JP6736286B2 - Power converter - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments according to the present invention relate to a power converter.

Conventionally, a power converter is used to operate a drive system such as a main electric motor (motor) of an electric vehicle. The power converter converts the electric power obtained from the overhead wire into electric power required for the drive system in order to rotate the wheels of the electric vehicle.

Such a power converter includes a converter or an inverter configured by a plurality of switching elements (for example, GTO (Gate Turn Off Thyristor), IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), etc.), and generates loss (heat) by switching. To do. Therefore, the power conversion device needs to be cooled by using the cooler.

As the cooler, for example, a radiation fin or a blower is used. The radiating fins radiate the heat of the switching element to the air by running wind of the vehicle or forced wind of the blower.

However, when the switching elements that generate a large amount of heat are locally distributed, the temperatures of the heat receiving plate and the radiation fins are locally high at the positions of the switching elements. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the size of the radiation fin locally or entirely. In this case, the size of the power converter becomes large.

JP, 2000-092819, A

(EN) Provided is a miniaturized power conversion device capable of efficiently radiating heat generated from a switching element.

The power converter according to the present embodiment generates electric power to be supplied to the load of the electric vehicle. The converter converts the first AC power into DC power. The inverter converts the DC power into the second AC power. The converter is connected between a first switching unit connected between the first phase wiring of the first AC power and the wiring of the DC power, and a second switching section connected between the second phase wiring of the first AC power and the wiring of the DC power. And a second switching unit. The first and second switching units are arranged so as to be aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the electric vehicle. The inverter is connected between a DC power line and a second AC power line and a third switching unit connected between the DC power line and a second AC power line. And a fourth switching unit, and a fifth switching unit connected between the DC power line and the second AC power third-phase line. The third to fifth switching units are arranged so as to be aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the electric vehicle, and are arranged so as to be arranged in the traveling direction of the electric vehicle with respect to the first and second switching units. ing.

The schematic diagram showing an example of composition of electric power converter 100 carried in electric vehicles, such as a railroad. The perspective view which shows an example of arrangement of each component of power converter 100. The equivalent circuit diagram which shows an example of a structure of the switching parts 31 and 41. 5 is a schematic layout diagram showing an arrangement of switching units 31 to 32, 41 to 43 and an arrangement of first to fourth switching elements Q1 to Q4 in the converter/inverter 40. FIG. The layout drawing which shows arrangement|positioning of switching element Q1-Q4 and clamp element CD1, CD2 in the switching parts 31, 32, and 41-43 by this embodiment. The layout drawing which shows an example of the power converter device 100 provided with the soaking|uniform-heating pipe 310.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment does not limit the present invention.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power conversion device 100 mounted on an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle is, for example, a vehicle that travels on a railroad track or the like with electric power. The power conversion device 100 receives AC power from an overhead wire 13 via a pantograph 12, converts the AC power into three-phase AC power, and supplies the three-phase AC power to an electric motor (for example, three-phase AC motor) 11. To do.

The power conversion device 100 includes a control unit 10, a transformer 20, a converter 30, an inverter 40, a circuit breaker 50, charging resistors 61 and 62, contactors 71 to 74, and voltage dividing capacitors 81 and 82. , And a current detector 90. The transformer 20 and the circuit breaker 50 may be separate from the power converter 100.

The transformer 20 receives the AC power from the overhead wire 13 via the pantograph 12 at the primary coil, transforms the AC power, and supplies the AC power from the secondary coil to the converter 30. For example, the transformer 20 supplies U-phase and V-phase single-phase AC power from the secondary coil to the converter 30. Two wires (U-phase wire and V-phase wire) are provided between the transformer 20 and the converter 30, and these wires transmit the single-phase AC power to the converter 30.

Converter 30 receives AC power (first AC power) from the secondary coil of transformer 20 and converts the AC power into DC power. The converter 30 includes, for example, a U-phase switching section 31 as a first phase and a V-phase switching section 32 as a second phase. The U-phase switching unit (first switching unit) 31 is connected between the U-phase wiring as the first-phase wiring and the DC power wiring, and switches the U-phase of the single-phase AC power by switching the U-phase. Converts phase power to DC power. The V-phase switching unit 32 (second switching unit) is connected between the V-phase wiring as the second-phase wiring and the DC power wiring, and switches the V-phase of the single-phase AC power by switching the V-phase. Converts phase power to DC power. Three wirings (a positive wiring P, a negative wiring N and a neutral wiring C) are provided between converter 30 and inverter 40, and these wirings transmit DC power to inverter 40. The internal configuration of the switching units 31 and 32 will be described later.

Inverter 40 receives the DC power from converter 30 and converts the DC power into three-phase AC power (second AC power). The inverter 40 includes, for example, a U-phase switching unit 41, a V-phase switching unit 42, and a W-phase switching unit 43 as a third phase. The U-phase switching unit 41 (third switching unit) is connected between the DC power wiring and the U-phase wiring of the three-phase AC power, receives the DC power, and the U-phase AC power of the three-phase AC power. Is output. The V-phase switching unit 42 (fourth switching unit) is connected between the DC power wiring and the V-phase wiring of the three-phase AC power, receives the DC power, and the V-phase AC power of the three-phase AC power. Is output. The W-phase switching unit 43 (fifth switching unit) is connected between the DC power wiring and the W-phase wiring of the three-phase AC power, receives the DC power, and outputs the W-phase AC power of the three-phase AC power. Is output. Three wires (U-phase wire, V-phase wire, and W-phase wire) are provided between the inverter 40 and the electric motor 11, and these wires transmit the three-phase AC power to the electric motor 11. The three-phase AC power is used to drive the electric motor 11. The internal configuration of the switching units 41 to 43 will be described later.

The circuit breaker 50 is a main power switch provided between the pantograph 12 and the transformer 20, and is, for example, a VCB (Vacuum Circuit Breaker). The contactor 72 and the contactor 74 are provided on the U-phase wiring and the V-phase wiring between the secondary coil of the transformer 20 and the converter 30, respectively. Contactor 72 and contactor 74 are, for example, high speed circuit breakers that interrupt power when a major failure occurs. The contactor 71 and the charging resistor 61 are connected in series and are connected in parallel to the contactor 72. The contactor 73 and the charging resistor 62 are also connected in series, and are connected in parallel to the contactor 74. The contactors 71, 72 and the charging resistors 61, 62 are used to slowly charge the voltage dividing capacitors 81, 82 when the power converter 100 is started.

