Connection device, in particular for use in an electric or hybrid vehicle

Abstract

A connection device (1) includes a first electrical and / or electronic component (2) having at least one first bus (10) and at least one second bus (20), and further includes a second electrical and / or electronic component (3) having at least one third bus (30) and at least one fourth bus (40), wherein a first contact area (15) is electrically connected to a third contact area (35) and a second contact area (25) is electrically connected to a fourth contact area (45), and for the connection device, a first inner surface (13) is opposed to a second inner surface (23) and a third inner surface (33) is opposed to a fourth inner surface (34), wherein the plane of the first contact area (15) extends parallel to the plane of the third conductive area (31) and the plane of the second contact area (25) extends parallel to the plane of the fourth conductive area (41).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection device having the features of the preamble of independent claim 1, particularly for use in electric or hybrid vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In power electronics devices, such as those in electric or hybrid vehicles, electrical and / or electronic components that conduct high currents are interconnected. Due to the high current, the conductive elements must correspondingly have low resistance and thus large cross-sections, through which the electrical and / or electronic components are interconnected. High, frequency-dependent power losses occur due to the repeated occurrence of switching processes caused by alternating currents. It is known that a significant reduction in inductance generated during switching processes, and consequently a significant reduction in power losses, is achieved through planar and parallel conductive sections and through the magnetic interaction between current layers caused by opposite current directions. Therefore, current in such devices is guided through buses, also known as busbars. Here, for example, two buses each with opposite current directions, a lead, and a return line are directly guided parallel to each other, vertically and horizontally, with a small spacing.

[0003] For connections between different electrical and / or electronic components, this parallel and vertically positioned guide of the bus is interrupted in the area where the busbar of the first electrical and / or electronic component connects to the busbar of the second electrical and / or electronic component, in order to establish a safe and secure connection. This interruption of the vertically positioned guide of the busbar in the area where the busbar of the first electrical and / or electronic component connects to the busbar of the second electrical and / or electronic component causes increased inductance in the device and, consequently, increased losses. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, a connection device is proposed, particularly for use in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. The connection device includes a first electrical and / or electronic component having at least one first bus and at least one second bus, wherein the first bus includes at least one first conductive region having a first outer side and a first inner side, and at least one first contact region bent from the first conductive region at a first edge; and wherein the second bus includes at least one second conductive region having a second outer side and a second inner side, and at least one second contact region bent from the second conductive region at a second edge. Furthermore, the connection device includes a second electrical and / or electronic component having at least one third bus and at least one fourth bus, wherein the third bus includes at least one third conductive region having a third outer side and a third inner side, and a third contact region adjacent to the third conductive region; and wherein the fourth bus includes at least one fourth conductive region having a fourth outer side and a fourth inner side, and a fourth contact region adjacent to the fourth conductive region, wherein the first contact region is electrically connected to the third contact region and the second contact region is electrically connected to the fourth contact region. According to the present invention, the first inner surface is opposite to the second inner surface and the third inner surface is opposite to the fourth inner surface, wherein the first contact area plane extends parallel to the third conductive area and the second contact area plane extends parallel to the fourth conductive area.

[0005] Advantages of the present invention: Compared with the prior art, the connection device having the features of the independent claims has the following advantages: the electrical connection between the first electrical and / or electronic components and the second electrical and / or electronic components can be connected to each other with low inductance when the busbars are paired at an angle, such as a right angle, towards each other. In the connection device, the busbars can be arranged vertically in a planar manner with small spacing. This is particularly possible in the region where the first busbar connects to the third busbar and in the region where the second busbar connects to the fourth busbar.

[0006] Therefore, a connection device can be implemented without the bus tapering or the laterally offset ends on the bus, such as those used for connecting plates. For the connection device, the conductor cross-section of the bus does not need to be reduced, thereby ensuring a particularly low impedance connection of the bus. For the connection device, the conductive areas of the bus are also closely positioned vertically in the areas where the first and third buses connect and where the second and fourth buses connect, thus these areas are constructed with particularly low inductance. This also advantageously reduces the total inductance of the connection device. Furthermore, the buses in the connection device can be easily connected to each other, for example, through a soldering process. The first contact area of ​​the first bus serves as a support for the third contact area of ​​the third bus. The third contact area is placed on and connected to the first contact area, for example, by soldering. The second contact area of ​​the second bus serves as a support for the fourth contact area of ​​the fourth bus. The fourth contact area is placed on and connected to the second contact area, for example, by soldering. The four contact areas of all four buses can be arranged parallel to each other in plane. Thus, all contact areas can be approached from the same direction.

