Connection element for electrically connecting electronic components
By designing a connecting element with a multi-layered connection area, the problem of easy damage to electrical connections in electronic devices is solved, and electrical connections with high durability and mechanical flexibility are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380069926.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-09-30
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-09
AI Technical Summary
In existing electronic devices, the electrical connection between electronic components is susceptible to thermal and mechanical loads, resulting in damage to the connection area, making it difficult to ensure the robustness and durability of the electrical connection.
A connecting element is designed with two separate connecting areas connected to the electronic components, and connected the two connecting areas through the transition area to form a curved plate structure, each connecting area is at different levels, providing mechanical flexibility.
With this structure, thermal and mechanical stress can be effectively compensated, mechanical load between the connecting element and the electronic component can be reduced, durability of the electrical connection, and flexibility of simple geometric design can be achieved.
Smart Images
Figure CN119968932A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a connection element for electrically connecting electronic elements, an electronic device and an inverter. Background Art
[0002] Electronic devices such as inverters are known in which electrically conductive elements are used for transmitting electrical energy, in particular electrical current. In this case, a plate made of an electrically conductive material is often used as a connector between two elements. The connection of the plate to the element can be carried out, for example, by means of welding. Due to the thermal and mechanical loads on the electronic device, damage can often occur in the area of the electrical connection. Summary of the invention
[0003] In contrast, the connecting element according to the invention with the features of claim 1 is distinguished by the fact that a particularly high robustness and durability of the electrical connection of the electronic components can be provided with a high electrical conductivity. In particular, thermal and mechanical stresses and deformations can be compensated particularly well in order to avoid damage to the electrical connection. This is achieved according to the invention by a connecting element for electrically connecting electronic components, the connecting element comprising: a first connecting region, which is provided for connection to a first electronic component; and a second connecting region, which is provided for connection to a second electronic component. Each of the two connecting regions is in the form of a plate. The first connecting region is located in a first connecting plane, and the second connecting region is arranged spaced apart from the first connecting plane.
[0004] In other words, a connecting element is provided, which has two separate connecting regions, each of which can be connected to an electronic component, such as, for example, an electronic component or a separate partial region of a single electronic component. In this case, the second connecting region is arranged spaced apart from the first connecting level on which the first connecting region is located. Preferably, the two connecting regions are thus arranged on different levels. Preferably, at least one turning region is thus located between the two connecting regions, which turns region causes at least one change of direction of the connecting element, which is preferably designed completely in the form of a plate. Mechanical flexibility of the connecting element is thus provided. In particular, flexibility in a direction orthogonal to and parallel to the first connecting level is thus provided.
[0005] As a result, the connecting element can particularly easily and reliably compensate for thermally and mechanically induced stresses, thereby reducing or avoiding high mechanical loads on the connection between the connecting element and the electronic component. As a result, a particularly high durability of the electrical connection can be achieved. In addition, the advantage results that a high degree of flexibility in the geometrical design of the connecting element can be achieved in a simple manner. For example, the geometry of the connecting element can be adapted to different geometrical properties of the electronic component using simple and cost-effective measures.
[0006] The connecting element is preferably formed from an electrically conductive material, preferably copper or aluminum or a copper alloy or an aluminum alloy.
[0007] Developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.
[0008] Preferably, the second connection area is in the second connection level. The first connection level and the second connection level are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other. For example, the distance can be in the range of several millimeters in order to reliably ensure sufficient flexibility. As a result, high flexibility and simple manufacturability can be achieved in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.
[0009] It is particularly preferred that the connecting element further comprises a transition region, which connects the first connecting region and the second connecting region to one another. The transition region is located in a transition level that is spaced apart from the first connecting level and from the second connecting level. That is to say, the two connecting regions and the transition region are located on a total of three different levels. In particular, this provides for a plurality of, preferably at least four, changes of direction of the plate-shaped connecting element between the first connecting region and the second connecting region. This makes it possible to provide a particularly high mechanical flexibility in a simple manner.
