Contact device and power module assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact device for electrically contacting at least two electrical functional components of an electrical and / or electronic circuit and / or sub-circuit in at least one connection interface. The contact device comprises at least one first bus bar and one second bus bar which are spaced apart in an electrically insulated manner, each bus bar having at least one first contact area and one second contact area which respectively comprise at least one contact element. The contact device forms a current path between the first and the second contact region in each of the two bus bars when the functional element is in electrical contact with the corresponding two bus bars on the contact elements of the respective different contact regions. The electrical contact of the contact element of at least one contact region with at least one contact surface of one functional element can be formed in the form of a force-loaded galvanic contact, the contact device exerts a pressure perpendicular to the contact surface as a contact force on at least one of the functional elements in a contact state with the at least one of the functional elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a contact device and a power module assembly having at least one power module and at least one contact device which is in electrical contact with the power module in a connection interface, in particular for supplying a phase current to an electric machine. Background Art

[0002] Power module assemblies are known from the prior art in which a first connection interface between at least one power module and a capacitor assembly comprising at least one capacitor or a second connection interface between at least one power module and a phase connection to an electric machine is realized by a welded connection.

[0003] To produce these welded connections, expensive laser welding processes are usually used together with corresponding laser welding devices. For corresponding laser welding heads, very large free spaces are required in the power module assembly. In addition, laser welding processes also produce conductive particles, which can subsequently lead to short circuits in the assembled power module assembly. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective and technically simple to implement electrical contacting of at least two electrical functional components of an electrical and / or electronic circuit and / or subcircuit within at least one connecting interface.

[0005] This object is achieved by a contact device and a power module assembly in combination with the features of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which comprises at least one power module and at least one contact device which is in electrical contact with the power module in a connection interface, in particular for providing a phase current to an electric machine.

[0006] The present invention relates to a contact device for electrical contact of at least two electrical functional components of an electrical and / or electronic circuit and / or subcircuit in at least one connection interface. The two functional components to be electrically contacted are, for example, a power module and a capacitor as part of a rectifier circuit for motor control. The contact device comprises at least one first and second busbars, which are arranged electrically insulated and spaced apart from each other. Here, each busbar comprises at least one first and second contact area, and the first and second contact areas respectively have at least one contact element. The contact device is formed so that when the functional element is electrically contacted with the corresponding two busbars on the contact elements of the respectively different contact areas, a current path between the first contact area and the second contact area is formed in the two busbars during circuit operation. Here, the electrical contact of the contact element of at least one contact area with at least one contact surface of the functional element can be formed in the form of a force-loaded galvanic contact (galvanischenAnlagenkontakt), in which the contact device has a device for applying a pressure perpendicular to the contact surface as a contact force to the at least one contact element in the at least one contact area when the contact device is in contact with the at least one functional element. Therefore, this galvanic contact is produced only by pressing (and holding) the contact surfaces of the contact partners (Kontaktpartner) that are otherwise loose relative to each other in the form of force and in a mechanical form. These busbars are respectively formed by a plate-shaped substrate with a plate thickness between two opposite outer surfaces. Therefore, these busbars are preferably formed by a metal sheet (Blechmaterial) as a sheet material, and are further preferably formed by copper or a copper alloy. Advantageously, in this way, the first and second busbars can be implemented as stamped and bent parts, respectively, thereby enabling low-cost large-scale production. The two busbars have strip sections (Schienenabschnitt) arranged parallel to each other on the extension direction (Erstreckungsverlauf) between the first and second contact areas. In addition, a part of the strip section of each busbar or the entire strip section has at least one flange bend (Flanschabgang) formed laterally, thereby forming a side strip section (Seitenschienenabschnitt). Here, the formed side strip section is arranged in a plane different from the strip section of each busbar. The side strip sections of the first and second busbars are arranged substantially in parallel and overlapping one another. The overlap can be seen from a perspective perpendicular to at least one of the side strip sections arranged parallel to one another. When the contact device is operated with a current through the two busbars, the additional side strip sections provide overall very low-inductance properties of the contact device as a whole.In particular, when the two busbars are charged with different potentials, the inductances that occur compensate each other. The larger the area over which the busbars lie relative to each other, the better the compensation effect. The arrangement of the bar sections and the side bar sections in different planes also results in an increase in the structural rigidity, so that the contact arrangement is more resistant to differently oriented mechanical forces.

