Connection element for electrical connection of electronic elements

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection element (10) for the electrical connection of electronic elements (11, 12), comprising a first connection region (1) configured for connection with a first electronic element (11) and a second connection region (2) configured for connection with a second electronic element (12), each connection region (1, 2) being configured in the form of a thin plate, the first connection region (1) being located on a first connection surface (21) and the second connection region (2) being arranged at a distance from the first connection surface (21).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection element for the electrical connection of electronic components, electronic assemblies and inverters. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic assemblies are known in which conductive elements are used to transmit electrical energy, especially power, for example in inverters. Thin sheets of conductive material are frequently used as connectors between two elements. These sheets can be connected to the elements, for example, by welding. Thermal and mechanical loads on electronic assemblies often cause damage in the area of ​​the electrical connections. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] On the other hand, a connection element according to the invention having the features of claim 1 is characterized by providing particularly high robustness and durability of the electrical connection of the electronic component while maintaining a high electrical conductivity. In particular, thermal and mechanical stresses and deformations can be particularly well compensated for, preventing damage to the electrical connection. This is achieved according to the invention by a connection element for electrically connecting electronic components, the connection element comprising a first connection region for connecting to a first electronic component and a second connection region for connecting to a second electronic component. Each of the two connection regions is designed in a laminar manner. The first connection region is located on a first connection surface, and the second connection region is arranged at a distance from the first connection surface.

[0004] In other words, a connection element is provided having two separate connection regions, which can be connected to an electronic element, for example an electronic component or separate partial regions of a single electronic component, with the second connection region being spaced apart from the first connection surface on which the first connection region is located.

[0005] Preferably, the two connection areas are arranged on different planes. Preferably, at least one deflection area is located between the two connection areas, which changes the direction of the preferably completely laminated connection element at least once. This provides the connection element with mechanical flexibility, particularly in the direction perpendicular to and parallel to the first connection surface.

[0006] This allows the connection element to particularly easily and reliably compensate for stresses due to thermal and mechanical factors, thereby reducing or avoiding high mechanical loads on the connection between the connection element and the electronic component. This allows for a particularly long service life of the electrical connection. Another advantage is that it allows for a high degree of flexibility in the geometric design of the connection element in a simple manner. For example, the geometry of the connection element can be adapted to the characteristics of various geometries of the electronic component using simple and inexpensive means.

[0007] The connection elements are preferably made of an electrically conductive material, preferably copper, aluminum, a copper alloy or an aluminum alloy. The subject matter of the dependent claims is a preferred refinement of the invention.

[0008] The second connection region is preferably located on the second connection surface. The first and second connection surfaces are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other. For example, the distance may be in the range of a few millimeters to ensure sufficient flexibility. This allows for high flexibility and ease of manufacturing in a particularly simple and inexpensive manner.

[0009] It is also particularly preferred that the connection element includes a transition region connecting the first and second connection regions. The transition region is located on a transition plane spaced apart from the first and second connection surfaces. That is, the two connection regions and the transition region are located on three different planes. In particular, this allows the orientation of the thin-plate connection element to change multiple times, preferably at least four times, between the first and second connection regions. This allows for particularly high mechanical flexibility to be achieved in a simple manner.

[0010] The first connection surface is preferably located between the transition surface and the second connection surface, and in particular the two connection surfaces and the transition surface are arranged parallel to one another, which allows, for example, a particularly large space for electronic components on the side of the two connection areas facing the transition area.

[0011] It is further preferred that the transition region, the first connection region and the second connection region are configured together as a single, preferably sheet-like part, which allows for particularly simple and inexpensive production and also provides a particularly reliable and high electrical conductivity of the connection element.

[0012] Preferably, at least one of the two connection regions has a slit. In particular, the slit penetrates at least one partial region of the connection region, preferably completely in a direction perpendicular to the respective connection surface. This provides the connection element with additional mechanical flexibility, especially in a direction parallel to the first connection surface. The slit connection region can effectively avoid thermal stresses, especially in the region of the connection element and the connection between the connection element and the electronic component.

[0013] It is particularly preferred that the slit extends into the transition region, i.e., the connection element is completely separated into at least two separate partial regions by the slit, which allows for a particularly effective and reliable reduction of stresses in the connection region.

[0014] The slit preferably terminates in a relief recess, i.e., the slit extends from the relief recess to the edge of the laminar connection area. The relief recess has a minimum opening diameter greater than the width of the slit. The relief recess preferably has a circular cross section, in particular with a diameter greater than the width of the slit. The diameter is preferably at least 1.5 times, preferably at least twice the width of the slit. The relief recess allows, for example, for an increased radius in the end region of the slit, thereby reducing mechanical stresses in this region in a simple and effective way. This allows for a particularly robust and durable design of the connection element.