The voltage dividing capacitor 81 is connected between the positive electrode wiring P and the neutral point wiring C. The voltage dividing capacitor 82 is connected between the neutral wiring C and the negative wiring N. The voltage dividing capacitors 81 and 82 cause the neutral point wiring C to have a voltage (for example, an intermediate voltage) between the positive electrode wiring P and the negative electrode wiring N.

The current detector 90 is connected to the neutral point wiring C, the ground, and the control unit 10, detects the current flowing to the ground via the neutral point wiring C or the current flowing in the opposite direction, and measures the measured current value. Is output to the control unit 10.

The control unit 10 controls each component of the power conversion device such as the converter 30, the inverter 40, the circuit breakers 50, 71 to 74. For example, the control unit 10 controls the switching state (on state or off state) of the switching elements forming the converter 30 and the inverter 40.

The electric motor 11 as a load receives and drives the three-phase AC power from the power converter 100. When the electric motor 11 rotates the wheels of the electric car, the electric car can travel on a track such as a railroad.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of each component of the power conversion device 100. The components of the power conversion device 100 are housed inside the housing 200. The arrow X indicates the traveling direction of the electric vehicle (longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle). The arrow Y indicates a direction substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the electric vehicle.

The converter unit 201 is a unit including the converter 30. The inverter unit 202 is a unit including the inverter 40. The control unit 203 is a unit including the control unit 10. The switch sensor unit 204 is a unit including the contactors 71 to 74 and the current detector 90. The converter unit 201 and the inverter unit 202 may be provided individually, but may be configured as an integrated unit 210 as shown in FIG. In the unit 210, the heat receiving plate described below may be common to the converter unit 201 and the inverter unit 202. On the other hand, the unit 201, the control unit 203, and the switch/sensor unit 204 are a group of devices installed relatively close to each other due to characteristics such as wiring and heat resistance, and do not indicate that they are unitized. Absent. Further, the power conversion device 100 can be configured to include at least the converter unit 201, the inverter unit 202, and the radiation fin 300.

Further, in power conversion device 100, converter unit 201 and inverter unit 202 are arranged side by side in the traveling direction X of the electric vehicle. Further, by arranging the converter unit 201 and the inverter unit 202 close to one side surface of the electric vehicle, the converter unit 201 and the inverter unit 202 can be easily provided from the opening of the power conversion device 100 provided on the side surface side of the electric vehicle. Can be accessed. This makes it easy to put the converter unit 201 and the inverter unit 202 in and out. Furthermore, since there are many operations such as inspections performed on the side surface of the electric vehicle, the work can be made more efficient by continuously performing the operation on the side surface of the electric vehicle.

Further, the switching units 31 and 32 in the converter unit 201 are attached to a heat receiving plate (see 350 in FIG. 4B), and are thermally connected to the radiation fins 300 extending from the heat receiving plate to the outside of the housing 200. It is connected. The switching units 41 to 43 in the inverter unit 202 are also attached to the heat receiving plate and are thermally connected to the radiation fins 300 extending from the heat receiving plate to the outside of the housing 200. As a result, the heat generated in the switching units 31, 32, 41 to 43 is conducted to the radiation fin 300 via the heat receiving plate and is radiated from the radiation fin 300. The heat receiving plate of the converter unit 201 and the heat receiving plate of the inverter unit 202 may be separate bodies or may be integrated.

FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of the switching unit 41. The switching units 31, 32, 41 to 43 are provided with AC power wiring (U-phase wiring, V-phase wiring, W-phase wiring) and DC power wiring (positive electrode wiring P, negative electrode wiring N, neutral point wiring C). Although different in connection relation, each has the same configuration. Hereinafter, the switching unit 41 will be described, and description of the other switching units 31, 32, 42, 43 will be omitted.

The switching unit 41 includes a first switching element Q1, a second switching element Q2, a third switching element Q3, a fourth switching element Q4, a first clamp element CD1 and a second clamp element CD2. ..

The first switching element Q1 and the second switching element Q2 are connected in series between the positive electrode wiring P for DC power and the U-phase wiring (first phase wiring) for AC power. The third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 are connected in series between the U-phase wiring for AC power and the negative wiring N for DC power. In other words, in the equivalent circuit, the first to fourth switching elements Q1 to Q4 are connected in series from the positive electrode wiring P to the negative electrode wiring N in the order of Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. A node between the second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3 is connected to the U-phase wiring. Each of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 is composed of a power semiconductor transistor such as a GTO or an IGBT. The switching elements Q1 to Q4 are provided with diodes. The diode is connected between the source and drain of each of the switching elements Q1 to Q4. Here, the diodes provided in the switching elements Q1 to Q4 and the clamp elements CD1 and CD2 may be SiC diodes. Since the SiC diode has a low loss, it can contribute to downsizing of the power conversion device 100 such as reduction of the number of the radiation fins 300 serving as a cooling unit and downsizing of the heat receiving plate.

The first clamp element CD1 is connected between the first node N1 between the first switching element Q1 and the second switching element Q2 and the neutral point wiring C of the DC power. The second clamp element CD2 is connected between the second node N2 between the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 and the neutral point wiring C of the DC power. In other words, the first and second clamp elements CD1 and CD2 are connected in series between the first node N1 and the second node N2. The node between the first clamp element CD1 and the second clamp element CD2 is connected to the neutral point wiring C. The clamp elements CD1 and CD2 are composed of, for example, clamp diodes. The anode of the first clamp element CD1 is connected to the neutral point wiring C, and the cathode is connected to the node N1. The anode of the second clamp element CD2 is connected to the node N2, and the cathode thereof is connected to the neutral point wiring C.

The switching unit 41 having such a configuration receives DC power from the positive wiring P, the negative wiring N, and the neutral wiring C, and generates a sine wave of U-phase power of three-phase AC power.