[0007] The contacting device according to the invention can be advantageously improved and perfected by the measures specified in advantageous embodiments.

[0008] In another advantageous embodiment of the contact device, the side strip sections of the respective busbars are formed on the strip section by means of at least one bend on at least one subsection, preferably the entire strip section. The longer the subsection is selected, the more positively the low inductance of the contact device can be influenced. In addition, the structural rigidity of the busbar is also increased thereby.

[0009] In one embodiment of the contact device, great advantages arise when the strip sections and side strip sections of the individual busbars are arranged parallel or at an angle to each other as the individual legs of the cross section of the U-shaped busbar by means of two bends. The U-shaped cross-sectional shape allows for an optimally compact design with regard to structural rigidity against mechanical forces acting from different spatial directions. The legs are arranged at an angle to each other, meaning that they are increasingly separated from each other in the base connecting them in a V-shaped manner with increasing leg sections.

[0010] There are different possibilities for arranging the first and second busbars in a particularly space-saving manner. A preferred arrangement is obtained by arranging the U-shaped cross sections of the first and second busbars at 180° opposite to each other, wherein at least one leg of the corresponding one busbar fits between two legs of the corresponding other busbar. An alternative arrangement is that the U-shaped cross sections of the first and second busbars are arranged in the same direction to each other, wherein the two legs of the corresponding one busbar are arranged at a greater distance from each other than the two legs of the corresponding other busbar. In addition, the U-shaped cross section of the other busbar is accommodated between the legs of the one busbar at a greater distance.

[0011] In one embodiment of the contact arrangement, the bar sections and side bar sections of the two busbars are arranged substantially overlapping each other in parallel, which has a particularly low inductance. Due to the high degree of overlap, the inductances caused by the current in the two busbars act particularly strongly in opposition.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the contact arrangement, each busbar has a continuous surface area extending from its first contact area to its second contact area. In this area, each point The normal vector of the busbar is oriented perpendicularly to the force vector of the pressure force. This explicit provision allows the particularly high bending stiffness of the busbar to be utilized in an overall very compact design of the contact device. Thus, for the electrical contact, a high pressure force can be set or generated as the contact force without mechanically overloading the contact device. In addition, by achieving a high pressure force as the contact force, it is possible to ensure that the electrical contact is achieved with the contact device with low resistance and a long service life.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the contact arrangement, at least the first and second busbars are embedded in a common electrically insulating sheath, wherein at least one contact element of at least one first contact region and at least one contact element of at least one second contact region of each busbar protrude from the sheath. The sheath advantageously forms a contact shield for the contact arrangement, so that during operational use of the contact arrangement, even at high currents and / or voltages and in normal use, there is no direct danger to humans and the environment. The sheath material can be provided, for example, by a casting material (for example by ceramic) or by an injection molding material, in particular a polymer (for example a molding compound).

[0014] In a refinement of the contact device, the means for generating the contact force comprises at least one elastic pressure element, which is configured to be prestressed by a mechanical force loading device (Kraftbeaufschlagung) to generate the contact force. By applying force within the elastic range of the pressure element, the contact force can be adjusted within a limited force value range or at a limited force value. Therefore, taking into account the material-technical properties of the contact surface of the functional element to be electrically contacted, the galvanic contact to be formed can be designed to be reliable in terms of electrical and mechanical aspects within a predetermined service life. Preferably, at least one elastic pressure element can be placed in a recess of the electrically insulating sheath, thereby protecting the elastic pressure element from mechanical damage. Such a mechanical force loading device is then implemented in particular by means of a screw or a nut, which loads at least one elastic pressure element and prestresses the elastic pressure element to form the contact force. The elastic pressure element is in particular configured as a pressure sheet made of spring steel. This allows a particularly cost-effective implementation of the elastic pressure element. Of course, the at least one elastic pressure element can also have other suitable embodiments to generate the desired contact force, for example in the form of a tensioning frame (Spannbügel) or other forms.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the contact device, at least one contact element of at least one first contact region and / or at least one contact element of at least one second contact region are each designed as sharp teeth. Furthermore, these contact elements are designed to be pressed into at least one contact surface of the functional element by means of a contact force that can be generated, thereby forming a galvanic contact. This allows a good electrical connection with low transition resistance and high current carrying capacity to be achieved.

