Electronic power converter

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular electronic power converter having a first housing (10) and a second housing (30) and a coupling element (32, 64), wherein the coupling element (32, 64) is arranged between the housings (10, 30) and can be connected to at least one of the housings (10, 30) by a latching connection.

Description

Technical Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic power converter with a housing.

[0002] A power converter is a device that processes electrical energy, exchanging power with other electrical units through its connectors and operating using electronic devices. This includes, in particular, inverters, DC-DC converters, frequency converters, battery converters, and power supplies for AC or DC loads. Existing technology

[0003] An inverter with multiple converter modules is known from DE 10 2014 105 985, where each converter module has its own housing. The converter modules can include various functions, particularly power conversion, such as converting direct current to direct current or vice versa. The converter modules can be electrically connected via plug-in connectors, allowing for different combinations, where such combinations always result in an electronic power converter.

[0004] An inverter installed in a housing is known from WO2016 / 012541. This inverter is used, for example, in a photovoltaic system to convert direct current to alternating current. The housing can be fixed to a wall by means of a wall-mounted bracket.

[0005] The size of a power converter housing is largely determined by the power converter's rated power. In the range of 1 kilowatt to 1 megawatt, a typical power converter usually exchanges tens of amperes of current at several hundred volts. This correspondingly determines the size of the power converter's connectors. Furthermore, high requirements are typically placed on the electromagnetic compatibility and protection levels of the power converter. Conversely, low weight and small size of the power converter, or at least the converter module, are desirable, especially for ease of assembly and, if necessary, maintenance. Invention Task

[0006] The objective of this invention is to further simplify the assembly of power converters at the application site.

[0007] Solution

[0008] This task is accomplished by a power converter according to the present invention. Invention Description

[0009] An electronic power converter is modularly designed, having a first housing, a second housing, and connecting elements arranged between the housings. The connecting elements can be connected to at least one housing via a snap-fit ​​connection. This power converter can be, for example, a power electronic inverter for a photovoltaic system. The modular design of the power converter housings allows for convenient provision of various configurations of the power converter. This enables the power converter to be easily and effectively matched to its intended use, such as the type and method of use of the photovoltaic system with which the power converter should interact. Here, different components of the power converter can be housed in different housings in different configurations, and due to the modular design, they can be easily assembled and installed in a suitable manner. The provided connecting elements, which can snap-fit ​​with at least one housing, further enhance structural flexibility and further simplify assembly. In particular, connecting elements of different designs can be provided, such as sealed and / or connecting elements with channels for, for example, cables.

[0010] In one embodiment of the power converter, the housings have rear and circumferential frames, respectively. The frames of the first and / or second housings have at least one slot on the first and / or second frame sides. Preferably, the slots extend laterally relative to the long side of the frame side, i.e., laterally relative to the periphery of the frame. The slots are designed to engage with a coupling element for a reliable locking connection. In one embodiment, the first and / or second frame sides have one or more additional slots for a more reliable locking with the coupling element. In another embodiment, both the first and second frame sides have one or more slots. This can provide further scalability for the power converter. In particular, it is advantageous for the first and second frame sides to be opposite each other. In one embodiment, in addition to one or more slots, the first and / or second frame sides also have additional through recesses through which connectors (e.g., connectors in the form of cables) can extend between the two housings.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connecting element is configured as a disc and has a substrate with at least one through recess, wherein preferably, the connecting element is placed flat between the first housing and the second housing. Preferably, the connecting element is configured as an elongation, and particularly proportional to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first housing and / or the second housing. The disc-shaped design of the connecting element allows for a reliable and flat connection between the first housing and the second housing. The through recess is adapted to receive the connecting element (particularly an electrical connector) for connecting components of a power converter housed in the first housing to components of a power converter housed in the second housing. Preferably, the connecting element has multiple (particularly two) through recesses.

