Inverter housing comprising cooling pads and inverter comprising such a housing

Abstract

The invention relates to an inverter housing for receiving at least one power electronics component (42, 43) of an inverter (4), wherein the housing (41) has walls (411) defining a receiving volume (V) for the at least one power electronics component (42, 43). The housing has at least one pad (47) protruding from an inner surface (412) of the walls (411) into the receiving volume (V), the at least one pad (47) being configured such that, when the at least one component is received in the receiving volume (V), a terminal (421, 422, 432) of this at least one power electronics component (42, 43) or a conducting bar electrically connected to the terminal (421, 422, 432) of the power electronics component (42) faces a free end (472) of the pad (47) at a predetermined distance such that an interface element (48) can be interposed between the free end (472) of the pad (47) and the terminal (421, 422, 432) of the power electronics component (42, 43) or the conducting bar.

Description

[0001] Inverter housing comprising cooling pads and inverter comprising such a housing

[0002] The present invention claims priority from French application 2212878 filed on December 7, 2022, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The invention relates to the field of cooling electrical inverters. It relates in particular to inverters suitable for controlling the operation of an electric traction machine of an electric or hybrid vehicle, for example a motor vehicle.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] In the field of power electronics, an inverter is a voltage converter used to generate alternating voltages and currents from an electrical energy source of different voltage or frequency. In particular, an inverter can generate alternating voltages suitable for the operation of an electric motor, whether synchronous or asynchronous, from a direct voltage source, such as an electric battery.

[0007] To achieve this, inverters include components, in particular power modules containing electronic switches, for example IGBTs (IGBT meaning insulated gate bipolar transistor), whose opening and closing are controlled appropriately.

[0008] Such an inverter thus comprises an assembly of several components which are generally enclosed in a protective casing also called a housing. These components typically comprise one or more terminals allowing their interconnection, or their connection with other components linked to the inverter such as the electric battery or an electrical machine.

[0009] During operation, the inverter components generate heat that can impair the proper functioning of these components or damage them. In particular, the power modules generate heat due to the current flowing through them and the numerous switching operations of the electronic switches. The heat generated by the power modules can be transmitted, via the terminals, to other components of the inverter, such as capacitors that may be sensitive to heat, and / or to components linked to the inverter. Heat is also generated in the terminals due to the current flowing through them.

[0010] In addition, inverter components other than the power modules as well as inverter-related components may also generate heat; which heat may be transmitted to the power modules via the terminals and further heat these power modules.

[0011] There are some general solutions in the state of the art that have been developed to reduce heat at the level of bus bars, also known as "bus bars".

[0012] For example, document US20200044422 proposes an inverter housing comprising a recess in which a thermally conductive liquid is received. The housing comprises a bus bar device comprising conductive bars, one end of which is immersed in the conductive liquid.

[0013] This solution is, however, imperfect in that it requires a specific arrangement of the device, in which the conductive bars are offset to be brought into the recess. This solution therefore requires the manufacture of complex and specific parts and results in high production costs. These production costs are all the higher since the conductive bars are generally made of copper.

[0014] The present invention aims to thermally protect components of an inverter, by solving all or part of the problems indicated above. In particular, the invention aims to limit the heat exchanged between two components and which is transmitted via terminals of these components.

[0015] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0016] To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is proposed an inverter casing intended to receive at least one power electronics component of an inverter, the casing comprising walls defining a receiving volume for the at least one power electronics component.

[0017] The inverter housing comprises at least one pad extending projecting from an internal surface of the walls into the receiving volume, the at least one pad being thermally conductive and adapted to drain heat towards a cooling system of the inverter, the at least one pad being configured so that, when the at least one component is received in the receiving volume, a terminal of this at least one power electronics component or a conductive bar electrically connected to the terminal of the power electronics component is opposite a free end of the pad at a predefined distance so that a thermally conductive interface element can be interposed between the free end of the pad and the terminal of the power electronics component or the conductive bar.

[0018] The term "power electronics component" refers, in the context of an inverter, to any component of this inverter through which an electric current flows. For example, such a power electronics component can be a power module, a capacitor, an electronic card or even a filter, for example a so-called EMC filter.

