Power electronic device and plug connector assembly with electrically insulating compressible body

Abstract

A power electronic device is disclosed that includes one or more power semiconductor dies within a housing, a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the one or more power semiconductor dies, and a compressible body. Each terminal has a contact end exposed at one side of the housing. The first terminal is configured for a higher potential than other ones of the terminals. The compressible body is electrically insulated and disposed along at least one lateral side of the contact end of the first terminal. For a mounted state of the power electronic device, the compressible body is configured to be compressed and span a gap between a side of the housing exposing a contact end of the first terminal and a component to which the contact end of the first terminal is to be connected.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] The demand for electronic devices for power applications continues to increase rapidly across a wide range of industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, renewable energy, manufacturing, and medical. Advances in semiconductor materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) have enabled power electronic devices with advantageous features such as smaller footprint, higher voltage and current capabilities, and faster switching speeds.

[0002] When designing power electronic devices, isolation between terminals configured for different potentials must be considered. For example, placing terminals with different potentials (e.g., high and low potentials) too close to each other may pose a risk of dielectric breakdown that could cause the power electronic device to malfunction. Therefore, minimum design requirements for isolation must be met when arranging terminals, and such requirements may inhibit the implementation of advantageous design features in other cases, such as placing terminals closer together to reduce device size and increasing terminal size to achieve improved contact and / or higher current capability.

[0003] Two industry-standard requirements for determining the minimum spacing between any two exposed metal contacts to prevent arcing through air or along a surface are clearance and creepage distance. Clearance is the shortest distance between two metal contacts measured through air. Creepage distance is the minimum distance along a surface of insulating material between terminals or between a terminal and an external ground (such as a heat sink). Current solutions for improving creepage distance and clearance are often expensive, difficult to manufacture, impose size constraints on power electronics, and / or introduce other problems. For example, separating terminals by a greater distance may be acceptable in some applications but may exceed size constraints in others and may also lead to parasitic inductance, which affects other performance characteristics such as switching speed. Features such as fins and / or protrusions structured into the device housing between terminals can improve creepage distance but may also increase manufacturing complexity and / or cost. The solution may also require corresponding features for increasing creepage distance on the corresponding components or parts (e.g., modules, busbars) to which the power electronics are attached, and in some cases, require coordination in designing housing and component or part features to ensure proper alignment, further increasing manufacturing complexity. Alternatively, using a housing material with a high tracking index (CTI) can improve creepage distance; however, such materials are typically expensive. Furthermore, solutions involving both the features and housing materials do not reduce the impact of the cleanliness of the operating environment on creepage distance and clearance distance, as the terminals remain exposed to air unless additionally sealed to isolate them from the external environment.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a cost-effective and simple-to-manufacture solution for reducing creepage distances in power electronics. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an embodiment of a power electronic device, the power electronic device includes: a housing; one or more power semiconductor dies within the housing; a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the one or more power semiconductor dies and each having a contact end exposed on one side of the housing, wherein a first terminal is configured for a higher potential than the other terminals among the terminals; and a compressible body that is electrically insulated and disposed along at least one lateral side of the contact end of the first terminal, wherein, for an installed state of the power electronic device, the compressible body is configured to be compressed and span the gap between the side of the housing exposing the contact end of the first terminal and the component to which the contact end of the first terminal will be connected.

[0006] According to an embodiment of a plug connector assembly, the plug connector assembly includes: a connection end including an electrically insulating housing that houses a first exposed conductor configured for a first potential and a second exposed conductor configured for a second potential different from the first potential; and a compressible body that is electrically insulating and attached to the electrically insulating housing, wherein, for a mating state of the plug connector assembly, the compressible body is configured to be compressed and form a seal with the electrically insulating housing of the other connection end, such that there is no creepage path between the first and second exposed conductors within the mating connection end.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will recognize the additional features and advantages after reading the following detailed description and examining the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The elements in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily proportional to each other. Similar reference numerals denote corresponding similar parts. Features of the various illustrated embodiments can be combined unless they are mutually exclusive. Embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail below.

[0009] Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of a power electronic device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of a power electronic device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of a power electronic device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 A cross-sectional side view of a power electronic device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 A cross-sectional side view of a power electronic device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0014] Figure 6 A cross-sectional side view of an assembly including a power electronics device attached to a busbar, according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0015] Figure 7 A perspective view of a power electronic device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 8 A perspective view of a plurality of compressible bodies according to an embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of a component according to an embodiment is shown, the component including power electronics and a gasket including an electrically insulating compressible sleeve.

[0018] Figure 10 A side view of a component according to an embodiment is shown, the component including power electronics and a gasket including an electrically insulating compressible sleeve.

[0019] Figure 11 A side view of an electrically insulating compressible sleeve integrated into a gasket according to an embodiment is shown.

[0020] Figure 12 A side view of an electrically insulating compressible sleeve integrated into a gasket according to an embodiment is shown.

[0021] Figure 13 A perspective view of a power electronics device and an electrically insulating compressible sleeve integrated into a gasket, according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0022] Figure 14A and Figure 14B A side view is shown of an electrically insulating compressible sleeve mounted on a pin terminal of a power electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 15 A perspective view of a power electronic device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0024] Figure 16A and Figure 16B A cross-sectional side view of a plug connector assembly and a mating plug connector assembly according to an embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] This document describes a power electronic device and a plug connector assembly, each having a corresponding electrically insulating housing and including an electrically insulating compressible body.

[0026] In examples of power electronics, the compressible body can be a washer, O-ring, sleeve, or other body that is laterally disposed along one or more sides of the contact ends of terminals exposed from the housing of the power electronics. In various embodiments, the compressible body may surround one or more contact ends of a respective terminal, may be disposed between the contact ends of adjacent terminals, or may be otherwise arranged such that the compressible body is partially or wholly laterally disposed between two or more contact ends of terminals on the surface of the housing. When the power electronics is in an mounted state (i.e., attached to an assembly or component such as a module, printed circuit board, busbar, etc.), the compressible body is pressed against the assembly or component and spans the gap between the surface of the power electronics housing and the assembly or component to which the power electronics is attached. In this mounted state, the compressible body electrically and physically isolates the contact ends of two or more terminals from the environment and from each other, and can completely eliminate electrical clearances and / or creepage paths (e.g., creepage distance between a high-potential terminal and a low-potential terminal) between the corresponding contact ends of terminals configured for different potentials.

[0027] In an example of a plug connector assembly, an electrically insulating housing houses a first exposed conductor configured for a first potential and a second exposed conductor configured for a second potential different from the first potential. A compressible body is attached to the housing such that when the plug connector assembly is in a mating state, i.e., when the housing and conductors mate with the housing and conductors of a corresponding plug connector assembly, the compressible body is compressed and forms a seal with the housing of the corresponding plug connector assembly. In this mating state, the compressible body electrically and physically isolates the first and second exposed conductors of the plug connector assembly from each other and from the external environment, thereby potentially eliminating creepage paths along the housings of the plug connector assembly and the corresponding plug connector assembly, as well as electrical clearance paths through the air between the first and second conductors.