[0010] Preferably, the first connection level is between the transition level and the second connection level. In particular, the two connection levels and the transition level are arranged parallel to each other. Thus, for example, more space for electronic components or the like can be provided on the side of the two connection areas opposite to the transition area.
[0011] It is also preferred that the transition region, the first connection region and the second connection region are jointly constructed as an integral, preferably plate-shaped component. This allows particularly simple and cost-effective production. In addition, a particularly reliable high electrical conductivity of the connecting element can be provided.
[0012] Preferably, at least one of the two connection regions has a slot. In particular, the slot preferably extends through at least a partial region of the connection region in a direction orthogonal to the respective connection level. This provides additional mechanical flexibility of the connection element, in particular in a direction parallel to the first connection level. By means of the slotted connection region, thermally induced stresses in the connection element and in the region of the connection between the connection element and the electronic component can be avoided particularly effectively.
[0013] It is particularly preferred that the slot extends into the transition region. In other words, the connecting element is completely separated into at least two separate partial regions by the slot. Thus, a particularly effective and reliable reduction of the stress in the connecting region can be achieved.
[0014] The slot preferably ends in the relief recess. That is to say, the slot preferably extends from the relief recess to the edge of the plate-shaped connecting area. The relief recess has a minimum opening diameter that is larger than the width of the slot. The relief recess preferably has a circular cross section, wherein in particular the diameter is larger than the width of the slot. Preferably, the diameter is at least 1.5 times, preferably at least twice, the width of the slot. By means of the relief recess, for example, an enlarged radius can be provided at the end region of the slot, whereby mechanical stresses in this region can be reduced in a simple manner and effectively. As a result, a particularly robust and durable structure of the connecting element can be achieved.
[0015] Particularly preferably, the connecting element comprises a plurality of slots in each of the connecting regions. For example, the slots can extend parallel to one another and are preferably arranged at uniform spacings relative to one another. By means of the plurality of slots, a particularly effective mechanical relief of the electrical connection can be achieved.
[0016] Furthermore, it is preferred that the connecting element comprises a plurality of first connecting regions and / or a plurality of second connecting regions. For example, a plurality of first electronic components and / or a plurality of second electronic components can be connected to each other thereby. As an alternative, for example, a single electronic component can also be electrically connected by means of a plurality of first or second connecting regions.
[0017] Preferably, a plurality of connection regions are designed as separate components and are connected to one another by means of an electrically conductive connection. For example, the electrically conductive connection can be established by means of laser welding, soldering, etc. For example, a plurality of connection elements can be connected to one another by suitable connection means which remain after installation or can also be removed. This can provide a particularly high flexibility of the connection element for different applications.
[0018] It is particularly preferred that the electrically conductive connection of the connection region, which is designed as a separate component, is arranged in particular only at the transition region. This allows a particularly simple and cost-effective production of the connection element and also ensures optimum mechanical flexibility.
[0019] In addition, the present invention realizes an electronic device, which includes a first electronic component, a second electronic component and the connecting element described above. The electronic component can be, for example, an electronic component or a part thereof. Preferably, the electronic component is a component of power electronics. For example, the electronic component can be arranged on a common circuit board and / or on a separate circuit board.
[0020] Furthermore, the invention relates to an inverter comprising the described electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The present invention is described below based on embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which components with the same functions are marked with the same reference numerals.
[0022] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic diagram of an electronic device having a connecting element according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A side view of an electronic device; and
[0024] Figure 3 A simplified schematic illustration of a connecting element according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram of an electronic device 50 is shown, which comprises a connecting element 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 50 can be part of an inverter (not shown), for example. The electronic device 50 is shown in a perspective view here. Figure 2 Shown in side view Figure 1 electronic device 50.
