Cu-Zn Brazed Junction Structure for Void-Suppressed Motor Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The bonded structure using a Cu-based bonding object and a Zn-based brazing filler metal experiences increased contact resistance at high temperatures, leading to conduction failures, with existing technologies lacking a clear mechanism and countermeasure for this issue.

Innovation Solution

Controlling the maximum achieving temperature during brazing to less than 560 °C to suppress the formation of the CuZn3 alloy phase at the bonded interface, thereby reducing void formation and enhancing bonding reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a Zn-based brazing filler metal is used to bond a Cu-based bonding object, then the melting point is reduced and operation property is improved, but contact resistance increases at high temperatures due to formation of CuZn3 alloy phase and voids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemelting point of brazing filler metalVSAvoidbonding reliability at high temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the Zn-based brazing filler metal by adding specific amounts of Al (3-15 wt%) and Si (0.1-5 wt%). This compositional modification alters the phase formation behavior during brazing, suppressing the formation of the harmful CuZn3 alloy phase while maintaining low melting point and good fluidity for reliable bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If a Zn-based brazing filler metal is used to bond a Cu-based bonding object, then the bonding process is simplified, but void formation occurs at the bonded interface leading to conduction failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding process simplicityVSAvoidvoid formation at bonded interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces Al and Si as intermediary elements that modify the brazing filler metal's interaction with Cu. Al promotes wetting and forms a transition layer, while Si suppresses excessive intermetallic growth. These intermediaries prevent direct formation of large voids at the Cu-Zn interface, reducing conduction failures while keeping the bonding process simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach results in a bonded structure with high bonding reliability and minimal change in contact resistance during high-temperature energization operations, effectively preventing conduction failures.

Implementation Method 1

Zn itself has a melting point of 420 °C, but forms a eutectic alloy when about 5 wt% of Al is added thereto, and its melting point is reduced to about 380 °C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEutectic alloy formation: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

diffusion bonding is performed at 420 °C by using a Zn-Al alloy as a material alloy of an insert material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion bonding: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

the Zn layer and the Cu layer react with each other to form a CuZn5 layer and a Cu5Zn8 layer at an interface between the Zn layer and the Cu layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIntermetallic compound formation: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3616827B1Junction structure, method for manufacturing same, electric motor, and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3616827B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3616827B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3616827B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided is a bonded structure, including a Cu-based bonding object (1) bonded with a Zn-based brazing filler metal (2), wherein the bonded structure includes a joint including a first alloy phase (3), a second alloy phase (4), and a third alloy phase (5) between the Zn-based brazing filler metal (2) and the Cu-based bonding object (1), wherein the first alloy phase (3) is an alloy phase having a basic composition of Cu5Zn8, wherein the third alloy phase (5) is an alloy phase having a basic composition of CuZn4 or CuZn5 in which part thereof is in contact with the first alloy phase (3), wherein the second alloy phase (4) is an alloy phase having a basic composition of CuZn3 and being formed at an interface between the first alloy phase and the third alloy phase (5), and wherein, in a cross section parallel to a bonding direction, a ratio of the second alloy phase (4) at the interface between the first alloy phase (3) and the third alloy phase (5) is less than 80 %. With this, a bonded structure in which formation of voids is suppressed in the joint between the Zn-based brazing filler metal (2) and the Cu-based bonding object (1), and which has high bonding reliability can be obtained.