A support element for a module

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to an electric power converter (100) that includes a module (104), a housing having an inner surface (112) on which a lower face (130) of the module (104) abuts, and a support element (106) whose bottom side (134) faces an upper face (128) of the module 104. The module (104) includes at least one controllable switch intended to switch and carry out a voltage conversion. The support element 106 includes a body that is at least partially lying in a first plane (152), and one or more flexible prongs extending from the body in a direction towards the upper face (128) of the module (104). The module (104) is at least partially lying in a second plane (154) parallel to the first plane (152). Each of the one or more flexible prongs is bearing on the upper face (128) of the module (104) and configured to hold the module (104) in place relative to the housing.

Description

A SUPPORT ELEMENT FOR A MODULEFIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present subject matter related to a support element for a module that generates heat during operation. In particular, the module is applicable for electric power converters used in motor vehicles.BACKGROUND

[0002] An electric power converter is known from the state of the art to includes a module having at least one controllable switch intended to switch and carry out a voltage conversion, a heat sink having an upper side opposite a lower face of the module to dissipate heat emitted by the module, and at least one elastic element pressing on an upper face of the module to hold the module in place relative to the heat sink.

[0003] In one known arrangement, the module is pressed onto the heat sink by a clip disposed between said module and heat sink, the clip merely clamping the module onto the heat sink. Such clips are susceptible to vibrations and may loosen on prolonged exposure to vibrational environments.

[0004] In another known arrangement, the module is pushed onto the heat sink by a spring plate. The spring plate is sandwiched between the module and a second component of the electric power converter such that the second component presses the spring plate which further pushes the module onto the heat sink. However, similar to the arrangement explainedin the preceding paragraph, the spring plate is susceptible to vibrations which may cause an undesired movement of the spring plate in the sandwiched position. This scenario is also disadvantageous because the spring plate is not integrally fixed to any component, and hence, may be unreliable on prolonged exposure to vibration. Moreover, existing spring plates are configured such that forces exerted on it are unevenly distributed, which in consequence, lead to failure of the spring plate over time. Accordingly, possibility of overheating is high for the electric power converter. Moreover, normal operation of the electrical machine, with which an electric power converter is electrically connected, is susceptible to failure. It is therefore imperative that the electric power converter is safeguarded from any heating issues, thereby also safeguarding the integrity of the electrical machine.

[0005] In another known configuration, the spring plate (or, “support element”) includes two separate parts formed from sheet metal and designed to exert a force to press the electronic component against the heat sink. Such spring plates include a rigid blade and flexible blades joined to the rigid blade joined together by brazing, for instance. The flexible blades is configured to exert a force that press the module onto the heat sink for an effective heat transfer by way of conduction. Further, a plastic insulator is provided between the flexible blade and the module to eliminate, or at least largely mitigate, electric creepage issues. Such a configuration of the spring plate is complicated for production since an additional processis to be provided to join the flexible blades to the rigid blade. Further, known configurations of spring plates as aforementioned do not provide a means to counter forces that bend the module in cases where the module’s package is large. A means to counter the force is not typically incorporated in such spring plates. Furthermore, the presence of a plastic insulator complicates the overall packaging of the electric power converter, thereby increasing bill of material and costs associated with more material.

[0006] Therefore, the technical solution sought by the present subject matter is how to provide a support element that is simple in construction and cost effective to produce. Moreover, the support element sought ensures a robust fixture of the module onto the heat sink of an electric power converter, hence, improving efficiency of heat dissipation from the module.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present subject matter seeks to solve the above- mentioned problems in conventional electric power converter. The present subject matter relates in general to improving dissipation of heat from an electric power converter. Specifically, the present subject matter relates to improve thermal conductivity between a module that generates heat and a housing of an electric power converter. An electric power converter, is normally used in conjunction with an electrical machine, such as, a rotaryelectrical machine, an electric power source, an electric power storage, an electronic control unit (ECU), or a combination thereof.

