Electronic power module, method of manufacturing thereof, and vehicle comprising such a module

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic power module (1) comprising a protective housing (2) which forms a Faraday cage and is preferably sealed, and at least one circuit, electronic power component or group of electronic power components (3) within the housing, the housing (2) being formed from two component parts (4, 4') which are assembled together along the periphery. The module is characterised in that at least one of the two component parts (4, 4') is formed from a shaped metal sheet, a liquid cooling circuit (6) being added or formed at a functional area (5') of the outer surface (5') of the shaped metal sheet, and the at least one circuit, electronic power component or group of electronic power components (3) being mounted against the inner surface (5") of said metal sheet part (4) and facing the aforementioned outer functional area (5').

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of technical equipment for vehicles, particularly electric vehicles, and more specifically to the protection and maintenance of good operating conditions for electrical or electronic power equipment used in such vehicles. The subject matter of this invention relates to improved electronic power modules, methods for manufacturing such electronic power modules, and vehicles including at least one such module. Background Technology

[0002] The specific content of this invention is an electronic power module, particularly an electronic power module for electric vehicles, comprising a protective housing forming a Faraday cage and preferably sealed, and at least one circuit, electronic power component, or group of electronic power components housed within the housing. Typically, these housings are formed by two components assembled together along their periphery. This structure allows for both physical and electromagnetic protection of one or more circuits and / or components from the influence of the external environment.

[0003] Known housings typically consist of an outer shell and a cover, both of which are molded, particularly made of aluminum, and include positioning and fastening features for housing electronic / electrical circuits / components, which are formed during the molding process.

[0004] In addition, at least one cooling circuit is added to one of the two sections in order to release the heat generated by the operation of the aforementioned circuits and components (at least the so-called power circuits and components).

[0005] However, considering their embodiments and the integration of the aforementioned positioning and fastening parts, the various parts of these known housings comprise a large amount of metal material (high cost, heavy weight) and have uneven wall thickness, thus not allowing for heating or uniform cooling of the relevant parts. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The specific objective of this invention is to overcome these drawbacks.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an electronic power module specifically for electric vehicles, comprising a protective housing forming a Faraday cage and preferably sealed, and at least one circuit, electronic power component, or group of electronic power components housed in the housing, the housing being formed by two components assembled together peripherally.

[0008] The module is characterized in that at least one of the two components is made of a shaped metal sheet, on which a liquid cooling circuit is added or formed near a functional area on its outer surface, and is characterized in that the at least one circuit, electronic power component, or group of electronic power components is mounted against the inner surface of the metal sheet portion and faces the aforementioned external functional area. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments provided by way of non-limiting example and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, wherein:

[0010] Figure 1A and Figure 1B These are perspective top and bottom views of an electronic power module according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the protective housing has a parallelepiped shape;

[0011] Figure 1C Shown at different scales along the passage Figure 1A and Figure 1B The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the longitudinal plane of the channel opening of the module, wherein the module includes a cooling circuit according to a variation of the first embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2 It is formed Figures 1A to 1C A perspective view of the outer shell of one of the various parts of the housing of the module shown;

[0013] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is formed Figures 1A to 1C A perspective view of the inner and outer surfaces of the cover portion of the module's housing shown;

[0014] Figure 4 It is formed Figure 3A The diagram shows a perspective view of the inner surface of the cover portion of the module's housing, with electronic components removed.

[0015] Figure 5A and Figure 5B They are respectively variations of the first embodiment of the present invention, respectively along Figure 3A and Figure 3B The direction, and the connection device is removed at the channel opening. Figures 3A to 3B An exploded and perspective view of the cover portion of the module forming the housing shown;

[0016] Figure 6A and Figure 6B It is a variation of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 3B Detailed perspective views of the sheet made of thermoplastic material with grooved pattern shown in Figure 5 at different scales and in two different directions;

[0017] Figure 7 It forms Figure 1 and Figure 3B The diagram shows a perspective view of the outer surface of a portion of the cover of the module's housing, wherein the module includes a cooling circuit according to a variation of the second embodiment;

[0018] Figure 8A and Figure 8BThey are respectively variations of the first embodiment of the present invention, forming Figure 7 The cover portion of the housing of the module shown is along Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exploded and perspective view of the direction, in which the connecting device is removed at the channel opening;

[0019] Figure 9A and Figure 9B It is formed by Figure 7 Figure 8 shows detailed views of two plates made of welded metal sheets for the cooling circuit, presented at different scales and in perspective from two different directions.

