Electrical device for receiving magnetic field measurement sensors

Abstract

To provide an electrical device for receiving a sensor for magnetic field measurement.SOLUTION: The invention relates to an electrical device comprising: a support comprising a holding member; and an electrical circuit 12 housed at least partially in the support and comprising an array of electrical tracks 122 and a receiving portion 121 designed to receive a magnetic field sensor. The electrical circuit 12 is configured to create an electrical link between the magnetic field sensor, on the one hand, and an electronic board external to the electrical device, on the other hand. The holding member comprises at least one bearing portion forming a stop so as to create a mechanical link between the support and the electronic board. The receiving portion 121 forms an exposed surface configured to create an electrical connection with the magnetic field sensor through plane-to-plane contact between the receiving portion 121 and a face of the magnetic field sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of monitoring electrical systems of vehicles, in particular electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an electrical device for measuring current for the purpose of monitoring an electrical system. [Background Art]

[0002] As is known, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle includes an electric motorization system powered by a high-voltage supply battery via an on-board high-voltage electrical system. The high-voltage supply battery functions to supply energy to the electric motorization system for propelling the vehicle. More specifically, it is known to use an inverter to convert the DC current supplied by the high-voltage supply battery into one or more, for example sinusoidal AC control currents, in order to control the electric machine that drives the wheels of the vehicle.

[0003] For this purpose, the inverter comprises electrical components through which the energy supplied to the electric machine passes, and an electronic monitoring unit comprising electronic components for monitoring the electrical components of the inverter. The electrical components of the inverter may be arranged in a power electronics module.

[0004] The inverter also comprises a plurality of electrical conductors, specifically three electrical conductors in a three-phase mode. Or, as known by those skilled in the art, when an inverter supplies power to a plurality of three-phase electric machines, the inverter comprises a number of electrical conductors that is generally a multiple of three. Each electrical conductor of the electrical system in question, also called a "lead frame", is connected to a phase connector of the electric machine.

[0005] As is known, in order to monitor the operation of an electrical system that monitors an electric machine such as an inverter that monitors the electric machine, it is necessary to know the current flowing through each phase of the electric machine to appropriately control the inverter that supplies electrical energy to said electric machine.

[0006] For this purpose, it is known to perform current measurements in the electrical conductors of the electrical system under consideration. Generally, in a three-phase situation, it is sufficient to perform current measurements in two of the three electrical conductors, and the current flowing through the third conductor can be determined from the currents flowing through the other two conductors. This current measurement is generally accompanied by a magnetic field measurement. Thus, a sensor for measuring the magnetic field is positioned to measure the magnetic field induced by the current in the corresponding electrical conductor of the electrical system. The strength of the current is then determined using the values ​​of each magnetic field.

[0007] Typically, a sensor that measures a magnetic field is mounted on an electronic substrate and transmits a value of current based on the measurement performed by the sensor. The sensor is generally located at a predetermined distance from the electronic substrate, as close as possible to the electrical conductor, and is connected to the substrate by multiple pins. However, this electrical connection between the sensor and the electronic substrate can be fragile due to mechanical constraints, for example, on the pins and / or the junctions between the pins and the sensor. Therefore, there is a need for a means of electrical connection between the sensor and the electronic substrate that allows for improved mechanical retention.

[0008] For this purpose, the present invention proposes an electrical device for receiving a sensor for measuring a magnetic field. [Overview of the project]

[0009] More precisely, the present invention relates to an electrical device intended to be mounted and housed in an electric or hybrid vehicle, in particular, comprising a support and an electrical circuit at least partially housed in the support, wherein the support comprises a retaining member. The present invention enables, in particular, the measurement of current flowing through electrical conductors in an electrical system for the purpose of monitoring an electrical system, specifically an item of power electronics equipment.

[0010] The electrical circuit comprises an array of electrical lines and a receiving section designed to receive a magnetic field sensor, the receiving section being at a predetermined distance from the retaining member, and in particular at the distal end of the support relative to the retaining member. The electrical circuit is configured to generate an electrical link on the one hand between the magnetic field sensor and, on the other hand, between the receiving section and the array of electrical lines and an external electronic substrate of the electrical device.

[0011] Furthermore, the holding member has at least one stopper that forms a mechanical link between the support and the electronic substrate. support It is equipped with a section.