[0007] Further advantageous designs and improvements of the invention can be achieved through the features described in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first contact area is bent at the first edge toward either the first outer side or the first inner side.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment, the second contact area is bent at the second edge toward the second outer side or toward the second inner side.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first contact area is arranged perpendicular to the first conductive area at least in the region of the first edge, and / or the second contact area is arranged perpendicular to the second conductive area at least in the region of the second edge. Therefore, the first bus and the second bus can be connected to the third and fourth buses from a direction perpendicular to the direction from which the third and fourth buses are led out.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first contact area is arranged parallel to the third contact area at least in the region where it connects with the third contact area, and / or the second contact area is arranged parallel to the fourth contact area at least in the region where it connects with the fourth contact area. The third contact area abuts against the first contact area in a planar manner. The fourth contact area abuts against the second contact area in a planar manner. This allows for an advantageously simple and large-area connection between the first and third contact areas and / or between the second and fourth contact areas. The third contact area can be advantageously and easily fixed to the first contact area, for example, by welding it thereon. The fourth contact area can advantageously and easily be fixed to the second contact area, for example, by welding it thereon.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, a first conductive region is at least partially disposed directly above or below a second conductive region, and / or a third conductive region is at least partially disposed above or below a fourth conductive region. This ensures low-inductance conductivity in the connection device.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first contact area is welded together with the third contact area and / or the second contact area is welded together with the fourth contact area. This allows for a simple and reliable connection of busbars, such as electrical ground, to each other mechanically. The contact areas of the busbars can approach each other from the same direction for the welding process.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, an insulating element is arranged between the first conductive region and the second conductive region, and / or another insulating element is arranged between the third conductive region and the fourth conductive region. The first busbar and the second busbar are electrically insulated by the insulating element. The third busbar and the fourth busbar are electrically insulated by the other insulating element. The insulating element can also serve as a spacer between the first busbar and the second busbar. The other insulating element can also serve as a spacer between the third busbar and the fourth busbar. The first and second buses, or the third and fourth buses, can be guided with an advantageously small spacing relative to each other, and the inductance of the connecting device can be reduced in this way.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, an insulating element is arranged between the first conductive region and the second conductive region, and / or another insulating element is arranged between the third conductive region and the fourth conductive region, wherein the insulating element is in contact with the other insulating element, particularly in the region where the first contact region and the third contact region are connected. The insulating element and the other insulating element are accessible to and connected to each other. Therefore, the first bus and the third bus are also insulated from the second bus and the fourth bus in the regions where they are connected to each other.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, another insulating element has a receiving portion, particularly a groove, pointing toward the insulating element, into which the insulating element extends. Therefore, when installing the connecting device, the insulating element can be easily pushed into the receiving portion of the other insulating element. This ensures a continuous insulating portion that extends to the area where busbars are connected to each other. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and explained in detail in the following description.

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the connecting device is shown. Figure 2 An illustration of a second embodiment of the connecting device is shown. Figure 3 An illustration shows a third embodiment of the connecting device. Figure 4 An illustration shows a fourth embodiment of the connecting device. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of the connection device 1. The connection device 1 can be used, for example, in systems that guide high currents, or in power electronic devices in vehicles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0020] The connection device 1 includes a first electrical and / or electronic component 2 and a second electrical and / or electronic component 3. The electronic components 2 and 3 may be, for example, inverters, frequency converters, DC / DC converters, capacitors, such as intermediate circuit capacitors, batteries, or other electronic and / or electrical components used in electric or hybrid vehicles. In this embodiment, the first electrical and / or electronic component 2 may be an intermediate circuit capacitor of the inverter, and the second electrical and / or electronic component 3 may be a power module of the inverter. The power module includes power lines, particularly an inverter structure. The power module includes a carrier substrate with printed wires, on which power semiconductors are disposed, for example, forming electronic units together with the carrier substrate. The carrier substrate may be, for example, an AMB (Active Metal Brazed) power substrate or a DBC (Direct Bonded Copper) power substrate.