[0020] Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 Shown at different scales Figure 1C Figure 3 Figure 4 Various types of thermoplastic positioning and / or fastening parts have been shown in Figures 5 and 8. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Figures 1A to 1C An embodiment of an electronic power module (1) specifically for electric vehicles is shown, comprising a protective housing (2) forming a Faraday cage and preferably sealed, and at least one circuit, electronic power component or group of electronic power components (3) housed in the protective housing, the housing (2) being formed by two components (4, 4') assembled together along the periphery.

[0022] The shell (2) may have a shape that is substantially cuboid, but other shapes are obviously possible within the scope of the invention.

[0023] In addition to electronic power devices, the housing (2) may also house control, measurement or command electronic devices (12) that may not require any specific cooling or may be adequately cooled by the overall cooling of the housing (2).

[0024] According to the present invention, and as Figure 1C In the middle and Figures 3 to 5, Figure 7 As shown in the example in Figure 8, at least one of the two components (4, 4') is made of a shaped metal sheet, on which a liquid cooling circuit (6) is added or formed near the functional area (5') on the outer surface (5) of the shaped metal sheet, and the at least one circuit, electronic power component or electronic power component group (3) is mounted against the inner surface (5") of the metal sheet portion (4) and faces the aforementioned external functional area (5').

[0025] With these structural features, the present invention allows the first part (4) to have a uniform thickness, a uniform temperature distribution, rapid diffusion of heating / cooling across its entire surface (and therefore within the housing), and, with equivalent mechanical properties, to reduce weight (and save material) compared to production by molding.

[0026] According to Figure 1 and Figure 2 One possible embodiment shown in the figure may make another or second part (4') of the housing (2) made of shaped metal sheet or molded part, wherein the other or second part (4') defines most of the internal volume of the housing (2) and includes a first metal sheet part (4) of the cooling circuit (6) forming a cover, wherein the complementary first and second parts (4 and 4') are advantageously assembled near corresponding circumferences (7 and 7') having a consistent shape and forming a mating plane (PJ) together with the seal (15) inserted, the assembly being advantageously removably locked by a threaded device (15').

[0027] Preferably, the first shaped metal sheet portion (4) supports all circuits, electronic components or groups of electronic components (3, 12) present in the housing (2).

[0028] Therefore, the sole purpose of the second part (4') is to provide an enclosed space in association with the first part (4), protecting the components housed in the first part (4) and isolating them from the external environment, particularly from electromagnetic radiation, water, and dust. The second part (4') does not require any special devices to support components or circuits and can be made in a simple shape. Furthermore, by concentrating all circuits, electronic components, or groups of electronic components (3, 12) present in the housing (2) on the first part (4), all circuits, electronic components, or groups of electronic components benefit from the cooling effect of the circuit (6), which is enhanced by making the part into a shaped metal sheet.

[0029] Preferably, and especially for weight-related considerations, the first housing portion (4) is made of at least aluminum or an aluminum-based metal alloy.

[0030] The second part (4') itself can also be made of aluminum or other metals, but it can also be made of thermoplastic material with embedded or added metal parts or further provided with a metal coating. Therefore, the housing (2) can be entirely metallic or can be made of both metal and plastic, and in either case, it can function as a Faraday cage and a sealing partition.

[0031] According to one possible aspect of the invention relating to the manufacture of the cooling circuit (6), the cooling circuit can advantageously be formed of plates (8, 10) having a groove pattern (8') or a continuous groove pattern, and the plates are fixed to the first part (4) of the housing by welding near a functional area (5') on the outer surface (5) of the first part (4). The added plates (8, 10) form a channel (10") for circulating liquid between the inlet (9) and the outlet (9') by cooperating with the surface of the functional area (5') against which the plates (8, 10) are applied. This results in a simple, lightweight structure that is easy to manufacture and provides efficient cooling over a large area where applicable. Furthermore, since the functional part that generates the circuit (6) is an added part, no specific shape is required at the first part (4) of the housing, and the surface of the area (5') can advantageously be planar and flat.

[0032] The inlet (9) and outlet (9') are, for example, formed as a single piece or integral end piece with the plate (10). Additionally or alternatively, the loop (6) advantageously includes at least one serpentine loop portion (6').

[0033] According to Figure 1C The first embodiment of the invention, illustrated by way of example in Figures 5 and 6, has a cooling circuit (6) formed of a plate (8) made of thermoplastic material having a grooved pattern (8') and being fixed by direct metal / thermoplastic welding to the first part (4) of the housing (2) near a functional area (5') on the outer surface (5) of the first part (4) of the housing (2). The grooved pattern (8') forms a sealed circuit (6) by cooperating with the surface of the plate (8) abutting the functional area (5'). The sealed circuit is used to circulate liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), for example, the inlet (9) and outlet (9') being in the form of end pieces formed as a single piece with the plate (8). The circulation and cooling circuit (6) advantageously includes at least one serpentine loop portion (6').