[0016] The invention also relates to a power module assembly, which has at least one power module, which includes a plurality of semiconductor switches and at least one external contact surface. In addition, the power module assembly also has at least one connection interface, which includes at least one contact device according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments and at least one elastic pressure element. The elastic pressure element is prestressed by mechanical force loading, thereby generating a contact force in the form of pressure, by means of which at least one contact element of the first contact area of ​​at least one busbar is pressed against the at least one external contact surface while forming a galvanic contact. Through the at least one connection interface, a low-inductance and strong electrical or mechanical connection is achieved between at least one power module and an external power supply connection (Versorgungsanschluss) and / or an external load connection (Lastanschluss) by simple mechanical force loading. This mechanical force loading is implemented, for example, by means of a screw connection (Schraubverbindung). By means of such a connection interface with a simple mechanical force loading part, installation space in the power module assembly can be saved. In addition, such a mechanical force loading part can be manufactured more economically and simply than, for example, a laser welding connection.

[0017] In another advantageous configuration of the power module assembly, the first connection interface comprises a first contact device and is implemented to electrically connect at least one first external contact surface of the at least one power module to the first power supply connection terminal, and to electrically connect at least one second external contact surface of the at least one power module to the second power supply connection terminal. Through the first connection interface, the corresponding power module can be electrically connected to these power supply connections in one working step, which are provided by the capacitor assembly, for example. Preferably, the busbars of the first contact device can be arranged parallel to each other at a certain distance. Since the current directions in the two busbars are opposite to each other, the parasitic magnetic fields generated can largely or at least partially offset each other, so that a low-inductance connection with a high current carrying capacity can be achieved between the corresponding power module and the power supply connection terminal. The second connection interface can include another external contact device surrounded by an electrically insulating coating material and is implemented to electrically connect at least one third external contact surface of the at least one power module to the load connection terminal. Through the second connection interface, the corresponding power module can be electrically connected to the phase connection terminal of the motor, for example. By the coating, which is preferably formed by a cured molding compound, the handling of these connection interfaces can be simplified and the position of the busbars during the service life of the power module assembly can be ensured. Furthermore, these busbars are protected against external influences by means of a covering.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the power module arrangement, at least one power module can be enclosed by a sheath, which can have a recess in the region of at least one external contact surface, so that the at least one external contact surface is contactable. In the region of at least one external contact element, an exposure can be provided in the sheath (for example by means of a laser), so that the at least one contact element is exposed and contactable.

[0019] In a further advantageous configuration, the power module assembly may include three power modules. Here, at least one third external contact surface of the first power module can be electrically connected to a load connection terminal implemented as a first phase connection terminal and provide a first phase current for the motor. At least one third external contact surface of the second power module can be electrically connected to a load connection terminal implemented as a second phase connection terminal and provide a second phase current for the motor. At least one third external contact surface of the third power module can be electrically connected to a load connection terminal implemented as a third phase connection terminal and provide a third phase current for the motor. In addition, the three power modules can each have a first connection interface, which electrically connects the corresponding power module to the first power supply connection terminal and to the second power supply connection terminal, and the three power modules can each have a second connection interface, which electrically connects the corresponding power module to the corresponding load connection terminal. The power module assembly having these three power modules can preferably be used as a power output stage of a three-phase motor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and explained in detail in the following description. In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent components or elements that implement the same or similar functions.

[0021] Further advantages, features and details of the present invention are obtained from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the accompanying drawings. In which:

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic top view of one embodiment of a power module assembly is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 Shown for Figure 1 A schematic top view of one embodiment of a power module of a power module assembly is shown.

