Capacitor assembly
By employing a connection system that contacts the first end surface in the capacitor assembly, the space utilization problem of the capacitor assembly is solved by utilizing support elements and a pushing system, achieving a stable thermal conduction connection without the need for specific structures and lateral space.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing capacitor assemblies require specific structures such as threaded pins or grooves, and the connection system occupies additional space in the lateral direction, resulting in insufficient space utilization.
The connection system contacts the first end surface of the capacitor, and the capacitor is connected to the heat sink through the support element and the pushing system. The support element contacts the first surface of the capacitor and is fastened by screws and column elements, which avoids the specific structural requirements of the capacitor and the occupation of lateral space.
It achieves a space-efficient connection system that eliminates the need for a specific capacitor structure, occupies almost no lateral space, and ensures a stable thermal conduction connection between the capacitor and the heat sink.
Smart Images
Figure CN115798927B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a capacitor assembly comprising a heat sink and at least one capacitor. Background Technology
[0002] A known capacitor assembly includes a capacitor having a terminal at its first end, a heat sink, and a connection system that thermally connects the capacitor to the heat sink such that a second end of the capacitor contacts the heat sink. The first and second ends of the capacitor are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. The connection system includes a threaded pin projecting from the second end of the capacitor and a nut that mates with the threaded pin. The threaded pin extends through the heat sink, pressing the heat sink between the capacitor and the nut.
[0003] In another known capacitor assembly, the side surface of the capacitor has a groove near the second end of the capacitor, and the connection system includes a plurality of connection protrusions projecting from the groove. The connection protrusions are secured to a heat sink by screws.
[0004] One of the problems associated with the aforementioned known capacitor assemblies is that they require specific structures within the capacitor. The first known capacitor assembly mentioned requires a threaded pin. The latter known capacitor assembly requires a groove, which must have the correct shape and be positioned correctly on the side surface to mate with a connecting protrusion.
[0005] Another issue related to the latter known capacitor assembly is that the connection system, which includes multiple connection protrusions, requires additional space in the lateral direction, which increases the total space requirement of the capacitor assembly. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The object of this invention is to provide a capacitor assembly to solve the above-mentioned problems. This object is achieved by the capacitor assembly described below.
[0007] This invention is based on the idea of providing a capacitor assembly with a connection system that contacts a first surface of the capacitor located at a first end. The first surface is the end surface of the capacitor.
[0008] The advantage of the capacitor assembly of the present invention is that it does not require any specific structure in the capacitor. Furthermore, the space utilization of the capacitor assembly is efficient because the connection system requires little or no space in the lateral direction. Attached Figure Description
[0009] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0010] Figure 1 A capacitor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;
[0011] Figure 2 It is shown from the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Figure 1 Capacitor components;
[0012] Figure 3 It is shown from a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction. Figure 1 Capacitor components;
[0013] Figure 4 It shows the state of decomposition. Figure 1 Capacitor components;
[0014] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 Details of the capacitor assembly, including the retaining protrusion; and
[0015] Figure 6 It shows the view from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Figure 1 A detailed cross-section of the capacitor assembly. Detailed Implementation
[0016] Figure 1 A capacitor assembly is shown, which includes fifteen capacitors 2, a heat sink 6, and a connection system that thermally connects the capacitors 2 to the heat sink 6. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of the capacitor assembly, showing the capacitor assembly from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Figure 3 Shown from above in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction. Figure 1 Capacitor components. Figure 4 It shows the state of decomposition. Figure 1 Capacitor components.
[0017] Each capacitor 2 is an electrolytic capacitor and has a generally straight cylindrical shape. The heat sink 6 has a first cooling surface 61, which is a flat surface.
[0018] Each capacitor 2 has a first end 21 and a second end 22 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, and a first terminal 41 and a second terminal 42 located at the first end 21 of the capacitor 2. The longitudinal direction is parallel to the height of the cylindrical shape of the capacitor 2 and perpendicular to the first cooling surface 61. The first terminal 41 and the second terminal 42 are adapted to electrically connect the capacitor 2 to a circuit (not shown).
[0019] Each capacitor 2 has a first end 21 with an inner end surface 210 and a first surface 211, such that the first surface 211 forms the edge of the first end 21 and surrounds the inner end surface 210. A first terminal 41 and a second terminal 42 protrude from the inner end surface 210. Each capacitor 2 has a second end 22 with a second surface 222. The second surface 222 generally faces a direction opposite to the inner end surface 210 and the first surface 211. The second surface 222 has a normal parallel to the longitudinal direction. The second surface 222 of each capacitor 2 is in thermal conductive contact with a first cooling surface 61.
