An electrical connection frame, IGBT module and connection assembly

By manufacturing the snap-fit ​​structure as an independent connecting component, designing it separately from the main frame and casting it, the problems of mold complexity and insufficient material strength are solved, thereby reducing costs and improving product flexibility.

CN224401783UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-23SHANGHAI VICO PRECISION MOLD & PLASTICS

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SHANGHAI VICO PRECISION MOLD & PLASTICS
Filing Date
2025-04-23
Publication Date
2026-06-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing electrical connection frame uses a snap-fit ​​structure that is integrally molded with the frame body, resulting in complex molds, high costs, and insufficient material mechanical strength, making it prone to wear and affecting the stability and safety of the equipment.

Method used

The snap-fit ​​structure is manufactured as a separate connecting component, designed separately from the main frame. It is made of high-strength material and is cast integrally with the main frame through the connecting component, which simplifies the mold design and improves the mechanical strength.

Benefits of technology

It reduces mold design and manufacturing costs, improves product flexibility and adaptability, enhances mechanical strength and wear resistance, and shortens product iteration cycles.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrical connection frame, an IGBT module and a connection assembly, comprising: at least one connection assembly, comprising a connecting piece for positioning connection with a mold and located in a mold cavity, and a positioning piece integrally connected with the connecting piece; a frame body integrally connected with the connection assembly by being injection molded in the mold cavity; and a back plate in clamped cooperation with the positioning piece, so as to be installed to the frame body after being molded through the connection assembly. By separating the buckle structure from the frame body and manufacturing it separately, the design and manufacturing process of the frame mold can be greatly simplified. Only a proper connecting position for the buckle needs to be reserved in the mold, which significantly reduces the complexity and manufacturing cost of the mold.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of semiconductor technology, and in particular to an electrical connection frame, an IGBT module, and a connection component. Background Technology

[0002] In the design and manufacture of modern electrical equipment, the electrical connection frame is a key component, and its main function is to provide stable mechanical support and reliable electrical connection.

[0003] In related technologies, the snap-fit ​​structure is directly designed into a one-piece mold of the connecting frame. This method requires the mold to have a complex structure to form the snap-fit ​​details. If the position or size of the snap-fit ​​needs to be adjusted, the entire mold must be redesigned and manufactured, which not only increases costs but also extends the product development cycle. Because the snap-fit ​​structure and the main body of the electrical connection frame are cast in one piece, and the materials commonly used to manufacture the electrical connection frame in related technologies, such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) and PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), although possessing certain heat resistance and chemical stability, have relatively low mechanical strength. Therefore, after prolonged vibration testing or other forms of mechanical stress, the snap-fit ​​structure is prone to wear, leading to the failure of the fixing cover. This situation not only increases maintenance costs but may also threaten the safe operation of the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an electrical connection frame, an IGBT module, and a connection component to solve the problems in the related art.

[0005] The first aspect of this disclosure provides an electrical connection frame, comprising:

[0006] At least one connecting component includes a connector for positioning and connecting with the mold and located in the mold cavity, and a positioning component integrally connected with the connector;

[0007] The main frame is cast in the mold cavity to be integrally connected with the connecting components;

[0008] The back panel engages with the positioning element to be installed onto the formed frame body via the connecting assembly.

[0009] In a first aspect embodiment, the back plate is provided with a snap-fit ​​slot; the connector includes:

[0010] A first connecting part, one end of which is connected to the positioning member;

[0011] A first snap-fit ​​portion is provided at the other end of the first connecting portion and points towards the bayonet slot, so that after passing through the bayonet slot, it is snapped up onto the back side edge of the bayonet slot.

[0012] In a first aspect embodiment, the first latching portion is provided with a first guide surface that guides the first latching portion to slide into the bayonet; the first guide surface has a shape with a gradually decreasing cross-section in the direction approaching the inner end of the first latching portion in the bayonet.

[0013] In a first aspect embodiment, a movable gap is formed between the positioning member and the connecting member, allowing the first snap-fit ​​portion to elastically deform and move closer to the connecting member. The movable gap is located on the side of the first connecting portion opposite to the first guide surface.