[0012] The aforementioned receiving portion forms an exposed surface configured to generate an electrical connection with the magnetic field sensor through planar contact between the receiving portion and the surface of the magnetic field sensor.

[0013] The present invention enables the use of a magnetic field sensor without pins, and thus has the substantial advantage of improving the mechanical strength of the assembly formed by the electrical device and the magnetic field sensor.

[0014] Advantageously, the support comprises a receiving portion for positioning a magnetic field sensor relative to the support, and the receiving portion and holding member are configured to allow the electrical device to be installed relative to an electrical conductor in such a way as to reduce uncertainty in positioning between the magnetic field sensor and the electrical conductor.

[0015] Advantageously, the retaining member has at least one of the aforementioned support The department uses electronic circuit boards. support configured support It has a surface.

[0016] Advantageously, the support is overmolded onto the electrical circuit, and the support and electrical circuit form an overmolded assembly. Therefore, uncertainty in positioning between the magnetic field sensor and the electrical conductor is reduced, thereby improving the accuracy of current measurement.

[0017] Advantageously, the support is made of plastic.

[0018] Advantageously, the electrical circuit includes connecting legs configured to be electrically connected to an electronic circuit board.

[0019] The present invention also relates to an electrical magnetic field measurement assembly comprising a magnetic field sensor and electrical device according to the present invention.

[0020] The present invention also relates to an electrical assembly comprising an electrical magnetic field measuring assembly, an electronic substrate, and an electrical conductor, wherein the electrical magnetic field measuring assembly is first applied to the electronic substrate and second immersed in a free space formed in the electrical conductor in order to measure a magnetic field induced by an electric current flowing through the electrical conductor.

[0021] The present invention further relates to an electrical assembly comprising an electrical magnetic field measuring assembly according to the present invention, an electronic substrate, and an electrical conductor, wherein the electrical magnetic field measuring assembly positions a magnetic field sensor at a predetermined distance from the surface of the electrical conductor in order to first apply to the electronic substrate and second measure a magnetic field induced by an electric current flowing through the electrical conductor, the aforementioned distance being 0 to 1.5 mm. In particular, the aforementioned distance may be less than 1 mm or less than 0.5 mm.

[0022] Advantageously, the electrical assembly according to the present invention does not have a magnetic field concentrator. Therefore, the compactness of the electrical assembly is improved.

[0023] The present invention further relates to an item of power electronics equipment comprising an electronic substrate, several electrical conductors, and several electrical magnetic field measurement assemblies according to the present invention, wherein each electrical magnetic field measurement assembly is paired with one of the electrical conductors to perform a measurement of a magnetic field induced by an electric current flowing through the corresponding electrical conductor.

[0024] The receiving portion forms, in particular, a plate, specifically a conductive plate. Specifically, the receiving portion and the sensor extend mainly along one same direction to form plane-to-plane contact.

[0025] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given by way of example, with reference to the following drawings in which, by way of non-limiting example, the same reference numerals are assigned to similar elements. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] Fig. 1 is a diagram of an electrical device according to an example of the present invention. [Figure 2] Fig. 2 is a front view of an electromagnetic field measurement assembly including an electrical device and a magnetic field sensor according to an example of the present invention. [Figure 3] Fig. 3 is a side view of an example of an electrical assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the electrical assembly comprising an electronic substrate, an electrical conductor, and an electromagnetic field measurement assembly including an electrical device according to an example of the present invention and a magnetic field sensor. [Figure 4] Fig. 4 is a diagram of an electrical circuit of an electrical device according to an example of the present invention. [Figure 5] Fig. 5 is a side view of an example of an electrical assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the electrical assembly comprising an electronic substrate, an electrical conductor, and an electromagnetic field measurement assembly including an electrical device according to an example of the present invention and a magnetic field sensor. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] It should be noted that the drawings describe the present invention in detail for the purpose of implementing the present invention, and can naturally serve to better define the present invention where applicable.

[0028] The present invention relates to an electrical device, more specifically, to an electrical device for measuring current, configured to be installed in an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, for the purpose of monitoring an electrical system. The present invention is described below in the context of measuring the current flowing through an electrical conductor in an electrical system. Such an electrical conductor is commonly referred to as a "lead frame". The electrical system may be an item of power electronics equipment, in particular an inverter or a DC-DC voltage converter.

