JP6124008B2 - Power converter - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power conversion device having a power conversion circuit and a housing.

  In recent years, vehicles equipped with traveling motors such as HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles), PHEVs (Plug-in HEVs), and EVs (Electric Vehicles) have become widespread. A vehicle may be equipped with a high-output motor such as a lift, a crane, or a motor that drives an electric compressor.

  In such a vehicle, in addition to a storage battery that supplies power, a power conversion device that converts power between an external power source, the storage battery, and a motor is mounted. The power conversion device is equipped with a charging circuit that generates the charging voltage of the storage battery from an external power source, or an inverter circuit that converts the direct current of the storage battery into a three-phase alternating current and outputs it to the motor as the power conversion circuit. The

  Since the power conversion device includes a power conversion circuit to which a high voltage is applied or generated, the power conversion circuit is generally configured to cover the power conversion circuit with a housing (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). The casing is airtight so that water droplets or dust does not enter.

JP 2003-009301 A JP-A-2005-143200

  The assembly process of the vehicle may include a process of connecting a power output wiring (for example, an output cable for supplying a drive current to the motor) to the power conversion apparatus when the unit-produced power conversion apparatus is assembled to the vehicle. is there. Wiring through which a large current flows needs to be securely connected. For this reason, as a connection method of such wiring, a method of connecting the wiring directly to the connection portion by passing the wiring into the inside of the casing of the power conversion device is usually adopted instead of the connector connection. The wiring connection to the connection part is performed by inserting a screwdriver or the like from the work window of the housing.

  The connection parts are provided at a plurality of locations, for example, three connection parts from which three-phase alternating current is output. In general, the plurality of connecting portions are arranged apart from each other in order to ensure a predetermined insulation distance or in consideration of the influence of a magnetic field. For this reason, the work window corresponding to a plurality of connection parts is formed into a window hole that is long in the direction in which the connection parts are arranged or a plurality of window holes arranged in the same direction as the plurality of connection parts.

  When providing a work window in the casing of the power converter, it is necessary to provide an interlock mechanism that ensures safety when the work window is opened. Specifically, the interlock mechanism is a mechanism in which, when the lid of the work window is removed, the interlock switch is switched to cut off the power supply.

  However, when the work window is provided in a long range in one direction, there arises a problem of how to configure the lid that constitutes a part of the interlock mechanism.

  For example, when a metal lid is adopted and the lid is fastened to the housing via a gasket, high airtightness can be secured, but a structure (for example, a protrusion) for switching an interlock switch is lidded. Therefore, it is difficult to form the lid as compared with the case where the lid is made of resin, and the number of steps is increased, which increases the cost.

  On the other hand, when a resin lid is adopted and a lid with an O-ring is fastened to the housing, the structure for switching the interlock switch (for example, a protrusion) is low cost and high flexibility by resin molding. Can be provided on the lid. For example, an optimally shaped protrusion can be easily provided on the lid. However, when sealing a long lid on one side, such as a rectangular shape, it is necessary to prepare an O-ring having a similar shape. However, as one of the lengths of this shape increases, the O-ring can maintain airtightness. There was a problem that became difficult.

  In addition, if a plurality of sets of work windows and lids are provided independently corresponding to a plurality of connection portions, there is a problem that it is necessary to provide interlock mechanisms as many as the number of lids.

  The objective of this invention is providing the power converter device which can ensure the airtightness of the work window of a power converter device, and can aim at the ease of manufacture of an interlock mechanism.

  A power conversion device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a power conversion circuit, a housing that houses the power conversion circuit, a work window that is provided in the housing and communicates from the outside to the inside of the housing, and the work A plurality of lids for closing the window; and an interlock mechanism interlocking with an open / closed state of the plurality of lids, wherein the plurality of lids are on the first lid and a part of the first lid. A second lid that overlaps and is fixed to the casing, wherein the interlock mechanism is provided in an interlock switch disposed in the casing, and the interlock switch is provided in the second lid. And an operation section for switching the interlock switch.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the airtightness of the work window of a power converter device can be ensured, and the ease of manufacture of an interlock mechanism can be aimed at.