[0019] The term "terminal" refers to a member, usually metallic, that allows current to flow into or out of an electronic component.

[0020] The term "thermally conductive" refers to an element having a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 1 W / mK.

[0021] In the inverter housing according to the invention, the pad is arranged at a location which, when a power electronics component is received in the receiving volume, is opposite, in the vicinity of, a terminal of this component. The pad may also be opposite a conductive bar, also called a busbar, which is electrically connected to the terminal of the power electronics component. Such a conductive bar is used in particular to conduct an electric current and to electrically interconnect several components of the inverter, or a component of the inverter with a component external to the inverter.

[0022] When the component is received in the receiving volume, the pad fills a portion of the space separating the terminal or the conductive bar from the internal surface at the location of this pad. The remaining portion of this space, i.e. the distance between the free end of the pad and the terminal or the conductive bar, is intended to be filled by a thermally conductive interface element.

[0023] The interface element ensures thermal conduction between the terminal or the conductive bar and the pad. Thus, the pad makes it possible to bring a thermally conductive surface close to a terminal of a power electronics component or a conductive bar in order to drain the heat generated by this terminal towards the walls of the housing. Thus, thanks to the pad, at least part of the heat from the terminal or the conductive bar is drained towards the cooling system of the housing. This makes it possible to limit the heat exchange, transmitted via such terminals, between two components connected to each other by these terminals. Thanks to the pad, the housing is adaptable to different components having, for example, terminals of different shapes. In fact, such a housing makes it possible to avoid any structural modification of the components, and in particular the terminals.

[0024] When the pad is electrically conductive, which may be the case depending on the material from which it is made, the interface element ensures, in addition to thermal conduction, electrical insulation between the pad and the terminal.

[0025] The invention may optionally comprise one or more of the following features combined with each other or not.

[0026] The at least one pad can be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Aluminum has many advantages, including high thermal conductivity, around 226 W / mK (watts per meter-kelvin) compared to 0.025 W / mK for air, and a relatively low density. In fact, an aluminum pad allows for improved heat transfer while limiting the mass of the inverter housing.

[0027] The at least one pad may be integral with the inverter housing. Since the housings are generally molded, preferably by die casting, only the mold needs to be adapted for the manufacture of such a housing. Such molding allows in particular the manufacture of housings made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. Such an arrangement also allows improved heat transfer compared to a pad that would be attached to the housing, because there is no interface between these two elements.

[0028] The stud can be made of the same material as the casing, the casing preferably being made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0029] The at least one pad may have a substantially constant cross-section of less than 300 mm2, preferably less than 260 mm2. In parts obtained by die casting, one of the most common causes of porosity is uneven cooling of the part inside the mold. In fact, the material in contact with the walls of the mold cools more quickly than the material furthest from the walls. It has been found that by limiting the cross-section of the pads to 300 mm2, the porosity rate was reduced compared to pads with a larger cross-section. The risk of leakage, whether gas or liquid, is then also reduced.

[0030] The at least one pad may have a cross-section that is generally square, rectangular, circular, oblong, or T-shaped, L-shaped, or cross-shaped, or a combination of several of these shapes. The at least one pad may be at least partially covered with an electrically insulating outer layer, the interface element comprising said electrically insulating outer layer. Such a layer may be obtained following a surface treatment, for example anodizing or coating with an electrically insulating material. It is easier to carry out this treatment on the at least one pad, or even on the entire casing, rather than on a terminal of the component, given that the casing generally accommodates several components, each comprising several terminals. Such a layer contributes to the electrical insulation between the pad and the terminal, without considerably increasing the manufacturing and / or preparation time of the inverter casing.

[0031] The cooling system may comprise a chamber provided in the inverter housing and adapted for the circulation of a cooling fluid, the chamber being arranged under a receiving area of ​​the at least one power electronics component to be cooled. Such a cooling system may make it possible to transfer part of the heat generated by the component out of the inverter. The at least one pad here makes it possible to transfer another part of the heat generated by the component and transmitted through the terminal to this cooling system. Thus, the quantity of heat transferred to the cooling system is greater and allows for more efficient overall heat removal.

