Contact mechanism, electrical component having contact mechanism, and electrical device

Abstract

Contact mechanism, electrical component having contact mechanism, and electrical device A contact mechanism (1) for an electrical component is presented, comprising a first contact element (10) having a first guide section (11) and a first contact section (12) and a second contact element (20) having a second guide section (21) and a second contact section (22), wherein the first and second guide sections overlap in a vertical direction (91) and extend along a longitudinal direction (92) perpendicular to the vertical direction, the first contact section continues onto the first guide section in the longitudinal direction, and the two contact sections are symmetrically arranged next to the first and second guide sections along transverse directions (93) perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical directions, respectively. Additionally, an electrical component (100) having a contact mechanism (1) and an electrical device (1000) are presented.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] A contact mechanism, an electrical component having a contact mechanism, and an electrical device are presented. [Background technology]

[0002] The connection of modern low inductance semiconductor modules to, for example, intermediate circuit capacitors or other passive components, such as bus bars, EMI filters (EMI: electromagnetic interference) or a combination of these, has so far usually been carried out via bus bars with so-called connecting lugs drawn in parallel or screw connections, which have a design-induced apparent inductance typically in the range of more than 15 nH and a relatively high apparent resistance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] At least one objective of certain embodiments is to provide a contact mechanism for an electrical component. A further objective of certain embodiments is to provide an electrical component and an electrical device having the contact mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] These problems are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the subject matter are set out in the dependent claims and are further evident from the following description and the drawings.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the contact mechanism comprises a first and a second contact element. According to a further embodiment, the electric component comprises such a contact mechanism. The contact mechanism is intended and adapted for electrical contacting of the electric component, i.e. for electrically connecting the electric component to another component. Furthermore, it is also possible that a mechanical fastening of the electric component is achieved via the contact mechanism. The electric component can further comprise one or more contact mechanisms, which can preferably be designed similarly, via which the electric component can be connected to one or more further electric components.

[0006] According to a further embodiment, each of the contact elements has a guide section and at least one contact section. Via the at least one contact section, the contact element can be mechanically and conductively connected to an external connection point, in particular an electrical connection point of another component. The at least one contact section of each of the contact elements can in particular be arranged outside the housing of the electric component. Via the guide section, the at least one contact section of each of the contact elements can be connected to one or more further components of the electric component. The guide section of each of the contact elements can in particular be arranged at least partially outside the housing of the electric component.

[0007] According to a further embodiment, the first contact element has a first guide section and the second contact element has a second guide section. Furthermore, the first contact element has a first contact section. Particularly preferably, the second contact element has two second contact sections.

[0008] The electrical component may for example comprise or be at least one capacitor and / or one filter element. For example, the capacitor may be an intermediate circuit capacitor, which may also be called a DC link capacitor, based on film technology, aluminum technology or ceramic technology or on hybrid technology, such as for example aluminum / film technology. The filter element may for example be an EMI filter or at least a part of a filter. Furthermore, interference suppression components, for example integrated on or attached to the busbar, and other passive elements are also possible.

[0009] According to a further embodiment, the electric device comprises an electric component with a contact mechanism. In particular, the electric device may comprise a further electric component to which the electric component with the contact mechanism is electrically connected. Thus, the electric device may comprise at least one electric component and at least one further electric component, the further electric component having connection points mechanically and electrically connected to the first contact section and the second contact section of the at least one contact mechanism of the electric component. Furthermore, the at least one electric component and the at least one further electric component may be mounted on a common carrier, for example a heat sink.

[0010] The above and following description equally relates to contact mechanisms, electrical components having contact mechanisms and electrical devices having electrical components.

[0011] According to a further embodiment, the first and second contact elements are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction. This may in particular mean that the first and second guide sections overlap and overlap one another in the vertical direction. When the contact arrangement is viewed along the vertical direction, one of the contact elements is arranged below the other contact element. In other words, when viewed along this vertical direction, one of the two guide sections is arranged below the other guide section. In particular, one of the guide sections may at least partially or even completely cover the other guide section when the contact arrangement is viewed along the vertical direction.

