Patent ID: 12213282

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present disclosure will be described referring to drawings. In each embodiment, portions corresponding to the elements described in the preceding embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanation thereof may be omitted. When only a part of a configuration is described in an embodiment, the other preceding embodiments can be applied to the other parts of the configuration. It may be possible not only to combine parts the combination of which is explicitly described in an embodiment, but also to combine parts of respective embodiments the combination of which is not explicitly described if any obstacle does not especially occur in combining the parts of the respective embodiments.

JP2017-108593A discloses an inverter including a rubber O-ring in a space surrounded among an inner peripheral surface of a ring member, a metal gasket, and an outer peripheral surface of a connecting pipe.

In a configuration of JP2017-108593A, it is required to reduce an amount of an outside water which may touch the components such as the O-ring. The outside water may downwardly flow an outside.

It is an objects of this disclosure in this specification to provide a power control apparatus capable of reducing a water exposure of a sealing member between a pipe for a flow path and an insertion hole for inserting the pipe.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment is described with reference toFIGS.1to6. The power control apparatus may be applied to an in-vehicle power controller to be mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The power control apparatus may include a heat generative component and a cooler for the heat generative component. The heat generative component may be an electric component for a converter circuit and/or an inverter circuit. The cooler uses a cooling medium such as a cooling water circulating a cooling circuit. The vehicles include passenger cars, buses, construction work vehicles, agricultural machinery vehicles, and the like. The power control apparatus capable of achieving the object specified in the specification can be applied to, for example, an inverter device, a converter device, or the like. The power control apparatus may be, for example, one of a power supply device having an AC input and a DC output, a power supply device having a DC input and a DC output, and a power supply device having an AC input and an AC output.

An example of a power control apparatus capable of achieving the object disclosed in the specification is described below. A vehicle drive system10is mounted on a vehicle and supplies driving force for driving drive wheels of the vehicle. The drive system10includes a DC power supply300, a motor generator310, a power control apparatus1, and the like. The DC power supply300is a power supply that supplies DC power to the power control circuit, and is, for example, a plurality of secondary batteries. The secondary batteries may be a lithium ion secondary battery, a nickel hydrogen secondary battery, or an organic radical battery, for example.

The motor generator310includes a three-phase AC rotary electric machine, i.e., a three-phase AC motor. The motor generator310functions as a vehicle driving power source, that is, an electric motor. The motor generator310functions as a generator during regeneration. The power control apparatus1performs electric power conversion between the DC power supply300and the motor generator310.

The power control apparatus1converts a DC voltage into a three-phase AC voltage according to switching control by a control circuit, and outputs the three-phase AC voltage to the motor generator310. As a result, the vehicle travels by driving the motor generator310using the AC power converted from the DC power by the power control circuit. The power control apparatus1converts the AC power generated by AC power generation of the motor generator310into the DC power, and outputs the DC power to a high-potential-side power line in a circuit. The power control apparatus1performs electric power conversion between the DC power supply300and the motor generator310.

As shown inFIG.1, the power control apparatus1includes a booster circuit210and an inverter circuit200. The booster circuit210has an input side connected to the DC power supply300and an output side connected to the inverter circuit200. The booster circuit210includes a power converter, a reactor22, and a capacitor23for noise reduction. The capacitor23is, for example, a filter capacitor that reduces a noise from a power supply. The booster circuit210boosts the voltage of the DC power supply300in a boost mode and outputs it to the inverter circuit200. The booster circuit210steps down the DC voltage output from the inverter circuit200in a step-down mode and supplies it to the DC power supply300.

The booster circuit210includes the reactor22, a power control circuit, and the capacitor23for noise reduction. The booster circuit210includes semiconductor modules2for providing a power control circuit such as the converter and/or the inverter. The booster circuit210is also a converter circuit that includes the reactor22and an upper and lower arm circuit. The power control circuit of the booster circuit210converts the DC voltage of the DC power supply300into a boosted voltage by turning on and off the semiconductor element20included in the semiconductor module2.

The booster circuit210includes one set of the upper and lower arm circuit including two arms connected in series. The arm on the high potential side of the upper and lower arm circuit is referred to as an upper arm, and the arm on the low potential side is referred to as a lower arm. Each of the upper arm and the lower arm has a semiconductor device20for power control. The reactor22has one terminal connected to the DC power supply300and the capacitor23, and the other terminal connected between the upper arm and the lower arm. The reactor22is configured to be able to store and release electrical energy.

The inverter circuit200includes semiconductor modules2and form a power control circuit. The semiconductor modules2are connected in parallel to a smoothing capacitor3. The power control circuit converts a DC power boosted by the booster circuit210into an AC power by turning on and off the semiconductor elements20included in the semiconductor modules2.

The motor generator310is coupled to an axle of the electric vehicle. Rotational energy of the motor generator310is transmitted to drive wheels of the electric vehicle via the axle. Rotational energy of the drive wheels is transmitted to the motor generator310via the axle. The motor generator310generate kinetic power by an AC power supplied from the power control apparatus1. Thereby, a propulsive force is supplied to the drive wheels. The motor generator310regenerates by using the rotational energy transmitted from the drive wheels. The AC power generated by this regeneration is converted into a DC power by the power control apparatus1as described above. This DC power is supplied to the DC power supply300. This DC power is also supplied to various electrical loads mounted on the vehicle.

In the inverter circuit200, the smoothing capacitor3is connected to the input side of the power control circuit, and the motor generator310, which is an example of a load, is connected to the output side. The smoothing capacitor3mainly smooths the DC voltage supplied from the DC power supply300and the booster circuit210. The smoothing capacitor3is connected between the power line for the high potential side and the power line for the low potential side. The power line on the high potential side is connected to the positive electrode of the DC power supply300. The power line on the low potential side is connected to the negative electrode of the DC power supply300. The positive electrode of the smoothing capacitor3is connected to the power line on the high potential side between the DC power supply300or the booster circuit210and the power control circuit. The negative electrode of the smoothing capacitor3is connected to the power line on the low potential side between the DC power supply300or the booster circuit210and the power control circuit.

A P-busbar is provided on the power line on the high potential side. A N-busbar is provided on the power line on the low potential side. The P-busbar and the N-busbar are provided on the power lines on the input side with respect to the power control circuit of the power control apparatus1.