[0032] Advantageously, the inverter casing may comprise two pads arranged on either side of the receiving zone so that the free ends of these pads are intended to be opposite at a predefined distance from the terminals of the power electronics component, said terminals being located on opposite sides of the power electronics component.

[0033] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to an inverter comprising an inverter housing as described above, at least one power electronics component housed in the receiving volume and a thermally conductive interface element interposed and maintained in contact between a free end of the at least one pad and a terminal of the at least one power electronics component or a conductive bar electrically connected to the terminal of the power electronics component, the interface element ensuring thermal conduction between the terminal of the power electronics component or the conductive bar and the pad. Such an inverter has advantages similar to those described previously in relation to the inverter housing.

[0034] The interface element may comprise a flexible solid body. The term "flexible solid body" refers to an element that is relatively firm and not liquid, while being relatively flexible, in particular deformable under the weight of a power electronics component.

[0035] This body compensates for assembly gaps and surface irregularities by deforming slightly. Due to its deformable aspect, the body also allows the terminal and the pad to be kept in contact despite deformations due to thermal expansion of the terminal and / or pad materials. In other words, the body can absorb such deformations while ensuring that the pin and the terminal remain in contact. The flexible solid body can be a hardened thermal paste, preferably made from silicone. The thermal paste, also known as "gap filler", is generally more flexible than the outer layer. In fact, the thermal paste can deform more under the weight of the component, and have a larger contact surface, which allows for satisfactory heat transfer between the terminal and the interface element. Over time, the thermal layer polymerizes, but remains relatively flexible.

[0036] Alternatively, the flexible solid body can be a thermal foam. Such a foam has the ability to be deformed and return to its original shape. In addition, this foam helps to at least partially dampen vibrations.

[0037] Alternatively, the flexible solid body can be a silicone-coated plate, also known as a "gap pad".

[0038] Alternatively, the flexible solid body can be a glue.

[0039] The interface element may comprise both the electrically insulating outer layer and a flexible solid body from among the alternatives described above. Such an arrangement is particularly implemented when the pad is electrically conductive and the flexible solid body is not perfectly electrically insulating. This also makes it possible to reduce the height, or thickness, of the flexible solid body.

[0040] The ratio between a height of the pad relative to a height of the interface element along an extension axis of the pad may be greater than one, preferably substantially equal to two. In other words, the height of the pad is preferably twice the height of the interface element, along the extension axis of the pad. It has been found that the rigidity and mechanical strength of the assembly formed by the pad, the interface element and the component are improved when the height of the pad is greater than the height of the interface element (when the ratio is greater than one). It has also been found that, in addition to improving the rigidity and mechanical strength of this assembly, the assembly of the component and the manufacture of the inverter are facilitated when the height of the pad is substantially twice the height of the interface element.

[0041] The height of the interface element along an extension axis of the pad may be between 0.5 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm.

[0042] The component may have at least one input terminal, i.e. through which the current enters the component, at least one separate pad being associated with each input terminal. The component may have at least one output terminal, i.e. through which the current leaves the component, at least one separate pad being associated with each output terminal. As previously described, one of the most common causes of porosity is uneven cooling of the part inside the mold. This thus makes it possible to avoid massive blocks at the casing, either when a component has several terminals, or when the casing has several components each having at least one terminal.

[0043] Preferably, the inverter may comprise three components, each comprising three input terminals and one output terminal. Such an arrangement is generally implemented for a three-phase inverter. In this case, the components are power modules. In particular, in this arrangement, the inverter casing comprises at least nine separate pads associated with the input terminals and at least three separate pads associated with the output pads.

[0044] Two separate pads may be associated with one of the input terminals of each of the components and one separate pad may be associated with each of the other input terminals and the output terminal. In this arrangement, the inverter housing has twelve separate pads associated with the input terminals and at least three separate pads associated with the output terminals. As previously described, such an arrangement further limits the porosity rate of the inverter housing.

