Assembled structure with a shunt resistor

Abstract

Assembled structure with a shunt resistor (A,B,C), wherein the assembled structure comprises a first wiring element (71), a second wiring element (81) and the shunt resistor (A,B,C), wherein the first wiring element (71) and the second wiring element (81) form a current path and the shunt resistor (A,B,C) is suitable to short-circuit the first wiring element (71) and the second wiring element (81), wherein the shunt resistor (A,B,C) has a first terminal (1) and a second terminal (3), wherein the first terminal (1) and the second terminal (3) are each made of a conductive metallic material and have a first plane (11a,13a), a second plane (11b,13b) and an outer circumference (11c,13c) as side surfaces, wherein the first wiring element (71) is connected to the second level (11b) of the first terminal (1), wherein the second wiring element (81) is connected to the second level (13b) of the second terminal (3), wherein the first planes (11a, 13a) of the first terminal (1) and the second terminal (3) are opposite each other and a resistive element (5) is connected to the first planes (11a, 13a) to connect the first terminal (1) and the second terminal (3), wherein a connecting area between the resistive element (5) and each first plane (11a, 13a) is smaller than the area of ​​the first plane (11a, 13a), wherein the resistive element (5) comprises a plurality of resistive elements (5) arranged parallel between the first terminal (1) and the second terminal (3), wherein the first terminal (1) and the second terminal (3) each form a hole section (1a,3a) therein, which penetrates from the first level (11a,13a) to the second level (11b,13b), and the resistance elements (5) are arranged around the hole sections (1a,3a), and wherein the shunt resistor (A,B,C) also has a fastening element (101,87) that penetrates the hole sections (1a,3a) to fix the first terminal (1) and the second terminal (3).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounted structure with a shunt resistor. Current state of the art

[0002] A shunt resistor is used to detect current flowing through a semiconductor power module mounted on, for example, an electric vehicle.

[0003] The following documents are known as earlier documents on a shunt resistor used for such a purpose.

[0004] The following Patent Literature 1 discloses a structure in which an electrode portion of a shunt resistor is formed in the shape of a screw and inserted through a hole of a bus bar (ie, a power terminal) so that it can be fixed with a nut.

[0005] The following Patent Literature 2 discloses a structure in which a disk-shaped shunt resistor is adapted so that a battery terminal can be inserted therethrough and thus fixed therein. Literature listPatent literature Patent literature 1: JP 2012 - 109 474 A Patent literature 2: JP 2008 - 047 571 A

[0006] Published patent application WO 97 / 02494 A1 discloses a shunt resistor with two terminals and a resistance element connecting the terminals. The terminals and the resistance element each have a hole portion, with the hole portions being aligned with each other. A wire with two sensor terminals is inserted through the hole portions. Patent application US 2 708 701 A discloses a shunt resistor with two terminals and a plurality of resistance elements connected to the terminals by a press fit. Published application JP 2008-047571 A discloses an assembled structure with a wiring element and two shunt resistors. Summary of the inventionTechnical problem

[0007] The shunt resistor described in the above Patent Literature 1 has a problem that the processes of machining the electrode portion and its fixing are complex.

[0008] The shunt resistor described in the above Patent Literature 2 has the problem that the resistance value of the resistance element is difficult to control.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a shunt resistor that is easy to mount and enables high-accuracy current measurement without requiring excessive mounting space, and a mounted structure of the shunt resistor. Solution to the problem

[0010] According to the present invention, an assembled structure comprising the features of claim 1 and a shunt resistor having a first terminal and a second terminal is provided, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are each made of a conductive metallic material and have a first plane, a second plane, and an outer periphery as side surfaces. The first planes of the first terminal and the second terminal are opposed to each other, and a resistance element is connected to the first planes to connect the first terminal and the second terminal. The connection area between the resistance element and each first plane is smaller than the area of ​​the first plane. The first terminal and the second terminal each have a hole portion formed therein penetrating from the first plane to the second plane.