[0034] Because the first portion (4), made of shaped metal sheet, has a uniform thickness throughout its entire length, it can be rapidly and uniformly heated before the plate (8), made of thermoplastic material, is welded. During the welding operation, the material in the area of ​​the plate (8) in contact with the shaped metal sheet heated to a uniform high temperature will melt, while ensuring compliance with the temperature tolerances required by the thermoplastic material of the plate. In addition, the first shaped metal sheet portion (4) also exhibits a substantially uniform cooling rate over its entire surface. The use of a plate (8) made of thermoplastic material allows for limited heat exchange with the external environment and promotes heat exchange through the first portion (4) of the metal casing.

[0035] According to the second embodiment, the cooling circuit (6) is made of a metal plate (10), which is advantageously made of aluminum. The metal plate is fixed to the first part (4) of the housing by welding it near the functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the first part (4), along the periphery and following a pattern of weld lines (10') that define the route for circulating liquid between the inlet (9) and the outlet (9'). The cooling circuit (6) advantageously has at least one serpentine circuit portion (6'). The channels (10") forming the circulation circuit (6) are generated by internal pressure deformation of the plate (10) applied to the metal sheet area located between the weld lines (10'). The inlet (9) and the outlet (9') are, for example, in the form of end pieces formed as a single piece or integral with the plate (10).

[0036] According to the third embodiment, the cooling circuit (6) is made of a metal plate (10), which is advantageously made of aluminum, preformed to have a continuous groove pattern between the inlet (9) and the outlet (9'), the plate (10) being fixed to the first part (4) of the housing by welding it to the first part (4) of the housing near the functional area (5') of the outer surface (5), following the pattern of the weld line (10'), the pattern of the weld line (10') being adapted to the continuous groove pattern to define a circuit for circulating liquid between the inlet (9) and the outlet (9'), the cooling circuit (6) advantageously having at least one serpentine circuit portion (6'), the channel (10") forming the circulation circuit (6) being formed by a continuous groove pattern cooperating with the surface of the functional area (5') against which the plate (10) is applied, the inlet (9) and the outlet (9') being, for example, in the form of end pieces formed as a single piece or integral with the plate (10).

[0037] According to Figure 7In the fourth embodiment shown by way of example in Figure 9, the cooling circuit (6) is formed by a plate (10) made of two metal sheets, advantageously made of aluminum, which are fixed together by peripheral welding and following a pattern of weld lines (10') that define or follow a route for circulating liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), the circuit advantageously having at least one serpentine loop portion (6'), and the channel (10") forming the circulation circuit (6) is formed by the following... Formation: After the two metal sheets are assembled, internal pressure deformation is applied to the area between the weld lines (10') of one of the two metal sheets, and the plate (10) is fixed to the first part of the housing (4) by peripheral welding near the functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the first part (4) of the housing, and an undeformed or unpre-formed metal sheet is applied to the functional area, and the inlet (9) and the outlet (9') appear or extend, for example, as end pieces formed as a single piece or integral with the plate (10).

[0038] The plate (8 or 10) forming the coolant circulation loop (6) may be supported by various components, constructions or structures as needed, or may be integrated with a shape that allows for additional auxiliary or subsidiary functions, such as for fastening or supporting other components or parts, or even sealing interfaces.

[0039] Advantageously, and as Figure 1C As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the first part (4) is formed by a groove area or recess with a flat bottom in the wall of the part (4), and the cooling circuit (6) located in the recess is optionally flush with the rest of the outer surface (5). In this flush case, the cooling circuit (6), which is embedded in the first part (4) and does not protrude, will be protected from the influence of the external environment.

[0040] To overcome any need to provide fastening or positioning parts in either of the two parts (4, 4') (especially the part made of shaped metal sheet (4)), the module may advantageously include at least one, preferably several parts (11, 11'), the parts (11, 11') for positioning and / or fastening the at least one circuit, electronic power device or group of electronic power devices (3) in the housing (2), and optionally positioning and / or fastening at least one other electrical / electronic component (12) (e.g., a command component or connection component that does not require cooling) housed in the housing (2), one or more parts (11, 11') are made of thermoplastic material and are adhesively fixed to the inner or outer surface of at least one of the two components (4, 4') of the housing (2) (preferably only to the inner surface (5") of the first part (4)) or fixed by metal / thermoplastic welding.