[0012] The first contact section can particularly preferably continue onto the first guide section along a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. For this purpose, the first contact section can be directly connected to the first guide section. Alternatively, for example, there can be a transition section between the first guide section and the first contact section. The spatial arrangement of the first guide section and the first contact section connected thereto can thus define a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction can, for example, be perpendicular to a housing part of the housing of the electrical component, from which the contact mechanism protrudes.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the two second contact sections are arranged next to the first and second guide sections along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical directions, respectively. Particularly preferably, the two second contact sections can be arranged symmetrically next to the first and second guide sections. In other words, along the transverse direction, one of the two second contact sections is arranged on one side of the second guide section, and the other of the two second contact sections is arranged on the other side of the second guide section. In the longitudinal and vertical directions, the positions of the two second contact sections can coincide in a symmetric arrangement. The second contact sections can preferably be directly connected to the second guide section.

[0014] The second contact element can preferably have a smaller length in the longitudinal direction than the first contact element, said length being particularly preferably measured from the outer surface of the housing section of the housing from which the contact mechanism projects, which can also mean that the first contact section is further away from said outer surface in the longitudinal direction than the two second contact sections.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the first and second contact elements can be electrically conductively and mechanically connected to an electrical connection point of another component by welding. For this purpose, the contact sections, i.e. the first and second contact sections, each have one weld zone respectively. This can in particular also mean that the contact arrangements, i.e. the first and second contact elements, do not have contact points for screw contact.

[0016] In particular, the welding can be laser welding. Here, the welded connection, i.e. the weld site, is produced by a laser welding process, in that a contact element arranged in direct contact with the connection point, in particular in the region of the weld zone, is at least partially melted by a laser beam. The laser beam of the laser welding process, produced for example by a solid-state or gas laser, can preferably provide a concentrated heat source allowing narrow and deep weld sites and high welding speeds. Preferably, the laser beam has a heat source of, for example, 1 MW / cm. 2 High power densities of the order of 100 μm can be used, which results in a small heat affected zone and high heating and cooling rates. The spot size of the laser beam can be, for example, of the order of 100 μm or even smaller. The welding time can preferably be in the region of 0.1 seconds. The penetration depth is typically proportional to the power and power density provided, but can also depend on the position of the focus. Usually, the penetration depth can be maximized when the focus is located slightly below the surface closest to the laser source. Depending on the contact elements to be directly joined to each other by the laser welding process, in particular their respective dimensions and materials, a continuous or pulsed laser beam can be used. The laser pulses can have a length of, for example, of the order of milliseconds.

[0017] For example, the laser welding process can produce weld sites in the form of point-like, linear or, particularly preferably, sickle-shaped welded connections. This means that, when viewed in plan from the side to which the laser beam is applied, the weld sites can have a shape similar to a C, a sickle or a crescent. In other words, the weld sites can have the shape of an arc that has at least a partially circular or elliptical shape. Furthermore, weld sites in the form of a double sickle, for example formed by two interlocking sickles, can be produced.

[0018] Instead of a laser welding process, other welding methods are possible, for example resistance welding.

[0019] The first and second contact sections can be designed such that they have not only a welding zone but also a clamping zone, which can in particular be an area through which the contact section can be pressed against an external connection point of another part to be welded to it by means of a suitable clamping member or clamping tool.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the welding zone of the first contact section has a first area. The welding zone of the second contact section has a second area as a whole. Particularly preferably, the first and second areas are equal or at least substantially equal. This may in particular mean that the second area differs from the first area by at most 30% or at most 20% or at most 10%. If F1 is the first area and F2 is the second area, said difference dF may in particular mean |F1-F2| / F1≦dF (=0.3 or 0.2 or 0.1). Furthermore, it is also possible for the second contact section to have a surface area f2 as a whole that is comparable or substantially equal to the surface area f1 of the first contact section, by virtue of the following formula being true: |f1-f2| / f1≦df (dF=0.3 or 0.2 or 0.1)

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the first contact element is formed flat in a first plane. Alternatively or additionally, the second contact element can also be formed flat in a second plane parallel to the first plane. In other words, both contact elements can each be formed flat and arranged parallel to each other. It is furthermore possible that the first guide section is formed flat in a first plane and the second guide section is formed flat in a second plane parallel to the first plane, whereby the first contact section can be formed flat in the second plane or the second contact section can be formed flat in the first plane. This can in particular mean that one of the contact elements has at least one bead or embossment, and thus at least one step, in order to bring the contact section into the plane of the other contact element.