[0011] Since the resistance element is arranged in a space between the first terminal and the second terminal, which are opposite to each other, the space efficiency is high.

[0012] According to the invention, the resistance element includes a plurality of resistance elements, and the resistance elements are arranged in parallel between the first terminal and the second terminal. At least one of the first terminal and the second terminal has a through-hole formed therein, the through-hole being adapted to allow the resistance element to be inserted therethrough or into it. According to the invention, the plurality of resistance elements are arranged around the hole portion.

[0013] According to the present invention, the assembled structure includes a first wiring element, a second wiring element, and the shunt resistor. The first wiring element and the second wiring element form a current path, and the shunt resistor is adapted to short-circuit the first wiring element and the second wiring element. The first wiring element is connected to the second level of the first terminal, and the second wiring element is connected to the second level of the second terminal.

[0014] According to the invention, the shunt resistor further includes a fastening element which is suitable for penetrating through the hole sections and for fixing the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0015] The assembled structure of the shunt resistor preferably further includes an insulator capable of electrically isolating the fixing member from the first wiring member and the first terminal or the fixing member from the second wiring member and the second terminal. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the process of mounting a shunt resistor and a shunt resistor mounting structure can be simplified. Furthermore, the current can be detected with high accuracy without requiring excessive mounting space. Short description of the characters Fig. 1A is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary configuration of a shunt resistor according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1B is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exemplary configuration of the shunt resistor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exemplary configuration of a shunt resistor according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary configuration of a shunt resistor according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4A is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary configuration of a shunt resistor according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4B is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exemplary configuration of the shunt resistor according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5A is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary configuration of a shunt resistor according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5B is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exemplary configuration of the shunt resistor according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6A is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exemplary assembled structure of the shunt resistor described in each of the above embodiments. Fig. 6B is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary assembled structure of the shunt resistor described in each of the above embodiments. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a fixture. Description of the embodiments

[0017] In the following, a shunt resistor and an assembled structure of the shunt resistor according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the figures. (First embodiment)

[0018] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0019] Fig. 1A is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary configuration of a shunt resistor according to this embodiment. Fig. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the same.

[0020] A shunt resistor A according to this embodiment includes a first terminal (or electrode) 1 made of a conductive metallic material such as Cu, and having a first plane 11a, a second plane 11b on the back side of the first plane 11a, and an outer periphery (or side surfaces) 11c thereof; and a second terminal (or electrode) 3 made of a conductive metallic material such as Cu, and including a first plane 13a, a second plane 13b, and an outer periphery (or side surfaces) 13c thereof.

[0021] Furthermore, the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3 have hole portions 1a, 3a formed therein, which penetrate from the first planes 11a and 13a, respectively, to the second planes 11b and 13b, respectively.

[0022] The first plane 11a of the first terminal 1 and the first plane 13a of the second terminal 3 are opposite each other, and a plurality of resistance elements 5 connecting the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3 are provided in parallel on the respective first planes 11a, 13a. For example, a metallic Cu-Ni, Cu-Mn, or Ni-Cr material can be used as the material of the resistance elements 5. An upper surface 5a and a lower surface 5b of each resistance element 5 are connected to the first planes 11a and 13a, respectively.

[0023] The connection area between each of the upper surface 5a and the lower surface 5b of the resistance element 5 and the first plane 11a or 13a is smaller than the area of ​​the first plane 11a or 13a. That is, in the example of Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, the plurality of resistance elements 5 are firmly connected to the first planes 11a, 11b at abutment areas 11d, 11d..., 13d, 13d... between the first planes 11a, 11b and the resistance elements 5, e.g., by welding. Soldering and the like can also be used for fixing. In this embodiment, the plurality of resistance elements 5 are arranged concentrically around the hole portions 1a and 3a formed in the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3, respectively, for example, at equal intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0024] A method for assembling the shunt resistor A will be briefly described. First, the first terminal 1, the second terminal 3, and the resistance elements (e.g., cylindrical resistance elements) 5 are prepared, and then the resistance elements 5 are arranged between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3 so as to be connected thereto, for example, by welding. Accordingly, a structure can be obtained in which the respective first planes 11a, 13a of the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3 are arranged opposite each other, and the first planes 11a, 13a are connected by the resistance elements 5.

