Flexibly designable converter unit

Abstract

A converter unit has a main printed circuit board (8) on which at least one functional module (1, 5) is arranged. By means of the functional module (1, 5), at least one AC voltage (L1, L2, L3, U, V, W) fed to the functional module (1, 5) via a first power supply connection (2, 7) of the functional module (1, 5) can be converted into at least two DC voltage potentials (U+, U-, U0) output via a second power supply connection (3, 6) of the functional module (1, 5). The main printed circuit board (8) has printed conductors (10, 11, 14, 15) via which control signals (C11 to C46) can be fed to control connections (12, 13, 16, 17). The main printed circuit board (8) has conductor tracks (10, 11, 14, 15) extending from the control unit (9) to first and second control interfaces (12, 13, 16, 17) of the main printed circuit board (8), and first and second control signals (C11 to C46) can be fed to the first and second control interfaces (12, 13, 16, 17) via the conductor tracks. The functional module (1, 5) is at least mechanically connected to the main printed circuit board (8) at least in the region of the first and second control interfaces (12, 13, 16, 17). However, the functional module is designed such that it does not use the first control signals (C11 to C16, C31 to C36) and / or the second control signals (C21 to C26, C41 to C46).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a converter unit,

[0002] - wherein the converter unit has a main printed circuit board,

[0003] - wherein at least one functional module is arranged on the main printed circuit board,

[0004] wherein, by means of the functional module, at least one AC voltage fed to the functional module via a first power supply connection of the functional module can be converted into at least two DC voltage potentials which are output via a second power supply connection of the functional module,

[0005] wherein the main printed circuit board has conductor tracks, via which the first and second control signals can be fed to the first and second control interfaces of the main printed circuit board,

[0006] wherein the functional module is at least mechanically connected to the main printed circuit board at least in the region of the first and second control interfaces.

[0007] The invention also relates to a combination of two converter units,

[0008] - wherein the converter units have a main printed circuit board of identical construction,

[0009] - wherein at least one functional module is respectively arranged at corresponding positions on the main printed circuit board,

[0010] wherein, by means of the respective functional module, at least one respective AC voltage fed to the respective functional module via a first power supply connection of the respective functional module can be converted into at least two respective DC voltage potentials which are output via a second power supply connection of the respective functional module,

[0011] wherein the first and second power supply interfaces of the functional module are designed in a structurally identical manner and are arranged at mutually corresponding positions of the functional module,

[0012] wherein the main printed circuit board has corresponding conductor tracks, via which the corresponding first and second control signals can be fed to the corresponding first and second control interfaces of the corresponding main printed circuit board,

[0013] wherein the respective functional module is at least mechanically connected to the respective main printed circuit board at least in the region of the respective first and second control interface. Background Art

[0014] A converter unit typically has multiple functional units, which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the main energy flow. In practice, there are usually seven functional units arranged one behind the other. The first functional unit is usually connected to the supply network—mostly a three-phase grid—and is designed as an EMI filter. This is followed by a throttle unit as the second functional unit. This is often followed by a shunt resistor for measuring the current on the input side, which is the third functional unit. However, this functional unit can be omitted in individual cases. Furthermore, there may be another functional unit, including a chopper. The next functional unit is a rectifier unit, which rectifies the supplied current. The fifth functional unit is usually designed as a DC voltage connection. This DC voltage connection can, in particular, include a backup capacitor to reduce ripple in the DC voltage potential. The sixth functional unit is designed as an inverter unit. The last functional unit is connected to the device being powered, usually an electric motor. Similar to the first functional unit, it is usually designed as an EMI filter.

[0015] Various designs are known for all of these functional units, depending on the voltages to be switched, the currents to be switched, and other requirements. This results in a wide variety of converter units. In particular, many different designs are known for rectifier units and, to a lesser extent, inverter units as well.

[0016] Converter units are often customized specifically for specific implementations. This results in a wide variety of models and, consequently, considerable development and support effort. For example, if a circuit section in a converter unit is modified and used in other converter units, the datasheets, maintenance instructions, and other information for all corresponding converter units must be updated. Furthermore, this wide variety of models increases production costs. Logistics and warehousing expenses are also high. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The object of the present invention is to propose a possibility with which the diversity of converter cell types can be significantly reduced.

[0018] On the one hand, this object is achieved by a converter unit having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the converter unit are the subject matter of dependent claim 2.

[0019] According to the invention, a converter unit of the type mentioned in the introduction is designed such that the functional modules are designed not to use the first control signal and / or the second control signal.

[0020] The main printed circuit board is arguably oversized for the functional modules. This is undoubtedly a relatively minor disadvantage for the actual converter unit itself. However, the main and decisive advantage lies in the fact that the structurally identical main printed circuit board can be used to create another converter unit with different functionality. From a hardware perspective, the functional modules simply need to be adapted so that they utilize at least some of the control signals not used by the original module.