[0014] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the connector is provided with a flow channel for allowing material from the frame body to flow in during casting to integrally connect with the frame body.

[0015] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the connecting component is disposed between the upper mold and the lower mold of the frame body to form the connecting member, and is integrally connected with the frame body after casting.

[0016] In a first aspect embodiment, the frame body is provided with a connecting portion that is coupled to the connecting component.

[0017] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the connecting portion is provided with a first positioning portion; the positioning member is provided with a second positioning portion that positions and cooperates with the first positioning portion; and / or, the connecting portion is an opening; and / or, the hole wall of the connecting portion gradually converges along the engagement direction with the connecting assembly.

[0018] A second aspect of this disclosure provides an IGBT module, which includes the electrical connection frame described in any one of the preceding claims.

[0019] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a connection component, comprising:

[0020] Connecting parts, for positioning and connection with the mold and located in the mold cavity; and

[0021] A positioning component is integrally connected to the connecting component; wherein the connecting component is integrally connected with the component cast into the mold cavity.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are as follows: By separating the snap-fit ​​structure from the main frame and manufacturing it separately, the design and manufacturing process of the frame mold can be greatly simplified. Only appropriate connection positions for the snap-fit ​​need to be reserved in the mold, significantly reducing mold complexity and manufacturing costs. After the snap-fit ​​structure is manufactured independently, different types of snap-fits can be easily replaced or their positions and dimensions adjusted according to actual needs, without redesigning and manufacturing the entire frame mold. This greatly improves product flexibility and adaptability, and shortens product iteration cycles. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 A first-angle structural schematic diagram of an electrical connection frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 2 This illustration shows a second-angle structural diagram of an electrical connection frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3 This illustration shows a structural diagram of an electrical connection frame in one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a connecting component is disposed between the upper and lower molds.

[0026] Figures 4 to 6 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a connecting component at different angles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this disclosure from the information disclosed herein. This disclosure can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this disclosure can be modified or changed according to different viewpoints and application modules without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0028] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can readily implement it. This disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0029] In this disclosure, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic represented in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics represented may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or a group of embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples represented in this disclosure, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the representation of this disclosure, "a set" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] For the purpose of clarity, devices unrelated to the description are omitted, and the same or similar components throughout the specification are given the same reference numerals.

[0032] Throughout this specification, when it is said that a device is "connected" to another device, this includes not only "direct connection" but also "indirect connection" by placing other components in between. Furthermore, when it is said that a device "comprises" a certain constituent element, unless otherwise stated otherwise, this does not exclude other constituent elements, but rather implies that other constituent elements may be included.

[0033] While the terms first, second, etc., are used in some examples herein to refer to various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, first interface and second interface, etc., are used. Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, modules, items, kinds, and / or groups, but do not exclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, modules, items, kinds, and / or groups. The terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein are interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination thereof. Thus, “A, B, or C” or “A, B, and / or C” means “any one of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C.” Exceptions to this definition will only occur if the combination of elements, functions, steps, or operations is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0034] The technical terms used herein are for reference only to specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The singular form used herein includes the plural form unless the statement explicitly indicates otherwise. The word "comprising" as used in this specification means to specify a particular characteristic, region, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, and does not exclude the presence or addition of other characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0035] Although not explicitly defined, all terms, including technical and scientific terms used herein, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be further interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the relevant technical literature and the message of the present disclosure, and shall not be over-interpreted as having an ideal or overly formulaic meaning unless otherwise defined.

[0036] In related technologies, because the snap-fit ​​structure is directly embedded in the frame body, the mold needs to simultaneously meet the molding requirements of both the frame body and the snap-fit, resulting in an extremely complex mold structure. When the position or size of the snap-fit ​​needs to be optimized, the entire mold must be redesigned and manufactured, which is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also increases production costs. Since the snap-fit ​​structure and the frame body are cast together in related technologies, commonly used one-piece injection molding materials such as PPS and PBT plastics, while meeting certain heat resistance and chemical stability requirements, have relatively low mechanical strength. Although these materials meet the requirements of the frame body, snap-fits made from them are prone to wear or breakage during long-term use, especially after experiencing vibration or other mechanical stresses, affecting assembly stability and overall durability.