[0045] The invention finally relates, in a third aspect, to a method of manufacturing an inverter. The method comprises:

[0046] - a step of supplying an inverter housing as described above,

[0047] - a step of depositing the interface element on the free end of the at least one pad, and - a step of positioning a terminal of the power electronics component or the conductive bar on the interface element.

[0048] Such a method has advantages similar to those described previously in relation to the inverter housing and the inverter.

[0049] The interface element may comprise a flexible solid body. The deposition step may then comprise the deposition of at least two superimposed layers of the flexible solid body of the interface element. The flexible body may be deposited in pasty form.

[0050] In order to obtain a desired height of the interface element, depositing two thin layers each having a height lower than the desired height, rather than one layer directly having the desired height, makes it possible to avoid spreading of the body. This thus allows better mechanical strength of the body and therefore of the interface element.

[0051] The positioning step may be followed by a step of polymerization of the flexible body, in particular when the flexible body is deposited in pasty form.

[0052] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0053] The invention, according to an exemplary embodiment, will be well understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, given for information purposes and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings.

[0054] Figure 1 represents, in a very schematic view, an electric or hybrid motor vehicle comprising an electric machine, a battery and an inverter according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0055] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the inverter of Figure 1, the inverter comprising a housing according to a first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 3 is a partial top view of a housing according to a second embodiment, showing an area for receiving a first power electronics component.

[0057] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the housing of Figure 3, showing an area for receiving a second power electronics component. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing an inverter according to the invention.

[0058] DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 schematically represents a motor vehicle 1 which is, for example, hybrid or electric. The vehicle 1 comprises an electric machine 2, a battery 3 and an inverter 4 electrically connected to the electric machine 2 and to the battery 3.

[0059] The electric machine 2 is configured to propel the vehicle 1.

[0060] The inverter 4 is configured to generate an alternating voltage suitable for the operation of the electrical machine 2 from a direct voltage supplied by the battery 3.

[0061] The inverter 4, according to a first embodiment, is better visible in Figure 2.

[0062] The inverter 4 includes a housing 41, or enclosure, configured to house components of the inverter. The housing 41 includes walls 411 having an inner surface 412 and an outer surface 413 opposite the inner surface 412.

[0063] The walls 411 define, on the side of the internal surface 412, a receiving volume V for the components of the inverter 4. The walls 411 also define an opening O allowing access to the receiving volume V, for example for the assembly of the components.

[0064] The casing 41 is adapted to be mechanically connected to a casing of the electric machine 2. The opening O is intended to be turned towards the electric machine 2 when the casing 41 of the inverter 4 is mechanically connected to the casing of the electric machine 2, so that the components of the inverter and the components of the electric machine can be interconnected.

[0065] The opening O is for example bordered by a sealing element (not shown) which is intended to ensure the sealing of the receiving volume V when the casing 41 is mechanically connected to the casing (not shown) of the electrical machine 2.

[0066] The casing 41 is for example made of aluminum, or aluminum alloy.

[0067] In the example illustrated in Figure 2, the walls 411 of the casing 2 define, inside the receiving volume V, a first receiving zone ZM for a component of the inverter 4. The walls 411 of the casing 2 also define, in the vicinity of the first receiving zone ZM, a second receiving zone Zc for another component of the inverter 4.

[0068] The inverter 4 comprises a cooling system 44. The cooling system 44 is configured to cool a component of the inverter 4 located in the first receiving zone ZM. The cooling system 44 is also configured to cool the walls 411 of the casing 41.

[0069] The cooling system 44 comprises a thermally conductive plate 441, fixed on the internal surface 412 of the walls 411 and defining, with this internal surface, a sealed chamber 442.

[0070] For this purpose, the casing 41 comprises a seal 45 positioned between the plate 441 and the internal surface 412.

[0071] The sealed chamber 442 is adapted for the circulation of a cooling fluid, for example a coolant such as water. The chamber 442 is for example connected to a cooling circuit (not shown) comprising a heat exchanger, and through which the cooling fluid circulates.

