Connecting piece for connecting at least two electrical contacts, power module and electrical device

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting piece (1) for connecting at least two electrical contacts, to a power module (12) having at least one such connecting piece (1), and to an electrical device (20) having at least one such power module (12). In order to in particular provide a connecting piece (1) which is cost-effective and easy to install, the invention proposes that the connecting piece (1) has: - a main plate (2), which extends in the x-y plane and has a thickness dg in the z direction, wherein the main plate (2) has a first electrical contact surface (21) at least in some sections, wherein the main plate (2) has two tabs (4a, 4b), of which the first tab (4a) protrudes out of the main plate (2) in the positive x direction and the second tab (4b) protrudes out of the main plate (2) in the negative x direction, wherein the two tabs (4a, 4b) further protrude out of the main plate (2) in the positive z direction; - a transition piece (5) which is arranged on the main plate (2) as an extension in the y direction; and - a secondary plate (6), wherein the secondary plate (6) is arranged on the transition piece (5) as an extension in the y direction, wherein the secondary plate (6) is connected to the main plate (2) via the transition piece (5), wherein the secondary plate (6) extends in the x-y plane, is offset by an offset V in the positive z direction with respect to the main plate (2) and has a thickness dn in the z direction, wherein the secondary plate (6) has a second electrical contact surface (10) at least in some sections.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Connector for connecting at least two electrical contacts, power module and electrical device

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The invention relates to a connecting piece for connecting at least two electrical contacts, a power module comprising at least one such connecting piece and an electrical device comprising at least one such power module.

[0005] Technical background

[0006] Connectors for connecting at least two electrical contacts, corresponding power modules, and electrical devices are known from a variety of applications, for example, in power electronics. Such connectors establish electrical contacts within the power module and are preferably inexpensive and easy to install.

[0007] Summary of the invention

[0008] In particular for improved assembly, a connecting piece of the type mentioned above is proposed, which

[0009] • a base plate which extends in the xy plane and has a thickness dg in the z direction, wherein the base plate has at least in sections a first electrical contact surface, wherein the base plate has two tabs, of which the first tab protrudes from the base plate in the positive x direction and the second tab in the negative x direction, wherein the two tabs continue to protrude from the base plate in the positive z direction,

[0010] • a transition piece which is arranged in extension in the y-direction on the base plate, and

[0011] • a secondary plate, wherein the secondary plate is arranged in extension in the y-direction on the transition piece, wherein the secondary plate is connected to the base plate via the transition piece, wherein the secondary plate extends in the xy-plane, is offset by an offset V in the positive z-direction relative to the base plate and has a thickness dn in the z-direction, and wherein the secondary plate has at least in sections a second electrical contact surface. Furthermore, a power module of the type mentioned above is proposed, which

[0012] • a printed circuit board which extends in the xy plane and has a thickness dl in the z direction, wherein the printed circuit board has at least one first printed circuit board recess,

[0013] • at least one semiconductor component, which extends in the xy plane and is arranged offset in the negative z direction to the circuit board,

[0014] • at least one connecting piece according to one of the preceding claims and

[0015] • has at least one connecting element, wherein the respective connecting piece is arranged such that

[0016] • the respective base plate is arranged in the respective first circuit board recess and the respective two tabs each rest at least partially on the circuit board in the z-direction,

[0017] • the respective secondary plate rests at least partially on the circuit board in the z-direction,

[0018] • the respective connection element is connected to the respective first electrical contact surface, and

[0019] • the respective second electrical contact surface is connected to the respective semiconductor component.

[0020] Furthermore, an electrical device, in particular a converter, of the type mentioned at the outset is proposed, which has at least one such power module.

[0021] Embodiments of the invention

[0022] To connect the at least two electrical contacts, the proposed connector has the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface, wherein the first electrical contact surface is arranged on the base plate and points, for example, in the positive z-direction, and wherein the second electrical contact surface is arranged on the secondary plate and points, for example, in the negative z-direction. The base plate and the secondary plate are connected to each other via the transition piece, so that along the y-direction, the base plate is arranged first, followed by the transition piece, and then the secondary plate.