The power control apparatus1includes three-phase legs connected in parallel between the P-busbar connected to the positive electrode of the DC power supply300and the N-busbar connected to the negative electrode of the DC power supply300. Each one of phase legs includes semiconductor elements20connected in series between the P-busbar and the N-busbar. The inverter circuit200includes three sets of the upper and lower arm circuit including two arms connected in series. The three upper and lower arm circuits correspond to, for example, U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase, respectively, and are arranged in this order from the smoothing capacitor3. A higher potential one of each of the upper and lower arm circuits may be referred to as an upper arm. A lower potential one of each of the upper and lower arm circuits may be referred to as a lower arm.

Each one of the arms has an IGBT as a switching element and a diode. The IGBT is an insulated gate bipolar transistor, which is a type of transistor. The IGBT and diode are provided on a semiconductor substrate. A semiconductor chip provided with an IGBT and a diode corresponds to the semiconductor element20. In the upper arm, the collector is connected to the power line on the high potential side. In the lower arm, the emitter is connected to the power line on the low potential side. The emitter on the upper arm and the collector on the lower arm are connected to each other. The anode of the diode is connected to the emitter of the corresponding IGBT, and the cathode is connected to the collector of the corresponding IGBT.

The control circuit generates a drive command for operating the IGBT and outputs the drive command to the drive circuit. The control circuit generates the drive command based on a torque request input from a higher-level ECU and signals detected by various sensors. Various sensors include a current sensor, a rotation angle sensor, and a voltage sensor. The control circuit outputs a PWM signal as a drive command. The control circuit has a microcomputer.

The drive circuit is a driver which supplies a drive voltage to a gate of the IGBT of the corresponding arm based on the drive command of the control circuit. The drive circuit drives, i.e., turns on and turns off, the corresponding IGBT11by applying a drive voltage. The power control apparatus1includes, for example, one drive circuit with respect to one arm for a phase.

The power control apparatus1includes busbars including input busbars and output busbars. The power control apparatus1includes busbars for both a power input and a power output. The busbars in the power control apparatus1include a conductive member to be connected to an input terminal and a conductive member to be connected to an output terminal. The busbars are conductive members connected to an input side or an output side to at least one of the semiconductor modules2, the smoothing capacitor3and the capacitor23. Since such busbars each form one of electric power paths and generate heat, the busbars release heat to peripheral parts. The input busbars are conductive members to which power is supplied from the DC power supply300. The input busbars are, for example, the P-busbar and the N-busbar.

The output busbars are, for example, busbars provided on electric power paths through which an output current of the arms flow to the motor generator310. The current sensor detects an output current flowing through the output busbars. One of the output busbars is provided on an electric power path that connects a connection portion between the upper arm and the lower arm to a winding of the motor generator310in the U-phase. One of the output busbars is provided on an electric power path that connects a connection portion between the upper arm and the lower arm to a winding of the motor generator310in the V-phase. One of the output busbars is provided on an electric power path that connects a connection portion between the upper arm and the lower arm to a winding of the motor generator310in the W-phase. The output busbars also called a U-phase busbar, a V-phase busbar, and a W-phase busbar. The U-phase busbar, the V-phase busbar, and the W-phase busbar are provided on the power line on the output side with respect to the power control circuit.

The power control apparatus1includes a case11for accommodating electric components. The case11forms a part of a container. The case11accommodates a capacitor unit, a power module unit, a reactor unit, and a control board on which a control circuit is mounted.

The capacitor unit includes at least the smoothing capacitor3. The capacitor unit accommodates the smoothing capacitor3which is encapsulated in a resin in a state where terminals to be connected to other electric components are exposed. The smoothing capacitor3accommodates a resin-sealed capacitor element. An encapsulating resin is made of a thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin. The encapsulating resin is supplied and hardened to fill a gap between a case for accommodating the smoothing capacitor3and parts of the smoothing capacitor3, e.g., the capacitor element and the terminals. A part of the terminals or the like for the smoothing capacitor3protrudes from the encapsulating resin. The condenser unit is fixed to a wall of the case11by using a fastener such as a bolt, a screw, or a rivet, or by using a joining member such as a welding member or a brazing member. The condenser unit may be in contact with a part of a cooler6through which a cooling fluid flows.

The reactor unit accommodates the reactor22which is encapsulated in a resin in a state where terminals to be connected to other electric components are exposed. An encapsulating resin is made of a thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin. The encapsulating resin is supplied and hardened to fill a gap between a case for accommodating the reactor22and parts of the reactor22, e.g., the main body and the terminals. A part of the terminals of the reactor22protrudes from the encapsulating resin. The reactor unit is fixed in a state where the reactor unit is in contact with a part of the cooler6by using a fastener such as a bolt, a screw, or a rivet, or by using a joining member such as a welding member or a brazing member.

FIG.2shows cooling channels formed by the cooler6.FIG.3is a front view of the power control apparatus1and shows an appearance of the case11. The X-direction and Y-direction in the drawings are the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of the power control apparatus1. The Z-direction in the drawings is the height direction of the power control apparatus1.

The case11is a container case which is formed by combining a plurality of case members. The case11is formed by including, for example, a first case member11a, a second case member11b, and a cover member11c. The first case member11ais a lower case in the case11. The second case member11bis an upper case in the case11. The second case member11bis a member attached to the first case member11aso as to cover the internal space of the first case member11a. The cover member11cis a member attached to the second case member11bso as to cover an internal space defined by the first case member11aand the second case member11b. Each part of the case11is made of a metal material. Each part of the case11includes, for example, a molded member manufactured by an aluminum die-cast molding. Each part of the case11may be configured to be made of a resin material.

The first case member11aintegrally includes, for example, a bottom wall, a plurality of horizontal walls vertically arranged on a peripheral edge of the bottom wall, and a joining portion. The second case member11bintegrally includes, for example, a plurality of side walls, a joining portion to the first case member11a, and a joining portion to the cover member11c. The joining portion of the first case member11aand the second case member11bare connected to each other by screws or the like to form a box having an open upper end. The case11is formed by connecting a box body having an upper end opening and a cover member11cwith screws or the like at the joining portion thereof.

The semiconductor module2includes a main body incorporating the semiconductor element20, and power terminals and control terminals protruding from the main body. The power terminals include input terminals to which a DC voltage is applied and output terminals connected to output-side busbars on a side to the motor generator310. The input terminal is connected to a terminal of the smoothing capacitor3and electrically connected to an output unit of the DC power supply300via an input busbar. The signal terminals are connected to the control circuit mounted on the control board. The control circuit configures a circuit on which electronic components, such as an arithmetic element, that controls the operation of the semiconductor element20is mounted.