(Generation of positive side sine wave)
For example, first, when the second switching element Q2 is continuously on and the fourth switching element Q4 is off, the first switching element Q1 and the third switching element Q3 perform complementary and alternating switching operations. To do. That is, the first switching element Q1 repeats the ON state and the OFF state, and the third switching element Q3 repeats the OFF state and the ON state, contrary to the first switching element Q1. When the first switching element Q1 is on and the third switching element Q3 is off, the U-phase wiring is connected to the positive wiring P and receives a positive voltage. When the third switching element Q3 is in the ON state and the first switching element Q1 is in the OFF state, the U-phase wiring is connected to the neutral point wiring C via the first and second clamp elements CD1 and CD2, It receives a voltage (a voltage between a positive voltage and a negative voltage).

In order to make the voltage of the U-phase wiring a sine wave during the period in which the second switching element Q2 is continuously on and the fourth switching element Q4 is continuously off, the first switching element Q1 is The first ON period in the ON state and the third ON period in which the third switching element Q3 is in the ON state are changed as follows.

For example, initially, the third switching element Q3 is almost continuously turned on. At this time, the voltage of the U-phase wiring is almost equal to the voltage of the neutral point wiring C of the DC power.

From this state, the third ON period in which the third switching element Q3 is in the ON state becomes gradually shorter, and conversely, the first ON period in which the first switching element Q3 is in the ON state becomes gradually longer. As a result, the voltage of the U-phase wiring gradually approaches the voltage of the positive wiring P from the voltage of the neutral wiring C.

After that, the first ON period gradually becomes longer than the third ON period, and the first switching element Q1 is almost continuously turned on. As a result, the voltage of the U-phase wiring becomes substantially equal to the voltage of the positive wiring P of the DC power.

After that, the third ON period gradually becomes longer than the first ON period, and the third switching element Q3 is almost continuously turned on. As a result, the voltage of the U-phase wiring returns to the voltage of the neutral point wiring C. In this manner, the voltage of the U-phase wiring changes from the voltage of the neutral wiring C to the voltage of the positive wiring P once and then returns to the voltage of the neutral wiring C. As a result, the voltage of the U-phase wiring changes sinusoidally between the voltage of the neutral wiring C and the voltage of the positive wiring P. That is, the voltage of the U-phase wiring becomes a positive side sine wave (curved curve).

(Generation of negative side sine wave)
Next, when the third switching element Q3 is continuously on and the first switching element Q1 is off, the second switching element Q2 and the fourth switching element Q4 perform complementary and alternating switching operations. .. That is, the second switching element Q2 repeats the ON state and the OFF state, and the fourth switching element Q4 repeats the OFF state and the ON state, contrary to the second switching element Q2. When the second switching element Q2 is in the on state and the fourth switching element Q4 is in the off state, the U-phase wiring is connected to the neutral point wiring C via the first and second clamp elements CD1 and CD2, It receives a voltage (a voltage between a positive voltage and a negative voltage). When the fourth switching element Q4 is on and the second switching element Q2 is off, the U-phase wiring is connected to the negative wiring N and receives a negative voltage.

During the period in which the third switching element Q3 is continuously on and the first switching element Q1 is continuously off, the second switching element Q2 is turned on in order to make the voltage of the U-phase wiring a sine wave. The second ON period in the state and the fourth ON period in which the fourth switching element Q4 is in the ON state are changed as follows.

For example, after the positive side sine wave is generated, the second and third switching elements Q2 and Q3 are in the ON state, and the first and fourth switching elements Q1 and Q4 are in the ON state. At this time, the voltage of the U-phase wiring is almost equal to the voltage of the neutral point wiring C of the DC power.

From this state, the second ON period in which the second switching element Q2 is ON is gradually shortened, and conversely, the fourth ON period in which the fourth switching element Q4 is ON is gradually lengthened. As a result, the voltage of the U-phase wiring gradually approaches the voltage of the negative wiring N from the voltage of the neutral wiring C.

After that, the fourth ON period gradually becomes longer than the second ON period, and the fourth switching element Q4 is almost continuously turned on. As a result, the voltage of the U-phase wiring becomes substantially equal to the voltage of the negative wiring N of the DC power.

After that, the second ON period gradually becomes longer than the fourth ON period, and the second switching element Q2 is almost continuously turned on. As a result, the voltage of the U-phase wiring returns to the voltage of the neutral point wiring C. As a result, the voltage of the U-phase wiring changes from the voltage of the neutral wiring C to the voltage of the negative wiring N once and then returns to the voltage of the neutral wiring C. As a result, the voltage of the U-phase wiring changes sinusoidally between the voltage of the neutral wiring C and the voltage of the negative wiring N. That is, the voltage of the U-phase wiring becomes a negative side sine wave (valley-shaped curve).

The switching unit 41 can make the voltage of the U phase a sine wave by repeatedly executing the generation of the positive side sine wave and the generation of the negative side sine wave.

The switching units 42 and 43 operate in the same manner as the switching unit 41, so that the V-phase voltage and the W-phase voltage can be sine waves, respectively. However, the switching units 41 to 43 each generate a sine wave by shifting the phase by about 120 degrees. Thereby, the inverter 40 including the switching units 41 to 43 can convert the DC power into the three-phase AC power.

In addition, the switching units 31 and 32 can also convert the single-phase AC power from the transformer 20 into DC power by operating basically in the same manner as the switching unit 41. For example, the switching unit 31 receives the U phase of single-phase AC power at the node between the second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3 in FIG. Then, the switching elements Q1 to Q4 of the switching unit 31 perform the switching operation such that the positive electrode wiring P of FIG. 3 outputs a positive voltage and the negative electrode wiring N outputs a negative voltage. Accordingly, the switching unit 31 can convert the U phase of the single-phase AC power into the DC power. The switching unit 32 operates similarly to the switching unit 31, and converts the V phase of the single-phase AC power into DC power. However, since the U-phase and the V-phase are out of phase with each other by 180 degrees, the switching units 31 and 32 execute the switching operation at timings suitable for the U-phase and the V-phase, respectively. As a result, the converter 30 including the switching units 31 and 32 can convert the single-phase AC power into DC power.

Next, the arrangement of the switching units 31 to 32, 41 to 43 and the first to fourth switching elements Q1 to Q4 will be described.