[0020] Heat sink 6 is a liquid-cooled element. In an alternative embodiment, the heat sink is an air-cooled element.
[0021] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the first cooling surface 61 of the heat sink 6 is formed of a thermal interface material on the body of the heat sink 6. The thermal interface material comprises glass fiber reinforced silicone rubber. The thermal interface material is both electrically insulating and thermally conductive. The silicone rubber also smooths the contact surface between the body of the heat sink 6 and the second surface 222 of the capacitor 2, thereby increasing the heat transfer area between the heat sink 6 and the capacitor 2. In an alternative embodiment, the thermal interface material comprises a conductive material, such as graphene. In another alternative embodiment, there is no separate thermal interface material, and the second surface of each capacitor is in direct thermal conductive contact with the body of the heat sink.
[0022] The body of the heat sink 6 is made of copper. In another alternative embodiment, the body of the heat sink is made of another thermally conductive material such as aluminum or thermally conductive plastic.
[0023] The connection system contacts the first surface 211 of each capacitor 2. The connection system includes five support elements 8 and a pushing system. The support elements 8 are identical to each other. The support elements 8 contact the first surface 211 of each capacitor 2 such that each support element 8 contacts the first surface 211 of three capacitors 2. It can be said that each support element 8 is adapted to receive three capacitors 2.
[0024] The support element 8 guides the longitudinal support force to the capacitor 2. This longitudinal support force is parallel to the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal support force ensures that the capacitor 2 and the heat sink 6 are in proper thermal conductivity connection.
[0025] The first surface 211 is farther from the second surface 222 in the longitudinal direction than the inner end surface 210. Figure 6 The image shown is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Figure 1A detailed cross-section of the capacitor assembly is shown, with the first surface 211 located above the inner end surface 210. The first surface 211 can be described as protruding from the inner end surface 210. All longitudinal support forces applied to the capacitor 2 by the connection system are directed to the first surface 211 of the capacitor 2. In an alternative embodiment, at least 75% of the longitudinal support forces applied to the capacitor by the connection system are directed to the first surface of the capacitor. It is advantageous to direct most of the longitudinal support forces to the edge of the electrolytic capacitor, as the edge can withstand greater pressure than the inner end surface 210.
[0026] Each support element 8 is an injection-molded element made of a flexible plastic material with high thermal conductivity. In an alternative embodiment, at least one support element is made of another electrically insulating material.
[0027] The pressing system presses the support element 8 against the first surface 211 of the capacitor 2 to maintain the capacitor 2 in a thermally conductive connection with the first cooling surface 61. The pressing force applied by the pressing system is parallel to the longitudinal direction.
[0028] The push-press system includes twelve screws 9 and twelve pillar elements 10. Each pillar element 10 extends between the first cooling surface 61 and one of the support elements 8. Each pillar element 10 has an internal thread at its first longitudinal end and an external thread at its second longitudinal end. The internal thread of the pillar element 10 mates with the external thread of the corresponding screw 9. The external thread of the pillar element 10 mates with the internal thread formed in the radiator 6.
[0029] The head 91 of each screw 9 applies a compressive force to the screw contact area 89 of the corresponding support element 8. Each screw contact area 89 surrounds the corresponding screw 9 at a 180° angle. Figure 4 The image shows two screw contact areas 89.
[0030] In an alternative embodiment, each pillar element includes a flange at its second longitudinal end, which contacts a second cooling surface 62 of the heat sink 6, the second cooling surface 62 facing in the opposite direction to the first cooling surface 61. Each pillar element extends through the heat sink via an orifice of a corresponding pillar.
[0031] In another alternative embodiment, the pillar element is an integral part of the heat sink. In yet another alternative embodiment, internal threads are formed in the heat sink, and the screws of the push-fit system are so long that they mate with the internal threads of the heat sink without requiring a pillar element. In yet another embodiment, the screw contact area is provided in the contact extension of the support element, wherein the contact extension extends longitudinally close to the first cooling surface, thereby making the pillar element unnecessary.
[0032] Each support element 8 includes a positioning system for ensuring that the three capacitors 2 are correctly positioned relative to the support element 8. Correct positioning of the capacitors 2 allows the first terminal 41 and the second terminal 42 of the capacitors 2 to be connected to the corresponding busbar (not shown) without causing each capacitor 2 to rotate about its central axis extending parallel to the longitudinal direction.