[0029] Referring to Figure 1, the electrical device 1 according to the present invention comprises a support 11 and an electrical circuit 12 at least partially housed within the support 11. In other words, the support 11 holds the electrical circuit 12.

[0030] Referring also to Figures 1 and 4, the electrical circuit 12 comprises an array of electrical lines 122 and a receiving section 121 designed to receive the magnetic field sensor 2 shown in Figures 2 and 3. Specifically, the magnetic field sensor 2 may consist of a Hall sensor, a large magnetoresistor, or any other magnetic field measuring device, provided that the magnetic field sensor does not have pins and is configured to perform magnetic field measurements in order to estimate current measurements. By using such a magnetic field sensor 2, it is possible to improve the mechanical strength of the electrical system, among other things.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the electrical circuit 12 is configured to create an electrical link between the magnetic field sensor 2 on the one hand and the external electronic circuit board 4 of the electrical device 1 on the other hand, via the receiving unit 121 and the array of electrical lines 122. In other words, the magnetic field sensor 2 transmits magnetic field measurements to the electronic circuit board 4 via the receiving unit 121 and then the array of electrical lines 122. The electronic circuit board 4, in particular, enables control of operations that monitor the electrical system based on the magnetic field measurements.

[0032] Also, referring to Figures 1 to 3, the support has at least one stopper that forms a mechanical link between the support 11 and the electronic substrate. supportThe device includes a holding member 111 having a section 112. In this case, the receiving section 121 is at a predetermined distance from the holding member 111, and more specifically, it is at the distal end of the support 11 relative to the holding member 111. This enables the magnetic field sensor 2 to measure the current flowing through the conductor 3 at a predetermined distance from the electronic substrate 4 on which the support 11 is mounted.

[0033] Furthermore, the aforementioned receiving portion 121 forms an exposed surface configured to generate an electrical connection with the magnetic field sensor 2 through planar contact between the receiving portion 121 and the surface of the magnetic field sensor 2.

[0034] The support 11 allows the electrical device 1 to be positioned first relative to the electrical conductor 3 and second relative to the electronic substrate 4 in order to position the magnetic field sensor 2 relative to the electrical conductor 3. The magnetic field sensor 2 can then perform measurements of the magnetic field induced by the current flowing through the electrical conductor 3. The electrical device 1 is also configured to transmit the aforementioned magnetic field measurements to the electronic substrate 4, in particular for the purpose of monitoring the electrical system.

[0035] The support body 11 preferably has an opening formed facing the receiving portion 121 so as to allow the magnetic field sensor 2 to be attached to the receiving portion 121.

[0036] More preferably, the support 11 includes a receiving portion 114 for positioning the magnetic field sensor 2 relative to the support 11. The periphery of an opening formed opposite the receiving portion 121 can form the receiving portion 114, as shown in Figure 1. The receiving portion 114 then functions as a chock to enable precise positioning of the magnetic field sensor 2 relative to the support 11.

[0037] Also, at least one of the aforementioned support Part 112 is preferably located at the two opposite ends of the support 11 to improve the holding between the support 11 and the electronic substrate 4 and to ensure its accurate positioning. support It is formed from parts.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, at least one of the aforementioned support Part 112 is the electronic circuit board 4 support configured support It has a surface 113. The mechanical link between the support 11 and the electronic substrate 4 is this support It is equipped with.

[0039] The receiving portion 114 and the holding member 111 are configured, in particular, to enable the electrical device 1 to be installed relative to the electrical conductor 3. Therefore, it is possible to ensure accurate and controlled positioning uncertainty between the magnetic field sensor 2 and the electrical conductor 3, in particular, in the direction of the axis linking the magnetic field sensor 2 to the electronic substrate 4 on which the electrical device 1 is mounted.

[0040] The electrical device 1 may preferably have a rigidity suitable for reducing any vibrations of the magnetic field sensor 2.

[0041] Furthermore, the electrical device 1 may include mounting means for assembling the electrical device 1 and the electronic circuit board 4.

[0042] The support 11 is preferably overmolded onto the electrical circuit 12. Thus, the support 11 and the electrical circuit 12 form an overmolded assembly.