FIG. 4A is a schematic layout diagram showing the arrangement of switching units 31 and 32 in converter 30 and the arrangement of switching units 41 to 43 in inverter 40. The switching units 31 and 32 are arranged in a direction Y substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction X of the electric vehicle. The switching units 41 to 43 are also arranged in a direction Y substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction X of the electric vehicle. As a result, the widths of converter 30 and inverter 40 in the Y direction (width direction of the electric vehicle) are widened, so that the heat radiation fins below converter 30 and inverter 40 are more likely to receive running wind, and heat radiation efficiency is improved. Further, the lengths of the converter 30 and the inverter 40 in the X direction (longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle) are shortened. As a result, the length of the entire power conversion device 100 in the X direction is shortened, so that the power conversion device 100 can be easily arranged even if the distance between the wheels of the electric vehicle is short.

Further, the switching units 41 to 43 are arranged side by side in the traveling direction X of the electric vehicle with respect to the switching units 31 and 32. Thus, the total width W30 of the two switching portions 31 and 32 in the Y direction is approximately equal to the total width W40 of the three switching portions 41 to 43 in the Y direction. 43 can be arranged. The switching elements Q1 to Q4 of the switching units 31 and 32 and the clamp elements CD1 and CD2 are arranged in 2 rows×3 columns, while the switching elements Q1 to Q4 of the switching units 41 to 43 are arranged. This is because the clamp elements CD1 and CD2 are arranged in 3 rows×2 columns. The arrangement of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 and the clamp elements CD1 and CD2 of each of the switching units 31, 32, 41 to 43 will be described later. FIG. 4B is a schematic layout diagram showing the arrangement of the first to fourth switching elements Q1 to Q4 of the switching units 31 and 32 of the converter 30. The first to fourth switching elements Q1 to Q4 shown in FIG. 4B may be any switching elements of the switching units 31 and 32. Of course, all the switching elements of the switching units 31 and 32 may be arranged in the layout shown in FIG. 4B shows the arrangement of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 and the clamp elements CD1 and CD2 on the heat receiving plate 350. In FIG. 4B, the illustration of the metal wiring plate that connects the terminals of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 and the terminals of the clamp elements CD1 and CD2 is omitted. The metal wiring plate is provided on the terminals of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 and the terminals of the clamp elements CD1 and CD2, so that the switching elements Q1 to Q4 and the clamp elements CD1 and CD2 are electrically connected in the same manner as the equivalent circuit shown in FIG. Connect to.

The first switching element Q1 and the fourth switching element Q4 are arranged so as to be aligned in a direction Y substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction X of the electric vehicle. The second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3 are also arranged in the direction Y in parallel with the arrangement of the first switching element Q1 and the fourth switching element Q4. The first switching element Q1 and the second switching element Q2 are arranged adjacent to each other in the traveling direction X of the electric vehicle. The third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 are also arranged adjacent to each other in the direction X.

Further, the distance D1 between the first switching element Q1 and the fourth switching element Q4 and the distance D2 between the second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3 are adjacent to the first switching element Q1. It is wider than the distance D3 between the second switching element Q2 and the distance D4 between the fourth switching element Q4 and the third switching element Q3 adjacent thereto.

The first clamp portion CD1 is arranged between the first switching element Q1 and the fourth switching element Q4. The second clamp portion CD2 is arranged between the second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3. As described above, in the switching units 31 and 32, the switching elements Q1 to Q3 and the clamp units CD1 and CD2 are arranged in a matrix of 2 rows×3 columns.

Here, referring to the above-described sine wave generating operation, it can be seen that the first and fourth switching elements Q1 and Q4 are different in timing, but periodically repeat the same operation. It can be said that the first and fourth switching elements Q1 and Q4 repeat mutually symmetrical operations. It can be seen that the second and third switching elements Q2 and Q3 also differ in timing, but periodically repeat the same operation. It can be said that the second and third switching elements Q2 and Q3 repeat operations symmetrical to each other. On the other hand, the operations of the first and fourth switching elements Q1 and Q4 are basically different from the operations of the second and third switching elements Q2 and Q3. That is, the operations of the first and fourth switching elements Q1 and Q4 are not symmetrical to the operations of the second and third switching elements Q2 and Q3. Therefore, during traveling of the electric vehicle, the first and fourth switching elements Q1 and Q4 generate substantially equal heat loss (switching loss), and the second and third switching elements Q2 and Q3 generate substantially equal heat loss (switching loss). Loss) occurs. That is, while the electric vehicle is traveling, the heat generation amounts of the first and fourth switching elements Q1 and Q4 are substantially equal, and the heat generation amounts of the second and third switching elements Q2 and Q3 are substantially equal.

As described above, by widening the distances D1 and D2 between the switching elements having substantially the same heat loss, it is possible to suppress the heat from locally concentrating on the heat receiving plate 350 and the radiation fins 300. As a result, the heat receiving plate 350 and the radiation fins 300 can efficiently radiate heat. Further, since the heat is dissipated, the heat radiation fin 300 does not need to be locally large and can be made substantially uniform and small overall. This leads to downsizing of the power converter 100.

In the present embodiment, the first clamp element CD1 is provided between the first switching element Q1 and the fourth switching element Q4. Accordingly, the space D1 can be widened without wasting the space between the first switching element Q1 and the fourth switching element Q4. Further, the second clamp element CD2 is provided between the second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3. As a result, the space D2 can be widened without wasting the space between the second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3.

Although the distance D3 is relatively narrow, the first and second switching elements Q1 and Q2 repeat asymmetrical operation as described above, and thus have different heat losses. The distance D4 is also relatively narrow like D3, but the third and fourth switching elements Q3 and Q4 also repeat asymmetrical operations as described above, and therefore have different heat losses. Therefore, the intervals D3 and D4 may be narrower than the intervals D1 and D2. By reducing the distances D3 and D4, the lengths of the switching units 31, 32, 41 to 43 in the traveling direction X of the electric vehicle are shortened. Thereby, even if the distance between the front wheels and the rear wheels of the electric vehicle is short, the power conversion device 100 can be easily arranged.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, by arranging the switching element Q1, the clamp element CD1, and the switching element Q4 adjacent to the switching element Q2, the clamp element CD2, and the switching element Q3, respectively, in the X direction, the metal The wiring plate can be made smaller. As a result, the inductance of the metal wiring plate can be reduced. By reducing the inductance of the metal wiring plate, the surge voltage in the switching operation of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 can be reduced.