[0024] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a power module assembly is shown.

[0025] Figure 4a The perspective view schematically shows Figure 1 An exploded view of one embodiment of a contact arrangement within a power module assembly is shown.

[0026] Figure 4b A schematic perspective view shows Figure 4a Two bus bars within the contact arrangement are shown.

[0027] Figure 4c Shown based on Figure 4a Another implementation of the contact device of the second embodiment.

[0028] In the figures, components with the same function are respectively denoted by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] from Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4a and Figure 4b as well as Figure 4cIt can be seen that the illustrated embodiment of the power module assembly 1 according to the present invention comprises at least one power module 2, 2A, 2B, 2C and at least one connection interface 10, 10A, 10B, wherein the power module comprises a plurality of semiconductor switches not shown in detail and at least one external contact surface 2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C, wherein the connection interface comprises at least one contact device 12, 12A, 12B and at least one elastic pressure element 22 (or 21). The at least one connection interface 10, 10A, 10B electrically connects at least one external contact surface 2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C of the power module 1 to at least one external power supply connection terminal 32 or to at least one external load connection terminal 34. The at least one external contact device 12, 12A, 12B comprises at least two busbars 14, 14A, 14B, each of which has at least one first contact region 16, which is in contact with the at least one external contact surface 2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C by means of at least one contact element 16.1, and each of which has at least one second contact region 18, which is in contact with the at least one external power supply connection terminal 32 or the at least one external load connection terminal 34 by means of at least one contact element 18.1. The at least one contact device 12, 12A, 12B is enclosed by a covering 20, so that at least one contact element 16.1 of the at least one first contact region 16 and at least one contact element 18.1 of the at least one second contact region 18 protrude from the covering 20. Here, the mechanical force loader 24 loads and pre-tightens at least one elastic pressure element 22 to generate a contact force K in the form of a pressure D, which presses at least one contact element 16.1 of the at least one first contact area 16 against the at least one external contact surface 2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C, and presses at least one contact element 18.1 of the at least one second contact area 18 against the at least one external power supply connection terminal 32 or the at least one external load connection terminal 34, thereby forming a current-type abutting contact.

[0030] As from Figures 1 to 3It can be further seen that the illustrated embodiment of the power module assembly 1 includes three power modules 2, 2A, 2B, 2C. In the illustrated embodiment of the power module assembly 1, the three power modules 2, 2A, 2B, 2C each include a first circuit carrier not shown in detail, on which at least two semiconductor switches not shown in detail are arranged. Here, at least one first semiconductor switch is electrically connected between a first external contact surface 2.1A and a third external contact surface 2.1C, the first semiconductor switch is also called a high-side switch, the first external contact surface 2.1A is connected to a first (or positive) external power supply connection terminal 32A, and the third external contact surface 2.1C is connected to the at least one external load connection terminal 34. At least one second semiconductor switch is electrically connected between the second external contact surface 2.1B and the third external contact surface 2.1C, the second semiconductor switch is also called a low-side switch, the second external contact surface 2.1B is connected to the second (or negative) external power supply connection terminal 32B, and the third external contact surface 2.1C is connected to the at least one external load connection terminal 34. The control connection terminals of the at least two semiconductor switches are respectively electrically connected to at least one external contact element 2.2 arranged on the second circuit carrier, and the external contact element 2.2 can be contacted with at least one control line of the external control contact device. The second circuit carrier is connected to the first circuit carrier by a solder connection, a sintering connection, a welding connection, or an adhesive connection.

[0031] As from Figures 1 to 3 It can be further seen that each power module 2, 2A, 2B, 2C is respectively enclosed by a covering 20, which has a gap 5 in the region of the external contact surface 2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C, so that the external contact surface 2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C can be contacted. In the region of the external contact element 2.2, an exposed portion 7 is provided in the covering 20, so that the contact element 2.2 is exposed and can be contacted.

