Electronic component, in particular three-phase transformer for isolated voltage converter

Abstract

Electronic component (15), comprising: - a magnetic circuit (22), - two electrical conductors (31, 32) each having a portion (27) arranged around the same part of the magnetic circuit, each of said portions forming between a first and a second end a winding, these two windings being in inductively coupled with each other via the magnetic circuit (22), and - a support (30) of the two electrical windings (31, 32), arranged between said electrical conductors and said portion (27) of the magnetic circuit, this support (30) comprising: - a wall (90) around which the electrical windings are arranged, and - three flanges (92, 93, 94) offset along the longitudinal axis of the support (30), so that one of the electrical windings is arranged between the first (92) and the second (93) flange and the other of the electrical windings is arranged between the second (93) and the third (94) ledge,characterized in that at least one step (95) is provided in the height of the first edge (92), so as to locally reduce the height of the first edge (92). Abstract figure: Fig.28,

Description

Title of the invention: Electronic component, in particular three-phase transformer for isolated voltage converter

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic component comprising a magnetic circuit, and at least two electrical conductors each having a portion arranged around the same part of the magnetic circuit, each of said portions forming between a first and a second end a winding, these two windings being in inductively coupled with each other via the magnetic circuit.

[0002] Such an electronic component defines for example a three-phase transformer for an isolated voltage converter, such a voltage converter being for example integrated into a component for the electrical supply of a vehicle electrical energy storage unit, also called a “charger” of this electrical energy storage unit. The electrical energy storage unit is for example a battery, which may have a nominal voltage greater than 60V, for example greater than or equal to 300V, 400V, 800V, or even 1000V. The voltage converter receives for example an alternating voltage from an electrical network and supplies the battery with a direct voltage. This converter can convey a power greater than 5kW, for example greater than 7kW, for example greater than 1kW, in particular 22kW or more.

[0003] The electronic component comprises in a known manner:

[0004] - a magnetic circuit,

[0005] - two electrical conductors each having a portion arranged around the same part of the magnetic circuit, each of said portions forming between a first and a second end a winding, these two windings being in inductively coupled with each other via the magnetic circuit, and

[0006] - a support for the two electrical windings, arranged between said conductors electrical and said portion of the magnetic circuit.

[0007] It is known that the above elements are embedded in a resin capable of being polymerized to harden and immobilize these elements inside a component housing. This resin can also be a good thermal conductor and promote the cooling of the elements contained in the housing. This resin is for example previously placed in the housing in which the assembly formed by: the magnetic circuit, the electrical conductors and the support of the two electrical windings is introduced. Due to this introduction, the resin comes into contact with the support of the electrical windings from an axial end of the latter, and it progresses axially towards the other axial end of this support. This resin may have its progression limited by non-evacuated air. It follows that the resin is not distributed homogeneously in the housing, which may have the disadvantage of poorer heat dissipation and / or poorer adhesion of the aforementioned elements with the housing. There is a need to remedy the aforementioned drawback.

[0008] The invention aims to meet this need and achieves this, according to one of its aspects, using an electronic component, comprising:

[0009] - a magnetic circuit,

[0010] - two electrical conductors each having a portion arranged around the same portion of the magnetic circuit, each of said portions of electrical conductor forming between a first and a second end a winding, these two windings being in inductively coupled with each other via the magnetic circuit, and

[0011] - a support for the two electrical windings, arranged between said conductors electrical and said portion of the magnetic circuit,

[0012] this support comprising:

[0013] - a wall around which the electrical windings are arranged, and

[0014] - three edges offset along the longitudinal axis of the support, so that one of the electrical windings is arranged between the first and second rims and the other of the electrical windings is arranged between the second and third rims,

[0015] characterized in that at least one step is provided in the height of the first edge so as to locally reduce the height of the first edge.

[0016] The component may comprise a housing in which:

[0017] - electrical winding supports,

[0018] - electrical conductors, and

[0019] - the magnetic circuit

[0020] are arranged.

[0021] The housing may comprise a housing body and a cover closing this body. The housing body comprises for example a bottom wall and a side wall extending from the bottom wall and interposed between the bottom wall and the cover. The cover may have a plate shape.

[0022] As already mentioned, the progression of the resin along the electrical winding support is carried out from one edge, here the third, towards another edge, here the first, and this progression is carried out by expelling the air. The presence of the step forms a clearance for the air, preventing air from remaining trapped and preventing the resin from occupying all the available space.

[0023] The step can be arranged over the entire height of the first edge, interrupting so the first edge.

[0024] Alternatively, the step may be provided over less than the height of the first rim, for example opening only onto the axial surface of the first rim opposite the rest of the support, or opening only onto the axial surface of the first rim facing the second rim.

[0025] Several steps may follow one another circumferentially in the first rim around the perimeter of the support wall. The presence of several circumferentially distributed steps makes it possible to provide several clearances for the air during the progression of the resin, further reducing the risk of air remaining trapped.