[0028] As described herein, utilizing a compressible body to eliminate creepage and / or clearance paths between adjacent contacts of power electronic device terminals and between adjacent exposed conductors of plug connector assemblies can offset the need for complex features on the housing and / or corresponding components or parts, and can enable the use of cheaper materials for the housing. Additionally, in some embodiments, for example when using washers or O-rings, and in the example of plug connector assemblies, the compressible body can seal (e.g., the contacts of power electronic device terminals) or (e.g., the exposed conductors of plug connector assemblies) to isolate them from the external environment, and thus can reduce the impact of the cleanliness of the operating environment on creepage distances and / or clearances.

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the power electronic device and plug connector assembly will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figures 1 to 5 A cross-sectional side view of a power electronic device 100 according to an embodiment is shown. The power electronic device 100 may be a power semiconductor module, component, or other packaged assembly. The power electronic device 100 includes one or more power semiconductor dies 120 within a housing 110. For illustrative purposes, Figures 1 to 5 A single power semiconductor die 120 is shown, but it should be understood that any example of the power electronic device 100 described herein may include more than one power semiconductor die 120.

[0031] The power semiconductor die 120 may include one or more devices, such as one or more transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors, and / or other types of active or passive devices. One or more of the power semiconductor dies 120 included in the power electronic device 100 may be vertical power semiconductor dies (e.g., vertical power transistor dies). For vertical power transistor dies, the primary current flow path is between the front and back sides of the power semiconductor die 120 (along...). Figures 1 to 5 (in the z-direction). In one embodiment, one or more power semiconductor dies 120 are SiC transistor dies, such as SiC power MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors). One or more of the power semiconductor dies 120 included in the power electronic device 100 may be Si power MOSFET dies, HEMT (high electron mobility transistor) dies, IGBT (insulated gate bipolar transistor) dies, JFET (junction field-effect transistor) dies, etc. If the power electronic device 100 includes more than one power semiconductor die 120, the power semiconductor dies 120 may all have similar or identical designs (e.g., device type, structure, material, size, etc.), or some or each of the power semiconductor dies 120 may have different designs. Various arrangements of the power semiconductor dies 120 of the power electronic device 100 are contemplated. Each power semiconductor die 120 and / or its constituent parts included in the power electronic device 100 may be arranged to form all or part of the circuitry of the power electronic device 100, such as a DC / AC inverter, DC / DC converter, AC / DC converter, DC / AC converter, AC / AC converter, multiphase inverter, H-bridge, motor driver, etc. In some examples, the power electronic device 100 includes more than one power semiconductor die 120, and the circuitry including the power semiconductor dies 120 is a half-bridge or full-bridge circuit.

[0032] Figures 1 to 5The housing 110 may be a frame housing. The frame housing may include one or more pieces of metal, plastic, composite material, and / or other suitable material, constructed and arranged to surround each power semiconductor die 120 included in the power electronics device 100. The walls and top of the frame housing may be a single piece or a separate block. For example, the top may be a cover. In some examples, the substrate on which the power semiconductor die 120 is mounted forms the base of the housing. Examples of substrates include DCB (Direct Copper Bond) or AMB (Active Metal Brazing) substrates, printed circuit boards (PCBs), lead frames, or other substrates such as insulating metal substrates (IMS), etc.

[0033] Figures 1 to 5 The housing 110 can be a molded shell formed of a molding compound, in which a power semiconductor die 120 is embedded. The molding compound is a plastic encapsulation typically formed of an organic resin such as epoxy resin. The plastic encapsulation may include fillers such as non-molten inorganic materials. A catalyst may be used to accelerate the curing reaction of the organic resin. Other materials such as flame retardants, adhesion promoters, ion traps, stress relievers, colorants, etc., may be added to the plastic encapsulation as appropriate. The molding compound can be formed by injection molding, compression molding, film-assisted molding (FAM), reaction injection molding (RIM), resin transfer molding (RTM), blow molding, etc. In the example of the molded shell, the power semiconductor die 120 can be mounted to a lead frame, a PCB, or other substrate that is at least partially embedded in the molding compound.

[0034] Figures 1 to 5 The power electronic device 100 includes a plurality of terminals 130 electrically connected to one or more power semiconductor dies 120 included in the power electronic device 100. The plurality of terminals 130 may include one or more types of terminals, characterized, for example, the type of contact terminals. Some examples include pin terminals, pads, tabs, clips, and screw terminals, etc.

[0035] For illustrative purposes, Figures 1 to 5The diagram shows a first terminal 1301 and a second terminal 1302, but the plurality of terminals 130 may include more terminals 130 than those shown. In some examples, the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302 may be DC+ and DC- terminals, respectively. In some examples, one of the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302 is a DC+ or DC terminal, and the other of the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302 is an AC terminal. For illustrative purposes, the first terminal 1301 is configured for a higher potential, and the second terminal 1302 is configured for a lower potential than the first terminal 1301; however, it should be understood that this exemplary configuration is not limiting and other configurations are contemplated. For example, the first terminal 1301 may be configured for a lower potential than the second terminal 1302. Additionally, each of the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302 may be configured for a higher or lower potential than the other terminals of the plurality of terminals 130. Each of the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302 has a portion on one side 110 of the housing 100. S Exposed and adjacent contact ends 130 1,CE and 130 2,CE The first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302 can be of the same type (e.g., contact terminals of the same type), or they can each be of different types.

[0036] according to Figures 1 to 5 In the embodiment shown, the electrically insulating compressible body 140 extends along the contact end 130 of the first terminal 1301 of the power electronics device 100. 1,CE At least one lateral side (i.e., the side facing the x and / or y directions) is provided. Examples of the compressible body 140 include washers, O-rings, walls, and sleeves. The compressible body 140 can be formed of any electrically insulating material with high tensile strength, such as butyl rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM), fluorinated elastomers (e.g., FPM, FKM), polyurethane, neoprene rubber (CR), or various silicones. Some of these examples will be described in subsequent embodiments, but these examples are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The compressible body 140 can be attached to the housing 110 using adhesives or glues, can be fixed to features of the housing 110 such as ridges, clips, recesses, lips, or other features of the housing 110 configured to receive the compressible body 140, or can be otherwise attached or fixed to the housing 110. For example, the compressible body 140 can be integrally formed with the housing 110 using liquid silicone rubber (LSR) using processes such as two-component or multi-injection molding.

[0037] Although the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302 are shown and described Figures 1 to 5The compressible body 140, however, should be understood that the compressible body 140, other equivalent compressible bodies 140, and / or additional similar compressible bodies 140 may be configured as other terminals (not shown) among the plurality of terminals 130 of the power electronics 100. Some such examples will be described later in this disclosure.

[0038] according to Figure 1 In the embodiment of the power electronic device 100 shown, a compressible body 140 (e.g., a washer or sleeve) is positioned at the contact end 130 of the first terminal 1301. 1,CE All lateral sides 130 1,LS upper contact end 130 surrounding the first terminal 1301 1,CE And at the contact end 130 of the second terminal 1302 2,CE All lateral sides 130 2,LS upper contact end 130 surrounding the second terminal 1302 2,CE In this example, the compressible body 140 is separate from both the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302, although examples are also envisioned where the compressible body 140 contacts one or both of the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302.

[0039] according to Figure 2 In the embodiment of the power electronic device 100 shown, the compressible body 140 is at the contact end 130 of the first terminal 1301. 1,CE All lateral sides 130 1,LS upper contact end 130 surrounding the first terminal 1301 1,CE In this example of the power electronic device 100, the compressible body 140 can be an O-ring, a washer, a sleeve, or another body. In this example, the compressible body 140 is separate from both the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302, although examples are also contemplated where the compressible body 140 contacts one or both of the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302.