[0033] The positioning system includes a first terminal opening 81 and a second terminal opening 82 for each capacitor 2, wherein a first terminal 41 is received in the first terminal opening 81 and a second terminal 42 is received in the second terminal opening 82. The first terminal opening 81 and the second terminal opening 82 are openings through which the first terminal 41 and the second terminal 42 extend, respectively. The edge of the first terminal opening 81 is adapted to apply a lateral support force to the first terminal 41, and the edge of the second terminal opening 82 is adapted to apply a lateral support force to the second terminal 42.
[0034] The shape and size of the first terminal opening 81 are selected such that the edges of the first terminal opening 81 are adapted to support the first terminal 41 from all lateral directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, such that the first terminal opening 81 substantially prevents all movement of the first terminal 41 in the lateral direction. The shape and size of the second terminal opening 82 are selected such that the edges of the second terminal opening 82 are adapted to support the second terminal 42 from all lateral directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, such that the second terminal opening 82 substantially prevents all movement of the second terminal 42 in the lateral direction. In some embodiments, substantially preventing all movement of the terminal allows movement of less than or equal to 5 mm in at least one lateral direction, the tolerance being selected such that small movement does not allow the capacitor to reach a position that obstructs the connection of the capacitor to the corresponding busbar.
[0035] It should be noted that the appropriate shape and size of the first terminal opening and the second terminal opening depend on the shape and size of the first terminal and the second terminal. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first terminal opening and the second terminal opening are not separate openings, but rather part of a common terminal opening. For example, it is evident that the first terminal opening 81 and the second terminal opening 82 can be connected by a connecting groove without affecting the function of the first terminal opening and the second terminal opening.
[0036] exist Figure 1 In the capacitor assembly, both the first terminal 41 and the second terminal 42 have non-circular cross-sections. The cross-sections of the first terminal 41 and the second terminal 42 each have a shape with two portions cut out from a generally circular shape. The cross-sections of each terminal are symmetrical. The cross-sections of the first terminal 41 and the second terminal 42 have the same shape, but they are rotated 90° relative to each other, thereby ensuring that the capacitor 2 can only be received in the support element 8 in the correct position.
[0037] Each capacitor 2 includes a retaining member 28 located longitudinally between a first surface 211 and a second surface 222 on its side surface. The side surface of the capacitor 2 faces a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The retaining member 28 is a circumferential groove extending around the capacitor 2. The cross-sectional shape of the circumferential groove is preferably shown in [reference needed]. Figure 6 .
[0038] Each support element 8 includes a retaining system that engages with retaining members 28 of three capacitors 2 that contact the support element 8. The retaining system applies a retaining force to the capacitors 2 to prevent them from separating from the support element 8. The engagement of the retaining system and the retaining members 28 of the capacitors enables the manufacture of sub-assemblies, each of which includes a support element 8 and a corresponding capacitor 2. The sub-assemblies are easily movable because the capacitors 2 do not detach from the sub-assemblies during movement.
[0039] The retaining system is a snap-fit system integrated into the support element 8. The retaining system includes two retaining protrusions 87 for each capacitor 2. The free end of each retaining protrusion 87 is received in the retaining member 28 of the corresponding capacitor 2 and is adapted to apply a retaining force to the capacitor 2. The retaining force is parallel to the longitudinal direction. The shape of the retaining protrusion 87 is... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The middle is best shown. Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 Details of the capacitor assembly, Figure 6 The fit between retaining protrusion 87 and retaining member 28 is also shown.
[0040] Here, the snap-fit system is a system based on the flexibility of the system's components. Snap-fit type retention systems do not include any individual springs.
[0041] The capacitors 2 in the capacitor assembly are identical to each other, and each capacitor 2 has a capacitor diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The side surfaces of adjacent capacitors 2, received in the support element 8, are in contact with each other, thereby achieving high space utilization efficiency. In an alternative embodiment, the support element contacts a first surface of each of the plurality of capacitors, wherein the distance between adjacent capacitors in contact with the support element is less than or equal to 7% of the capacitor diameter.
[0042] exist Figure 1In the capacitor assembly, each support element 8 contacts the first surface 211 of three capacitors 2, and five support elements 8 are arranged in an array such that the capacitors 2 form a three-by-five matrix. The distance between adjacent capacitors 2 received in adjacent support elements 8 is small. In an alternative embodiment, the capacitor assembly includes a plurality of support elements, each of which contacts the first surface of a plurality of capacitors, wherein the plurality of support elements are arranged in an array such that the distance between adjacent capacitors contacting adjacent support elements is less than or equal to 10% of the capacitor diameter.