[0022] In particular, the first and second contact elements may each have a metal sheet comprising one or more metals. The metal sheet may, for example, comprise or consist of copper or a copper alloy. Furthermore, the first contact element may have a coating at least in the first guide section and / or the second contact element in the second guide section, which coating may, for example, comprise one or more metals selected from tin, silver and gold. Furthermore, the contact sections of the contact elements may also partially have a coating, particularly preferably the weld zones of the contact sections of the first and second contact elements, respectively, are free of a coating.

[0023] Furthermore, the first guide section and / or the second guide section may comprise a folded metal sheet. By such folding, which may also be referred to as doubling, the current-carrying capacity of the guide sections may be advantageously increased. For example, the first contact element may comprise a transition section between the first guide section and the first contact section, which transition section connects the first guide section to the first contact section and has a smaller current-carrying capacity than the first guide section and the first contact section. The transition section may for example have a smaller cross-sectional area in a cut plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction than the first guide section and the first contact section, respectively.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, an insulating element is arranged between the first and second guide sections. The insulating element may in particular be located between the first and second guide sections in the vertical direction. In other words, the first guide section, the insulating element and the second guide section may be arranged one above the other in this order in the vertical direction.

[0025] The insulating element may particularly preferably be in direct mechanical contact with the first and second guide sections. The insulating element may, for example, comprise or be formed from an electrically insulating plastic film, for example comprising or consisting of polyimide and / or polypropylene. The film may be formed particularly flat.

[0026] Furthermore, the insulating element can project beyond the first and second guide sections on both sides in the transverse direction and can therefore be wider than the guide sections, and furthermore, the insulating element can project beyond the second contact element in the longitudinal direction and can therefore be longer than the second contact element.

[0027] It is further possible for the insulating element to be formed by a U-shaped plastic part, i.e. arranged between the first and second guide sections and projecting beyond the guide sections on both sides in the transverse direction and extending on both sides in the vertical direction next to the first and / or second guide section, in which case the insulating element can end at the same height in the vertical direction as the guide section in question or can even project from it in the vertical direction.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the contact arrangement has an inductance of 5 nH or less, which can be achieved in particular by the first and second contact elements overlapping the first and second guide sections, particularly preferably by substantially only the contact sections not overlapping.

[0029] Further advantages, advantageous embodiments and developments emerge from the exemplary embodiments described below in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1A] 2 is a schematic diagram of a contact mechanism of an electrical component according to one embodiment; [Figure 1B] 2 is a schematic diagram of a contact mechanism of an electrical component according to one embodiment; [Figure 1C] 2 is a schematic diagram of a contact mechanism of an electrical component according to one embodiment; [Figure 1D] 2 is a schematic diagram of a contact mechanism of an electrical component according to one embodiment; [Figure 2A] 4 is a schematic diagram of a contact mechanism according to a further embodiment; [Figure 2B] 4 is a schematic diagram of a contact mechanism according to a further embodiment; [Figure 3A] 5 is a schematic diagram of a contact mechanism of an electrical component according to a further embodiment; [Figure 3B] 5 is a schematic diagram of a contact mechanism of an electrical component according to a further embodiment; [Figure 3C] 5 is a schematic diagram of a contact mechanism of an electrical component according to a further embodiment; [Figure 4A] 5 is a schematic diagram of a contact mechanism of an electrical component according to a further embodiment; [Figure 4B] 5 is a schematic diagram of a contact mechanism of an electrical component according to a further embodiment; [Figure 5A] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electrical component according to a further embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electrical component according to a further embodiment. [Figure 5C] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electrical component according to a further embodiment. [Figure 6A] 4 is a schematic diagram of an electrical device according to a further embodiment; [Figure 6B] 4 is a schematic diagram of an electrical device according to a further embodiment; [Figure 6C] 4 is a schematic diagram of an electrical device according to a further embodiment; [Figure 6D] 4 is a schematic diagram of an electrical device according to a further embodiment; [Figure 6E] 4 is a schematic diagram of an electrical device according to a further embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] In the examples and figures, identical, similar or equivalently functioning elements may be respectively provided with the same reference numerals. The illustrated elements and their size ratios with respect to each other are not to scale, rather, individual elements such as layers, components, members and regions may be shown exaggeratedly large for better illustration and / or understanding.

[0032] 1A-1D show several views of an embodiment of a contact mechanism 1 of an electrical component 100. The figures additionally show a vertical direction 91, a longitudinal direction 92 or a transverse direction 93, depending on the direction of the view.