[0008] The present subject matter relates to an electric power converter comprising: a module comprising at least one controllable switch intended to switch and carry out a voltage conversion; a housing having an inner surface on which a lower face of the module abuts; and a support element whose bottom side faces an upper face of the module, the support element comprising a body at least partially lying in a first plane, and one or more flexible prongs extending from the body towards the upper face of the module, wherein each of the one or more flexible prongs is bearing on the upper face of the module and configured to hold said module in place relative to the housing, the upper face at least partially lying in a second plane parallel to the first plane.

[0009] Accordingly, the module is held in place whilst ensuring heat generated by the module is efficiently conducted to the housing. Further, as the body and the one or more flexible prongs are formed as a single part, the support element may be produced in a simple manner, with fewer processed involved in comparison to conventional support elements.

[0010] According an aspect of the present subject matter, each of the one or more flexible prongs comprises a first bend at the first plane, a second bend at a plane at least substantially parallel to the first plane, and an intermediate portion between the first bend and the second bend. Theone or more flexible prongs are ‘flexible’ so that irrespective of an exposure of the electric power converter to collisions or vibrations, the one or more flexible prongs may move in an axial direction and ensures the structural integrity of the support element whilst ensuring the module is held in its place in the housing.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present subject matter, the intermediate portion is inclined in an angle less than 90 degree with respect to the first plane.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present subject matter, a cantilever extends from the second bend in a direction at least substantially parallel to the first plane. The cantilever is bearing on the upper face of the module and exerts a force necessary to hold the module in its place.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present subject matter, the body comprises extended portions that comprises: a first body bend at the first plane; a second body bend at a plane parallel to the first plane; a connecting portion between the first body bend and the second body bend; and a mount portion extending from the second body bend in a direction parallel to the first plane, the mount portion being configured to mount the support element within the housing. The extended portions facilitates the mounting of the support element to the inner surface of the housing. Theextended portions may include holes though which fasteners is passed so that the support element is fixed to the inner surface.

[0014] According to an example of the present subject matter, the body comprises two extended portion extending in a direction opposite to each other, and the one or more flexible prongs are formed between the two extended portions. The support element is therefore mounted to the inner surface in robust manner whilst ensuring the structural integrity of the body and the one or more flexible prongs is maintained.

[0015] According to another example of the present subject matter, the support element comprises at least two flexible prongs, and at least one intermediate portion that has a length greater than the length of other intermediate portions of the at least two flexible prongs, the length of the intermediate portion between a distance between the first bend and the second bend. The aforementioned configuration is particularly advantageous where the module’s packaging is large that is it is susceptible to bending. The at least one intermediate portion may be positioned to counter the part of the module susceptible to bending.

[0016] According to an example of the present subject matter, the support element is a sheet metal part. Accordingly, the support element may be produced as a single part without requiring multiple or complicated operations and easily mass produced. Moreover, the support element being formed as a single sheet metal part is cost effective for production.

[0017] According to an example of the present subject matter, the bottom side of the support element is coated in an elastic material of thermally insulating properties. Accordingly, an electrically insulated part, normally provided between the one or more flexible prongs and the module, is eliminated. The overall packaging of the electric power converter may therefore be made smaller, and lighter. Further, fewer parts are involved, thereby making such a support element cost efficient to apply in the electric power converter.

[0018] According to further example of the present subject matter, a thickness of elastic material over molded is uniform along the bottom side of the support element.

[0019] According to an example of the present subject matter, the thickness of elastic material over molded on the bottom side of the each cantilever is more than the thickness of elastic material over molded the bottom side excluding said each cantilever.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] The features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying figures. The description refers to the annexed drawings, wherein:

[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates an exploded view of an electric power converter, configured in accordance with an aspect of the present subject matter;

[0022] FIG. 1 B illustrates a top view of the electric power converter, in an assembled state, depicting various internal components, configured in accordance with the present subject matter;

[0023] FIG. 1 C illustrates a section view of the electric power converter, along section A-A depicted in FIG. 1 B, configured in accordance with the present subject matter;

[0024] FIG. 1 D illustrates another section view of the electric power converter, along the section B-B depicted in FIG. 1 B, configured in accordance with the present subject matter;

[0025] FIG. 1 E illustrates a view at portion A of the electric power converter, shown in FIG. 1 D, configured in accordance with the present subject matter;

[0026] FIG. 2A illustrates a support element of the electric power converter, configured in accordance with an aspect of the present subject matter;

[0027] FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the support element of the electric power converter, configured in accordance with an aspect of present subject matter;

[0028] FIG. 2C illustrates a section view of the support element at section C-C shown in FIG. 2B, configured in accordance with an aspect of the present subject matter;

[0029] FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of the support element, configured in accordance with an example of the present subject matter; and

[0030] FIG. 3B illustrates a sectional view of the support element at section D-D shown in FIG. 3A, configured in accordance the example shown in FIG. 3A.