[0025] The resistance value of the shunt resistor A can be adjusted by adjusting the number of resistance elements 5, their thickness, the distance between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3, and the like.

[0026] Each of the second planes 11b, 13b on the outside of the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3 can be connected to a wiring element, such as a busbar. Therefore, the second planes 11b, 13b can provide the contact surfaces necessary to allow a large amount of current to flow through them.

[0027] Meanwhile, if each resistance element 5 is formed, for example, in a columnar shape and is connected to the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3 by an area smaller than the area of ​​each of the first planes 11a, 13a, the resistance value of the shunt resistor will not be too low, thus simplifying the resistance design. Furthermore, a reduction in the height of the shunt resistor can also be achieved.

[0028] It should be noted that the concentric arrangement of the plurality of resistance elements around the hole portions 1a, 3a formed in the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3, respectively, can obtain a structure in which the entire shunt resistance A is mechanically stable and the sampling accuracy is stable even with respect to frequency changes.

[0029] It should be noted that the shapes of the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3 can be not only rectangles, but also other polygons such as triangles, or even circular. Furthermore, the shapes of the hole portions 1a, 3a can be not only circular, but also polygonal, such as rectangles. The same applies to the other embodiments. (Second embodiment)

[0030] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a shunt resistor according to Fig. 1B.

[0031] In a Fig. In the shunt resistor B shown in Figure 2, recesses 17 are formed in advance in portions of at least one of the first planes 11a or 13a, the portions being adapted to abut the resistance elements 5. The recesses 17 allow the resistance elements 5 to be positioned for fixation. Furthermore, the resistance elements 5 can be more securely fastened. The fixation between the resistance elements 5 and the first and second terminals can be achieved by either press-fitting or welding.

[0032] The resistance value of the shunt resistor B can also be adjusted by adjusting the number of resistance elements 5, their thickness, the distance between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3, the distance taking into account the depths of the recesses, and the like.

[0033] It should be noted that the recesses 17 may be formed in both the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3, or only in one of them, the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3. When the recesses 17 are formed in both the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3, the recesses may be formed in the same opposing positions or in different opposing positions.

[0034] The recesses can be of any shape as long as they allow the resistance elements 5 to be positioned therein. For example, the recesses can be annular fixation structures that protrude from the first plane 11a or 13a and are adapted to grip the resistance elements from their outer sides. (Third embodiment)

[0035] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a shunt resistor according to Fig. 1A.

[0036] In a Fig. In the shunt resistor C shown in Figure 3, through-holes 21 are formed in the first terminal 1, into / through which the resistance elements 5 are inserted. With the through-holes 21 formed, the end faces 5a of the resistance elements 5 are exposed on the second plane 11b. The resistance elements 5 and the first terminal 1 can be welded together by laser or electron irradiation on the exposed surfaces 5a.

[0037] The resistance value of the shunt resistor C can be adjusted by adjusting the number of resistance elements 5, their thickness, the distance between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3, and the like.

[0038] It should be noted that the resistance elements 5 may be inserted into / through both the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3, or only into / through one of the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3. Only one of the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3 may have through-holes formed therein, and the other may have the recesses of the second embodiment. Alternatively, through-holes may be provided alternately, such that on the first terminal 1 side, a through-hole for a first resistance element is formed, and on the second terminal 3 side, a through-hole for a second resistance element is formed adjacent to the first resistance element.

[0039] Such a configuration allows easy and accurate positioning of the resistance elements and increases the strength of the fixation structure. (Fourth embodiment)

[0040] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of a shunt resistor according to the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B.

