Power module for a frequency converter

• US 6,091,604 A
• Filed: 03/19/1999
• Issued: 07/18/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Danfoss Drives A/S (Danfoss A/S)
• Original Assignee: Danfoss A/S
• Inventors: Olesen, Klaus, Plougsgaard, Helge S.o slashed.e
• Primary Examiner(s): Picard, Leo P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHERVINSKY, BORIS LEO
• Application Number:
  US09/273,059
• Time in Patent Office: 487 Days
• Field of Search: 361/704, 361/705, 361/707, 361/712, 361/717, 361/718, 361/719, 361/736, 361/752, 257/706, 257/707, 165/80.3, 165/185, 174/16.3, 174/52.2, 363/141
• US Class Current: 361/707
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/19107 off-chip wires
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 7/003 Constructional details, e.g. physical layout, assembly, wiring or busbar connections
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/1432 specially adapted for power drive units or power converters
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/14322 wherein the control and power circuits of a power converter are arranged within the same casing

Abstract

Power module for a current converter, particularly a frequency converter, having at least one printed circuit board equipped at least with power components and having a heat-conducting connection with a wall of the current converter housing serving as heat sink, the power module having electrically conducting connection parts arranged vertically to the housing wall, which parts laterally confine a chamber and are long enough to enable accommodation of large, passive electrical components, such as capacitors, in the chamber. To ensure a space saving embodiment of the power module, though maintaining a sufficient heat dissipation and simplifying the electrical connection between the power module and the remaining components of the converter, it is provided that the only electrical connection between the power module and other electrical components of the converter as well as to the supply mains and to a load supplied via the converter is established via the connection parts.

Claims

1. A current converter with a housing including a first printed circuit board and a power module, the power module including at least one second printed circuit board having power components, said second printed circuit board making a heat-conducting connection to a wall of the current converter housing serving as a heat sink, the power module having electrically conducting connecting parts extending perpendicular with respect to the housing wall of the current converter, said connecting parts are embedded in electrically non-conducting solid walls of the power module the solid walls providing mechanical support for the first printed circuit board and defining a chamber between the first printed circuit board and the power module, the chamber accommodating, passive electrical components and the only electrical connection between the power module and other electrical components of the current converter being made by way of the said connecting parts.

2. Current converter according to claim 1, in which the power module further includes control components, the power components and control components being arranged on an equal level on the second printed circuit board.

3. Current converter according to claim 2, in which the housing wall of the current converter serving as a heat sink has a cut out, in which at least some of the control components are arranged to be thermally isolated from the power components.

4. Current converter according to claim 3, in which the control components are arranged on both sides of the second printed circuit board.

5. Current converter according to claim 1, in which the printed circuit boards are made of ceramic with printed copper conductors.

6. A current converter with a housing including a first printed circuit board and a power module, the power module including at least one second printed circuit board having power components, said second printed circuit board making a heat-conducting connection to a wall of the current converter housing serving as a heat sink, the power module having electrically conducting connecting parts extending perpendicular with respect to the housing wall of the current converter, said connecting parts are connected to the first printed circuit board and defining a chamber between the first printed circuit board and the power module for accommodation of, passive electrical components, the housing of the power module being electrically non-conducting and having a connector for an electrical supply means and an electrical load, said connector being accessible from outside of the current converter and being connected to the connecting parts.