[0031] The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and / or examples consistent with the description, however, the description is not limited to the examples and / or examples provide in the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In the description that follows, reference is made to accompanying drawings, which form part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific implementations in which the invention maybe practiced. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable that skilling in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that the implementations may be combined, or that otherimplementations may be utilized, and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0033] FIG. 1A illustrates an exploded view of an electric power converter 100, configured in accordance with the present subject matter. FIG. 1 B is a top view of the electric power converter 100. FIG. 1 C is a section view at A-A shown in FIG. 1 B. FIG. 1 D is a section view at B-B shown in FIG. 1 B. FIG. 1 E depicts a portion A of the electric power converter 100 shown in FIG. 1 D. For the sake of brevity, the description that follows pertain to FIGs. 1 A, 1 B, 1 C, 1 D and 1 E.

[0034] According to the present subject matter, the electric power converter 100 includes a module 104, a housing 102a, 102b having an inner surface 112 on which a lower face 130 of the module 104 abuts, and a support element 106 whose bottom side 134 faces an upper face 128 of the module 104. The module 104 includes at least one controllable switch intended to switch and carry out a voltage conversion. The support element 106 includes a body 108 that is at least partially lying in a first plane 152, and one or more flexible prongs 110 extending from the body 108 in a direction towards the upper face 128 of the module 104. The module 104 is at least partially lying in a second plane 154 parallel to the first plane 152.Each of the one or more flexible prongs 110 is bearing on the upper face 128 of the module 104 and configured to hold the module 104 in place relative to the housing 102a, 102b.

[0035] The electric power converter 100 includes internal components accommodated within a casing 120a of the housing 102a, 102b. A cover 102b, shown in FIG. 1A, is provided to close an opening of the casing 120a. A seal 126 is provided between the casing 120a and the cover 120b that provides a hermetic sealing of the internal components from ambient environment. For example, the seal 126 is an O-ring as shown in FIG. 1. One such internal component in the electric power converter 100 is a printed circuit board (PCB) 116 on which the module 104 is mounted. The module 104 is in electric communication with more than one inductor 112 that are used for decreasing or increasing power transmission as step down or step up transformers. Further, a fuse assembly 120 is provided to limit the extent of thermal damage caused by overcurrent or a short-circuit event during operation of the electric power converter 100. The various internal components may generate heat during operation, therefore, a cooling circuit (not shown) is provided in close proximity to these internal components wherein a cooling medium circulates. The cooling medium enters and exits the cooling circuit within the electric power converter 100 via pipes 124. A lower face 130 of the module 104 is held against the inner surface 112 of housing 102a, 102b. Particularly, the module 104 is arranged so that said module abuts the innersurface 112 of the casing 102a. The support element 106 is arranged so that the module 104 is held against the inner surface 112 in an axial direction thereby ensuring contact of the module 104 with the inner surface 112. Accordingly, during operation, heat generated at the module 106 is conducted to the casing 102a and further transferred to the cooling medium circulating in the cooling circuit.