[0040] according to Figure 3 In the embodiment of the power electronic device 100 shown, the compressible body 140 is the contact end 130 along the first terminal 1301. 1,CE 130 on a single lateral side 1,LS The wall 140 is provided, and is located at the contact end 130 of the first terminal 1301. 1,CE Contact end 130 with the second terminal 1302 2,CE Between. Figure 3 In the installed state of the power electronic device 100, that is, when the wall 140 is compressed against features of components or parts such as modules, printed circuit boards, busbars, etc., the contact end 130 of the first terminal 1301 1,CEContact end 130 with the second terminal 1302 2,CE The creepage distance between them can be limited by the length of the wall 140 in the y direction and the width w of the wall 140 in the x direction. In this example, the wall 140 is separate from both the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302, although examples of the wall 140 contacting one or both of the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302 are also contemplated.

[0041] according to Figure 4 In the embodiment of the power electronic device 100 shown, the compressible body 140 (e.g., a washer, sleeve, O-ring, etc.) is at the contact end 130 of the first terminal 1301. 1,CE All lateral sides 130 1,LS upper contact end 130 surrounding the first terminal 1301 1,CE And at the contact end 130 of the second terminal 1302 2,CE All lateral sides 130 2,LS upper contact end 130 surrounding the second terminal 1302 2,CE In this example, the compressible body 140 is in contact with both the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302, although examples are also envisioned where the compressible body 140 is separate from one or both of the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302.

[0042] exist Figure 4 In an example of the power electronic device 100, the compressible body 140 includes a side 110 formed on the compressible body 140 opposite to the housing 110. S 140 on one side S Multiple ridges 145. Although ridge 145 is only in Figure 4 The example shown herein may include similar ridges and / or other similar surface features, but other examples of the compressible body 140 described herein may include similar ridges and / or other similar surface features.

[0043] exist Figure 5 In an example of the power electronic device 100, a compressible body 140 (e.g., a washer, sleeve, O-ring) is at the contact end 130 of the first terminal 1301. 1,CE All lateral sides 130 1,LS upper contact end 130 surrounding the first terminal 1301 1,CE Furthermore, an additional electrically insulating compressible body 240 (separate washers, sleeves, O-rings, etc.) separate from the compressible body 140 is located at the contact end 130 of the second terminal 1302. 2,CE All lateral sides 130 2,LS upper contact end 130 surrounding the second terminal 1302 2,CE Similar to the compressible body 140, the additional compressible body 240 can be similar to... Figure 5The compressible body 140 may be an example of the compressible body 140, or any other example described herein with respect to its structure, material composition, shape, and / or other properties. For example, the additional compressible body 240 may be a washer, O-ring, sleeve, etc., formed of any electrically insulating material having high tensile strength, such as butyl rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM), fluoropolymers (e.g., FPM, FKM), polyurethane, neoprene rubber (CR), or various silicones. In some examples, the compressible body 140 and the additional compressible body 240 are similar to each other (e.g., both may be washers, O-rings, formed of the same material, etc.). In some examples, the compressible body 140 and the additional compressible body 240 differ from each other in type, shape, structure, material composition, etc. The method for attaching or securing the additional compressible body 240 to the housing 110 may be similar to those methods for attaching or securing the compressible body 140 to the housing 110. An example is envisioned in which both the compressible body 140 and the additional compressible body 240 are integrally formed with the housing 110, for example using liquid silicone rubber (LSR) through processes such as two-component or multi-injection molding.

[0044] Although Figure 5 The example shows 130 on all lateral sides 2,LS upper contact end 130 surrounding the second terminal 1302 2,CE An additional compressible body 240 is provided, but it is envisioned that the additional compressible body 240 extends along the contact end 130 of the second terminal 1302. 2,CE Only one or some of the lateral sides 130 2,LS Example setup. For instance, the additional compressible body 240 could be a contact end 130 between the compressible body 140 and the second terminal 1302. 2,CE 130 on a single lateral side 2,LS The wall between them is 240.

[0045] exist Figure 5 In the example, the compressible body 140 and the additional compressible body 240 are both separate from the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302, respectively, but it is contemplated that one or both of the compressible body 140 and the additional compressible body 240 are in contact with the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302, respectively.

[0046] Figure 6 A cross-sectional side view of a component 10 including a power electronic device 100 according to an embodiment is shown. Specifically, Figure 6Component 10 illustrates a power electronic device 100 attached to component 200 in an installed state; in this example, component 200 is a busbar 200. For example, the busbar 200 may be configured to provide an interface between the power electronic device 100 and a capacitor bank. Each of the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302 of the power electronic device 100 is electrically coupled to a first conductor 2301 and a second conductor 2302 of the busbar 200, respectively. The first conductor 2301 and the second conductor 2302 of the busbar 200 are isolated from each other by an insulator 210. Spacers 2201 and 2202 are provided in openings in the insulator 210 of the busbar 200 and separate the first terminal 1301 from the first conductor 2301 and the second terminal 1302 from the second conductor 2302, respectively. Therefore, the component includes a first conductive path and a second conductive path. The first conductive path includes a first terminal 1301, a spacer 2201, and a first conductor 2301. The second conductive path includes a second terminal 1302, a spacer 2202, and a second conductor 2302. In this example, the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302 are screw-type terminals, and the busbar 200 is attached to the power electronics 100 by screws 250. However, other types or terminals and attachment methods are contemplated (e.g., pin terminals, soldering, fusion welding, sintering). Each screw 250 may be coated with an electrically insulating coating 240, which is included to isolate the screws 250 from each other and further improve creepage and / or clearance performance.

[0047] Figure 6 The example specifically shows the installation state. Figure 1 The power electronic device 100, but the description herein applies to Figures 1 to 5 Any example of the power electronic device 100 shown. Figure 6 In the installed state of the power electronics device 100 shown, the compressible body 140 is configured to be compressed and sealed against the busbar 200. In this example, the insulator 210 against the busbar 200 is sealed, and the side 110 of the housing with exposed terminals 1301, 1302 extends across the housing. S The gap g between the busbar and the busbar 200.

[0048] Figure 6Component 10 demonstrates numerous advantages that can be provided by using the compressible body 140 described herein. On one side of the power electronics 100, the compressible body 140 isolates the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302 from each other, thereby increasing the creepage distance between these terminals along the surfaces of the power electronics 100 and the busbar 200. On one side of the busbar 200, the compressible body 140, in its compressed, sealed state against the insulator 210, isolates the first conductor 2301 and the spacer 2201 from the second conductor 2302 and the spacer 2202, thereby increasing the creepage distance between these conductors of different potentials along the surfaces of the power electronics 100 and the busbar 200. At the level of component 10, a first conductive path including the first terminal 1301, the spacer 2201, and the first conductor 2301, and a second conductive path including the second terminal 1302, the spacer 2202, and the second conductor 2302, are isolated from each other. That is, in Figure 6 In the compressed mounting configuration shown, the compressible body 140 provides a seal on one side of the power electronics 100 and the side of the busbar 200 facing each other, and is thus configured to completely eliminate creepage paths along the surfaces of both the power electronics 100 (e.g., between terminals 1301 and 1302, at any external point (such as a heat sink or other mounting surface) between each terminal and a varying potential or ground) and the busbar 200 of the assembly 10.