[0021] Preferably, the control unit which can generate the first and second control signals for the functional module is arranged on the main printed circuit board itself. In this case, conductor tracks extend from the control unit to the first and second control interfaces.

[0022] This object is also achieved by a combination of two converter units having the features of claim 3. Advantageous embodiments of the combination of two converter units are the subject matter of dependent claim 4.

[0023] According to the invention, a combination of two converter units of the type mentioned at the outset is designed such that

[0024] - such that the functional modules in one converter unit are designed not to use the corresponding first control signal and / or the corresponding second control signal, and

[0025] - such that the functional module in the other converter unit is designed to

[0026] - causing a functional module in another converter unit to use the first control signal that can be fed to it and / or to use the second control signal that can be fed to it, if the functional module in one converter unit uses neither the first control signal that can be fed to it nor the second control signal that can be fed to it,

[0027] - in the case where a functional module in one converter unit uses the first control signal that can be fed thereto but does not use the second control signal that can be fed thereto, causing a functional module in another converter unit to use at least the second control signal that can be fed thereto, and

[0028] - in the case where a functional module in one converter unit uses the second control signal that can be fed thereto but does not use the first control signal that can be fed thereto, causing a functional module in another converter unit to use at least the first control signal that can be fed thereto.

[0029] This corresponds exactly to the situation explained previously, ie a functional module in one converter unit does not use a specific control signal, while the corresponding control signal is used by a functional module in another converter unit.

[0030] Preferably, a control unit is arranged on each of these circuit boards, by means of which the corresponding first and second control signals can be generated for the corresponding functional modules. In this case, printed conductors of the corresponding main printed circuit board extend from the corresponding control unit to the first and second control interfaces of the corresponding main printed circuit board. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The above characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention and the manner and method of achieving them will become more clear and understandable in conjunction with the following description of the embodiments, which will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, a schematic diagram is shown:

[0032] Figure 1 shows the basic functional units of the converter unit,

[0033] Figure 2 Showing the main printed circuit board,

[0034] Figures 3 to 6 The rectifier unit is shown,

[0035] Figure 7 and 8 The inverter unit is shown,

[0036] Figure 9 shows a possible configuration of a main printed circuit board with a rectifier unit and an inverter unit,

[0037] Figure 10 The rectifier unit is shown,

[0038] Figure 11 shows the inverter unit, and

[0039] Figure 12 The main printed circuit board is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] according to Figure 1 The converter unit first has a rectifier unit 1 as a basic functional unit. AC voltages L1, L2, and L3 (phases), typically the three AC voltages of a three-phase power grid, are fed to the rectifier unit 1 via its first power connection 2. The rectifier unit 1 is capable of converting the supplied AC voltage into at least two DC voltage potentials U+ and U-. The rectifier unit 1 outputs the DC voltage potentials U+ and U- via its second power connection 3. Possible designs of the rectifier unit 1 will be explained in more detail later.

[0041] The output DC voltage potentials U+, U- are fed to a DC voltage connection device 4. The DC voltage connection device 4 is another main functional unit of the converter unit. The DC voltage connection device 4 usually has a capacitor network inside to smooth the DC voltage potentials U+, U-.

[0042] The DC voltage potentials U+, U- are fed to the inverter unit 5. The inverter unit 5 is another essential functional unit of the converter unit. The inverter unit 3 receives the DC voltage potentials U+, U- via the second power supply connection 6. The inverter unit 5 is capable of converting the DC voltage potentials U+, U- fed to it into at least one AC voltage, typically into the three AC voltages U, V, W (phases) of a three-phase system. The inverter unit 5 outputs the AC voltages U, V, W via the first power supply connection 7.

[0043] The power connection 6 of the inverter unit 5 (via which the inverter unit 5 receives the DC voltage potentials U+, U-) is referred to as the second power connection, while the power connection 7 of the inverter unit 5 (via which the inverter unit 5 outputs the AC voltages U, V, W) is referred to as the first power connection. This is because, in principle, the inverter unit 5 can be operated so that it rectifies at least one AC voltage U, V, W supplied to it. Although this does not represent normal operation of the inverter unit 5, it is, in principle, possible to control the inverter unit 5 accordingly. This leads to a unified use of terminology: in the case of the rectifier unit 1 and the inverter unit 5, the first power connections 2, 7 are arranged on the AC voltage side of the respective unit 1, 5, and the second power connections 3, 6 are arranged on the DC voltage side.

