JP7310467B2 - power converter - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a power converter, and more particularly to a power converter including a main circuit section.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a power conversion device including a main circuit unit is known (see Patent Document 1, for example).

The power conversion device of Patent Document 1 includes a main housing and a sub-housing provided below the main housing. The main housing includes an upper case. The upper case accommodates the main circuit section. The main circuit section includes switching elements that generate a relatively large amount of heat. Also, the main housing includes a lower case disposed below the upper case. The lower case accommodates one heat sink for cooling the main circuit portion accommodated in the upper case. A fan is also provided in the lower case. The heat sink is cooled by air brought in from the outside by a fan. That is, the heat sink (main circuit section) is cooled by forced circulation using a fan.

Further, in the power conversion device of Patent Literature 1, the sub-circuit unit is accommodated in the sub-housing. Note that the sub-circuit unit is composed of a device or the like that generates a relatively small amount of heat. For example, the sub-circuit unit includes a DCR (Differential Current Relay) and the like. Also, the sub-circuit section is configured to be cooled by natural airflow flowing through the vent provided in the sub-housing.

Further, in the power conversion device of Patent Document 1, an opening/closing portion is provided between the main housing and the sub-housing. Also, the sub-housing is provided with a temperature sensor. Then, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor becomes higher than a predetermined temperature, the opening/closing portion is opened. As a result, the air in the sub-housing is forced to flow by the fan provided in the main housing. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the sub-circuit portion accommodated in the sub-housing is improved.

Patent No. 6517406

However, in the power conversion device described in Patent Document 1, the main circuit section, which generates a relatively large amount of heat, is arranged in the upper case and cooled by one heat sink. Therefore, when the amount of heat generated by the main circuit increases, there may be a problem that the main circuit may not be sufficiently cooled by a single heat sink.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the problems described above, and one object of the present invention is to provide a power converter capable of sufficiently cooling the main circuit section.

In order to achieve the above object, a power conversion device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first main circuit unit that converts power, a first cooling unit on which the first main circuit unit is mounted, and a The second main circuit unit to be converted is opposed to the first cooling unit and is provided so as to be separated by a predetermined distance when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the direction facing the first cooling unit. a second cooling unit on which the circuit unit is mounted; a first casing unit that houses the first main circuit unit mounted on the first cooling unit; and a second main circuit mounted on the second cooling unit and a blower section for blowing cooling air to the first cooling section and the second cooling section between the first housing section and the second housing section. A semiconductor switching element that converts DC power into AC power, a control unit that controls the semiconductor switching element, and a diode that rectifies AC power into DC power are housed in different housings.

In the power conversion device according to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, the first cooling section on which the first main circuit section is mounted faces the first cooling section and faces the first cooling section. a second cooling unit provided at a predetermined interval when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the direction, and on which the second main circuit unit is mounted; As a result, the first main circuit section and the second main circuit section, which generate a relatively large amount of heat, are individually cooled by the first cooling section and the second cooling section, respectively. It is possible to efficiently cool the main circuit section (the first main circuit section and the second main circuit section) as compared with the case of cooling the section (the first main circuit section and the second main circuit section). As a result, the main circuit section can be sufficiently cooled. In addition, compared to the case where the main circuit section (the first main circuit section and the second main circuit section) is arranged in one cooling section, the heat dissipation area of one cooling section can be easily increased. In addition, since the first cooling unit and the second cooling unit are spaced apart by a predetermined distance when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first cooling unit and the second cooling unit face each other, the first cooling unit The cooling air can smoothly move through the gap between the part and the second cooling part. As a result, the flow velocity of the cooling air increases, so that the cooling efficiency of the first cooling section and the second cooling section can be improved.

Also, a first casing part that houses the first main circuit part placed on the first cooling part and a second casing part that houses the second main circuit part placed on the second cooling part are provided. Since the first main circuit section and the second main circuit section, which generate a relatively large amount of heat, are arranged separately in the first housing section and the second housing section, respectively, one Compared to the case where the main circuit section (the first main circuit section and the second main circuit section) is arranged in the housing, the temperature inside the housing can be significantly reduced. The "main circuit section" means a section composed of electronic components that generate a relatively large amount of heat, such as semiconductor switching elements and diodes.
In order to achieve the above object, a power converter according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a first main circuit unit that converts power, a first cooling unit on which the first main circuit unit is mounted, and a The second main circuit unit to be converted is opposed to the first cooling unit and is provided so as to be separated by a predetermined distance when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the direction facing the first cooling unit. A second cooling unit on which the circuit unit is mounted, a first housing unit that houses the first main circuit unit mounted on the first cooling unit, and a second main circuit mounted on the second cooling unit and a blower section for blowing cooling air to the first cooling section and the second cooling section between the first housing section and the second housing section. The first casing is provided with a recess that is depressed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the cooling air flows, and the second casing is opposed to the recess of the first casing, and It is arranged in a convex shape toward the concave portion from the surface on which the second housing portion is arranged.