[0026] For the purposes of this application:

[0027] - "axially" means "along the axis of the wall around which are arranged the electrical windings”,

[0028] - “angularly” or “circumferentially” means “moving around this axis”, and

[0029] - “radially” means “in a plane perpendicular to this axis, along a straight line intersecting this axis when this wall defines a hollow cylinder of circular cross-section”.

[0030] The step may comprise, when moving radially outwards from the support, two successive surfaces of different shapes, inclined relative to each other. These two surfaces may be planes, defining an angle between them. The presence of these two planes may make it possible to maintain a minimum material thickness for the first edge. Alternatively, the step may have a rounded, or more generally curved, profile.

[0031] Only the first edge may have the aforementioned step(s), the second edge and the third edge preferably being devoid of them.

[0032] The support may comprise at least two ribs extending away from the wall towards the portion of the magnetic circuit.

[0033] The presence of the ribs makes it possible to further distance the electrical windings from the portion of the magnetic circuit around which they are arranged, thus reducing copper losses in the electronic component. Furthermore, the presence of these ribs also makes it possible to create an empty space between this portion of the magnetic circuit and the support in the areas without ribs, a space occupied by the aforementioned resin, which promotes the cooling of the magnetic circuit.

[0034] The support comprises for example three, four, or six, or eight ribs, each extending away from the wall in the direction of the portion of the magnetic circuit. The invention is however not limited to a particular number of ribs.

[0035] Each rib may have the same shape. As will be seen later, the wall of the support may define a hollow cylinder of circular cross-section. In In this case, each rib can extend radially, that is, along a radius of this cylinder, in a plane perpendicular to its axis.

[0036] The ribs can be distributed uniformly while moving around the wall of the support. In other words, when moving around this wall, the gap between two successive ribs can remain constant.

[0037] All or part of the ribs may extend continuously along the axis of the support wall from the first rim to the third rim. Alternatively, all or part of the ribs extend discontinuously along the axis of the support wall from the first rim to the third rim.

[0038] Whether the ribs extend continuously or discontinuously along the axis of the support wall, these ribs may be at a distance from the first edge and / or at a distance from the third edge. In other words, the ribs are not axially at the height of the first edge and / or the third edge. This further allows space to be freed up for the circulation of the resin as the resin progresses along the support wall.

[0039] All or part of the ribs may extend to the portion of the magnetic circuit with contact with this portion. In other words, in this case, the radial space existing between the wall and the magnetic circuit is locally completely filled by the rib. Alternatively, a radial clearance may remain between the rib and the magnetic circuit.

[0040] Each electrical conductor is for example made of Litz wire.

[0041] In all of the above, the support may be made from a single piece, for example being made from plastic such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polyamide (PA).

[0042] In all of the above, the electronic component may define a transformer for an isolated voltage converter.

[0043] In all of the above, no cooling chamber using a liquid is, for example, interposed between the electrical windings and the portion of the magnetic circuit on which the support is arranged.

[0044] The transformer is for example a three-phase transformer for an isolated voltage converter, comprising three electrical winding supports, each support being arranged around a portion of the magnetic circuit and carrying two windings in inductive coupling with each other via the magnetic circuit, the supports defining in particular a geometric pattern being an equilateral triangle.

[0045] Each of the electrical winding supports can then comprise one or more steps according to what has been described above.

[0046] Each support thus carries two windings in inductive coupling with each other, together defining a phase of the three-phase transformer.

[0047] The arrangement of the three electrical conductor supports according to an equilateral triangle can ensure a balance between the electrical parameters such as the inductances of the electrical windings and reduce the magnetic volume.

[0048] The electrical conductor supports may be arranged relative to each other so that the axes of their walls are parallel.

[0049] The magnetic circuit can be made up of two parts, each part defining a base carrying pins, two by two superimposed when these two parts are assembled, and the superposition of two pads defines the part of the magnetic circuit on which a support of two electrical conductors is mounted.

[0050] The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, to a component for the electrical power supply of a vehicle electrical energy storage unit, comprising the transformer defined above. The electrical energy storage unit is for example a battery which may have one of the nominal voltages above.