[0041] According to one feature of the invention, and particularly as Figure 4 Figures 5, 8 and 10 to Figure 12 As shown, the positioning and / or fastening parts (11, 11') include screw shafts (11). Some of these shafts may optionally be connected by material bridges, thereby facilitating the placement of these shafts, reducing the number of parts and facilitating their manufacture (simultaneous manufacture of at least two shafts).

[0042] According to another feature of the invention, as shown in Figures 3, 5, and 8... Figure 13 As specifically shown, the positioning and / or fastening portions (11, 11') include at least one mounting plate (11') having a base that is adhesively or welded to the inner surface of the corresponding portion (4, 4') of the housing (2) (preferably the first portion (4)). The plate (11') having the base can also be fastened directly to the portion (4) via the plate.

[0043] The fixation of portions (11, 11') and, if necessary, thermoplastic sheets (8) to the first formed metal sheet portion (4) by metal / thermoplastic welding can be achieved, for example, by implementing the method described in document US11745295. Thus, as described in that document, the metal / thermoplastic weld is obtained by structuring the metal surface of the first formed metal sheet portion (4) with a laser beam, then melting the thermoplastic material near the contact area and bonding it with the metal surface structure, and after cooling, obtaining a hybrid weld where the plastic material is interwoven in the metal microstructure.

[0044] For the actual implementation needs of module (1) in the field, housing (2) and preferably the first component (4) of housing includes at least one channel opening (13) for electrically connecting the at least one circuit, electronic power component or electronic power component group (3) and at least one other electrical / electronic component (12) optionally housed in housing (2) to the outside.

[0045] Advantageously, and as shown in a non-limiting manner in Figures 1 to 3, the module (1) may include, for example, a channel forming device (14) mounted on one side of the channel opening, which defines a passage between the interior and exterior of the housing (2), or may include complementary channel forming devices (14 and 14') arranged on both sides of the channel opening (13), which provide a passage between the interior and exterior of the housing (2) by mutual cooperation, wherein one or each channel device (14, 14') is optionally fastened to the housing (2) by at least one positioning and / or fastening portion (11, 11') on one or more inner and / or outer surfaces of a first portion (4) made of shaped metal sheet.

[0046] The construction and arrangement of the channel forming device (14), or the construction resulting from the cooperation of the devices (14, 14') for forming a channel through the opening (13), advantageously allows the electromagnetic shielding characteristics of the housing (2) to remain intact.

[0047] Preferably, one or each positioning and / or fastening part (11, 11') is made of a thermoplastic material that is chemically and thermally compatible with the method of corrosion-resistant treatment of the components of the housing (4 or 4') to which the positioning and / or fastening parts are fixed.

[0048] The invention also relates to a manufacturing method comprising forming a protective housing (2) that is a Faraday cage and preferably sealed, and at least one circuit, electronic power component or group of electronic power components (3) housed in the protective housing, the method comprising separately arranging complementary first and second housing portions (4 and 4'), and assembling these aforementioned first and second components (4 and 4') near corresponding peripheries (7 and 7') having a consistent shape and forming a mating plane (PJ) together with a seal (15) inserted, the assembly being advantageously removably locked by a threaded means (15'), wherein the first portion (4) forms a cover and the second portion (4') forms a hollow and open outer shell defining most of the internal volume of the housing (2), and the assembly is closed by the first portion (4) after the mutual assembly of the two portions.

[0049] According to the invention, the method is characterized in that it includes setting at least a first part (4) of the two components (4, 4') as a metal sheet that has undergone a forming operation, adding or forming a liquid cooling circuit (6) near the functional area (5') while or after forming the functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the first part (4), and mounting the at least one circuit, electronic power component or electronic power component group (3) against the inner surface (5") of the metal sheet part (4) and facing the aforementioned external functional area (5') before assembling the two parts (4 and 4').

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, in order to manufacture a cooling circuit (6) on a plate (4) of a housing (2), the method may include providing a plate (8, 10) having a groove pattern (8') or a continuous groove pattern, and fixing the plate (8, 10) to the first part of the housing (4) by welding it to a functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the first part of the housing (4), wherein the added plate (8, 10) forms a channel (10") for circulating liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9') by cooperating with the surface of the plate (8, 10) abutting the functional area (5'), the inlet (9) and the outlet (9') being, for example, in the form of an end piece formed as a single piece or integral with the plate (10), and / or the circulation circuit (6) advantageously includes at least one serpentine loop portion (6').