[0021] The first electrical and / or electronic component 2 includes at least one first bus 10 and at least one second bus 20. The first bus 10 and the second bus 20 are configured for electrical contact with the first electrical and / or electronic component 2, wherein current in the first bus 10 is capable of flowing in the opposite direction to that in the second bus 20. The second electrical and / or electronic component 3 includes at least one third bus 30 and at least one fourth bus 40. The third bus 30 and the fourth bus 40 are configured for electrical contact with the second electrical and / or electronic component 3, wherein current in the third bus 30 is capable of flowing in the opposite direction to that in the fourth bus 40. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first electrical and / or electronic component 2 includes the first bus 10 and the second bus 20, and the second electrical and / or electronic component 3 includes the third bus 30 and the fourth bus 40. The first electrical and / or electronic component 2 is electrically connected to the second electrical and / or electronic component 3. The first bus 10 is electrically connected to the third bus 30, and in particular, is welded together. The second bus 20 is electrically connected to the fourth bus 40, and in particular, is welded together.

[0022] In the context of this application, busbars 10, 20, 30, and 40 refer to conductive planar conductors, such as conductive strips or conductive plates. Busbars 10, 20, 30, and 40 can thus be, for example, busbars. Busbars 10, 20, 30, and 40 can be, for example, arched, curved, or extend in a curved or stepped manner. Busbars 10, 20, 30, and 40 are made of conductive materials, such as metals like copper.

[0023] Buses 10, 20, 30, and 40 each have at least one conductive region 11, 21, 31, and 41, each having an outer side 12, 22, 32, and 42 and an inner side 13, 23, 33, and 43, respectively. The outer sides 12, 22, 32, and 42 face away from the corresponding inner sides 13, 23, 33, and 43. The outer sides 12, 22, 32, and 42 and the inner sides 13, 23, 33, and 43 are the largest sides constructed on buses 10, 20, 30, and 40, respectively. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first bus 10 includes a first conductive region 11 having a first outer side 12 and a first inner side 13. The first outer side 12 faces away from the first inner side 13. Furthermore, the second bus 20 includes a second conductive region 21 having a second outer side 22 and a second inner side 23. The second outer side 22 faces away from the second inner side 23. Similarly, the third bus 30 includes a third conductive region 31 having a third outer surface 32 and a third inner surface 33, and the fourth bus 40 includes a fourth conductive region 41 having a fourth outer surface 42 and a fourth inner surface 43. Here, the third inner surface 33 faces away from the third outer surface 32, and the fourth outer surface 42 faces away from the fourth inner surface 43. Furthermore, each of the buses 10, 20, 30, and 40 has contact regions 15, 25, 35, and 45. Here, the following regions of the buses 10, 20, 30, and 40 are referred to as contact regions 15, 25, 35, and 45, where the first bus 10 is electrically connected to the third bus 30, and the second bus 20 is electrically connected to the fourth bus 40.

[0024] The first busbar 10 is bent at the first edge 14, wherein the first edge 14 separates the first conductive region 11 of the first busbar 10 from the first contact region 15.

[0025] The second bus 20 is bent at the second edge 24, wherein the second edge 24 separates the second conductive region 21 of the second bus 20 from the second contact region 25. As shown in the embodiments, in the embodiments illustrated in this application, the buses 10 and 20 have preferably sharp edges 14 and 24, such that the buses 10 and 20 respectively have substantially L-shaped profiles. However, the buses 10 and 20 can also have other profiles.

[0026] Buses 10, 20, 30, and 40 can each have a width that is constant within the longitudinal extension range of buses 10, 20, 30, and 40, for example, perpendicular to the current direction. The width of the first bus can be substantially equal to the width of the second bus. The width of the third bus can be substantially equal to the width of the fourth bus. Therefore, it is advantageous to achieve a connection with particularly low inductance. In particular, slots can be constructed in contact regions 15, 25, 35, and 45 of buses 10, 20, 30, and 40. The slots extend, for example, parallel to the current direction. The slots are particularly constructed in the third contact region 35 of the third bus 20 and / or the fourth contact region 45 of the fourth bus.

[0027] The first electrical and / or electronic component 2 is electrically connected to the second electrical and / or electronic component 3. The conductive connection is established via buses 10, 20, 30, and 40. In the connection device 1, the first electrical and / or electronic component 2 and the second electrical and / or electronic component 3 are electrically connected to each other via buses 10, 20, 30, and 40. Here, the first bus 10 of the first electrical and / or electronic component 2 is electrically connected to the third bus 30 of the second electrical and / or electronic component 3. Simultaneously, in the connection device 1, the second bus 20 of the electrical and / or electronic component 2 is electrically connected to the fourth bus 40 of the second electrical and / or electronic component 3. Here, the first contact area 15 of the first bus 10 is electrically connected to the third contact area 35 of the third bus 30, in particular, welded together. The second contact area 25 of the second bus 20 is electrically connected to the fourth contact area 45 of the fourth bus 40, in particular, welded together. The first contact region 15 is arranged offset from the second contact region 25 in the direction of extension of the third conductive region 31 and / or the fourth conductive region 41. The third contact region 35 is arranged offset from the fourth contact region 45 in the direction of extension of the third conductive region 31 and / or the fourth conductive region 41. For example, a ladder can be constructed between the third contact region 35 and the third conductive region 31. For example, a ladder can be constructed between the fourth contact region 45 and the fourth conductive region 41.