[0033] The electrical component 100, which is only partially shown in Figures 1A-1D, may for example comprise or be at least one capacitor and / or one filter element. For example, the capacitor may be an intermediate circuit capacitor based on film technology, aluminum technology or ceramic technology or on hybrid technology, such as for example aluminum / film technology. The filter element may for example be an EMI filter or at least a part of a filter. Furthermore, interference suppression components integrated on or attached to the busbar and other passive elements are also possible.

[0034] The contact mechanism 1 is intended and adapted for electrical contacting of the electric component 100, i.e. for electrically connecting the electric component 1 to another component. An example of such an electrical connection to another electric component is described below in connection with Figs. 6A-6E. Particularly preferably, a mechanical fixation of the electric component 100 can also be achieved via the contact mechanism 1. Even if only one contact mechanism 1 is shown in Figs. 1A-1D, the electric component 100 can have one or more contact mechanisms 1, which can preferably be formed similarly and via which the electric component 100 can be connected with one or more further electric components.

[0035] The contact mechanism 1 has a first contact element 10 and a second contact element 20 protruding from a housing section of the housing 101. Figure 1A shows a view of the contact mechanism 1 looking at the first contact element 10 from a vertical direction, and Figure 1B shows a view of the contact mechanism 1 looking at the second contact element 20 from an opposite vertical direction. Figure 1C shows a view of the contact mechanism 1 looking at the housing along the longitudinal direction, and Figure 1D shows a view of the contact mechanism 1 in a vertical direction. The following description relates equally to Figures 1A-1D.

[0036] The first contact element 10 has a first guide section 11 and a first contact section 12. The second contact element 20 has a second guide section 21 and two second contact sections 22. Via the contact sections 12, 22, the contact elements 10, 20 can be mechanically and conductively connected to an external connection point, in particular an electrical connection point of another component. For this, the contact sections 12, 22 of the contact elements 10, 20 are particularly preferably arranged outside the housing 101 of the electric component 100, as shown. Via the respective guide sections 11, 21, the associated contact section 12, 22 of each of the contact elements 10, 20 can be connected to one or more further components of the electric component 100, for example inside the housing 101. The respective guide sections 11, 21 of the contact elements 10, 20 can particularly preferably be arranged at least partially outside the housing 101 of the electric component 100, as shown.

[0037] The first and second contact elements 10, 20 are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction 91, so that in particular the first and second guide sections 11, 21 overlap and at least partially overlap in the vertical direction 91. Particularly preferably, one of the guide sections 11, 21 may completely cover the other. In the illustrated contact arrangement 1, the first guide section 11 completely covers the second guide section 21 in the direction of view shown in FIG. 1A looking at the contact arrangement 1 along the vertical direction 91.

[0038] The first contact section 12 continues onto the first guide section 11 along the longitudinal direction 92 and, in the case of the illustrated contact arrangement 1, is directly connected to the first guide section 11. Alternatively, there may be a transition section between the first guide section 11 and the first contact section 12, as described, for example, in relation to Figures 3A-3C.

[0039] The spatial arrangement of the first guide section 11 and the first contact section 12 connected thereto defines a longitudinal direction 92 which may preferably be perpendicular to the housing section of the housing of the electrical component or its outer surface 102 from which the contact mechanism 1 protrudes, as shown.

[0040] The two second contact sections 22 of the second contact element 20 are arranged next to the first and second guide sections 11, 21 along a transverse direction 93 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 92 and the vertical direction 91, respectively, and as shown, the two second contact sections 22 are particularly preferably arranged symmetrically next to the first and second guide sections 11, 21. Thus, along the transverse direction 93, one of the two second contact sections 22 is arranged on one side of the second guide section 21 and the other of the two second contact sections 22 is arranged on the other side of the second guide section 21, respectively, and in the longitudinal direction 92 and the vertical direction 91, the positions of the two second contact sections 22 coincide in the case of the symmetrical arrangement shown. The second contact sections 22 can be connected to the second guide section 21, preferably directly, as shown.

[0041] The second contact element 20 has a smaller length in the longitudinal direction 92, starting from the outer surface 102 of the housing section of the housing 101 of the electrical component 100, than the first contact element 10, so that the first contact section 11 is farther away from the outer surface 102 in the longitudinal direction than the two second contact sections 22.