[0049] Furthermore, the contact end 130 of the first terminal 1301 is located on all lateral sides of the compressible body 140. 1,CE Or the contact end 130 of the second terminal 1302 2,CE In one or both of these examples, such as in Figures 1 to 5 In some of the examples, the compressible body 140 can contact the end 130. 1,CE and 130 2,CE One or both of them are sealed to isolate the external environment, thereby potentially reducing the impact of the cleanliness of the operating environment on the creepage distance in component 10, and in some cases, reducing corrosion of the power electronics 100 and / or busbar 200 by external contaminants, humidity, etc. The contact terminal 130 is secured using a compressible body 140 (or alternatively, a separate compressible body 140 and / or an additional compressible body 240). 1,CE and 130 2,CE Physical isolation between them also reduces the risk of short circuits between the first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302 caused by contaminants, broken or removed parts of the power electronics 100 or component 200.

[0050] In Figure 6The possibility of using a compressible body 140 to improve creepage and / or clearance performance in the manner shown can eliminate the need for complex features (e.g., fins, protrusions) on the housing 110 and busbar 200 of the power electronics 100, thereby providing potential cost savings by reducing manufacturing complexity. Additionally, eliminating the need for such features can also allow the component 10 to have a smaller profile, for example, in the z-direction.

[0051] Use such as Figure 6 The compressible body 140 shown allows the terminals 130 (e.g., terminals 1301 and 1302) of the power electronics 100 to be placed closer together. In addition to making the power electronics 100 smaller, placing the terminals 130 closer together can reduce stray inductance and enable operation at higher voltage levels, potentially improving the switching speed in the power electronics 100.

[0052] Although Figure 6 The installation state is shown. Figure 1 The power electronic device 100 described herein, however, is applicable to any example of the power electronic device 100 described herein. For example, the features and advantages described herein apply to examples having one or more additional compressible bodies, such as... Figure 5 The additional compressible body 240. Additionally, although... Figure 6 The component 200 shown is a busbar, but the features and advantages described herein apply to a power electronic device 100 in its installed state that has other components 200 (such as another power electronic device, PCB, etc.).

[0053] The following describes and illustrates various exemplary embodiments of the compressible body 140, the power electronics 100, and, in some examples, the compressible body 140 and the power electronics 100 in an installed state together with component 200.

[0054] Figure 7 A perspective view of a power electronic device 100 according to an embodiment is shown. In this example, the housing 110 is part of a frame housing. The first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302 in this example are screw-type terminals. The first terminal 1301 and the second terminal 1302 each have a portion on the surface 110 of the housing 110. S 130 exposed contact ends 1,CE and contact end 130 2,CE .

[0055] In this example, the compressible body 140 and the additional compressible body 240 are washers. The compressible body 140 is located at the contact end 130 of the first terminal 1301. 1,CE All lateral sides 130 1,LSupper contact end 130 surrounding the first terminal 1301 1,CE The additional compressible body 240 is located at the contact end 130 of the second terminal 1302. 2,CE All lateral sides 130 2,LS upper contact end 130 surrounding the second terminal 1302 2,CE The two separate compressible bodies 140, 240 can alternatively be replaced by a single washer having two openings for receiving the contact ends 130 of terminals 1301, 1302. 1,CE 130 2,CE .

[0056] Figure 8 A perspective view of a plurality of compressible bodies 140 according to an embodiment is shown. In this example, each compressible body 140 is one of a plurality of sleeves 140 that are integral parts of a gasket 40. Each sleeve 140 extends from the surface 40 of the gasket 40. S Extends (in the z-direction in this example). In some examples, the gasket 40 and its integral sleeve 140 are formed of silicone. Silicone can be heat-resistant over the operating temperature range of the power electronics device 100 (e.g., up to 250°C).

[0057] Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of a component 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The component 10 includes a power electronics device 100 and a gasket 40 including an electrically insulating compressible sleeve 140.

[0058] In this example, housing 110 is a frame housing. Each of the plurality of terminals 130 is a pin-type terminal 130. The contact end 130 of each pin-type terminal 130... CE From one side of the housing 110 S Exposed and in the z-direction from that side 110 S Extending further. Specifically, the contact end 130 of each pin-type terminal 130 CE Extending through one side 110 of the housing 110 S The opening in the middle. In this example, the pin-type terminal 130 is arranged on one side 110. S The grid above, but other arrangements of the pin-type terminals 130 are envisioned. One side 110 of the housing 110 S Including empty area 130 E There is no pin-type terminal 130. One can envision pin-type terminal 130 and one or more empty areas 130. E Other arrangements.

[0059] The gasket 40 is perpendicularly aligned with the power semiconductor device 100 in the z-direction. The sleeves 140 of the gasket 40 are arranged in a grid pattern, corresponding to one side 110 of the housing 110. SThe grid layout of the pin terminals 130 includes sleeves 140 in regions of the pad 40 corresponding to empty regions. That is, the pad 40 includes an individual sleeve 140 for each of the pin terminals 130 of the power electronics 100, but may include additional sleeves 140 not corresponding to the pin terminals 130. As will become clear in the following figures and description, this distinction allows the pad 40 to be used for various layouts of the pin terminals 130 (e.g., pin terminals 130 and empty regions 130). E (The placement may vary, as long as the pin terminal 130 has the same general layout as the sleeve 140 on the pad 40.)

[0060] In this example, component 200 is a printed circuit board (PCB) 200, although component 200 can take the form of any kind of connector with conductive holes for pin insertion. Component 200 is perpendicularly aligned in the z-direction with pad 40 and power semiconductor device 100. PCB 200 includes a plurality of openings 130, each corresponding to a pin-type terminal 130 of the power semiconductor device 100. O and one side 110 corresponding to the housing 110 S Empty area 130 E empty area 130 E,PCB Each opening on the PCB 200 is 130mm. O It can be configured to receive the corresponding pin terminal 130.

[0061] Figure 10 A side view of a component 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The component 10 includes a power electronics device 100 and a gasket 40 including an electrically insulating compressible sleeve 140. Specifically, Figure 10 The power electronic device 100 is shown in its installed state. Figure 9 Component 10. In this state, the gasket 40 is applied to one side 110 of the housing 110. S The pin-type terminal 130 protrudes through this side 110 S The contact 130 of each of the pin-type terminals 130 of the power electronic device 100 CE Inserted into and through the corresponding sleeve 140 of the gasket 40 and into the corresponding opening 130 of the PCB 200. O In this way, the sleeve 140 is at the contact end 130 of the pin terminal 130. CE Contact ends 130 of each pin terminal 130 on all lateral sides CE In this example, a portion of each pin-type terminal 130, specifically each contact terminal 130 CE A portion of it can be removed from the surface 200 of the PCB 200 away from the power electronics 100. SExposed. These portions of the pin-type terminal 130 can be soldered to the surface 200 of the PCB 200. S However, this is only an example, and it envisions the contact end 130 of the pin-type terminal 130. CE Other means of attachment to PCB 200. For example, the pin-type terminal 130 of power electronics 100 can be attached to the opening 130 of PCB 200. O A press fit connection is formed.