[0072] The plate 441 is configured to drain heat to the chamber 442. In particular, the plate 441 has a substantially planar first face 443 and a second face 444, opposite the first face, provided, on at least a portion of this face, with several thermally conductive fins 445. The first face 443 of the plate 441 faces the opening O of the casing 41 and the second face 444 faces the internal surface 412 of the walls 411, so that the fins 445 extend into the sealed chamber 442. These fins 445 are arranged so as to be in contact with the cooling fluid in order to transfer the drained heat to the cooling fluid.

[0073] The casing 41 comprises pads 47 extending projecting from the internal surface 412 of the casing 41 into the receiving volume. The pads 47 are thermally conductive and adapted to drain heat to the cooling system 44 of the inverter 4. In particular, each pad 47 is configured to drain the heat generated at a terminal of a component of the inverter.

[0074] The pads 47 are arranged, in FIG. 2, on either side of the first reception zone ZM. In particular, FIG. 2 represents a first pad 47a, located to the left of the first reception zone ZM in FIG. 2, and a second pad 47b, located to the right of the reception zone ZM in FIG. 2.

[0075] Each of these pads 47a, 47b has a connecting end 471a, 471b attached to the walls 411 and a free end 472a, 472b which is distal relative to the connecting end 471a, 471b. The free ends 472a, 472b of the pads 47 are relatively flat and here belong to the same plane. Each pad 47 has a height, along an extension axis of the pad, of between 1 mm and 12 mm. This height corresponds to the distance between the connecting end 471 and the free end 472. The extension axis of the pad is here perpendicular to the internal surface 412.

[0076] In particular, the height of the first pad 47a corresponds to the distance between the internal surface 412 located directly to the right of this first pad 47a in FIG. 2 and its free end 472a, while the height of the second pad 47b corresponds to the distance between the internal surface 412 located on either side of this second pad 47b in FIG. 2 and its free end 472b.

[0077] The pads 47 have a substantially constant cross-section over their entire height. This cross-section has, for example, an area of ​​between 4 mm2 and 300 mm2, preferably between 10 mm 2 and 260 mm 2 , and preferably still between 16 mm 2 and 256 mm 2 The cross-section is, for example, generally square in shape.

[0078] The 47 studs are for example made of aluminum, or aluminum alloy.

[0079] The 47 studs are here in one piece with the casing 4.

[0080] The inverter 4 further comprises a first power electronics component 42, a second power electronics component 43 and an electrical connector 46.

[0081] The first power electronics component 42 is for example a power module comprising power switches whose openings and closings are controlled appropriately to generate, from a direct voltage, an alternating voltage of predetermined frequency.

[0082] The first power electronics component 42 is received in the first receiving zone ZM of the housing 41.

[0083] The first power electronics component 42 comprises an input terminal 421 and an output terminal 422. For example, the input terminal 421 is intended to be electrically connected to a component providing a direct voltage, such as the second power electronics component 43, while the output terminal 422 is intended to be electrically connected to a component receiving an alternating voltage, such as the electrical machine 2.

[0084] The electrical connector 46 is for example a conductive bar intended to electrically connect the first power electronics component 42 to the electrical machine 2. The second power electronics component 42 is for example formed by a set of capacitors configured to smooth the direct voltage supplied by the battery 3.

[0085] The second power electronics component 43 is received in the second receiving zone Zc of the casing 41.

[0086] The second power electronics component 43 comprises an input terminal (not shown) and an output terminal 432. For example, the input terminal is intended to be electrically connected to a component providing a direct voltage, such as the battery 3 or a filter of the inverter, and the output terminal 432 is intended to be electrically connected to a component receiving a direct voltage, such as the first power electronics component 42.

[0087] The inverter 4 comprises an interface element 48 configured to form a thermally conductive interface and for example electrical insulation between the terminals of the components of the inverter 4, in particular the first power electronics component 42 and the second power electronics component 43, and the free end 472 of the pads 47.