[0042] The contact arrangement 1 is intended and adapted to be connected to another part by welding, and therefore has no threaded connection or parts thereof. Each of the contact sections 12, 22 of the contact elements 10, 20 has one weld zone 13, 23, respectively, in which at least one weld site is produced within the framework of a welding process, for example as described in connection with Figures 6A-6E.

[0043] The first and second contact sections 12, 22 furthermore have not only the welding zones 13, 23 but also pressure zones, i.e. areas through which the contact sections can be pressed by means of suitable pressure members or pressure tools against an external connection point of another component to be welded to said contact sections. For example, in the illustrated contact arrangement 1, pressure zones can be provided in edge areas of the contact sections 12, 22 surrounding the welding zones 13, 23. Furthermore, pressure zones can be provided, for example, also inside the marked welding zones 13, 23 or, in the case of the second contact element 20, between the welding zones 23 in the transverse direction 93.

[0044] The welding zone 13 of the first contact section 12 has a first area F1, and the welding zone 23 of the second contact section 22 has a second area F2 as a whole. Particularly preferably, the first area F1 and the second area F2 are equal or at least substantially equal. In particular, the second area F2 may differ from the first area F1 by up to 30%, or up to 20%, or up to 10%, as described above in the general part. It is further possible for the second contact section 22 to have a surface area F2 which is equal or substantially equal to the area F1 of the first contact section 12 as a whole and thus differs from the first area F1 by up to 30%, or up to 20%, or up to 10%.

[0045] As can be seen in Figures 1C and 1D, the first contact element 10 is formed flat in a first plane and the second contact element 20 is formed flat in a second plane parallel to the first plane, so that both contact elements 10, 20 are each formed flat and arranged parallel to each other.

[0046] In particular, the first and second contact elements 10, 20 may each comprise a metal sheet comprising one or more metals. The metal sheet may, for example, comprise or consist of copper or a copper alloy. Furthermore, the first contact element 10 may have at least in the first guide section 1 and / or the second contact element 20 in the second guide section 21 a coating (not shown), which may comprise, for example, one or more metals selected from tin, silver and gold. Furthermore, the contact sections 12, 22 of the contact elements 10, 20 may also partially have a coating (not shown), particularly preferably the welding zones 13, 23 of the contact sections 12, 22 of the first and second contact elements 10, 20, respectively, are free of a coating.

[0047] An insulating element 30 is further arranged between the first guide section 11 and the second guide section 21. The insulating element 30 can in particular be between the first and second guide sections 11, 21 in the vertical direction 91, so that the first guide section 11, the insulating element 30 and the second guide section 21 are arranged one above the other in this order in the vertical direction 91.

[0048] The insulating element 30 is particularly preferably in direct mechanical contact with the first and second guide sections 11, 21 and may comprise or be formed from an electrically insulating plastic film, for example comprising or consisting of polyimide and / or polypropylene. The film may be formed particularly flat and may be inserted between the contact elements 10, 20. In order to reduce the risk of leakage currents, the insulating element 30 may project beyond the first and second guide sections 11, 21 on both sides in the transverse direction 93, as can be seen in Figs. 1A and 1B, and may therefore be wider than the guide sections 11, 21. Furthermore, as can be seen in Fig. 1D, the insulating element 30 may project beyond the second contact element 20 in the longitudinal direction 92, and may therefore be longer than the second contact element 20. The first contact element 10 is likewise longer in the longitudinal direction 92 than the insulating element, in particular the first contact section 12 or at least the welding zone 13 of the first contact section 12 projects beyond the insulating element 30 in the longitudinal direction.

[0049] For example, the contact elements 10, 20 may each in a particular configuration comprise a copper sheet having a thickness of about 1 mm in the vertical direction 91, the copper sheet being provided with a coating, the weld zones 13, 23 being free of coating on both sides and therefore uncoated, each with an exposed copper surface on both sides. The weld zones 13 of the first contact section 12 may for example have a width of 20 mm to 28 mm in the transverse direction 93 and a length of 7 mm in the longitudinal direction 92, and each of the weld zones 23 of the second contact section 22 may have a width of 10 mm and a length of 7 mm. The edge regions surrounding the weld zones 13, 23 may for example each have a width of 1 mm. In the longitudinal direction 92, the first contact element 10 may for example have a length of about 29 mm, calculated from the outer surface 102 of the housing 101, and the second contact element 20 may have a corresponding length of about 13 mm. By means of the illustrated structure it can be achieved that the contact mechanism 1 can have an inductance of 5 nH or less and thus has a significantly smaller apparent inductance compared to the inductance of conventional connection lugs. By providing the weld zones 13, 23 and thereby making it possible to connect the contact mechanism 1 to an external connection point by means of a welded connection, a very low contact resistance can be achieved.