[0032] If especially from Figures 1 to 3It can be further seen that each power module 2A, 2B, 2C includes two first external contact surfaces 2.1A connected to the first (or positive) external power supply connection terminal 32A through the first connection interface 10A, one second external contact surface 2.1B connected to the second (or positive and negative) external power supply connection terminal 32A through the first connection interface 10A, and two third contact surfaces 2.1C connected to the external load connection terminal 34 through the second connection interface 10B. Therefore, the three power modules 2A, 2B, 2C respectively have the first connection interface 10A, which electrically connects the corresponding power modules 2A, 2B, 2C to the first (or positive) power supply connection terminal 32A and the second power supply connection terminal 32B, and the three power modules 2A, 2B, 2C respectively have the second connection interface 10B, which electrically connects the corresponding power modules 2A, 2B, 2C to the corresponding load connection terminal 34. Here, the two third external contact surfaces 2.1C of the first power module 2A arranged at the top in the figure are electrically connected to the load connection terminal 34 implemented as the first phase connection terminal 34U, and provide the first phase current for the motor. The two third external contact surfaces 2.1C of the second power module 2B arranged in the middle in the figure are electrically connected to the load connection terminal 34 implemented as the second phase connection terminal 34V, and provide the second phase current for the motor. The two third external contact surfaces 2.1C of the third power module 2C arranged at the bottom in the figure are electrically connected to the load connection terminal 34 implemented as the third phase connection terminal 34W, and provide the third phase current for the motor.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment of the power module assembly 1, a capacitor assembly 30 (which includes a plurality of film capacitors (not shown) provides the three power modules 2, 2A, 2B, 2C with a first (or positive) supply connection 32A and a second (or negative) supply connection 32B, which are supported by a support element 36 made of plastic. The three phase connections 34U, 34V, 34W are respectively connected to a three-phase motor (not shown in detail). In addition, the three power modules 2, 2A, 2B, 2C are respectively thermally coupled to a cooling device 9 via a metal structure 4 arranged on the bottom side of each power module 2, 2A, 2B, 2C in order to conduct away the heat loss caused by each power module 2, 2A, 2B, 2C.

[0034] As from Figures 3 to 4cIt can be further seen that the first connection interface 10A of each power module 2, 2A, 2B, 2C in the illustrated embodiment includes a first external contact device 12A enclosed by a covering portion 20, the first external contact device 12A electrically connects the two first external contact surfaces 2.1A of the corresponding power module 2, 2A, 2B, 2C to the first power supply connection terminal 32A, and electrically connects the second external contact surface 2.1B of the corresponding power module 2, 2A, 2B, 2C to the second power supply connection terminal 32B. To this end, the first contact device 12A includes at least two busbars 14A, 14B, and the busbars 14A, 14B have at least one first contact area 16 and a second contact area 18, respectively.

[0035] As from Figure 4a and Figure 4b It can further be seen that the contact elements 16.1 of the first contact region 16 of the first busbar 14A are respectively implemented as sharp teeth 16.1A, which press the generated contact force K into the two first external contact surfaces 2.1A of the corresponding power module 2A, 2B, 2C in the form of pressure D. The contact elements 18.1 of the second contact region 18 of the first busbar 14A are also implemented as sharp teeth 18.1A, which press the generated contact force K into the first (or positive) external power supply connection 32A in the form of pressure D. The first contact device 12A also includes a second busbar 14B, which has a first contact region 16 and a second contact region 18, respectively. Here, the contact elements 16.1 of the first contact region 16 of the second busbar 14B are also implemented as sharp teeth 16.1A, which press the generated contact force K in the form of pressure D into the second external contact surface 2.1B of the corresponding power module 2A, 2B, 2C. The contact elements 18.1 of the second contact region 18 of the second busbar 14B are also implemented as sharp teeth 18.1A, which press the generated contact force K in the form of pressure D into the second (or negative) external power supply connection 32B.