The block diagram which shows the power converter device of embodiment of this invention, and its periphery The exploded perspective view showing the power converter of an embodiment The disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the work window and cover of the power converter device of embodiment The perspective view which shows the state by which the cover was fixed to the work window of the power converter device of embodiment The front view which shows the work window of the power converter device of embodiment The front view which shows the state which fixed the 1st cover to the work window of the power converter device of embodiment The front view which shows the state which fixed the 1st cover and the 2nd cover to the work window of the power converter device of embodiment The top view which shows the interlock mechanism of the power converter device of embodiment The schematic diagram which shows the state with which the power converter device of embodiment was mounted in the vehicle

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a power conversion apparatus and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the power conversion device according to the embodiment.

  The power conversion device 100 of the present embodiment is a device mounted on, for example, a vehicle 1 (see FIG. 9), and includes casings 11 and 12, a charging device 14, a junction box 15, and a power conversion circuit. Inverter 13.

  The power conversion device 100 can be connected to the external power supply 20 via an external connector, and is connected to the battery (storage battery) 30 and the motor 40 via wiring. The motor 40 is, for example, a traveling motor. The wiring is, for example, the output cable 42.

  The charging device 14 includes, for example, an AC-DC conversion circuit and / or a DC-DC conversion circuit, and generates electric charge voltage of the battery 30 by inputting electric power from the external power supply 20.

  The junction box 15 relays electrical connection among the battery 30, the charging device 14, and the inverter 13, and distributes the flow of electric power. The junction box 15 is also called an electric distribution box.

  The inverter 13 converts the direct current (or direct current power) supplied from the battery 30 into a three-phase alternating current (or alternating current power) and outputs it to the motor 40.

  The casings 11 and 12 accommodate the charging device 14, the junction box 15, and the inverter 13. Although not particularly limited, the housings 11 and 12 are partitioned inside to form two housing spaces, one housing 11 houses the inverter 13, and the other housing 12 has the charging device 14 and the junction. A box 15 is accommodated.

  The casings 11 and 12 are molded by, for example, aluminum casting and have heat resistance and rigidity. The casings 11 and 12 are airtight so that water droplets or dust does not enter.

[Work window configuration]
As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 11 is provided with two working windows 111 and 112 for directly connecting the three-phase output cable 42 to the inverter 13.

  FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a structure of a work window and a lid of the power conversion device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lid is fixed to the work window. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a work window. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state in which the first lid is fixed to the work window. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a state in which the first lid and the second lid are fixed to the work window.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the work windows 111 and 112 are through holes that communicate from the outside to the inside of the housing 11. The work windows 111 and 112 are provided at positions where the three connection portions 131 face. The three connection portions 131 are portions that connect the connection terminals 42a of the three output cables 42 that transmit a three-phase alternating current to the motor 40 and the output terminals of the inverter 13 with screws or the like.

  The three connection portions 131 are spaced apart from each other because of magnetic influences and the need to ensure a predetermined insulation distance. The three connection portions 131 are arranged in a line along the substrate of the inverter 13.

  The three output cables 42 are passed through the inside of the housing 11 through the three through holes at the bottom of the housing 11. The three through-holes are secured by the three cable clamps 42b being tightened.

  One working window 111 has an elongated hole shape that is long on one side. Specifically, the work window 111 has a long rectangular shape (a rectangular shape with corners having an R shape) in the direction in which the three connection portions 131 are arranged. Two connection portions 131 face the work window 111.

  The other working window 112 is a hole having a shape that does not differ greatly in length and width. Specifically, the working window 112 has a substantially circular shape or an elliptical shape slightly longer on one side. One connection portion 131 faces the work window 112.

[Configuration of work window lid]
As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 11 includes a plurality of lids 51 and 52 for closing the work windows 111 and 112.

  The first lid 51 closes one working window 111 and is a metal lid formed by processing a sheet metal. The lid 51 is fastened to the housing 11 via bolts or the like with a highly rigid gasket 511 interposed therebetween. The lid 51 is not limited to a metal as long as it is a rigid member.

  The second lid 52 closes the other work window 112 and is integrally formed of resin. The lid 52 is provided with a protrusion 522 (corresponding to an action portion) that presses an interlock switch 135 (see FIG. 8) described later by integral molding of resin. Note that the lid 52 may be configured to be partially metal and partially resin by insert molding or outsert molding.

  The lid 52 is fastened to the housing 11 via a bolt or the like. The lid 52 is fitted with an elastic O-ring 521 (for example, a rubber O-ring). The O-ring 521 is sandwiched between the lid 52 and the work window 112 to seal these gaps.

