the vehicle inverter before the electric motor. An aluminum case having a flow path for cooling water and a semiconductor module fixed to the aluminum case;
The semiconductor module includes a copper base, a plurality of semiconductor elements for converting DC power to act as respective upper and lower arms of the provided on the side of one surface of the copper-based U-phase and V-phase and W-phase AC power Have
The flow path has a water supply pipe inlet, a cooling part, and a discharge pipe outlet, and the cooling part is provided with a plurality of fins for cooling fixed to the aluminum case,
Cooling part of said flow path in cross section is four-sided vertical flow path to the flow of the cooling water, the width direction thereof forms a larger shape than its depth direction,
In the aluminum case forming the cooling part of the flow path, the other surface of the copper base of the semiconductor module is located on the aluminum case side, and a plurality of semiconductor elements of the semiconductor module are in the cooling part. The copper base of the semiconductor module is fixed to the aluminum case so as to be in a corresponding position,
An inverter device for a vehicle,
Cooling part of said flow path is its depth of a constant, waterways shape gradually reduced width direction gradually depth direction along the flow of cooling water between the water supply pipe inlet and the cooling unit The shape changes to increase,
The shape of the water channel between the cooling part and the outlet of the discharge pipe has a shape that changes so that the depth direction gradually increases and the width direction gradually decreases along the flow of the cooling water.
A vehicle inverter device characterized by the above. The vehicle inverter device according to claim 9,
The height of the fin, a vehicle inverter device wherein the is a flow path depth of the cooling unit and the same. The vehicle inverter device according to claim 10,
The semiconductor module includes a U-phase, a V-phase, and a W-phase semiconductor element that are held on the copper base so as to be arranged along the direction of the flow of cooling water. . The vehicle inverter device according to claim 10,
The flow path through which the cooling water formed in the aluminum case has first and second cooling portions between the water supply pipe inlet and the discharge pipe outlet,
A semiconductor module is fixed to each of the first and second cooling parts,
A plurality of the first and second two cooling portion forms a linear shape along the flow direction of the cooling water, which extends along the first and second two flow direction of the respective cooling section cooling water Having fins,
The first and second cooling sections are connected by a curved channel in the flow direction of the cooling water, and the plurality of fins of the first cooling section and the plurality of fins of the second cooling section Are connected in the curved flow path. The vehicle inverter device according to claim 11,
Said first and second two cooling unit, a vehicle inverter apparatus characterized by being arranged on a flat row along the direction of flow of the cooling water. The vehicle inverter device according to claim 10,
The vehicle inverter apparatus, wherein the water supply pipe inlet and the discharge pipe outlet are provided on a side opposite to a surface on which the semiconductor module is attached. An electric vehicle equipped with the vehicle inverter device according to claim 10,
A power source mounted on a vehicle and supplying the DC power;
A cooling device mounted on the vehicle and cooling the cooling water ,
The electric pump, the said cooling water supplied from the cooling apparatus, prior to the electrodeposition motives, electric vehicle supplied to the water supply pipe of the inverter power the vehicle.

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