[0044] according to Figure 2 The converter unit has a main printed circuit board 8. At least one functional module is arranged on the main printed circuit board 8. Usually, a plurality of functional modules are arranged on the main printed circuit board 8, that is, at least a rectifier unit 1, a DC voltage connection device 4 and an inverter unit 5. The corresponding areas where the units 1, 4 and 5 are arranged are Figure 2 are indicated by dashed lines and provided with corresponding reference numerals. In these areas, the units 1, 4, and 5 are at least mechanically connected to the main printed circuit board 8. Other units may also be arranged on the main printed circuit board 8, in particular, a unit for measuring the input-side current and / or an EMI filter for the motor, a throttling unit, and, if necessary, even an EMI filter for the supply network 7. However, this is secondary within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, these units will not be discussed in greater detail below. Furthermore, in individual cases, instead of the rectifier unit 1 and the inverter unit 5, only the rectifier unit 1 or the inverter unit 5, with or without the DC voltage connection device 4, may be arranged on the main printed circuit board 8.

[0045] A control unit 9 is preferably arranged on the main printed circuit board 8. The control unit 9 can also be a functional module of the main printed circuit board 8. Alternatively, it can be an integral part of the main printed circuit board 8. Also arranged on the main printed circuit board 8 are the power supply and associated wiring for the control unit 9 and, if necessary, other components of the converter unit. The detected measured values can also be evaluated on the main printed circuit board 8. In particular, this evaluation can be performed by the control unit 9. Furthermore, the main printed circuit board 8 can include a protective circuit.

[0046] The control unit 9 is capable of generating a large number of control signals C11 to C16, C21 to C26, and / or C31 to C36 and C41 to C46. The control signals C11 to C16 and C21 to C26 are intended for the rectifier unit 1. The main printed circuit board 8 therefore has conductor tracks 10 and 11, via which the control signals C11 to C16 and C21 to C26 are fed to control interfaces 12 and 13 of the main printed circuit board 8. Therefore, if the control unit 9 is arranged on the main printed circuit board 8, the conductor tracks 10 and 11 extend from the control unit 9 to the control interfaces 12 and 13. The control interfaces 12 and 13 are arranged in the region where the rectifier unit 1 is at least mechanically connected to the main printed circuit board 8. The control signals C31 to C36 and C41 to C46 are intended for the inverter unit 5. The main printed circuit board 8 therefore has conductor tracks 14, 15, via which control signals C31 to C36 and C41 to C46 are fed to control interfaces 16, 17 of the main printed circuit board 8. If the control unit 9 is arranged on the main printed circuit board 8, the conductor tracks 14, 15 therefore extend from the control unit 9 to the control interfaces 16, 17. The control interfaces 16, 17 are arranged in the region where the inverter unit 5 is at least mechanically connected to the main printed circuit board 8. If only the rectifier unit 1 is arranged on the main printed circuit board 8, and not the inverter unit 5, then it is sufficient if the control unit 9 can generate the control signals C11 to C16 and C21 to C26, but not the control signals C31 to C36 and C41 to C46. Likewise, if the control unit 9 is capable of generating the control signals C31 to C36 and C41 to C46 but not the control signals C11 to C16 and C21 to C26, it is of course sufficient to arrange only the inverter unit 5 and not the rectifier unit 1 on the main printed circuit board 8. In this case, only the corresponding control interfaces 12, 13 or 16, 17 and the associated conductor tracks 10, 11 or 14, 15 must be present.

[0047] Combined below Figures 3 to 6Possible embodiments of rectifier units 1 are described. Within the scope of these embodiments, reference numerals for rectifier units 1 are supplemented with lowercase letters a to d to distinguish between different rectifier units 1 when necessary. If only the reference numeral 1 is used below, the corresponding description relates to any one of rectifier units 1a to 1d. For example, if reference numeral 1a is used specifically, the corresponding description relates only to rectifier unit 1a. Similar descriptions apply to rectifier units 1b, 1c, and 1d.

[0048] In accordance with Figure 3 In the embodiment of the invention, the rectifier unit 1a has a first diode 18. The DC voltage L1, L2, L3 fed to the rectifier unit 1a is rectified by means of the first diode 18. No further components are present for the rectification. Figure 3 , the rectifier cell 1a is thus formed as an uncontrolled rectifier cell. The first diode 18 is also present in the other rectifier cells 1b to 1d.

[0049] In accordance with Figure 4 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , in addition to the first diode 18, the rectifier unit 1b also has a first electronic switch 19 (e.g., an IGBT or FET) connected in parallel with the first diode 18. Alternatively, the first diode 18 can be a separate component or an integral element of the first electronic switch 19. The control signals C11 to C16 are fed to the first electronic switch 19. The rectifier unit 1b thus has mating contacts 26 that are mechanically and electrically connected to the control interface 12. If the control signals C11 to C16 are specified accordingly by the control unit 9, the rectifier unit 1b can also perform feedback into the supply network.

[0050] In accordance with Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the first diode 18, the rectifier unit 1c also has a second electronic switch 20 (for example, an IGBT or FET). If necessary, a second diode 21 can be connected in parallel with the second electronic switch 20. Alternatively, the second diode 21 can be an independent component or an intrinsic element of the second electronic switch 20. The control signals C21 to C26 are fed to the second electronic switch 20. The rectifier unit 1c therefore has a mating contact 26' that is mechanically and electrically connected to the control interface 13. By means of the second electronic switch 20, the rectifier unit 1c can thus provide an additional DC voltage potential U0 on the DC voltage side when the control signals C21 to C26 are specified accordingly by the control unit 9. In this case, the rectifier unit 1c also has an additional second power supply interface 3, via which the additional DC voltage potential U0 is output.