[0012] In one embodiment, the substrate has at least one first locking cantilever extending laterally, and particularly vertically, relative to the substrate, the first locking cantilever having a first stop protrusion. Preferably, the locking cantilever extends parallel to the surface normal of the locking cantilever and laterally, and particularly vertically, relative to the longitudinal direction of the substrate. The locking cantilever is configured for guidance into one of the slots of the housing and is preferably designed to be elongated. The locking cantilever can then be locked in the slot of the first or second housing by means of the stop protrusion. Preferably, the stop protrusion points in the direction of the substrate edge of the connecting element. In a further embodiment, the connecting element may have additional locking cantilever with additional stop protrusions.

[0013] In one embodiment, the connecting element has a second locking cantilever on the side of the substrate opposite to the first locking cantilever, extending laterally, and particularly vertically, relative to the substrate. This second locking cantilever has a second stop protrusion. Preferably, the second locking cantilever with the second stop protrusion is constructed symmetrically to the first locking cantilever with the first stop protrusion. In this case, the base surface of the substrate is substantially the plane of symmetry between the first and second locking cantilever.

[0014] In another embodiment, the frames of the first housing and the second housing each have at least one slot. The slots are arranged such that the housings can be positioned relative to the connecting elements, such that a first locking cantilever of the connecting element can be locked into the slot of the first housing, and a second locking cantilever of the connecting element can be locked into the slot of the second housing. Thus, by arranging the connecting elements between the frames of the housings, the first and second housings can be interconnected by means of the connecting elements.

[0015] Preferably, the substrate of the connecting element is made of a solid material (especially plastic). This allows for further stabilization of the power converter.

[0016] In one embodiment, at least one through-recess of the connecting element has a circumferential protrusion, which is preferably centrally disposed within the through-recess. The circumferential protrusion allows an insert or insert to be locked within the through-recess. Specifically, the connecting element has a resilient insert with a circumferential groove. The insert can be disposed within the through-recess of the connecting element such that the circumferential protrusion engages with the groove, thereby sealing the through-recess, particularly against moisture, air, and / or dust.

[0017] For example, the resilient insert has at least one recess, which is configured as a blind recess or a through recess. The through recess is designed to serve as a feedthrough for the current-carrying lines of the power converter. Thus, the power converter can be designed in a modular manner, and electrical connections can be established between components housed in the housing, particularly through through-holes in the frame of the housing, the positions of which relate to the through recesses of the connecting elements or inserts in the installed state.

[0018] In one embodiment, the power converter includes a wall-mount bracket. A first housing and / or a second housing each have a pin on opposing third and fourth frame sides, which are oriented substantially perpendicular to the first and / or second frame sides. The wall-mount bracket has a substantially U-shaped profile with a bottom surface for fastening to a wall and two edge sides, each edge side having a T-shaped recess. In the installed state, the edge sides of the wall-mount bracket abut against opposing third and fourth frame sides of the first or second housing, such that one of the pins engages in each of the T-shaped recesses. Preferably, the bottom of the T-shape serves to guide the pin at the start of the installation process, while the top end of the T-shape serves as a receiving portion in the installed state.

[0019] In one embodiment, the T-shaped top of the T-shaped recess of the wall-mounted bracket extends substantially parallel to the bottom surface and parallel to the third and fourth frame sides. Therefore, in the installed state, the T-shaped top can serve as a receiver for a pin. Preferably, for this purpose, the pin has a circular cross-section.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first housing and / or the second housing has two elongated rear cantilever arms that extend longitudinally parallel to each other and parallel to the third and fourth frame sides, wherein pins are arranged on opposite sides of the rear cantilever arms. This allows the pins to be accommodated within the T-shape on the internal side, so that the appearance is not affected when viewed from the outside of the housing.

[0021] In one embodiment, the edge sides of the wall mount bracket are configured with a V-shaped profile having a first leg and a second leg, wherein the first leg of each edge side connects to the bottom surface, and the second leg of each edge side connects to the first leg. The tops of the V-shapes are oriented outwards. In the installed state, the rear cantilever rests flat on the outside of the corresponding second leg of the wall mount bracket. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the rear cantilever is correspondingly inclined relative to the second leg of the wall mount bracket, such that in the installed state, the rear cantilever can rest flat on the second leg. Preferably, the rear cantilever is located on the outside of the wall mount bracket.