[0050] 2A and 2B show schematic views of a contact mechanism 1 according to a further embodiment, which forms a variant of the contact mechanism 1 shown in Figs. 1A-1D. In comparison with the contact mechanism 1 shown in Figs. 1A-1D, it is possible that the first guide section 11 is formed flat in a first plane and the second guide section 21 is formed flat in a second plane parallel to the first plane, while the first contact section 12 and the second contact section 22 are formed flat in the first plane, respectively, as shown in Fig. 2A, or in the second plane, respectively, as shown in Fig. 2B. For this, the corresponding contact elements 10, 20 can have at least one bead or embossment, and thus at least one step, as is recognizable in Figs. 2A and 2B, in order to bring the second contact section 22 into the plane of the first contact element 10 or the first contact section 12 into the plane of the second contact element 20. By arranging the first and second contact sections 12, 22 in the same plane, another electrical component can be formed, for example, with connection points arranged in the same plane and therefore have flat contact zones, which can, for example, facilitate manufacturing.

[0051] 3A-3C show schematic views of a contact arrangement 1 according to a further embodiment. In comparison with the previous embodiment, in the contact arrangement 1 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C the first guide section 11 and the second guide section 21 each comprise one folded metal sheet. The folded guide sections 11,21 are produced, for example, in that in the region of the guide sections 11,21 the flat metal sheets used for production have a width twice as large as compared to the width behind the guide sections 11,21. By folding symmetrically the side edges are brought together in such a way that they meet in the middle. In other words, in the case of the guide sections 11,21 of the first and second contact elements 10,20 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C a substantially double cross-sectional area is available compared with the previous embodiment, so that by such folding or doubling, which is preferably symmetric as shown, the current carrying capacity of the guide sections 11,21 can be advantageously increased. Particularly preferably, when the folded guide section 11 , 21 is folded back again, its width along the transverse direction 93 may correspond to the width of the second contact section 22 .

[0052] Furthermore, the first contact element 10 may have a transition section 14 between the first guide section 11 and the first contact section 12, which transition section connects the first guide section 11 to the first contact section 12 and has a smaller current-carrying capacity than the first guide section 11 and than the first contact section 12. The transition section 14 may have a smaller width in the transverse direction 93 than the first guide section 11 and thus a smaller cross-sectional area in a cut plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 92 than the first contact section 12. However, by the transition section 14 having a very small length in the longitudinal direction 92, it may be achieved that no adverse heat generation occurs in the transition section 14.

[0053] 4A and 4B show schematic views of a contact arrangement 1 according to a further embodiment, in which, in comparison with the previous embodiment, the insulating element 30 is formed by a U-shaped plastic part instead of a film. The U-shaped insulating element 30 can, for example, comprise or consist of polypropylene and, like the plastic film shown above, is arranged between the first and second guide sections 11, 21 and projects beyond the guide sections 11, 21 on both sides in the transverse direction 93. Furthermore, the insulating element 30 has side webs which run in the vertical direction 91 on both sides next to the first guide section 11. In so doing, the insulating element 30 either terminates at the side webs in the vertical direction 91 at the same height as the first guide section 11 or projects beyond the first guide section 11 in the vertical direction 91, as can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Due to such a U-shaped configuration of the insulating element 30, possible leakage current paths can be significantly extended, especially at the sides of the contact elements 10, 20.

[0054] The features of the contact arrangement 1 described in relation to FIGS. 1A-4B may be combined with one another, even if not all combinations are shown in the figures.

[0055] 5A-5C show, purely by way of example, schematic diagrams of an electric component 100 according to a further embodiment, designed as an intermediate circuit capacitor having three similarly designed contact arrangements 1 arranged next to one another. The embodiment of the electric component 100 shown in Figures 5A-5C should not be interpreted as limiting.