[0015] It is particularly preferred that the connection element comprises a plurality of slits in each connection region, which may for example run parallel to one another and are preferably uniformly spaced apart from one another, allowing for particularly effective mechanical stress relief of the electrical connection.

[0016] Furthermore, the connection element preferably includes a plurality of first connection regions and / or a plurality of second connection regions. For example, this allows a plurality of first electronic elements and / or a plurality of second electronic elements to be connected to one another, or for example, a single electronic element can also be electrically connected by a plurality of first connection regions or second connection regions.

[0017] Preferably, the connection regions are configured as separate parts and are connected to one another by electrically conductive connections. For example, the electrically conductive connections may be formed by laser welding, soldering, etc. For example, the connection elements may be connectable to one another by suitable connecting means that remain after assembly or that can be removed. In this way, a particularly high flexibility of the connection elements can be provided for various applications.

[0018] It is particularly preferred that the conductive connections of the connection region configured as separate parts are arranged, in particular exclusively, in the transition region, which allows for a particularly simple and inexpensive production of the connection element and further ensures optimal mechanical flexibility.

[0019] The present invention further provides an electronic assembly including a first electronic element, a second electronic element, and the above-described connection element. The electronic element may be, for example, an electronic component or a part thereof. The electronic element is preferably a power electronic component. For example, the electronic elements may be arranged on a common circuit board and / or on separate circuit boards.

[0020] The invention also relates to an inverter including the electronic assembly described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] The invention will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, in which functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals. [Figure 1] 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of an electronic assembly with a connection element according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the electronic assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of a connection element according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of an electronic assembly 50 including a connection element 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The electronic assembly 50 may be, for example, part of an inverter (not shown). The electronic assembly 50 is shown in perspective. FIG. 2 is a side view of the electronic assembly 50 of FIG. 1.

[0023] The electronic assembly 50 includes a plurality of electronic elements 11, 12 and may be, for example, electronic components. Exemplarily, the electronic assembly 50 of the first embodiment of Fig. 1 includes exactly one first electronic element 11 and two second electronic elements 12. The second electronic elements 12 may be arranged on a common circuit board 13, as exemplarily shown. Alternatively, any further assembly comprising a circuit board or a partial region of a circuit board may be provided as the electronic elements 11, 12.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection element 10 is provided for electrically connecting all electronic elements 11, 12 to one another and is configured for this purpose as a thin plate made of an electrically conductive material, for example copper.

[0025] The connection element 50 comprises a number of connection areas 1, 2 which are each electrically conductively connected directly to one of the electronic elements 11, 12. This electrically conductive connection can be achieved, for example, by a laser welded connection or a soldered connection.

[0026] In order to provide a high resistance to thermomechanical loads and thus a high durability, the connection element 10 has a special configuration, which will be explained in more detail below. The first connection region 1 of the connection element 10 is conductively connected to the first electronic element 11 and is located on a first connection surface 21. The two second connection regions 2 of the connection element 10 are conductively connected to respective ones of the two second electronic elements 12 and are located on a common second connection surface 22.

[0027] Furthermore, the connection element 10 includes a transition region 3 that connects the first connection region 1 and the second connection region 2 to one another. The transition region 3, the first connection region 1, and the second connection region 2 are configured together as an integral part. A bending region of the connection element 10 may be provided between the transition region 3 and the respective connection region 1, 2.

[0028] The connection element 10 is formed as a bent sheet metal so that the first connection region 1, the second connection region 2 and the transition region 3 lie on different faces 21, 22, 23 (see in particular FIG. 2).

[0029] In particular, the respective surfaces 21, 22, 23 are parallel to one another. In particular, the first connection surface 21 defined by the upper surface of the first connection region 1 is arranged at a first predetermined distance 25 from the second connection surface 22 defined by the upper surface of the second connection region 2. Furthermore, the first connection surface 21 is arranged at a second predetermined distance 26 from the transition surface 23 defined by the upper surface of the transition region 3.

[0030] The first connection region 1 is located between the transition region 3 and the second connection region 2 along a direction perpendicular to the faces 21, 22, 23. That is to say, the connection element 10 has a stepped geometry with the connection regions 1, 2 located on different faces 21, 22. Furthermore, a transition region 3 is provided, which is likewise located on another further plane 23.