[0026] The electronic device 50 comprises a plurality of electronic components 11 , 12 , which may be electronic components, for example. Figure 1 The electronic device 50 of the first exemplary embodiment includes, by way of example, exactly one first electronic component 11 and two second electronic components 12. The second electronic components 12 can be arranged, as shown by way of example, on a common circuit board 13. As an alternative, any other device can also be provided which has a circuit board or a partial area of a circuit board as the electronic components 11, 12.
[0027] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connecting element 10 is provided for electrically connecting all electronic components 11, 12 to one another. For this purpose, the connecting element 10 is designed as a plate made of an electrically conductive material, such as copper, for example.
[0028] The connecting element 50 comprises a plurality of connecting regions 1, 2, each of which is directly and electrically conductively connected to one of the electronic components 11, 12. Such an electrically conductive connection can be produced, for example, by means of a laser welding connection or a soldering connection or the like.
[0029] In order to provide a high resistance to thermomechanical loads and thus a high durability, the connecting element 10 has a special structure which will be described in detail below.
[0030] The first connection region 1 of the connection element 10 is electrically conductively connected to the first electronic component 11 and is located in a first connection level 21. The two second connection regions 2 of the connection element 10 are each electrically conductively connected to one of the two second electronic components 12 and are located in a common second connection level 22.
[0031] The connecting element 10 additionally comprises a transition region 3, which connects the first connecting region 1 and the second connecting region 2 to one another. The transition region 3, the first connecting region 1 and the second connecting region 2 are here jointly constructed as an integral component. An angular region of the connecting element 10 can be arranged between the transition region 3 and the respective connecting region 1, 2.
[0032] The connecting element 10 is designed as a bent sheet metal in such a way that the first connecting region 1, the second connecting region 2 and the transition region 3 are each located on different levels 21, 22, 23 (see in particular Figure 2 ). In particular, the corresponding planes 21, 22, 23 are parallel to each other. In detail, the first connection plane 21 defined by the upper side of the first connection region 1 is arranged at a predetermined first distance 25 relative to the second connection plane 22 defined by the upper side of the second connection region 2. In addition, the first connection plane 21 is arranged at a predetermined second distance 26 relative to the transition plane 23 defined by the upper side of the transition region 3.
[0033] The first connection region 1 is located between the transition region 3 and the second connection region 2 in a direction orthogonal to the levels 21, 22, 23. That is, the connection element 10 has a stepped geometry with connection regions 1, 2 located on different levels 21, 22. In addition, a transition region 3 is provided, which is also located on a further additional level 23.
[0034] This special geometry is achieved in that the connecting element 10 has a plurality of bends 7 (see Figure 2 At the bending portion 7, the connecting element 10 is bent around a bending axis, which is located in the respective adjacent planes 21, 22, 23 and is parallel to the main axis 15, along which the entire connecting element 10 extends (see Figure 1 ).
[0035] This results in the advantage of a particularly high mechanical flexibility of the connecting element 10. By bending the connecting regions 1, 2 and arranging them on different levels 21, 22, 23, a particularly high mechanical flexibility is provided. Figure 1 and 2 , particularly high flexibility in the directions 51 and 52 indicated in . Thus, the connecting element 10 can be easily elastically deformed, for example, in order to be able to compensate for thermal and mechanical stresses that may occur, for example, due to the operation of the electronic device 50 or due to its environmental conditions. As a result, in particular the electrical connection between the connecting regions 1, 2 and the electronic components 11, 12 is relieved of stress, so that it can achieve a long service life particularly reliably.
[0036] A further additional relief of the electrical connection is achieved by slotting the connection regions 1, 2. Each connection region 1, 2 has at least one slot 4, which extends completely through the respective connection region 1, 2. In detail, each slot 4 extends orthogonally to the main axis 15 from the outer edge of the respective connection region 1, 2 to the transition region 3. Thus, each connection region 1, 2 is divided into a plurality of connection pieces 1a, 2a.