[0043] Figure 3 The diagram shows adjacent support elements 8 of the array in contact with each other. This is possible because each screw 9 located between adjacent support elements 8 lies in the gap formed between four adjacent capacitors 2, where the screw 9 presses two adjacent support elements 8 against the first surface 211 of the corresponding capacitor 2. Here, the four adjacent capacitors refer to four capacitors whose central axis is located at the corner of a square. Due to the specific shape of the aforementioned screw contact area 89, one screw 9 is able to press two different support elements 8 together.
[0044] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the concept of the present invention can be implemented in various ways. The present invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, but can be varied within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A capacitor assembly, comprising: At least one capacitor (2) has a first end (21) and a second end (22), as well as a first terminal (41) and a second terminal (42), the first end (21) and the second end (22) being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, the first terminal (41) and the second terminal (42) being located at the first end (21) of the capacitor (2), the first end (21) being provided with a first surface (211), and the second end (22) being provided with a second surface (222). A radiator (6) having a first cooling surface (61); and A connection system that thermally connects the at least one capacitor (2) to the heat sink (6) such that the second surface (222) of each of the at least one capacitor (2) is in thermally conductive connection with the first cooling surface (61). The characteristic is that the connection system is in contact with the first surface (211) of each of the at least one capacitor (2), The connection system includes: at least one support element (8) in contact with the first surface (211) of each of the at least one capacitor (2); and a pressing system for pressing the at least one support element (8) against the first surface (211) of each of the at least one capacitor (2) to maintain the at least one capacitor (2) in a thermally conductive connection with the first cooling surface (61). Both the first terminal and the second terminal have non-circular cross-sections, and the at least one support element (8) includes a positioning system for ensuring that the at least one capacitor (2) is correctly positioned relative to the at least one support element (8). The positioning system includes a first terminal opening (81) and a second terminal opening (82) for each of the at least one capacitor (2), wherein the first terminal (41) is received in the first terminal opening (81) and the second terminal (42) is received in the second terminal opening (82).
2. The capacitor assembly of claim 1, wherein the push-fit system comprises at least one screw (9).
3. The capacitor assembly according to claim 2, wherein the push system includes at least one column element (10) extending between the first cooling surface (61) and the at least one support element (8), the at least one column element (10) having at least one internal thread engaging with at least one external thread of the at least one screw (9).
4. The capacitor assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one capacitor (2) includes a retaining member (28) on a side surface of the capacitor, the retaining member (28) being located in the longitudinal direction between the first surface (211) and the second surface (222), and the at least one support element (8) includes a retaining system that cooperates with the retaining member (28) of each of the at least one capacitor (2) for applying a retaining force to the at least one capacitor (2) to prevent the at least one capacitor (2) from separating from the at least one support element (8).
5. The capacitor assembly according to claim 4, wherein the retaining system is a snap-fit system integrated into the at least one support element (8).
6. The capacitor assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one capacitor (2) has a cylindrical shape such that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the height of the cylindrical shape.
7. The capacitor assembly of claim 6, wherein the first end (21) of the at least one capacitor (2) includes an inner end surface (210) surrounded by the first surface (211), the inner end surface (210) forming an edge for the first end (21), and the first surface (211) is farther from the second surface (222) in the longitudinal direction than the inner end surface (210), and at least 75% of the longitudinal support force applied to the at least one capacitor (2) by the connection system is directed to the edge of the at least one capacitor (2).
8. The capacitor assembly according to claim 6 or 7, wherein each of the at least one capacitor (2) is an electrolytic capacitor.
9. The capacitor assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one capacitor (2) has a cylindrical shape such that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the height of the cylindrical shape, and wherein the capacitor assembly includes a plurality of capacitors (2) and a support element (8), the plurality of capacitors being identical to each other and each having a capacitor diameter, the support element (8) contacting the first surface (211) of each of the plurality of capacitors (2), wherein the distance between adjacent capacitors (2) in contact with the support element (8) is less than or equal to 7% of the capacitor diameter.
10. The capacitor assembly according to claim 9, wherein the capacitor assembly includes a plurality of support elements (8), each of the plurality of support elements contacting the first surface (211) of a plurality of capacitors (2), wherein the plurality of support elements (8) are arranged in an array such that the distance between adjacent capacitors (2) in contact with adjacent support elements (8) is less than or equal to 10% of the diameter of the capacitor.
11. The capacitor assembly of claim 10, wherein the pressing system includes a screw (9) between two adjacent support elements (8), the screw (9) being located in a gap formed between four adjacent capacitors (2), wherein the screw (9) presses the two adjacent support elements (8) against the first surface (211) of the corresponding capacitor (2).
12. The capacitor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support element (8) is an injection molded element.
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