[0023] The base plate and the secondary plate extend in the xy-plane, are preferably flat, and in particular have a comparatively small thickness in the z-direction compared to their respective dimensions in the xy-plane. The secondary plate is offset from the base plate in the positive z-direction. To facilitate assembly of the connecting piece, the base plate has two tabs, the first of which protrudes in the positive x-direction and the second in the negative x-direction. Both tabs continue to protrude from the base plate in the positive z-direction.

[0024] A particular advantage of the proposed connecting piece is that, thanks to the offset in the z-direction between the base plate and the secondary plate, height differences can be compensated for, for example, on the element of a power module to which the proposed connecting piece is to be attached for electrical contact. The said element can be, for example, a printed circuit board or a semiconductor component of the power module. Furthermore, the two tabs are advantageous when assembling the connecting piece, as they can, for example, engage with a suitable counterpart, particularly within a power module into which the proposed connecting piece is installed. In particular, the two tabs can be used to position or center the proposed connecting piece with respect to a desired position of the proposed connecting piece within a power module.

[0025] In particular, the first tab and / or the second tab can be designed or used for electrically contacting the circuit board. For example, the respective tab can be electrically connectable or connected to the circuit board of the power module or to one or more sensors arranged in or on the power module. Furthermore, the respective tab can be routed to the outside via a conductor track and electrically contacted to the outside.

[0026] The electrical contacting of the first tab and / or the second tab can serve, for example, to divert electrical currents or to measure the current flowing through the semiconductor component. In particular, thanks to the electrical contacting of the first tab and / or the second tabs, unwanted electrical or electromagnetic effects that may occur in the semiconductor component can be reduced or avoided, thus increasing the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of the semiconductor component or the power module. Accordingly, the respective tab can be designed as an EMC tab.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first tab has a first male tab section which runs at least partially obliquely in the positive x-direction and positive z-direction, wherein the second tab has a second male tab section which runs at least partially obliquely in the negative x-direction and positive z-direction.

[0028] Each tab thus has a respective longitudinal section that extends diagonally outward from the rest of the base plate and in the positive z-direction. Thus, the first longitudinal section runs diagonally in the positive x-direction and positive z-direction, and the second longitudinal section runs diagonally in the negative x-direction and positive z-direction. The respective longitudinal section is referred to as male because it can engage with a correspondingly designed female counterpart, similar to a tongue-and-groove connection.

[0029] Thanks to the two longitudinal sections, a particularly easy and precise positioning or centering of the proposed connector with respect to a desired position of the proposed connector within a power module can be achieved.

[0030] Since the respective tab has a constructive angular shape in its longitudinal section, a spring effect can be achieved, whereby the respective tab gives way when the connecting piece is fastened, e.g. screwed, and thus sufficient play is allowed for assembly.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base plate has a base plate recess that runs through in the z-direction.

[0032] For example, the base plate recess can be designed such that it extends through the base plate in the z-direction. The base plate recess can be arranged centrally, in particular.

[0033] For example, a connecting element can be passed through the base plate recess, wherein the connecting element touches the base plate at least at the first electrical contact surface and is thus electrically contacted with the base plate. For example, the first electrical contact surface is arranged at least partially on the inside of the base plate recess. In particular, when the connecting element rests on the base plate in the z-direction, at least part of the first electrical contact surface is arranged on that surface of the base plate which faces in the positive z-direction. The base plate recess allows, in particular, good electrical contact of the connecting piece and thus enables the transmission of comparatively large electrical currents.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base plate has, at least in sections, a third electrical contact surface pointing in the negative z-direction.

[0035] Thanks to the third electrical contact surface, which points in the negative z-direction, improved electrical contacting of the connector, especially via the base plate, and the transmission of comparatively large electrical currents can be achieved.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the secondary plate has, at least in sections, a transport surface pointing in the positive z-direction, which is suitable for fully automatic assembly on printed circuit boards or other carrier substrates by means of an automatic assembly machine.

[0037] Preferably, the transport surface is flat and designed such that a placement machine can move the connector from a starting position to a target position, particularly by suction. For example, the placement machine can position the connector on or in a component of a power module, e.g., a circuit board of a power module. To this end, the placement machine can, for example, suction the connector at the starting position via the transport surface and then place it at the target position or secure it there.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the secondary plate has at least one connecting bracket which protrudes from the secondary plate in the negative z-direction and which is at least partially encompassed by the second electrical contact surface.

