Electrical feedthrough assembly

Abstract

There is provided an electrical feedthrough assembly (1) suitable for an electric compressor, comprising a base body (10) configured to be attached to a housing and comprising at least one electrical feedthrough (2), each electrical feedthrough (2) comprising an opening (14) in the base body (10) for a conductor (12) passing through the opening (14) and embedded in a fixing material (16) sealing the opening (14) of the electrical feedthrough (2), wherein the electrical feed-through assembly (1) further comprises at least one insulating element (20, 20 ') fixed to the base body (10) by means of an adhesive material (40). The at least one insulating element (20, 20 ') comprises at least one insulating portion (22), each insulating portion (22) having a conductor opening (24) for a respective conductor (12) to pass through, the insulating element (20, 20') being configured and arranged such that a contact portion (26) of each insulating portion (22) is in contact with the adhesive material (40). Each insulating portion (22) is formed with an air channel (28), where the top wall of the air channel (28) is formed by insulating elements (20, 20 '), and where the air channel (28) completely surrounds the contact portion (26) of the respective insulating portion (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical feedthrough assembly, preferably, the electrical feedthrough assembly is configured as an electric compressor terminal and includes at least one electrical feedthrough, each electrical feedthrough including an opening for a conductor in a substrate, the conductor passing through the opening and embedded in a fixing material that seals the opening of the electrical feedthrough, wherein the electrical feedthrough assembly also includes at least one insulating element, which is fixed to the substrate by an adhesive material. Background Art

[0002] The housing of the electronic component is usually provided with a plurality of electrical feed-throughs so that an electrical connection can be made from the outside to the interior of the housing in which, for example, the electric compressor components are contained. The electrical feed-throughs should be liquid-tight, or even gas-tight, to protect the components in the housing from environmental influences and / or to avoid containing gases or fluids in the housing. In order to provide such a liquid-tight or gas-tight feed-through for the electrical conductor disposed in the housing opening, a glass-to-metal seal can be used. A fixing material (e.g., a glass material) is used to seal the opening and to hold the conductor in the opening. The fixing material also provides electrical insulation between the conductor and the housing.

[0003] In order to provide additional electrical insulation between the housing and the conductors, if more than one conductor is present between the conductors, it is known to provide additional insulating elements on the electrical feed-through. The insulating element at least partially surrounds the conductor and extends the so-called creepage distance between the conductor and the housing and / or between two conductors. For example, the insulating element for extending the creepage distance may be an insulating rubber or plastic sleeve or cylinder which at least partially surrounds the conductor.

[0004] WO2022259597A1 describes an airtight terminal having a metal matrix having at least one opening. A connecting wire is inserted through the opening, and a fixing material seals the opening. The terminal also includes an insulating barrel having at least one circumferential groove on the outer peripheral wall. The insulating barrel is made of an elastic rubber or plastic material having heat resistance and oil / refrigeration resistance, and is airtightly bonded to the fixing material or matrix through an adhesive layer. Plastic materials suitable for the insulating barrel include polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Suitable rubber materials include hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. In order to bond the insulating barrel made of PPS and EPDM, an epoxy resin adhesive is used.

[0005] However, it is difficult to reliably apply the right amount of adhesive to securely attach the insulating elements together without creating any bubbles or gaps in the glue or allowing excess glue to overflow onto other parts of the feedthrough. Overflowing glue may clog parts of the feedthrough assembly that need to be mounted to the housing, or may cover parts of the conductor that are used for electrical contact (e.g., with a connector). In addition, any gaps or bubbles may negatively affect the insulating properties of the insulator, and it may allow dust or water to damage the connection. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a feedthrough assembly having at least one sealed conductor and an additional insulating element for extending the creepage distance between the conductor and a base body of the feedthrough, the feedthrough assembly being easy to manufacture and enabling reliable connection of the insulating element.

[0007] An electrical feedthrough assembly is provided, comprising a substrate, the substrate being configured to be attached to a housing and comprising one or more electrical feedthroughs. Each electrical feedthrough comprises an opening in the substrate for a conductor, the conductor passing through the opening and being embedded in a fixing material, the fixing material sealing the opening of the electrical feedthrough. The electrical feedthrough assembly further comprises at least one insulating element fixed to the substrate by an adhesive material, wherein at least one insulating element comprises at least one insulating portion, wherein each electrical feedthrough has a designated insulating portion. Each insulating portion has a conductor opening, through which a corresponding conductor passes, wherein the insulating element is configured and arranged so that a contact portion of each insulating portion is in contact with the adhesive material, and wherein each insulating portion is formed with an air channel. The top wall of the air channel is formed by the insulating element, and the air channel completely surrounds the contact portion of the corresponding insulating portion.