[0022] In one embodiment, the T-shaped recesses of the wall mount bracket are arranged opposite each other and centrally within their respective second legs on the edge sides. The lowest point (Fußpunkt) of the T-shaped recess is either closed or open. Even when the lowest point of the T-shaped recess is closed, the pins of the housing can engage in the bottom of the T-shaped recess because the second legs of the wall mount bracket are inclined inward. Preferably, the pins are arranged inside the rear cantilever. Therefore, the distance between the pins is greater than the distance between the front edges of the second legs, and can be introduced even if the bottom of the T-shape is closed.

[0023] To improve stability, at least one of the housings is additionally fixed to the wall mount bracket, for example by means of screws that can be tightened to the upper end of the second leg of the wall mount bracket.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the first housing is connected to a first wall-mount bracket, and the second housing is connected to a second wall-mount bracket. In the installed state of the power converter, pins of the first housing are positioned at their respective lower ends of the top of the T-shaped recess of the first wall-mount bracket, and pins of the second housing are positioned at their respective upper ends of the top of the T-shaped recess of the second wall-mount bracket. This embodiment allows for particularly simple installation, wherein the first housing is first mounted on the first wall-mount bracket, and then the second housing is mounted on the second wall-mount bracket by guiding the pins of the second housing into the T-shaped recess of the second wall-mount bracket, allowing it to be pushed from below towards the first housing and abut against a connecting element positioned below the first housing. The second housing is then held at least temporarily by the locking mechanism of the connecting element, particularly until the second housing is otherwise securely connected to the first housing, for example by a separate screw connection, and / or until the second housing itself is secured to the wall-mount bracket or wall.

[0025] In one embodiment, the connection element may include a display unit configured to display operating data of the power converter. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0026] The present invention will be further illustrated and described below based on the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 A power converter with a first housing and a wall-mounted bracket is schematically shown.

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic top view of the wall-mounted bracket is shown from one side.

[0029] Figure 3 A power converter with a first housing and a plug-in wall mount is schematically shown.

[0030] Figure 4The diagram schematically shows a top view of two wall-mounted brackets.

[0031] Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates a power converter with two wall-mounted brackets, a first housing, and a second housing.

[0032] Figure 6 Two connecting elements are schematically shown.

[0033] Figure 7 The longitudinal cross-sections of the two connecting elements are shown schematically.

[0034] Figure 8 The diagram schematically shows longitudinal sections of the first and second housings and two connecting elements.

[0035] Figure 9 The first housing and a connecting element are schematically shown.

[0036] Figure 10 The first housing, the connecting element, and the second housing are schematically shown.

[0037] Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 A power converter with a first housing 10 is schematically shown from a downward angle. The first housing 10 has a back surface 16 and a circumferential frame 24. A heat sink 14 is disposed on the back surface 16 of the housing 10. On the back surface 16, there are two rear cantilever arms 12 on both sides of the heat sink 14, each rear cantilever arm 12 having a pin 18 on its inner side. The two rear cantilever arms 12 frame the heat sink 14 from two opposite sides. The pins 18 of the two rear cantilever arms 12 are opposite to each other.

[0039] exist Figure 1 The image also schematically shows a wall-mounted bracket 20. This bracket 20 has a generally U-shaped profile, with a bottom surface 26 and two edge sides 28. The bottom surface 26 has features for accommodating wall rails 62 (see Figure 1). Figure 4 The wall mount 20 has two guide sections 27. The edge side 28 has a V-shaped profile with a first leg 56 and a second leg 58. Here, the V-shaped profile of the two edge side 28 is outward, with the first leg 56 inclined outward and the second leg 58 inclined inward. The wall mount 20 is designed to be fixed to a wall or similar object with its bottom surface 26.

[0040] In the second legs 58 on both edge sides 28, T-shaped recesses 22 are respectively constructed at the center. These recesses are designed to hold the first housing 10 or the second housing 30 in a retaining groove (see...). Figure 5Here, the top of the T-shaped recess 22 is arranged parallel to the bottom surface 26. The bottom of the T-shaped recess 22 extends perpendicularly to the edge of the second leg 58. The bottom of the T-shaped recess 22 can be opened or closed at the edge of the second leg 58.