[0051] The invention may be better understood by reading the following description of non-limiting examples of its implementation:

[0052] - [Fig.l] schematically represents a part of the electrical circuit of a component for the power supply of a vehicle electrical energy storage unit

[0053] - [Fig.2] shows in elevation an example of a three-phase transformer which can be used in the circuit of [Fig.l],

[0054] - [Fig.3] represents in isolation the magnetic circuit of the three-phase transformer of [Fig.2],

[0055] - [Fig.4] partially represents the three-phase transformer of figures 2 and 3 when the case cover is removed

[0056] - [Fig.5] represents a detail of an example of a system for holding the cover of the transformer housing on the bracket,

[0057] - [Fig.6] represents the cover of the housing of [Fig.4],

[0058] - [Fig.7] represents in isolation the body of the terminal block visible in [Fig.2],

[0059] - [Fig.8] represents the body of [Fig.7] in which inserts are arranged,

[0060] - [Fig.9] represents the terminal block of figures 7 and 8 with electrically connected bar driver and screw,

[0061] - [Fig. 10] represents the face of the transformer opposite to that shown on the [Fig.4],

[0062] - [Fig. 11] is a view of the transformer's electrical conductor support from the same side as [Fig. 10], and shows the support holding system on the magnetic circuit and the support holding system on the transformer housing body carried by this support

[0063] - [Fig. 12] represents the body of the transformer housing on which the support of electrical conductors of [Fig. 11],

[0064] - [Fig. 13] is a view similar to [Fig. 11] and also shows ribs allowing the distance of this support from the portion of the magnetic circuit on which it is mounted,

[0065] - [Fig. 14], [Fig. 15] and [Fig. 16] are views similar to that of [Fig. 13], when the electrical conductor support is mounted on the portion of the magnetic circuit,

[0066] - [Fig. 17] is a side sectional view of [Fig. 16],

[0067] - [Fig. 18] represents three supports of electrical conductors of the transformer and their electrical conductors, in the absence of the magnetic circuit,

[0068] - [Fig. 19] represents in isolation one of the three supports of electrical conductors of [Fig. 18] with its electrical conductors,

[0069] - [Fig.20] represents the support of electrical conductors of [Fig. 19] without its electrical conductors,

[0070] - [Fig.21] represents, in a similar manner to [Fig.2], an example of a transformer three-phase differing among other things from that of figures 2 to 20 by the way in which the cover is held,

[0071] - [Fig.22] represents, in a similar manner to [Fig.2], a three-phase transformer according to an example of implementation of the invention,

[0072] - [Fig.23] represents the transformer of [Fig.22] with the housing shown,

[0073] - [Fig.24] shows in isolation the guide piece and the supports electrical winding of the transformer of figures 22 and 23,

[0074] - [Fig.25] shows in isolated top view the guide part of the [Fig.24],

[0075] - [Fig.26] shows a bottom view of the guide part of [Fig.25],

[0076] - [Fig.27] represents in isolation an electrical winding support of the trans trainer of figures 22 and 23, and

[0077] - [Fig.28] is another view of the electrical winding support of [Fig.27].

[0078] [Fig.l] shows a part of the electrical circuit 1 of a component for the electrical power supply of a vehicle electrical energy storage unit. This component is also called a “charger”. The electrical energy storage unit, not shown in this [Fig.l], is for example a battery, which may have a nominal voltage greater than 60V, for example greater than or equal to 300V, 400V, 800V, or even 1000V.

[0079] The circuit 1 receives as input an alternating voltage from a network (not shown) which is three-phase here. A rectifier for converting this alternating voltage into a direct voltage, and also performing, if necessary, a power factor correction function, is arranged upstream of a direct bus 11. Downstream of this direct bus, from the electrical network, is arranged an isolated voltage converter 12, here being a DC / DC. This converter 12 comprises in a known manner an inverter 14, a three-phase transformer 15, and a rectifier 16 supplying the vehicle with a direct voltage isolated from the electrical network. As can be seen in [Fig.l], the three-phase transformer 15 is connected to each of the rectifier 16 and the inverter 14 by an inductance block 17 and a capacitor block 18, so as to define a CLLLC structure. Other structures are of course possible, such as an LLC, CLLC, LC or even CL structure.

[0080] As can be seen in [Fig.l], each phase has a primary winding 20 and a secondary winding 21 in inductive coupling with each other, and the primary windings 20 are connected in star and the secondary windings 21 are also connected in star.

[0081] The three-phase transformer 15 comprises in the example considered a magnetic circuit 22, comprising a first part 23 and a second part 24. Each part 23, 24 comprises: a base 26 of substantially triangular outline, and three pads 27 each extending in the direction of the base 26 of the other part of the magnetic circuit 22. Each base 26 here has an outline defining an equilateral triangle.

[0082] The transformer 15 further comprises three supports 30 for electrical conductors 31, 32, each support 30 being here mounted on two facing pads 27 belonging respectively to one and the other of the parts 23, 24 of the magnetic circuit. Two electrical conductors 31, 32 associated with the same support 30 respectively have a portion defining a primary winding 20 and a portion defining a secondary winding 21. These electrical conductors 31, 32 are for example Litz wire.

[0083] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the three supports 30 of electrical conductors 31, 32 are positioned so as to define an equilateral triangle.