[0039] The protrusion of the respective connecting bracket from the auxiliary plate is to be understood in particular in such a way that the respective connecting bracket protrudes accordingly from the remaining auxiliary plate, which in particular is designed to be rather flat and extends in the xy plane. In particular, the respective connecting bracket protrudes further than the thickness of the remaining auxiliary plate. The respective connecting bracket contributes to the electrical contacting of the connecting piece. In particular, two or more such connecting brackets can be provided. For example, the connecting bracket(s) form(s) the second electrical contact surface. In some examples, the second contact surface comprises one or more such connecting brackets and furthermore a section of that surface of the remaining auxiliary plate which points in the negative z-direction, wherein the said surface can be flat, for example, and in particularmay be suitable for soldering.

[0040] In some uses of the connecting piece in a power module, the respective connecting bracket protrudes far enough from the remaining auxiliary plate in the negative z-direction that the respective connecting bracket can electrically contact a semiconductor component of the power module through a printed circuit board of the power module, wherein in such a power module, first the flat, remaining auxiliary plate, then the printed circuit board and finally the semiconductor component of the power module are arranged in the negative z-direction.

[0041] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second electrical contact surface is suitable for soldering, with the respective connecting bracket being designed as a soldering pin. In particular, the secondary plate can have a U-shaped secondary plate recess around the respective connecting bracket in the xy plane. For example, the respective connecting bracket can be formed from the secondary plate by punching and bending, with the respective U-shaped secondary plate recess being punched out around the respective connecting bracket.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the secondary plate has at least one second secondary plate recess which is continuous in the z-direction.

[0043] For example, the secondary plate recess can be arranged in particular centrally.

[0044] For example, a further connecting element can be passed through the auxiliary plate recess. The further connecting element can touch the auxiliary plate on that surface of the auxiliary plate which faces in the positive z-direction. The further connecting element can touch the auxiliary plate, in particular on the second electrical contact surface or partially on the inside of the auxiliary plate recess, and thus make electrical contact. The auxiliary plate recess allows, in particular, good electrical contact between the connecting piece and a component offset from the auxiliary plate in the negative z-direction, in particular a semiconductor component of a power module. The transmission of comparatively large electrical currents is enabled, in particular, by screwing the auxiliary plate to the semiconductor component or by pressing it onto the semiconductor component.

[0045] For example, the additional connecting element can be designed as a bolt or similar.

[0046] In particular, the base plate can have a larger area in the xy plane than the secondary plate.

[0047] The circuit board of the proposed power module extends in the xy-plane, is preferably flat, and in particular has a comparatively small thickness in the z-direction compared to its respective dimensions in the xy-plane. The circuit board is offset in the negative z-direction, particularly relative to the flat part of the secondary plate of the respective connecting piece, with the secondary plate of the respective connecting piece resting at least partially on the circuit board in the z-direction.

[0048] The first circuit board recess is designed to accommodate the base plate of the respective connector. The two tabs of the respective connector enable good positioning and centering of the respective connector in or on the circuit board and thus the rest of the power module. Furthermore, the tabs, in particular, compensate for the production tolerances of the circuit board.

[0049] The respective connection element can be designed, for example, as a bolt, screw, busbar, or generally as a current-carrying element and is electrically connected to the first electrical contact surface of the respective connecting piece, for example, by touching the first electrical contact surface or being connected to it. Furthermore, the second electrical contact surface of the respective connecting piece is electrically connected to the respective semiconductor component.

[0050] Thus, the respective connector establishes an electrical connection, on the one hand, via the respective first electrical contact surface with the respective connection element, and on the other hand, via the second electrical contact surface with the respective semiconductor component. Thanks to the two tabs of the respective connector, the respective connector can be easily and precisely positioned and secured within the rest of the power module during assembly. The respective semiconductor component can be, for example, a diode or a transistor, in particular an IGBT (insulated-gate bipolar transistor).