In the power conversion device according to the first and second aspects, preferably, the first housing unit seals the first main circuit unit, and the second housing unit seals the second main circuit unit. It is configured. With this configuration, the first main circuit section and the second main circuit section can be protected from dust and moisture.

In this case, preferably, the first housing unit is configured to seal the first main circuit unit, and the second housing unit is configured to seal the second main circuit unit, and the power converter is configured to: It is configured to be placed on a rail vehicle. With this configuration, since the first main circuit section and the second main circuit section of the railway vehicle are required to be dustproof and waterproof, it is not necessary to seal the first main circuit section and the second main circuit section. , the power conversion device is particularly effective in that it is provided in a railway vehicle.

In the power conversion devices according to the first and second aspects, preferably, the first cooling unit includes a first cooling body on which the first main circuit is mounted, and a first cooling body provided in the first cooling body. The second cooling part includes a second cooling body on which the second main circuit part is mounted, and a second cooling body provided on the second cooling body, the first cooling fins and A third housing portion in which the second heat radiating fins are arranged, the air blowing portion is arranged on one end side in the direction in which the cooling air flows, and the discharge port for discharging the cooling air is arranged on the other end side. further provide. With this configuration, the cooling air that is blown by the air blowing unit and passes through the inside of the third housing cools the first heat radiating fins and the second heat radiating fins (that is, the first main circuit unit and the second heat radiating fins). Since the main circuit section can be cooled separately, the first main circuit section and the second main circuit section can be efficiently cooled.

In the power conversion device according to the first aspect, preferably, the first housing portion is provided with a recess recessed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the cooling air flows, and the second housing portion The second housing is arranged so as to face the concave portion of the first housing portion and in a convex shape toward the concave portion from the surface on which the second housing portion is arranged, and the cooling air is directed from the blower portion into the convex shape. While getting over the part, it is configured to flow to the downstream side in the direction in which the cooling air of the convex second housing part flows via the first cooling part and the second cooling part. With this configuration, the convex second housing portion can be arranged closer to the concave portion side of the first housing portion, so that the first housing portion and the second housing portion are stacked. It is possible to reduce the width of the power conversion device in the direction of

In this case, preferably, a transformer for converting voltage between the first main circuit section and the second main circuit section, a reactor connected to the second main circuit section, and an outlet for discharging the cooling air are provided. In addition, the reactor is disposed in the flow path between the blower section and the convex second casing, and the transformer is disposed in the flow path between the convex second casing and the discharge port. are placed. With this configuration, the amount of heat generated by the reactor is greater than the amount of heat generated by the transformer. By arranging, the reactor can be efficiently cooled.

In the power converter according to the second aspect, preferably, the first main circuit section includes a semiconductor switching element that converts DC power into AC power, and further includes a control section that controls the semiconductor switching element, wherein the control section , and the first main circuit portion are accommodated in the first housing portion. With this configuration, the wiring length connecting the semiconductor switching element and the control section can be shortened compared to the case where the semiconductor switching element and the control section are accommodated in separate housings.

In this case, preferably, a connector section for electrically connecting the control section and an external wiring is further provided, and the connector section is provided on a side surface of the first housing section. With this configuration, the wiring length connecting the control section and the connector section can be shortened compared to the case where the control section and the connector section are provided in separate housings.

In the power conversion device including the control unit, preferably, the second main circuit unit includes a diode that rectifies AC power into DC power, and a second housing different from the first housing housing the control unit. housed in the body. With this configuration, the diode is not controlled by the control section, so even if the diode is accommodated in the second housing section in which the control section is not accommodated, the wiring length does not become long. As a result, the semiconductor switching element and the diode can be individually and efficiently cooled while the semiconductor switching element and the diode are separated.

According to the present invention, the main circuit section can be sufficiently cooled as described above.