The power control apparatus1includes a cooler6which thermally coupled with at least one of the semiconductor modules2. The cooler6, e.g., cools at least one of the semiconductor modules2by using a heat absorbing action of a cooling fluid flowing therein. The cooler6is fixed to, for example, a wall of the case11by using a fastener such as a bolt, a screw, or a rivet, or by using a joining member such as a welding member or a brazing member. The cooler6includes an upstream passage portion62, a connecting pipe member4, and a downstream passage portion63and forms a series of passages. An integrally formed unit including the semiconductor modules2and passage portions of the cooler6provides a power module unit. Each part forming a passage in the cooler6is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, for example is made of aluminum.

An external inlet pipe61is a fluid introduction part in the cooler6. The external inlet pipe61is a pipe extending from the side wall of the case11to the outside. A downstream portion of the external inlet pipe61is connected to an upstream passage portion62. The external inlet pipe61is connected to the power control apparatus1to form a passage for introducing the cooling fluid to the cooler6. An external outflow pipe64is a fluid discharge part in the cooler6. The external outlet pipe64extends outward from the same side wall of the case11from which the external inlet pipe61extends. An upstream portion of the external outlet pipe64is connected to a downstream passage portion63. The external outlet pipe64is connected to the power control apparatus1to form a passage for discharging the cooling fluid from the cooler6.

The upstream passage portion62forms a cooling passage621provided in an internal space surrounded all sides by the first case member11a. The upstream passage portion62is provided with a configuration capable of absorbing heat generated by the semiconductor modules2. The upstream passage portion62forms, for example, the cooling passages621alternately stacked with the semiconductor modules2. The downstream passage portion63forms a turn passage631provided in an internal space surrounded all sides by the second case member11b. The turn passage631is a U-turn passage that flows down from the inside of the connecting pipe member4into the external outlet pipe64.

The upstream passage portion62and the downstream passage portion63are connected by the connecting pipe member4. The connecting pipe member4includes a connecting pipe41forming a passage extending in a U shape. The connecting pipe member4includes an upstream connecting portion43connected to the upstream passage portion62at its upstream end, and a downstream connecting portion42connected to the downstream passage portion63at its downstream end. The upstream connecting portion43is fixed to the side wall of the first case member11aby means of fasteners43asuch as screws and bolts. The downstream connecting portion42is fixed to the side wall of the second case member11bby means of fasteners42asuch as screws and bolts. The upstream connecting portion43and the downstream connecting portion42are fixed to the side wall located on the same side of the case11. The connecting pipe41forms a U-shaped passage which enables an outward flow from the case11, enables an upward flow of the cooling fluid, and enables an inward flow to the case11again. The external outlet pipe64, the external inlet pipe61and the connecting pipe41extend out of the case11from the same side wall of the case11. The connecting pipe member4is made of a resin material. The connecting pipe member4may be configured to be made of metal.

The cooling fluid absorbs heat generated by the semiconductor modules2while flowing through the cooling passage621in the upstream passage portion62. The upstream passage portion62is in contact with both end surfaces of each of the semiconductor modules2in the stacking direction. The semiconductor modules2are cooled at both end surfaces by the upstream passage portions62adjacent in the stacking direction. The cooling fluid flowing inside the cooler6is preferably an antifreeze liquid having a large heat capacity, such as LLC (available as Long-Life Coolant). A gas such as an air may be employed as the cooling fluid.

The external inlet pipe61and the external outlet pipe64communicate with a heat dissipation device installed outside the power control apparatus1. A heat dissipation device is a device such as a heat exchanger in which a heat dissipation is performed from a cooling fluid to the outside. The heat dissipation device is, for example, a radiator. The cooling fluid is introduced from the heat dissipation device to the upstream passage portion62and the downstream passage portion63via the external inlet pipe61. After flowing down the external inlet pipe61, the cooling fluid absorbs heat in the upstream passage portion62, passes through the downstream passage portion63and the external outlet pipe64, and flows out of the cooler6and returns to the heat dissipation device.

A path along which water splashed on the cover member11cflows downward is described with reference toFIGS.3to6.FIG.3shows a water guide portion71and a first shielding rib72.FIG.4is a partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship among the seal member53a, the water guide portion71, a first shielding rib72and a second shielding rib73.FIG.5is a frontal view showing the positional relationship among the seal member53a, the water guide portion71, the first shielding rib72and the second shielding rib73.FIG.6is an exploded view showing a state before connecting the downstream passage portion63of the cooler6and the gasket member5.

As shown inFIG.4, the connecting pipe41and the downstream passage portion63are connected via the gasket member5. The connecting pipe41, the gasket member5and the downstream passage portion63are arranged in a coaxial manner. The gasket member5includes a downstream pipe51, an upstream pipe52, and an intermediate pipe53connecting the downstream pipe51and the upstream pipe52. The downstream pipe51, the intermediate pipe53, and the upstream pipe52are integrally formed to form a cylindrical member. Each part of the gasket member5is easily elastically deformed by an external force, and is made of rubber, for example. The downstream pipe51and the downstream passage portion63are connected by being fitted to each other. The downstream pipe51is circumscribed and connected to an upstream end portion of the downstream passage portion63. The gasket member5may be made of a material that allows at least each seal portion to be easily elastically deformed. The gasket member5may be a configuration in which a portion except for the seal member is made of a material harder than the seal member. The gasket member5may be a configuration in which a portion except for the seal member is made of a hard material.

A seal member51ais provided on an inner peripheral portion of the downstream pipe51. The seal member51ahas a vertical cross-sectional shape including at least one wedge-shape which is narrowed toward the central axis of the downstream pipe51. The vertical cross-sectional shape may include a plurality of wedge-shapes which are arranged in a side by side manner in the downstream pipe51along the central axis of the downstream pipe51. A collar member50formed in a cylindrical shape is fitted to the downstream pipe51. The collar member50applies an external force to press the downstream pipe51toward the central axis. Therefore, the seal member51ais deformed by being pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the downstream passage portion63. The seal member51ais in close contact with the downstream passage portion63. The seal member51aprovides a seal between an inside of the downstream passage portion63and an inside of the case11. The seal member51ais in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the downstream passage portion63to prevent water from entering the case11from the inside of the downstream passage portion63. The seal member51amay be composed of a close contacting member such as an O-ring or a packing seal.