[0051] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the circuit board has a first female notch in the positive x-direction where the first male tab portion contacts the circuit board, and the circuit board has a second female notch in the negative x-direction where the second male tab portion contacts the circuit board.

[0052] For this embodiment of the power module, the above-explained design of the connecting piece with the two male tab sections is used. The circuit board has, in particular at the first circuit board cutout, two matching female counterparts into which the two male tab sections can engage. In particular, the two female notches are located at the edge of the first circuit board cutout, namely the first female notch at the edge of the circuit board cutout in the positive x-direction and the second female notch at the edge of the circuit board cutout in the negative x-direction. The respective male tab section and the respective female notch are shaped to match one another, in particular similar to a tongue and groove connection. The respective female notch can in particular be designed as a groove extending through the circuit board in the z-direction.

[0053] Thanks to the two longitudinal sections and the two female notches, particularly easy and precise positioning or centering of the proposed connector relative to a desired position within a power module is achievable. In particular, the aforementioned spring action can be achieved, whereby the respective tab yields when the connector is fastened, e.g., by screwing, thus allowing sufficient clearance for assembly.

[0054] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the respective female notch and the respective associated male tab section are designed such that the respective connecting piece can be fixed in the positive z-direction during assembly on the circuit board. In particular, the aforementioned fixability of the respective connecting piece on the circuit board in the positive z-direction can be achieved by a suitable bevel of the respective male tab section, wherein the bevel leads during assembly to the respective tab being slightly clamped in the respective notch or fixed by means of a frictional connection. In particular, the respective tab is fixed in the negative z-direction already by resting on that surface of the circuit board which points in the positive z-direction, in particular when the two tabs emerge from the respective female notch in the positive z-direction (if necessary obliquely with an additional positive ornegative x-component). Furthermore, the respective connecting piece can be fixed in the negative z-direction simply by having the respective base plate rest in the z-direction on the respective semiconductor component, which is offset in the negative z-direction to the circuit board.

[0055] Due to the aforementioned fixability, a particularly easy and precise positioning or centering of the proposed connecting piece with respect to a desired position of the proposed connecting piece within a power module can be achieved.

[0056] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the respective female notch and the respective associated male tab section are designed such that the connecting piece can be fixed with respect to a rotation about the z-direction during assembly on the circuit board.

[0057] For example, the respective connector can be secured to the circuit board in the x-direction by appropriately skewing the respective male tab section, which during assembly results in the respective tab being slightly clamped in the respective notch or secured by means of a force fit. Furthermore, the respective connector can be secured to the circuit board in the y-direction by the respective male tab section being held in place in the y-direction by the respective female notch during assembly of the respective connector, e.g., by the respective tab also being slightly clamped in the respective notch in the y-direction or secured by means of a force fit or form fit.

[0058] Since the respective connector is fixed in both the x-direction and the y-direction thanks to the two male tab sections and the two female notches, the respective connector is also fixed with respect to rotation about the z-direction. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the respective connection element protrudes through the base plate recess and the respective first circuit board recess in the z-direction and is connected to the respective semiconductor component.

[0059] For this embodiment of the power module, the above-explained design of the connecting piece with the base plate recess is used. As already mentioned above, the respective connecting element can be designed, for example, as a bolt, screw, busbar, or generally as a current-carrying element. The respective connecting element is guided along the negative z-direction through the base plate recess and the respective first circuit board recess and connected to the respective semiconductor component. In particular, the respective connecting element continues to be in electrical contact with the first electrical contact surface of the respective connecting piece, wherein the first electrical contact surface can be arranged in particular on the inside of the base plate recess or on that surface of the base plate which faces in the positive z-direction.

[0060] Thus, the respective connection element can be used to position or center the proposed connector relative to a desired position within a power module. Furthermore, the base plate recess allows for good electrical contact between the connector, for example, and the semiconductor component, thus enabling the transmission of comparatively large electrical currents.

[0061] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the power module further comprises at least one further connection element and at least one second circuit board recess, wherein the respective further connection element protrudes through the secondary plate recess of the respective connecting piece and the respective second circuit board recess in the z-direction and is connected to the respective semiconductor component.