[0084] The transformer 15 also comprises a housing 50 comprising a body 51 closed by a cover 52, which are visible in FIGS. 4, 6 and 21. This body 51 and this cover 52 are for example made of metal, for example aluminum. The supports 30 and the magnetic circuit 22 are arranged inside the housing 50. The body 51 is filled with a resin capable of being polymerized to harden and immobilize the components arranged inside the body (“potting” in English).

[0085] As can be seen in Figures 4, 6 and 21, the housing 50 also has a triangular outline, being more precisely here an equilateral triangle. The housing is in the example considered exclusively formed by the body 51 and the cover 52, but the invention is not limited to a housing 50 consisting of two parts.

[0086] As can be seen in [Fig.3], each pad 27 defines its own air gap 28, for example via an area of ​​the pad 27 filled with non-magnetic material such as a fiberglass reinforced epoxy resin composite (FR4) or ceramic. This area occupied by this non-magnetic material defines, for example, an entire section of the pad. Several sections are, for example, assembled with this area of ​​pad 27 to constitute this pad 27.

[0087] As can be seen in [Fig.3], an additional air gap 29 is present between the opposite ends of two pads 27 belonging respectively to different parts 23, 24 of the magnetic circuit 22. Thus, in the example of magnetic circuit 22 considered, each magnetic field allowing the inductive coupling between a primary winding 20 and a secondary winding 21 crosses exactly three air gaps.

[0088] Still in [Fig.3], it can be seen that the magnetic circuit 22 of the example considered comprises a central leg 40 carried by one of the parts 23, 24 of the magnetic circuit 22. This central leg 40 is here made in a single piece with the part 23 of the magnetic circuit 22 which carries it.

[0089] It can be seen in [Fig. 3] that the central leg 40 extends in this example continuously between two ends each being in contact with one of the bases 26 of the magnetic circuit 22, so that no air gap is provided in the central leg 40.

[0090] It can also be seen in [Fig. 3] or in [Fig. 16] that the central leg 40 has a core 41 and three protrusions 42 extending from this core 41, each protrusion 42 extending between two neighboring pads 27 carried by the same part of the magnetic circuit.

[0091] As can be seen in [Fig.3], in the example considered, each pad 27 has a circular external contour, and each protrusion 42 of the central leg 40 here has a wall opposite the pads 27 of rounded shape.

[0092] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the three-phase transformer 15 comprises a connection terminal block 45. The terminal block 45 here defines six terminals 60 for connecting the three-phase transformer 15 to the rest of the electrical circuit 1, these terminals 60 being shown schematically in [Fig.l]. These terminals 60 here come into contact with electrical tracks of an electronic card not shown. In [Fig.2], and in an example which is not covered by the claims but useful for understanding the invention, the connection terminal block 45 is fixed to one side of the housing 50 of the three-phase transformer 15 and it has an elongated shape. In this uncovered example, the six terminals 60 are arranged in a row.

[0093] The various elements of the terminal block 45 according to this example will now be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

[0094] The terminal block 45 here comprises a body 61 and a plurality of electrically conductive bars 62, each terminal 60 being defined by a portion 63 of a bar. Each portion 63 is here planar, so as to come into contact with an electrical track of the electronic card mentioned above. The body 61 can be made of plastic, for example PBT, PA...

[0095] Each electrically conductive bar 62 has for example a portion 65, opposite the portion 63 defining the terminal, which is electrically connected to one of the electrical conductors 31, 32, here via a hollow sleeve 66 inside which the conductor 31, 32 is inserted, for example fixed by crimping or welding.

[0096] Each electrically conductive bar 62 locally comprises a hole 67 and the fixing of this electrically conductive bar 62 on the body 61 is carried out by means of a screw 68 received in this hole 67. The body 61 here comprises six housings 69, and each of these housings receives an insert 70 forming a hole 71, the aforementioned screw 68 being received in an insert hole 71. Thus, the fixing of the electrically conductive bar 62 on the body 61 is carried out via the screw 68 and the insert 70 received in the housing 69. Each insert 70 can be made of metal, in particular steel. Alternatively, each insert is made of composite material. Six inserts are for example provided, and all these inserts 70 have in the example considered the same shape and the same dimensions.Each screw 68 can, in addition to ensuring the fixing of an electrically conductive bar 62 on the body 61, also ensure the fixing of the electrically conductive bar 62 on the electronic card not shown.

[0097] As can be seen in [Fig.8], each insert 70 can define a positioning relief 73 of the portion 63 of the electrically conductive bar defining the hole 67. This positioning relief 73 is for example a circular-shaped flat.

[0098] As can be seen in Figures 2, 7 and 8, the outer wall of each housing 69 can provide a recess 75 capable of receiving an end portion 64 of the electrically conductive bar 62, in order to ensure correct positioning of this bar on the body 61 and to avoid any relative rotation between this bar and this body.

[0099] In another example of implementation not shown, the body 61 comprises a plurality of housings 69 which directly receive the screws 68, in the absence of insert 70. In this other example of implementation, the fixing of the electrically conductive bar 62 on the body 61 is done directly via the screw 68, without an intermediate part.