[0037] To address the aforementioned issues, one embodiment of this disclosure provides an electrical connection frame. By pre-fabricating the connection components, suitable materials can be selected to manufacture the components according to actual needs, avoiding the limitations imposed by the limited availability of materials in traditional methods. For example, higher-strength alloys or composite materials can be used to manufacture the connection components, thereby improving the overall mechanical strength and wear resistance of the frame. Furthermore, by designing the positioning components separately from the frame body and integrally connecting them during the frame body casting process, mold design is greatly simplified, the difficulty of adjusting the position or size of the clips is reduced, and the product's flexibility and adaptability are improved.

[0038] Please refer to this as well. Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment, the electrical connection frame includes at least one connection component 100, a frame body 200, and a back plate 300.

[0039] In some embodiments, since the connecting component 100 is prefabricated and then cast integrally with the frame body 200, the connecting component 100 is first manufactured according to the connection requirements. Figure 4 In this embodiment, the connecting assembly 100 includes a connector 110 for positioning and connecting with the mold and located in the mold cavity, and a positioning member 120 integrally connected to the connector. The connector 110 can have different shapes and sizes. For example, in some applications requiring high precision, the connector 110 may need to have a more complex geometry to ensure optimal positioning. Furthermore, to enhance connection strength, the connector 110 can be made of high-strength materials, such as steel or aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the positioning member 120 can employ a concave-convex structure to improve the secure engagement. The positioning member 120 can have a certain elastic deformation capability, for example, it can be made of a flexible metal of a certain thickness.

[0040] The frame body 200 is cast in the mold cavity to be integrally connected with the connecting assembly 100.

[0041] The back plate 300 is engaged with the positioning member 120 to be installed onto the formed frame body 200 via the connecting assembly 100.

[0042] Specifically, in the actual assembly process, the connecting component 100 is first placed in the mold and precisely positioned by the connector 110. Then, molten frame material is injected to integrate it with the connecting component 100. After the frame body 200 cools and solidifies, the back plate 300 can be snapped into place with the positioning component 120 to complete the assembly of the entire electrical connection frame.

[0043] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 3 In this embodiment, the connecting component 100 is disposed between the upper mold 201 and the lower mold 202 of the frame body 200, allowing the connecting component 100 to be accurately positioned when the mold is closed and fixed by the mold structure. By placing the connecting component 100 between the upper and lower molds 202, it is ensured that it will not shift or deviate during the casting process, thereby guaranteeing that it will be integrally connected with the frame body 200 after casting. The positioning member 120 extends into the internal region of the frame body 200 and connects with the connecting member 110. Figure 1 It has already been cast and molded. Figure 3 The upper mold 201 and lower mold 202 shown are only partial molds for illustrative purposes. These are not included after the IGBT module has been cast. Figure 3 The upper mold 201 and the lower mold 202.

[0044] Optionally, the back plate 300 is provided with a latch for snapping. Figure 4In this embodiment, the positioning member 120 includes a first connecting portion 122 and a first locking portion 121. To facilitate the smooth passage of the first locking portion 121 and achieve a snap-locking mechanism, the opening is typically designed as a rectangular or elliptical shape. This shape provides sufficient space for the first locking portion 121 to pass through while ensuring that the first locking portion 121 is not easily loosened after locking. In some embodiments, to reduce resistance during insertion and prevent damage to the first locking portion 121 during insertion, the edges of the opening are typically treated with guide bevels or rounded corners. This not only helps guide the first locking portion 121 accurately into the opening but also avoids material wear caused by sharp edges.

[0045] exist Figure 3 In this embodiment, one end of the first connecting portion 122 is connected to the connector 110. The first snap-fit ​​portion 121 is provided at the other end of the first connecting portion 122 and points towards the bayonet, so that after passing through the bayonet, it is snapped up against the back edge of the bayonet.