[0043] Such an overmolded assembly, comprising a retaining member 111 and a receiving portion 114, enables reliable positioning between the magnetic field sensor 2 and the electrical conductor 3 by reducing positioning uncertainty. Positioning uncertainty mainly depends on the uncertainty of the overmolding process, which may be, for example, around + / - 0.4 mm. By reducing positioning uncertainty, it is possible to significantly improve the accuracy of current measurement, specifically by 30 times. Therefore, by using an overmolded assembly, it is possible to improve the accuracy of current measurement by the magnetic field sensor 2, in particular by reducing the number of physically independent elements required for the relative positioning of the magnetic field sensor 2 with respect to the electrical conductor 3.

[0044] The support 11 is preferably made of a plastic that is suitable for an overmolding manufacturing process.

[0045] Referring to Figure 4, the electrical circuit 12 may, advantageously, include connecting legs 123 configured to be electrically connected to the electronic circuit board 4. The connecting legs 123 allow for easy connection of the electrical device 1 to the electronic circuit board 4.

[0046] Furthermore, the array of electrical lines 122 preferably defines a route to electrically connect the magnetic field sensor 2, in particular, to the electronic substrate 4. In the overmolded assembly situation described above, it is common and advantageous to perform a routing operation after overmolding. As a result, it may be useful to have openings formed in the support 11 of the overmolded assembly. These openings are specifically opposing portions of the array of electrical lines 122 that are perforated so that routing can be performed after overmolding.

[0047] The electrical circuit 12 is preferably made of a conductive material, specifically a material containing copper.

[0048] According to one aspect of the present invention, the electrical magnetic field measurement assembly comprises a magnetic field sensor 2 and an electrical device 1.

[0049] The process for manufacturing electrical magnetic field measurement assemblies is: A step of stamping a sheet of conductive material after bending it to form an electrical circuit 12, wherein the electrical circuit 12 does not necessarily have a correctly defined path, and a step of stamping, The steps include overmolding the electrical circuit 12 with the support 11, The steps include punching out an array of electrical lines 122 of the electrical circuit 12 to define a path, The further step includes soldering the magnetic field sensor 2 to the receiving section 121.

[0050] According to a first embodiment of the electrical assembly according to the present invention, referring to Figure 3, the electrical assembly comprises an electrical magnetic field measuring assembly, an electronic substrate 4, and an electrical conductor 3. In this first embodiment, to measure the magnetic field induced by the current flowing through the electrical conductor 3, the electrical magnetic field measuring assembly is first applied to the electronic substrate 4, and secondly, a magnetic field sensor 2 is immersed, in particular, vertically, in a free space formed within the electrical conductor 3. The free space is preferably open. The free space is particularly suitable for obtaining optimal accuracy in magnetic field measurement.

[0051] Referring to Figure 5, according to a second embodiment of the electrical assembly according to the present invention, the electrical assembly comprises an electrical magnetic field measuring assembly, an electronic substrate 4, and an electrical conductor 3. In this second embodiment, the electrical magnetic field measuring assembly is first applied to the electronic substrate 4 to measure the magnetic field induced by the current flowing through the electrical conductor 3, and secondly, it positions a magnetic field sensor 2 at a predetermined distance from the surface 30 of the electrical conductor 3. The distance is preferably less than 1.5 mm, or even less than 1 mm, or even less than 0.5 mm. The distance may also be 0. In this case, the magnetic field sensor 2 may be in contact with the surface 30 of the electrical conductor 3. The distance may, in particular, be equal to the uncertainty of the positioning of the magnetic field sensor 2 relative to the electrical conductor 3.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the first and second embodiments of the electrical assembly according to the present invention, the electrical assembly preferably does not have a magnetic field concentrator, enabling compactness to be achieved.

[0053] According to one aspect of the present invention, an item of power electronics equipment comprises an electronic substrate, several electrical conductors, and several electrical magnetic field measurement assemblies. Each electrical magnetic field measurement assembly is paired with one of the electrical conductors to perform a measurement of the magnetic field induced by the current flowing through the corresponding electrical conductor. It should be noted that the number of electrical conductors is not necessarily equal to the number of electrical magnetic field measurement assemblies. In fact, fewer electrical magnetic field measurement assemblies than the number of electrical conductors may be sufficient, and the remaining current values ​​can be estimated from the measurements performed by the electrical magnetic field measurement assemblies.