The connecting pipe member4and the gasket member5are connected by being fitted together. The downstream connecting portion42of the connecting pipe member4is provided with an inside pipe410projecting as a cylindrical shape from a downstream side surface and an outside pipe421surrounding the entire circumference of the inside pipe410. The inside pipe410is formed to have an inner diameter equivalent to that of the connecting pipe41. The connecting pipe member4has an annular groove formed between an inner peripheral surface of the outside pipe421and an outer peripheral surface of the inside pipe410. The downstream connecting portion42and the gasket member5are connected by inserting an upstream pipe52into the annular groove in a fitting manner.

A seal member52ais provided on an inner peripheral portion of the upstream pipe52. The seal member52ahas a vertical cross-sectional shape including at least one wedge-shape which is narrowed toward the central axis of the upstream pipe52. A seal member52bis provided on an outer peripheral portion of the upstream pipe52. The seal member52bhas a vertical cross-sectional shape including at least one wedge-shape which is narrowed outward from the central axis of the upstream pipe52. The vertical cross-sectional shape may include a plurality of wedge-shapes which are arranged in a side by side manner on the upstream pipe52along the central axis of the upstream pipe52.

The seal member52ais deformed by being pressed against an outer peripheral surface of the inside pipe410, and the seal member52ais in close contact with the inside pipe410. The seal member52bis deformed by being pressed against an outer peripheral surface of the outside pipe421, and the seal member52bis in close contact with the outside pipe421. The sealing member52aand the sealing member52bprovide seals between an inside of the connecting pipe41and an outside of the case11. The seal member52aand the seal member52bare in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inside pipe410and the inner peripheral surface of the outside pipe421, thereby suppressing water leakage from the inside of the connecting pipe41to the outside of the case11. The seal member52aor the seal member52bmay be composed of a close contacting member such as an O-ring or a packing seal.

A seal member53ais provided on an outer peripheral portion of the intermediate pipe53. The seal member53ahas a vertical cross-sectional shape including at least one wedge-shape which is narrowed outward from the central axis of the intermediate pipe53. The vertical cross-sectional shape may include a plurality of wedge-shapes which are arranged in a side by side manner in the intermediate pipe53along the central axis of the intermediate pipe53. The seal member53ais deformed by being pressed against the inner peripheral surface11b1forming the through hole provided in the second case member11b, and the seal member53ais in close contact with the inner peripheral surface11b1. The seal portion53aprovides a seal between an outside and an inside of the case11. The seal member53ais in close contact with the inner peripheral surface11b1of the insertion hole of the case11, thereby suppressing water leakage from the outside of the case11to the inside of the case11. The seal portion53amay be composed of a close contacting member such as an O-ring or a packing seal. This through hole is an insertion hole through which a pipe forming a flow passage is inserted. Moreover, the seal member53ais not limited to the configuration in which it come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole. For example, the seal member53amay be configured to come into contact with the opening end surface of the case forming the insertion hole.

As shown inFIGS.4and5, the cover member11cis provided with the water guide portion71. The water guide portion71is a wall portion which has a shape protruding downward further than the joining portion of the cover member11cto the second case member11b. The water guide portion71extends downward from a predetermined portion at the joining portion of the cover member11c. The water guide portion71extends along the second case member11b. The water guide portion71extends to cover a predetermined portion of the upper portion of the second case member11b. The water guide portion71is a plate-like portion which has a one-end portion71ain the horizontal direction and an other-end portion71bin the horizontal direction. According to this shape, the water or the like flowing down the surface of the water guide portion71tends to drip downward from a lower end of the one-end portion71aor a lower end of the other-end portion71b.

The second case member11bis provided with the shielding rib which protrudes further than the water guide portion71in a direction crossing the second case member11bat a location on a lower side BD of the water guide portion71. The shielding rib is provided so as to shield the lower side of the water guide portion71. The shielding rib is a visor-like shaped portion extending from the side wall of the second case member11b. The shielding rib is a plate-like portion that has a thickness in the vertical direction and is elongated in the horizontal direction. The shielding rib is a plate-like portion of which the one-side portion in the horizontal direction is located lower than the other-side portion.

The shielding ribs include the first shielding rib72positioned directly below the water guide portion71and the second shielding rib73positioned directly below the first shielding rib72. The first shielding rib72protrudes to an outside of the case11further than the seal member53a. The first shielding rib72has a lower end portion72aon the one-side portion in the horizontal direction and an upper end portion72bon the other-side portion in the horizontal direction. The first shielding rib72has an inclined portion between the upper end portion72band the lower end portion72a. The first shielding rib72has a distal end portion72clocated on a position protruding further than the water guide portion71with respect to the side wall of the second case member11b. The distal end portion72cis positioned on an upper side UD above the downstream connecting portion42and protrudes to a position where it overlaps the downstream connection portion42in the vertical direction.

The second shielding rib73is a visor-like shaped portion which protrudes further than the inner peripheral surface11b1in a direction intersecting the second case member11bto a location above the insertion hole of the second case member11b. The second shielding rib73protrudes to the outside of the case11further than the seal member53a. The second shielding rib73has a lower end portion73aon the one-side portion in the horizontal direction and an upper end portion73bon the other-side portion in the horizontal direction. The second shielding rib73has an inclined portion between the upper end portion73band the lower end portion73a. The second shielding rib73has a distal end portion73clocated on a position protruding from the side wall of the second case member11bmore than the water guide portion71. The distal end portion73cis positioned on an upper side UD above the outside pipe421and protrudes to a position where it overlaps the outside pipe421in the vertical direction and approaches or comes in contact with the downstream connecting portion42.

The distal end portion72cand the distal end portion73care provided so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction. The distal end portion72cmay be configured to be located at a position protruding from the side wall of the second case member11bmore than the distal end portion73c. As shown inFIG.5, the lower end portion72ais located on a one-side further than the one-end portion71a. An upper end portion72bis located on the other side further than the other-end portion71b. The first shielding rib72covers the water guide portion71at a lower side thereof. An entire body of the water guide portion71is provided so as to vertically overlap the first shielding rib72.

The lower end portion72ais located on a one side further than the lower end portion73a. The upper end portion72bis located on the other side further than the upper end portion73b. The first shielding rib72covers the second shielding rib73from above. An entire body of the second shielding rib73is provided so as to vertically overlap the first shielding rib72.

The lower end portion72ais located on a one-side of further than the one-end portion53aL of the seal member53ain an annular shape. The upper end portion72bis located on a one-side further than the other-end portion53aR of the seal member53a. The first shielding rib72covers a portion of the seal member53aincluding the one-end portion53aL from above. The first shielding rib72is located above the seal member53a. The first shielding rib72covers the seal member53aover a length from the one-end portion53aL to a portion directly below the upper end portion72bin the horizontal direction.

