Connection device for a power electronics component, power electronics component and method for contacting a power electronics component

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device for a power electronics component, in particular a power electronics component in an electric vehicle. For the connection device, according to the invention, an internal reference potential for overvoltage protection of the power electronics component is embodied separately from a having an external reference potential and connection points are provided on the outside of the housing in order to connect the internal reference potential to the external reference potential.

Description

[0001] R. 414791

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] Connection device for a power electronic component, power electronic component and method for contacting a power electronic component

[0006] Technical field

[0007] The present invention relates to a connection device for a power electronic component and to a power electronic component with such a connection device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for contacting a power electronic component. In particular, the present invention is directed to power electronic components for a vehicle.

[0008] background

[0009] Vehicles that are fully or partially electrically powered typically have a variety of power electronic components. One such power electronic component is the charging circuit for recharging the vehicle's electrical energy storage device (traction battery). This charging circuit converts an externally supplied electrical voltage into a voltage suitable for recharging the vehicle's electrical energy storage device. R. 414791

[0010] - 2 -

[0011] For example, the publication DE 10 2018 216390 A1 describes a device for charging an energy storage device of vehicles.

[0012] Such charging circuits typically include components for overvoltage protection. For example, overvoltage protection components may be provided at the external power supply connections.

[0013] Furthermore, an insulation test is provided for such charging circuits. This insulation test can, for example, be performed at the end of the manufacturing process or before the charging circuit is installed in the vehicle.

[0014] The maximum test voltage for the insulation test is limited by the response voltage of the aforementioned overvoltage protection device.

[0015] Disclosure of the invention

[0016] The present invention provides a connection device for a power electronic component, a power electronic component, and a method for contacting a power electronic component, comprising the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0017] Accordingly, the following is planned:

[0018] A connection device for a power electronic component comprising a housing element, a first connection point, a second connection point, and at least one power connection point. The housing element may comprise an electrically conductive material, for example, an electrically conductive metal. The housing element may comply with R. 414791.

[0019] - 3 - wholly or at least partially include or enclose a power electronic component. The first connection point is accessible from the outside on the housing element. The second connection point is also accessible from the outside on the housing element. Each power connection point is also accessible from the outside on the housing element. In particular, the power connection point(s) is designed to be coupled to a corresponding connection point of an electrical power source and / or an electrical load. The first connection point and the second connection point are designed to be electrically coupled to each other from the outside on the housing element. Furthermore, the second connection point and the at least one power connection point are designed to be electrically coupled to an overvoltage protection device inside the housing element.

[0020] Furthermore, the following is planned:

[0021] A power electronic component, in particular a power electronic component for a vehicle, with a connection device according to the invention. For example, the power electronic component can be the charging circuit of an electric vehicle. In this case, the power connection points can be, for example, the connection points for an external power supply.

[0022] Finally, the following is planned:

[0023] A method for contacting a power electronic component, in particular a power electronic component for a vehicle. The method comprises providing a power electronic component with a connection device according to the invention. Furthermore, R. 414791

[0024] - 4 -

[0025] The method includes a step for performing an electrical insulation test. During the insulation test, the first connection point and the second connection point are electrically isolated from each other. Furthermore, the method includes a step for electrically connecting the first connection point to the second connection point of the connection device.

[0026] Advantages of the invention

[0027] The present invention is based on the understanding that power electronic components, such as those used in electric vehicles, can have protective elements to protect against overvoltages. The present invention is further based on the understanding that such power electronic components must undergo insulation testing, for example, at the end of a manufacturing process. The maximum test voltage for the insulation test may be limited by the provided overvoltage protection.

[0028] Based on these findings, one aspect of the present invention is to create a concept that enables insulation testing with higher test voltages. In particular, the concept according to the invention enables insulation testing with test voltages that are above the response voltage of surge protection components implemented in the power electronic component.

[0029] For this purpose, it is intended to interrupt an electrical connection between a housing connected or connectable to a reference potential and an internal potential to which the surge protection components are connected. Furthermore, it is intended to provide a first connection point for the reference potential and a second connection point connected to the internal potential. R. 414791

[0030] - 5 -

[0031] The potential for overvoltage protection is routed to the outside of the housing. The two connection points are positioned on the outside of the housing in such a way that they can be electrically connected to each other, particularly after successful insulation testing.

[0032] This concept makes it possible, for example, to disconnect an electrical connection between the enclosure (connected to a reference potential, such as an external protective conductor) and the surge protection components within the enclosure, including the power electronic component, for insulation testing. After successful insulation testing, the two connection points can then be electrically connected, thus establishing an electrical connection between the enclosure and the surge protection integrated within it. This allows for insulation testing with a high test voltage, particularly a voltage above the response voltage of the integrated surge protection, when the connection between these two points is open.After completion of the insulation test, the electrical connection between the two connection points can then be established, so that overvoltage protection is ensured in accordance with the response voltage of the components for overvoltage protection.