[0041] exist Figure 2 The top view is schematically shown from one side of the wall-mounted bracket 20. The bottom surface 26 has a design for accommodating the wall rail 62 (see Figure 1). Figure 4 The two guide portions 27. The edge side 28 has a V-shaped profile, wherein the first leg 56 of the V-shaped profile is inclined outward, while the second leg 58 of the V-shaped profile is inclined inward.

[0042] Figure 3 A power converter having a first housing 10 and a wall mount bracket 20 is schematically shown. The wall mount bracket 20 is inserted into the housing 10 such that a pin 18 engages in a T-shaped recess 22. At this point, the pin 18 is located at one of the top ends of the T-shaped recess 22. Upon insertion, the pin 18 is introduced into the T-shaped recess 22 at its bottom end, guided through the bottom of the T-shaped recess 22 to the top of the T-shaped recess 22, and then guided from the top to one of the top ends of the T-shaped recess 22. The housing 10 can be secured to the wall mount bracket 20 by means of one or more screws 19, particularly to the upper end of the second support leg 58.

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic plan view of two wall-mounted brackets 20 fastened to a wall or similar object is shown. Each wall-mounted bracket 20 receives two wall rails 62 in its guide portion 27. The wall rails 62 allow the wall-mounted brackets 20 to be easily assembled at the correct spacing. A T-shaped recess 22, pin 18 or pin 31 (see also...) are also shown. Figure 5 It can be introduced into the bottom of the T-shaped recess 22 for assembly.

[0044] Figure 5 A power converter with two wall mount brackets 20, a first housing 10, and a second housing 30 is schematically shown. The second housing 30 has a back surface 49 and a circumferential frame 50. In the right-hand portion of the figure, the first housing has been inserted into the upper wall mount bracket 20 and is secured in place if necessary.

[0045] Figure 5 The left side shows how to insert the second housing 30 into the lower wall mount bracket 20. The second housing 30, like the first housing, has a rear cantilever with a pin 31 on its inner side. First, the pin 31 of the second housing 30 is inserted into the bottom of the T-shaped recess 22. After the pin reaches the top of the T-shaped recess 22, the second housing 30 is pushed upwards, guiding the pin to the upper end of the top of the T-shaped recess 22. Then, via connecting element 32 or 64 (see reference...) Figure 6The second housing 30 can be locked and held onto the first housing 10 by means of the locking mechanism 32, 64.

[0046] exist Figure 6 The image schematically shows two connecting elements 32 and 64. Both have a basic disc-shaped elongated shape.

[0047] The first connecting element 32 has a base plate 34 with two through recesses 36. Each through recess 36 has a circumferential protrusion 46 centrally located within it. The first connecting element 32 has four locking cantilevers 38, 40, 42, and 44. Locking cantilevers 38 have a stop protrusion 37, locking cantilevers 40 have a stop protrusion 39, locking cantilevers 42 have a stop protrusion 41, and locking cantilevers 44 have a stop protrusion 43. Locking cantilevers 38 and 42 are located opposite each other on both sides of the base plate 34 and are pointing away from each other, with the stop protrusions 37 and 41 of locking cantilevers 38 and 42 pointing in the same direction in parallel. Locking cantilevers 40 and 44 are located opposite each other on both sides of the base plate 34 and are pointing away from each other, with the stop protrusions 39 and 43 of locking cantilevers 40 and 44 pointing in the same direction in parallel.

[0048] The second connecting element 64 has a substrate 52 with two through recesses 74 and an optional display element 63. For example, the display element 63 (which may have a touch-sensitive surface) can display status information or operating data of the power converter and can provide a user interface for user interaction with the power converter. The second connecting element 64 has four locking arms 66, 68, 70, and 72. The locking arms 66, 68, 70, and 72 have stop protrusions 65, 67, 69, and 71, respectively. The locking arms 66 and 70 are located opposite each other on opposite sides of the substrate 52 and are pointing away from each other. The stop protrusions 65 and 69 of the locking arms 66 and 70 point in the same direction in parallel. The locking arms 68 and 72 are located opposite each other on opposite sides of the substrate 52 and are pointing away from each other. The stop protrusions 67 and 69 of the locking arms 68 and 72 point in the same direction in parallel.