1 is a circuit diagram of a power conversion device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power converter according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a top view of a power conversion device according to a first embodiment; FIG. It is a bottom view of the power converter by 1st Embodiment. Figure 400 is a cross-sectional view along line 400-400 of Figure 3; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 500-500 of Figure 3; It is a perspective view (1) of the power converter by 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view (2) of the power converter by 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 600-600 of FIG. 7; It is a perspective view of the power converter by a modification. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 700-700 of Figure 10;

Embodiments embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
The configuration of a power converter 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. In addition, in 1st Embodiment, the power converter device 100 is arrange|positioned at the rail vehicle 1 (refer FIG. 5). For example, the power conversion device 100 is arranged in the space 1 a below the passenger compartment of the railroad vehicle 1 . Also, in the specification of the present application, the Z direction is the vertical direction, the Z1 direction is the upward direction, and the Z2 direction is the downward direction. Also, the X direction and the Y direction are directions orthogonal to each other along the horizontal plane.

First, the circuit configuration of the power converter 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

The power conversion device 100 includes a first main circuit section 10 (inverter) that converts the DC power output from the DC power supply 2 into AC power. The first main circuit section 10 includes a plurality of semiconductor switching elements 10a that convert DC power into AC power.

The power conversion device 100 also includes a transformer 20 . The transformer 20 is configured to convert voltage between the first main circuit section 10 and a second main circuit section 11 which will be described later.

The power converter 100 also includes a second main circuit section 11 (rectifying section). The second main circuit section 11 is configured to rectify (convert into direct current) the AC power from the first main circuit section 10 . The second main circuit section 11 includes a plurality of diodes 11a that rectify AC power into DC power. A reactor 21 that smoothes the DC power converted by the plurality of diodes 11 a is connected to the second main circuit section 11 . Also, the DC power smoothed by the reactor 21 is supplied to the load 3 . A capacitor 22 is provided between the reactor 21 and the load 3 . A smoothing circuit is configured by the reactor 21 and the capacitor 22 .

Next, the structure of the power conversion device 100 will be described. 2 to 4, in order to illustrate the inside of the power converter 100, the upper and lower sides of the power converter 100 are shown as being open. On the other hand, actually, the upper and lower sides of the power electronics device 100 are closed.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the power converter 100 includes an upper cooling section 30 on which the first main circuit section 10 is mounted. Also, the upper cooling portion 30 includes an upper cooling body portion 31 on which the first main circuit portion 10 is mounted, and upper heat radiation fins 32 provided on the upper cooling body portion 31 . The upper heat radiation fins 32 are provided so as to protrude in the Z2 direction from the Z2 direction side of the upper cooling body portion 31 . A plurality of upper heat radiation fins 32 are provided. The plurality of upper heat radiation fins 32 are arranged in a state of being spaced apart from each other at approximately equal intervals along the Y direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the upper heat radiation fins 32 have a substantially rectangular shape. The upper heat radiation fins 32 are arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the substantially rectangular upper heat radiation fins 32 is along the X direction. The upper cooling portion 30, the upper cooling main body portion 31, and the upper heat radiation fins 32 are referred to as the “first cooling portion,” the “first cooling body portion,” and the “first heat radiation fins,” respectively. is an example of

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the power conversion device 100 includes a lower cooling section 40 . In the first embodiment, the lower cooling section 40 faces the upper cooling section 30 and is a predetermined They are provided so as to be spaced apart with an interval D therebetween. Also, the second main circuit section 11 is mounted on the lower cooling section 40 . Specifically, the lower cooling section 40 faces the upper cooling section 30 in the Z direction. Also, the second main circuit section 11 is provided on the Z2 direction side of the lower cooling section 40 . Further, the lower cooling portion 40 includes a lower cooling main body portion 41 on which the second main circuit portion 11 is mounted, and lower heat radiation fins 42 provided on the lower cooling main body portion 41 . Further, the lower heat radiation fins 42 are provided so as to protrude in the Z1 direction from the Z1 direction side of the lower cooling body portion 41 . A plurality of lower heat radiation fins 42 are provided. The plurality of lower heat radiating fins 42 are arranged in a state of being separated from each other at substantially equal intervals along the Y direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the lower heat radiation fins 42 have a substantially rectangular shape. The lower heat radiation fins 42 are arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the substantially rectangular lower heat radiation fins 42 is along the X direction. The lower cooling portion 40, the lower cooling main body portion 41, and the lower heat radiation fins 42 are referred to as the “second cooling portion,” the “second cooling body portion,” and the “second heat radiation fins,” respectively. is an example of