[0008] The insulating element is used in combination with the adhesive material as the electrical insulation of the conductor of the electrical feed-through. This additional electrical insulation increases the electrical insulation distance or creepage distance between the conductor and the substrate and / or the two conductors. Therefore, the insulating element helps to reduce the risk of short circuits, especially in a damp or humid environment. In such an environment, a water layer and / or a dirt layer, etc. may be deposited on the surface of the feed-through component, in particular on the surface of the fixing material that insulates the conductor from the substrate. In an electric compressor in which the feed-through component is configured as an electric compressor terminal, this water film is particularly easy to wet the feed-through component material. This is because the temperature of the electric compressor is very low, for example, below 5°C or even below zero, while the ambient temperature (for example, in summer) may be above 20°C. In this case, a water film may be formed due to condensation. By additionally insulating the conductor from the material of the substrate, thereby insulating the housing of the device including the feed-through component (for example, in the application of the electric compressor), a short circuit caused by a conductive water film and / or a dirt film can be prevented.

[0009] The air channels form a connection between the surface of the adhesive material and the surrounding environment, allowing any gas (e.g., air) that may be trapped within the adhesive material to escape. This reduces the risk of gaps such as trapped air bubbles in the adhesive material. Because the material of the insulating element as well as the adhesive material acts as electrical insulation for the conductor, any gaps will impair the insulation properties and must therefore be avoided.

[0010] Preferably, the recess of the adhesive material is defined by the substrate and the fixing material, wherein the opening is located in the recess, and the contact portion of the insulating portion includes a protrusion extending into the recess, thereby forming a gap between the side wall of the recess and the side wall of the protrusion. The contact portion and the adhesive can be arranged so that the adhesive only directly contacts the contact portion and does not contact the side wall of the protrusion. Optionally, the adhesive material is arranged so that the adhesive material at least partially fills the gap. Preferably, the distance that the protrusion extends into the recess is in the range of 0.05mm to 0.5mm. For example, preferably, in the range of 0.1mm to 0.2mm.

[0011] The advantage of this arrangement is that the recess provides a space or container for the adhesive material. In addition to the air gap, the recess can also accommodate any excess adhesive material that is not needed to connect the contact of the insulating part to the substrate and / or the fixing material. Thus, the adhesive material is prevented from overflowing to other parts of the substrate (e.g. parts that can serve as sealing surfaces). The provided container can compensate for tolerances in the dosing of the adhesive material.

[0012] Preferably, the recesses and / or protrusions have sloping side walls. The sloping side walls of the recesses reduce the risk of gaps forming in the adhesive or air bubbles being trapped in the adhesive material.

[0013] In the embodiment where the recess has an inclined side wall, preferably the protrusion of the insulating part with the contact has a shape that matches the inclined side wall. Preferably, although the shape of the contact is the same as the shape of the recess, the size of the contact is preferably chosen to be smaller than the size of the recess, so that there is always a gap between the side wall of the recess and the side wall of the protrusion of the insulating part. This gap ensures that no seal is created between the side wall and the insulating part, thereby allowing any air trapped in the adhesive to escape.

[0014] Preferably, the shape of the rubber insulating element is selected so that when the rubber insulating element is attached to the substrate, there is always a gap between the surface of the contact portion configured as the insulating portion and the fixing material and / or the substrate. This ensures that there is always a layer of adhesive material with a minimum defined thickness between the fixing material and / or the substrate and the contact portion. The shape of the rubber insulating element may include protrusions intended to directly abut against the substrate in order to set a defined relative position between the rubber insulating element and the substrate.

[0015] Preferably, the thickness of the adhesive material is in the range of 0.05 mm to 1 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, particularly preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0016] Preferably, the adhesive is an epoxy resin adhesive, an acrylate adhesive, a polyurethane adhesive or a silicone adhesive.

[0017] Preferably, the width of the contact portion is in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm. In combination with typical materials of the insulating element, this width ensures that sufficient dielectric strength is provided for the component surrounding the insulating portion of the conductor.