[0051] In accordance with Figure 6In the embodiment of FIG, rectifier unit 1d has, in addition to first diode 18, a first electronic switch 19 and a second electronic switch 20. If necessary, a second diode 21 can again be connected in parallel with second electronic switch 20. Rectifier unit 1d thus combines the additional possibilities of rectifier units 1b and 1c.

[0052] Combined below Figure 7 and 8 Possible embodiments of the inverter unit 5 are described. Within the scope of these embodiments, the reference numerals for the inverter units 5 are supplemented with lowercase letters a and b to distinguish between different inverter units 5 when necessary. If only the reference numeral 5 is used below, the corresponding description relates to both inverter units 5a and 5b. For example, if the reference numeral 5a or 5b is used specifically, the corresponding description relates only to the corresponding inverter unit 5a or 5b.

[0053] In accordance with Figure 7 In the design scheme, the inverter unit 5a has a first electronic switch 22 (for example, an IGBT or a FET). The first diode 23 is connected in parallel with the first electronic switch 22. Alternatively, the first diode 23 can be an independent component or an inherent element of the first electronic switch 22. The control signals C31 to C36 are fed to the first electronic switch 22. The inverter unit 5a therefore has a mating contact 27 that is mechanically and electrically connected to the control interface 16. According to the specification of the control signals C31 to C36 by the control unit 9, the inverter unit 5a can therefore cause current to flow from the DC voltage side to the AC voltage side, and vice versa. The current flowing from the DC voltage side to the AC voltage side represents normal operation of the inverter unit 5a, and the reverse current flowing from the AC voltage side to the DC voltage side is an exception.

[0054] In accordance with Figure 8 In the design scheme, the inverter unit 5b also has a second electronic switch 24 (for example, an IGBT or FET). If necessary, a second diode 25 can be connected in parallel with the second electronic switch 24. Alternatively, the second diode 25 can be an independent component or an intrinsic element of the second electronic switch 24. The control signals C41 to C46 are fed to the second electronic switch 24. The inverter unit 5a therefore has a mating contact 27' that is mechanically and electrically connected to the control interface 17. With the help of the second electronic switch 20, the inverter unit 5b can therefore use the additional DC voltage potential U0 provided on the DC voltage side when the control signals C41 to C46 are correspondingly specified by the control unit 9, or conversely, provide this type of additional DC voltage potential U0 on the DC power supply side. In this case, the inverter unit 5b also has an additional second power supply interface 6, via which the additional DC voltage potential U0 is fed or output.

[0055] The coordination of the different rectifier units 1 a to 1 d with one another and the coordination of the different inverter units 5 a , 5 b with one another are of decisive importance.

[0056] Because the internal structure of each rectifier unit 1a to 1d is independent of the corresponding rectifier unit 1a to 1d, the common external connections—namely, the first and second power supply connections 2, 3 and the mating connections 26, 26'—are arranged and designed identically. It can be assumed that each rectifier unit 1a to 1d is used for power supply connections 2, 3. Because power supply connections 2, 3 are present in each rectifier unit 1a to 1d, rectifier unit 1d is the "master" for the arrangement of mating connections 26, 26'. Since rectifier unit 1d uses control signals C11 to C16 and control signals C21 to C26, it must have mating connections 26 and 26'.

[0057] In rectifier unit 1b, the counterpart interface 26 for control interface 12 is located at the same location as in rectifier unit 1d. The counterpart interface 26 for control interface 12 is also designed in the same manner as the counterpart interface 26 for control interface 12 in rectifier unit 1d. In rectifier unit 1b, no counterpart contacts are located at the location where counterpart interface 26' for control interface 13 is located in rectifier unit 1d (i.e., no counterpart interfaces for any other interfaces are located there either). Alternatively, the counterpart interface 26 is located there, but the counterpart interface 26 is not wired internally within rectifier unit 1b. In any case, rectifier unit 1b does not use control signals C21 to C26. This is regardless of whether control unit 9 generates control signals C21 to C26. If counterpart interfaces 26' for control interface 13 are present in rectifier unit 1b, they are also designed to be compatible with counterpart interfaces 26' for control interface 13 in rectifier unit 1d.