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the power conversion device 100 includes an upper housing portion 50. As shown in FIG. The upper housing section 50 is configured to accommodate the first main circuit section 10 placed on the upper cooling section 30 . Specifically, the upper housing portion 50 is provided with a concave portion 51 that is recessed in a direction (Y direction) substantially orthogonal to the direction (X direction) in which the cooling air (arrow C) flows. Further, the concave portion 51 is provided on the Z2 direction side of the upper housing portion 50 . Further, the upper housing portion 50 is made of sheet metal, for example. Further, the concave portion 51 is fixed to the surface 50a of the upper housing portion 50 on the Z2 direction side with screws or the like. In addition, the upper housing part 50 is an example of the "first housing part" in the scope of claims.

Also, the upper cooling part 30 is arranged on the bottom surface 51 a of the recess 51 . Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the recess 51 is provided with an opening 51b. The opening 51 b is closed by the upper cooling main body 31 . Also, a part of the upper cooling body portion 31 and the first main circuit portion 10 are exposed from the opening portion 51b.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the upper housing section 50 is configured to seal the first main circuit section 10. As shown in FIGS. Specifically, the inside of the upper housing 50 with the opening 51b closed by the upper cooling main body 31 forms a sealed space SP1. The first main circuit section 10 is arranged inside the upper housing section 50 (sealed space SP1). A plurality of semiconductor switching elements 10a of the first main circuit section 10 are arranged along the Y direction. Electrical components (not shown) other than the first main circuit section 10 are also arranged inside the upper housing section 50 . In addition, the cooling air from the blower section 70 to be described later does not flow inside the upper housing section 50 .

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the power conversion device 100 includes a lower housing section 60 . The lower housing section 60 is configured to accommodate the second main circuit section 11 placed on the lower cooling section 40 . Specifically, the lower housing portion 60 faces the concave portion 51 of the upper housing portion 50 and is arranged on the surface on which the lower housing portion 60 is arranged (on the Z2 direction side of the intermediate housing portion 80 described later). It is arranged in a convex shape from the surface 80 a ) toward the recess 51 . Further, the lower housing part 60 is made of sheet metal, for example. Further, the lower housing portion 60 is fixed to the intermediate housing portion 80 with screws or the like. In addition, the lower housing part 60 is an example of the "second housing part" in the scope of claims.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, an opening 60b is provided in a surface 60a on the Z1 direction side of the lower housing portion 60. As shown in FIG. The opening 60 b is closed by the lower cooling main body 41 . Also, a portion of the lower cooling main body portion 41 and the second main circuit portion 11 are exposed from the opening portion 60b.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lower housing section 60 is configured to hermetically seal the second main circuit section 11 . Specifically, the interior of the lower housing 60 with the opening 60b closed by the lower cooling main body 41 forms a sealed space SP2. The second main circuit section 11 is arranged inside the lower housing section 60 (sealed space SP2). That is, the second main circuit section 11 including the diode 11a is housed in the lower housing section 60 different from the upper housing section 50 housing the control section 90, which will be described later. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of diodes 11a of the second main circuit section 11 are arranged along the Y direction. Electrical components (not shown) other than the second main circuit section 11 are also arranged inside the lower housing section 60 . In addition, the cooling air from the blower section 70 to be described later does not flow inside the lower housing section 60 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the width W1 of the lower housing portion 60 in the X direction is smaller than the width W2 of the upper housing portion 50 (the width W3 of the concave portion 51). In addition, in the direction in which the cooling air flows (X direction), the upstream end 32a of the upper heat radiation fin 32 is shifted in the X2 direction with respect to the upstream end 42a of the lower heat radiation fin 42, The downstream end 32b of the upper radiation fin 32 is shifted in the X2 direction with respect to the downstream end 42b of the lower radiation fin 42 .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the power converter 100 includes a blower section 70. The air blowing unit 70 is configured to blow cooling air to the upper cooling unit 30 and the lower cooling unit 40 between the upper housing unit 50 and the lower housing unit 60 .