In the layout shown in FIG. 4B, the positions of the first clamp element CD1 and the second clamp element CD2 may be interchanged with each other. Further, the positions of the first switching element Q1 and the second switching element Q2 may be replaced with each other. When the positions of the first switching element Q1 and the second switching element Q2 are exchanged, the distance between the second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3 does not become long, so that the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 are It is preferable to replace the positions with each other. FIG. 4C is a schematic layout diagram showing the arrangement of the first to fourth switching elements Q1 to Q4 of the inverter 40. The first to fourth switching elements Q1 to Q4 shown in FIG. 4C may be any of the switching elements 41 to 43. Of course, the switching elements of all the switching units 41 to 43 may be arranged in the layout shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 4C shows the arrangement of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 and the clamp elements CD1 and CD2 on the heat receiving plate 450.

The heat receiving plate 450 may be a metal plate integrated with the heat receiving plate 350 of the converter 30. In FIG. 4C, the illustration of the metal wiring plate that connects the terminals of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 and the terminals of the clamp elements CD1 and CD2 is omitted. The metal wiring plate is provided on the terminals of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 and the terminals of the clamp elements CD1 and CD2, so that the switching elements Q1 to Q4 and the clamp elements CD1 and CD2 are electrically connected in the same manner as the equivalent circuit shown in FIG. Connect to.

The first switching element Q1 and the fourth switching element Q4 are arranged side by side in the traveling direction X of the electric vehicle. The second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3 are also arranged in the direction X in parallel with the arrangement of the first switching element Q1 and the fourth switching element Q4. Further, the first switching element Q1 and the second switching element Q2 are arranged adjacent to each other in the direction Y substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction X of the electric vehicle. The third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 are also arranged adjacent to each other in the direction Y.

Further, the distance D1 between the first switching element Q1 and the fourth switching element Q4 and the distance D2 between the second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3 are adjacent to the first switching element Q1. It is wider than the distance D3 between the second switching element Q2 and the distance D4 between the fourth switching element Q4 and the third switching element Q3 adjacent thereto. That is, the intervals D1 to D4 in FIG. 4C have the same relationship as the intervals D1 to D4 in FIG. 4B.

The first clamp portion CD1 is arranged between the first switching element Q1 and the fourth switching element Q4. The second clamp portion CD2 is arranged between the second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3. As described above, in the switching units 41 to 43, the switching elements Q1 to Q3 and the clamp units CD1 and CD2 are arranged in a matrix of 3 rows×2 columns.

The switching elements Q1 to Q4 and the clamp parts CD1 and CD2 of the inverter 40 are different from those of the converter 30 in the arrangement direction, but are equal to those of the converter 30 in the arrangement order and arrangement interval. The operations of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 and the clamp units CD1 and CD2 of the inverter 40 are similar to those of the converter 30. Therefore, during traveling of the electric vehicle, the first and fourth switching elements Q1 and Q4 generate substantially equal heat loss (switching loss), and the second and third switching elements Q2 and Q3 generate substantially equal heat loss (switching loss). Loss) occurs. That is, while the electric vehicle is traveling, the heat generation amounts of the first and fourth switching elements Q1 and Q4 are substantially equal, and the heat generation amounts of the second and third switching elements Q2 and Q3 are substantially equal.

Therefore, not only in the converter 30 but also in the inverter 40, by widening the distances D1 and D2 between the switching elements having substantially the same heat loss, it is possible to suppress the heat from locally concentrating on the heat receiving plate 450 and the radiation fin 300. can do. As a result, the heat receiving plate 450 and the radiation fins 300 can efficiently radiate heat. Further, since the heat is dissipated, the heat radiation fin 300 does not need to be locally large and can be made substantially uniform and small overall. This leads to downsizing of the power converter 100.

Also in the inverter 40, the first clamp element CD1 is provided between the first switching element Q1 and the fourth switching element Q4. Accordingly, the space D1 can be widened without wasting the space between the first switching element Q1 and the fourth switching element Q4. Further, the second clamp element CD2 is provided between the second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3. As a result, the space D2 can be widened without wasting the space between the second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3.

Although the distance D3 is relatively narrow, the first and second switching elements Q1 and Q2 repeat asymmetrical operation as described above, and thus have different heat losses. The distance D4 is also relatively narrow like D3, but the third and fourth switching elements Q3 and Q4 also repeat asymmetrical operations as described above, and therefore have different heat losses. Therefore, the intervals D3 and D4 may be narrower than the intervals D1 and D2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, by arranging the switching element Q1, the clamp element CD1, and the switching element Q4 adjacent to the switching element Q2, the clamp element CD2, and the switching element Q3 in the Y direction, respectively, the metal The wiring plate can be made smaller. As a result, the inductance of the metal wiring plate can be reduced. By reducing the inductance of the metal wiring plate, the surge voltage in the switching operation of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 can be reduced.

In the layout shown in FIG. 4C, the positions of the first clamp element CD1 and the second clamp element CD2 may be interchanged with each other. Further, the positions of the first switching element Q1 and the second switching element Q2 may be replaced with each other. When the positions of the first switching element Q1 and the second switching element Q2 are exchanged, the distance between the second switching element Q2 and the third switching element Q3 does not become long, so that the third switching element Q3 and the fourth switching element Q4 are It is preferable to replace the positions with each other.

FIG. 5 is a layout diagram showing the arrangement of the switching elements Q1 to Q4 and the clamp elements CD1 and CD2 in the switching units 31, 32 and 41 to 43 according to the present embodiment. Note that, in FIG. 5, the heat receiving plate is illustrated as being provided individually for each of the switching units 31, 32, 41 to 43 for convenience. However, the heat receiving plate may be divided into the converter unit 30 and the inverter unit 40, integrated in the switching units 31 and 32, and integrated in the switching units 41 to 43. The heat receiving plate may be integrated with the converter unit 30 and the inverter unit 40.

Hereinafter, for convenience, in the first and second switching units 31 and 32, the first to fourth switching elements Q1 to Q4 are the first to fourth converter switching elements Qc1 to Qc4, and the first and second clamp elements are used. CD1 and CD2 are first and second converter clamp elements CDc1 and CDc2. In the first to third switching units 41 to 43, the first to fourth switching elements Q1 to Q4 are the first to fourth inverter switching elements Qi1 to Qi4, and the first and second clamp elements CD1 and CD2 are The first and second inverter clamp elements CDi1 and CDi2.