[0058] Rectifier unit 1c is implemented in a completely similar manner. Specifically, in rectifier unit 1c, the counterpart interface 26' for control interface 13 is located at the same location as in rectifier unit 1d. The counterpart interface 26' for control interface 12 is also designed in the same manner as the counterpart interface 26' for control interface 13 in rectifier unit 1d. Where counterpart interface 26 for control interface 12 is located in rectifier unit 1d, rectifier unit 1c either has no counterpart interface at all or has no counterpart interface 26 located there, but the counterpart interface 26 present is not further wired within rectifier unit 1c. In either case, rectifier unit 1c does not use control signals C11 to C16. This is regardless of whether control unit 9 generates control signals C11 to C16. If counterpart interfaces 26 for control interface 12 are present in rectifier unit 1c, they are designed to be compatible with counterpart interfaces 26 for control interface 12 in rectifier unit 1d.

[0059] In the case of rectifier unit 1a, the two measures implemented above for rectifier units 1b and 1c are combined. In rectifier unit 1a, the mating interface 26 for control interface 12 and the mating interface 26' for control interface 13 may or may not be present. If mating interfaces 26, 26' are not present, then no interfaces are located at the corresponding locations. If mating interfaces 26, 26' are present, they are located at the same locations as in rectifier unit 1d and are designed to be compatible with the mating interfaces 26, 26' for control interfaces 12, 13 of rectifier unit 1d. However, in this case, the mating interfaces 26, 26' of rectifier unit 1a are not further wired within rectifier unit 1a. In any case, rectifier unit 1a uses neither control signals C11 to C16 nor control signals C21 to C26. This is independent of whether control unit 9 generates control signals C11 to C16 and / or control signals C21 to C26.

[0060] As already mentioned, the main printed circuit board 8 is designed to have a control interface 12 and a control interface 13. Figure 9 As shown in FIG, 1 , 1a, 1b, 1c or 1d can be arranged as required in the area where the rectifier unit 1 is arranged. In each of these configurations - assuming the design of the rest of the converter unit is correct - a functioning converter unit is obtained.

[0061] The corresponding design for coordinating the structures of rectifier units 1a to 1d also applies similarly to inverter units 5a and 5b. This is because the corresponding internal structures of the respective inverter units 5a and 5b are independent of each other. In contrast, the common external connections—namely, the first and second power supply connections 6 and 7, as well as the mating connections 27 and 27' for the control connections 16 and 17—are arranged in the same manner. It can be assumed that each inverter unit 5a and 5b has a power supply connection 6 and 7. This is because each inverter unit 5a and 5b has a power supply connection 6 and 7. With respect to the arrangement of mating connections 27 and 27', inverter unit 5b is the "master." Because inverter unit 5b uses control signals C31 to C36 and control signals C41 to C46, it must have mating connections 27 and 27'.

[0062] In inverter unit 5a, the mating interface 27 for control interface 16 is located at the same location as in inverter unit 5b. The mating interface 27 for control interface 16 is also designed in the same manner as the mating interface 27 for control interface 16 of inverter unit 5b. In inverter unit 5a, where the mating interface 27′ for control interface 17 is located in inverter unit 5b, there is either no mating interface at all (i.e., no mating interface for any other interface) or, if a mating interface 27′ is located there, it is not further wired within inverter unit 5a. In either case, inverter unit 5a does not use control signals C41 to C46. This is regardless of whether control unit 9 generates control signals C41 to C46. If mating interfaces 27′ for control interface 17 are present in inverter unit 5a, they are designed to be compatible with mating interfaces 27′ for control interface 17 of inverter unit 5b.

[0063] As already mentioned, the main printed circuit board 8 is designed to have a control interface 16 and a control interface 17. Therefore, according to Figure 9 As shown in FIG, the inverter unit 5a or the inverter unit 5b can be arranged as required in the area where the inverter unit 5 is arranged. In each of these embodiments - assuming that the design of the rest of the converter unit is correct - an operational converter unit is obtained.

[0064] Therefore, according to Figure 9 As shown in FIG, using the same main printed circuit board 8, at least eight different converter units can be realized, that is, the following combination

[0065] Rectifier unit 1a - inverter unit 5a,

[0066] Rectifier unit 1a - inverter unit 5b,

[0067] Rectifier unit 1b - inverter unit 5a,

[0068] Rectifier unit 1b-inverter unit 5b,

[0069] Rectifier unit 1c - inverter unit 5a,

[0070] Rectifier unit 1c - inverter unit 5b,

[0071] Rectifier unit 1d - inverter unit 5a and

[0072] Rectifier unit 1d - inverter unit 5b.

[0073] In other words, if there are eight identically structured main printed circuit boards 8, two rectifier units 1a to 1d each, and four converter units 5a and 5b each, each of the eight converter units can be produced once. In the case of these eight converter units, the rectifier units 1a to 1d are arranged at corresponding positions on the main printed circuit board 8. Similarly, the inverter units 5a and 5b are also arranged at corresponding positions on the main printed circuit board 8.