Specifically, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the power conversion device 100 includes an intermediate housing portion 80. As shown in FIGS. The upper heat radiation fins 32 and the lower heat radiation fins 42 are arranged in the intermediate housing portion 80 . In addition, the blower unit 70 is arranged on the one end side (X1 direction side) of the intermediate housing unit 80 in the direction in which the cooling air flows. Further, an outlet 81 through which the cooling air is discharged is arranged on the other end side (X2 direction side) of the intermediate housing portion 80 . Specifically, the upper heat radiation fins 32 protrude downward from the Z2 direction side of the concave portion 51 of the upper housing portion 50, and the lower ends of the upper heat radiation fins 32 are arranged inside the intermediate housing portion 80. there is In addition, the lower cooling portion 40 (lower cooling main body portion 41, lower heat radiation fins 42) is arranged on the Z1 direction side of the lower housing portion 60, and the entire lower cooling portion 40 is located inside the intermediate housing portion 80. are placed in Further, the discharge port 81 is configured by a plurality of holes provided in the side surface 80b of the intermediate housing portion 80 on the X2 direction side. Outside air is introduced into the intermediate housing portion 80 unlike the upper housing portion 50 and the lower housing portion 60 . That is, the intermediate housing part 80 is not sealed. It should be noted that the intermediate housing portion 80 is an example of the "third housing portion" in the scope of claims.

A convex lower housing portion 60 is provided on the surface 80a of the intermediate housing portion 80 on the Z2 direction side. In addition, the recessed portion 51 of the upper housing portion 50 recessed in the Z1 direction is arranged on the Z1 direction side (upper side) of the convex lower housing portion 60 . Thus, the intermediate housing portion 80 and the space SP3 on the Z2 direction side of the recessed portion 51 communicating with the intermediate housing portion 80 form a flow path A through which the cooling air flows. The flow path A has a hat shape (stepped shape) when viewed from the Y direction.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the reactor 21 is arranged in the flow path A between the blower section 70 and the convex lower housing section 60 . Further, the transformer 20 is arranged in the flow path A between the convex lower housing portion 60 and the discharge port 81 . Specifically, the reactor 21 is mounted on a surface 80 a of the intermediate housing portion 80 on the Z2 direction side, which is located between the blower portion 70 and the lower housing portion 60 . Further, the transformer 20 is mounted on a surface 80 a of the intermediate housing portion 80 on the Z2 direction side, which is located between the lower housing portion 60 and the discharge port 81 . That is, since reactor 21 and transformer 20 are relatively heavy, they are arranged on the lower side of power converter 100 .

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the power conversion device 100 includes a control section 90 that controls the semiconductor switching element 10a (first main circuit section 10). The control unit 90 is accommodated in the upper housing unit 50 together with the first main circuit unit 10 . That is, the control section 90 is sealed by the upper housing section 50 together with the first main circuit section 10 .

Moreover, in the first embodiment, the power conversion device 100 includes the connector section 91 . The connector portion 91 is configured to electrically connect the control portion 90 and an external wiring (not shown). The connector portion 91 is provided on the side surface of the upper housing portion 50 (for example, the side surface 50b on the X1 direction side).

In the first embodiment, the cooling air (thick arrow C in FIG. 6) passes over the convex lower housing part 60 from the air blowing part 70, passes through the upper cooling part 30 and the lower cooling part 40, and passes through the convex It is configured to flow downstream (Z2 direction side) in the direction in which the cooling air of the shaped lower housing part 60 flows.

(Details of cooling air flow)
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the details of the cooling air flow will be described.

First, the cooling air blown from the air blower 70 moves along the X2 direction. After that, the cooling air moves obliquely upward by colliding with the side surface 60c of the lower housing part 60 on the X1 direction side. After that, the cooling air moves along the X direction and flows from the X1 direction into the gaps between the adjacent upper heat radiation fins 32 and the gaps between the adjacent lower heat radiation fins 42 . Furthermore, the cooling air also flows into the gap between the adjacent lower heat radiation fins 42 from the Z1 direction side of the lower heat radiation fins 42 . As a result, the amount of cooling air flowing into the gaps between the lower heat radiating fins 42 increases, so the flow velocity of the cooling air increases.

Also, the cooling air flows out along the X direction from the upper heat radiation fins 32 . Further, the cooling air flows obliquely downward from the upper radiation fins 32 . As a result, the amount of cooling air that flows out from the upper heat radiating fins 32 increases (the pressure loss decreases), so the cooling air flows smoothly. Also, the cooling air flows out along the X direction from the lower radiation fins 42 . As a result, the cooling performance of the upper cooling section 30 and the lower cooling section 40 is improved. After that, the cooling air flows out of the intermediate housing portion 80 from the outlet 81 .