[0036] Within the meaning of the present disclosure, axial direction corresponds to an axis along the Z direction that defines a direction in which the support element 106 is assembled (or disassembled) in the electric power converter 100. X and Y directions are oriented perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0037] According to the arrangement shown in FIGs. 1A to 1 E, the PCB 116 is mounted on the inner surface 112 of the casing 102a. The inner surface 112 may include projections 150, references in FIG. 1 D, on which the PCB 116 is mountable. The module 104 is mounted to the PCB 116 such that said module 104 is sandwiched between the PCB 116 and an extended portion 156 of the inner surface 112. In an example, the inner surface 112, and therefore the extended portion 156, functions as a heat dissipating member. The module 104 is connected to an electric circuit of the PCB 116. In a non-limiting manner, a thermally conductive adhesive may be applied between the lower face 130 of the module 104 and the extended portion 152. The extended portion 152 may be provided with fins158 that facilitate dissipation of heat generated from the module 104 and transferred to the extended portion 152. Each of the one or more flexible prongs 110 exerts a force on the PCB 116 and hence the module 104 so that the module 104 is held against the extended portion 156. According to the aspect shown in FIGs. Further, in an aspect, an electrically insulated part 118 is provided between each flexible prong 110 and the PCB 116. The electrically insulated part 118 is provided to arrest electric creepage. Therefore, in the arrangement including the electrically insulated part 118, the one or more flexible prongs 110 presses said part 118 which further facilitate the module 104 being pressed against the extended portion 156. The one or more flexible prongs 110 are ‘flexible’ to move along the axial direction to allow for an uncertainties that involve the support element being pressed, for instance by the cover 102b in a scenario where the electric power converter 100 is in a collision.

[0038] According to an aspect of the present subject matter, each of the one or more flexible prongs 110 includes a first bend 136 formed at the first plane 152 and a second bend 138 is formed at a plane that is at least substantially parallel to the first plane 152. Furthermore, between the first bend 136 and the second bend 138, is the intermediate portion 140. In an example, the intermediate portion 140 is formed to be inclined at an angle Q, as shown in FIG. 1 E, the angle Q being less than 90 degrees with respect to the first plane 152. Moreover, from the second bend 138, extends a cantilever 142 that is mounted to the electrically insulating part 118 andexerts a force to press the electrically insulated part 118 in the axial direction, therefore ultimately pressing and holding the module 104 to the extended portion 156. In a non limiting manner, the support element 110 is a sheet metal part.

[0039] According to an aspect of the present subject matter, the cantilever 142 includes perforations in the axial direction to permit a portion of the electrically insulated part 118 to pass through and facilitate a means for indexing during assembly and ensuring the one or more flexible prongs 110 is delimited from undesired movement particularly a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0040] The electric power converter 100 may include more than one module 104. For instance, where the electric power converter 100 is used in conjunction with a three phase rotary machine (such as an motor, alternator, and / or generator), there are three modules 104 for each phase in the three phase rotary machine. Accordingly, the number of one or more flexible prongs 110 provided in support element 106 is more to ensure each module 104 is held in place for optimum heat transfer to the inner surface 112 of the housing casing 102a. The electric power converter 100 shown in the aforementioned figures is one such example where there is more than one module 104. The support element 106 is oriented so that the body 108 extends lengthwise in an axis along the X direction. There are three modules 104 are therefore arranged along the X direction. The supportelement 106 of the example shown in figures is provided with three sets of four flexible prongs 110. Each set of four flexible prongs 110 is associated to hold one of the three modules 104 in place. The flexible prongs 110 in the three sets extend from the body 108 in the same direction. In other words, each flexible prong 100 from the three sets are oriented such that they extend towards the X direction. Moreover, the cantilever 142 of each flexible prong 110, in the three sets, extends at least substantially parallel to the first plane 152; or in other words, each flexible prong 110, in the three sets, extends in a direction at least substantially parallel to the X direction.

[0041] In the preceding example where there are three sets of four flexible prongs 110, two middle flexible prongs 110 are arranged between flexible prongs 110 at both ends of the set. The intermediate portion 140 of the two middle flexible prongs 110 has a length greater than the length of the intermediate portion 140 of the flexible prongs 110 at both ends of the set. The length of the intermediate portion 140 is defined by a distance between the first bend 136 and the second bend 138. The aforementioned configuration is suitable for when the module 104 is large in size to counter any possible bending of the module’s 104 packaging. Alternatively, the longer intermediate portion(s) 140 may be suitably provided for any of the flexible prongs 106 in the set based on size of the module 104 and possible bending locations of the module 104 during the module’s 104 operational life. In other words, it may be said that at least one of the intermediate portions 140 of the flexible prongs 110 in each set is longer in length thatthe length of the other intermediate portions 140 in said set. Therefore, in an example where one set includes at least two flexible prongs 110, the intermediate portion 140 of at least one intermediate portion 140 in the set has a length longer than the length of the other intermediate portions 140 in the set.