[0100] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, each support 30 for electrical conductors can integrate a system 80 for holding the cover 52 on this support 30.

[0101] Each support 30 comprises, for example, a single pin 81 projecting relative to the rest of the support 30 along the longitudinal axis of the latter. As a variant, only two of the three supports of the transformer 15 comprise a pin 81, the third support 30 being devoid of one.

[0102] [Fig.5] shows in detail a pin 81, the latter being able to have a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support which is cruciform. Each pin 81 of a support 30 of electrical conductors is in the example considered received by force in an opening made in the cover 52, as can be seen in [Fig.4]. The relative arrangement of the pins 81 of the supports 30 makes it possible to immobilize the cover 52.

[0103] As can be seen in [Fig.5], the holding system 80 of the cover 52 on the support 30 can extend along the longitudinal axis of the support 30 on the same side of the support 30 as a guiding system 85 of electrical conductors which will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20.

[0104] In these figures 18 to 20, the holding system 80 is not shown, the guidance system 85 being able to be present without necessarily the holding system 80 being so.

[0105] As can be seen in [Fig.18], each electrical conductor 31, 32 carried by a support 30 of the transformer 15 can be guided outside the winding 20, 21 which it defines.

[0106] In the example considered, each of these conductors 31, 32 is guided by the guidance system 85 beyond each of the ends of the electrical winding 20, 21 that it defines. As already mentioned previously, the first ends of the electrical conductors may constitute an output to the electrical circuit 10 outside the transformer 15, and three of the second ends of the electrical conductors may lead to a common point via a star connection to the primary, and three other of these second ends of the electrical conductors may lead to a common point via another star connection to the secondary.

[0107] The support 30 of the two electrical windings 31, 32 comprises:

[0108] - a wall 90 around which the electrical windings 20, 21, and this wall 90 defines in the example considered but in a non-limiting manner a hollow cylinder of circular cross-section, and

[0109] - three edges 92, 93, 94 offset along the longitudinal axis of the support, so that one of the electrical windings 31 is arranged between the first 92 and the second rim 92 and that the other of the electrical windings 32 is arranged between the second 93 and the third 94 rim, as is clearly visible in [Fig.2] for example. The gap between two consecutive rims 92, 93 and 93, 94 remains constant in the example considered.

[0110] Although this is not visible in Figures 11 to 20, the wall 90 may comprise one or more openings 91 which will be described in detail with reference to Figures 27 and 28.

[0111] The guidance system 85 acts on the electrical conductors on the one hand via clamps 97 and 98, and on the other hand via additional walls 105 and 106.

[0112] In the example of figures 18 to 20, the guidance system 85 comprises, for each electrical conductor 31, 32, on the one hand a first clamp 97 cooperating with this electrical conductor 31, 32 beyond the first end of the electrical winding 20, 21 that it defines. Such a clamp 97 has for example two arms 99 curved so as to match an area of ​​the contour of this end of the electrical conductor, as shown in [Fig. 18] or 20. This is a circular contour. Each clamp 97 is for example, but in a non-limiting manner, made in one piece with the rest of the support 30 of electrical conductors. As already explained, each first clamp 97 cooperates for example with a portion of electrical conductor 31, 32 on the way to a connection terminal 60.

[0113] The guidance system 85 further comprises a second clamp 98 cooperating with the electrical conductor beyond the second end of the electrical winding that it defines, these first 97 and second 98 clamps succeeding one another along one of the first 92, second 93 and third 94 edges. As already explained, each second clamp 98 cooperates for example with a portion of electrical conductor 31, 32 on the way to a common point of a star connection.

[0114] More precisely, in the example considered:

[0115] - the first rim 92 comprises two first clamps 97 which each cooperate respectively with one of the electrical conductors 31, 32 beyond the first end of the electrical winding 20, 21 which it defines, and two second clamps 98 which each cooperate respectively with an electrical conductor beyond the second end of this electrical winding 20, 21, and

[0116] - the second rim 93 comprises a first clamp 97, arranged under a first clamp 97 of the first rim 92, and a second clamp 98, arranged under a second clamp 98 of the first rim. The clamps carried by the second rim 94 make it possible to guide the electrical conductor 32 outside the electrical winding arranged between the second rim 93 and the third rim 94.

[0117] It can be seen in Figures 18 to 20 that, along the edge 92, there are two pairs of clamps each formed of a first clamp 97 and a second clamp 98, and that the distance between two pairs of clamps is greater than the distance between two clamps of the same pair.

[0118] It can also be seen in these figures 19 and 20 that the clamps 97, 98 carried by the second rim 93 are aligned along the axis of the cylindrical wall 90 with clamps 97, 98 carried by the first rim 92.