[0051] According to Figure 1C The first embodiment shown by way of example in Figures 5 and 6, in order to manufacture a cooling circuit (6) on a first part (4) of a housing (2), may include: setting a plate (8) of thermoplastic material having a groove pattern (8') defining a route for a continuous circulation circuit; heating the first part (4) and applying the grooved plate (8) to the first part (4) to fix the plate (8) by direct metal / thermoplastic welding to the first part (4) of the housing (2) near a functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the first part (4) of the housing (2), the groove pattern (8') forming a sealed circuit (6) for circulating liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9') by cooperating with the surface of the functional area (5') against which the plate (8) is applied, the inlet (9) and outlet (9') being, for example, in the form of end pieces formed as a single piece with the plate (8), the circulation and cooling circuit (6) advantageously including at least one serpentine circuit portion (6').

[0052] According to the second embodiment, in order to manufacture a cooling circuit (6) on a first part (4) of a housing (2), the method may include setting a metal plate (10), which is advantageously made of aluminum, pre-formed to have a continuous groove pattern between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), and fixing the plate (10) to the first part (4) of the housing by welding it to the first part (4) of the housing near a functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the housing, following a pattern of a weld line (10'), the pattern of the weld line (10') being adapted to the continuous groove pattern to define a circuit for circulating liquid between the inlet (9) and the outlet (9'), the cooling circuit (6) advantageously having at least one serpentine circuit portion (6'), the channel (10") forming the circulation circuit (6) being formed by a continuous groove pattern cooperating with the surface of the functional area (5') where the plate (10) is applied, the inlet (9) and the outlet (9') being, for example, in the form of end pieces formed as a single piece or integral with the plate (10).

[0053] According to the third embodiment, in order to manufacture a cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), the method may include setting a plate (10) made of sheet metal, which is advantageously made of aluminum, and fixing the plate (10) to the first part (4) of the housing near a functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the first part (4) of the housing by peripheral welding on the one hand and by welding along a pattern of weld lines that define or follow the route for circulating liquid between the inlet (9) and the outlet (9') on the other hand. The circuit advantageously has at least one serpentine loop section (6'), into which pressurized fluid is injected to deform the area of ​​the plate (10) located between the weld lines (10'), and through the cooperation of the locally deformed plate (10) under pressure with the surface of the functional area (5') abutting against the plate through the weld lines, a channel (10") is formed for forming the circulation loop (6) between the inlet (9) and the outlet (9'), the inlet (9) and the outlet (9') being, for example, in the form of end pieces formed as a single piece or integral with the plate (10).

[0054] According to the actual variant used to implement the third embodiment, the method may include fixing a flat metal plate (10) to the first part before forming the first part (4) in order to improve productivity, forming the first part (4) during the operation sequence for closing the implemented forming tool in order to obtain the desired shape of the first part (4), and generating the channel (10") by internal pressure deformation during the same closing tool operation sequence and in the same forming tool.

[0055] According to, for example, from Figure 1CThe fourth embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, for fabricating a cooling circuit (6) on the first portion (4) of the housing (2), may include setting a plate (10) formed of two metal sheets, advantageously made of aluminum, which are fixed together by peripheral welding and a pattern of weld lines (10') that define or follow a route for a circuit for circulating liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), the circuit advantageously having at least one serpentine loop portion (6'), and then injecting pressurized fluid to... The channel (10") forming the circulation loop (6) is generated by internally pressurizing and deforming one of the two metal sheets in the area between the weld line (10'). The plate (10) is then fixed to the first part (4) of the housing by peripheral welding near the functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the first part (4) of the housing, and an undeformed metal sheet is applied to the functional area (5'). The inlet (9) and the outlet (9') appear or extend, for example, as end pieces formed as a single piece or integral with the plate (10).

[0056] Based on possible advantageous features, facilitating the manufacture of the first component (4), thereby allowing for electrically insulated mounting of the component and allowing for a high degree of installation freedom, the method may include placing at least one, preferably several, portions (11, 11') on the inner or outer surface of at least one of the two portions (4, 4') forming the housing (2), preferably only on the inner surface (5") of the first portion (4), portions (11, 11') for positioning and / or securing the at least one circuit, electronic power component or group of electronic power components (3) in the housing (2), and optionally positioning and / or securing at least one other electrical / electronic component (12) (e.g., a command component or connection component that does not require cooling) housed in the housing (2), wherein this or these portions (11, 11') are made of thermoplastic material and are adhesively fixed to the surface of the relevant portion (4, 4') or fixed by metal / thermoplastic welding.

