VERSATILE INTERMEDIATE CIRCUIT CAPER

Abstract

A DC link capacitor (1) for a power electronics circuit, for example in the automotive sector, has a first pair of contacts (11) and a second pair of contacts (12). To adapt the DC link capacitor (1) to a specific installation situation, either the first pair (11) or the second pair (12) of contacts can be used as input contacts.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an intermediate circuit capacitor for power electronics, for example in the automotive sector.

[0002] In the automotive sector, power electronics circuits are of central importance, for example, for controlling an electric traction motor. Such power electronics circuits often contain DC link capacitors. Depending on the specific design of the power electronics circuit, different installation situations can arise for the DC link capacitor. This brings with it the problem that the input contacts on the DC link capacitor must be positioned in such a way that they can be correctly connected to the corresponding connection contacts in the installation environment.

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide an intermediate circuit capacitor in which this problem is eliminated or at least mitigated.

[0004] This object is achieved by an intermediate circuit capacitor according to claim 1. The subclaims relate to advantageous embodiments.

[0005] The intermediate circuit capacitor according to the invention has a first pair of contacts at a first position on the intermediate circuit capacitor and a second pair of contacts at a second position on the intermediate circuit capacitor. The second position is different from the first position. According to the invention, the intermediate circuit capacitor is configured such that both the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts can be used as input contacts of the intermediate circuit capacitor.

[0006] This means that in a first given installation situation, the DC link capacitor can be used such that the first pair of contacts serves as input contacts. In a second given installation situation, the DC link capacitor can be used such that the second pair of contacts serves as input contacts. Thus, it is not necessary to use differently configured DC link capacitors for the two different installation situations. The DC link capacitor according to the invention can be used in both installation situations, thus making it versatile.

[0007] In one embodiment, the intermediate circuit capacitor is configured such that the pair of contacts not intended to be used as input contacts can be used as connection contacts for another electrical or electronic component. In this embodiment, no pair of contacts is unused; nevertheless, the variable usability of the intermediate circuit capacitor remains. The other electrical or electronic component can be a DC-DC converter.

[0008] The invention and its advantages are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached schematic drawings. Fig. 1 shows an intermediate circuit capacitor according to the invention in different orientations. Fig. 2 illustrates a basic configuration of an intermediate circuit capacitor according to the invention. Fig. 3 illustrates a basic configuration of an intermediate circuit capacitor according to the invention.

[0009] The figures show only embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention to the embodiments shown.

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 shows an inventive intermediate circuit capacitor 1 in two different orientations, which are separated by a rotation 100. In addition to a series of terminals 30 shown here as an example, the intermediate circuit capacitor 1 has a first pair of contacts 11 and a second pair of contacts 12. Each pair of contacts 11, 12 is shown here only as one input, but each includes a positive contact and a negative contact.

[0011] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a basic configuration of an inventive intermediate circuit capacitor 1. The intermediate circuit capacitor 1 contains a capacitance 10, which is electrically connected to both the first pair of contacts 11 and the second pair of contacts 12. The positive contact "+" and the negative contact "-" are also indicated for the pairs of contacts 11 and 12, respectively.

[0012] The first pair of contacts 11 can be used as input contacts of the intermediate circuit capacitor 1 or as connection contacts for another electrical or electronic component, such as a DC-DC converter (e.g., from 800 V to 12 V). Likewise, the second pair of contacts 12 can be used as input contacts of the intermediate circuit capacitor 1 or as connection contacts for another electrical or electronic component, such as a DC-DC converter (e.g., from 800 V to 12 V).

[0013] Fig. 3 illustrates a further basic configuration of an intermediate circuit capacitor 1 according to the invention, which is a variant of the Fig. 2 shown configuration. The explanations for the Fig. 2 also apply to the configuration shown in Fig. 3 shown configuration. List of reference symbols: 1 intermediate circuit capacitor 10 capacity 11 first pair of contacts 12 second pair of contacts 30 connections 100 turns

Claims

[1] DC link capacitor (1) with a first pair of contacts (11) at a first position on the intermediate circuit capacitor (1) and a second pair of contacts (12) at a second position on the intermediate circuit capacitor (1); characterized by , that the intermediate circuit capacitor (1) is configured such that both the first pair of contacts (11) and the second pair of contacts (12) can be used as input contacts of the intermediate circuit capacitor (1). [2] The intermediate circuit capacitor (1) according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate circuit capacitor (1) is configured such that the pair of contacts (11, 12) not intended for use as input contacts can be used as connection contacts for a further electrical or electronic component. [3] The intermediate circuit capacitor (1) according to claim 2, wherein the further electrical or electronic component is a DC-DC converter.

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