[0062] exist Figure 10 In the shown installation configuration, each sleeve 140 of the gasket 40 is configured to be compressed and to extend across one side 110 of the housing 110 through which the pin-type terminal 130 protrudes. S The gap g between the PCB 200 and the side facing the power electronics 100. Therefore, the sleeve 140 is sealed to the side 110 of the housing 110 through which the pin-type terminal 130 protrudes. S Both the side of PCB 200 facing the power electronics 100 and the side of PCB 200, thereby potentially eliminating creepage paths between the pin terminals 130 along the surfaces of both housing 110 and PCB 200. Additionally, each sleeve 140 isolates the corresponding pin terminal 130 from the external environment, thereby potentially reducing the impact of the cleanliness of the operating environment on creepage distances and reducing the risk of short circuits between pin terminals 130, as previously described. Furthermore, by sealing the pin terminals 130 and side 110... S (For example, by applying pad 40 to side 110) S To seal the side 110 S (The openings and surfaces), sleeve 140 and gasket 40 can both provide some protection for the power electronic device 100 against corrosion from chemicals, humidity, etc.

[0063] Figure 11 A side view of an electrically insulating compressible sleeve 140 integrated into a gasket 40 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 12 A side view of an electrically insulating compressible sleeve 140 integrated into a gasket 40 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The orientation of the gasket 40 and sleeve 140 shown is consistent with... Figure 10 Those shown are the same, and therefore can be discussed about Figure 10 The side 110 S Housing 110 and power electronics 100 Figure 11 and Figure 12 Some reference is made to the various details and features of the gasket 40 and sleeve 140. That is to say, although from Figure 11 and Figure 12The power electronics 100 and PCB 200 are omitted, but some descriptions and illustrations of the pad 40 and sleeve 140 can be applied. Figure 10 The installation state of the power electronic device 100 is shown.

[0064] As previously stated, each sleeve 140 extends from the surface 40 of the gasket 40. S (In this example, it extends in the z-direction). In this example, each sleeve 140 includes a first compartment 141 and a second compartment 142 aligned with the first compartment 141. In this example, a membrane 146 separates (i.e., closes) the first compartment 141 and the second compartment 142 from each other. The first compartment 141 has a wider portion 141. W and the narrower section 141 N The wider part is 141 W The side 110 through which the pin-type terminal 130 protrudes from the adjacent housing S The narrower section 141 N Between the wider portion 141 W Between the second compartment 142.

[0065] The first compartment 141 has an opening 143, which is adjacent to the side of the housing 110 through which the pin-type terminal 130 protrudes. S The second compartment 142 is located on the side of the sleeve 140 opposite to the housing 110 through which the pin-type terminal 130 protrudes. S 140 on one side S The opening 144 is located at the point where the pad 40 is applied to the side of the housing 110 through which the pin-type terminal 130 protrudes. S 110 on one side S At that time, the contact end 130 of each pin-type terminal 130 1,CE Inserted into the opening 143 of the first compartment 141 of the corresponding sleeve 140. The wider portion 141 of the first compartment 141 W It can help to connect the 130 contact end 1,CE Align with the corresponding sleeve 140. The membrane 146 of the corresponding sleeve 140 is pierced by the corresponding needle terminal 130, and the second compartment 142 receives the portion of the corresponding needle terminal 130 inserted into the opening 143 of the first compartment 141.

[0066] With the power electronics device 100 installed, the first lip 147 of each sleeve 140 and the side 110 of the housing 110 through which the pin-type terminal 130 protrudes are connected. S To form a seal, and one side of each sleeve 140 140 S The second lip 148 at the location is adjacent to PCB 200 (e.g., Figure 10PCB 200) or pin terminal 130 contact end 130 CE The other components 200 connected to form a seal. At the contact end 130 corresponding to the pin-type terminal 130. CE In examples where the solder is attached to PCB 200 or another component 200, the second compartment 142 of one or more sleeves 140 may be configured as a solder reservoir to hold excess solder.

[0067] Figure 13 A perspective view of a power electronics device 100 and an electrically insulating compressible sleeve 140 integrated into a gasket 40, according to an embodiment, is shown. Specifically, Figure 13 This shows the side 110 through which the pin-type terminal 130 protrudes when the gasket 40 is applied to the housing 110 in the installed state of component 10. S The power electronics 100 that follows, but precedes the installation of the power electronics 100. That is, in... Figure 13 In the middle, the contact end 130 of each of the plurality of pin-type terminals 130 CE It has been inserted and passed through the corresponding sleeve 140, but the sleeve 140 is in an uncompressed state. In the uncompressed state of each sleeve 140, the contact end 130 of each pin terminal 130... CE At least a portion of it protrudes from the sleeve 140.

[0068] Figure 13 It also marks the empty area 130 without pin-type terminal 130. E In these empty areas 130 E In the middle, there is a corresponding empty sleeve 140 where no pin-type terminal 130 is inserted. E These empty sleeves are 140. E The inner membrane 146 remains completely intact (i.e., not punctured), and therefore the sleeve 140 is empty. E Still on one side 110 of the power electronic device 100 S Each opening through which no pin-type terminal 130 protrudes provides a seal. This allows the common gasket 40 to be used in variations of the power electronics 100 with different layouts of pin-type terminals 130, thereby providing the benefit of sleeve 140 without needing to customize the layout of the sleeve 140 on the gasket 40 for each layout of pin-type terminals 130, while also sealing unused terminal openings in the housing 110.

[0069] Figure 14A and Figure 14B A side view is shown of an electrically insulating compressible sleeve 140 mounted on a pin terminal 130 of a power electronic device 100 according to an embodiment. It should be noted that the power electronic device 100, the sleeve 140, and their mounting on the pin terminal 130 are... Figure 14A and Figure 14BThe orientation of the corresponding features in the figure is rotated 180 degrees about the x-axis relative to the previous figures.

[0070] Figure 14A The diagram shows the power electronics 100 and the sleeve 140 vertically aligned in the z-direction. Specifically, the power electronics 100 and the sleeve 140 are aligned such that the contact ends 130 of each pin-type terminal 130 of the power electronics 100 are aligned. CE Alignment is perpendicular to the opening 143 of the corresponding sleeve 140 in the z-direction. This can be achieved by fixing the individual sleeve 140 in the alignment fixture 50 shown in the figure. Figure 14A The vertical alignment shown.

[0071] Figure 14B The contact end 130 of each pin-type terminal 130 inserted into and passing through the corresponding sleeve 140 is shown. CE . Figure 14B The enlarged portion shows the needle terminal 130 inserted through the opening 143 of the first compartment 141, piercing the membrane 146, and through the second compartment 142, such that the contact end 130 of the needle terminal 130... CE A portion protrudes from the opening 144 of the sleeve 140. The first lip 147 of the sleeve 140 is adjacent to one side 110 of the housing 110. S A seal is formed. Although Figure 14B The sleeve 140 is not shown as being integrated into the gasket 40 of the previous example, but is inserted and passes through... Figure 14B The illustration of the corresponding pin terminal 130 of sleeve 140 also applies to sleeve 140 integrated into gasket 40.