The lower end portion73ais located on a one-side further than the one-end portion71a. An upper end portion73bis located on the same position as the other end portion71bor on a one-side further than the other-end portion71b. The second shielding rib73covers a part or all of the water guide portion71including the one-end portion71aat a lower side thereof. The lower end portion73ais located on a one-side further than the one-end portion53aL of the seal member53a. The upper end portion73bis located on a one-side further than the other-end portion53aR of the seal member53a. The second shielding rib73is located above the seal member53a. The second shielding rib73covers the seal member53aover a length from the one-end portion53aL to a portion directly below the upper end portion73bin the horizontal direction.

In order to assemble components into a state shown inFIG.4, the following procedure is performed. The collar member50is fitted around the outer periphery of the downstream pipe51, and the upstream pipe52of the gasket member5is fitted into the annular groove between the outside pipe421and the inside pipe410. Accordingly, the inside of the connecting pipe41and an outside of the case11may be sealed by the seal member52aand the seal member52b. Next, a unitary member of the collar member50and the gasket member5shown inFIG.6is inserted into the case11along the inner peripheral surface11b1through the insertion hole. This unitary member is inserted deeply until the downstream pipe portion51is fitted onto an outside of the downstream passage pipe portion63and the seal member53acomes into contact with the inner peripheral surface11b1. Accordingly, the inside of the downstream passage pipe63and the inside of the case11can be sealed by the seal member51aand the seal member53b. The inside and the outside of the case11can be sealed by the seal member51aand the seal member53b.

For example, if the cover member11cget wet with water or the like, the water or the like flows along outer surface of the cover member11cand may further flow down a surface of the water guide portion71. Water or the like that has flowed down the surface of the water guide portion71drips down from the lower ends of the one-end portion71aand the other-end portion71b, and then adheres to the upper surface of the first shielding rib72. Water or the like adhering to the upper surface of the first shielding rib72flows down the upper surface toward the lower end portion72aand drips down from the lower end portion72a. Water or the like that drips from a lower end portion72afalls as it is and is drained below the power control apparatus. Therefore, since water or the like does not enter the inner peripheral surface11b1of the insertion hole provided in the case11, it is possible to reduce a water exposure of the seal member53a. Also, if water or the like drips from the lower end portion72aand falls on the upper surface of the second shielding rib73, it flows down on the upper surface toward the lower end portion73aand drips from the lower end portion73a. Water or the like that drips from a lower end73afalls as it is and is drained below the power control apparatus. Also in this case, since water or the like does not enter the inner peripheral surface11b1of the insertion hole provided in the case11, it is possible to reduce a water exposure of the seal member53a.

Functions and advantages produced by the power control apparatus1according to the first embodiment are described. The power control apparatus1includes the power control circuit and the cooler6having the cooling passage to absorb heat generated by the power control circuit when the cooling fluid flows through the cooling passage. The power control apparatus1includes a pipe which forms a passage communicating with an interior of the cooler6, and a seal member53awhich seals a gap between the pipe and the case11through which the pipe is inserted. The power control apparatus1includes the water guide portion71and at least one shielding ribs. The water guide portion71forms a wall extending downward from the cover member11clocated on an upper portion of the case11. The shielding rib is disposed to protrude with respect to the case11and to cover a lower side of the water guide portion71ein a manner similar to a visor. The shielding rib spreads between the water guide portion71and the seal member53a. Therefore, the shielding rib covers and shields the seal member53afrom the water dropping from the water guide portion71. The shielding rib has a portion that overlaps the seal member53ain the horizontal direction above the seal member53a. The shielding ribs include inclined portions in which the one-side portion in the horizontal direction is located lower than the other-side portion.

According to this configuration, if the cover member11cgets wet with water, it is possible to discharge water or the like along the water guide portion71. Water or the like guided by the water guide portion71is received by a visor-shaped shielding rib which covers the lower side of the water guide portion71. Water or the like received on the upper surface of the shielding rib flows down from the one-side portion due to the inclined portion. Since the shielding rib has a portion overlapping with the seal member53ain the horizontal direction above the seal member53a, it is possible to reduce an amount of water falling from above to the vicinity of the seal member. Since such a drainage path is constructed, it is possible to reduce a water exposure of the sealing member53abetween the pipe forming the flow path and the insertion hole through which the pipe is inserted.

The one-side portion of the shielding rib is located on a one side further than the one-end portion53aL of the seal member53ain the horizontal direction. According to this configuration, when water or the like fallen on the shielding rib falls from the lower end portion, it is possible to further reduce the water exposure of the seal portion53aby dripping down water from further outside in the horizontal direction than the seal member53a.

The shielding ribs include the first shielding rib72located directly below the water guide portion71and the second shielding rib73located directly below the first shielding rib72. Each of the first shielding rib72and the second shielding rib73has an inclined portion in which the one-side portion in the horizontal direction is positioned lower than the other-side portion. According to this configuration, the effect of reducing the water exposure of the seal member53acan be further enhanced by the shielding ribs arranged vertically in two stages.

At least one of the first shielding rib72and the second shielding rib73has a one-side portion in the horizontal direction which is located on a one side further than the one-end portion53aL of the seal member in the horizontal direction. According to this configuration, one or both of the shielding ribs arranged vertically in two stages can drop water or the like to further outside of the seal portion53ain the horizontal direction. This can further enhance the effect of reducing the water exposure of the seal member53a.

Second Embodiment

A power control apparatus1according to a second embodiment is described with reference toFIG.7. The power control apparatus of the second embodiment is different from the power control apparatus of the first embodiment in a configuration of shielding ribs. Configurations, actions, and effects not specifically described in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and points different from the first embodiment is described below.

As shown inFIG.7, the case111has a shielding rib172. The shielding rib172is a visor-like shaped portion extending from the side wall of the second case member11b. The shielding rib172is a plate-like portion that has a thickness in the vertical direction and is elongated in the horizontal direction. The shielding rib172is a plate-like portion of which the one-side portion in the horizontal direction is located lower than the other-side portion. The shielding rib172has a lower end portion172aon a one-side portion in the horizontal direction and an upper end portion172bon the other-side portion in the horizontal direction. The shielding rib172has an inclined portion between the upper end portion172band the lower end portion172a.

The shielding rib172has a distal end portion located on a position protruding from the side wall of the second case member11bmore than the water guide portion71. The distal end portion of the shielding rib172is positioned on an upper side UD above the downstream connecting portion42and protrudes to a position where it overlaps the downstream connecting portion42in the vertical direction. The shielding rib172is a visor-like shaped portion which protrudes further than the inner peripheral surface11b1in a direction intersecting the second case member11bat a location above the insertion hole of the second case member11b. The second shielding rib73protrudes to the outside of the case11further than the seal member53a.