[0033] Since the electrical connection between the two connection points can be easily made outside the enclosure, no interventions are required inside the enclosure after the insulation test that would affect the components located inside the enclosure. This eliminates the risk of introducing contamination into the enclosure interior or of any necessary modifications to the protective conductor configuration after the insulation test. (R. 414791)

[0034] - 6 -

[0035] Sealants, for example for moisture protection or similar, could be damaged as a result.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the connection device includes a surge protection device. This surge protection device can be electrically arranged between the second connection point and at least one power connection point. The surge protection device can comprise any suitable surge protection components, such as metal oxide varistors, gas discharge tubes, spark gaps, or other suitable surge protection elements. A temporary electrical interruption between the first and second connection points allows an insulation test to be performed on the housing or housing element without activating the surge protection device. After a successful insulation test, the electrical connection between the first and second connection points can then be established, thus electrically coupling the surge protection device to the housing.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the connection device includes a neutral conductor connection point. This neutral conductor connection point can, for example, be the connection point of a neutral conductor of a single-phase or multi-phase AC voltage system. The neutral conductor connection point is also electrically insulated from the housing element and accessible from the outside of the housing element. In particular, at least part of the surge protection device can also be provided between the neutral conductor connection point and the second connection point.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first connection point and / or the second connection point comprises a screw connection, a clamp connector R. 414791

[0039] - 7 - and / or a plug connector. In addition, any other connection devices that enable a safe and reliable electrical connection between the two connection points are also possible. In particular, an electrical connection or bridging of the two connection points can be provided, which can be implemented safely and reliably and, if necessary, is also easily visually verifiable. In this way, it can be ensured that the electrical connection between the two connection points can be easily verified, thus minimizing potential sources of error.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the first and second connection points are designed to be electrically connected to each other by means of a connecting element that can be attached to the housing element from the outside. This connecting element can, for example, be an electrically conductive bridge, such as one made of metal. Such a connecting element is easy to handle. Furthermore, the attachment of such a connecting element can be easily verified visually.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first and second connection points are designed to be electrically connected to each other by means of a permanently attachable connecting element. For example, the first connection point, the second connection point, or another component in the area of ​​the two connection points can include a component into which the connecting element snaps. Barbs or similar features can be provided so that the connecting element cannot be removed (non-destructively). In this way, unintentional removal or loosening of the connecting element can be reliably prevented. R. 414791

[0042] - 8 -

[0043] According to a further embodiment, the at least one power connection point, the first connection point, the second connection point, and optionally the neutral conductor connection point are designed as a common plug or socket unit accessible from the outside of the housing element. In this way, suitable contact can be easily established by means of a corresponding plug connection for contacting the plug or socket unit. During this contacting process, the electrical connection between the first and second connection points can also be established (automatically) by means of an electrical connection provided in the connector.

[0044] Accordingly, a connector can be provided for contacting the plug or socket unit, wherein the connector includes an integrated electrical connection between a contact terminal for the first connection point and a contact terminal for the second connection point. The connector, together with the plug or socket unit, can form a corresponding connection system.

[0045] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as appropriate. Further embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In particular, those skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic forms of the invention.

[0046] Brief description of the drawings

[0047] Further features and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures. Figure 414791 shows:

[0048] - 9 -

[0049] Fig. 1 : a schematic representation of a basic circuit diagram for a connection device according to one embodiment;

[0050] Fig. 2: a schematic representation of a connection device according to one embodiment;

[0051] Fig. 3: a schematic representation of a connection device and a corresponding connector according to a further embodiment; and

[0052] Fig. 4: a flowchart as it may form the basis of a method for connecting a terminal device according to one embodiment.

[0053] Description of embodiments

[0054] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a basic circuit diagram that may underlie a connection device 1 for a power electronic component according to one embodiment. The connection device 1 can, for example, be used to connect a charging circuit for charging a traction battery in an electric vehicle. However, the concept of such a connection device according to the invention is not fundamentally limited to such charging circuits. Rather, the concept according to the invention can also be used for any other power electronic components, in particular other power electronic components in a vehicle, especially an electric vehicle.

[0055] The following section primarily describes the connection of a three-phase alternating current. In addition, see R. 414791.

[0056] - 10 - any other voltage forms are also possible, in particular for example a single-phase alternating voltage or a direct voltage with a positive and negative power connection.