[0028] The first conductive region 11 is arranged with its plane parallel to the second conductive region 21. The first conductive region 11 is separated from the second conductive region 21 by a gap 50. The gap 51 has a thickness smaller than the width of the busbars 10, 20, 30, and 40. An insulating element 51 is arranged in the gap 50. The insulating element 51 can be constructed, for example, as an insulating film or an insulating plate. However, the insulating element 51 can also have other forms. The insulating element 51 can be, for example, an injection molded part that can surround the first conductive region 11 and / or the second conductive region 21. The insulating element 51 is made of an electrically insulating material, for example, an electrically insulating plastic. The third conductive region 31 is arranged with its plane parallel to the fourth conductive region 41. The third conductive region 31 is separated from the fourth conductive region 41 by another gap 55. The other gap 55 has a thickness smaller than the width of the busbars 10, 20, 30, and 40. Another insulating element 56 is arranged, for example, in the other gap 55. Another insulating element 56 can be constructed, for example, as an insulating film or insulating plate. However, the other insulating element 56 can also have other forms. The other insulating element 56 can be, for example, an injection molded part that can surround, for example, the third conductive region 31 and / or the fourth conductive region 41. The other insulating element 56 is made of an electrically insulating material, such as electrically insulating plastic.

[0029] The first conductive region 11 extends planarly in a plane, perpendicular to the plane extending from the third conductive region 31. The second conductive region 21 extends planarly in a plane, perpendicular to the plane extending from the fourth conductive region 41. The first conductive region 11 extends planarly in a plane, parallel to the plane extending from the second conductive region 21. The third conductive region 31 extends planarly in a plane, parallel to the plane extending from the fourth conductive region 41. The first conductive region 11 extends planarly parallel to the second conductive region 21. The third conductive region 31 extends planarly parallel to the fourth conductive region 41. The first conductive region 11 extends perpendicular to the third conductive region 31. The second conductive region 21 extends perpendicular to the fourth conductive region 41. By extending the first conductive region 11 parallel to the second conductive region 21 and the third conductive region 31 parallel to the fourth conductive region 41, a particularly low-inductance connection of buses 10, 20, 30, and 40 can be achieved.

[0030] The first contact area 15 is arranged perpendicular to the first conductive area 11. The second contact area 25 is arranged perpendicular to the second conductive area 21. The third contact area 35 is arranged with its plane parallel to the third conductive area 31, and the fourth contact area 45 is arranged with its plane parallel to the fourth conductive area 41.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the first conductive region 11 is directly disposed above the second conductive region 12. Furthermore, the third conductive region 31 is directly disposed above the fourth conductive region 41. In the context of this application, "object" refers to the first conductive region 11, the second conductive region 12, the third conductive region 31, or the fourth conductive region 41. If the first object is partially disposed directly below or partially disposed directly above the second object, in the context of this application, this means that the first object and the second object are arranged relative to each other such that the perpendicular projection of the first object onto a projection plane arranged parallel to the plane of the second object and the perpendicular projection of the second object onto said projection plane have at least one intersection.

[0032] exist Figures 1 to 4 An embodiment is shown. The features of each embodiment are described below: As in Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the first contact area 15 is bendable at the first edge 14 towards the first inner surface 13, and the second contact area 25 is bendable at the second edge 24 towards the second outer surface 22. The first contact area 15 and the second contact area 25 point in the same direction, specifically towards the third conductive area 31 and the fourth conductive area 41. The first contact area 15 and the third contact area 35 contact each other from opposite directions. The second contact area 25 and the fourth contact area 45 contact each other from opposite directions. Figure 2 In a second embodiment, an insulating element 51 is arranged between the first bus 10 and the second bus 20. The insulating element 51 is configured as an insulating film 51 and extends beyond the first contact area 15 of the first bus 10 across its entire elongation. Another insulating element 56 is arranged between the third bus 30 and the fourth bus 40.