As shown inFIG.7, the lower end portion172ais located directly below the one-end portion71aor on a one side further than the one-end portion71a. The upper end portion172bis located directly below the other end portion71bor on the other side further than the other-end portion71b. The shielding rib172covers the water guide portion71at a lower side thereof. An entire body of the water guide portion71is provided so as to vertically overlap the shielding rib172.

The lower end portion172ais located on the other side further than the one-end portion53aL of the seal member53ain an annular shape. The upper end portion172bis located on a one-side further than the other-end portion53aR of the seal member53a. The shielding rib172covers a part of the seal member53afrom above except for the one-end portion53aL and the other-end portion53aR.

If water or the like on the cover member11cflows down along the surface of the water guide portion71, it drips down from the lower ends of the one-end portion71aand the other-end portion71b, and then adheres to the upper surface of the shielding rib172. Water or the like adhering to the upper surface of the shielding rib172flows down the upper surface toward the lower end portion172aand drips down from the lower end portion172a. Water or the like that has dripped from the lower end portion172afalls onto the outer pipe421of the connecting pipe member4, and is drained downward of the power control apparatus along the outer peripheral surface of the outer pipe421. Since water or the like does not fall directly onto the portion of the inner peripheral surface11b1whose upper side is covered by the shielding rib172, it is possible to reduce a water exposure of the seal member53a.

Third Embodiment

A power control apparatus1according to a third embodiment is described with reference toFIG.8. The power control apparatus of the third embodiment is different from the power control apparatus of the first embodiment in a configuration of shielding ribs. Configurations, actions, and effects not specifically described in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and points different from the first embodiment will be described below.

As shown inFIG.8, the case211has a shielding rib272. The shielding rib272is provided so as to shield the lower side of the water guide portion71. The shielding rib272is a visor-like shaped portion extending from the side wall of the second case member11b. The shielding rib272is a plate-like portion that has a thickness in the vertical direction and is elongated in the horizontal direction. The shielding rib272is a plate-like portion of which a one-side portion in the horizontal direction is located lower than the other-side portion.

The shielding rib272is positioned directly below the water guide portion71and covers the entire body of the water guide portion71. The shielding rib272protrudes to the outside of the case11further than the seal member53a. The second shielding rib272has a lower end portion272aon a one-side portion in the horizontal direction and an upper end portion272bon the other-side portion in the horizontal direction. The shielding rib272has an inclined portion between the upper end portion272band the lower end portion272a. The shielding rib272has a distal end portion located on a position protruding from the side wall of the second case member11bmore than the water guide portion71. The distal end portion of the shielding rib272is positioned on an upper side UD above the downstream connecting portion42and protrudes to a position where it overlaps the downstream connecting portion42in the vertical direction.

As shown inFIG.7, the lower end portion272ais located on a one side further than the one-end portion71a. An upper end portion272bis located on the other side further than the other-end portion71b. An entire body of the water guide portion71is provided so as to vertically overlap the shielding rib272. The lower end portion272ais located on a one side further than the one-end portion53aL of the seal member53a. The upper end portion272bis located on the other side further than the other-end portion53aR of the seal member53a. The shielding rib272covers the horizontal direction of the sealing member53aover a length from the one-end portion53aL to the other-end portion53aR. The entire body of the seal member53ais covered with the shielding rib272in the horizontal direction.

If water or the like on the cover member11cflows down along the surface of the water guide portion71, it drips down from the lower ends of the one-end portion71aand the other-end portion71b, and then adheres to the upper surface of the shielding rib272. Water or the like adhering to the upper surface of the shielding rib272flows down the upper surface toward the lower end portion272aand drips down from the lower end portion272a. Water or the like that drips from the lower end portion272afalls laterally outside the seal member53aand is further drained below the power control apparatus. Therefore, since water or the like does not enter the inner peripheral surface11b1of the insertion hole provided in the case11, it is possible to reduce a water exposure of the seal member53a.

The shielding rib272has a length that covers the entirety of the seal member53ain the horizontal direction. According to this configuration, water or the like falling on the shielding rib272falls further outside of the seal member53ain the horizontal direction. The shielding rib272can further enhance the effect of reducing the water exposure of the seal member53a.

Fourth Embodiment

A power control apparatus1according to a fourth embodiment is described with reference toFIG.9. The power control apparatus of the fourth embodiment is different from the power control apparatus of the first embodiment in a configuration of shielding ribs. Configurations, actions, and effects not specifically described in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and points different from the first embodiment will be described below.

As shown inFIG.9, the case311includes the first shielding rib372and the second shielding rib173. The second case member11bis provided with two shielding ribs which protrude further than the water guide portion71in a direction crossing the second case member11bat a location on a lower side BD of the water guide portion71. Two shielding ribs are provided so as to shield the lower side of the water guide portion71. Two shielding ribs are visor-like shaped portions extending from the side wall of the second case member11b. Two shielding ribs are plate-like portions that have thickness in the vertical direction and are elongated in the horizontal direction. Two shielding ribs are plate-like portions of which one-side portions in the horizontal direction are located lower than the other-side portions.

The first shielding rib372is located directly below the water guide portion71. The second shielding rib173is located directly below the first shielding rib72. The first shielding rib372protrudes to the outside of the case11further than the seal member53a. The first shielding rib372has a lower end portion372aon a one-side portion in the horizontal direction and an upper end portion372bon the other-side portion in the horizontal direction. The first shielding rib372has an inclined portion between the upper end portion372band the lower end portion372a. The first shielding rib372has a distal end portion located on a position protruding from the side wall of the second case member11bmore than the water guide portion71. The distal end portion of the first shielding rib372is positioned on an upper side UD above the downstream connecting portion42and protrudes to a position where it overlaps the downstream connecting portion42in the vertical direction.

The second shielding rib173is a visor-like shaped portion which protrudes further than the inner peripheral surface11b1in a direction intersecting the second case member11bat a location above the insertion hole of the second case member11b. The second shielding rib173protrudes to the outside of the case11further than the seal member53a. The second shielding rib173has a lower end portion173aon a one-side portion in the horizontal direction and an upper end portion173bon the other-side portion in the horizontal direction. The second shielding rib173has an inclined portion between the upper end portion173band the lower end portion173a. The second shielding rib173has a distal end portion located on a position protruding from the side wall of the second case member11bmore than the water guide portion71. The distal end portion of the second shielding rib173is positioned on an upper side UD above the outside pipe421and protrudes to a position where it overlaps the outside pipe421in the vertical direction and approaches or comes in contact with the downstream connecting portion42.