[0042] FIG. 1 E shows one such example, where a longer intermediate portion 140a, i.e, greater in length in comparison to the intermediate portion 140. By virtue of the greater length of the longer 140a intermediate portion 140a, a larger force is leveraged from the longer intermediate portion 140a for holding the module 140 particularly where the module 140a is susceptible to bending. The cantilever 142 associated with the longer intermediate portion 140a is misaligned from a plane parallel to the first plane 152. Meaning, the aforementioned cantilever 142, once pressed to the electrically insulated part 118, is forced to angularly bend towards the Z direction.

[0043] However, in examples where the module 104 is sized small enough to not be susceptible to bending, each flexible prong 110 is configured similar to one another. More particularly, the length of each intermediate portion 140 of the flexible prongs 110, in the aforementioned example, are equal.

[0044] FIG. 2A illustrates an isometric view of the support element 106, configured in accordance with an example of the present subjectmatter. FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the support element 106 shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a sectional view at section C-C shown of FIG. 2B. The description that follows pertain to the aforementioned figures. FIGs. 1A to 1 E may also be referred in conjunction with the following description.

[0045] The support element 106, configured in accordance with the present subject matter, is mounted to the inner surface 112. In the example shown in figures, the support element 106 is mounted on the projections 150 by means of fasteners 202. The body 108, of the support element 106, includes extended portions 143. The extended portions 143 include a first body bend 144, a second body bend 146, and a connecting portion 148 between the first body bend 144 and the second body bend 146. The first body bend 144 is bend at the first plane 152. The second body bend 146 is bend at a plane parallel to the first plane 152. Further, from the second body bend 146 extends a mount portion 200 on which a hole 204 is provided to permit the fastener 202 to pass through. The mount portion 200 is particularly, configured to mount the support element 106 within the casing 102a. In the example shown in figures, the body 108 includes two extended portions 143 formed at both ends along a direction parallel to X direction. Each extended portion 143 is oriented to extend in a direction opposite to one another. In other words, the direction at which the mount portion 200 extends for one of the two extended portions 143 is opposite to the direction towards which the mount portion 200 of the other extended portion 143 extends. The mount portions 200, also shown in FIGs. 1 C, 1 D and 1 E, isabuts the projections 150, and therefore mounts the support element 106 to the casing 102a of the housing 102a, 102b.

[0046] FIG. 3A illustrates a support element 300, configured in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. FIG. 3B illustrates a sectional view of the support element 300 at section D-D in FIG. 3A. The following description pertain to the aforementioned figures, and may be read in conjunction with FIGs. 1 A to 1 E, and 2A to 2C.

[0047] The support element 300, in accordance with an example, is coated in elastic material 304. Such an elastic material 304 preferably exhibits thermally insulating properties. The support element 300 is preferably a sheet metal part coating in elastic material 304. The elastic material 304 may exhibit electrically insulating properties. Accordingly, the electrically insulated part 118 is eliminated; and the elastic material 304 coated functions to eliminate electric creepage. One or more flexible prongs 302 extend from the body 108, and are substantially configured in a similar manner as is in the support element 106. Similar to the one or more flexible prongs 110, the one or more flexible prongs 302 in support element 300 includes a first bend 303a, a second bend 303c, and an intermediate portion 303b. A cantilever 303d extends from the second bend 303c. The one or more flexible prongs 302, of the support element 300 is devoid of perforations formed on a cantilever 303d by virtue of the coating provided.

[0048] The support element 300 is coated on the top side 132 and the bottom side 134 uniformly with minimal or no variance in thickness of the elastic material 304. The top side 132 encompasses the visible side of the support element 300 as seen from the top view shown in FIG. 3A. The bottom side 134 encompasses the visible side of a bottom view (not shown) as seen from the side opposite the top side 132.

[0049] In a preferred configuration, the elastic material 304 is coated on the bottom side 134. The thickness of coating along the bottom side 134 is uniform. Alternatively, the thickness of elastic material 304 coated on the bottom side 134 of each cantilever 303d in the one or more flexible prongs 302 is more than the thickness of elastic material 304 coated on the bottom side excluding the cantilevers 303d.