[0074] Only the generation of control signals C11 to C46 by the control unit 9 must be coordinated with the use of the corresponding rectifier units 1a to 1d and the corresponding inverter units 5a, 5b. This can be easily achieved through appropriate programming or parameterization of the control unit 9. However, in certain situations, it is even acceptable for the control unit 9 to generate control signals C11 to C46 that are not used by a specific rectifier unit 1 and / or a specific inverter unit 5. Here is an example: a converter unit with a rectifier unit 1a and an inverter unit 5a is implemented. The control unit 9 generates control signals C11 to C16 and C31 to C36. However, when the inverter unit 5a is correctly actuated, the rectifier unit 1a ignores the control signals C11 to C16, provided that their functionality is not impaired.

[0075] Possible designs of converter units have been explained above, wherein the corresponding rectifier unit 1 is capable of rectifying the three phases L1, L2, L3 of a three-phase system, and the corresponding inverter unit 5 is also typically operated such that it converts at least two DC voltage potentials U+, U−, U0 fed to it into the three phases U, V, W of a three-phase system, although in principle rectification of the three phases U, V, W of a three-phase system is also possible. However, for the rectifier unit 1 and the inverter unit 5, only a single first power supply connection 2, 7 may also be present on the respective AC voltage side. If higher powers are to be transmitted using the converter unit, a single-phase design on the AC voltage side is typically implemented.

[0076] The following combination Figure 10 and 11 The embodiment of such a single-phase rectifier unit 1e and the embodiment of such a single-phase inverter unit 5c are explained separately, wherein this is the case. The corresponding single-phase rectifier unit 1 is provided with the reference numeral 1e below, and the corresponding single-phase inverter unit 5 is provided with the reference numeral 5c.

[0077] In addition, for the rectifier unit 1e, only the case where the control signals C11 to C16 and the control signals C21 to C26 are used is described. The corresponding reduction using only the control signals C11 to C16 or only the control signals C21 to C26 or neither the control signals C11 to C16 nor the control signals C21 to C26 is completely similar to the previous combination. Figures 3 to 6 The processing method adopted for the three-phase design of the rectifier unit 1. For the single-phase inverter unit 5c, only the case of using the control signals C31 to C36 and the control signals C41 to C46 is described. The corresponding reduction using only the control signals C31 to C36 is completely similar to the previous combination. Figure 7 and 8 The processing method adopted for the three-phase design of the inverter unit 5.

[0078] according to Figure 10 The single-phase rectifier unit 1e includes a first diode 18. The AC voltage fed to the single-phase rectifier unit 1e is rectified by means of the first diode 18. Furthermore, the single-phase rectifier unit 1e includes a first electronic switch 19 (e.g., an IGBT or FET) connected in parallel with the first diode 18. Alternatively, control signals C11 and C12, or control signals C13 and C14, or control signals C15 and C16 are fed to the first electronic switch 19. By specifying the control signals C11 to C16 accordingly by the control unit 9, the single-phase rectifier unit 1e can also perform feedback to the supply network. Furthermore, the single-phase rectifier unit 1e includes a second electronic switch 20 (e.g., an IGBT or FET). Optionally, a second diode 21 can be connected in parallel with the second electronic switch 20. Alternatively, control signals C21 and C22, or control signals C23 and C24, or control signals C25 and C26 are fed to the second electronic switch 20. Thus, with corresponding specification of the control signals C21 to C26 by the control unit 9 , the single-phase rectifier unit 1 e can provide an additional DC voltage potential U0 on the DC voltage side by means of the second electronic switch 20 .

[0079] according to Figure 11The single-phase inverter unit 5c includes a first electronic switch 22 (e.g., an IGBT or FET). A first diode 23 is connected in parallel with the first electronic switch 22. Alternatively, control signals C31 and C32, or control signals C33 and C34, or control signals C35 and C36 are fed to the first electronic switch 22. Thus, based on the control signals C31 to C36 specified by the control unit 9, the single-phase inverter unit 5c can cause current to flow from the DC voltage side to the AC voltage side, and vice versa. Furthermore, the single-phase inverter unit 5c also includes a second electronic switch 24 (e.g., an IGBT or FET). If necessary, a second diode 25 can be connected in parallel with the second electronic switch 24. Alternatively, control signals C41 and C42, or control signals C43 and C44, or control signals C45 and C46 are fed to the second electronic switch 24. Therefore, with the control signals C41 to C46 being specified accordingly by the control unit 9, the single-phase inverter unit 5c can use the additional DC voltage potential U0 provided on the DC voltage side with the aid of the second electronic switch 20, or conversely, provide such a DC voltage potential U0 on the DC voltage side.

[0080] In the case of a single-phase design of the rectifier unit 1 and / or the inverter unit 5, usually according to Figure 12 As shown in FIG, three such single-phase rectifier units 1e or inverter units 5c are arranged on the main printed circuit board 8, namely, one for each of the three phases L1, L2, and L3 or U, V, and W. The single-phase rectifier units 1e are typically designed identically within the same converter unit and, therefore, on the same main printed circuit board 8. Similarly, the single-phase inverter units 5c are typically designed identically. However, the number of single-phase rectifier units 1e and / or single-phase inverter units 5c may vary depending on the converter unit.

