Electric circuit module as well as power converter and vehicle-mounted electric system that include the module

• US 20060232942A1
• Filed: 02/21/2006
• Published: 10/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Company Limited (Hitachi, Ltd.)
• Inventors: Ibori, Satoshi, Miyazaki, Hideki, Nakatsu, Kinya
• Granted Patent: US 7,745,952 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/710
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/13 using AC generators and AC motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/16 with provision for separate direct mechanical propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/20 having different nominal voltages
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/0603 Bonding areas having different sizes, e.g. different heights or widths
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/32245 the item being metallic
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/45099 Material
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/45124 Aluminium (Al) as principal constituent
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/45147 Copper (Cu) as principal constituent
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/48091 Arched
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/48247 connecting the wire to a bond pad of the item
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/48472 the other connecting portion not on the bonding area also being a wedge bond, i.e. wedge-to-wedge
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/49111 the connectors connecting two common bonding areas, e.g. Litz or braid wires
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/49113 the connectors connecting different bonding areas on the semiconductor or solid-state body to a common bonding area outside the body, e.g. converging wires
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2224/73265 Layer and wire connectors
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 23/3121 a substrate forming part of the encapsulation
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 23/4093 Snap-on arrangements, e.g. clips
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 23/473 by flowing liquids H01L23/4332, H01L23/4338 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 23/4952 the additional leads being a bump or a wire
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 23/49562 for devices being provided for in H01L29/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 23/49575 Assemblies of semiconductor devices on lead frames
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 24/29 : of an individual layer connector
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 24/45 : of an individual wire connector
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 24/48 : of an individual wire connector
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 24/49 : of a plurality of wire connectors
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 24/73 : Means for bonding being of different types provided for in two or more of groups H01L24/10, H01L24/18, H01L24/26, H01L24/34, H01L24/42, H01L24/50, H01L24/63, H01L24/71
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 25/072 : the devices being arranged next to each other
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 25/112 : Mixed assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00 : Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00012 : Relevant to the scope of the group, the symbol of which is combined with the symbol of this group
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00014 : the subject-matter covered by the group, the symbol of which is combined with the symbol of this group, being disclosed without further technical details
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/01005 : Boron [B]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/01006 : Carbon [C]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/01013 : Aluminum [Al]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/01014 : Silicon [Si]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/01023 : Vanadium [V]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/01024 : Chromium [Cr]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/01029 : Copper [Cu]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/01033 : Arsenic [As]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/01068 : Erbium [Er]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/01074 : Tungsten [W]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/01079 : Gold [Au]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/01082 : Lead [Pb]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/01083 : Bismuth [Bi]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/014 : Solder alloys
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/1305 : Bipolar Junction Transistor [BJT]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/13055 : Insulated gate bipolar transistor [IGBT]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/1306 : Field-effect transistor [FET]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/13091 : Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor [MOSFET]
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/14 : Integrated circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/181 : Encapsulation
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/1815 : Shape
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/19041 : being a capacitor
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/30107 : Inductance
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/3011 : Impedance
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/3025 : Electromagnetic shielding
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 7/003 : Constructional details, e.g. physical layout, assembly, wiring or busbar connections
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/1432 : specially adapted for power drive units or power converters
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/14329 : specially adapted for the configuration of power bus bars
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/20927 : Liquid coolant without phase change
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 : Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 : Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors

Abstract

A power module constructs a pressurizing tool by laminating an elastic member as well as a DC positive-side wiring member and DC negative-side wiring member in which currents flow in opposite directions. The pressurizing tool presses a first fixing tool, and then the first fixing tool presses semiconductor equipment. The semiconductor equipment is fixed to a heat dissipating member with its heat dissipating surface brought into surface contact with side wall surfaces of the heat dissipating member. The power module can enhance heat dissipation between a heat dissipating member and semiconductor equipment, and enables the semiconductor equipment to be fixed to the heat dissipating member without adding other components to the power module.