[0018] Therefore, preferably, the material of the insulating element and its geometry, in particular the thickness of the material around the conductor, are selected to achieve a predetermined dielectric strength. Likewise, preferably, the layer width and / or layer height of the adhesive material and the layer formed by the adhesive material are selected to achieve a predetermined dielectric strength. For example, preferably, the material of the insulating element and / or the width of the adhesive material around the conductor are selected in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

[0019] The contact portion of the insulating element is configured and arranged so that not the entire surface of the adhesive material facing the insulating element is contacted. Therefore, a portion of the surface of the adhesive material remains open, allowing any gas (e.g., air) to leave the adhesive material and enter the air channel.

[0020] Preferably, the width of the air channel is in the range of 0.2 mm to 1 mm. For example, the width of the air channel is 0.5 mm. Preferably, the height of the air channel is in the range of 0.2 mm to 1 mm. For example, the height of the air channel is 0.5 mm. These dimensions provide an air channel that is large enough to allow any trapped gas (e.g., air) to escape from the adhesive material and provide space to accommodate excess adhesive material.

[0021] Preferably, the insulating element comprises one insulating portion for each electrical feed-through and is formed as a single unitary element. Optionally, the electrical feed-through assembly comprises one insulating element for each electrical feed-through, wherein each insulating element has one insulating portion.

[0022] Preferably, at least one insulating part of the insulating element has a cylindrical portion, which includes a conductor opening and extends along a portion of the conductor. Preferably, the cylindrical portion has an annular groove and / or annular ribs, in particular on the wall facing the outside, which grooves and / or ribs can be used to provide a seal for a connector attached to the conductor.

[0023] Such a connector may be fixed in place by means of a ridge or groove. In addition, when the connector is attached, the ribs, ridges or grooves may provide a seal to prevent dust or fluid from entering the space between the conductor and the cylindrical portion. The arrangement of the ribs, rings, ridges and / or grooves may form an annular ring or groove. An embedded ring may also be arranged on the outwardly facing wall of the cylindrical portion. For example, such an embedded ring may be fixed in a groove provided on the outwardly facing wall of the extension.

[0024] Preferably, the top surface of the insulating part is provided with an annular groove surrounding the conductor opening, and the groove further increases the creepage distance between the substrate and the conductor.

[0025] Preferably, the conductor opening of each insulating portion is configured to provide a gas-tight seal around the conductor. This ensures that no moisture or dust can affect the contact between the adhesive and the conductor.

[0026] The feed-through assembly may include additional insulation on a second, opposite side of the substrate. In this case, the additional insulation may be configured in the same or different manner as the insulation element on the first side of the substrate. For example, a single insulation element may be provided on the first side as a single integral element, and one insulation element may be provided for each conductor on the second side.

[0027] Preferably, the material of the matrix is ​​a metal. More preferably, the material of the matrix comprises steel, in particular stainless steel, most preferably structural steel, preferably microalloyed steel, and most preferably structural steel in the form of microalloyed steel. Microalloyed steel is an alloy steel containing a small amount of alloying elements (0.05% to 0.15%), including niobium, vanadium, titanium, molybdenum, zirconium, boron and rare earth metals. They are used to refine the grain microstructure or promote precipitation hardening. The yield strength of microalloyed steel without heat treatment is between 275MPa and 750MPa. Its weldability is good, and weldability can even be improved by reducing the carbon content while maintaining strength. Its fatigue life and wear resistance are better than similar heat-treated steels. Cold-worked microalloyed steel does not require too much cold working to achieve the same strength as other carbon steels; this also makes it more ductile. Using microalloyed steel as a material can provide higher bending stiffness and strength.

[0028] In order to improve the ability to resist high voltage flashover, the edge of the through hole can be set to be rounded or chamfered. This setting can reduce the appearance of sharp edges, thereby reducing the intensity of the electric field.

[0029] Preferably, the base body comprises means for increasing the resistance to bending. Preferably, these means are selected from a raised area and / or an upper pulled edge, wherein the opening is located in the raised area.

[0030] Such an elevated region may be a single area containing all the openings of the substrate. In an alternative embodiment, the substrate may include several separate elevated regions, wherein each elevated region contains a single opening. For example, the elevated regions may be formed as a plate-like precursor of the substrate by a stamping process to form the substrate.

[0031] The upper pull edge and the base can be configured as a single component, or the upper pull edge can be configured as a separate component combined with the base by fusing. The advantage of the upper pull edge as a separate component is that the production of the two components, the base and the upper pull edge, can be organized separately.

[0032] However, in alternative embodiments, it is necessary to reshape the base body to provide the upper pull edge. For example, such a reshaping process may be stamping a plate-like precursor element to form the base body.