[0062] The respective additional connection element can also be designed, for example, as a bolt, screw, busbar, or generally as a current-carrying element. The respective additional connection element is guided along the negative z-direction through the secondary plate recess and the respective second circuit board recess and connected to the respective semiconductor component. In particular, the respective additional connection element is in electrical contact with the secondary plate of the respective connecting piece, e.g. on the inside of the secondary plate recess or on that surface of the secondary plate which faces in the positive z-direction. Thus, the respective additional connection element can be used to position or center the proposed connecting piece with respect to a desired position of the proposed connecting piece within a power module.Furthermore, the respective second circuit board recess and the secondary board recess of the respective connecting piece allow in particular good electrical contacting of the further connection element, e.g. also with the semiconductor component, and thus enable the transmission of comparatively large electrical currents.

[0063] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the power module further comprises at least one second circuit board recess, wherein the respective connecting bracket protrudes through the respective second circuit board recess in the z-direction and is connected to the respective semiconductor component.

[0064] For this configuration of the power module, the above-described design of the connecting piece with at least one connecting bracket is used. The respective second circuit board recess can, for example, be the second circuit board recesses already explained above or, alternatively, separate second circuit board recesses.

[0065] For example, the respective connecting bracket is designed as a soldering pin and is connected to the respective semiconductor component by soldering.

[0066] The respective connecting bracket enables positioning or centering of the proposed connector relative to a desired position within a power module. Furthermore, the respective connecting bracket allows for good electrical contact between the respective connector and the semiconductor component, thus enabling the transmission of comparatively large electrical currents.

[0067] In the proposed connector, the proposed power module, and the proposed electrical device, the aforementioned x, y, and z directions can be rotated in space, whereby equivalent respective designs that are mirrored with respect to one or more axes are also conceivable. For example, the base plate, the transition piece, and the secondary plate can be arranged such that in the positive y direction, or equivalently in the negative y direction, the secondary plate is arranged first, followed by the transition piece, and finally the base plate, thus creating a mirror image with respect to the x axis.

[0068] Compared to previous solutions, the tabs are particularly noteworthy. The application possibilities of the current standard solutions are limited, and they often require additional equipment during production or assembly, such as additional brackets or positioning aids. However, such equipment is expensive and cannot always be used from a process perspective. Thanks to the proposed connector, the proposed power module, and the proposed electrical device, and especially the addition of the positioning tabs, the field of application can be expanded and the manufacturing processes are significantly simplified.

[0069] Exemplary embodiments of the drawings

[0070] The invention is described and explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. They show:

[0071] Fig. 1-4 a first embodiment of the proposed connector, Fig. 5-8 a second embodiment of the proposed connector, Fig. 9-13 spatial representations of a section of a first to fifth embodiment of the proposed power module, and

[0072] Fig. 14 an embodiment of the proposed electrical device.

[0073] Detailed description of the implementation examples

[0074] Figures 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the proposed connecting piece 1, wherein Figures 1 and 2 show two perspective views and Figures 3 and 4 show two cross sections through the connecting piece 1. The same reference numerals designate the same objects.

[0075] The connecting piece 1 is suitable for connecting at least two electrical contacts and for this purpose has a base plate 2 which extends in the xy plane and has a thickness dg in the z direction. The base plate 2 has a first electrical contact surface 21 and two tabs 4a, 4b, of which the first tab 4a protrudes from the base plate 2 in the positive x direction and the second tab 4b in the negative x direction. The two tabs 4a, 4b also protrude from the base plate 2 in the positive z direction. In the exemplary embodiment, the first electrical contact surface 21 is arranged on the side of the base plate 2 which faces in the positive z direction. Furthermore, the connecting piece 1 has a transition piece 5 which is arranged in extension in the y-direction on the base plate 2, wherein the transition piece 5 is arranged in the context of the exemplary embodiment in extension in the positive y-direction on the base plate 2.