  The lid 52 is provided with an overlapping portion 52 a that overlaps the other lid 51 when fastened to the housing 11. The overlapping portion 52a is configured to overlap, for example, a bolt that fastens the lid 51 so as to overlap the fastening portion 51a of the lid 51 (outside the casing). With this configuration, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, when the lid 52 is fastened, the bolt of the other lid 51 is hidden so that the other lid 51 cannot be fastened. That is, when the lid 52 is not opened, the other lid 51 is not opened.

  Protrusions 113 are provided in the vicinity of the work window 112 corresponding to the lid 52 so that the lid 52 cannot be attached to the left and right sides.

[Configuration of interlock mechanism]
FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating an interlock mechanism of the power conversion device according to the embodiment.

  The power conversion apparatus 100 according to the embodiment is provided with an interlock mechanism that ensures safety when the work windows 111 and 112 are opened.

  The interlock mechanism is mainly composed of an interlock switch 135 disposed inside the housing 11 and a protrusion 522 that acts on the interlock switch 135 to switch the switch.

  The interlock switch 135 is, for example, a contact type switch that is switched by pushing the arm 135a. The inverter 13 is provided with a cut-off circuit in which power is input to the inverter when the arm 135a is pushed in, and the power input to the inverter is cut off when the push of the arm 135a is released.

  As described above, the protrusion 522 is provided on the lid 52, and is configured to protrude from the work window 112 into the housing 11 and push the arm 135 a of the interlock switch 135 while the lid 52 is fastened. Is done.

  The interlock switch 135 may be a proximity sensor type switch that switches the state by the proximity of the protrusion 522 instead of the contact type.

[Vehicle mounting process]
FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are schematic diagrams illustrating two examples of a state where the power conversion device of the embodiment is mounted on a vehicle.

  The vehicle in FIG. 9A is an example in which a traveling motor 40 is disposed in the vicinity of the front wheel axle. The battery 30 is disposed at the bottom of the vehicle 1 (for example, below the seat). In this case, the power conversion device 100 may be disposed at a site in front of the vehicle 1 that can be connected with the motor 40 in the shortest distance.

  The vehicle in FIG. 9B is an example in which a traveling motor 40 is disposed in the vicinity of the rear wheel axle. The battery 30 is disposed at the bottom of the vehicle 1 (for example, below the seat). In this case, the power conversion device 100 may be disposed at a site behind the vehicle 1 that can be connected to the motor 40 with the shortest distance.

  In the step of mounting the power conversion device 100 on the vehicle 1, a step of connecting the output cable 42 to the inverter 13 is required after the unit-produced power conversion device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 1 or in the process.

  In the cable connection process, first, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the operator can connect the three output cables 42 via the work windows 111 and 112 with the lids 51 and 52 opened. 42 a is connected to the connection part 131 of the inverter 13. When the lid 52 is removed, the interlock switch 135 is turned off, and the power input to the inverter 13 is interrupted. Therefore, it is possible to perform the wiring work while ensuring safety.

  When the connection work is completed, the operator fastens one lid 51 to the housing 11 as shown in FIG. Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the other lid 52 is fastened to the housing 12. These fastenings ensure high airtightness of the casing 11. When the other lid 52 is fastened, the interlock switch 135 is turned on, and power supply to the inverter 13 becomes possible.

[Effect of the embodiment]
As described above, according to the power conversion device 100 of the present embodiment, one lid 52 is fastened so as to partially overlap the other lid 51. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the safety associated with the opening of the work windows 111 and 112 only by providing an interlock mechanism that is linked to the opening and closing of the one lid 52. That is, the other lid 51 cannot be removed unless one lid 52 is removed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of lids 51 and 52 are provided to close the work windows 111 and 112. As a result, even in a configuration in which the work windows 111 and 112 are provided in a long range on one side corresponding to a plurality of connection portions arranged to be separated from each other, a second portion that requires an action portion (for example, a protrusion) of the interlock mechanism. The lid 52 can be made into a small shape (or a shape in which the vertical and horizontal dimensions do not differ greatly). As a result, the second lid 52 is made of resin, and the operating portion (for example, a protrusion) of the interlock mechanism can be easily provided at low cost, and high airtightness is easily ensured by the O-ring. be able to.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the first lid 51 that does not require an action part (for example, a protrusion) of the interlock mechanism and the corresponding work hole 111 have a long shape on one side, and the two connection parts 131 are provided. Configured to face. Thereby, the number of parts can be reduced and the efficiency of the wiring work can be improved.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above.

