Inverter unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to an inverter unit (10) comprising: a first power module (12) having a first substrate (14) on which a first circuit arrangement (16) and a second circuit arrangement (18) are arranged, wherein the first circuit arrangement (16) and the second circuit arrangement (18) are configured to form a first half-bridge configuration having a phase output (20), a second power module (22) having a second substrate (24) on which a third circuit arrangement (26) is arranged, a capacitor unit (28) having a first capacitor (30) and a second capacitor (32), wherein the capacitor unit (28) is configured to form a centre point (34) between the first capacitor (30) and the second capacitor (32), wherein the third circuit arrangement (26) comprises a first contact element (36) and a second contact element (38), wherein the first contact element (36) is connected to the centre point (34) and the second contact element (38) is connected to the phase output (20).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Inverter unit

[0004] State of the art

[0005] The present invention relates to an inverter unit, an electronic unit, a method for producing an inverter unit and a vehicle.

[0006] Currently, there are a multitude of different solutions for manufacturing and configuring inverter units. Due to the increasing number of inverter units in the automotive and similar industries, the need for innovative and robust manufacturing concepts is continuously increasing.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The inverter unit according to the invention with the features of claim 1 has the advantage over the known device that the functionality of the inverter unit can be specifically adapted due to the modular arrangement of the power modules. Preferably, existing components, such as 2-level inverters, can be used to provide a 3-level inverter with the aid of an additional power module. Thus, the inverter unit can be designed in a scalable and modular manner, thus ensuring the usability of existing components.

[0009] This is achieved according to the invention in that the inverter unit comprises a first power module with a first substrate. A first circuit arrangement and a second circuit arrangement are arranged on the first substrate, wherein the first circuit arrangement and the second circuit arrangement are configured to form a first half-bridge configuration with a phase output. The inverter unit comprises a second power module with a second substrate, on which a third circuit arrangement is arranged.The inverter unit further comprises a capacitor unit having a first capacitor and a second capacitor, wherein the capacitor unit is configured to form a center point with the first capacitor and the second capacitor, wherein the third circuit arrangement comprises a first contact element and a second contact element, wherein the first contact element is connected to the center point and the second contact element is connected to the phase output.

[0010] In other words, the inverter unit can be a 3-level T-type inverter, which is formed by connecting a first power module to a second power module. More preferably, the first power module can have two contacts, each of which can be connected to the positive and negative potential of the capacitor unit. More preferably, the first power module can have a plurality of first circuit arrangements as well as a plurality of second circuit arrangements. In particular, the inverter unit can be configured to form a half-bridge configuration with a phase output using the first plurality of first circuit arrangements and the second plurality of circuit arrangements. More preferably, the first power module or the second power module can be operated both at full load and at partial load.Further preferably, the inverter unit can also be connected to additional connecting elements or components, for example, to form a 3-level T-type inverter. Further preferably, the inverter unit or the first power module and / or the second power module can be connected to a heat sink or a cooling element or the like to increase the cooling capacity of the inverter unit.

[0011] The subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.

[0012] Preferably, the first power module and / or the first substrate has a first interface on a first side of the first power module and / or the first substrate, wherein the first interface is connectable to a DC interface. An advantage of this embodiment is that the dimensions of the inverter unit can remain small, since only the first substrate or the first power module can be connected to the DC interface, and thus, simultaneously, the second power module and the capacitor unit are also connected to the DC interface.

[0013] Further preferably, the first power module and / or the first substrate has a second side which is arranged substantially orthogonally to the first side, wherein the second power module is arranged on the second side.

[0014] An advantage of this embodiment is that the dimensions of the inverter unit can be adapted to a specific installation space situation. For example, a longitudinal extension direction of the inverter unit can be limited, so that a juxtaposed arrangement of the second power module and the first power module can be advantageous. A deviation of + / - 25° can be substantially orthogonal, particularly including manufacturing-related tolerances.

[0015] Further preferably, the first power module and / or the first substrate comprises a third side which is arranged substantially opposite to the first side, wherein the second power module is arranged on the third side.

[0016] An advantage of this embodiment is that, especially when a transverse extension of the inverter unit is limited by a space constraint or similar, the inverter unit remains essentially the same width and can thus be adapted to the respective space constraint. More preferably, essentially opposite means, in particular, a deviation of + / - 25°, especially due to manufacturing-related tolerances.

[0017] Further preferably, the inverter unit comprises a third power module with a third substrate on which a fourth circuit arrangement is arranged, wherein the fourth circuit arrangement comprises a third contact element and a fourth contact element, wherein the third contact element is connected to the center point and the fourth contact element is connected to the phase output.

[0018] An advantage of this embodiment is that the inverter unit can be provided with additional functions by means of the fourth circuit arrangement and at the same time can be arranged flexibly.