[Effect of the first embodiment]
The following effects can be obtained in the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the upper cooling section 30 on which the first main circuit section 10 is mounted, and the direction facing the upper cooling section 30 and perpendicular to the direction facing the upper cooling section 30 As seen, it is provided so as to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance D, and includes a lower cooling portion 40 on which the second main circuit portion 11 is mounted. As a result, the first main circuit section 10 and the second main circuit section 11, which generate relatively large amounts of heat, are individually cooled by the upper cooling section 30 and the lower cooling section 40, respectively. To efficiently cool the main circuit section (the first main circuit section 10 and the second main circuit section 11) as compared with the case of cooling the main circuit section (the first main circuit section 10 and the second main circuit section 11). can be done. As a result, the main circuit section can be sufficiently cooled. In addition, compared to the case where the main circuit section (first main circuit section 10 and second main circuit section 11) is arranged in one cooling section, the heat dissipation area of one cooling section can be easily increased. In addition, since the upper cooling part 30 and the lower cooling part 40 are separated from each other with a predetermined distance D when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the upper cooling part 30 and the lower cooling part 40 face each other, the upper cooling part The cooling air can smoothly move through the gap between the portion 30 and the lower cooling portion 40 . This increases the flow velocity of the cooling air, so that the cooling efficiency of the upper cooling section 30 and the lower cooling section 40 can be improved.

An upper housing portion 50 that houses the first main circuit portion 10 placed on the upper cooling portion 30 and a lower housing portion 60 that houses the second main circuit portion 11 placed on the lower cooling portion 40. , the first main circuit unit 10 and the second main circuit unit 11, which generate relatively large amounts of heat, are arranged separately in the upper housing unit 50 and the lower housing unit 60, respectively. Therefore, compared to the case where the main circuit section (first main circuit section 10 and second main circuit section 11) is arranged in one housing, the inside of the housing (upper housing section 50, lower cooling section 40) The temperature can be significantly reduced.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the upper housing portion 50 is configured to seal the first main circuit portion 10, and the lower housing portion 60 is configured to seal the second main circuit portion 11. ing. Thereby, the first main circuit section 10 and the second main circuit section 11 can be protected from dust and moisture.

Further, in the first embodiment, the power conversion device 100 is configured to be arranged in the railroad vehicle 1 as described above. Accordingly, in the railcar 1, the first main circuit section 10 and the second main circuit section 11 are required to be dustproof and waterproof. is particularly effective in that the power conversion device 100 is provided in the railway vehicle 1 .

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the upper heat radiation fins 32 and the lower heat radiation fins 42 are arranged, and the air blowing section 70 is arranged on one end side in the direction in which the cooling air flows, and on the other end side. An intermediate housing portion 80 is provided on the side thereof, in which an outlet 81 for discharging cooling air is arranged. As a result, the upper heat radiation fins 32 and the lower heat radiation fins 42 are cooled by the cooling air blown by the air blower 70 and ventilated inside the intermediate housing portion 80 (that is, the first main circuit portion 10 and the second main circuit 10 are cooled). 11 can be individually cooled), the first main circuit unit 10 and the second main circuit unit 11 can be efficiently cooled.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the upper housing portion 50 is provided with the concave portion 51 that is recessed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the cooling air flows, and the lower housing portion 60 is provided with an upper It is arranged so as to face the recessed portion 51 of the housing portion 50 and to protrude from the surface 80a on which the lower housing portion 60 is arranged toward the recessed portion 51 . As a result, the convex lower housing portion 60 can be arranged closer to the concave portion 51 side of the upper housing portion 50, so that the direction in which the upper housing portion 50 and the lower housing portion 60 are stacked can be adjusted. The width of the power conversion device 100 can be reduced.

Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the reactor 21 is arranged in the flow path A between the blower portion 70 and the convex lower housing portion 60, and the transformer 20 is arranged in the convex lower housing portion. It is arranged in the flow path A between the body portion 60 and the outlet 81 . As a result, since the amount of heat generated by the reactor 21 is larger than the amount of heat generated by the transformer 20, the reactor 21 is installed in the flow path A (upstream side of the cooling air) between the air blowing section 70 and the convex lower housing section 60. , the reactor 21 can be efficiently cooled.