[0041] In one in the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, a resistance element 35 has a cylindrical shape with a through-hole 36. The respective hole portions 1a, 3a of the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3 form a hole portion (ie through-hole) 36 which is inserted into the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B penetrates the shunt resistor D in its upward and downward direction.

[0042] It should be noted that in the cylindrical resistance element 35, as in Fig. 4B, a stop portion 41 of the first plane 13a of the second terminal 3 is connected to a lower end surface 35b of the resistive element 35 by a smaller area than that of the second terminal 3. The same applies to a stop portion of the first terminal 1 and an upper end surface 35a of the resistive element 35. The through-hole 36 is arranged concentrically along the hole portion 3a, and preferably, the stop portion 41 is located between the resistive element 35 and the first plane 13a on the outside of the hole portion 3a. Thus, the resistive element 35 does not block the hole portion 3a.

[0043] This prevents the resistance of the shunt resistor from becoming too low, making it easier to design the resistance. Furthermore, the shunt resistor can also be reduced.

[0044] The resistance value of the shunt resistor D can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness and diameter of the resistance element 35, the distance between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3, and the like.

[0045] In addition, since this embodiment uses a cylindrical resistance element that can be formed with a simple structure, the production steps can be simplified, which is advantageous.

[0046] It should be noted that the shape of the resistance element 35 may also be a hollow rectangular prism shape and the like other than the cylindrical shape. (Fifth embodiment)

[0047] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of a shunt resistor E according to the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B.

[0048] This embodiment illustrates an example of a resistance element formed in a plate shape shown in the Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the resistor element 45a includes a first plate-shaped resistance element 45a formed along one side of the first terminal 1 and a second plate-shaped resistance element 45b formed, for example, parallel to the first plate-shaped resistance element 45a. Such resistance elements 45a, 45b are provided with connection areas 47a, 47b, 51a, 51b at positions on the outside of the respective hole portions 1a, 3a of the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3.

[0049] The resistance value of the shunt resistor E can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness and width of each resistance element 45, the distance between the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3, and the like.

[0050] Since this embodiment uses plate-shaped resistance elements that can be formed with simple structures, the production steps can be simplified, which is advantageous. (Sixth embodiment)

[0051] Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are an exploded perspective view and a perspective view illustrating an exemplary assembled structure of one of the shunt resistors A to E described in the aforementioned embodiments. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of assembly.

[0052] As in the Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 7, the shunt resistor described in each embodiment (a case where the shunt resistor A according to the first embodiment is used will be described as an example) is mounted on a semiconductor power device 85 such as an inverter.

[0053] Voltage sensing terminals 61a, 61b, connected to the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3 of the shunt resistor A, respectively, extend to a current measuring circuit (not shown). Accordingly, the current can be sensed by the shunt resistor.

[0054] Specifically, a terminal 81 of a semiconductor power device having a through-hole 83 therein is formed on the semiconductor power device 85. Subsequently, the hole portion 3a of the shunt resistor A is aligned with the through-hole 83 so that the shunt resistor A is disposed.

[0055] A wiring member 71, such as a bus bar (in which a corresponding through-hole 73 is formed), is arranged on the shunt resistor A.

[0056] The semiconductor power device 85 is provided with a screw 101, which is an example of a fastening member, and a nut 87 for fastening the screw 101.

[0057] Furthermore, an insulating element 91 is provided, which can be inserted from above the wiring element 71 through the through-hole 73. The insulating element 91 has a head portion 93 and a shaft portion 95 continuous therewith.

[0058] The insulating member 91 is an example of an insulator and has a shape that prevents contact between the screw 101, the wiring member 71, the first terminal 1, and the second terminal 3. For example, a head portion 103 and a shank portion 105 of a thread of the screw 101 are configured so that they do not contact the wiring member 71 or the like due to the presence of the flat head portion 93 of the insulating member 91. Moreover, the shank portion 95 of the insulating member has such a cylindrical shape that it can cover the outer periphery of the shank portion 105 of the screw 101. Note that the insulating member 91 does not need to penetrate through the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3, and can be provided only between the screw 101, the wiring member 71, and the first terminal 1.In this case, although contact may occur between the screw 101, the second terminal 3, and the wiring member 71, there is no concern about a short circuit because the screw 101, the wiring member 71, and the first terminal 1 are electrically insulated from each other. Note that the structure of . Fig. 7 is preferred because such a structure can ensure electrical insulation between the screw 101 and the resistance elements 5 and thus prevent current flow between the screw 101 and the resistance elements 5 due to dust and the like.