[0057] The placement of the portions (11, 11') and the cooling circuit (6) on the first portion (4) may be carried out, for example, before the portion is subjected to corrosion-resistant surface treatment and / or dielectric coating.

[0058] Finally, the present invention also relates to a vehicle, particularly an electric vehicle, characterized in that it includes at least one electronic power module as described above.

[0059] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications can still be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, particularly modifications to the composition of various elements or substitutions using equivalent techniques.

Claims

1. An electronic power module (1), particularly for electric vehicles, comprising a protective housing (2) forming a Faraday cage and preferably sealed, and at least one circuit, electronic power component, or group of electronic power components (3) housed within said housing, said housing (2) being formed of two components (4, 4') assembled together along their periphery. The electronic power module (1) is characterized in that at least one of the two components (4, 4') is made of a shaped metal sheet, on which a liquid cooling circuit (6) is added or formed near the functional area (5') on the outer surface (5') of the shaped metal sheet, and is characterized in that at least one circuit, electronic power component or electronic power component group (3) is mounted against the inner surface (5") of the metal sheet portion (4) and faces the aforementioned external functional area (5').

2. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Another or second portion (4') of the housing (2) is made of shaped metal sheet or molded part, wherein the other or second portion (4') defines most of the internal volume of the housing (2) and includes the first metal sheet portion (4) of the cooling circuit (6) forming a cover, and wherein the first shaped metal sheet portion (4) or the cover supports all circuits, electronic components or electronic component groups (3, 12) present in the housing (2), wherein the aforementioned first and second complementary portions (4 and 4') are assembled near corresponding circumferences (7 and 7') having a consistent shape and forming a mating plane (PJ) together with the seal (15) inserted, the assembly being advantageously removably locked by a threaded device (15').

3. The module according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, At least the first housing portion (4) is made of aluminum or an aluminum-based metal alloy.

4. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cooling circuit (6) is formed by plates (8, 10) having a groove pattern (8') or a continuous groove pattern, and the plates are fixed to the first part (4) by welding to a functional area (5') on the outer surface (5) of the first part (4) of the housing, wherein the added plates (8, 10) form a channel (10") for circulating liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9') by cooperating with the surface of the functional area (5') against which the plates (8, 10) are applied, for example as a single piece or an integral end piece formed with the plates (10), and / or the circulation circuit (6) advantageously includes at least one meandering or serpentine circuit portion (6').

5. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The cooling circuit (6) is formed of a plate (8) made of thermoplastic material, the plate having a groove pattern (8') and the plate being fixed to the first part (4) by direct metal / thermoplastic welding near a functional area (5') on the outer surface (5) of the first part (4) of the housing (2), wherein the groove pattern (8') forms a sealed circuit (6) for circulating liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9') by cooperating with the surface of the functional area (5') against which the plate (8) is applied, the inlet (9) and outlet (9') being, for example, in the form of end pieces formed as a single piece with the plate (8), the circulation and cooling circuit (6) advantageously including at least one serpentine circuit portion (6').

6. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The cooling circuit (6) is made of a metal plate (10), which is advantageously made of aluminum. The metal plate is fixed to the first part (4) of the housing by welding with a pattern of weld lines (10') near the functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the first part (4) of the housing, along the periphery and following the route of the circuit for circulating liquid between the inlet (9) and the outlet (9'). The cooling circuit (6) advantageously has at least one serpentine circuit portion (6'). The channels (10") forming the circulation circuit (6) are generated by internal pressure deformation of the plate (10) applied to the metal sheet area located between the weld lines (10'). The inlet (9) and the outlet (9') are, for example, in the form of end pieces formed as a single piece or integral with the plate (10).

7. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The cooling circuit (6) is made of a metal plate (10), which is advantageously made of aluminum, and is preformed to have a continuous groove pattern between the inlet (9) and the outlet (9'). The plate (10) is fixed to the first part (4) of the housing by welding it to the first part (4) of the housing near the functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) following a pattern of weld lines (10'), the pattern of which is adapted to the continuous groove pattern to define a circuit for circulating liquid between the inlet (9) and the outlet (9'). The cooling circuit (6) advantageously has at least one serpentine loop portion (6'). The channel (10") forming the circulation circuit (6) is formed by the continuous groove pattern that cooperates with the surface of the functional area (5') against which the plate (10) is applied. The inlet (9) and the outlet (9') are, for example, in the form of a single piece or an integral end piece formed with the plate (10).

8. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cooling circuit (6) is formed by a plate (10) consisting of two metal sheets, advantageously made of aluminum, which are fixed together by peripheral welding and following a pattern of weld lines (10'), the pattern of which defines or follows a route for circulating liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'). The circuit advantageously has at least one serpentine loop portion (6'). The channel (10") forming the circulation circuit (6) is formed by the location of one of the two metal sheets after assembly. The area between the welding lines (10') is generated by internal pressure deformation, or by preforming one of the two metal sheets before assembly, and the plate (10) is fixed to the first part (4) of the housing by peripheral welding near the functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the first part (4) of the housing, and an undeformed or unpreformed metal sheet is applied to the functional area, and the inlet (9) and the outlet (9') appear or extend, for example, as end pieces formed as a single piece or integral with the plate (10).

9. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the first part (4) is formed by a groove area or recess with a flat bottom of the wall of the part (4), wherein the cooling circuit (6) located in the recess is optionally flush with the rest of the outer surface (5).

10. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The module includes at least one part, preferably multiple parts (11, 11'), which is used to position and / or fasten the at least one circuit, electronic power component or electronic power component group (3) in the housing (2), and optionally position and / or fasten at least one other electrical / electronic component (12) housed in the housing (2), such as a command component or connection component that does not require cooling. The one or more parts (11, 11') are made of thermoplastic material and are bonded to or fixed by metal / thermoplastic welding to the inner or outer surface of at least one of the two components (4, 4') of the housing (2), preferably fixed only to the inner surface (5") of the first component (4).

11. The module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The positioning and / or fastening parts (11, 11') include a screw shaft (11).

12. The module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The positioning and / or fastening portions (11, 11') include at least one mounting plate (11') having a base that is adhesively or fixed to the inner surface of the corresponding portion (4, 4') of the housing (2) by metal / thermoplastic welding.

13. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The housing (2) and preferably the first component (4) of the housing includes at least one channel opening (13) for electrically connecting the at least one circuit, electronic power component or electronic power component group (3) and at least one other electrical / electronic component (12) optionally housed in the housing (2) to the outside.

14. The module according to claim 13 and any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The module includes a channel forming device (14) mounted on one side of the channel opening, the channel forming device defining a passage between the interior and exterior of the housing (2), or the module includes complementary channel forming devices (14 and 14') arranged on both sides of the channel opening (13), the complementary channel forming devices providing a passage between the interior and exterior of the housing (2) through mutual cooperation, wherein one or each channel device (14, 14') is optionally fixed to the housing (2) by at least one positioning and / or fastening portion (11, 11') on one or more inner and / or outer surfaces of the first portion (4) made of shaped metal sheet.

15. The module according to any one of claims 10 to 12 and 14, characterized in that, One or each positioning and / or fastening part (11, 11') is made of a thermoplastic material that is chemically and thermally compatible with the method of corrosion-resistant treatment of the components of the housing (4 or 4') to which the positioning and / or fastening parts are fixed.

16. A method for manufacturing an electronic power module according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the electronic power module comprising a protective housing (2) forming a Faraday cage and preferably sealed, and at least one circuit, electronic power component, or group of electronic power components (3) housed within the housing, the method comprising separately arranging complementary first and second housing portions (4 and 4'), and assembling the first and second components (4 and 4') near corresponding circumferential wings (7 and 7') having a consistent shape and forming a mating plane (PJ) together, with the insertion of a seal (15), the assembly being advantageously removably locked by a threaded means (15'), wherein the first portion (4) forms a cover, and the second portion (4') forms a hollow and open outer shell defining a large portion of the internal volume of the housing (2), and the assembly is closed by the first portion (4) after the mutual assembly of the two portions. The method is characterized by comprising setting at least a first part (4) of the two components (4, 4') as a metal sheet that has undergone a forming operation, adding or forming a liquid cooling circuit (6) near the functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the first part (4) at the same time or after forming the functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the first part (4), and mounting the at least one circuit, electronic power component or electronic power component group (3) against the inner surface (5") of the metal sheet part (4) and facing the aforementioned external functional area (5') before assembling the two parts (4 and 4').

17. The manufacturing method according to claim 16, characterized in that, To manufacture the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), the manufacturing method includes: providing a plate (8, 10) having a groove pattern (8') or a continuous groove pattern, and fixing the plate (8, 10) to the first part by welding it to a functional area (5') near the outer surface (5) of the first part (4) of the housing, wherein the added plate (8, 10) forms a channel (10") for circulating liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9') by cooperating with the surface of the functional area (5') against which the plate (8, 10) is applied, the inlet (9) and the outlet (9') being, for example, in the form of a single piece or an integral end piece formed with the plate (10), and / or the circulation circuit (6) advantageously includes at least one serpentine loop portion (6').