[0050] The electric power converter 100, disclosed in the present invention for example intended to be installed in a motor vehicle. The electric power converter 100 may be part of an electrical system (not shown) that includes an electrical power source designed to deliver a direct voltage, for example between 10 volts to 100 V. The electric power source may be a battery. The electrical system may further include an electrical machine that includes several phases intended to present respective phase voltages. The electric power converter 100 may operate to perform a DC- DC conversion for a step up or step down of voltage, or to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and / or vice versa, Theelectric power converter 100, electric power source, and the electric machine work in tandem to operate in an efficient manner to drive a motor vehicle. Such an electrical system is applicable to any of hybrid vehicles and completely electric-power-driven vehicles.

[0051] The configuration of the electric power converter 100 described in the present invention is preferred to such vehicles as ordinary passenger cars, trucks, etc. However, the configuration can also apply to other electric power converters, for example, for electric power converters of trains, ships, aircrafts, etc., as well as for industrial power, conversion apparatuses used as controllers of motors for driving factory facilities and for home power conversion apparatuses used as controllers of motors for driving home solar power generator systems and home electrical appliances.

[0052] Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the subject matter, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the subject matter. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present subject matter is defined.

Claims

We Claim:

1. An electric power converter (100) comprising: a module (104) comprising at least one controllable switch intended to switch and carry out a voltage conversion; a housing (102a; 102b) having an inner surface (112) on which a lower face (130) of the module (104) abuts; and a support element (106; 300) whose bottom side (134) faces an upper face (128) of the module (104), the support element (106) comprising a body (108) atleast partially lying in a first plane (152), and one or more flexible prongs (110; 302) extending from the body (108) towards the upper face (128) of the module (104), wherein each of the one or more flexible prongs (110; 302) is bearing on the upper face (128) of the module (104) and configured to hold said module (104) in place relative to the housing (102a; 102b), the module (104) being at least partially lying in a second plane (154) parallel to the first plane (152).

2. The electronic power converter (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more flexible prongs (110; 302) comprises a first bend (136; 303a) at the first plane (152), a second bend (138; 303c) at a plane at least substantially parallel to the first plane (152), and an intermediate portion (140; 303b) between the first bend (136; 303a) and the second bend (138; 303c).

3. The electronic power converter (100), as claimed in claim 2, wherein the intermediate portion (140; 303b) is inclined in an angle (Q) less than 90 degree with respect to the first plane (200).

4. The electronic power converter (100), as claimed in claims 3, wherein a cantilever (142; 303d) extends from the second bend (138; 303c) in a direction at least substantially parallel to the first plane (152).

5. The electronic power converter (100), as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (108) comprises extended portions (143) that comprise: a first body bend (144) at the first plane (152); a second body bend (146) at a plane parallel to the first plane (152); a connecting portion (148) between the first body bend (144) and the second body bend (146); and a mount portion (200) extending from the second body bend (146) in a direction parallel to the first plane (152), the mount portion (200) being configured to mount the support element (106; 300) within the housing (102a; 102b).

6. The electronic power converter (100), as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (108) comprises two extended portions (143) extending in a direction opposite to each other, and the one or more flexible prongs (110; 302) are formed between the two extended portions (143).

7. The electronic power converter (100), as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element (106) comprises at least two flexible prongs (110; 302), and at least one intermediate portion (140; 303b) that has a length greater than the length of other intermediate portions (140; 303b) of the at least two flexible prongs (110; 302), the length of the intermediate portion (140; 303b) between a distance between the first bend (136; 303a) and the second bend (138; 303c).

8. The electronic power converter (100), as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the support element (106) is a sheet metal part.

9. The electronic power converter (100), as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom side (134) of the support element (106; 300) is coated in an elastic material (304) of thermally insulating properties.

10. The electronic power converter (100), as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a thickness of elastic material (304) coated is uniform along the bottom side (134) of the support element (106; 300).

11. The electronic power converter (100), as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the thickness of elastic material (304) coated on the bottom side (134) of each cantilever (142; 303d) is more than the thickness of elastic material (304) coated on the bottom side (134) excluding said each cantilever (142; 303d).

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