In addition, in the first embodiment, as described above, the control section 90 that controls the semiconductor switching element 10a is accommodated in the upper housing section 50 together with the first main circuit section 10 . As a result, the wiring length connecting the semiconductor switching element 10a and the control section 90 can be shortened compared to the case where the semiconductor switching element 10a and the control section 90 are accommodated in separate housings.

Further, in the first embodiment, the connector portion 91 for electrically connecting the control portion 90 and the external wiring is provided on the side surface 50b of the upper housing portion 50 as described above. This makes it possible to shorten the wiring length connecting the control unit 90 and the connector unit 91 compared to the case where the control unit 90 and the connector unit 91 are provided in separate housings.

In addition, in the first embodiment, as described above, the second main circuit section 11 includes the diode 11a that rectifies AC power to DC power, and is different from the upper housing section 50 in which the control section 90 is housed. It is housed in the lower housing part 60 . Accordingly, since the diode 11a is not controlled by the controller 90, even if the diode 11a is accommodated in the lower housing 60 in which the controller 90 is not accommodated, the wiring length is not increased. As a result, the semiconductor switching element 10a and the diode 11a can be individually and efficiently cooled while the semiconductor switching element 10a and the diode 11a are separated.

[Second embodiment]
The configuration of the power converter 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. FIG. In the power conversion device 200 according to the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which the flow path A through which the cooling air flows has a hat shape (stepped shape), the flow path B through which the cooling air flows has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

In the power conversion device 200, the upper housing portion 150, the lower housing portion 160, and the intermediate housing portion 180 all have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first main circuit section 10 mounted on the upper cooling section 30 is accommodated in the upper housing section 150 . The second main circuit section 11 mounted on the lower cooling section 40 is accommodated in the lower housing section 160 . Note that the upstream end 32a (downstream end 32b) of the upper radiation fin 32 and the upstream end 42a (downstream end 42b) of the lower radiation fin 42 are shifted in the X direction. do not have. Further, the intermediate housing portion 180 is provided with an outlet 181 through which the cooling air is discharged. Note that the upper housing portion 150, the lower housing portion 160, and the intermediate housing portion 180 are referred to as the “first housing portion,” the “second housing portion,” and the “third housing portion,” respectively. It is an example of "body part".

Also, the upper heat radiation fins 32 and the lower heat radiation fins 42 are arranged in the intermediate housing portion 180 . A flow path B through which the cooling air flows is formed by the space inside the intermediate housing portion 180 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. That is, the channel B has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Also, the cooling air moves substantially linearly along the X direction.

Other configurations and effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[Modification]
It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as examples and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims rather than the description of the above-described embodiments, and includes all modifications (modifications) within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of claims.

For example, in the first and second embodiments, the first main circuit section is sealed by the upper housing section, and the second main circuit section is sealed by the lower housing section. It is not limited to this. For example, the first main circuit section may not be sealed by the upper housing section, and the second main circuit section may not be sealed by the lower housing section.

Also, in the above-described first and second embodiments, an example in which the power conversion device is arranged in a railroad vehicle has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to apply the present invention to a power converter that is not installed in a railroad vehicle.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, an example in which an upper housing portion, a lower housing portion, and an intermediate housing portion are provided has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, like the power conversion device 300 according to the modification shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , an upper housing portion 250 having a U-shaped cross section and a lower housing portion 260 having a U-shaped cross section are stacked and , the air blowing unit 70 may be arranged in a space SP4 surrounded by the upper housing unit 250 and the lower housing unit 260 . That is, the intermediate housing portion may not be provided. Further, it is possible to arrange an electronic device on the portion 251 (261) corresponding to the leg of the U-shaped upper housing portion 250 (U-shaped lower housing portion 260). It should be noted that the upper housing portion 250 and the lower housing portion 260 are examples of the “first housing portion” and the “second housing portion” in the claims, respectively.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, an example in which the transformer and the reactor are arranged in the intermediate housing portion was shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the transformer and the reactor may be arranged in a portion other than the intermediate housing (such as the outside of the power converter).

Further, in the first and second embodiments, an example in which the upper housing portion is arranged on the Z1 direction side and the lower housing portion is arranged on the Z2 direction side has been shown, but the present invention is limited to this. can't For example, the upper housing part may be arranged on the Z2 direction side, and the lower housing part may be arranged on the Z1 direction side.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the first main circuit section includes semiconductor switching elements and the second main circuit section includes diodes. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first main circuit section may include diodes, and the second main circuit section may include semiconductor switching elements.