[0036] As from Figures 3 to 4cIt can be further seen that at least the first and second busbars 14A, 14B of the first contact device 12A are arranged parallel to each other at a certain distance a to reduce parasitic inductance. The busbars 14A, 14B of the first contact device 12A are preferably implemented as stamped and bent parts, but can also be laser-processed sheet metal bent parts, for example. Here, each busbar 14A, 14B has a continuous surface area 15 on the extension E from its first contact area 16 to its second contact area 18, in which the normal vector NV of each surface point is oriented perpendicular to the force vector KV of the pressure D. In the current embodiment, the continuous surface area 15 is implemented as a rectangular sheet metal strip only for the sake of clarity, and basically has a strip width b on the extension area E. Depending on the specific contact situation, this can be adjusted accordingly. Preferably, the remaining minimum surface span within the continuous surface area 15 It is a multiple of the plate thickness d, in particular greater than 5 times, advantageously greater than 10 times, preferably greater than 15 times.

[0037] The first busbar 14A is guided in a u-shaped extension E. The second busbar 14B substantially follows an o-shaped extension E. The extension E of the busbars 14A, 14B can also be implemented in different ways to suit a specific application, for example with a substantially i-shaped extension. More than two busbars 12A, 12B can also be provided. The embodiment of the first contact device 12A shown here is suitable for use in the power module assembly 1.

[0038] At least a part of the bar segments 14.1A, 14.1B of each busbar 14A, 14B or the entire bar segment has at least one flange bend 14.12 formed in the lateral direction, thereby forming each side bar segment 14.2A, 14.2B. Here, the side bar segments 14.2A, 14.2B are arranged in planes E1, E2 different from the corresponding bar segments 14.1A, 14.1B of each busbar 14A, 14B. In addition, the side bar segments 14.2A, 14.2B of the first and second busbars 14A, 14B are arranged in parallel and substantially overlap each other. The flange bend 14.12 is particularly configured as a bend, such as a sheet metal bend. The embodiment shows, for the sake of clarity only, that the busbars 14A, 14B have two bends in each flange bend 14.12, thereby forming two parallel branches A1, A2, B1, B2 of the u-shaped cross section of each busbar 14A, 14B. In principle, it is also conceivable that the opposite branches A1, A2, B1, B2 of each busbar 14A, 14B are arranged at an angle to each other, in particular in an open V-shape. In the first contact device 12A, the u-shaped cross sections of the first and second busbars 14A, 14B are arranged opposite to each other at 180°. In the corresponding alternation, each branch A1, B1 of a corresponding busbar 14A, 14B fits between two corresponding branches B1, B2, A1, A2 of the corresponding other busbar 14A, 14B. Therefore, the bar sections 14 . 1A, 14 . 1B and the side bar sections 14 . 2A, 14 . 2B of the two busbars 14A, 14B are arranged substantially in parallel and overlapping one another.

[0039] Figure 4c Another possibility of matching the legs A1, A2, B1, B2 is supplemented by a very schematic exemplary cross-sectional view perpendicular to the extension direction E of the busbars 14A, 14B. Here, an arrangement of the two busbars 14A, 14B is selected, wherein the u-shaped cross sections of these busbars 14A, 14B are arranged in the same direction as each other. In addition, the two legs A1, A2, B1, B2 of the corresponding one busbar 14A, 14B are arranged at a greater distance a1-a2, b1-b2 from each other than the two legs A1, A2, B1, B2 of the corresponding other busbar 14A, 14B. Finally, the u-shaped cross section of the other busbar 14A, 14B is accommodated between the legs a1-a2, b1-b2 of the one busbar 14A, 14B with a greater spacing.

[0040] As from Figure 1 and Figure 3It can be further seen that the second connection interface 10B in the illustrated embodiment includes another second external contact device 12B enclosed by the covering portion 20, and electrically connects the two third external contact surfaces 2.1C of the corresponding power modules 2, 2A, 2B, 2C to the corresponding load connection terminals 34. The second contact device 12B differs from the first contact device 12A only in that the respective extension directions E of at least two included busbars 14A, 14B and the respective numbers and embodiments of the first and second contact areas 16, 18 thereof are structurally adapted to the contact of the three third external contact surfaces 2.1C of the corresponding power modules 2, 2A, 2B, 2C.