[0076] The connecting piece 1 further comprises a secondary plate 6, which is arranged in extension in the y-direction on the transition piece 5. The secondary plate 6 is connected to the base plate 2 via the transition piece 5. In the exemplary embodiment, the base plate 2, then the transition piece 5 and finally the secondary plate 6 are arranged in the positive y-direction, although a reverse order is also conceivable, as already mentioned above. The secondary plate 6 extends in the xy-plane and is offset by an offset V in the positive z-direction relative to the base plate 2. The secondary plate 6 has a thickness dn in the z-direction. Furthermore, the secondary plate 6 has a second electrical contact surface 10, which in the exemplary embodiment is arranged on the side of the secondary plate 6 that points in the negative z-direction.

[0077] The first tab 4a has a first male tab section 8a, which extends at least partially obliquely in the positive x-direction and positive z-direction. Accordingly, the second tab 4b has a second male tab section 8b, which extends at least partially obliquely in the negative x-direction and positive z-direction.

[0078] Thanks to the two longitudinal sections 8 and 8b, a particularly easy and precise positioning or centering of the connecting piece 1 with respect to a desired position of the connecting piece 1 within a power module 12 is achievable. The two electrical contact surfaces 21 and 10 contribute to the fact that the connecting piece 1 enables the transmission of comparatively large electrical currents.

[0079] Optionally, the base plate 2 can have a third electrical contact surface 22 pointing in the negative z-direction. Furthermore, the secondary plate 6 can optionally have a transport surface 9 pointing in the positive z-direction, which is suitable for fully automatic placement on printed circuit boards or other carrier substrates using a placement machine.

[0080] Figures 5 to 8 show a second embodiment of the proposed connecting piece 1, wherein Figures 5 and 6 again show two perspective views and Figures 7 and 8 again show two cross sections through the connecting piece 1. In contrast to the first embodiment, the base plate 2 of the connecting piece 1 according to the second embodiment has a base plate recess 3 which is continuous in the z-direction.

[0081] For example, a connecting element 14 can be guided through the base plate recess 3 through the base plate 2, wherein the connecting element 14 touches the base plate 2 at least at the first electrical contact surface 21 and is thus electrically contacted with the base plate 2. The first electrical contact surface 21 comprises the inside of the base plate recess 3 as well as a part of that surface of the base plate 2 which faces in the positive z-direction and is arranged around the base plate recess 3.

[0082] The base plate recess 3 allows in particular a good electrical contact of the connecting piece 1 and thus enables the transmission of comparatively large electrical currents.

[0083] Also in contrast to the first embodiment, the secondary plate 6 of the connecting piece 1 according to the second embodiment has two connecting brackets 7, which each protrude in the negative z-direction from the remaining secondary plate 6 and which are at least partially encompassed by the second electrical contact surface 10.

[0084] Preferably, the respective connecting bracket 7 protrudes far enough from the remaining auxiliary plate 6 in the negative z-direction that the respective connecting bracket 7 can electrically contact a semiconductor component 13 of the power module 12 through a printed circuit board 15 of the power module 12, wherein in such a power module 12, first the flat, remaining auxiliary plate 6, then the printed circuit board 15 and finally the semiconductor component 13 of the power module 12 are arranged in the negative z-direction.

[0085] Around the respective connecting bracket 7, the secondary plate 6 has a U-shaped secondary plate recess 11 in the xy plane. For example, the respective connecting bracket 7 can be formed from the secondary plate 6 by punching and bending, whereby the respective U-shaped secondary plate recess 11 is punched out around the respective connecting bracket 7. The respective connecting bracket can optionally be designed as a solder pin.

[0086] Figure 9 shows a spatial representation of a section of a first exemplary embodiment of the proposed power module 12. The power module 12 has a printed circuit board 15, which extends in the xy plane and has a thickness d1 in the z direction. The printed circuit board 15 has at least one first printed circuit board cutout 16. Furthermore, the power module 12 has a semiconductor component 13, which extends in the xy plane and is arranged offset from the printed circuit board 15 in the negative z direction. Furthermore, the power module 12 has a connecting piece 1, which is similar to the second exemplary embodiment of the connecting piece 1 explained above. Finally, the power module 12 has a connection element 14.