[0033] Preferably, in embodiments where the substrate comprises a raised portion, surrounds and / or comprises a through hole of an electrical feed-through, and wherein the insulating element is placed on the conductor on the side of the substrate having the raised portion, preferably the insulating element comprises a skirt. The skirt is configured to surround at least a portion of the side wall of the raised portion, thereby forming an additional air passage between the side wall and the surrounding skirt. The additional air passage allows any trapped air in the adhesive to escape, while the skirt provides a barrier between the defined location of the adhesive and the sealing area of ​​the substrate. Any excess adhesive can then be trapped by the skirt, so that the sealing area remains clean and free of adhesive material.

[0034] Preferably, the fixing material is selected from glass, ceramic or glass ceramic materials. Preferably, the fixing material is a glass material, thereby providing a glass-to-metal seal (GTMS) between the substrate, the conductor and the fixing material.

[0035] Preferably, the substrate, the at least one conductor and the fixing material form a compression seal. Thus, preferably, the first coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate is selected to be greater than the second coefficient of thermal expansion of the fixing material. Preferably, to obtain a compression seal, the difference between the first coefficients of thermal expansion is at least 2 ppm / K; more preferably, the difference between the first coefficients of thermal expansion is at least 5 ppm / K. Preferably, the third coefficient of thermal expansion of the conductor material is selected to be approximately equal to or less than the second coefficient of thermal expansion of the fixing material. Two coefficients of thermal expansion are considered to be approximately equal if the difference is less than 2 ppm / K.

[0036] As an alternative to compression sealing, the base material, the fixing material and the conductor material may be selected such that their respective coefficients of thermal expansion are approximately equal, wherein a difference of less than 2 ppm / K is considered to be approximately equal.

[0037] Preferably, the seal formed between the opening of the substrate, the fixing material and the conductor is a gas-tight seal. In particular, the helium leakage rate is better than 1·10 at a pressure difference of 1 bar. -7 mbar l / s, especially 1·10 -8 mbar l / s feedthroughs are considered gas-tight.

[0038] Preferably, the substrate comprises an adhesive region; preferably, the adhesive region is located within a recess having a roughness adapted to bond with the adhesive.

[0039] For example, a rough area can be provided by a stamping or embossing process to enhance the adhesion of the adhesive. The roughness can also be achieved by rolling a textured sheet or by using a tool to perform a stamping step to roll the texture. Due to the good adhesion, the connection between the material of the substrate and the adhesive is improved. Additionally or alternatively, structures such as tenons and / or pins and / or plugs can also be provided in the bonding area. In addition, structures such as annular embossing and / or annular grooves can also be formed to improve adhesion. Such tenons can be formed from a sheet material and eventually form a mushroom-shaped head. Annular embossing can be performed around the fixing material, and the conductor can pass through the substrate in the annular embossing. In any case, the connection between the adhesive and the substrate can be improved by the structure of the substrate surface in the bonding area. In addition to or as an alternative to structuring a portion of the surface of the substrate, it is also conceivable to provide such a structure on a portion of the surface of the insulating element.

[0040] Preferably, part of the surface of the substrate is configured as a sealing area. In the sealing area, the surface of the substrate is preferably smooth and flat. Particularly preferably, in the sealing area, the flatness of the substrate surface is at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.07 mm, most preferably 0.01 mm to 0.07 mm. Such a smooth and / or flat area is conducive to forming a good, tight seal. Surface roughness R z It is preferably 10 μm or better.

[0041] Preferably, the base of the feedthrough assembly comprises mounting means to facilitate attachment of the feedthrough assembly to a housing or housing part of an apparatus (e.g. an electric compressor). Preferably, the mounting means are configured as attachment holes or threaded holes, wherein, preferably, the base comprises at least two of said holes. Additionally or alternatively, the base may comprise centering means, e.g. a protrusion or a recess, to facilitate precise positioning of the base and thereby of the feedthrough assembly relative to the housing or a part of the housing of the apparatus.

[0042] The substrate may be configured as an elongated body, wherein all openings for the conductors are arranged along a line. However, other configurations are also possible, for example, a circular substrate may be used, wherein the openings are evenly distributed along a circle.

[0043] Preferably, the fixing material is arranged so that, at least on the side facing the insulating element, the fixing material does not extend beyond the at least one opening of the base body. In particular, it is to be avoided that a glass meniscus appears around the conductor and extends beyond the base body. In this arrangement, the fixing material can be arranged flush with the surface of the opening or can be recessed relative to the surface of the opening.