[0019] Further preferably, the second power module and / or the third power module comprises a diode element.

[0020] An advantage of this embodiment is that the diode element can be used to adjust or limit the direction of current and voltage flow.

[0021] Further preferably, the first power module and / or the first substrate has a fourth side which is arranged substantially opposite to the second side, wherein the third power module is arranged on the fourth side.

[0022] An advantage of this embodiment is that if the inverter unit is limited in a longitudinal direction, adding the third power module only increases the width of the inverter unit, but not the length. More preferably, "substantially opposite" means, in particular, a deviation of + / - 25°, especially for manufacturing-related tolerances.

[0023] Preferably, the second power module and the third power module are arranged substantially on the second side.

[0024] An advantage of this embodiment is that by arranging the second and third power modules on one side of the first power module, the first power module can be spaced apart from another first power module, thus reducing heat transfer. Further preferably, "essentially" on the second side means, in particular, a deviation of + / ■ 25°, in particular manufacturing-related tolerances. Preferably, the second power module is arranged substantially between the third power module and the first power module on the second side.

[0025] An advantage of this embodiment is that the design of the inverter unit can be adapted to a corresponding installation space situation or the like. Further preferably, "substantially offset" between the third and the first power module along an axis, in particular due to manufacturing tolerances, essentially means

[0026] Further preferably, the first power module and / or the substrate are arranged on a first side of a cooling structure, wherein the second power module and / or the second substrate are arranged on a second side of the cooling structure.

[0027] An advantage of this embodiment is that both sides of a cooling structure or similar can be used to cool the respective power modules or substrates.

[0028] Preferably, the inverter unit comprises a housing element, wherein the housing element is configured to protect the first power module, the second power module and / or the capacitor unit from environmental influences.

[0029] An advantage of this embodiment is that when the first power module, the second power module and the capacitor unit are interconnected, they can be overmolded with a housing element, for example, in order to protect them from environmental influences.

[0030] A further aspect of the invention relates to an electronic unit which has a first inverter unit, as described above and below, wherein the first inverter unit has a capacitor unit which is designed to form a center point, wherein the electronic unit has a further inverter unit which has at least one first power module with a first substrate on which a first circuit arrangement and a second circuit arrangement are arranged, wherein the first circuit arrangement and the second circuit arrangement are designed to form a first half-bridge configuration with a phase output, wherein the further inverter unit has a third circuit arrangement with a first contact element and a second contact element,wherein the first contact element is connected to the center point of the first inverter unit and the second contact element is connected to the phase output of the further inverter unit.,

[0031] An advantage of this embodiment is that several inverter units can share a capacitor unit, so that the number of required components is reduced, especially in the case of a multi-phase inverter unit.

[0032] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing an inverter unit as described above and below, comprising the steps:

[0033] - Providing a first power module with a first substrate on which a first circuit arrangement and a second circuit arrangement are arranged, wherein the first circuit arrangement and the second circuit arrangement are configured to form a first half-bridge configuration with a phase output,

[0034] - Providing a second power module with a second substrate on which a third circuit arrangement is arranged,

[0035] - Providing a capacitor unit having a first capacitor and a second capacitor, wherein the capacitor unit is configured to form a center point with the first capacitor and the second capacitor,

[0036] - Forming a first connection between a first contact element of the third circuit arrangement and the center point and a second connection between a second contact element of the third circuit arrangement and the phase output.

[0037] A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle which has an inverter unit as described above and below and / or has an electronic unit as described above and below and / or has a system which has been manufactured by means of the method as described above and below.

[0038] Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing:

[0039] Figures 1 to 7 show an inverter unit according to an embodiment,

[0040] Figure 8 shows an electronic unit according to an embodiment,

[0041] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating steps of the method according to an embodiment, and

[0042] Figure 10 shows a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0043] Embodiments of the invention

[0044] Preferably, all identical units, elements and / or systems in all figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0045] Figure 1 shows an inverter unit 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 1 particularly illustrates the circuit diagram of an inverter unit 10. The inverter unit 10 comprises a first power module 12 with a first substrate 14, on which a first circuit arrangement 16 and a second circuit arrangement 18 are arranged, wherein the first circuit arrangement 16 and the second circuit arrangement 18 are configured to form a first half-bridge configuration with a phase output 20. The inverter unit 10 further comprises a second power module 22 with a second substrate 24, on which a third circuit arrangement 26 is arranged.The inverter unit 10 further comprises a capacitor unit 28 with a first capacitor 30 and a second capacitor 32, wherein the capacitor unit 28 is configured to form a center point 34 with the first capacitor 30 and the second capacitor 32, wherein the third circuit arrangement 26 has a first contact element 36 and a second contact element 38, wherein the first contact element 36 is connected to the center point 34 and the second contact element 38 is connected to the phase output 20. More preferably, the inverter unit 10 has a third power module 50 with a third substrate 52, on which a fourth circuit arrangement 54 is arranged, wherein the fourth circuit arrangement 54 has a third contact element 56 and a fourth contact element 58, wherein the third contact element 56 is connected to the center point 34 and the fourth contact element 58 is connected to the phase output 20.