[0087] The connecting piece 1 is arranged such that its base plate 2 is arranged in the first circuit board recess 16 and the two respective tabs 4a, 4b rest partially on the circuit board 15 in the z-direction. The circuit board 15 has a first female notch 19a in the positive x-direction where the first male tab section 8a touches the circuit board 15, and a second female notch 19b in the negative x-direction where the second male tab section 8b touches the circuit board 15. Thanks to the two longitudinal sections 8a and 8b and the two female notches 19a and 19b, a particularly easy and precise positioning or centering of the proposed connecting piece 1 with respect to a desired position of the proposed connecting piece 1 within a power module 12 can be achieved.

[0088] Furthermore, the connecting piece 1 is arranged such that the respective secondary plate 6 rests at least partially on the circuit board 15 in the z-direction, the connection element 14 is connected to the first electrical contact surface 21, and the second electrical contact surface 10 is connected to the semiconductor component 13. The connection element 14 can be connected to the first electrical contact surface 21, for example, via a busbar 18.

[0089] Figure 10 shows a spatial representation of a section of a second embodiment of the proposed power module 12. In the further embodiment of the proposed power module 12, several arrangements as shown in Figure 9 are present, each of which is highlighted with a frame.

[0090] In the second embodiment of the proposed power module 12, a respective further connection element 14' is arranged next to a respective connection element 14, for example, for the negative connection DCN of the semiconductor component 13. The respective further connection element 14' is arranged offset in the negative x-direction relative to the respective connection element 14 and is provided, for example, for the positive connection DCP of the semiconductor component 13.

[0091] In this context, the arrangement and design of the respective connecting piece 1 are particularly advantageous:

[0092] • The respective connecting piece 1 enables a flat structure in the z-direction, so that a rail concept used does not have to be fundamentally changed.

[0093] • The distance (especially in the x-direction) between the respective connection element 14 (“DCN”) and the respective further connection element 14' (“DCP”) is maintained even when using the respective connecting piece 1, so that, for example, a clearance and creepage distance (especially 7 mm long) is not undercut.

[0094] • The power module 12 can still be manufactured without assembly aids such as holders, positioning aids, etc., even when using the respective connecting piece 1.

[0095] • Thanks to the respective connecting piece 1, different height levels (in the z-direction) of the different contact surfaces can be compensated.

[0096] In particular, when electrical currents or voltages are measured at the respective connection element 14 and / or the respective further connection element 14', the arrangement and design of the respective connecting piece 1 contribute to improving the grounding concept in order to prevent interference with the measurement signals. In other solutions, interference must be measured in particular between the respective connection element 14 ("DCN") and the respective further connection element 14' ("DCP") of the semiconductor component 13. In particular, the arrangement and design of the respective connecting piece 1 help to realize a direct connection of the respective connection element 14 ("DCN") to a ground plane of the circuit board 15 or the power module 12.

[0097] Figure 11 shows a spatial representation of a section of a third exemplary embodiment of the proposed power module 12. The third exemplary embodiment has similarities to the first exemplary embodiment of the proposed power module 12, showing an intermediate step during the assembly of the power module 12. The connection element 14 still needs to be assembled; it is therefore indicated by dashed lines.

[0098] Figure 12 shows a spatial representation of a section of a fourth embodiment of the proposed power module 12. The fourth embodiment has similarities to the third embodiment of the proposed power module 12, wherein the connection element 14 is now mounted. Furthermore, the further connection element 14' is shown, which was explained above in connection with the second embodiment of the proposed power module 12. Figure 13 shows a spatial representation of a section of a fifth embodiment of the proposed power module 12. The fifth embodiment has similarities to the fourth embodiment of the proposed power module 12, wherein the auxiliary plate 6 does not have a connecting bracket 7. Instead, a further connection element 23 is mounted through a recess 11 in the auxiliary plate.

[0099] Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of the proposed electrical device 20 having one of the proposed power modules 12.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A connecting piece (1) for connecting at least two electrical contacts, comprising: • a base plate (2) which extends in the xy plane and has a thickness dg in the z direction, wherein the base plate (2) has at least in sections a first electrical contact surface (21), wherein the base plate (2) has two tabs (4a, 4b), of which the first tab (4a) protrudes in the positive x direction and the second tab (4b) in the negative x direction from the base plate (2), wherein the two tabs (4a, 4b) continue to protrude in the positive z direction from the base plate (2), • a transition piece (5) which is arranged in extension in the y-direction on the base plate (2), and • a secondary plate (6), wherein the secondary plate (6) is arranged in an extension in the y-direction on the transition piece (5), wherein the secondary plate (6) is connected to the base plate (2) via the transition piece (5), wherein the secondary plate (6) extends in the xy-plane, is offset by an offset V in the positive z-direction relative to the base plate (2) and has a thickness dn in the z-direction, and wherein the secondary plate (6) has at least in sections a second electrical contact surface (10).