[0119] We will now describe the two additional walls 105 and 106 of the guidance system 85 which are, in the example of FIGS. 2 to 20, integrated with the support 30. This integration of the walls 105 and 106 in a single piece with the support 30 is not covered by the claims but it is useful for understanding the invention. These two additional walls 105 and 106 are here offset so as to define between them a guidance channel 108 receiving the electrical conductors in a stacked manner. 31, 32 outside the windings 20, 21 that they define. The channel 108 here has a constant dimension. These additional walls extend in the example considered on either side of an arcuate portion of the first rim 92, projecting axially beyond this first rim 92. In the overlapping zone of this first rim 92, the additional walls 105 and 106 each define an arcuate portion, the wall 106 having a radius greater than the wall 105, as is also visible in [Fig. 17].

[0120] It can be seen in Figures 18 to 20 that the wall 106 comprises first openings 110 for the passage of the electrical conductors 31, 32 towards the electrical winding 20, 21 that it defines, and second openings 111 in which no electrical winding passes. It can be seen that the first openings 110 are arranged radially opposite a clamp 97, 98.

[0121] In the example of Figures 10 to 12, each support 30 of electrical conductors 31, 32 also integrates a holding system 120 on the body 51 of the housing 50. This holding system 120 here comprises a pin 121, having in this example a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support which is cruciform. This pin 121 extends axially away from the rest of the support 30 from the third rim 94. As can be seen in Figures 10 and 12, each pin 121 is force-fitted into an opening 122 formed in the body 51 of the housing 50. This holding system can ensure immobilization of the magnetic circuit 22 on the body 51 of the housing before polymerization of the resin contained in this housing 50.

[0122] When such holding systems 120 exist, they may or may not be combined with the aforementioned holding systems 80 and guide systems 85. As can be seen in FIGS. 10 to 12, each holding system 120 may then extend axially on one side of the support 30 while the holding system 80 and the guide system 85 extend axially on the opposite side of the support 30.

[0123] We will now describe with reference to Figures 13 to 15, a functionality that can be integrated into all or part of the supports 30 of electrical conductors 31, 32. A system 130 for holding the support 30 of electrical conductors 31, 32 on the magnetic circuit 22 is thus provided. This holding system 130 is in the form of two pads 132 projecting relative to the rest of the support 30. When the holding system 120 is provided, these systems 130 and 120 can extend axially on the same side of the support, the pin 121 and a pad 132 being arranged in particular side by side as can be seen in the example of [Fig. 11].

[0124] Each pad 132 here defines a surface 135 coming into contact with a surface 136 of a base 26 of the magnetic circuit 22. The surfaces 135 and 136 are here flat. Each pad 132 is for example supported by a reinforcement 133, as visible in [Fig.11].

[0125] As can be deduced from [Fig. 15], the cooperation between the two pads 132 of a support 30 and the base 26 can ensure rotational immobilization of the support 30 on the magnetic circuit 22.

[0126] We will now describe with reference to figures 13 to 16 another functionality that can be integrated into all or part of the supports 30 of electrical conductors 31, 32. It can be seen in these figures that the cylindrical wall 90 of the support 30 comprises ribs 142 extending away from the wall 90 in the direction of the pad 27 on which this support is mounted.

[0127] In the example considered, six ribs 142 are provided, but the invention is not limited to a precise number of ribs 142. These six ribs 142 thus constitute a spacing system 140 of the cylindrical wall 90, and therefore of the electrical windings 20, 21 which it carries, from the pad 27.

[0128] It can be seen in Figures 13 to 16 that all the ribs 142 can have the same shape and be distributed uniformly around the pad 27.

[0129] It can also be seen in these figures that each rib 142 can extend continuously along the axis of the support 30 from the first rim 92 to the third rim 94.

[0130] In a variant not shown, all or part of the ribs extend discontinuously along the axis of the support 30.

[0131] As can be seen in [Fig. 16], each rib 142 does not, for example, extend to the pad 27 on which the support 30 is mounted. An empty space ensuring easy mounting thus remains present between each end of a rib facing the pad 27 and this pad 27.

[0132] As already mentioned, each support 30 of electrical conductors 31, 32 can be made from a single piece.

[0133] When this support 30 integrates:

[0134] - the ribs 142, and / or

[0135] - the holding system 80 of the cover 52 on the support, and / or

[0136] - the guidance system 85 of electrical conductors, and / or

[0137] - the holding system 120 of the support on the body 51 of the housing, and / or

[0138] - the system 130 for holding the support on the magnetic circuit 22,

[0139] all these systems can be made in one piece or not with the rest of the support 30. In a particular example, the support 30 is thus in one piece and has all or part of the aforementioned functionalities.

[0140] In the example of [Fig.21], the cover 52 is held directly on the body 51 of the housing 50 by means of screws 56 received in a shoulder 57 of the wall of the body 51. The cover 52, which is shown transparently in this [Fig.21], can close the body 51, thus ensuring EMC shielding of the housing 50.