[0072] Figure 15 A perspective view of a power electronic device 100 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 15 The power electronic device 100 includes a plurality of pin terminals 130 and a plurality of screw terminals 230. The screw terminals 230 may be similar to Figure 7 The screw-type terminal 130, and in Figure 15 They are distinguished from the pin terminals 130 only by different reference numerals. Each pin terminal 130 has one side 110 exposed on the housing 110. S Contact end 130 CE Each screw-type terminal 230 has a contact end 230. CE In this example, all contacts 230 of the screw-type terminal 230 CE Contact end 130 with pin-type terminal 130 CE On the same side 110 of housing 110 S Exposure at some or all of the contact points 230 CE At the contact end 130 of the housing 110 with the pin-type terminal 130CE Examples of exposure at different sides. Pin-type terminal 130 can be a low-current and / or low-voltage terminal, such as a control terminal (e.g., for the gate of power semiconductor die 120) or a sensing terminal (e.g., for current or temperature sensing). Screw-type terminal 230 can be a power terminal (e.g., source, emitter, drain, collector, cathode, anode) designed to accommodate voltage and / or current levels incompatible with pin-type terminal 130. In some examples, power electronics 100 is a medium-voltage (MV) module.

[0073] The power electronic device 100 includes a plurality of electrically insulating compressible bodies 140 and a plurality of additional electrically insulating compressible bodies 240. In this example, the compressible body 140 is a sleeve 140, and the additional compressible body 240 is a washer 240. Other types of compressible bodies 140 and additional compressible bodies 240 are contemplated.

[0074] Contact end 130 of each pin terminal 130 CE Insert and pass through the corresponding sleeve 140, such that the sleeve 140 is at the contact end 130 of the pin terminal 130. CE Contact ends 130 of each pin terminal 130 on all lateral sides CE In its uncompressed state, such as Figure 15 As shown, the contact end 130 of each pin-type terminal 130 CE A portion protrudes from the sleeve 140 into which the pin terminal 130 is inserted.

[0075] Washers 240 are positioned along the contact end 230 of each screw-type terminal 230. CE All lateral side settings. In this example, individual washers 240 are positioned along each contact end 230. CE The lateral side arrangement, although a single washer 240 is envisioned along two or more contact ends 230 of the screw-type terminal 230. CE An example of a lateral side arrangement. As an example, the first washer 2401 is at the contact end 230 of the first screw-type terminal 2301. 1,CE Contact ends 230 on all lateral sides surrounding the first screw-type terminal 2301 1,CE And the second washer 2402 surrounds the contact end 230 of the second screw-type terminal 2302. 2,CE All lateral sides. A first screw-type terminal 2301 can be configured for a first potential, and a second screw-type terminal 2302 can be configured for a second potential different from the first potential. More generally, the washer 240 can have... Figures 1 to 5 Any of the constructions shown.

[0076] With the power electronics 100 installed, the sleeve 140 and the washers 240 (e.g., the first washer 2401 and the second washer 2402) are each configured to be compressed and extend across one side 110 of the housing 110. S Contact end 130 with pin-type terminal 130 CE Contact end 230 with screw type terminal 230 CE The gap g between the connected components 200, for example, is in a manner similar to... Figure 6 The same method is shown for the compressible body 140 and the manifold 200. Therefore, the sleeve 140 and the washer 240 are each sealed to one side 110 of the housing 110. S Both the housing 110 and the corresponding component 200 in the installed state, thereby eliminating creepage paths between the pin terminals 130 and the screw terminals 230 along the surfaces of both the housing 110 and the corresponding component 200.

[0077] Figure 16A and Figure 16B A cross-sectional side view of a plug connector assembly 300 and a mating plug connector assembly 400 according to an embodiment is shown. The plug connector assembly 300 can be configured as a connector for a power electronics module or other device, for example, as a high-voltage (HV) or medium-voltage (MV) connector. The plug connector assembly 300 includes a connecting end 300. CE 300 connection end CE Includes an electrically insulating housing 310. The housing 310 houses a first exposed conductor 331 configured for a first electrical potential and a second exposed conductor 332 configured for a second electrical potential different from the first electrical potential. For example, the first electrical potential of the first exposed conductor 331 may be a high potential, and the second electrical potential of the second exposed conductor 332 may be a low potential, or vice versa. A mating plug connector assembly 400 includes a connection end 400. CE 400 connection end CE It includes an electrically insulating housing 410 that houses a first exposed electrical conductor 431 and a second exposed electrical conductor 432.

[0078] According to an embodiment, an electrically insulating compressible body 340 is attached to the electrically insulating housing 310 of a plug connector assembly 300 and / or the electrically insulating housing 410 of a mating plug connector assembly 400. Figure 16A In the diagram, the compressible body 340 is shown as an electrically insulating housing 310 attached to the plug connector assembly 300. However, the compressible body 340 may alternatively be attached to the electrically insulating housing 410 of the mating plug connector assembly 400, or may be divided into two parts, one part of which is attached to the electrically insulating housing 310 of the plug connector assembly 300, and the other part of which is attached to the electrically insulating housing 410 of the mating plug connector assembly 400.

[0079] In each case, the compressible body 340 can be formed of any electrically insulating material with high tensile strength, such as butyl rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene-propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM), fluoropolymers (e.g., FPM, FKM), polyurethane, chloroprene rubber (CR), or various silicones. The compressible body 340 can be attached to the respective housings 310, 410 using adhesives or glues, and can be fixed to features of the housings 310, 410, such as ridges, clips, recesses, lips, or other features of the respective housings 310, 410 configured to receive the compressible body 340, or can be attached or fixed to the respective housings 310, 410 by other means. For example, the compressible body 340 can be integrally formed with the respective housings 310, 410 using liquid silicone rubber (LSR) via processes such as two-component or multi-injection molding.

[0080] Figure 16B A plug connector assembly 300 in a mating state with a mating plug connector assembly 400 is shown. In the mating state, a first exposed electrical conductor 331 of the plug connector assembly 300 is coupled to a first exposed electrical conductor 431 of the mating plug connector assembly 400, and a second exposed electrical conductor 332 of the plug connector assembly 300 is coupled to a second exposed electrical conductor 432 of the mating plug connector assembly 400. A compressible body 340 is configured to be compressed and connected to the connection end 400. CE 300 CE The corresponding housings 410 and 310 form a seal, so that at the mating connection end 300 CE and 400 CE Internally, there is no creepage path between the first exposed conductor 331 and the second exposed conductor 332 of the plug connector assembly 300, and there is no creepage path between the first exposed conductor 431 and the second exposed conductor 432 of the mating plug connector assembly 400. That is, in this mating state, the compressible body 340 electrically and physically isolates the first exposed conductor 331 and the second exposed conductor 332 of the plug connector assembly 300 from each other and from the external environment, and electrically and physically isolates the first exposed conductor 431 and the second exposed conductor 432 of the mating plug connector assembly 400 from each other and from the external environment, thereby potentially eliminating creepage paths along the housings 310 and 410 of the plug connector assemblies 300 and 400, and eliminating electrical clearance paths through the air between the exposed conductors 331, 332, 431 and 432. Although Figure 16A and Figure 16BThe plug connector assemblies 300 and 400 are shown as bipolar connector assemblies, but the features described herein can be applied to other multipolar or unipolar connector assemblies. The compressible body 340 eliminates not only creepage paths between electrical conductors 331, 431 and 332, 432, but also eliminates creepage paths between all electrical conductors 333, 332, 431, 432 and any external point (such as a heat sink or other mounting surface) with varying potential or ground.

[0081] Although this disclosure is not limited thereto, the examples numbered below illustrate one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0082] Example 1. A power electronic device comprising: a housing; one or more power semiconductor dies within the housing; a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the one or more power semiconductor dies, each terminal having a contact end exposed on one side of the housing, wherein a first terminal is configured for a higher potential than the other terminals; and a compressible body electrically insulating and disposed along at least one lateral side of the contact end of the first terminal, wherein, for an mounted state of the power electronic device, the compressible body is configured to be compressed and spans a gap between the side of the housing exposing the contact end of the first terminal and a component to which the contact end of the first terminal will be connected.