  In the above embodiment, as the interlock mechanism, a configuration in which the power supply to the inverter 13 is interrupted when the work windows 111 and 112 are opened is illustrated. However, the interlock mechanism may be configured to block at least the application of a high voltage to the connection part 131.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the structure which has the two work windows 111 and 112 and the two lid | covers 51 and 52 was illustrated, n (n is a natural number of 3 or more) work windows, n lid | covers, It is good also as a structure which has. In this case, each of the n lids may be configured to partially overlap with the other lid, and each lid except for the last one may be configured so as not to be removed unless the other lid is removed. . And the action | operation part (for example, protrusion) of an interlock mechanism should just be provided in the lid | cover fastened finally.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration having the two work windows 111 and 112 and the two lids 51 and 52 has been exemplified. However, a configuration having one work window and two lids may be used. In this case, the first lid covers the entire circumference of one work window, and a through hole serving as a small work window is provided in a part of the first lid, and the work window provided in the first lid is provided. May be configured to be covered by the second lid.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the structure which a part of 2nd cover 52 overlaps on the fastening part 51a (bolt) of the 1st cover 51 was illustrated. However, the second lid 52 may overlap with a portion other than the fastening portion of the first lid 51 so that the first lid 51 cannot be removed unless the second lid 52 is removed. In addition, a configuration in which the lid 51 and the lid 52 are collectively fastened to the housing 11, for example, an insertion hole that overlaps the lid 51 and the lid 52 is provided, and one bolt passes through both the insertion holes. It is good also as a structure fastened to the housing | casing 11. FIG.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the working windows 111 and 112 demonstrated that it was a working window for connecting the output cable 42 of the motor 40, a working window is for terminal connection of the harness which inputs electric power, for example In addition, it is good also as a work window provided for various purposes.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the inverter 13, the charging device 14, and the junction box 15 were shown as an example as a circuit accommodated in the housing | casing of a power converter device. However, as the circuit accommodated in the casing of the power conversion device, only an inverter, only a charging circuit, and various other high-power circuits to which a high voltage is applied or generated may be employed.

  The present invention can be used for, for example, a power conversion device mounted on a vehicle.

1 Vehicle 11 Case 13 Inverter (Power Conversion Circuit)
42 Output cable 42a Connection terminal 51 Lid (first lid)
51a Fastening portion 52 Lid (second lid)
522 Protrusion (action part)
52a Superposition part 100 Power converter 111,112 Work window 131 Connection part 135 Interlock switch 511 Gasket 521 O-ring

Claims (6)

A power conversion circuit;
A housing that houses the power conversion circuit;
A work window provided in the case and leading from the outside to the inside of the case;
A plurality of lids for closing the working window;
An interlock mechanism interlocking with the open / closed state of the plurality of lids;
Comprising
The plurality of lids include a first lid and a second lid that overlaps a part of the first lid and is fixed to the housing.
The interlock mechanism is
An interlock switch disposed inside the housing;
An action portion provided on the second lid and acting on the interlock switch to switch the interlock switch;
Having
Power conversion device. A fastening portion for fastening the first lid to the housing is provided at an overlapping portion between the first lid and the second lid.
The power conversion device according to claim 1. Three connection portions of a three-phase cable transmitting three-phase AC power face the working window,
The working window is composed of a long window hole in one direction, a plurality of window holes arranged in one direction, or a combination thereof.
The power conversion device according to claim 1. The first lid is a metal lid, and covers a portion of the work window facing two connection portions of the three connection portions,
The second lid is at least partly a resin lid, and closes a portion of the work window facing the remaining one connection portion of the three connection portions,
The power conversion device according to claim 3. The first lid is a metal lid fixed to the housing with a gasket interposed therebetween,
The second lid is fixed to the housing with an O-ring interposed therebetween, and at least a part is a resin lid.
The power conversion device according to claim 1. The power conversion circuit is an inverter circuit that outputs AC power to a motor mounted on a vehicle.
The power conversion device according to claim 1.

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