[0044] Arranging the fixing material so as not to extend beyond the substrate allows the conductor to be bent without damaging the fixing material. For example, when a glass material is used as the fixing material, the formed glass meniscus surrounding the conductor and extending beyond the opening will be subjected to strong forces when the conductor is bent, which may cause cracking or damage to the glass. Therefore, the proposed arrangement of the fixing material allows the conductor to be bent as required. In addition, the shape of such a glass meniscus varies greatly, so it is difficult to determine the exact amount of adhesive to be used.

[0045] Alternatively, the fixing material can be arranged such that the fixing material fills the opening and extends onto the substrate in the region around the opening, wherein preferably the fixing material has no glass meniscus around the conductor. In this configuration, the fixing material covering part of the surface of the substrate serves as additional electrical insulation.

[0046] Preferably, the insulating element is made of an elastic material, in particular a natural or synthetic rubber, in particular a fluoroelastomer, EPDM rubber, HNBR rubber or silicone rubber.

[0047] Other suitable materials for the insulation element include thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic materials.

[0048] For a housing of an electric compressor that can be attached to the electrical feed-through assembly, the insulating element can be arranged on a side facing the outside of the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the insulating element can also be arranged on a side facing the inside of the housing. In particular, the assembly can include two insulating elements, one arranged on the side facing outward and one arranged on the side facing inward.

[0049] For example, when the proposed electrical feedthrough assembly is connected to an electric compressor housing, preferably, the insulating element of the assembly facing the inverter side uses silicone rubber. Preferably, the insulating element facing the motor side uses HNBR rubber.

[0050] Preferably, the electrical feed-through assembly is configured as an electric compressor terminal, wherein the base body is configured to be attached to a housing of the electric compressor.

[0051] A method for manufacturing the electrical feedthrough assembly described herein is also disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: - providing a substrate assembly comprising a substrate having at least one conductor embedded in a fixing material, the fixing material passing through an opening of the substrate so as to provide a glass-to-metal seal (GTMS), - provide insulating elements, and - coating the bonding area of ​​the base component and / or the bonding area of ​​the contact portion of the insulating element with an adhesive and placing the insulating element on the base component so that the conductor passes through the conductor opening of the corresponding insulating portion of the insulating element, wherein the insulating element is configured so that an air channel is formed around each contact portion.

[0052] Alternatively, another insulating element may be arranged on the opposite side of the base body by rotating the base body and repeating the corresponding assembly steps.

[0053] The electrical feedthrough assembly herein is particularly suitable for use as a connection terminal of an electric compressor. The feedthrough assembly may be configured as a part of a housing of the electric compressor, or may be attached to the housing of the electric compressor or a part of the housing thereof.

[0054] Therefore, another aspect of the present invention is to provide an electric compressor comprising an electrical feed-through assembly as described herein.

[0055] It is understood that the features mentioned above as well as the features to be described below can be used not only in the combination indicated in each case but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0056] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and will be explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same or similar parts or elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Figure 1a A perspective view of a feedthrough assembly including a base body and an insulating element according to a first exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0058] Figure 1b It shows that according to the embodiment Figure 1a A cross-sectional side view of a feedthrough assembly is shown.

[0059] Figure 2a A perspective view of a feedthrough assembly including a base body and an insulating element according to a second embodiment is shown.

[0060] Figure 2b The second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2a A cross-sectional side view of a feedthrough assembly is shown.

[0061] Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of a feedthrough assembly according to a third embodiment is shown.

[0062] Figure 4 A bottom view of a feedthrough assembly according to a third embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Figure 1a A perspective view of a feedthrough assembly 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment is shown. In the example shown, the feedthrough assembly 1 comprises three electrical feedthroughs 2. Each electrical feedthrough 2 has an opening 14 (see FIG. 1 ) located in a base body 10. Figure 1b ) and conductors 12 passing through each opening 14. Fixing material 16 (see Figure 1b ) fixes the conductor 12 and seals the opening 14.

[0064] In the example shown, the base body 10 comprises two bores 19 for attaching the feedthrough assembly 1 to a housing (not shown).

[0065] The feed-through assembly 1 further comprises an insulating element 20 for enhancing electrical insulation. Figure 1b This is further described.

[0066] Figure 1b Shows Figure 1a The feed-through assembly 1 shown is along Figure 1a Cross-section along line AA.