2. Connecting piece (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first tab (4a) has a first male tab section (8a) which runs at least partially obliquely in the positive x-direction and positive z-direction and wherein the second tab (4b) has a second male tab section (8b) which runs at least partially obliquely in the negative x-direction and positive z-direction.

3. Connecting piece (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate (2) has a base plate recess (3) which is continuous in the z-direction.

4. Connecting piece (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate (2) has at least in sections a third electrical contact surface (22) pointing in the negative z-direction.

5. Connecting piece (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary plate (6) has at least in sections a transport surface (9) pointing in the positive z-direction, which is suitable for fully automatic assembly on printed circuit boards or other carrier substrates by means of an automatic assembly machine.

6. Connecting piece (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary plate (6) has at least one connecting bracket (7, 10) which protrudes from the secondary plate (6) in the negative z-direction and which is at least partially enclosed by the second electrical contact surface (10).

7. Connecting piece (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary plate (6) has at least one second secondary plate recess (11) extending in the z-direction.

8. Power module (12) comprising: • a printed circuit board (15) which extends in the xy plane and has a thickness dl in the z direction, wherein the printed circuit board (15) has at least one first printed circuit board recess (16), • at least one semiconductor component (13) which extends in the xy plane and is arranged offset in the negative z direction to the circuit board (15), • at least one connecting piece (1) according to one of the preceding claims and • at least one connecting element (14), wherein the respective connecting piece (1) is arranged such that • the respective base plate (2) is arranged in the respective first circuit board recess (16) and the respective two tabs (4a, 4b) each rest at least partially on the circuit board (15) in the z-direction, • the respective secondary plate (6) rests at least partially on the printed circuit board (15) in the z-direction, • the respective connection element (14) is connected to the respective first electrical contact surface (21), and • the respective second electrical contact surface (10) is connected to the respective semiconductor component (13).

9. Power module (12) according to claim 8, comprising at least one connector (1) at least according to claim 2, wherein the circuit board (15) has a first female notch (19a) in the positive x-direction where the first male tab portion (8a) contacts the circuit board (15), and wherein the circuit board (15) has a second female notch (19b) in the negative x-direction where the second male tab portion (8b) contacts the circuit board (15).

10. Power module (12) according to claim 9, wherein the respective female notch (19a, 19b) and the respective associated male tab portion (8a, 8b) are designed such that the respective connecting piece (1) can be fixed in the positive z-direction during assembly on the printed circuit board (15).

11. Power module (12) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the respective female notch (19a, 19b) and the respective associated male tab portion (8a, 8b) are designed such that the connecting piece (1) can be fixed with respect to rotation about the z-direction during assembly on the printed circuit board (15).

12. Power module (12) according to one of claims 8 to 11, comprising at least one connecting piece (1) at least according to claim 3, wherein the respective connection element (14) projects through the base plate recess (3) and the respective first circuit board recess (16) in the z-direction and is connected to the respective semiconductor component (13).

13. Power module (12) according to one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising at least one further connection element (23) and at least one second circuit board recess (17), wherein the respective further connection element (23) protrudes through the secondary plate recess (11) of the respective connecting piece (1) and the respective second circuit board recess (17) in the z-direction and is connected to the respective semiconductor component (13).

14. Power module (12) according to one of claims 8 to 13, comprising at least one connecting piece (1) at least according to claim 6, further comprising at least one second circuit board recess (17), wherein the respective connecting bracket (7, 10) protrudes through the respective second circuit board recess (17) in the z-direction and is connected to the respective semiconductor component (13).

15. Electrical device (20), in particular a converter, comprising at least one power module (12), preferably at least three power modules (12), according to one of claims 8 to 14.

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