[0046] Figure 2a shows an inverter unit 10 according to one embodiment. The inverter unit 10 comprises a first power module 12 with a first substrate 14, on which a first circuit arrangement 16 and a second circuit arrangement 18 are arranged. Further preferably, the first power module 12 and / or the first substrate 14 comprises a first interface 40 on a first side 42 of the first power module 12 and / or the first substrate 14, wherein the first interface 40 is connectable to a DC interface 44.

[0047] Figure 2b shows the arrangement of various inverter units 10 relative to one another. Preferably, the first power module 12 and / or the first substrate 14 has a second side 46 arranged substantially orthogonally to a first side 42, with the second power module 22 being arranged on the second side 46.

[0048] Figure 3a shows an inverter unit 10 according to one embodiment. Preferably, the first power module 12 and / or the first substrate 14 comprises a third side 48, which is arranged substantially opposite the first side 42, wherein the second power module 22 is arranged on a third side 48.

[0049] Figure 3b shows an inverter unit 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 3b illustrates the arrangement of several first power modules 12 and several second power modules 22 on the third side 48.

[0050] Figure 4a shows an inverter unit 10 according to one embodiment. The inverter unit 10 has, in particular, the first power module 12 and / or the first substrate 14 with a fourth side 42, which is arranged substantially opposite the second side 46, wherein the third power module 50 is arranged on the fourth side 62. More preferably, the second power module 22 can be arranged, in particular, on a second side 46. Figure 4b shows an inverter unit 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 4b illustrates the arrangement of several inverter units 10 next to one another, wherein the third power module 50 is arranged opposite the second power module 22 with respect to the inverter unit 10.

[0051] Figure 5a shows an inverter unit 10 according to one embodiment. The inverter unit 10 comprises a second power module 22, which is arranged essentially between the third power module 50 and the first power module 12 on the second side 46.

[0052] Figure 5b shows an inverter unit 10 according to one embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 5b, both the second power module 22 and the third power module 50 are arranged on one side of the first power module 12, so that, in particular, a distance between two first power modules 12 can be increased.

[0053] Figure 6 shows an inverter unit 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 6 illustrates that the inverter unit 10 can be arranged with a first power module 12 and / or with a first substrate 14 on a first side 67 of a cooling structure 66, wherein the second power module 22 and / or the second substrate 24 can be arranged on a second side 68 of the cooling structure 66.

[0054] Figure 7 shows an inverter unit 10 according to one embodiment. The inverter unit 10 preferably has a housing element 70, wherein the housing element 70 is configured to protect the first power module 12, the second power module 22, and / or the capacitor unit 28 from environmental influences.

[0055] Figure 8 shows an electronic unit 100 according to one embodiment.

[0056] Preferably, the electronics unit 100 comprises a first inverter unit 10, as described above and below, wherein the first inverter unit 10 comprises a capacitor unit 28 which is configured to form a center point 34, wherein the electronics unit comprises a further inverter unit 400 which comprises at least a first power module 12 with a first substrate 14 on which a first circuit arrangement 16 and a second circuit arrangement 18 are arranged, wherein the first circuit arrangement 16 and the second circuit arrangement 18 are configured to form a half-bridge configuration with a phase output 20, wherein the further inverter unit 400 comprises a third circuit arrangement 26 with a first contact element 36 and with a second contact element 38,wherein the first contact element 36 is connected to the center point 34 of the first inverter unit 10 and the second contact element 38 is connected to the phase output 20 of the further inverter unit 400.

[0057] Figure 9 shows a flowchart illustrating steps of the method 200 for manufacturing an inverter unit 10 as described above and below, comprising the steps:

[0058] - Providing S1 a first power module 12 with a first substrate 14 on which a first circuit arrangement 16 and a second circuit arrangement 18 are arranged, wherein the first circuit arrangement 16 and the second circuit arrangement 18 are configured to form a first half-bridge configuration with a phase output 20,

[0059] - Providing S2 a second power module 22 with a second substrate 24 on which a third circuit arrangement 26 is arranged,

[0060] - Providing S3 a capacitor unit 28 with a first capacitor 30 and a second capacitor 32, wherein the capacitor unit 28 is configured to form a center point 34 with the first capacitor 30 and the second capacitor 32,

[0061] Forming S4 a first connection between a first contact element of the third circuit arrangement 26 and the neutral point 34 and a second connection between a second contact element 38 of the third circuit arrangement 26 and the phase output 20.