[0088] The interface element 48 comprises a body which is both solid and flexible. This body is here a thermal paste, preferably made from silicone. The thermal paste has for example a thermal conductivity of between 1W / mK and 10W / mK, for example substantially equal to 4W / mK. The thermal paste is capable of polymerizing, but nevertheless remains relatively flexible, in particular under the effect of the weight of the components.

[0089] In the present embodiment of the inverter 4, the first power electronics component 42 is positioned on the first face 443 of the plate 441 of the cooling system. In this way, a portion of the heat generated by the first power electronics component 42 is transferred to the cooling system 44.

[0090] The input terminal 421 of the first power electronics component 42 is opposite the free end 472a of the first pad 47a. The output terminal 422 of the first power electronics component 42 is opposite the free end 472b of the second pad 47b.

[0091] The output terminal 432 of the second power electronics component 43 is opposite the free end 472a of the first pad 47a.

[0092] The input terminal 421 of the first power electronics component 42 and the output terminal of the second power electronics component 43 are superimposed and fixed to each other, for example by laser welding, to establish their electrical connection.

[0093] The electrical connector 46 is opposite the free end 472b of the second terminal 47b.

[0094] The output terminal 422 of the first power electronics component 42 and the electrical connector 46 are superimposed and in contact with each other to establish their electrical connection. The output terminal 422 and the electrical connector 46 are for example fixed to each other, for example by laser welding.

[0095] The interface element 48 is arranged, in FIG. 2, at the first pad 47a and at the second pad 47b. In particular, FIG. 2 represents a first interface element 48a, located on the first pad 47a, and a second interface element 48b, located on the second pad 47b.

[0096] The first interface element 48a is interposed and held in contact between the free end 472a of the first pad 47a and one of the output terminal 432 and the input terminal 421, depending on whether the output terminal 432 is located above or below the input terminal 421.

[0097] The second interface element 48b is interposed and held in contact between the free end 472b of the second pad 47b and one of the output terminal 422 and the electrical connector 46, depending on whether the output terminal 422 is located above or below the electrical connector 46.

[0098] The body of the interface element 48 is for example arranged on the free end 472 of each pad 47.

[0099] The interface element 48 is slightly compressed between the free end 472 of each pad 47 and the associated terminals. Each interface element 48 has a height, once compressed and along an extension axis of the pad 47 on which this interface element 48 is arranged, of between 0.5 mm and 6 mm. Preferably, the height of the interface element 48 is between 3 mm and 5 mm.

[0100] The ratio between the height of each pad 47 and the height of the interface element 48 arranged on this pad 47 is greater than one, preferably substantially equal to two.

[0101] Figure 3 shows an inverter housing according to a second embodiment. In this figure, the cooling system plate and the sealing gasket are not shown.

[0102] The housing 41 according to the second embodiment is for example suitable for a three-phase inverter. The housing 41 according to the second embodiment is intended to receive three first power electronic components 42 each comprising three input terminals 421 and one output terminal 422.

[0103] The walls 411 of the casing 41 define a first receiving zone ZM configured to receive three first power electronic components 42. The first receiving zone ZM is generally elongated and extends in a direction XX, called alignment. The first power electronic components 42 are intended to be aligned in the alignment direction XX so that the input terminals 421 and the output terminals 422 are aligned with each other.

[0104] In this embodiment, the pads 47 are arranged according to a first series Si arranged on one side of the reception zone Z Mand a second series S2 arranged on another side of the area, the first reception area.

[0105] The first series Si and the second series S2 are parallel to the alignment direction XX.

[0106] The pads 47a, 47c of the first series Si are configured so that, when the first power electronic components 42 are received in the first reception zone ZM, each input terminal 421 is opposite at least one pad 47a or 47c of this first series Si.

[0107] In particular, the first series Si comprises pads 47a, 47c of different sections, namely single pads 47a and double pads 47c. Each double pad 47c is formed by two separate pads each having a cross-section, for example of square shape, the surface area of ​​which is less than the surface area of ​​a cross-section of a single pad 47a, which has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0108] The first series Si presents, according to the alignment direction XX, an alternation of single plots 47a and double plots 47c. In particular, the first series Si comprises nine distinct plots 47a, 47c including six single plots 47a and three double plots 47c.