[0057] The connection device 1 comprises one or more power connection points L1, L2, L3. In the embodiment shown here with the three power connection points L1, L2, L3, a three-phase alternating current can, for example, be connected. Furthermore, a neutral conductor connection point N can be provided. The power connection points L1, L2, L3 and the neutral conductor connection point N are attached to a housing element 11. The power connection points L1, L2, L3 and the neutral conductor connection point N can be electrically insulated from the housing element 11. In particular, the power connection points L1, L2, L3 and the neutral conductor connection point N are accessible from the outside of the housing element 11. The outside of the housing element 11 refers to the side that faces the interior of a housing containing the housing element 11. Further components or other parts can be located in the interior of the housing.The power electronic component assemblies are located there.

[0058] Furthermore, the housing, and in particular the housing element 11, is connected to a reference potential or an external protective conductor. This connection to the external protective conductor may comply with applicable regulations or standards. For example, a PE connection point for an external protective conductor may be provided for this purpose.

[0059] Furthermore, the connection device 1 includes a first connection point PE_A and a second connection point PE_B. The first connection point PE_A can be electrically connected to the housing element 11 and the external protective conductor PE. The second connection point PE_B R. 414791

[0060] - 11 - can be electrically insulated from the housing element 11 on the housing element

[0061] 11. The first connection point PE_A and the second connection point PE_B are also both accessible from the outside on the housing element 11.

[0062] A first component 12 for surge protection can be provided between the second connection point PE_B and the neutral conductor connection point N. The surge protection components can, in principle, be any suitable components such as varistors, spark gaps, gas discharge tubes, or similar devices. The concept of the present invention is not limited to a specific type or group of specific surge protection components.

[0063] Furthermore, additional components 13a, 13b, 13c can be provided for surge protection between the individual power connection points L1, L2, L3 and the neutral conductor connection point N. In this way, the power connection points L1, L2, L3 are also connected to the second connection point PE_B via the corresponding components 13a, 13b, 13c and the surge protection device 12 between the neutral conductor connection point N and the second connection point PE_B. In principle, surge protection components are also possible (not shown here) that are arranged directly between a power connection point L1, L2, L3 and the second connection point PE_B.

[0064] According to the configuration described so far, the second connection point PE_B is therefore not electrically connected to the housing, in particular to housing element 11. Therefore, in this state, an insulation test, for example between the housing and the power connection points L1, L2, L3 or the neutral conductor connection point N, R, cannot be performed. 414791

[0065] - 12 - can be carried out without the components 12, 13a-c of the surge protection responding.

[0066] Since the first connection point PE_A and the second connection point PE_B are accessible from the outside of the housing element 11, an electrical connection between the first connection point PE_A and the second connection point PE_B can be established after a successful insulation test, before commissioning, or before or during installation. In this way, an electrical connection can be established between the components 12, 13a-c of the surge protection device and the housing with the housing element 11, and thus with the reference potential PE.

[0067] In the preceding explanations, the basic principle of the invention, in conjunction with Figure 1, was described for disconnecting the electrical connection between component 12 of the surge protection device and the reference potential by bringing the two connection points PE_A and PE_B to the outside of the housing element 11. This allows the connection to be interrupted during the insulation test. After completion of the insulation test, an electrical connection between these two points PE_A and PE_B can be established by electrically connecting them on the outside of the housing element 11. It is understood, however, that this basic principle of disconnecting an electrical connection between a component 12, 13a-13b for surge protection and another electrical connection, for example, a reference potential, can also be applied to any other connections or conductors.For example, in a component for surge protection between a power connection point L1, L2 or L3 and the neutral conductor N, or in a surge protection device between two power connection points L1 - L2, LI LS or L2 - L3, the electrical connection may also be separated and the two connection points of the separated connection brought out to the outside of the housing element 11. R. 414791.

[0068] - 13 -

[0069] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a connection device 1 according to one embodiment. In the embodiment shown here, the individual connection points, in particular the power connection points L1, L2, L3 and the neutral conductor connection point N, can be designed as screw connections. Likewise, the connection for the external protective conductor PE can be designed as a screw connection. However, depending on the application and requirements, any other contact options are also conceivable. For example, the connections can also be designed as clamp connections or similar.

[0070] As can also be seen in Figure 2, the first connection point PE_A and the second connection point PE_B are also brought out to the outside of the housing element 11. Thus, an electrical connection between the first connection point PE_A and the second connection point PE_B can be established by means of a suitable connecting element V, for example, an electrically conductive bridge or similar. In the embodiment shown here, such a connecting element V can be attached, for example, by suitable screw connections. However, any other suitable means for the electrical connection of the first connection point PE_A to the second connection point PE_B are also possible. For example, a pluggable connecting element V can also be attached to the two connection points PE_A and PE_B.In particular, it is conceivable, for example, that such a connecting element V is permanently or indetachably attached by suitable design measures. In this context, "indetachably" means that the connecting element V cannot be removed without damage once it has been attached. This ensures, for example, that the connecting element V is not removed unintentionally or accidentally. R. 414791.