As shown in FIG. 5, each of the first and second switching units 31 and 32 includes first to fourth converter switching elements Qc1 to Qc4 and first and second converter clamp elements CDc1 and CDc2. The first to fourth converter switching elements Qc1 to Qc4 and the first and second converter clamp elements CDc1 and CDc2 are arranged in two rows in the Y direction and three columns in the X direction. The arrangement method is as described with reference to FIG.

Each of the third to fifth switching units 41 to 43 includes first to fourth inverter switching elements Qi1 to Qi4 and first and second inverter clamp elements CDi1 and CDi2. The first to fourth inverter switching elements Qi1 to Qi4 and the first and second inverter clamp elements CDi1 and CDi2 are arranged in three rows in the Y direction and two columns in the X direction. The arrangement method is as described with reference to FIG.

In the first switching unit 31, the first converter switching element Qc1 and the second converter switching element Qc2 are provided between the U-phase wiring of AC power (first AC power) from the transformer 20 and the positive wiring P of DC power. It is connected in series. The third converter switching element Qc3 and the fourth converter switching element Qc4 are connected in series between the negative electrode wiring N for DC power and the U-phase wiring for first AC power. The first and second converter switching elements Qc1 and Qc2 are arranged side by side in the X direction (the traveling direction of the electric vehicle), and the third and fourth converter switching elements Qc3 and Qc4 are arranged side by side in the X direction. It is arranged.

The first converter clamp element CDc1 is connected between a connection node between the first converter switching element Qc1 and the second converter switching element Qc2 and the neutral point C of the DC power. The second converter clamp element CDc2 is connected between a connection node between the third converter switching element Qc3 and the fourth converter switching element Qc4 and the neutral point C of the DC power. The first converter clamp element CDc1 is arranged between the first converter switching element Qc1 and the fourth converter switching element Qc4. The second converter clamp element CDc2 is arranged between the second converter switching element Qc2 and the third converter switching element Qc3.

In the second switching section 32, the first to fourth converter switching elements Qc1 to Qc4 are connected to the first switching section 31 in that they are connected to the V-phase wiring of the AC power (first AC power) from the transformer 20. different. The other configurations of the second switching unit 32 may be the same as the corresponding configurations of the first switching unit 31.

Thus, in each of the first and second switching units 31 and 32, the first and second converter switching elements Qc1 and Qc2 are arranged in the X direction (the traveling direction of the electric vehicle) as a first row. The first and second converter clamp elements CDc1 and CDc2 are arranged as a second row in the X direction. The third and fourth converter switching elements Qc3, Qc4 are arranged as a third column in the X direction. The first converter switching element Qc1, the first converter clamp element CDc1, and the fourth converter switching element Qc4 are arranged in the Y direction as a first row. The second converter switching element Qc2, the second converter clamp element CDc2, and the third converter switching element Qc3 are arranged as a second row in the Y direction. That is, the first to fourth converter switching elements Qc1 to Qc4 and the first and second converter clamp elements CDc1 and CDc2 are arranged in two rows in the Y direction and three columns in the X direction.

In the third switching unit 41, the first inverter switching element Qi1 and the second inverter switching element Qi2 are provided with a positive electrode wiring P for DC power and a U-phase wiring for three-phase AC power (second AC power) supplied to the electric motor 11. Are connected in series between. The third inverter switching element Qi3 and the fourth inverter switching element Qi4 are connected in series between the U-phase wiring of the second AC power and the negative wiring N of the DC power. The first and fourth inverter switching elements Qi1 and Qi4 are arranged side by side in the X direction, and the second and third inverter switching elements Qi2 and Qi3 are arranged side by side in the X direction.

The first inverter clamp element CDi1 is connected between a connection node between the first inverter switching element Qi1 and the second inverter switching element Qi2 and the neutral point C of the DC power. The second inverter clamp element CDi2 is connected between the connection node between the third inverter switching element Qi3 and the fourth inverter switching element Qi4 and the neutral point C of the DC power. The first inverter clamp element CDi1 is arranged between the first inverter switching element Qi1 and the fourth inverter switching element Qi4, and the second inverter clamp element CDi2 is the second inverter switching element Qi2 and the third inverter switching element. It is arranged between Qi3 and Qi3.

In the fourth switching unit 42, the first to fourth inverter switching elements Qi1 to Qi4 are different from the third switching unit 41 in that they are connected to the V-phase wiring of the AC power (second AC power) to the load. The other configurations of the fourth switching unit 42 may be the same as the corresponding configurations of the third switching unit 41. In addition, in the fifth switching unit 43, the first to fourth inverter switching elements Qi1 to Qi4 are connected to the third switching unit 41 in that they are connected to the W-phase wiring of the AC power (second AC power) to the load. different. The other configuration of the fifth switching unit 43 may be the same as the corresponding configuration of the third switching unit 41.

Thus, in each of the third to fifth switching units 41 to 43, the first inverter switching element Qi1, the first inverter clamp element CDi1 and the fourth inverter switching element Qi4 are arranged in the X direction (the traveling direction of the electric vehicle). They are arranged as the first column. The second inverter switching element Qi2, the second inverter clamp element CDi2, and the third inverter switching element Qi3 are arranged in the X direction as a second column. The first and second inverter switching elements Qi1 and Qi2 are arranged in the Y direction as a first row. The first and second inverter clamp elements CDi1 and CDi2 are arranged as a second row in the Y direction. The third and fourth inverter switching elements Qi3 and Qi4 are arranged in the Y direction as a third row. That is, the first to fourth inverter switching elements Qi1 to Qi4 and the first and second inverter clamp elements CDi1 and CDi2 are arranged in three rows in the Y direction and two columns in the X direction.

Next, the positional relationship between the switching elements and the clamp elements between the switching units 31 and 32 and the switching units 41 to 43 will be described.

The first and second converter switching elements Qc1, Qc2 of the first switching unit 31 are linear in the X direction with respect to the first and fourth inverter switching elements Qi1, Qi4 and the first inverter clamp unit CDi1 of the third switching unit 41. They are arranged in a line. That is, the first column of the first switching unit 31 is linearly arranged as the column Col1 in the X direction with respect to the first column of the third switching unit 41.

The first and second converter clamp parts CDc1 and CDc2 of the first switching part 31 are linear in the X direction with respect to the second and third inverter switching elements Qi2 and Qi3 and the second inverter clamp part CDi2 of the third switching part 41. They are arranged in a line. That is, the second row of the first switching unit 31 is linearly arranged in the X direction as the column Col2 with respect to the second row of the third switching unit 41.