[0081] For other embodiments, the above-mentioned three-phase design of the rectifier unit 1 and the inverter unit 5 can still be used in a completely similar manner with respect to the internal structure, the presence or absence and arrangement of the mating interfaces 26, 26', 27, 27', and the use or non-use of the control signals C11 to C46 and the generation or non-generation of the control signals C11 to C46.

[0082] according to Figure 10 As shown in FIG, the single-phase rectifier unit 1e can have a sensor interface 28, via which (at least) a sensor signal S1 is output. For example, the single-phase rectifier unit 1e can have a shunt resistor 29, by means of which the voltage drop across the shunt resistor 29 is detected, thereby detecting the current on the AC voltage side. If the sensor interface 28 is present or can be present in some designs of the single-phase rectifier unit 1e, then according to Figure 12As shown in FIG, the main printed circuit board 8 has a corresponding mating interface 30. In addition to the control interfaces 12, 13, there is also a mating interface 30. The printed conductors 10, 11 and the control interfaces 12, 13 are connected to each other. Figure 12 Not shown in order to avoid Figure 10 Unnecessarily crammed in. But they exist.

[0083] A mating interface 30—similar to control interfaces 12 and 13—is also arranged in the area where the single-phase rectifier unit 1e is at least mechanically connected to the main printed circuit board 8. In this case, the mating interface 30 is connected to the control unit 9 via conductor tracks 31. If a mating interface 30 is present, a sensor interface 28 may or may not be present for a particular rectifier unit 1. If a sensor interface 28 is not present, no interface is arranged at the corresponding location. If a sensor interface 28 is present, it is arranged at the same location for all corresponding rectifier units 1. However, in some rectifier units 1, the sensor interface 28 may not have any further wiring within the corresponding rectifier unit 1.

[0084] A similar design is also possible in the case of the three-phase rectifier units 1a to 1d and the associated main printed circuit board 8. In this case, the above-described design exists for each phase L1, L2, L3.

[0085] In exactly the same way, according to Figure 11 As shown in FIG, the single-phase inverter unit 5c may have a sensor interface 32, via which (at least) one sensor signal S2 is output. For example, the single-phase inverter unit 5c may have a shunt resistor 33, by means of which the voltage drop across the shunt resistor 33 is detected, thereby detecting the current on the AC voltage side. If the sensor interface 32 exists or can exist in at least some designs of the single-phase inverter unit 5c, then according to Figure 12 As shown in FIG, the main printed circuit board 8 has a corresponding mating interface 34. In addition to the control interfaces 16, 17, there is also a mating interface 34. The printed conductors 14, 15 and the control interfaces 16, 17 are connected to each other. Figure 12 Not shown in order to avoid Figure 12 Unnecessarily crammed in. But they exist.

[0086] The mating interface 34—similar to the control interfaces 16 and 17—is also arranged in the area where the single-phase inverter unit 5 c is at least mechanically connected to the main printed circuit board 8. In this case, the mating interface 34 is connected to the control unit 9 via printed conductors 35. If the mating interface 34 is present, then the sensor interface 32 may or may not be present in a particular inverter unit 5. If the sensor interface 32 is not present, then no interface is arranged at the corresponding location. If the sensor interface 32 is present, then it is arranged at the same location in all corresponding inverter units 5. However, in some inverter units 5, the sensor interface 32 may not be further wired within the corresponding inverter unit 5.

[0087] A similar design is also possible in the case of the three-phase inverter units 5a and 5b and the associated main printed circuit board 8. In this case, the above-mentioned design exists for each phase U, V, W.

[0088] The power supply current can be conducted via the main printed circuit board 8. In this case, the power supply interfaces 2 and 3 of the rectifier unit 1 are connected to corresponding mating interfaces on the main printed circuit board 8. Alternatively, the power supply current can be conducted externally from the main printed circuit board 8. In this case, the power supply interfaces 2 and 3 of the rectifier unit 1 can be connected to a busbar or otherwise connected. A similar design applies to the power supply interfaces 6 and 7 of the inverter unit 5.

[0089] In summary, the present invention relates to the following facts:

[0090] The converter unit has a main printed circuit board 8 on which at least one functional module 1, 5 is arranged. Functional modules 1, 5 convert at least one AC voltage L1, L2, L3, U, V, W supplied to the functional modules 1, 5 via their first power supply connections 2, 7 into at least two DC voltage potentials U+, U-, U0, which are output via their second power supply connections 3, 6. The main printed circuit board 8 has conductor tracks 10, 11, 14, 15, via which control signals C11 to C46 can be supplied to control connections 12, 13, 16, 17. Functional modules 1, 5 are mechanically connected to the main printed circuit board 8, at least in the region of the control connections 12, 13, 16, 17. However, they are designed not to use the control signals C11 to C16, C31 to C36 and / or the control signals C21 to C26, C41 to C46.