[0067] from Figure 1b As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of , each of the three conductors 12 passes through an opening 14 in the substrate 10 and is held by a fixing material 16. The fixing material 16 is, for example, selected from glass and is electrically insulating. Furthermore, the fixing material 16 is arranged in such a way that it does not protrude beyond the opening 14. In particular, the fixing material 16 does not form a glass meniscus around the conductor 12 and beyond the substrate 10. Figure 1a and Figure 1b In the embodiment of the present invention, the base 10 is elongated, wherein three openings 14 are arranged along a line. Other structures may also be adopted, for example, the openings 14 are evenly distributed along a circle thereon.

[0068] For example, the fixing material 16 is selected from a glass material, and is configured and arranged so that each opening 14 is sealed. Figure 1b In the example shown, the fixing material 16 is also arranged not to protrude from the opening 14. In particular, no glass meniscus is formed around the conductor 12.

[0069] In order to further improve the electrical insulation between the base body 10 and the conductor 12, an insulating element 20 is provided. Figure 1a and Figure 1bIn the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the insulating element 20 is attached to the upper side of the base 10. However, the insulating element 20 may also be provided on the bottom side of the base 10, and two insulating elements 20 may also be provided, one attached to the bottom side of the base 10 and the other attached to the top side of the base 10.

[0070] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the insulating element 20 includes three insulating portions 22, one for each feed-through 2 and its corresponding conductor 12. Each insulating portion 22 has a conductor opening through which the corresponding conductor 12 passes, and each insulating portion 22 forms a seal with the corresponding conductor 12. In addition, the insulating portions 22 of the first embodiment have a common top wall including a groove 32 to further increase the creepage distance between two adjacent conductors 12.

[0071] In order to attach the insulating element 20 to the base 10 and the fixing material 16, an adhesive material 40 is used. The base 10 and the fixing material 16 form a recess 18, wherein each insulating portion 22 has a protrusion 30 facing the corresponding recess 18. The adhesive material 40 is accommodated in the recess 18 and is in direct contact with the contact surface 26 of the corresponding protrusion 30 of the insulating portion 22. Since the fixing material 16 is substantially flat and does not form a glass meniscus, the surface of the fixing material 16 is substantially flat, and the surface transitions to the side wall of the recess 18 provided on the base 10 without any step or gap.

[0072] An air channel 28 is formed around the protrusion 30 and, therefore, around the conductor 12. The side walls of the air channel 28 are defined by the side walls of the protrusion 30, while the recessed area of ​​the insulating element 20 defines the top wall of the air channel 28. The contact surface 26 of the insulating portion 22 is configured and arranged so as not to cover the entire surface of the adhesive material 40 facing the insulating element 20. The portion of the surface of the adhesive material 40 that is uncovered allows gases, such as air, to escape from the adhesive material 40 and enter the air channel 28. The air channel 28 is also open to the surrounding environment of the electrical feed-through assembly 1, allowing any gas or air to escape. In this way, the adhesive material 40 can form a substantially gap-free, bubble-free layer.

[0073] In order to improve the resistance of the base body 10 to flexure or bending, the base body 10 comprises an elevated area 50 on the upper side and a corresponding recessed area 52 on the bottom side. In the example shown, the elevated area 50 is configured as a single elevated area 50, and all electrical feedthroughs 2 are arranged on the elevated area 50. Alternatively, the base body 10 can be equipped with an elevated area 50 for each electrical feedthrough 2.

[0074] Figure 2a A perspective view of a feedthrough assembly 1 according to a second exemplary embodiment is shown. In the example shown, the feedthrough assembly 1 comprises three electrical feedthroughs 2. Each electrical feedthrough 2 has an opening 14 (see FIG. 1 ) located in a base body 10. Figure 2b) and the conductors 12 passing through the respective openings 14. The fixing material 16 (see Figure 2b ) fixes the conductor 12 and seals the opening 14.

[0075] In the example shown, the base body 10 comprises two bores 19 for attaching the feedthrough assembly 1 to a housing (not shown).

[0076] The feed-through assembly 1 further comprises three insulating elements 20 for enhancing electrical insulation, each electrical feed-through 2 having one insulating element 20. Figure 2b The insulating element 20 is further described in detail.

[0077] Figure 2b Shows Figure 2a Feedthrough assembly 1 along Figure 2a The feedthrough assembly 1 of the second exemplary embodiment is similar to the reference 1 except for the configuration of the insulating element 20. Figure 1a and Figure 1b According to the second exemplary embodiment, Figure 2a and Figure 2b Three insulating elements 20 are included, wherein each insulating element 20 has a single insulating portion 22 rather than a single insulating element 20 having three insulating portions 22 .