[0046] Specifically, the first latching portion 121 is typically made of a material with a certain degree of elasticity, such as engineering plastics or metal spring sheets. This elastic design allows the first latching portion 121 to deform appropriately when passing through the bayonet, and quickly return to its original shape after passing through, achieving a reverse locking. In some embodiments, the first latching portion 121 can be implemented as a claw. The end of the claw is designed with a hook-shaped structure. When the claw passes through the bayonet, the hook-shaped part automatically snaps back onto the side edge of the back of the bayonet, forming a secure mechanical lock.

[0047] The specific locking steps are as follows: During assembly, firstly, align the first locking part 121 with the bayonet opening and apply appropriate pressure to allow it to pass through. Because the first locking part 121 has a certain degree of elasticity, it will deform slightly during the insertion process. Simultaneously, the guide bevel or rounded corner design of the bayonet opening also helps reduce insertion resistance. Once the first locking part 121 has completely passed through the bayonet opening, it will return to its original shape due to its own elasticity and snap onto the back edge of the bayonet opening, forming a secure mechanical lock. At this point, the hook-shaped end of the first locking part 121 tightly engages with the back of the bayonet opening.

[0048] Optionally, in Figure 4 In this embodiment, the first latching portion 121 is provided with a first guiding surface to guide the first latching portion 121 into the bayonet slot, so that the first latching portion 121 can be naturally guided when inserted into the bayonet slot, reducing insertion resistance. The first guiding surface has a gradually decreasing cross-section shape in the direction approaching the inner end of the first latching portion 121 in the bayonet slot. The first guiding surface adopts a beveled or arcuate design. For example, in one embodiment, the first guiding surface may be a smooth inclined plane, or in another embodiment, it may be a slightly curved arcuate surface, depending on the actual application requirements and material properties.

[0049] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 4 In this embodiment, a movable gap is formed between the positioning member 120 and the connecting member 110, allowing the first snap-fit ​​portion 121 to elastically deform and move closer to the connecting member 110. The movable gap is located on the side of the first connecting portion 122 opposite to the first guide surface.

[0050] Specifically, the shape and size of the movable gap need to be designed according to the specific structure and material properties of the first latching part 121. In some embodiments, the movable gap is a narrow slot or hole shape to provide sufficient space for the first latching part 121 to elastically deform. When no external force is applied, the first latching part 121 is in its natural state, maintaining a certain distance from the connector 110. The movable gap provides sufficient deformation space for the first latching part 121, ensuring it can move freely during insertion. When the first latching part 121 begins to be inserted into the bayonet, due to the pressure of the bayonet edge on the front end of the first latching part 121, the first latching part 121 will elastically deform towards the connector 110. At this time, the movable gap allows the first latching part 121 sufficient space to contract, avoiding damage or jamming due to excessive compression. After the first latching part 121 has completely passed through the bayonet, it will quickly unfold under the action of elastic restoring force and snap against the back edge of the bayonet, forming a mechanical lock. The movement gap provides the necessary deformation space for the first locking part 121, ensuring that it can stably maintain the locked state.

[0051] Optionally, please refer to the following as well. Figures 4 to 6 In this embodiment, the connector 110 is provided with a flow channel 130 for allowing the material forming the frame body 200 to flow in during casting to integrally connect with the frame body 200. During the casting process, the flow channel 130 guides the material of the frame body 200 smoothly into the area surrounding the connector 110, ensuring that the material of the frame body 200 is fully filled and tightly bonded to the connector 110, thereby achieving a strong integrated connection between the two. The shape and size of the flow channel 130 need to be optimized according to actual requirements. Common shapes include straight lines, curved lines, or mesh structures, the purpose of which is to maximize material flow while ensuring that structural strength is not affected.

[0052] Optionally, the frame body 200 is provided with a connecting portion that engages with the connecting assembly 100; in actual use, the specific shape of the connecting portion can be adjusted according to actual needs, for example, it can be a groove, a hole, or other geometric shapes. The connecting portion is provided with a first positioning portion; the first positioning portion can be one or more structures of a specific shape, such as a protrusion, a groove, or a hole, for alignment with the corresponding component in the connecting assembly 100. Optionally, the connecting portion is an opening.