Claims

1. An electric circuit module, comprising:

an electric apparatus;

a heat dissipating member that dissipates heat generated by the electric apparatus;

a fixing tool that fixes the electric apparatus;

an electrically conductive member that is electrically connected to the electric apparatus; and

an insulating member that electrically insulates the electrically conductive member;

wherein;

electric circuit parts in the electric apparatus are enclosed by a package;

a plurality of wires electrically connected to the electric circuit parts extend externally from the interior of the package;

a heat dissipating surface is provided on a surface of the package;

the insulating member is made of an electrically insulative member having elasticity, the insulating member being clamped by the electrically conductive member and another member, the insulating member and the electrically conductive member constituting a pressurizing tool;

the pressurizing tool presses the fixing tool, elastic force of the insulating member being transmitted to the electrically conductive member, the electrically conductive member then pressing the fixing tool;

the fixing tool fixes the electric apparatus to the heat dissipating member, the pressing force received from the pressurizing tool being used to press the electric apparatus against the heat dissipating member so that the heat dissipating surface is brought into surface contact with a surface of the heat dissipating member; and

the heat dissipating surface is pressed against the surface of the heat dissipating member and brought into surface contact with the surface of the heat dissipating member when the fixing tool is pressed by the pressurizing tool and then the electric apparatus is pressed by the fixing tool.

9. The electric circuit module according to claim 1, further comprising a viscous member that is provided between the heat dissipating member and the heat dissipating surface.

10. The electric circuit module according to claim 1, further comprising a thermally conductive member, wherein:

the electric apparatus has a second heat dissipating member;

the second heat dissipating member is thermally connected to the electric circuit parts and a surface of the second heat dissipating member appears from the package;

the thermally conductive member is disposed between the second heat dissipating member and the heat dissipating member; and

the second heat dissipating member and the heat dissipating member are thermally connected to each other through the thermally conductive member.

11. The electric circuit module according to claim 10, further comprising a metallic foil, wherein the metallic foil is disposed between the thermally conductive member and the heat dissipating member.

12. The electric circuit module according to claim 1, wherein the fixing tool has a protrusion, the electric apparatus being pressed by the protrusion against the heat dissipating member.

13. The electric circuit module according to claim 1, wherein the heat dissipating member has a supporting mechanism, the supporting mechanism holding an assembling state of the electric apparatus on the heat dissipating member.

14. The electric circuit module according to claim 1, further comprising a second fixing tool, wherein the second fixing tool fixes the wires to the electrically conductive member with the wires electrically connected to the electrically conductive member.

15. The electric circuit module according to claim 1, further comprising:

a thermally conductive member; and

a second pressurizing tool;

wherein;

the thermally conductive member is disposed between the electric apparatus and the fixing tool, the thermally conductive member being pressed by the second pressurizing tool against the surface of the heat dissipating member from a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction; and

the heat dissipating surface is pressed against the surface of the heat dissipating member and brought into surface contact with the surface of the heat dissipating member when the fixing tool is pressed by the pressurizing tool, the thermally conductive member is pressed by the fixing tool, and then the electric apparatus is pressed by the thermally conductive member.

16. The electric circuit module according to claim 1, wherein:

the positions at which the fixing tool and the electrically conductive member are mutually exchanged;

the electric apparatus is pressed by the fixing tool through the electrically conductive member;

the heat dissipating surface is pressed against the surface of the heat dissipating member and brought into surface contact with the surface of the heat dissipating member when the fixing tool is pressed by the elastic member, the electrically conductive member is pressed by the fixing tool, and then the electric apparatus is pressed by the electrically conductive member; and

the electrically conductive member is electrically insulated from and thermally connected to the heat dissipating member.

17. The electric circuit module according to claim 1, wherein the insulating member is made of an elastic member that has a larger elastic modulus than the electrically conductive member, the package, or the fixing tool.

18. The electric circuit module according to claim 14, further comprising other constituent parts including a circuit board mounted on which are a terminal block comprising an input terminal and output terminal of the module, a protective part that protects the electric apparatus, and a control part that controls the driving of the electric apparatus;

wherein the second fixing tool has a supporting mechanism, the supporting mechanism holding the constituent parts assembled to the second fixing tool.

19. A power converter that converts power supplied from a power supply source to prescribed power and supplies the converted power to a power supply destination, the power converter comprising:

a converting unit that is electrically connected between the power supply source and the power supply destination, the converting unit converting power supplied from the power supply source to prescribed power and supplies the converted power to the power supply destination; and

a control unit that controls the operation of the converting unit, wherein;

the converting unit has the electric circuit module according to claim 1, the power conversion being performed by control of an electrical connection of electric apparatus mounted on the electric circuit module; and

the control unit receives an external signal and outputs to the electric circuit module a signal for performing the electrical connection of the electric apparatus.