[0059] In addition, the insulating element 91 is arranged between the nut 87 and the row of through holes H.

[0060] It should be noted that the screw 101 itself may be formed as an insulator, and in this case, an insulating film may be formed on the screw 101.

[0061] Fig. 6B is a view illustrating an example in which the shunt resistor A is fixed to the semiconductor power device 85 with the screw 101.

[0062] In this embodiment, the shunt resistor A is arranged between the wiring element (bus bar) 71 originally attachable thereto and the terminal 81 of the semiconductor power device 85.

[0063] This allows the number of assembly steps to be reduced compared to conventional techniques. Furthermore, the installation space can be reduced.

[0064] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6A, the elements are sequentially arranged from the lowest position in Fig. 6A and are then screwed together so that the assembled structure in Fig. 6B can be obtained.

[0065] It should be noted that the fastening structure does not affect the Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig.7 is limited and the fixation can also be achieved by pressing, for example. Industrial applicability

[0066] The present invention is applicable to shunt resistors. Reference character list A to E shunt resistance 1 First connection 1a Hole section 3 Second connection 3a Hole section 5 resistance element 11a, 13a First Level 11b, 13b Second Level 61a, 61b Voltage sensing terminal 71 Wiring element 85 Semiconductor power device 87 mother 91 Insulating element 101 Screw

Claims

[1] Assembled structure with a shunt resistor (A,B,C), wherein the assembled structure comprises a first wiring element (71), a second wiring element (81) and the shunt resistor (A, B, C), wherein the first wiring element (71) and the second wiring element (81) form a current path and the shunt resistor (A, B, C) is suitable for short-circuiting the first wiring element (71) and the second wiring element (81), wherein the shunt resistor (A, B, C) has a first terminal (1) and a second terminal (3), wherein the first terminal (1) and the second terminal (3) are each made of a conductive metallic material and have a first plane (11a, 13a), a second plane (11b, 13b) and an outer periphery (11c, 13c) as side surfaces, wherein the first wiring element (71) is connected to the second level (11b) of the first terminal (1), wherein the second wiring element (81) is connected to the second level (13b) of the second terminal (3), wherein the first planes (11a, 13a) of the first terminal (1) and the second terminal (3) are opposite each other and a resistance element (5) is connected to the first planes (11a, 13a) to connect the first terminal (1) and the second terminal (3), wherein a connection area between the resistance element (5) and each first plane (11a, 13a) is smaller than the area of the first plane (11a, 13a), wherein the resistance element (5) includes a plurality of resistance elements (5) arranged in parallel between the first terminal (1) and the second terminal (3), wherein the first terminal (1) and the second terminal (3) each have formed therein a hole portion (1a, 3a) penetrating from the first plane (11a, 13a) to the second plane (11b, 13b), and the resistance elements (5) are arranged around the hole portions (1a, 3a), and wherein the shunt resistor (A,B,C) further comprises a fixing member (101,87) penetrating the hole portions (1a,3a) to fix the first terminal (1) and the second terminal (3). [2] The assembled structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first terminal (1) and the second terminal (3) has a through hole (21) formed therein, the through hole (21) being adapted so that one of the resistance elements (5) can be inserted into or through the through hole (21). [3] The assembled structure according to any one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising an insulator (91) adapted to electrically insulate the fixing member (101,87) from the first wiring member (71) and the first terminal (1) or the fixing member (101,87) from the second wiring member (81) and the second terminal (3).

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