The distal end portion of the first shielding rib372and the distal end portion of the second shielding rib173are provided so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction. The distal end portion of the first shielding rib372may be configured to be located on a position protruding from the side wall of the second case member11bmore than the distal end portion of the second shielding rib173. The lower end portion372ais located directly below the one-end portion71aor on a one side further than the one-end portion71a. The upper end portion372bis located on the other side further than the other-end portion71b. The first shielding rib372covers the water guide portion71at a lower side thereof. An entire body of the water guide portion71is provided so as to vertically overlap the first shielding rib372.

The lower end portion372ais located on the other side further than the lower end portion173a. The upper end portion372bis located on the other side further than the upper end portion173b. The first shielding rib372covers a portion of the second shielding rib173except for the lower end portion173a. A portion of the second shielding rib173excluding the lower end portion173ais provided so as to vertically overlap the first shielding rib372.

The lower end portion372ais located on the other side further than the one-end portion53aL of the seal member53a. The upper end portion372bis located on the other side further than the other-end portion53aR of the seal member53a. The first shielding rib372covers a portion of the seal member53aincluding the one-end portion53aL from above.

The lower end portion173ais located on a one side further than the one-end portion71a. The upper end portion173bis located at the same position as the other-end portion71bor on a one side further than the other-end portion71bin the horizontal direction. The second shielding rib173covers a part or all of the water guide portion71including the one-end portion71aat a lower side thereof.

The lower end portion173ais positioned at the same position as the one-end portion53aL of the seal member53aor on a one side of the one-end portion53aL in the horizontal direction. The upper end portion173bis located on a one side of further than the other-end portion53aR of the seal member53a. The second shielding rib173is located above the seal member53a. The second shielding rib173covers the seal member53aover a length from the one-end portion53aL to a portion directly below the upper end portion173bin the horizontal direction. A total horizontal length of the two shielding ribs from the lower end portion173ato the upper end portion372bcovers an entirety in the horizontal direction of the sealing member53afrom above. The total horizontal length of the first shielding rib372and the second shielding rib173is a length that covers the entirety in the horizontal direction of the seal member53afrom above. As described above, the horizontal lengths of the first shielding rib372and the second shielding rib173viewed from above are set to cover the entirety of the seal member53ain the horizontal direction.

If water or the like on the cover member11cflows down along the surface of the water guide portion71, it drips down from the lower ends of the one-end portion71aand the other-end portion71b, and then adheres to the upper surface of the first shielding rib372. Water or the like adhering to the upper surface of the first shielding rib372flows down the upper surface toward the lower end portion372aand drips down from the lower end portion372a. Water or the like dripping from the lower end portion372afalls on the upper surface of the second shielding rib173, flows down the upper surface toward the lower end portion173a, and drips from the lower end portion173a. Water or the like that has dripped from the lower end portion173afalls along the outer peripheral surface of the outer pipe421or directly falls and is further drained below the power control apparatus. Therefore, since water or the like does not enter the inner peripheral surface11b1of the insertion hole provided in the case11, it is possible to reduce a water exposure of the seal member53a.

The horizontal length of the first shielding rib372and the second shielding rib173viewed from above is the length covering the entire body of the seal member53ain the horizontal direction. According to this configuration, the first shielding rib372and the second shielding rib173can receive water or the like over a wide range in the horizontal direction, and further, drips water from the lower end portion to further outside of the seal member53ain the horizontal direction.

Fifth Embodiment

A power control apparatus1according to a fifth embodiment is described with reference toFIG.10. The power control apparatus of the fifth embodiment is different from the power control apparatus of the first embodiment in a configuration of shielding ribs. Configurations, actions, and effects not specifically described in the fifth embodiment are the same as those in the fifth embodiment, and points different from the first embodiment will be described below.

As shown inFIG.10, the case411includes the first shielding rib472and the second shielding rib273. Similar to the fourth embodiment, two shielding ribs are visor-like shaped portions protruding further than the water guide portion71in the direction intersecting the second case member11bat a location on a lower side BD of the water guide portion71. Two shielding ribs are provided so as to shield the lower side of the water guide portion71. Two shielding ribs extend from the side wall of the second case member lib similar to the fourth embodiment. Similar to the fourth embodiment, two shielding ribs are plate-like portions having a thickness in the vertical direction, being elongated in the horizontal direction, and having a one-side portion in the horizontal direction positioned lower than the other-side portion.

The first shielding rib472is located directly below the water guide portion71. The second shielding rib273is located directly below the first shielding rib472. The first shielding rib472protrudes to the outside of the case11further than the seal member53a. The first shielding rib472has a lower end portion472aon a one-side portion in the horizontal direction and an upper end portion472bon the other-side portion in the horizontal direction. The first shielding rib472has an inclined portion between the upper end portion472band the lower end portion472a. The first shielding rib472has a distal end portion located on a position protruding from the side wall of the second case member11bmore than the water guide portion71. The distal end portion of the first shielding rib472is positioned on an upper side UD above the downstream connecting portion42and protrudes to a position where it overlaps the downstream connecting portion42in the vertical direction.

The second shielding rib273is a visor-like shaped portion which protrudes further than the inner peripheral surface11b1in a direction intersecting the second case member11bat a location above the insertion hole of the second case member11b. The second shielding rib273protrudes to the outside of the case11further than the seal member53a. The second shielding rib273has a lower end portion273aon a one-side portion in the horizontal direction and an upper end portion273bon the other-side portion in the horizontal direction. The second shielding rib273has an inclined portion between the upper end portion273band the lower end portion273a. The second shielding rib273has a distal end portion located on a position protruding with respect to the side wall of the second case member11bfurther than the water guide portion71. The distal end portion of the second shielding rib273is located on an upper side UD above the outside pipe421and protrudes to a position where it overlaps the outside pipe421in the vertical direction and approaches or comes in contact with the downstream connecting portion42.

The distal end portion of the first shielding rib472and the distal end portion of the second shielding rib273are provided so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction. The distal end portion of the first shielding rib472may be configured to be located on a position protruding from the side wall of the second case member11bfurther than the distal end portion of the second shielding rib273. The lower end portion472ais positioned directly below the one-end portion71aor on a one side of the one-end portion71a. The upper end portion472bis located on the other side further than the other-end portion71b. The first shielding rib472covers the water guide portion71at a lower side thereof. An entire body of the water guide portion71is provided so as to vertically overlap the first shielding rib472.