[0091] The present invention offers numerous advantages. In particular, the described design reduces development and production costs. However, full flexibility in converter unit design is retained. The scope and costs of stocking spare parts can also be reduced. These advantages are achieved in particular by the pin-compatible interfaces of the rectifier unit 1 and, if necessary, the inverter unit 5.

[0092] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail by way of examples of preferred embodiments, the present invention is not restricted to the disclosed examples and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A converter unit, -in, The converter unit has a main printed circuit board (8), - wherein at least one functional module (1, 5) is arranged on the main printed circuit board (8), wherein, by means of the functional module (1, 5), at least one AC voltage (L1, L2, L3, U, V, W) fed to the functional module (1, 5) via a first power supply connection (2, 7) of the functional module (1, 5) can be converted into at least two DC voltage potentials (U+, U-, U0) output via a second power supply connection (3, 6) of the functional module (1, 5), wherein the main printed circuit board (8) has conductor tracks (10, 11, 14, 15), via which first and second control signals (C11 to C46) can be fed to first and second control interfaces (12, 13, 16, 17) of the main printed circuit board (8), - wherein the functional module (1, 5) is at least mechanically connected to the main printed circuit board (8) at least in the region of the first control interface and the second control interface (12, 13, 16, 17), It is characterized in that The functional modules (1, 5) are designed such that they do not use the first control signals (C11 to C16, C31 to C36) and / or the second control signals (C21 to C26, C41 to C46).

2. The converter unit according to claim 1, characterized in that A control unit (9) is arranged on the main printed circuit board (8), by means of which the first control signal and the second control signal (C11 to C46) for the functional modules (1, 5) can be generated, and the printed conductors (10, 11, 14, 15) extend from the control unit (9) to the first control interface and the second control interface (12, 13, 16, 17).

3. A combination of two converter units, -in, The converter units have a main printed circuit board (8) with the same structure, - wherein at least one functional module (1, 5) is respectively arranged at positions corresponding to each other on the main printed circuit board (8), wherein, by means of the corresponding functional module (1, 5), at least one corresponding AC voltage (L1, L2, L3, U, V, W) fed to the corresponding functional module (1, 5) via a first power supply connection (2, 7) of the corresponding functional module (1, 5) can be converted into at least two DC voltage potentials (U+, U-, U0) output via a second power supply connection (3, 6) of the corresponding functional module (1, 5), - wherein the first power interface and the second power interface (2, 3, 6, 7) of the functional module (1, 5) are designed in a structurally identical manner and are arranged at mutually corresponding positions of the functional module (1, 5), wherein the main printed circuit board (8) has corresponding conductor tracks (10, 11, 14, 15), via which corresponding first and second control signals (C11 to C46) can be fed to corresponding first and second control interfaces (12, 13, 16, 17) of the corresponding main printed circuit board (8), wherein the respective functional module (1, 5) is at least mechanically connected to the respective main printed circuit board (8) at least in the region of the respective first and second control interfaces (12, 13, 16, 17), It is characterized in that - the functional modules (1, 5) in one of the converter units are designed such that they do not use the corresponding first control signals (C11 to C16, C31 to C36) and / or the corresponding second control signals (C21 to C26, C41 to C46) and, - the functional module (1, 5) in the other converter unit is designed to: - in a case where the functional module (1, 5) in one of the converter units uses neither the first control signal (C11 to C16, C31 to C36) nor the second control signal (C21 to C26, C41 to C46) that can be fed to the functional module, the functional module in the other converter unit uses the first control signal (C11 to C16, C31 to C36) that can be fed to the functional module and / or uses the second control signal (C21 to C26, C41 to C46) that can be fed to the functional module, - in a case where the functional module (1, 5) in one of the converter units uses the first control signal (C11 to C16, C31 to C36) that can be fed to the functional module but does not use the second control signal (C21 to C26, C41 to C46) that can be fed to the functional module, the functional module in the other converter unit uses at least the second control signal (C21 to C26, C41 to C46) that can be fed to the functional module, and, --In a case where the functional module (1, 5) in one converter unit uses the second control signal (C21 to C26, C41 to C46) that can be fed to the functional module but does not use the first control signal (C11 to C16, C31 to C36) that can be fed to the functional module, the functional module in the other converter unit uses at least the first control signal (C11 to C16, C31 to C36) that can be fed to the functional module.

4. The combination of two converter units according to claim 3, characterized in that Control units (9) are arranged on the main printed circuit boards (8) respectively, and by means of the control units, corresponding first control signals and second control signals (C11 to C46) can be generated for corresponding functional modules (1, 5), and printed conductors (10, 11, 14, 15) of the corresponding main printed circuit boards (8) are extended from the corresponding control units (9) to the corresponding first control interfaces and second control interfaces (12, 13, 16, 17) of the corresponding main printed circuit boards (8).

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