[0083] Example 2. The power electronic device according to Example 1, wherein the compressible body is a washer surrounding the contact end of the first terminal on all lateral sides of the contact end of the first terminal.

[0084] Example 3. The power electronic device according to Example 2, wherein the contact end of the first terminal is adjacent to the contact end of the second terminal, the contact end of the second terminal is exposed on the same side of the housing as the contact end of the first terminal, wherein the second terminal is configured for a lower potential than the first terminal, and wherein the gasket surrounds the contact end of the second terminal on all lateral sides of the contact end of the second terminal.

[0085] Example 4. The power electronic device according to Example 1, wherein the compressible body is a wall disposed along a single lateral side of the contact end of the first terminal.

[0086] Example 5. A power electronic device according to Example 4, wherein the wall is located between the contact end of the first terminal and an adjacent contact end of the second terminal, the adjacent contact end of the second terminal and the contact end of the first terminal being exposed on the same side of the housing, wherein the second terminal is configured for a lower potential than the first terminal, and wherein, for the mounting state of the power electronic device, the creepage distance between the contact end of the first terminal and the contact end of the second terminal is limited by the length of the wall.

[0087] Example 6. A power electronic device according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of ridges are formed on the side of the compressible body away from the housing, on the side exposing the contact end of the first terminal.

[0088] Example 7. A power electronic device according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, further comprising: an additional compressible body, the additional compressible body being electrically insulated and disposed along at least one lateral side of a contact end of a second terminal, the contact end of the second terminal being exposed on the same side of the housing as the contact end of the first terminal, wherein, for the mounting state of the power electronic device, the additional compressible body is configured to be compressed and span the gap between the side of the housing exposing the contact end of the second terminal and the component to which the contact end of the second terminal will be connected.

[0089] Example 8. The power electronic device according to Example 7, wherein the compressible body is a first washer surrounding the contact end of the first terminal on all lateral sides of the contact end of the first terminal, and wherein the additional compressible body is a second washer, the second washer being separate from the first washer and surrounding the contact end of the second terminal on all lateral sides of the contact end of the second terminal.

[0090] Example 9. The power electronic device according to Example 1, wherein the first terminal is a pin-type terminal, and wherein the compressible body is a sleeve in which the pin-type terminal is inserted.

[0091] Example 10. The power electronic device according to Example 9, wherein, in the uncompressed state of the sleeve, at least a portion of the contact end of the pin-type terminal protrudes from the sleeve.

[0092] Example 11. A power electronic device according to Example 9 or 10, wherein, for the installed state of the power electronic device, the sleeve is configured to be compressed and spans the gap between the side of the housing exposing the contact end of the first terminal and the component to which the contact end of the first terminal will be connected.

[0093] Example 12. A power electronic device according to any one of Examples 9 to 11, wherein the sleeve comprises: a first compartment having an opening adjacent to a side of the housing that exposes a contact end of the first terminal and into which the pin-type terminal is inserted; and a second compartment aligned with the first compartment and having an opening on a side of the sleeve opposite to the side of the housing that exposes the contact end of the first terminal, the second compartment receiving a portion of the pin-type terminal.

[0094] Example 13. The power electronic device according to Example 12, wherein the sleeve further includes a membrane separating the first compartment and the second compartment from each other, and wherein the membrane is pierced by the needle-type terminal.

[0095] Example 14. The power electronic device according to Example 12 or 13, wherein the second compartment is configured as a solder reservoir.

[0096] Example 15. A power electronic device according to any one of Examples 12 to 14, wherein the first compartment has a wider portion adjacent to the side of the housing that exposes the contact end of the first terminal, and a narrower portion between the wider portion and the second compartment.

[0097] Example 16. A power electronic device according to any one of Examples 9 to 15, wherein the sleeve includes: a first lip that forms a seal with a side of the housing that exposes the contact end of the first terminal; and a second lip on a side of the sleeve opposite to the side of the housing that exposes the contact end of the first terminal, wherein, for an installed state of the power electronic device, the second lip of the sleeve is configured to form a seal with a component to which the contact end of the first terminal will be connected.

[0098] Example 17. A power electronic device according to any one of Examples 9 to 16, wherein the sleeve is an integral part of a pad applied to the side of the housing that exposes the contact end of the first terminal, and wherein the sleeve extends from a surface of the pad opposite to the side of the housing that exposes the contact end of the first terminal.

[0099] Example 18. The power electronic device according to Example 17, wherein each of the plurality of terminals is a pin terminal, and wherein the pad includes an individual sleeve for each of the pin terminals, and the corresponding pin terminal is inserted into the individual sleeve.

[0100] Example 19. A power electronic device according to Example 18, wherein, for the mounting state of the power electronic device, each of the sleeves is configured to be compressed and spans the gap between the side of the housing exposing the contact end of the pin-type terminal and the component to which the contact end of the pin-type terminal will be connected.

[0101] Example 20. A power electronic device according to any one of Examples 9 to 19, further comprising: an additional compressible body, the additional compressible body being electrically insulated and disposed along at least one lateral side of a contact end of a first screw-type terminal, the contact end of the first screw-type terminal being exposed on the same side or different side of the housing as the contact end of the pin-type terminal, wherein, for the mounting state of the power electronic device, the additional compressible body is configured to be compressed and span the gap between the side of the housing exposing the contact end of the first screw-type terminal and the component to which the contact end of the first screw-type terminal will be connected.

[0102] Example 21. The power electronic device according to Example 20, wherein the additional compressible body is a first washer that surrounds the contact end of the first screw-type terminal on all lateral sides of the contact end of the first screw-type terminal.

[0103] Example 22. The power electronic device according to Example 21 further includes: a second washer, the second washer being electrically insulating and surrounding all lateral sides of a contact end of a second screw-type terminal, the contact end of the second screw-type terminal being exposed on the same side of the housing as the contact end of the first screw-type terminal, wherein, for the mounting state of the power electronic device, the second washer is configured to be compressed and span the gap between the side of the housing exposing the contact end of the second screw-type terminal and the component to which the contact end of the second screw-type terminal will be connected.

[0104] Example 23. A plug connector assembly comprising: a connection end including an electrically insulating housing receiving a first exposed electrical conductor configured for a first potential; and a compressible body electrically insulating and attached to the electrically insulating housing, wherein, for a mating state of the plug connector assembly, the compressible body is configured to be compressed and form a seal with the electrically insulating housing of the other connection end such that, within the mating connection end, there is no creepage path between the first exposed electrical conductor and different potential points or ground outside the mating connection end.

[0105] Example 24. A plug connector assembly according to Example 23, wherein the electrically insulating housing of the connection end includes a second exposed electrical conductor configured for a second potential different from the first potential, wherein, for the mating state of the plug connector assembly, the compressible body is configured to be compressed and form a seal with the electrically insulating housing of the other connection end such that there is no creepage path between the first exposed electrical conductor and the second exposed electrical conductor within the mating connection end.

[0106] Terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc., and are not intended to be limiting. Throughout the specification, the same term refers to the same element.