The third and fourth converter switching sections Qc3, Qc4 of the first switching section 31 are linearly arranged in the X direction with the first and fourth inverter switching elements Qi1, Qi4 of the fourth switching section 42 and the first inverter clamp section CDi1. They are arranged side by side. That is, the third column of the first switching unit 31 is linearly arranged in the X direction as the column Col3 with respect to the first column of the fourth switching unit 42.

The first and second converter switching sections Qc1 and Qc2 of the second switching section 32 are linear in the X direction with respect to the second and third inverter switching elements Qi2 and Qi3 of the fourth switching section 42 and the second inverter clamp section CDi2. They are arranged in a line. That is, the first row of the second switching unit 32 is linearly arranged as the column Col4 in the X direction with respect to the second row of the fourth switching unit 42.

The first and second converter clamp parts CDc1 and CDc2 of the second switching part 32 are linear in the X direction with respect to the first and fourth inverter switching elements Qi1 and Qi4 and the first inverter clamp part CDi1 of the fourth switching part 43. They are arranged in a line. That is, the second row of the second switching unit 32 is linearly arranged in the X direction as the column Col5 with respect to the first row of the fifth switching unit 43.

The third and fourth converter switching sections Qc3, Qc4 of the second switching section 32 are linear in the X direction with respect to the second and third inverter switching elements Qi2, Qi3 of the fifth switching section 43 and the second inverter clamp section CDi2. They are arranged in a line. That is, the second row of the second switching section 32 is linearly arranged as the column Col6 in the X direction with respect to the second row of the fifth switching section 43.

As described above, the respective columns of the switching elements and the clamp elements of the converter 30 correspond to the respective columns of the inverter 40, and are arranged linearly in the X direction. The number of columns of switching elements and clamp elements of the two converters 30 is the same as the number of columns of the three inverters 40.

In this embodiment, the radiation fins 300 shown in FIG. 2 are provided so as to correspond to each of the columns Col1 to Col6. The radiating fins 300 extend below the heat receiving plate corresponding to each of the columns Col1 to Col6 of the first to fifth switching units 31, 32, 41 to 43, and in the X direction similarly to the columns Col1 to Col6. It is provided so as to be stretched. Thereby, although the radiation fin 300 is shared between the first and second switching units 31 and 32 and the third to fifth switching units 41 to 43, it is directly below the columns Col1 to Col6 of the switching elements and the clamp elements. Since it is provided in the, it is possible to radiate heat with high efficiency. Further, the rows Col1 to Col6 of the switching elements and the clamp elements extend in the traveling direction of the electric vehicle, and correspondingly, the radiation fins 300 also extend in the traveling direction of the electric vehicle. Therefore, the radiation fin 300 can radiate the heat of the switching element and the clamp element with high efficiency.

The converter 30 and the inverter 40 are arranged in the traveling direction X of the electric vehicle, and the radiation fin 300 is shared by the converter 30 and the inverter 40. As a result, the traveling wind that has flowed through the concave portion of the radiation fin 300 below the converter 30 flows into the concave portion of the radiation fin 300 below the inverter 40 as it is. As a result, both converter 30 and inverter 40 are more likely to be hit by traveling wind, and heat dissipation efficiency can be improved.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, the switching elements are arranged substantially evenly on the heat receiving plate. Therefore, the heat generated from the switching element is not locally concentrated (not biased) but is uniformly transmitted to the heat receiving plate and is radiated from the heat radiation fin 300. As a result, the heat radiation efficiency of converter 30 and inverter 40 is further increased.

Further, since the radiation fin 300 is shared by the converter 30 and the inverter 40, the structure is simplified and the cost can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the arrangement of the converter 30 and the inverter 40 shown in FIG. 4(A) may be exchanged. Even if the arrangements of the converter 30 and the inverter 40 are exchanged, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 5, the rows Col1 to Col6 of the switching elements and the clamp elements can be made linear, so that the effect of the present embodiment is obtained. Not lost

Further, in the switching units 31, 32, 41 to 43 shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the arrangement of the switching elements Q1 and Q4 may be exchanged. The arrangement of the switching elements Q2 and Q3 may be exchanged. In the switching units 31, 32, 41 to 43, the arrangement of the switching elements Q1 and Q2 may be exchanged. The arrangement of the switching elements Q3 and Q3 may be exchanged. Further, in the switching units 31, 32, 41 to 43, the arrangement of the clamp elements CD1 and CD2 may be exchanged.

The power conversion device 100 may be provided with a heat equalizing pipe 310 instead of the radiating fins 300 or together with the radiating fins 300. FIG. 6 is a layout diagram illustrating an example of the power conversion device 100 including the heat equalizing pipe 310. The heat equalizing pipes 310 correspond to the columns Col1 to Col6 in the heat receiving plate, and are arranged to extend in the traveling direction X of the electric vehicle, similarly to the heat radiating fins 300. The soaking pipe 310 is formed of a material having high heat conductivity (for example, a metal material such as stainless steel).

The uniform heat pipe 310 is filled with a refrigerant, and heat generated from the switching elements Qc1 to Qc4, Qi1 to Qi4 and the clamp elements CDc1, CDc2, CDi1 and CDi2 is substantially evenly dispersed (diffused). The refrigerant may be enclosed in the soaking pipe 310 or may be circulated. The refrigerant is a liquid having high heat conductivity, and may be, for example, water or oil.

The heat equalizing pipe 310 and the refrigerant can disperse the heat generated from the switching elements Qc1 to Qc4, Qi1 to Qi4 and the clamp elements CDc1, CDc2, CDi1 and CDi2 substantially evenly. Thereby, the heat dissipation efficiency of the power conversion device 100 can be further improved.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof as well as included in the scope and the gist of the invention.