20. A vehicle-mounted electric system that uses power of a vehicle-mounted power supply to generate electric power for driving the vehicle or vehicle-mounted electric apparatus, the vehicle-mounted electric system comprising:

an electric apparatus that generates the electric power; and

a control apparatus that controls the driving of the electric apparatus;

wherein;

the control apparatus is a power converter that converts power supplied from the vehicle-mounted power supply to prescribed power and supplies the converted power to the electric apparatus;

the power converter is electrically connected between the vehicle-mounted power supply and the electric apparatus, the power converter having a converting unit that converts power supplied from the vehicle-mounted power supply to prescribed power and supplies the converted power to the electric apparatus, and a control unit that controls the operation of the converting circuit;

the converting unit has the electric circuit module according to claim 1, the power conversion being performed by control of an electrical connection of the electric apparatus mounted on the electric circuit module; and

the control unit receives an external signal and outputs to the electric circuit module a signal for performing the electrical connection of the electric apparatus.

2. An electric circuit module, comprising:

an electric apparatus;

a heat dissipating member that dissipates heat generated by the electric apparatus;

a fixing tool that fixes the electric apparatus; and

a pressurizing tool that presses the fixing tool;

wherein;

electric circuit parts in the electric apparatus are enclosed by a package;

a plurality of wires electrically connected to the electric circuit parts extend externally from the interior of the package;

a heat dissipating surface is provided on a surface of the package;

the fixing tool fixes the electric apparatus to the heat dissipating member, the pressing force received from the pressurizing tool being used to press the electric apparatus against the heat dissipating member so that the heat dissipating surface is brought into surface contact with a surface of the heat dissipating member;

the pressurizing tool is formed by a laminate member in which an expandable and contractible member and a metallic member are laminated so that the pressurizing tool follows thermal expansion and contraction of the heat dissipating member, the electric apparatus, or the fixing tool in the pressing direction while maintaining the force to press the fixing tool; and

the heat dissipating surface is pressed against the surface of the heat dissipating member and brought into surface contact with the surface of the heat dissipating member when the fixing tool is pressed by the pressurizing tool and then the electric apparatus is pressed by the fixing tool.

3. The electric circuit module according to claim 2, further comprising:

an electrically conductive member that is electrically connected to the electric apparatus; and

an insulating member that electrically insulates the electrically conductive member;

wherein;

the insulating member is an elastic body that constitutes the expandable and contractible member of the laminate member, the insulating member being clamped by the electrically conductive member and another member so as to transmit elastic force thereof to the electrically conductive member; and

the electrically conductive member constitutes the metallic member of the laminate member, the electrically conductive member receiving the elastic force of the insulating member and pressing the fixing tool.

21. The electric circuit module according to claim 2, further comprising a viscous member that is provided between the heat dissipating member and the heat dissipating surface.

22. The electric circuit module according to claim 2, further comprising a thermally conductive member, wherein:

the electric apparatus has a second heat dissipating member;

the second heat dissipating member is thermally connected to the electric circuit parts and a surface of the second heat dissipating member appears from the package;

the thermally conductive member is disposed between the second heat dissipating member and the heat dissipating member; and

the second heat dissipating member and the heat dissipating member are thermally connected to each other through the thermally conductive member.

23. The electric circuit module according to claim 2, wherein the fixing tool has a protrusion, the electric apparatus being pressed by the protrusion against the heat dissipating member.

24. The electric circuit module according to claim 2, wherein the heat dissipating member has a supporting mechanism, the supporting mechanism holding an assembling state of the electric apparatus on the heat dissipating member.

25. The electric circuit module according to claim 2, further comprising:

a thermally conductive member; and

a second pressurizing tool;

wherein;

the thermally conductive member is disposed between the electric apparatus and the fixing tool, the thermally conductive member being pressed by the second pressurizing tool against the surface of the heat dissipating member from a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction; and

the heat dissipating surface is pressed against the surface of the heat dissipating member and brought into surface contact with the surface of the heat dissipating member when the fixing tool is pressed by the pressurizing tool, the thermally conductive member is pressed by the fixing tool, and then the electric apparatus is pressed by the thermally conductive member.

26. A power converter that converts power supplied from a power supply source to prescribed power and supplies the converted power to a power supply destination, the power converter comprising:

a converting unit that is electrically connected between the power supply source and the power supply destination, the converting unit converting power supplied from the power supply source to prescribed power and supplies the converted power to the power supply destination; and

a control unit that controls the operation of the converting circuit, wherein;

the converting unit has the electric circuit module according to claim 2, the power conversion being performed by control of an electrical connection of electric apparatus mounted on the electric circuit module; and

the control unit receives an external signal and outputs to the electric circuit module a signal for performing the electrical connection of the electric apparatus.