[0078] The insulating portion 22 of each insulating element 20 has a conductor opening through which each conductor 12 passes, and each insulating portion 22 forms a seal with the corresponding conductor 12. In addition, the top wall of the insulating portion 22 includes a groove 32 to further increase the creepage distance between two adjacent conductors 12 and between the conductor 12 and the substrate 10.

[0079] In order to attach the insulating element 20 to the base body 10 and the fixing material 16, an adhesive material 40 is used. The base body 10 and the fixing material 16 form a recess 18, wherein the insulating portion 22 of each insulating element 20 has a protrusion 30 facing the corresponding recess 18. The adhesive material 40 is received in the recess 18 and is in direct contact with the contact surface 26 of the corresponding protrusion 30 of the insulating portion 22.

[0080] An air channel 28 is formed around the protrusion 30 and, therefore, around the conductor 12. The side walls of the air channel 28 are defined by the side walls of the protrusion 30, while the recessed area of ​​the insulating element 20 defines the top wall of the air channel 28. The contact surface 26 of the insulating portion 22 is configured and arranged so as not to cover the entire surface of the adhesive material 40 facing the insulating element 20. Parts of the surface of the adhesive material 40 remain uncovered, allowing gases such as air to escape from the adhesive material 40 and enter the air channel 28. The air channel 28 is also open to the surrounding environment of the electrical feed-through assembly 1, allowing any gas or air to escape. In this way, the adhesive material 40 can form a substantially gap-free, bubble-free layer.

[0081] Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of a feed-through assembly 1 according to a third exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 1a and Figure 1b In the embodiment of the present invention, the electrical feedthrough assembly 1 comprises three electrical feedthroughs 2, each of which has an opening 14 in a base body 10 through which a conductor 12 passes. A fixing material 16 seals each opening 14 and holds the conductor 12.

[0082] In this third exemplary embodiment, the electrical feed-through assembly 1 comprises two insulating elements 20 , 20 ′. One insulating element 20 is arranged on the top side of the base body 10 , and the other insulating element 20 ′ is arranged on the bottom side of the base body 10 .

[0083] In order to improve the mechanical stability of the base body 10, the base body 10 is provided with a recessed area 52 and a corresponding raised area 50. Three electrical feedthroughs 50 are arranged in the recessed area 52 and the corresponding raised area 50.

[0084] The insulating element 20 disposed on the upper side is configured as a single insulating element 20 having three insulating portions 22. Each insulating portion 22 has a protrusion 30 defining a contact portion 26 that is in direct contact with the adhesive material 40. The side walls of the protrusion 30 define the side walls of the air passage 28, and the recessed portion of the insulating element 20 defines the top wall of the air passage 28. In addition, each insulating portion 22 includes a cylindrical portion 38 that extends along the corresponding conductor 12 and forms a seal between the conductor 12 and the insulating portion 22. Figure 3 In the example shown, the cylindrical portion 38 is provided with ribs 34 that may be used to form a seal between the insulating portion 22 and a connector (not shown) attached to the corresponding conductor 12 .

[0085] In this example, the other insulating element 20' provided on the bottom side is also configured as a single insulating element having three insulating portions 22. Each insulating portion 22 has a protrusion 30, which defines a contact portion 26 that is in direct contact with the adhesive material 40. The side walls of the protrusion 30 define the side walls of the air channel 28, and the recessed portion of the other insulating element 20 defines the top wall of the air channel 28. In order to increase the height of the air channel 28, the insulating portion 22 of the other insulating element 20' includes a step 25. In addition, each insulating portion 22 includes a cylindrical portion 38, which extends along the corresponding conductor 12 and forms a seal between the conductor 12 and the insulating portion 22.

[0086] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the fixing material 16 is not flush with the surface of the opening 14, but is recessed to form a pocket 18 for receiving the adhesive material 40. Any excess adhesive material 40 may be contained within the pocket 18. Where a further insulating element 20' is employed, a skirt 36 is provided which surrounds the raised area 50 and forms a further air passage 37. The function of the skirt 36 is to further contain excess adhesive material 40 while still allowing any gas or trapped air to escape to the surrounding environment.

[0087] Figure 4 A bottom view of an electrical feedthrough assembly 1 according to a third embodiment is shown. The skirt 36 of the further insulating element 20' completely surrounds the raised area 50 and acts as an additional barrier to prevent any excess adhesive material 40 from escaping to the sealing area 60. The sealing area 60 can be used to form a seal between the electrical feedthrough assembly 1 and a housing to which the electrical feedthrough assembly 1 is attached, for example, via an O-ring.