[0049] To seal the through recesses 36 and 74, the connecting elements have inserts 48. Insert 48 is constructed in a disc shape and has a through recess 54. For example, insert 48 is made of a rigid, elastic material (such as solid plastic) and can be inserted into the through recesses 36 and 74 of the connecting elements 32 and 64. Electrical wiring, for example, can then pass through the through recess 54 of insert 48 to interconnect components of the power converters arranged in different housings 10 and 30. Insert 48 seals the through recesses 36 and 74, and thereby the entire power converter, relative to its respective environment (tightly), and provides suitable guidance for the electrical wiring by means of the through recess 54 of insert 48.

[0050] Furthermore, resilient inserts can be provided for the through recesses 36 and 74 of the connecting elements 32 and 64. Here, the resilient inserts can seal their respective housings, to which they can be connected, relative to the surrounding environment, and specifically have a recess into which the protrusion 46 can engage. For example, the sealed resilient inserts do not have recesses or are blind recesses. The sealing is, for example, for protection against moisture, air, and / or dust. For example, the resilient inserts can be constructed as gel pads. The resilient inserts may also optionally have through recesses through which electrical wiring can be guided, particularly those capable of transmitting electrical power (generally) on the order of the rated power of the power converter. Both resilient and rigid types of inserts are advantageous if the connecting elements 32 and 64 arranged between the housings have through recesses 54. Connecting elements 32 and 64 that are only connected to housings 10 and 30 are provided, for example, with inserts without through recesses, thus sealing housings 10 and 30.

[0051] exist Figure 7 The diagram schematically shows longitudinal sections of connecting elements 32 and 64.

[0052] The connecting element 64 has two through recesses 74. In the connecting element 64, locking cantilevers 66 and 70 are arranged opposite each other and point in opposite directions. Locking cantilevers 68 and 72 are arranged opposite each other and point in opposite directions. Locking cantilevers 66 and 68 point in the same direction and are arranged on the same side of the substrate 52. Locking cantilevers 70 and 72 point in the same direction and are arranged on the same side of the substrate 52.

[0053] The connecting element 32 has two through recesses 36, each having a protrusion 46 surrounding it. In the connecting element 32, locking cantilevers 38 and 42 are arranged opposite each other and point in opposite directions. Locking cantilevers 40 and 44 are arranged opposite each other and point in opposite directions. Locking cantilevers 38 and 40 point in the same direction and are arranged on the same side of the substrate 34. Locking cantilevers 42 and 44 point in the same direction and are arranged on the same side of the substrate 34.

[0054] Figure 8 The longitudinal sections of the first and second housings 10 and 30, and two connecting elements 32 and 64 are schematically shown. Slots 25 are provided in housings 10 and 30, and locking cantilevers 38, 40, 42, 44, 66, 68, 70, and 72 can be locked in slots 25.

[0055] Figure 9 The first housing 10 and the connecting element 64 are schematically shown. The connecting element 64 can be arranged on the first housing 10 by introducing the locking cantilever arms 70, 72 of the connecting element 64 into the slot 25 at the respective frame sides and locking them by means of the stop protrusions 69, 71. The frame 24 of the first housing 10 has a through recess 60 corresponding to the through recess 74 of the connecting element 64, and through which, for example, electrical wiring can be guided.

[0056] exist Figure 10 The diagram illustrates how the connecting element 64 is arranged on the second housing 30. Here, locking cantilevers 66 and 68 are introduced into the slots 25 of the second housing and are locked in the slots 25 of the second housing 30 by means of stop protrusions 65 and 67. Unoccupied locking cantilevers 70 and 72 of the connecting element 64 can be introduced into the slots of the first housing 10 and locked in the slots by means of stop protrusions 69 and 72. Thus, the housings 10 and 30 can be connected and positioned.