Reference Signs List 1 railway car 10 first main circuit unit 10a semiconductor switching element 11 second main circuit unit 11a diode 20 transformer 21 reactor 30 upper cooling unit (first cooling unit)
31 upper cooling body (first cooling body)
32 upper heat radiation fin (first heat radiation fin)
40 lower cooling section (second cooling section)
41 lower cooling body (second cooling body)
42 lower heat radiation fin (second heat radiation fin)
50, 150, 250 upper casing (first casing)
50b side surface 51 recessed portion 60, 160, 260 lower housing portion (second housing portion)
70 air blower 80, 180 intermediate housing (third housing)
80a surface 81, 181 outlet 90 control unit 91 connector unit 100, 200, 300 power converter A, B flow path

Claims (10)

a first main circuit unit that converts electric power;
a first cooling section on which the first main circuit section is mounted;
a second main circuit unit that converts the electric power;
facing the first cooling unit and spaced apart at a predetermined distance when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the direction facing the first cooling unit, the second main circuit unit is mounted thereon a second cooling unit that
a first housing portion that houses the first main circuit portion placed on the first cooling portion;
a second housing portion that houses the second main circuit portion placed on the second cooling portion;
a blowing unit that blows cooling air to the first cooling unit and the second cooling unit between the first housing unit and the second housing unit ,
A power converter, wherein a semiconductor switching element that converts DC power into AC power, a control unit that controls the semiconductor switching element, and a diode that rectifies AC power into DC power are housed in different housings. a first main circuit unit that converts electric power;
a first cooling section on which the first main circuit section is mounted;
a second main circuit unit that converts the electric power;
facing the first cooling unit and spaced apart at a predetermined distance when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the direction facing the first cooling unit, the second main circuit unit is mounted thereon a second cooling unit that
a first housing portion that houses the first main circuit portion placed on the first cooling portion;
a second housing portion that houses the second main circuit portion placed on the second cooling portion;
a blowing unit that blows cooling air to the first cooling unit and the second cooling unit between the first housing unit and the second housing unit,
The first housing portion is provided with a recess recessed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the cooling air flows,
The second housing part is arranged so as to face the recess of the first housing part and in a convex shape toward the recess from a surface on which the second housing part is arranged. conversion device. The first housing unit seals the first main circuit unit,
3. The power conversion device according to claim 1 , wherein said second housing section is configured to seal said second main circuit section. The first housing unit is configured to seal the first main circuit unit, and the second housing unit is configured to seal the second main circuit unit, and is arranged in a railway vehicle. 4. The power conversion device according to claim 3 , wherein The first cooling unit includes a first cooling body on which the first main circuit is placed, and first heat radiation fins provided on the first cooling body,
The second cooling unit includes a second cooling body on which the second main circuit is placed, and second heat radiation fins provided on the second cooling body,
The first heat radiating fin and the second heat radiating fin are arranged, the air blowing section is arranged on one end side in the direction in which the cooling air flows, and the cooling air is discharged on the other end side. The power conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising a third housing portion in which the outlet is arranged. The first housing portion is provided with a recess recessed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the cooling air flows,
The second housing part is arranged so as to face the recessed part of the first housing part and projecting from a surface on which the second housing part is arranged toward the recessed part,
The cooling air flows from the air blowing unit over the convex second housing, and passes through the first cooling unit and the second cooling unit to the convex second housing. 2. The power conversion device according to claim 1 , configured to flow downstream in the direction of flow. a transformer for converting a voltage between the first main circuit section and the second main circuit section;
a reactor connected to the second main circuit;
further comprising an outlet through which the cooling air is discharged,
The reactor is arranged in a flow path between the blower section and the convex second housing section,
7. The power converter according to claim 6 , wherein said transformer is arranged in a flow path between said convex second casing and said outlet. The first main circuit unit includes a semiconductor switching element that converts DC power to AC power,
Further comprising a control unit for controlling the semiconductor switching element,
3. The power converter according to claim 2 , wherein said control unit is housed in said first casing together with said first main circuit unit. further comprising a connector section for electrically connecting the control section and an external wiring,
The power converter according to claim 8 , wherein said connector section is provided on a side surface of said first housing section. The second main circuit section includes a diode that rectifies AC power into DC power, and is accommodated in the second housing section that is different from the first housing section that houses the control section. 10. The power converter according to Item 8 or 9 .

Images