[0037] In detail, in the first embodiment shown, the first connection area 1 is divided into a total of four first connection pieces 1a by a total of three slots 4. Each second connection area 2 is also divided into two connection pieces 2a by exactly one slot 4. Each connection piece 1a, 2a is individually connected to the corresponding electronic component 11, 12 in an electrically conductive manner.
[0038] Thus, the slot 4 can be used to Figure 1 An additional mechanical load relief in another direction is shown in FIG. 5 by a direction 53 parallel to the main axis 15 .
[0039] In addition, it is provided that at least some of the slots 4 are Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 4 , the slit 4 ends in a relief recess 40 having a circular opening diameter 42 which is greater than the width 41 of the slot 4. As a result, an enlarged radius can be provided at the end region of the slot 4, thereby reducing mechanical stresses in this region.
[0040] Figure 3A simplified schematic diagram of a connecting element 10 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The second exemplary embodiment corresponds substantially to Figure 1 and 2 The first embodiment of the present invention is different in that the connecting element 10 is constructed in multiple components. In detail, the connecting element 10 comprises a plurality of connecting regions 1, 2, wherein the plurality of connecting regions 1, 2 are each constructed as a separate component. In detail, here exactly one first connecting region 1 and exactly one second connecting region 2 are each constructed as a common, integral component. The individual components are each connected to one another by means of an electrically conductive connection 6.
[0041] The individual components of the connecting element 10 of the second exemplary embodiment can be connected to one another, for example, so that a gap 4 ′ is respectively present between the individual connecting regions 1 , 2 , which gap can essentially correspond to Figure 1 and 2 The slot 4 of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 . The electrically conductive connection 6 can preferably be arranged only in the transition region 3 and essentially in the extension of the slot 4 ′.
Claims
1. A connecting element for electrically connecting electronic components (11, 12), comprising: a first connection region (1) which is designed to be connected to a first electronic component (11), and a second connection region (2) which is designed to be connected to a second electronic component (12), - wherein each connecting region (1, 2) is of plate-shaped design, - wherein the first connection region (1) is located in a first connection level (21), and - wherein the second connection region (2) is arranged spaced apart from the first connection level (21).
2. A connecting element according to claim 1, wherein the second connecting area (2) is located in a second connecting plane (22), and wherein the first connecting plane (21) and the second connecting plane (22) are arranged parallel to each other and at a predetermined distance (25) from each other.
3. The connecting element according to claim 2 further comprises a transition region (3), which connects the first connecting region (1) and the second connecting region (2) to each other, wherein the transition region (3) is located in a transition layer (23) separated from the first connecting layer (21) and the second connecting layer (22).
4. The connecting element according to claim 3, wherein the first connecting layer (21) is located between the transition layer (23) and the second connecting layer (22).
5. The connecting element according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the transition region (23), the first connecting region (1) and the second connecting region (2) are jointly constructed as an integral component.
6. Connecting element according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein at least one of the connecting regions (1, 2) has a slot (4).
7. Connecting element according to claim 6, wherein the slot (4) extends all the way into the transition region (3).
8. Connecting element according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the slot (4) ends in a relief recess (40), wherein the relief recess (40) has a minimum opening diameter (42) which is greater than the width (41) of the slot (4).
9. Connecting element according to any one of claims 6 to 8, comprising a plurality of slots (4) in each of the connecting areas (1, 2).
10. The connecting element according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of first connecting regions (1) and / or a plurality of second connecting regions (2). 11 . The connecting element as claimed in claim 10 , wherein a plurality of connecting regions ( 1 , 2 ) are designed as separate components and are connected to one another by means of electrically conductive connections ( 6 ). 12 . The connecting element according to claim 11 and any one of claims 3 to 10 , wherein the electrically conductive connection ( 6 ) is arranged in particular only in the transition region ( 3 ).
13. An electronic device comprising a first electronic component (11), a second electronic component (12) and a connecting element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.
14. An inverter comprising the electronic device (50) according to claim 13.