[0031] This special geometry is achieved by the fact that the connection element 10 has a number of bending points 7 (see FIG. 2) at which the connection element 10 is bent about bending axes that lie in adjacent faces 21, 22, 23, respectively, and that are parallel to the main axis 15 along which the entire connection element 10 extends (see FIG. 1).

[0032] This has the advantage that the mechanical flexibility of the connection element 10 is particularly high. The bending and arrangement of the connection regions 1, 2 in the different planes 21, 22, 23 provides a particularly high flexibility in the directions 51 and 52 shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, the connection element 10 can be slightly elastically deformed so as to compensate for thermal and mechanical stresses that may arise, for example, from the operation of the electronic assembly 50 or from the ambient conditions. In particular, the electrical connections between the connection regions 1, 2 and the electronic elements 11, 12 are thereby stress-relieved, which ensures that the electrical connections have a particularly long service life.

[0033] Further stress relief at the electrical connection points is achieved by slits in the connection regions 1, 2. In this case, each connection region 1, 2 has at least one slit 4, which extends completely through the respective connection region 1, 2. In particular, each slit 4 extends perpendicular to the main axis 15 from the outer edge of the respective connection region 1, 2 to the transition region 3. This divides each connection region 1, 2 into a number of connection tabs 1a, 2a.

[0034] In particular, in the illustrated first embodiment, the first connection region 1 is divided into a total of four first connection tabs 1a by a total of three slits 4. Furthermore, each second connection region 2 is divided into two connection tabs 2a by exactly one slit 4. Each connection tab 1a, 2a is individually conductively connected to a corresponding electronic element 11, 12.

[0035] In this way, by means of the slits 4, additional mechanical load relief can be achieved in a further direction parallel to the main axis 15, represented in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that at least some of the slits 4 terminate in relief recesses 40 having a circular opening diameter 42 that is larger than the width 41 of the slits 4. This provides a large radius in the end region of the slits 4, thereby reducing mechanical stress in this region.

[0036] 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of a connection element 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the connection element 10 is made up of multiple parts. In particular, the connection element 10 includes multiple connection regions 1, 2, each configured as an individual part. In particular, exactly one first connection region 1 and exactly one second connection region 2 are each configured as a common, integrated part. These individual parts are connected to each other by conductive connections 6.

[0037] The individual parts of the connection element 10 of the second embodiment can be connected to one another, for example, in such a way that there is a gap 4' between the individual connection regions 1, 2, respectively, which can correspond to the slits 4 of the first embodiment in diagrams 1 and 2. The conductive connections 6 can be arranged, preferably exclusively, in the transition regions 3 and can be arranged approximately in the extension of the gaps 4'.

Claims

1. A connection element (10) for the electrical connection of electronic elements (11, 12), comprising: a first connection area (1) configured for connection with a first electronic element (11); a second connection area (2) configured for connection with a second electronic element (12); Including, each connection area (1, 2) is of laminar construction, - said first connection area (1) is located on a first connection surface (21), - the second connection area (2) is arranged at a distance from the first connection surface (21), Connection element.

2. 2. The connection element according to claim 1, wherein the second connection region (2) is located on a second connection surface (22), and the first connection surface (21) and the second connection surface (22) are arranged parallel to each other and at a predetermined distance (25) from each other.

3. 3. The connection element according to claim 2, further comprising a transition area (3) connecting the first connection area (1) and the second connection area (2) to each other, the transition area (3) being located on a transition surface (23) that is spaced apart from the first connection surface (21) and the second connection surface (22).

4. 4. The connection element according to claim 3, wherein the first connection surface (21) is located between the transition surface (23) and the second connection surface (22).

5. 5. The connection element according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the transition area (23), the first connection area (1) and the second connection area (2) are configured together as an integral part.

6. Connection element according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein at least one of the connection regions (1, 2) has a slit (4).

7. 7. A connecting element according to claim 6, wherein the slit (4) extends into the transition region (3).

8. 8. A connecting element according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the slit (4) terminates in a relief recess (40), the relief recess (40) having a minimum opening diameter (42) greater than the width (41) of the slit (4).

9. A connection element according to any one of claims 6 to 8, comprising a plurality of slits (4) in each of said connection regions (1, 2).

10. Connection element according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of first connection regions (1) and / or a plurality of second connection regions (2).

11. 11. The connection element according to claim 10, wherein the connection regions (1, 2) are configured as separate parts and are connected to one another by electrically conductive connections (6).

12. Connection element according to claim 11 and any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the electrically conductive connection (6) is arranged in particular exclusively in the transition region (3).

13. An electronic assembly comprising a first electronic element (11), a second electronic element (12), and a connection element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An inverter comprising the electronic assembly (50) of claim 13.

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