18. The manufacturing method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, To manufacture the cooling circuit (6) on the first portion (4) of the housing (2), the manufacturing method includes: setting a plate (8) of thermoplastic material having a groove pattern (8') defining a route for a continuous circulation circuit; heating the first portion (4) and applying the grooved plate (8) to the first portion to fix the plate by direct metal / thermoplastic welding to the first portion (4) near a functional area (5') on the outer surface (5') of the first portion of the housing (2); the groove pattern (8') forms a sealed circuit (6) for circulating liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9') by cooperating with the surface of the functional area (5') against which the plate (8) is applied; the inlet (9) and the outlet (9') are, for example, in the form of end pieces forming a single piece with the plate (8); the circulation and cooling circuit (6) advantageously includes at least one serpentine circuit portion (6').

19. The manufacturing method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, To manufacture the cooling circuit (6) on the first portion (4) of the housing (2), the manufacturing method includes: setting a metal plate (10), advantageously made of aluminum, the metal plate being pre-formed to have a continuous groove pattern between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), and fixing the plate (10) to the first portion (4) of the housing by welding it to the first portion (4) of the housing near the functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the first portion (4) of the housing, following a pattern of weld lines (10'), the weld lines (10') The pattern of the cooling circuit (6) is adapted to the continuous groove pattern to define a loop for circulating liquid between the inlet (9) and the outlet (9'), the cooling circuit (6) advantageously having at least one serpentine loop portion (6'), the channel (10") forming the circulation circuit (6) being formed by the continuous groove pattern cooperating with the surface of the functional area (5') against which the plate (10) is applied, the inlet (9) and the outlet (9') being, for example, in the form of a single piece or an integral end piece formed with the plate (10).

20. The manufacturing method according to claim 16, characterized in that, To fabricate the cooling circuit (6) on the first portion (4) of the housing (2), the method comprises: setting a plate (10) made of sheet metal, advantageously made of aluminum, and fixing the plate (10) to the first portion (4) near the functional area (5') of the outer surface (5) of the first portion (4) of the housing by welding along its periphery and by welding along a pattern of weld lines (10') that define or follow the route for circulating liquid between the inlet (9) and the outlet (9'). The circuit advantageously has at least one serpentine loop section (6'), into which pressurized fluid is injected to deform the area of ​​the plate (10) located between the weld lines (10'), and through the cooperation of the locally deformed plate (10) under pressure with the surface of the functional area (5') abutting against the plate through the weld lines, a channel (10") is formed for forming the circulation loop (6) between the inlet (9) and the outlet (9'), the inlet (9) and the outlet (9') being, for example, in the form of end pieces formed as a single piece or integral with the plate (10).

21. The manufacturing method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method includes: fixing a flat metal plate (10) to the first part before shaping the first part (4), shaping the first part (4) during an operation sequence of a closing tool to obtain the desired shape of the first part (4), and generating the channel (10") by internal pressure deformation during the same closing tool operation sequence and in the same forming tool.

22. The manufacturing method according to claim 16, characterized in that, To manufacture the cooling circuit (6) on the first portion (4) of the housing (2), the manufacturing method comprises: setting a plate (10) formed of two metal sheets, advantageously made of aluminum, the two metal sheets being fixed together by peripheral welding and a pattern of weld lines (10'), the weld lines defining or following a route for a circuit for circulating liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), the circuit advantageously having at least one serpentine loop portion (6'), and then injecting pressurized fluid to allow the cooling circuit to pass through the two... One of the metal sheets is internally deformed under pressure in the area between the weld lines (10') to create a channel (10") forming the circulation loop (6), and then the plate (10) is fixed to the first part (4) by peripheral welding near the functional area (5') on the outer surface (5) of the first part (4) of the housing, with an undeformed metal sheet applied to the functional area, and the inlet (9) and the outlet (9') appear or extend, for example, as a single piece or integral end piece with the plate (10).

23. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that, The manufacturing method includes placing at least one, preferably several portions (11, 11') on the inner or outer surface of at least one of the two portions (4, 4') forming the housing (2), preferably only on the inner surface (5") of the first portion (4), the portions (11, 11) for positioning and / or securing the at least one circuit, electronic power component or electronic power component group (3) in the housing (2), and optionally positioning and / or securing at least one other electrical / electronic component (12) housed in the housing (2), such as a command component or connection component that does not require cooling, wherein the portions or these portions (11, 11') are made of thermoplastic material and are adhesively fixed to the surface of the relevant portions (4, 4') or by metal / thermoplastic welding.

24. A vehicle, particularly an electric vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes at least one electronic power module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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