[0109] The pads 47b of the second series S2 are configured so that, when the first power electronic components 42 are received in the first reception zone ZM, each output terminal 422 is opposite a pad 47b of this second series S2.

[0110] In particular, the second series S2 comprises three distinct pads 47b. These pads 47b have a substantially oblong section whose largest axis is parallel to the alignment direction XX. Figure 4 shows the second receiving zone Zc of the inverter housing according to the second embodiment. A part of the first series Si of pads 47a, 47c is visible on the left of this figure. The first series Si is arranged along a first side of the second receiving zone Zc. The inverter housing 41 comprises, on a side of the second receiving zone Zc which is opposite the side where the first series Si of pads 47 is located, pads 57.

[0111] Each pad 57 is for example configured to be opposite at a predefined distance an input terminal (not shown) of the second power electronics component.

[0112] Unlike the pads 47 of the first series S1 or the second series S2 described with reference to FIG. 3, the pads 57 have a T-shaped cross-section. The pads 57 have, like the pads 47, a substantially constant cross-section of less than 300 mm2, preferably less than 260 mm2.

[0113] Figure 5 illustrates a manufacturing method 100 of the inverter 4. The manufacturing method 100 comprises a step 101 of providing a casing according to the first embodiment or according to the second embodiment. The casing is for example produced by molding, preferably by die-casting, in aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0114] The manufacturing method 100 then comprises a step 102 of depositing the interface element on the free end of the pads. The deposition step 102 comprises, for example, the deposition of two superimposed layers of the body of the interface element, namely the thermal paste.

[0115] The manufacturing method 100 finally comprises a step 103 of positioning the terminals of a first power electronics component and / or the terminals of a second power electronics component on the interface element. Preferably, the first power electronics component and / or the second power electronics component are only deposited on the interface element, that is to say they press on the interface element only under the effect of their weight.

[0116] Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art to the invention which has just been described without departing from the scope of the disclosure of the invention.

[0117] The housing can be made using another manufacturing process. Alternatively, the housing is made using additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing. The structure of the housing can vary. Alternatively, the housing has more or fewer studs. Alternatively, each stud has a different cross-sectional shape or a different height.

[0118] According to a variant not shown, the studs are attached to the casing, for example by gluing, welding, screwing, fitting or any other known method of fixing between two elements. In this case, the studs can be made from a material different from that of the casing. For example, the studs can be made from a metallic material other than aluminum, such as copper.

[0119] The structure of the cooling system can vary. Alternatively, the cooling system is external to the casing. Alternatively, the cooling system is formed by the external surface of the casing in contact with the ambient air.

[0120] The interface element may vary. Alternatively, the interface element may comprise an electrically insulating outer layer. The layer is obtained, for example, by a surface treatment, such as anodizing. In this case, the body of the interface element is a layer of alumina. Alternatively, the layer is obtained by spraying or coating with an electrically insulating material.

[0121] According to these variants, the deposition step includes a sub-step of surface treatment, spraying or coating.

[0122] Alternatively, the interface element comprises two superimposed bodies, namely a first body and a second body. In this case, the first body is for example an electrically insulating outer layer as described above and the second body is a thermal paste as previously described. In this case, the second body is interposed between the first body and the terminals.

[0123] According to this variant, the deposition step comprises a sub-step of surface treatment, spraying or coating, followed by the deposition of two layers of the second body.

[0124] The structure of the inverter can vary. Alternatively, the inverter has a single power electronics component. Alternatively, the inverter has more than two power electronics components.

[0125] According to a variant not shown, one of the first power electronics component and the second power electronics component is a power module, a capacitor, an electronic card or a filter, for example a so-called EMC filter. The structure of the components may vary. Alternatively, the power electronics components comprise only one input terminal or one output terminal. Alternatively, the components comprise more than one input terminal and / or more than one output terminal.

[0126] In a variant not shown, the first power electronics component and the second power electronics component are mounted on an electronic card.