[0053] The positioning member 120 is provided with a second positioning part 140 that positions and cooperates with the first positioning part. The shape and size of the second positioning part 140 must match the first positioning part to ensure precise mechanical positioning between them. For example, if the first positioning part is a circular hole, the second positioning part 140 may be a cylindrical protrusion, and the two are tightly joined to achieve positioning. At the same time, the combination of the first positioning part and the second positioning part 140 can also restrict the connecting assembly 100.

[0054] Optionally, the hole wall of the connecting portion gradually converges along the bonding direction with the connecting assembly 100. This gradually converging hole wall design allows the frame body 200 material to more tightly wrap around the connecting assembly 100 during casting, thereby enhancing the bonding strength. It also effectively prevents the connecting assembly 100 from loosening or detaching during the bonding process.

[0055] refer to Figures 4 to 6 The embodiment shows the complete structure of the connection component 100 separately.

[0056] exist Figure 6 The connector 110 and the positioning member 120 are shown in the figure.

[0057] The connector 110 is positioned and connected to the mold and is located in the mold cavity. The positioning member 120 is integrally connected to the connecting part. The connecting assembly 100 is integrally connected to a component (such as the frame body 200) cast into the mold cavity.

[0058] Specifically, during the casting process, the molten frame body 200 material is injected into the mold cavity. At this time, the connecting component 100 is positioned in a predetermined location within the mold cavity via the connector 110. The frame body 200 material flows around the connector 110 and fills the gaps around the connector 110. Due to the tight fit between the connector 110 and the mold cavity, the material is ensured to be evenly distributed and fully encapsulate the connecting component 100. As the material gradually cools and solidifies, a strong, integrated connection is formed between the connecting component 100 and the cast frame body 200.

[0059] In another embodiment of this disclosure, an IGBT module is provided, which includes the electrical connection frame described above. An IGBT module is a power semiconductor device widely used in power electronic equipment for efficient and reliable control and conversion of electrical energy. The electrical connection frame is a housing, and the IGBT module includes a circuit module mounted within the electrical connection frame and a cover plate encapsulating the circuit module within the electrical connection frame.

[0060] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this disclosure should still be covered by the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An electrical connection frame, characterized in that, include: At least one connecting component includes a connector for positioning and connecting with the mold and located in the mold cavity, and a positioning component integrally connected with the connector; The main frame is cast in the mold cavity to be integrally connected with the connecting components; The back panel engages with the positioning element to be installed onto the formed frame body via the connecting assembly.

2. The electrical connection frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The back plate is provided with a snap-fit ​​slot; the connector includes: A first connecting part, one end of which is connected to the positioning member; A first snap-fit ​​portion is provided at the other end of the first connecting portion and points towards the bayonet slot, so that after passing through the bayonet slot, it is snapped up onto the back side edge of the bayonet slot.

3. The electrical connection frame according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first latching portion is provided with a first guide surface to guide the first latching portion into the bayonet; the first guide surface has a shape with a gradually decreasing cross-section in the direction close to the inner end of the first latching portion in the bayonet.

4. The electrical connection frame according to claim 3, characterized in that, A movable gap is formed between the positioning member and the connecting member, allowing the first snap-fit ​​portion to elastically deform and move closer to the connecting member. The movable gap is located on the side of the first connecting portion opposite to the first guide surface.

5. The electrical connection frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector is provided with a flow channel for the material of the frame body to flow in during casting and molding so as to be integrally connected with the frame body.

6. The electrical connection frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting component is disposed between the upper and lower molds of the frame body to form the connecting piece, and is integrally connected with the frame body after casting.

7. The electrical connection frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main frame body is provided with a connecting part that is connected to the connecting component.

8. The electrical connection frame according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connecting portion is provided with a first positioning portion; the positioning member is provided with a second positioning portion that positions and cooperates with the first positioning portion; and / or, the connecting portion is an opening; and / or, the hole wall of the connecting portion gradually converges along the engagement direction with the connecting assembly.

9. An IGBT module, characterized in that, Includes the electrical connection frame as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A connecting component, characterized in that, include: Connecting component, for positioning and connection with the mold and located in the mold cavity; as well as A positioning component is integrally connected to the connecting component; wherein the connecting component is integrally connected with the component cast into the mold cavity.