10... Control part, 20... Transformer, 30... Converter, 40... Inverter, 50... Circuit breaker, 61, 62... Charging resistance, 71-74... Contactor, 81, 82... Voltage dividing capacitor, 90... Current detector , 100... Power converters, 31, 32... Switching parts, 41-43... Switching parts, Q1-Q4... Switching elements, CD1, CD2... Clamp elements

Claims (10)

A power conversion device for generating electric power supplied to a load of an electric vehicle,
A converter for converting the first AC power into DC power;
An inverter for converting the DC power into a second AC power,
The converter includes a first switching unit connected between a first phase wiring of the first AC power and a wiring of the DC power, a second phase wiring of the first AC power, and a wiring of the DC power. And a second switching unit connected between
The first and second switching units are arranged so as to be substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the electric vehicle,
The inverter includes a third switching unit connected between the DC power wiring and the first phase wiring of the second AC power, the DC power wiring, and the second phase wiring of the second AC power. A fourth switching unit connected between the first and second switching units, and a fifth switching unit connected between the wiring for the DC power and the third phase wiring for the second AC power,
The third to fifth switching units are arranged so as to be arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the electric vehicle, and are arranged in the traveling direction of the electric vehicle with respect to the first and second switching units. are arranged so that,
Each of the first and second switching units includes first to fourth converter switching elements connected in series between a positive electrode wiring and a negative electrode wiring of the DC power wiring,
The first and second converter switching elements of the first switching unit are connected in series between the first phase wiring of the first AC power and the positive wiring, and the third switching element of the first switching unit is connected in series . And a fourth converter switching element is connected in series between the negative electrode wiring and the first phase wiring of the first AC power,
The first and second converter switching elements of the second switching section are connected in series between the second phase wiring of the first AC power and the positive wiring, and the third switching element of the second switching section is connected in series. And a fourth converter switching element is connected in series between the negative electrode wiring and the second phase wiring of the first AC power,
The first and second converter switching elements are arranged so as to be arranged in a traveling direction of the electric vehicle, and the third and fourth converter switching elements are arranged so as to be arranged in a traveling direction of the electric vehicle,
Each of the third to fifth switching units includes first to fourth inverter switching elements connected in series between the positive electrode wiring and the negative electrode wiring,
The first and second inverter switching elements of the third switching unit are connected in series between the positive electrode wiring and the first phase wiring of the second AC power, and the third and third inverters of the third switching unit are connected. And a fourth inverter switching element is connected in series between the first phase wiring of the second AC power and the negative electrode wiring,
The first and second inverter switching elements of the fourth switching unit are connected in series between the positive electrode wiring and the second phase wiring of the second AC power, and the third and third inverters of the fourth switching unit are connected. And a fourth inverter switching element is connected in series between the second phase wiring of the second AC power and the negative wiring.
The first and second inverter switching elements of the fifth switching unit are connected in series between the positive wiring and the third phase wiring of the second AC power, and the third switching circuit of the fifth switching unit is connected. And a fourth inverter switching element is connected in series between the third phase wiring of the second AC power and the negative electrode wiring,
The first and fourth inverter switching elements are arranged side by side in the traveling direction of the electric vehicle, and the second and third inverter switching elements are arranged side by side in the traveling direction of the electric vehicle,
Further, each of the first and second switching units is
A first converter clamp element connected between a node between the first converter switching element and the second converter switching element and a neutral point of the DC power;
A second converter clamp element connected between a node between the third converter switching element and the fourth converter switching element and the neutral point of the DC power;
The first converter clamp element is disposed between the first converter switching element and the fourth converter switching element, and the second converter clamp element includes the second converter switching element and the third converter switching element. Placed between
Each of the third to fifth switching units includes
A first inverter clamp element connected between a node between the first inverter switching element and the second inverter switching element and the neutral point of the DC power;
A second inverter clamp element connected between the node between the third inverter switching element and the fourth inverter switching element and the neutral point of the DC power;
The first inverter clamp element is disposed between the first inverter switching element and the fourth inverter switching element, and the second inverter clamp element includes the second inverter switching element and the third inverter switching element. Is located between
In each of the first and second switching units, the first to fourth converter switching elements and the first and second converter clamp elements are arranged in two rows substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the electric vehicle, and , Arranged in three rows in the traveling direction of the electric vehicle, and in each of the third to fifth switching units, the first to fourth inverter switching elements and the first and second inverter clamp elements are A power conversion device, which is arranged in three rows substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the electric vehicle and in two columns in the traveling direction of the electric vehicle. The sum of the widths of the first and second switching portions in the direction substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the electric vehicle is the width of the third to fifth switching portions in the direction substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the electric vehicle. The power converter of claim 1, wherein the power converter is approximately equal to The first and second converter switching elements of the first and second switching sections are the first and fourth inverter switching elements or the second and third inverter switching of any of the third to fifth switching sections. The power conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the power conversion device and the element are arranged side by side in a traveling direction of the electric vehicle. The first and second converter switching elements of the first and second switching sections are the first and fourth inverter switching elements of any one of the third to fifth switching sections, and the first inverter clamp element. And the second and third inverter switching elements of any one of the third to fifth switching units, and the second inverter clamp element and the electric vehicle. The power conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the power conversion device is arranged so as to be lined up in the traveling direction of. The row of the first and second converter switching elements in the first switching section is relative to the row of the first inverter switching element, the first inverter clamp element and the fourth inverter switching element in the third switching section. The power conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the electric power conversion device is arranged in a substantially straight line in a traveling direction of the electric vehicle to form a first row. The power conversion device according to claim 1, further comprising a heat radiation fin shared by the first and second switching units and the third to fifth switching units. The power conversion device according to claim 5 , further comprising a radiation fin provided corresponding to the first row and extending in the same direction as the row. A soaking pipe provided corresponding to the first row and extending in the same direction as the row;
The power conversion device according to claim 5 , further comprising: a refrigerant provided in the heat equalizing pipe. The power conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the first to fourth converter switching elements and the first to fourth inverter switching elements each further include a SiC diode connected between a source and a drain. When the second converter switching element is on and the fourth converter switching element is off, the first converter switching element and the third converter switching element perform complementary and alternating switching operations. Then
When the third converter switching element is in the ON state and the first converter switching element is in the OFF state, the second converter switching element and the fourth converter switching transistor perform complementary and alternating switching operations. Then
When the second inverter switching element is on and the fourth inverter switching element is off, the first inverter switching element and the third inverter switching element perform complementary and alternating switching operations. Then
When the third inverter switching element is in the ON state and the first inverter switching element is in the OFF state, the second inverter switching element and the fourth inverter switching transistor perform complementary and alternating switching operations. The power converter according to claim 1.

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