[0056] The contact mechanism 1 can be designed as described above and is shown purely by way of example in the configuration according to figures 4A and 4B. Figure 5A shows a top view of the electrical component 100 along the vertical direction, Figure 5B a three-dimensional view and Figure 5C a bottom view of the electrical component 100 along the vertical direction. In the housing 101 there may be one or more capacitors connected to the contact mechanism 1. Purely by way of example, electrical connection lugs are provided on the outer surface opposite the outer surface 102 from which the contact mechanism 1 protrudes. Via eyelets provided on the underside of the housing 101 the fixing of the electrical component 100 on a carrier, for example a heat sink, may take place. The contact mechanism 1 forms the output side of the electrical component, purely by way of example, with a low-inductance and low-resistance electrical connection for another electrical component as described above.

[0057] With reference to Figures 6A-6E, an electric device 1000 according to a further embodiment is shown, comprising an electric component 100 according to Figures 5A and 5B and another electric component 200 arranged on a common carrier 300, in particular a heat sink. Figures 6A and 6B show the electric device 1000 in a three-dimensional view and in a cross-section, the other electric component 200 being shown in Figure 6C without the electric component 100. Figures 6D and 6E show the welded connections. The illustrated electric components 100, 200 should be interpreted purely exemplarily and not restrictively with regard to their structure and function.

[0058] Another electric component 200 arranged on the intermediate carrier 202 may be, for example, a semiconductor module for generating an alternating current from a direct current, as used, for example, in electric vehicles. Thus, by the electric device 1000, for example, a three-phase alternating current may be generated for driving an electric motor.

[0059] Each of the further electric components 200 has two electrical connection points 201. A first contact section of a first contact element 10 of the contact arrangement 1 is arranged on one of the connection points 201 of each of the further electric components 200, and a second contact section of a second contact element 20 is arranged on the respective other connection point 201. The first contact element 10 and the second contact element 20 are conductively and mechanically connected to the electrical connection points 201 by welding in a welding zone.

[0060] Particularly preferably, a laser welding process is used, as described in the general part. In Fig. 6D, by way of example, a preferred sickle-shaped weld 19 and a weld 19 in the form of a double sickle are shown, which are also preferred. In Fig. 6E, a photograph of a section through the weld 19 produced by laser welding is shown, with the dashed horizontal line indicating the interface between the connection point 201 and the contact element 10 or 20. Furthermore, the melted part by the laser welding, which forms the weld 14, is highlighted by a dashed line for better recognition. As described in the general part, the shape and the weld depth of the weld 19 can be easily adjusted by the laser welding process. Alternatively, the weld can be point-like or linear, and / or other welding processes can be used.

[0061] Compared to conventional connection solutions, in which the positive and negative connections are led next to each other, leading to an increase in the apparent inductance with values ​​in the range of more than 15 nH, in the contact arrangement according to the above-mentioned embodiment weldable and overlapping led contact elements are used. In particular, they also replace very complicated screw solutions. Contact elements properly matched to each other, in which the current paths are led overlapping as long as possible, reduce both the apparent inductance and the series resistance to a minimum, in which case the inductance can have a value in the range of less than 5 nH, for example about 3 nH. Such extremely low values ​​are also compatible with new so-called WBG materials (WBG: "large band gap"), which allow extreme edge steepness. On the contrary, the previous high additional apparent inductance limited the current required for the newly developed electric motors. The newly developed electric motors specific for electric mobility allow significantly higher currents than before, which is made possible by semiconductor modules based on WBG materials due to their extremely small ESL values ​​and by the low inductance coupling in conjunction with the described contact arrangement.

[0062] The contact mechanism geometries described herein can be used for DC link capacitors of very different technologies (film / aluminium / ceramic or hybrid versions thereof) as well as for other passive components such as DC link capacitors with integrated EMI filters or EMI components, EMI filter components, connecting bus bars, etc.

[0063] The described laser welding process is advantageously used in combination with contact mechanisms, since it only introduces a small amount of heat into the upper layers of the components and therefore does not damage them, and the penetration depth can be varied. In particular, space for a complex screw connection is not required. The contact point is placed directly on top of another component, and the space required for the holding tool for welding is already taken into account. Laser welding can significantly reduce the contact resistance and allow a flawless contact point to be created in a split second. If necessary, multiple welds made at the same place provide the highest contact reliability for very large currents with significantly reduced heating and one contact area.

[0064] The described contact mechanism allows for an extremely cost-effective and optimized connection of electrical components of various designs, in particular to new styles of low inductance semiconductor modules. The overlapping contact elements are preferably embodied in such a way that a wide range of power can be transferred without excessive heating occurring.