[0033] As in Figure 3 As shown, the first contact area 15 is bendable at the first edge 14 towards the first outer surface 12, and the second contact area 25 is bendable at the second edge 24 towards the second outer surface 22. The first contact area 15 and the second contact area 25 point in opposite directions. The first contact area 15 extends away from the third conductive area 31, while the second contact area 25 extends towards the fourth conductive area 41. The first contact area 15 and the third contact area 35 meet each other from the same direction. The second contact area 25 and the fourth contact area 45 meet each other from opposite directions. Figure 3In a third embodiment, an insulating element 51 is arranged between the first bus 10 and the second bus 20. Another insulating element 56 is arranged between the third bus 30 and the fourth bus 40. This other insulating element 56 is, for example, an injection-molded part. A receiving portion facing the insulating element 51 is constructed in the other insulating element 56. The receiving portion is constructed as a groove into which the insulating element 51 extends. Thus, the insulating element 51 and the other insulating element 56 are in direct contact. The insulating element 51 and the other insulating element 56 together form a continuous insulating portion.

[0034] As in Figure 4 As shown, the first contact area 15 is also bendable at the first edge 14 toward the first outer surface 12, and the second contact area 25 is bendable at the second edge 24 toward the second inner surface 23. The first contact area 15 and the second contact area 25 point in the same direction. The first contact area 15 extends away from the third conductive area 31, while the second contact area 25 also extends away from the fourth conductive area 41. The first contact area 15 and the third contact area 35 touch each other from the same direction. The second contact area 25 and the fourth contact area 45 also touch each other from the same direction.

[0035] Of course, other embodiments and combinations thereof shown are also possible.

Claims

1. A connection device (1) particularly for use in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, comprising a first electrical and / or electronic component (2) having at least one first bus (10) and at least one second bus (20), wherein the first bus (10) includes at least one first conductive region (11) having a first outer side (12) and a first inner side (13) and at least one first contact region (15) bent from the first conductive region (11) at a first edge (14), and wherein the second bus (20) includes at least one second conductive region (21) having a second outer side (22) and a second inner side (23) and at least one second contact region (25) bent from the second conductive region (21) at a second edge (24). Furthermore, it includes a second electrical and / or electronic component (3) having at least one third bus (30) and at least one fourth bus (40), wherein the third bus (30) includes at least one third conductive region (31) having a third outer side (32) and a third inner side (33) and a third contact region (35) adjacent to the third conductive region (31), and wherein the fourth bus (40) includes at least one fourth conductive region (41) having a fourth outer side (42) and a fourth inner side (43) and a fourth contact region (45) adjacent to the fourth conductive region (41). The first contact area (15) is electrically connected to the third contact area (35), and the second contact area (25) is electrically connected to the fourth contact area (45). characterized in that The first inner surface (13) is opposite to the second inner surface (23) and the third inner surface (33) is opposite to the fourth inner surface (43), wherein the first contact area (15) extends parallel to the third conductive area (31) and the second contact area (25) extends parallel to the fourth conductive area (41).

2. The connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first contact area (15) is bent at the first edge (14) in the direction of the first outer side (12) or in the direction of the first inner side (13).

3. The connection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second contact area (25) is bent at the second edge (24) in the direction of the second outer side (22) or in the direction of the second inner side (23).

4. The connection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first contact area (15) is arranged perpendicular to the first conductive area (11) at least in the region of the first edge (14), and / or the second contact area (25) is arranged perpendicular to the second conductive area (21) at least in the region of the second edge (25).

5. The connection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first contact area (15) is arranged parallel to the third contact area (35) at least in the area where the first contact area and the third contact area (35) are connected, and / or the second contact area (25) is arranged parallel to the fourth contact area (45) at least in the area where the second contact area and the fourth contact area (45) are connected.

6. The connection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first conductive region (11) is at least partially directly above or at least partially directly below the second conductive region (12), and / or the third conductive region (31) is at least partially above or at least partially directly below the fourth conductive region (41).

7. The connection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first contact area (15) is welded together with the third contact area (35) and / or the second contact area (25) is welded together with the fourth contact area (45).

8. The connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An insulating element (51) is arranged between the first conductive region (11) and the second conductive region (21), and / or another insulating element (56) is arranged between the third conductive region (31) and the fourth conductive region (41).

9. The connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An insulating element (51) is arranged between the first conductive region (11) and the second conductive region (21), and / or another insulating element (56) is arranged between the third conductive region (31) and the fourth conductive region (41), wherein the insulating element (51) is in contact with the other insulating element (56) particularly in the region where the first contact region (15) and the third contact region (35) are connected.

10. The connecting device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The other insulating element (56) has a receiving portion (57), in particular a groove, pointing toward the insulating element (51), into which the insulating element (51) extends.

Images