[0071] - 14 -

[0072] Alternatively, detachable connections are also conceivable, so that the connecting element V can be removed at a later time, for example to carry out another insulation test or similar.

[0073] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a connection device 1 according to a further embodiment. As can be seen here, the connection device 1 is designed as a plug or socket unit 20. The power connection points L1, L2, L3, the first connection point PE_A, the second connection point PE_B, and optionally the neutral conductor connection point N can each be configured as pins or socket elements of a common unit 20. Accordingly, simultaneous contact of all connection points L1, L2, L3, N, PE_A, and PE_B can be achieved by means of a corresponding connector 30. Furthermore, an electrical connection 31 can be provided in the connector 30 between the contacts for the first connection point PE_A and the second connection point PE_B.Thus, when the connector 30 is inserted into the plug or socket unit 20, the first connection point PE_A and the second connection point PE_B are automatically connected to each other.

[0074] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method for contacting a power electronic component according to one embodiment. The method can, in principle, include any steps that have already been described in connection with the connection device 1. Similarly, the connection device 1 described above, as well as the power electronic component with such a connection device 1, can include any components, assemblies, or similar items suitable for implementing the method described below. R. 414791

[0075] - 15 -

[0076] In step S1, a power electronic component with a connection device 1 is first provided. This can, in particular, be a connection device 1 that has already been described previously.

[0077] Subsequently, in step S2, an electrical insulation test is carried out, in particular an electrical insulation test of the power electronic component with the connection device 1. During the insulation test, the first connection point and the second connection point PE_B are electrically separated from each other.

[0078] Subsequently, in step S3, the first connection point PE_A is electrically connected to the second connection point PE_B of the connection device 1. This allows a surge protection device 12, 13a, 13b, 13c to be electrically connected to a suitable reference potential and thus ensure the desired protection.

[0079] In summary, the present invention relates to a connection device for a power electronic component, in particular a power electronic component in an electric vehicle, for example a connection device for a charging circuit for charging a traction battery. It is provided that an internal reference potential for overvoltage protection of the power electronic component is provided separately from an external reference potential, and that connection points are provided on the outside of the housing to connect the internal reference potential to the external reference potential.

Claims

R. 414791 - 16 - Claims 1. Connection device (1) for a power electronic component, comprising: a housing element (11); a first connection point (PE_A) arranged on the housing element (11) and accessible from the outside; a second connection point (PE_B) arranged on the housing element (11) and accessible from the outside; and at least one power connection point (L1, L2, L3) arranged on the housing element (11) and accessible from the outside; wherein the first connection point (PE_A) and the second connection point (PE_B) are designed to be electrically coupled to each other on the housing element (11) from the outside, and wherein the second connection point (PE_B) and the at least one power connection point (L1, L2, L3) are designed to be electrically coupled to an overvoltage protection device (12, 13a, 13b, 13c) inside a housing containing the housing element (11).

2. Connection device (1) according to claim 1, with a surge protection device (12, 13a, 13b, 13c) which electrically connects R. 414791 - 17 - is arranged at the second connection point (PE _B) and at least one power connection point (L1 , L2, L3).

3. Connection device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a neutral conductor connection point (N) which is electrically insulated and accessible from the outside on the housing element (11).

4. Connection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first connection point (PE A) and / or the second connection point (PE _B) comprise a screw connection, a clamp connector and / or a plug connection.

5. Connection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first connection point (PE_A) and the second connection point (PE_B) are designed to be electrically connected to each other by means of a connecting element (V) that can be attached to the outside of the housing element (11).

6. Connection device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first connection point (PE _A) and the second connection point (PE _B) are configured to be electrically connected to each other by means of a permanently attachable connecting element (V).

7. Connection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one power connection point (L1 , L2, L3), the first connection point (PE_A) and the second connection point (PE_B) are designed as a common plug or socket unit (20) accessible from the outside on the housing element (11).

8. Connector (30) for contacting the plug or socket unit (20) according to claim 7, wherein the connector (30) has an integrated electrical connection (31) between a contact terminal for the first R. 414791 - 18 - includes a connection point (PE_A) and a contact connection for the second connection point (PE_B).

9. Power electronic component for a vehicle, comprising a connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Method for contacting a power electronic component, comprising the steps: Providing (S1) a power electronic component with a connection device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 8; Performing an electrical insulation test, wherein during the insulation test the first connection point (PE_A) and the second connection point (PE_B) are electrically isolated from each other; and electrically connecting (S3) the first connection point (PE_A) to the second connection point (PE_B) of the connection device (1) on an outside of the housing element (11).

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