[0141] It can be seen in this [Fig.21] that the wall 105 of the guide system 85 can have additional projections 115, received in openings made in the cover 52. These additional projections 115 define for example two notches per side of the transformer 15, and they can facilitate the introduction of the magnetic circuit 22 provided with the supports 30 inside the body 51 of the housing 50.

[0142] We will now describe with reference to figures 22 to 28 a transformer 15 according to an exemplary implementation of the invention.

[0143] As can be seen, this transformer 15 differs from that which has been previously described with reference to figures 2 to 21 by the fact that the terminal block 45 is no longer arranged on only one side of the housing 50 but extends over the entire periphery of the magnetic circuit 22. The terminal block 45 also differs from that which has been previously described by the fact that the body of the terminal block 86 carries the walls 105, 106 defining the guide channel 108 for the electrical conductors beyond the electrical winding 20, 21 which they define. Thus, the terminal block 45 here defines via its body 86 a guide part which is distinct, physically speaking, from the support 30 of the electrical windings, which is notably visible in [Fig.24].

[0144] Similar to what has been described with reference to figures 18 to 20, the wall 106 of the terminal block body 86 comprises first openings 110 for the passage of the electrical conductors 31, 32 towards the electrical winding 20, 21 which it defines. The wall 105 is here devoid of openings. The wall 106 does not comprise in the exemplary implementation described openings 111 in which no electrical winding passes but it could in a variant comprise them.

[0145] Similar to what has been described with reference to figures 18 to 20, first openings 110 are arranged radially opposite a clamp 97, 98. Clamps 97, 98 are also provided here on the first rim 92 and the second rim 93.

[0146] The body of the terminal block 86 is shown in isolation in Figures 25 and 26. It can be seen that it extends here around the entire perimeter of the magnetic circuit 22. As shown in these Figures 25 and 26, the body of the terminal block 86 has a first surface which carries connection terminals 60 for connecting the transformer 15 to the rest of the electrical circuit of the converter 15. Each terminal 60 is here directly carried by the body of the terminal block 86. The terminal block 45 also comprises electrically conductive bars 62, a portion 63 of which defines a terminal 60, similarly to what has been described with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

[0147] As described with reference to Figures 7 to 9, the fixing of each electrically conductive bar 62 on the body of the terminal block 86 can be carried out by means of a screw 68 received in a hole 67 of the bar 62, either by direct cooperation between this screw 68 and a housing 69 of the guide part 86, or via an interposed insert 70.

[0148] As can be seen in Figures 22 to 26, the terminal block according to this example of implementation in work is different from that described with reference to figures 2 to 21.

[0149] Indeed, in the example of figures 22 to 28, the six terminals 60 are distributed between two distinct zones Z1 and Z2 and at a distance from each other on the periphery of the magnetic circuit 22. It can be seen in [Fig.22] that each zone Z1, Z2 defines exactly three terminals for the connection of the three-phase transformer 15 to the rest of the isolated voltage converter 12. One of the zones Z1 corresponds for example to the terminals for the connection on the primary side of the transformer 15 while the other zone Z2 corresponds to the terminals for the connection on the secondary side of the transformer.

[0150] It can also be seen in [Fig.22] that each zone Z1, Z2 can be arranged opposite a respective vertex of one of the bases 26 of the magnetic circuit 22. In the example considered, the vertices in question are rounded and each zone Z1, Z2 follows the external shape of one of these rounded shapes.

[0151] Still in [Fig.22], we see that, within a zone Z1, Z2, the gap between two consecutive terminals 60 is not constant.

[0152] Each zone Z1, Z2 defining limits here forms a radially external protrusion relative to the walls 105, 106. More precisely in the example considered, each zone Z1, Z2 defines an ear relative to the space delimited externally by the two walls 105 and 106.

[0153] As shown in [Fig.26], the second surface of the body of the terminal block 86, opposite that carrying the connection terminals 60, carries in the example described fixing reliefs 87 on the body 51 of the housing 50. Two fixing reliefs 87, each being a pin, can be provided. Each fixing relief 87 is for example formed in the second surface of the body of the terminal block 86, at the level of a zone Z1, Z2.

[0154] The support 30 for electrical windings according to this example of implementation of the invention will now be described in more detail. This support 30 still has a wall 90 around which the electrical windings 20, 21 are arranged, and which here defines a hollow cylinder of circular cross-section, and three edges 92, 93, 94 offset along the longitudinal axis of the support. The presence of the clamps 97 and 98 is still noted on the first edge 92 and the second edge 93.

[0155] As shown in [Fig.27], the support 30 here has a wall 90 comprising a plurality of openings 91. The openings 91 are here provided throughout the thickness of the wall 90.