[0041] If especially from Figures 3 to 4c It can be further seen that the elastic pressure element 22 is implemented as a pressure sheet 22A made of spring steel and is arranged in the recess 28 of the injection encapsulation 20 of each contact device 12A, 12B. In the embodiment shown, the mechanical force loading member 24 for loading and pre-tightening the elastic pressure element 22 is implemented as a screw 24A. The screw 24A is screwed into the threaded hole 9.1, which is arranged in the base body of the cooling device 9.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment not shown, such a mechanical force application element 24 is embodied as a nut which is screwed onto the threaded rod and applies pressure to the elastic pressure element 22 and preloads the elastic pressure element 22 .

Claims

1. A contact device (12, 12A, 12B) for electrically contacting at least two electrical functional components (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 30) of an electrical and / or electronic circuit and / or subcircuit in at least one connection interface (10, 10A, 10B), the contact device comprising at least one first bus bar and a second bus bar (14, 14A, 14B), the first bus bar and the second bus bar being arranged in an electrically insulated manner and spaced apart from each other, wherein: Each busbar (14, 14A, 14B) has at least one first contact region and a second contact region (16, 18), the first contact region and the second contact region respectively comprising at least one contact element (16.1, 18.1), and the contact device (12, 12A, 12B) is formed so that when the functional element (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 30) is electrically contacted with the corresponding two busbars (14, 14A, 14B) at the contact elements (16.1, 18.1) of respectively different contact regions (16, 18), a current path between the first contact region and the second contact region (16, 18) is formed in the two busbars (14, 14A, 14B), wherein at least one contact region (16, 18 ) and at least one contact surface (2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C) of a functional element (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 30) can be formed in the form of a force-loaded galvanic contact, in that the contact device (12, 12A, 12B) has a device for applying a pressure (D) perpendicular to the contact surface (2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C) as a contact force (K) to at least one contact element (16.1, 18.1) in the at least one contact area (16, 18) in a contact state in which the contact device (12, 12A, 12B) is in contact with at least one of the functional elements (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 30), The busbars (14, 14A, 14B) are respectively formed of a plate-like substrate having a plate thickness (d) between two opposite outer surfaces. At least two busbars (14, 14A, 14B) have bar sections (14.1A, 14.1B) arranged parallel to each other in the extension direction (E) between the first contact area and the second contact area (16, 18), wherein the bar sections (14.1A, 14.1B) of each busbar (14, 14A, 14B) have flange bends (14.12) formed in the lateral direction, thereby forming side bar sections (14.2A, 14.2B), and the side bar sections are arranged in a plane (E1, E2) different from the bar sections (14.1A, 14.1B) of each busbar (14, 14A, 14B), and The side bar sections (14.2A, 14.2B) of the first bus bar and the second bus bar (14, 14A, 14B) are arranged substantially in parallel and overlap each other.

2. The contact device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The side strip sections (14.2A, 14.2B) of the respective busbar (14, 14A, 14B) are formed on the strip section (14.1A, 14.1B) by means of at least one bend on at least one partial section, preferably on the entire strip section (14.1A, 14.1B).

3. The contact device according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The strip sections (14.1A, 14.1B) and side strip sections (14.2A, 14.2B) of each busbar (14, 14A, 14B) are arranged parallel to each other or at an open angle as legs (A1, A2, B1, B2) of a U-shaped cross section of the busbar (14, 14A, 14B) via two bends.

4. The contact device according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The U-shaped cross sections of the first bus bar and the second bus bar (14, 14A, 14B) are arranged 180 degrees opposite to each other, At least one branch edge (A1, A2, B1, B2) of a corresponding one of the bus bars (14, 14A, 14B) is fitted between two branch edges (A1, A2, B1, B2) of another corresponding bus bar (14, 14A, 14B).

5. The contact device according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The U-shaped cross sections of the first bus bar and the second bus bar (14, 14A, 14B) are arranged in the same direction as each other, wherein two branch edges (A1, A2, B1, B2) of a corresponding one of the bus bars (14, 14A, 14B) are spaced apart from each other by a greater distance (a1-a2, b1-b2) than two branch edges (A1, A2, B1, B2) of a corresponding other bus bar (14, 14A, 14B), The U-shaped cross section of the other busbar (14, 14A, 14B) is accommodated between the larger-spaced legs (A1, A2, B1, B2) of the one busbar (14, 14A, 14B).