[0062] Figure 10 shows a vehicle 300 according to one embodiment. The vehicle 300 has an inverter unit 10, as described above and below. More preferably, the vehicle 300 has an electronics unit 100, as described above and below, and / or a system 302 manufactured using the method 200, as described above and below.

Claims

Claims 1. Inverter unit (10) comprising: a first power module (12) with a first substrate (14) on which a first circuit arrangement (16) and a second circuit arrangement (18) are arranged, wherein the first circuit arrangement (16) and the second circuit arrangement (18) are configured to form a first half-bridge configuration with a phase output (20), a second power module (22) with a second substrate (24) on which a third circuit arrangement (26) is arranged, a capacitor unit (28) with a first capacitor (30) and a second capacitor (32), wherein the capacitor unit (28) is configured to form a center point (34) with the first capacitor (30) and the second capacitor (32), wherein the third circuit arrangement (26) has a first contact element (36) and a second contact element (38),wherein the first contact element (36) is connected to the center point (34) and the second contact element (38) is connected to the phase output (20), 2. Inverter unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first power module (12) and / or the first substrate (14) has a first interface (40) on a first side (42) of the first power module (12) and / or the first substrate (14), wherein the first interface (40) is connectable to a DC interface (44) 3. Inverter unit (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first power module (12) and / or the first substrate (14) has a second side (46) which is arranged substantially orthogonally to the first side (42), wherein the second power module (22) is arranged on the second side (46) 4. Inverter unit (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first power module (12) and / or the first substrate (14) comprises a third side (48) which in is arranged substantially opposite to the first side (42), wherein the second power module (22) is arranged on the third side (48) 5. Inverter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inverter unit (10) comprises a third power module (50) with a third substrate (52) on which a fourth circuit arrangement (54) is arranged, wherein the fourth circuit arrangement (54) has a third contact element (56) and a fourth contact element (58), wherein the third contact element (56) is connected to the center point (34) and the fourth contact element (58) is connected to the phase output (20).

6. Inverter unit (10) according to claim 5, wherein the second power module (22) and / or the third power module (50) comprises a diode element (60).

7. Inverter unit (10) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the first power module (12) and / or the first substrate (14) has a fourth side (42) which is arranged substantially opposite the second side (46), wherein the third power module (50) is arranged on the fourth side (62).

8. Inverter unit (10) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the second power module (22) and the third power module (50) are arranged substantially on the second side (46).

9. Inverter unit (10) according to claim 5, wherein the second power module (22) is arranged substantially between the third power module (50) and the first power module (12) on the second side (46).

10. Inverter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first power module (12) and / or the first substrate (14) are arranged on a first side (67) on a cooling structure (66), wherein the second power module (22) and / or the second substrate (24) is arranged on a second side (68) of the cooling structure (66).

11. Inverter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inverter unit (10) comprises a housing element (70), wherein the housing element (70) is adapted to accommodate the first power module (12), to protect the second power module (22) and / or the capacitor unit (28) from environmental influences.

12. Electronic unit (100) comprising a first inverter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first inverter unit (10) has a capacitor unit (28) which is configured to form a center point (34), wherein the electronic unit (100) has a further inverter unit (400) which has at least a first power module (12) with a first substrate (14) on which a first circuit arrangement (16) and a second circuit arrangement (18) are arranged, wherein the first circuit arrangement (16) and the second circuit arrangement (18) are configured to form a first half-bridge configuration with a phase output (20), wherein the further inverter unit (400) has a third circuit arrangement (26) with a first contact element (36) and with a second contact element (38),wherein the first contact element (36) is connected to the center point (34) of the first inverter unit (10) and the second contact element (38) is connected to the phase output (20) of the further inverter unit (400).

13. A method (200) for producing an inverter unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps: Providing (S1) a first power module with a first substrate on which a first circuit arrangement (16) and a second circuit arrangement (18) are arranged, wherein the first circuit arrangement (16) and the second circuit arrangement (18) are configured to form a first half-bridge configuration with a phase output (20), Providing (S2) a second power module (22) with a second substrate (24) on which a third circuit arrangement (26) is arranged, Providing (S3) a capacitor unit (28) with a first capacitor (30) and a second capacitor (32), wherein the capacitor unit (28) is configured to form a center point (34) with the first capacitor (30) and the second capacitor (32), Forming (S4) a first connection between a first contact element of the third circuit arrangement (26) and the center point (34) and a second connection between a second contact element (38) of the third circuit arrangement (26) and the phase output (20).

14. Vehicle (300) comprising an inverter unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, an electronic unit (100) according to claim 12 and / or a system (302) which was manufactured by means of the method (200) according to claim 13.

Images