[0156] The openings 91 are distributed between:

[0157] - a first series of openings following one another around the perimeter of the support 30 between the first report 92 and the second edge 93, and

[0158] - a second series of openings following one another around the perimeter of the support 30 between the second ledge 93 and third ledge 94.

[0159] Each series of openings comprises for example three or four openings 91.

[0160] Each opening 91 here has a substantially rectangular closed contour. Each opening 91 extends in the example considered over an angular sector measured from the axis of the wall 90 of the support 30 which is between 10° and 70°.

[0161] It can be seen in Figures 27 and 28 that two consecutive openings 91 of the same series can have different dimensions, their circumferential dimension varying for example while their axial dimension remains constant.

[0162] It can also be seen in Figures 27 and 28 that two openings 91 belonging to two different series and succeeding each other axially can have the same dimensions.

[0163] According to the invention, and as can be seen in Figures 27 and 28, steps 95 are provided in the height of the first rim 92. More precisely, in the example of [Fig.28], steps 95 are provided on the outer surface of the first rim 92 furthest from the rest of the support 30, leading to a local reduction in the height of the first rim 92. These steps 95 here follow one another circumferentially around the periphery of the first rim 92. It can be seen in [Fig.28] that these steps 95 are concentrated in a given angular sector of the first rim 92. This angular sector measures for example less than 120°, or even less than 90°, when measured from the axis of the support 30.

[0164] Each step 95 is for example identical. Each step 95 has for example, when moving radially towards the outside of the support 30, two successive surfaces 96, 97 of different shapes, inclined relative to each other, which are here flat surfaces. In a variant not shown, each step 95 could have a rounded or more generally curved profile.

[0165] It can also be seen in [Fig.28] that the ribs 142 are still present, although they have a reduced height and do not extend to the first edge 92 and do not extend to the third edge 94. The steps 95 thus open radially inwards towards a part of the wall 90 without a rib 142.

[0166] Each support 30 of electrical windings of figures 27 and 28 may comprise all or part of:

[0167] - of the holding system 80 of the cover 52 on the support of figures 4 and 5, and / or

[0168] - of the holding system 120 of the support on the body 51 of the housing of figures 10 to 12, and / or

[0169] - of the holding system 130 of the support on the magnetic circuit 22 of figures 10 to 15.

[0170] The invention is not limited to the example which has just been described.

Claims

Claims

1. Electronic component (15), comprising: - a magnetic circuit (22), - two electrical conductors (31, 32) each having a portion (20, 21) arranged around the same portion (27) of the magnetic circuit (22), each of said electrical conductor portions (31, 32) forming between a first and a second end a winding (20, 21), these two windings (20, 21) being in inductively coupled with each other via the magnetic circuit (22), and - a support (30) of the two electrical windings (31, 32), arranged between said electrical conductors and said portion (27) of the magnetic circuit, this support (30) comprising: - a wall (90) around which the electrical windings are arranged, and - three rims (92, 93, 94) offset along the longitudinal axis of the support (30),such that one of the electrical windings is arranged between the first (92) and the second (93) rim and the other of the electrical windings is arranged between the second (93) and the third (94) rim, characterized in that at least one step (95) is provided in the height of the first rim (92), so as to locally reduce the height of the first rim (92).,

2. Component according to claim 1, in which the step (95) is provided over less than the height of the first rim (92), opening into the outer surface of the first rim (92) furthest from the rest of the support (30).

3. Component according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of steps (95) arranged in the height of the first rim (92), these steps (95) succeeding one another circumferentially around the periphery of the wall (90).

4. Component according to one of the preceding claims, the step (95) comprising, when moving radially towards the outside of the support (30), two successive surfaces (96, 97) of different shapes, inclined relative to each other.

5. Component according to claim 3, the two surfaces (96, 97) being planes, defining an angle between them.

6. Component according to any one of the preceding claims, the support (30) comprising at least two ribs (142) extending away from the wall (90) in the direction of the portion (27) of the magnetic circuit (22).

7. A component according to claim 6, all or part of the ribs (142) extending continuously along the axis of the support (30) over an area of the support (30) at a distance from the first rim (92)

8. Component according to any one of the preceding claims, the wall (90) around which the electrical windings (20, 21) are arranged being cylindrical with a circular section.

9. Component according to any one of the preceding claims, the support (30) being made in one piece.

10. A component according to any preceding claim, defining a transformer (15) for an isolated voltage converter (12).

11. Component according to the preceding claim, defining a three-phase transformer for an isolated voltage converter, comprising three supports (30) for electrical conductors (31, 32), each support (30) being arranged around a portion (27) of the magnetic circuit (22) and carrying two windings in inductive coupling with each other via the magnetic circuit (22), the supports (30) defining in particular a geometric pattern being an equilateral triangle.

12. Component (1) for the power supply of a vehicle electrical energy storage unit, comprising the component (15) according to claim 10 or 11.

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