[0054] The power electronics equipment items may, in particular, be inverters. The number of electrical conductors corresponds, in particular, to the number of AC phases of the inverter, and is generally equal to 3. Specifically, the number of electrical magnetic field measurement assemblies may be equal to 2. The two electrical magnetic field measurement assemblies are then configured to perform current measurements on two of the three electrical conductors, and the current in the third electrical conductor can be estimated from the current measurements from the other two electrical conductors.

[0055] Alternatively, the power electronics equipment items may include, among other things, DC-DC voltage converters, specifically DC-DC voltage converters for the input of high-voltage batteries.

[0056] In summary, the electrical device receiving section of the present invention enables the use of a pinless magnetic field sensor and offers substantial advantages in improving the mechanical strength of the electrical assembly.

[0057] Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible to perform magnetic field measurements in situ or near an electrical conductor without requiring a magnetic field concentrator. Therefore, the compactness of power electronics equipment items is improved.

[0058] By using an overmolded assembly, the present invention has the significant advantage of ensuring the uncertainty of controlled and precise positioning, leading to improved accuracy in magnetic field measurements, and therefore in current measurements. Accurate current measurement can, in particular, improve current monitoring at the input and / or output of an inverter or DC-DC voltage converter, and thus improve the lifespan of electrical components.

[0059] Furthermore, overmolded assemblies have the advantage of ensuring improved reproducibility in the implementation of the electrical magnetic field measurement assembly, and thus lead to improved reproducibility in current measurements.

[0060] Furthermore, from an industrial manufacturing perspective, the configuration of overmolded assemblies allows for the use of the overmolding manufacturing process, which is a well-controlled and inexpensive process.

[0061] The present invention also has the advantage of facilitating the dimensional setting of electrical devices, which can be adjusted. Electrical devices according to the present invention can be connected to various configurations of electrical systems.

Claims

1. An electrical device (1) intended to be mounted and housed in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, A support (11) extending in the first direction, A holding member (111) is positioned on one side of the support (11) in the first direction and held by the support, An electrical circuit (12) is at least partially housed inside the support (11) and comprises an array of electrical lines (122) and a receiving section (121) designed to receive a magnetic field sensor (2), wherein the receiving section (121) is located on the opposite side of the holding member (111) in the first direction, The electrical circuit (12) is configured to generate an electrical link between the magnetic field sensor (2) on one side and the receiving section (121) and the array of electrical lines (122) on the other side, and an external electronic circuit board (4) of the electrical device (1). The holding member (111) is a support portion (112) that connects the support body (11) and the electronic substrate (4), and comprises at least one support portion (112) having a support surface (113) configured to support the electronic substrate (4), The receiving portion (121) forms an exposed surface configured to generate an electrical connection with the magnetic field sensor (2) through planar contact between the receiving portion (121) and the surface of the magnetic field sensor (2), and is an electrical device (1).

2. The electrical device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support (11) is provided with a receiving portion (114) that exposes the receiving portion (121) and receives the magnetic field sensor (2).

3. The support (11) is overmolded onto the electrical circuit (12), and the support (11) and the electrical circuit (12) form an overmolded assembly, according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

4. The electrical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support (11) is made of plastic.

5. The electrical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a connecting leg (123) which is electrically connected to the electric line (122) and is exposed from the support (11) at the end on the side of the holding member (111) in the first direction, and which is configured to be electrically connected to the electronic circuit board (4).

6. An electrical magnetic field measuring assembly comprising a magnetic field sensor (2) and an electrical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The electrical magnetic field measuring assembly according to claim 6 comprises an electronic substrate (4) and an electrical conductor (3), The electrical circuit (12) is electrically connected to the electronic substrate (4) in order to measure the magnetic field induced by the current flowing through the electrical conductor (3). The magnetic field sensor (2) is an electrical assembly disposed within a free space formed within the electrical conductor (3).

8. The electrical magnetic field measuring assembly according to claim 6 comprises an electronic substrate (4) and an electrical conductor (3), The electrical assembly is electrically connected to the electronic substrate (4) for measuring a magnetic field induced by a current flowing through the electrical conductor (3), and the distance from the surface (30) of the electrical conductor (3) to the magnetic field sensor (2) in the first direction is 0 to 1.5 mm.

9. The electrical assembly according to claim 7 or 8, which does not have a magnetic field concentrator.

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