6. Contact device according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The bar sections (14.1A, 14.1B) and the side bar sections (14.2A, 14.2B) of the two bus bars (14, 14A, 14B) are arranged substantially in parallel and overlapping each other.

7. Contact device according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The respective busbar (14, 14A, 14B) has, in its extension (E) from its first contact region to its second contact region (16, 18), a continuous surface region (15), in which the normal vector (NV) of each surface point is oriented perpendicularly to the force vector (KV) of the compressive force (D).

8. Contact device according to one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that At least the first bus bar and the second bus bar (14, 14A, 14B) are embedded in a common electrical insulation sheath (20), The at least one contact element (16.1, 18.1) of the at least one first contact region (16) and the at least one contact element (16.1, 18.1) of the at least one second contact region (18) of each busbar (14, 14A, 14B) protrude from the covering portion (20).

9. The contact device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The device for generating a contact force (K) comprises at least one elastic pressure element (22) which is configured to be prestressed by a mechanical force loading member (24, 24A) to generate the contact force (K).

10. The contact device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that At least one contact element (16.1, 18.1) of at least one first contact region (16) and / or at least one contact element (16.1, 18.1) of at least one second contact region (18) are each implemented as a sharp tooth row (16.1A, 18.1A) and are constructed to be pressed into at least one contact surface (2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C) of the functional element (2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 30) by means of a contact force (K) that can be generated.

11. A power module assembly (1), comprising at least one power module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C), the power module comprising a plurality of semiconductor switches and at least one external contact surface (2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C), and the power module assembly having at least one connection interface (10, 10A, 10B), the connection interface comprising at least one contact device (12, 12A, 12B) according to one of the preceding claims, the contact device having at least one elastic pressure element (22), in, The elastic pressure element (22) is preloaded by a mechanical force application member (24, 24A), thereby generating a contact force (K) in the form of a pressure (D), by means of which at least one contact element (16.1, 18.1) of a first contact region (16) of at least one of the busbars (14, 14A, 14B) is pressed against the at least one external contact surface (2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C) while forming a galvanic contact contact.

12. The power module assembly (1) according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The first connection interface (10, 10A) comprises a contact device (12, 12A, 12B) and is implemented to electrically connect at least a first external contact surface (2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C) of the at least one power module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) to a first power supply connection terminal (32A), and to electrically connect at least a second external contact surface (2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C) of the at least one power module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) to a second power supply connection terminal (32B).

13. The power module assembly (1) according to claim 11 or 12, It is characterized in that The second connection interface (10, 10B) comprises a further contact device (12, 12B) and is designed to electrically connect at least one third external contact surface (2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C) of the at least one power module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) to a load connection (34).

14. The power module assembly (1) according to claim 11, It is characterized in that At least one power module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) comprises at least one circuit carrier on which at least two semiconductor switches are arranged. wherein at least one first semiconductor switch is electrically connected between a first external contact surface (2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C) and a third external contact surface (2.1, 2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C), the first external contact surface is connected to a first external power supply connection terminal (32), the third external contact surface is connected to the at least one external load connection terminal (34), and At least one second semiconductor switch is electrically connected between a second external contact surface (2.1B) and a third external contact surface (2.1C), wherein the second external contact surface is connected to a second external power supply connection terminal (32), and the third external contact surface is connected to the at least one external load connection terminal (34).

15. The power module assembly (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, It is characterized in that There are three power modules (2), wherein at least one third external contact surface (2.1C) of the first power module (2A) is electrically connected to a load connection terminal (34) implemented as a first phase connection terminal (34U) and provides a first phase current for the motor, wherein at least one third external contact surface (2.1C) of the second power module (2B) is electrically connected to a load connection terminal (34) implemented as a second phase connection terminal (34V) and provides a second phase current for the motor, and Therein, at least one third external contact surface (2.1C) of the third power module (2A) is electrically connected to a load connection terminal (34) implemented as a third phase connection terminal (34U) and provides a third phase current for the motor.

Images