[0065] The contact arrangement can advantageously fulfil all mechanical and electrical requirements for a connection, in particular the mechanical requirements, e.g. current carrying capacity, vibration resistance, tensile strength, low inductance / low resistance connection, low heating even under high currents, insulation strength for both air gaps and creepage distances, as well as (co)planarity, air gaps, additional recesses in the contact elements. The contact elements can also be manufactured as mentioned above without height compensating press-in beads, which can reduce costs.

[0066] The features and embodiments described in relation to the drawings can be combined with each other according to further embodiments, even if not all combinations are explicitly described. Furthermore, the embodiments described in relation to the drawings can alternatively or additionally have further features according to the description in general part.

[0067] The invention is not limited thereto by the description based on the examples, but rather includes all novel features and all combinations of features, including in particular all combinations of features in the claims, even if the feature or combination itself is not explicitly set out in the claims or examples. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 Contact mechanism 10,20 Contact elements 11,21 Guide Section 22 Contact Section 13,23 Welding Zone 14 Transition Section 19 Welding parts 30 Insulating Elements 91 vertical direction 92 Longitudinal 93 Transverse 100 Electrical Parts 101 Housing 102 Exterior 200 Electrical Parts 201 Electrical connection point 202 Intermediate Carrier 300 Carrier 1000 Electrical Devices F1,F2,F3,F4 area

Claims

1. A contact mechanism (1) for an electrical component, comprising: a first contact element (10) having a first guide section (11) and a first contact section (12); a second contact element (20) having a second guide section (21) and a second contact section (22); Equipped with The first and second guide sections overlap in a vertical direction (91) and extend along a longitudinal direction (92) perpendicular to the vertical direction; the first contact section continues longitudinally onto the first guide section; A contact mechanism, wherein the two contact sections are symmetrically arranged next to the first and second guide sections along a transverse direction (93) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction, respectively.

2. The contact mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the first contact section and the second contact section each have a weld zone (13, 23).

3. 3. The contact mechanism of claim 2, wherein the weld zone of the first contact section has a first area and the weld zone of the second contact section has a second area collectively, the second area varying from the first area by less than 30%.

4. 4. The contact mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first contact element is formed flat in a first plane and the second contact element is formed flat in a second plane parallel to the first plane.

5. The contact mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first guide section is formed flat in a first plane, the second guide section is formed flat in a second plane parallel to the first plane, and the first and second contact sections are formed flat in the first plane or the second plane.

6. A contact mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second contact elements comprise metal sheets.

7. The contact mechanism of claim 6 , wherein the first guide section and / or the second guide section comprise a folded metal sheet.

8. The contact mechanism of claim 6 , wherein the metal sheet comprises copper.

9. The contact mechanism of claim 6 , wherein the first contact element has a coating in the first guide section and / or the second contact element has a coating in the second guide section.

10. The contact mechanism of claim 6 , wherein the first and second contact sections are at least partially free of a coating.

11. 4. The contact mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first contact element has a transition section (14) between the first guide section and the first contact section, the transition section connecting the first guide section to the first contact section and having a smaller current carrying capacity than the first guide section and than the first contact section.

12. A contact mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an insulating element (30) is arranged between the first and second guide sections.

13. 13. The contact mechanism of claim 12, wherein the insulating element is formed by an electrically insulating plastic film.

14. 13. The contact mechanism according to claim 12, wherein the insulating element is formed by a U-shaped plastic part which protrudes on both sides in the transverse direction between the first and second guide sections and which extends vertically between the first and / or second guide sections.

15. The contact mechanism of claim 12 , wherein the insulating element is in direct mechanical contact with the first and second guide sections.

16. The contact mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the contact mechanism has an inductance of 5nH or less.

17. An electrical component (100) comprising at least one contact mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

18. 18. The contact mechanism according to claim 17, wherein the electrical component comprises at least one capacitor and / or one filter element.

19. An electrical device (1000), At least one electrical component (100) according to claim 17; at least one further electrical component (200) having an electrical connection point (201) mechanically and electrically connected to the first contact section (12) and the second contact section (22) of the at least one contact mechanism (1) of the electrical component by a welded connection; An electrical device (1000) having

20. 20. The electrical device of claim 19, wherein the at least one electrical component and the at least one further electrical component are mounted on a common carrier (300).

Images