27. A vehicle-mounted electric system that uses power of a vehicle-mounted power supply to generate electric power for driving the vehicle or vehicle-mounted electric apparatus, the vehicle-mounted electric system comprising:

an electric apparatus that generates the electric power; and

a control unit that controls the driving of the electric apparatus;

wherein;

the control unit is a power converter that converts power supplied from the vehicle-mounted power supply to prescribed power and supplies the converted power to the electric apparatus;

the power converter is electrically connected between the vehicle-mounted power supply and the electric apparatus, the power converter having a converting unit that converts power supplied from the vehicle-mounted power supply to prescribed power and supplies the converted power to the electric apparatus, and a control unit that controls the operation of the converting circuit;

the converting unit has the electric circuit module according to claim 2, the power conversion being performed by control of an electrical connection of the electric apparatus mounted on the electric circuit module; and

the control unit receives an external signal and outputs to the electric circuit module a signal for performing the electrical connection of the electric apparatus.

4. An electric circuit module, comprising:

a laminate body; and

heat dissipating members that are disposed at both ends of the laminating body in the laminating direction and clamp the laminating body;

wherein;

the laminating body comprises

electric apparatus that are disposed at both ends in the laminating direction and mounted on surfaces of the heat dissipating members,

fixing tools disposed on sides, opposite to the heat dissipating members, of the electric apparatus,

electrically conductive members that are disposed on sides, opposite to the electric apparatus, of the fixing tools and electrically connected to the corresponding electric apparatus, and

an insulating member that is disposed on sides, opposite to the fixing tools, of the electrically conductive members and clamped between the electrically conductive members so as to provide electrical insulation between the electrically conductive members;

electric circuit parts in the electric apparatus are enclosed by a package;

a plurality of wires electrically connected to the electric circuit parts extend externally from the interior of the package;

a heat dissipating surface is provided on a surface of the package;

the insulating member is made of an electrically insulative member having elasticity, the insulating member and the electrically conductive members constituting a pressurizing tool;

the pressurizing tool presses the fixing tools, elastic force of the insulating member being transmitted to the electrically conductive members, the electrically conductive members then pressing the fixing tools;

the fixing tool fixes the electric apparatus to the heat dissipating member, the pressing force received from the pressurizing tool being used to press the electric apparatus against the heat dissipating member so that the heat dissipating surface is brought into surface contact with a surface of the heat dissipating member; and

the heat dissipating surface is pressed against the surface of the heat dissipating member and brought into surface contact with the surface of the heat dissipating member when the fixing tool is pressed by the pressurizing tool and then the electric apparatus is pressed by the fixing tool.

5. An electric circuit module, comprising:

a laminate body; and

heat dissipating members that are disposed at both ends of the laminating body in the laminating direction and clamp the laminating body;

wherein;

the laminating body comprises

electric apparatus that are disposed at both ends in the laminating direction and mounted on surfaces of the heat dissipating members,

fixing tool disposed on side, opposite to the heat dissipating members, of the electric apparatus, and

a pressurizing tool that is disposed on sides, opposite to the electric apparatus, of the fixing tools and presses the fixing tools toward the heat dissipating members;

electric circuit parts in the electric apparatus are enclosed by a package;

a plurality of wires electrically connected to the electric circuit parts extend externally from the interior of the package;

a heat dissipating surface is provided on a surface of the package;

the fixing tool fixes the electric apparatus to the heat dissipating member, the pressing force received from the pressurizing tool being used to press the electric apparatus against the heat dissipating member so that the heat dissipating surface is brought into surface contact with a surface of the heat dissipating member;

the pressurizing tool is formed by a laminate member in which an expandable and contractible member and a metallic member are laminated so that the pressurizing tool follows thermal expansion and contraction of the heat dissipating members, the electric apparatus, or the fixing tools in the pressing direction while maintaining the force to press the fixing tools; and

the heat dissipating surface is pressed against the surface of the heat dissipating member and brought into surface contact with the surface of the heat dissipating member when the fixing tool is pressed by the pressurizing tool and then the electric apparatus is pressed by the fixing tool.