[0127] The invention thus developed makes it possible to drain part of the heat released by the components of an inverter, while facilitating the assembly of these components. The inverter housing according to the invention is simple to manufacture. Indeed, its manufacture requires very few modifications compared to the housings manufactured until now. In addition, the manufacture of the inverter according to the invention can be automated.

[0128] Although in the above description, the particular aspects of the invention, in particular the implementation of the inverter, have been described in the context of a motor vehicle, the latter could be implemented in other configurations, in particular with other types of vehicles.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 . Inverter housing intended to receive at least one power electronics component (42, 43) of an inverter (4), the housing (41) comprising walls (411) defining a receiving volume (V) for the at least one power electronics component (42, 43), characterized in that it comprises at least one pad (47, 57) extending projecting from an internal surface (412) of the walls (411) into the receiving volume (V), the at least one pad (47, 57) being thermally conductive and adapted to drain heat to a cooling system (44) of the inverter (4), the at least one pad (47, 57) being configured so that, when the at least one component is received in the receiving volume (V), a terminal (421, 422, 432) of this at least one power electronics component (42, 43) or a conductive bar electrically connected to the terminal (421, 422, 432) of the power electronics component (42) is opposite a free end (472) of the pad (47,57) at a predefined distance so that a thermally conductive interface element (48) can be interposed between the free end (472) of the pad (47, 57) and the terminal (421, 422, 432) of the power electronics component (42, 43) or the conductive bar., 2. Inverter housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one stud (47, 57) is in one piece with the inverter housing (41).

3. Inverter housing according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the stud (47, 57) is made of the same material as the housing (41), the housing (41) preferably being made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

4. Inverter housing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one pad (47, 57) is at least partially covered with an electrically insulating external layer, the interface element (48) comprising said electrically insulating external layer.

5. Inverter housing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one pad (47, 57) has a substantially constant cross-section of less than 300 mm2, preferably less than 260 mm2.

6. Inverter housing according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cooling system (44) comprises a chamber (442) provided in the inverter housing (41) and adapted for the circulation of a cooling fluid, the chamber (442) being arranged under a receiving zone (ZM) of the at least one power electronics component (42) to be cooled.

7. Inverter housing according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises two pads (47) arranged on either side of the receiving zone (Z M) of the power electronics component (42) so that the free ends (472) of these pads (47) are intended to be opposite at a predefined distance from terminals (421, 422) of the power electronics component (42), said terminals (421, 422) being located on opposite sides of the power electronics component (42).

8. Inverter comprising an inverter housing according to any one of claims 1 to 7, at least one power electronics component (42, 43) housed in the receiving volume (V) and a thermally conductive interface element (48) interposed and held in contact between a free end (472) of the at least one pad (47, 57) and a terminal (421, 422, 432) of the at least one power electronics component (42, 43) or a conductive bar electrically connected to the terminal of the at least one component, the interface element (48) ensuring thermal conduction between the terminal (421, 422, 432) of the power electronics component (42, 43) or the conductive bar and the pad (47, 57).

9. Inverter according to claim 8, characterized in that the interface element (48) comprises a flexible solid body.

10. Inverter according to claim 9, characterized in that the flexible solid body is a hardened thermal paste, preferably made from silicone.

11. Inverter according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the ratio between a height of the pad (47, 57) relative to a height of the interface element (48) along an extension axis of the pad (47, 57) is greater than one, preferably substantially equal to two.

12. Inverter according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the interface element (48) has a height, along an extension axis of the pad (47, 57), of between 0.5 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm.

13. Method of manufacturing an inverter, comprising: - a step of providing (101) an inverter casing (41) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, - a step of depositing (102) the interface element (48) on the free end of the at least one pad (47, 57), and - a step of positioning (103) a terminal (421, 422, 432) of the power electronics component (42, 43) or of the conductive bar on the interface element (48).

14. Manufacturing method according to claim 13 wherein the interface element (48) comprises a flexible solid body, characterized in that the deposition step (102) comprises the deposition of at least two superimposed layers of the flexible solid body of the interface element (48).

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