The lower end portion472ais located on the other side further than the lower end portion273a. The upper end portion472bis located on the other side further than the upper end portion273b. The first shielding rib472covers a portion of the second shielding rib273except for the lower end portion273a. A portion of the second shielding rib273excluding the lower end portion273ais provided so as to vertically overlap the first shielding rib472.

The lower end portion472ais located on the other side further than the one-end portion53aL of the seal member53a. The upper end portion472bis located on a one side further than the other-end portion53aR of the seal member53a. The lower end portion273ais located on a one side further than the one-end portion71a. The upper end portion273bis positioned at the same position as the other-end portion71bor on a one side of the other-end portion71bin the horizontal direction. The second shielding rib273covers a part or all of the water guide portion71including the one-end portion71aat a lower side thereof.

The lower end portion273ais located at the same position as the one-end portion53aL of the seal member53aor on a one side further than the one-end portion53aL in the horizontal direction. The upper end portion273bis located on a one side further than the other-end portion53aR of the seal member53a. The second shielding rib273is located above the seal member53a. The second shielding rib273covers the seal member53aover a length from the one-end portion53aL to a portion directly below the upper end portion273bin the horizontal direction.

If water or the like on the cover member11cflows down along the surface of the water guide portion71, it drips down from the lower ends of the one-end portion71aand the other-end portion71b, and then adheres to the upper surface of the first shielding rib472. Water or the like adhering to the upper surface of the first shielding rib472flows down the upper surface toward the lower end portion472aand drips down from the lower end portion472a. Water or the like dripping from the lower end portion472afalls on the upper surface of the second shielding rib273, flows down the upper surface toward the lower end portion273a, and drips from the lower end portion273a. Water or the like that has dripped from the lower end portion273afalls along the outer peripheral surface of the outer pipe421or directly falls and is further drained below the power control apparatus. Therefore, since water or the like does not enter the inner peripheral surface11b1of the insertion hole provided in the case11, it is possible to reduce a water exposure of the seal member53a.

Sixth Embodiment

A power control apparatus1according to a sixth embodiment is described with reference toFIGS.11and12. The power conversion device of the sixth embodiment is different from the above-described embodiments in a point that it includes a guide portion74that guides water to a water guide portion71. Configurations, actions, and effects not particularly described in the sixth embodiment are similar to those of the above-described embodiments, and differences from the above-described embodiments will be described below.

As shown inFIG.11andFIG.12, the case511includes water barrier portion74which works as a levee for guiding water to the water guide portion71. If the cover member11cget wet with water or the like, the water barrier portion74controls a water flow. The water barrier portion74is provided in a predetermined range on the outer peripheral edge of the cover member11c. The water barrier portion74is a wall portion extending upward from the outer peripheral edge of the cover member11c. The water barrier portions74are provided on both horizontal sides of the water guide portion71.

If the cover member11cgets wet with water or the like, water or the like flows down to the outer peripheral edge side of the cover member11c. Water or the like that has flowed down to both sides of the water guide portion71of the outer peripheral edge is blocked by the water barrier portions74. The water barrier portions74guides water to both side ends of the water barrier portions74. Both side ends of the water barrier portions74are located on outer sides further than both side ends of the seal member53ain the horizontal direction. In other words, both side ends of the water barrier portions74are located on outer sides further than both side ends of the insertion hole in the horizontal direction. Only a small amount of water may be guided to a slit between the water barrier portions74. At a portion of the outer peripheral edge away from the water guide portion71, water or the like falls from both side ends of the water barrier portions74, therefore water or the like does not easily reach the insertion hole of the case511. Water or the like impeded by the water barrier portions74only flows down along the surface of the water guide portion71from the slit of the water barrier portions74. Water flowing along the surface of the water guide portion71takes path described in the above embodiment and is drained below the power control device. According to the sixth embodiment, the drainage path from the water guide portion71to the shielding rib can be facilitated, which contributes to reducing the water exposure of the seal member53a.

Seventh Embodiment

A power control apparatus1according to a seventh embodiment is described with reference toFIG.11. The power control apparatus of the seventh embodiment is different from the above-described embodiments only in an installation posture of the power control apparatus. Configurations, actions, and effects not particularly described in the seventh embodiment are similar to those of the above-described embodiments, and differences from the above-described embodiments will be described below.

As shown inFIG.13, the case11of the seventh embodiment is located in a posture inclined with respect to the vertical direction so that the distal end portion of the shielding rib is located lower than a proximal end thereof. The power control apparatus is installed in a vehicle or the like in such a tilted posture. Such an inclination of the case11may be, e.g., 20 degrees or less, 15 degrees or less, more preferably 10 degrees or less with respect to the vertical direction along the direction of gravity. According to this configuration, water or the like that has flowed down the surface of the water guide portion71can easily flow toward the distal end portion on the upper surface of the shielding rib, and water or the like can be dropped from a position away from the seal member53a. Therefore, since water or the like does not enter the inner peripheral surface11b1of the insertion hole provided in the case11, it is possible to reduce a water exposure of the seal member53a.

Other Embodiments

The disclosure of this specification is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. The disclosure encompasses the illustrated embodiments and variations based on the embodiments by those skilled in the art. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combinations of components and elements shown in the embodiments, and various modifications and implementations can be performed. The disclosure may be implemented in various combinations. The disclosure may have additional portions that may be added to the embodiments. The disclosure includes the embodiments from which the parts and the components are omitted. The disclosure encompasses the replacement or combination of components, elements between one embodiment and another. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. It should be understood that some disclosed technical ranges are indicated by description of claims, and includes every modification within the equivalent meaning and the scope of description of claims.

A power control apparatus capable of achieving the object disclosed in the specification may be configured to include either a converter device or an inverter device.

A power control apparatus capable of achieving the object disclosed in the specification may be configured without the capacitor23for noise reduction and the smoothing capacitor3.

A power control apparatus capable of achieving the object disclosed in the specification may be configured without the booster circuit210as a power control circuit.

The cooler6included in the power control apparatus disclosed in the specification may be configured to cool the semiconductor module2on only one side. The cooler6may be configured not only in contact with the semiconductor module2but also to be thermally coupled with the semiconductor module2via another member.

The case included in the power control apparatus disclosed in the specification may be made of, for example, a resin material, and may not be made of a metal material. If the case is not made of metal, the case preferably has a shield layer made of a metal which has a function as a magnetic shield.