[0107] As used herein, the terms “having,” “containing,” “including,” “comprising,” etc., are open-ended terms indicating the presence of the said element or feature, but do not exclude additional elements or features. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the articles “a” and “said” are intended to include both plural and singular forms.

[0108] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the expression “and / or” shall be interpreted to include all possible combinations of togetherness and separation. For example, the expression “A and / or B” shall be interpreted to mean only A, only B, or both A and B. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the expression “at least one” shall be interpreted in the same manner as “and / or”. For example, the expression “at least one of A and B” shall be interpreted to mean only A, only B, or both A and B.

[0109] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specifically indicated, the features of the various embodiments described herein can be combined with each other.

[0110] Although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that the shown and described specific embodiments can be replaced by various alternatives and / or equivalent implementations without departing from the scope of the invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, the invention is intended to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A power electronic device, comprising: case; One or more power semiconductor dies, the one or more power semiconductor dies being located within the housing; A plurality of terminals electrically connected to the one or more power semiconductor dies, each of the plurality of terminals having a contact end exposed on one side of the housing, wherein a first terminal is configured for a higher potential than the other terminals; and A compressible body, which is electrically insulated and disposed along at least one lateral side of the contact end of the first terminal, In the installed state of the power electronic device, the compressible body is configured to be compressed and span the gap between the side of the housing exposing the contact end of the first terminal and the component to which the contact end of the first terminal will be connected.

2. The power electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The compressible body is a washer that surrounds the contact end of the first terminal on all lateral sides of the contact end of the first terminal.

3. The power electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The contact end of the first terminal is adjacent to the contact end of the second terminal, the contact end of the second terminal is exposed on the same side of the housing as the contact end of the first terminal, wherein the second terminal is configured for a lower potential than the first terminal, and wherein the gasket surrounds the contact end of the second terminal on all lateral sides of the contact end of the second terminal.

4. The power electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The compressible body is a wall disposed along a single lateral side of the contact end of the first terminal.

5. The power electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The wall is located between the contact end of the first terminal and the adjacent contact end of the second terminal, the adjacent contact end of the second terminal and the contact end of the first terminal being exposed on the same side of the housing, wherein the second terminal is configured for a lower potential than the first terminal, and wherein, for the mounting state of the power electronics device, the creepage distance between the contact end of the first terminal and the contact end of the second terminal is limited by the length of the wall.

6. The power electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple ridges are formed on one side of the compressible body away from the housing, on the side exposing the contact end of the first terminal.

7. The power electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: An additional compressible body, which is electrically insulated, is disposed along at least one lateral side of the contact end of the second terminal, the contact end of the second terminal being exposed on the same side of the housing as the contact end of the first terminal. In the installed state of the power electronic device, the additional compressible body is configured to be compressed and span the gap between the side of the housing exposing the contact end of the second terminal and the component to which the contact end of the second terminal will be connected.

8. The power electronic device according to claim 7, wherein, The compressible body is a first washer that surrounds the contact end of the first terminal on all lateral sides of the contact end of the first terminal, and wherein the additional compressible body is a second washer that is separate from the first washer and surrounds the contact end of the second terminal on all lateral sides of the contact end of the second terminal.

9. The power electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first terminal is a pin-type terminal, and the compressible body is a sleeve, into which the pin-type terminal is inserted.

10. The power electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, In the uncompressed state of the sleeve, at least a portion of the contact end of the needle-type terminal protrudes from the sleeve.

11. The power electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, In the mounting configuration of the power electronics device, the sleeve is configured to be compressed and spans the gap between the side of the housing exposing the contact end of the first terminal and the component to which the contact end of the first terminal will be connected.

12. The power electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, The sleeve includes: A first compartment having an opening adjacent to the side of the housing exposing the contact end of the first terminal, and the pin-shaped terminal being inserted into the opening; and A second compartment, aligned with the first compartment and having an opening on the side of the sleeve opposite to the housing that exposes the contact end of the first terminal, receives a portion of the pin-type terminal.

13. The power electronic device according to claim 12, wherein, The sleeve further includes a membrane separating the first compartment and the second compartment from each other, wherein the membrane is pierced by the needle-shaped terminal.

14. The power electronic device according to claim 12, wherein, The second compartment is configured as a solder storage container.

15. The power electronic device according to claim 12, wherein, The first compartment has a wider portion adjacent to the side of the housing that exposes the contact end of the first terminal, and a narrower portion between the wider portion and the second compartment.

16. The power electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, The sleeve includes: A first lip, the first lip forming a seal with the side of the housing that exposes the contact end of the first terminal; and The second lip is located on the side of the sleeve opposite to the housing, on the side exposing the contact end of the first terminal. In the installation state of the power electronic device, the second lip of the sleeve is configured to form a seal with the component to which the contact end of the first terminal will be connected.

17. The power electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, The sleeve is an integral part of a liner applied to the side of the housing that exposes the contact end of the first terminal, and wherein the sleeve extends from the surface of the liner on the side of the housing opposite to the contact end of the first terminal.

18. The power electronic device according to claim 17, wherein, Each of the plurality of terminals is a pin-type terminal, and wherein the gasket includes an individual sleeve for each of the pin-type terminals, and the corresponding pin-type terminal is inserted into the individual sleeve.

19. The power electronic device according to claim 18, wherein, In the mounting configuration of the power electronics device, each of the sleeves is configured to be compressed and span the gap between the side of the housing exposing the contact end of the pin-type terminal and the component to which the contact end of the pin-type terminal will be connected.

20. The power electronic device according to claim 9, further comprising: An additional compressible body, which is electrically insulated and disposed along at least one lateral side of the contact end of the first screw-type terminal, the contact end of the first screw-type terminal being exposed on the same side or different sides of the housing as the contact end of the pin-type terminal. In the installed state of the power electronic device, the additional compressible body is configured to be compressed and span the gap between the side of the housing exposing the contact end of the first screw-type terminal and the component to which the contact end of the first screw-type terminal will be connected.

21. The power electronic device according to claim 20, wherein, The additional compressible body is a first washer that surrounds the contact end of the first screw-type terminal on all lateral sides of the contact end of the first screw-type terminal.

22. The power electronic device of claim 21, further comprising: A second washer, which is electrically insulating, surrounds all lateral sides of the contact end of the second screw-type terminal, the contact end of which is exposed on the same side of the housing as the contact end of the first screw-type terminal. In the installation state of the power electronic device, the second washer is configured to be compressed and span the gap between the side of the housing exposing the contact end of the second screw-type terminal and the component to which the contact end of the second screw-type terminal will be connected.

23. A plug connector assembly, comprising: The connection end includes an electrically insulating housing that houses a first exposed electrical conductor configured for a first electrical potential; as well as A compressible body, which is electrically insulating and attached to the electrically insulating housing. In the mating state of the plug connector assembly, the compressible body is configured to be compressed and form a seal with the electrically insulating housing of the other connection end, such that there is no creepage path between the first exposed electrical conductor and the different potential points or ground outside the mating connection end inside the mating connection end.

24. The plug connector assembly of claim 23, wherein: The electrically insulating housing at the connection end includes a second exposed electrical conductor configured for a second potential different from the first potential; In the mating state of the plug connector assembly, the compressible body is configured to be compressed and form a seal with the electrically insulating housing of the other connection end, such that there is no creepage path between the first exposed electrical conductor and the second exposed electrical conductor inside the mating connection end.

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