[0057] Especially according to Figure 5 In the case of wall mounting, the connecting elements 32 and 64 can be positioned between the first housing and the second housing 10 and 30, and locked to the housing 10 and 30 as described. Specifically, the second housing 30 can be at least temporarily secured by the first housing 10. The housings 10 and 30 connected in this way can then optionally be screwed together. Alternatively, additional housings can be mounted, for example, a third housing mounted on the second housing 30 opposite to the first housing 10, or a third housing mounted on the first housing 10 opposite to the second housing 30. Here, such additional housings can be secured by additional wall-mounted brackets 20, which are spaced apart from the wall-mounted brackets 20 of the first housing 10 or the second housing 30 via additional wall rails 62. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to mount additional housings in a horizontal direction. The connected electrical wiring can be guided through the through-recesses 60 in the frame 24 of the first housing 10 and the frame 50 of the second housing 30, as well as the through-recesses 74 of the connecting element 64.

[0058] Reference tag list

[0059]

[0060]

[0061]

Claims

1. A modular electronic power converter having a first housing (10) and a second housing (30) and connecting elements (32, 64), wherein, The connecting elements (32, 64) are arranged between the first housing (10) and the second housing (30), and are capable of being connected to at least one of the first housing (10) and the second housing (30) by means of a locking connection, wherein the first housing (10) and / or the second housing (30) have circumferential frames (24, 50), characterized in that, The power converter includes a wall mount bracket (20), wherein the first housing (10) and / or the second housing (30) each have a pin (18, 31) at opposite third and fourth frame sides of the frame (24, 50), the third and fourth frame sides of the frame (24, 50) being oriented substantially perpendicular to the first and / or second frame sides, wherein the wall mount bracket (20) has a substantially U-shaped profile with a bottom surface (26) capable of being fastened to a wall and two edge sides (28), wherein each edge side side (28) has a T-shaped recess (22), wherein the edge side side (28) of the wall mount bracket (20) abuts against opposite third and fourth frame sides of the first housing or the second housing (10, 30), such that one of the pins (18, 31) engages in one of the T-shaped recesses (22).

2. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein, The T-shaped top of the T-shaped recess (22) of the wall-mounted bracket (20) is substantially parallel to the bottom surface (26) and extends parallel to the third frame side and the fourth frame side.

3. The power converter according to claim 1, wherein, The pins (18, 31) have a circular cross-section.

4. The power converter according to claim 2, wherein, The pins (18, 31) have a circular cross-section.

5. The power converter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first housing (10) and / or the second housing (30) have two elongated rear cantilever arms (12) that extend parallel to each other in their longitudinal direction and parallel to the third frame side and the fourth frame side, wherein pins (18, 31) are arranged on opposite sides of the rear cantilever arms (12).

6. The power converter according to claim 5, wherein, The edge side (28) of the wall-mounted bracket (20) is configured with a V-shaped profile having a first leg (56) and a second leg (58), wherein the first leg (56) of each edge side (28) is connected to the bottom surface, and the second leg (58) of each edge side (28) is connected to the first leg (56), wherein the top of the V-shape is oriented outward, and the rear cantilever (12) is placed flat on the outside of the corresponding second leg (58) of the wall-mounted bracket (20).

7. The power converter according to any one of claims 1-4 and 6, wherein, The T-shaped recesses (22) are arranged opposite each other and centrally in their respective second legs (58) on the edge sides (28).

8. The power converter according to any one of claims 1-4 and 6, wherein, The lowest point of the T-shaped recess (22) is closed.

9. The power converter according to any one of claims 2-4 and 6, wherein, At least one of the first housing (10) and the second housing (30) is fixed to the wall bracket (20) by means of screws (19).

10. The power converter according to any one of claims 1-4 and 6, wherein, The first housing (10) is connected to the first wall-mounted bracket, and the second housing (30) is connected to the second wall-mounted bracket, wherein in the installed state of the power converter, the pins (18, 31) of the first housing (10) are arranged at the respective lower ends of the top of the T-shaped recess (22) of the first wall-mounted bracket, and the pins (18, 31) of the second housing (30) are arranged at the respective upper ends of the top of the T-shaped recess (22) of the second wall-mounted bracket.

11. The power converter according to any one of claims 1-4 and 6, wherein, The connecting elements (32, 64) include a display unit configured to display the operating data of the power converter.

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