[0088] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred examples of embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto but can be modified in various ways.

[0089] Reference numerals list 1-Electrical Feedthrough Assembly 2-Electrical feedthrough 10-Matrix 12-Conductor 14-Opening 16-Fixed material 18-Concave 19- Drilling 20, 20'-Insulation element 22-Insulation part 24-Conductor opening 26-Contact Department 28-Air channel 30-protrusion 32-Groove 34- Ribs 36-Skirt 37-Another air channel 38-Cylindrical part 40- Adhesive material 50-Elevated Area 52-Depression area 60-Sealed area.

Claims

1. An electrical feedthrough assembly (1), in particular an electrical feedthrough assembly (1) for an electric compressor, comprising a base body (10) configured to be attached to a housing and comprising at least one electrical feedthrough (2), each electrical feedthrough (2) comprising an opening (14) in the base body (10) for a conductor (12), the conductor (12) passing through the opening (14) and embedded in a fixing material (16), the fixing material sealing the opening (14) of the electrical feedthrough (2), wherein: The electrical feedthrough assembly (1) further comprises: at least one insulating element (20, 20') fixed to the substrate (10) by an adhesive material (40); characterized in that the at least one insulating element (20, 20') comprises at least one insulating portion (22), wherein each electrical feedthrough (2) has a designated insulating portion (22), each insulating portion (22) has a conductor opening (24), and a corresponding conductor (12) passes through the conductor opening (24), and the insulating elements (20, 20') are configured and arranged so that a contact portion (26) of each insulating portion (22) is in contact with the adhesive material (40); and characterized in that each insulating portion (22) is formed with an air channel (28), a top wall of the air channel (28) is formed by the insulating element (20, 20'), and the air channel (28) completely surrounds the contact portion (26) of the corresponding insulating portion (22).

2. The electrical feed-through assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The recess (18) of the adhesive material (40) is defined by the substrate (10) and the fixing material (16), wherein the opening (14) is located in the recess (18), and characterized in that the contact portion (26) of the insulating portion (22) includes a protrusion (30) extending into the recess (18), thereby forming a gap between the sidewall of the recess (18) and the sidewall of the protrusion (30), wherein the adhesive material (40) at least partially fills the gap; Preferably, the recess (18) and / or the protrusion (30) have inclined side walls.

3. The electrical feed-through assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The maximum thickness of the adhesive material (40) is in the range of 0.05 mm to 1 mm.

4. The electrical feed-through assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The width of the contact portion (26) is in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm.

5. The electrical feed-through assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The width of the air channel (28) is in the range of 0.2 mm to 1 mm, and / or The height of the air channel (28) is in the range of 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

6. The electrical feed-through assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The insulating element (20, 20') comprises one insulating portion (22) for each electrical feed-through (2) and is formed as a single integral element, or The invention is characterized in that the electrical feedthrough assembly (1) comprises an insulating element (20, 20') for each electrical feedthrough (2), wherein each insulating element (20, 20') has an insulating portion (22).

7. The electrical feed-through assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The substrate (10) comprises means for improving bending resistance, the means being selected from: - a raised area (50), wherein the opening (14) is located in the raised area (50); and / or -Pull up edges.

8. The electrical feed-through assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The substrate (10), the at least one conductor (12), and the fixing material (16) form a compression seal.

9. The electrical feed-through assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The substrate (10) comprises an adhesive region, preferably, the adhesive region is located in the recess (18), and the roughness of the adhesive region is used to bond with the adhesive (40).

10. The electrical feed-through assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The fixing material (16) does not extend beyond the at least one opening (14) in the base body (10) on the side facing the insulating element (20, 20'), or, wherein the fixing material (16) is flush with the opening (14), or, The fixing material (16) extends onto the base body (10) in a region surrounding the opening (14), wherein the fixing material (16) preferably has no glass meniscus surrounding the conductor (12).

11. The electrical feed-through assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The assembly (1) comprises at least one further insulating element (20') which is arranged on a side of the base body (10) opposite to the at least one insulating element (20).

12. The electrical feed-through assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The insulating element (20, 20') is made of fluorine-containing elastomer, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) or silicone rubber.

13. The electrical feed-through assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The electrical feedthrough assembly (1) is configured as an electric compressor terminal, wherein the base (10) is configured to be attached to a housing of an electric compressor.

14. An electric compressor comprising an electrical feed-through assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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