6. The electric circuit module according to claim 5, further comprising:

electrically conductive members that are disposed on sides, opposite to electric apparatus, of the fixing tools and electrically connected to the corresponding electric apparatus; and

an insulating member that is disposed on sides, opposite to the fixing tools, of the electrically conductive members and clamped between the electrically conductive members so as to provide electrical insulation between the electrically conductive members;

wherein;

the insulating member is an elastic body that constitutes the expandable and contractible member of the laminate member, the insulating member being clamped by the electrically conductive members so as to transmit elastic force thereof to the electrically conductive members; and

the electrically conductive members constitute the metallic member of the laminate member, the electrically conductive members receiving the elastic force of the insulating member and pressing the fixing tools.

7. An electric circuit module, comprising:

a laminate body; and

a block-like heat dissipating member that accommodates the laminate body;

wherein;

coolant flow passages are provided in parallel along the heat dissipating member in the longitudinal direction;

a recess is provided parallel to the coolant flow passages between the coolant flow passages for the heat dissipating member in the longitudinal direction, the recess accommodating the laminate body;

the laminate body comprises

electric apparatus that are disposed at both ends in the laminating direction and mounted on surfaces of the recess along the coolant flow passages,

a fixing tool that is disposed on sides, opposite to the heat dissipating member, of the electric apparatus, and

a pressurizing tool that is disposed on sides, opposite to the electric apparatus, the pressurizing tool pressing the fixing tool toward the heat dissipating member;

electric circuit parts in the electric apparatus are enclosed by a package;

a plurality of wires electrically connected to the electric circuit parts extend externally from the interior of the package;

a heat dissipating surface is provided on a surface of the package;

the pressurizing tool is formed by a laminate member so that the pressurizing tool follows thermal expansion and contraction of the heat dissipating members, the electric apparatus, or the fixing tools in the pressing direction while maintaining the force to press the fixing tools;

the pressurizing tool comprises

electrically conductive members that are electrically connected to the corresponding electric apparatus and disposed on surfaces, opposite to the electric apparatus, of the fixing tools, and

an insulating member that is made of an electrically insulative member having elasticity, the insulating member providing electrical insulation between the electrically conductive members, and being disposed on sides, opposite to the fixing tool, of the electrically conductive members and clamped between the electrically conductive members;

the pressurizing tool transmits elastic force of the insulating member to the electrically conductive members, the electrically conductive members then pressing the fixing tool;

the fixing tool fixes the electric apparatus on the surface of the recess that is formed along the coolant flow passages;

the fixing tool uses pressing force received from the pressurizing tool to press the electric apparatus against on the surface of the recess that is formed along the coolant flow passages so that the heat dissipating surface is brought into surface contact with the surface of the recess; and

the heat dissipating surface is pressed against the surface of the recess that is formed along the coolant flow passages and brought into surface contact with the surface of the recess that is formed along the coolant flow passage when the fixing tool is pressed by the pressurizing tool and then the electric apparatus is pressed by the fixing tool.

8. An electric circuit module, comprising:

a laminate body; and

heat dissipating members that are disposed at both ends of the laminating body in the laminating direction and clamp the laminating body;

wherein;

the laminating body comprises

electric apparatus that are disposed at both ends in the laminating direction and mounted on surfaces of the heat dissipating members,

fixing tools disposed on sides, opposite to the heat dissipating members, of the electric apparatus,

electrically conductive members that are disposed on sides, opposite to the electric apparatus, of the fixing tools and electrically connected to the corresponding electric apparatus, and

an insulating member that is disposed on sides, opposite to the fixing tools, of the electrically conductive members and clamped between the electrically conductive members so as to provide electrical insulation between the electrically conductive members;

electric circuit parts in the electric apparatus are enclosed by a package;

a plurality of wires electrically connected to the electric circuit parts extend externally from the interior of the package;

a heat dissipating surface is provided on a surface of the package;

the insulating member is made of an electrically insulative member having elasticity;

the electrically conductive members cause currents to flow in diametrically opposite directions;

the fixing tool fixes the electric apparatus to the heat dissipating member, the pressing force received from the insulating member through the electrically conductive member being used to press the electric apparatus against the heat dissipating member so that the heat dissipating surface is brought into surface contact with surface of the heat dissipating member; and

the heat dissipating surface is pressed against the surface of the heat dissipating member and brought into surface contact with the surface of the heat dissipating member when the fixing tool is pressed by the insulating member through the electrically conductive member and then the electric apparatus is pressed by the fixing tool.