Connector guide for an inverter comprising a pressing member

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressing device to be installed in an inverter comprising at least two power modules arranged on a cooling surface of the inverter, the pressing device comprising: - a rigid body (50) having a substantially planar shape and comprising a first face (51) intended to face the cooling surface, - at least two separate pressing members (60) carried by the first face (51) of the body (50), each pressing member (60) being intended to be associated with one of the power modules of the inverter and configured to exert a force substantially perpendicular to a general plane of extension of the body (50) when the pressing member (60) is compressed to press the associated power module against the cooling surface, the body (50) comprising first portions covering each pressing member (60), the body (50) further comprising a second portion (55), adjacent to or superposed on the first portion (53), in which holes (22) forming guides are provided for pins (21) for controlling the power module (2).

Description

[0001] Inverter Connector Guide with Plating Device

[0002] The present invention claims priority from French application 2212886 filed on December 7, 2022, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of electrical inverter assemblies. It relates in particular to inverters adapted to control the operation of an electric traction machine of an electric or hybrid vehicle, for example a motor vehicle.

[0004] 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.

[0005] A polyphase inverter, for example three-phase, can chop a direct voltage into a balanced polyphase (for example three-phase) sinusoidal voltage. To do this, inverters include power modules containing electronic switches, for example IGBTs (IGBT meaning Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), the opening and closing of which are appropriately controlled by one or more electronic cards (control card and power card or "driver card", possibly combined into a single card).

[0006] The electronic board(s), commonly called "PCB" (from the English "Printed Circuit Board"), is composed of printed circuits and electronic components. The inverter components, such as power modules and electronic boards, are generally placed in a protective housing also called a casing.

[0007] In some applications, for example in inverters for electric or hybrid vehicles, the voltage can be relatively high, in the order of 200V to 800V. Heat generation by the Joule effect can then become significant and risks damaging inverter components.

[0008] Heat is also generated by electronic switches due to their high switching frequency. This heat risks damaging the electronic switches of power modules, whose maximum permissible temperature is around 175°C for an IGBT and slightly higher for a SiC electronic switch.

[0009] To cool the power modules and / or dissipate the heat they generate, it is known to press the power modules against a bottom of the inverter housing or a cooling plate to ensure satisfactory heat transfer. Thus, the heat generated by the power modules is evacuated to the housing or the cooling plate.

[0010] Document FR2995138 discloses a plating member arranged to be mounted in a power electronics block and allowing a part to be pressed against a surface. The plating member comprises elastically deformable tabs extending along a plate having an elongated shape. The plate comprises at its longitudinal ends fixing means for fixing the plating member to the casing.

[0011] However, the use of such a plating member is complex in the environment of an inverter for several reasons. First of all, due to the stacking of the different components that make up the inverter, the integration of such a plating member, which is also elongated, is complex.

[0012] In addition, the force exerted by the elastically deformable tabs is likely to cause buckling of the plate, particularly in its center between the fixing means. Thus, the dimensions of the plate can hardly be reduced, at the risk of deteriorating the quality of the plating due to deformation of the plate.

[0013] Finally, this plating organ is exclusively metallic and, due to its dimensions and its proximity to other components, carries a risk of short circuit.

[0014] The present invention thus aims to propose a device resolving all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0015] To this end, the invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a plating device intended to be installed in an inverter comprising at least two power modules arranged on a cooling surface of the inverter, the plating device comprising:

[0016] - a rigid body having a substantially planar shape and comprising a first face intended to be turned towards the cooling surface,

[0017] - at least two separate plating members carried by the first face of the body, each plating member being intended to be associated with one of said at least two power modules of the inverter and configured to exert a force substantially perpendicular to a general plane of extension of the body when said plating member is compressed in order to press the associated power module against the cooling surface, the body comprising first portions covering each plating member, the body further comprising second portions, adjacent or superimposed on the first portions, in which orifices are provided forming guides for control pins of the power module.

[0018] By "control pin" or more simply "pin", we mean a male connector in the form of a rigid metal strip suitable for insertion into a corresponding female connector.

[0019] In the device according to the invention, each plating member is supported and held in position by a first portion of the body which is close to, but distinct from, a second portion adapted to guide control pins. This makes it possible in particular to reduce the risk of short circuit when the plating members are made of metal.

[0020] Thanks to the plating members according to the invention, the plating device improves the cooling of the power modules, while being compact and compatible with several inverter structures.

[0021] In particular, the force exerted by a pressing member on an associated power module is absorbed by a first portion of the body, without being transmitted to the at least one other pressing member. In other words, the force exerted by a pressing member does not affect the at least one other pressing member and vice versa. The forces exerted by the pressing members on the modules are thus uniform and constant, and the cooling of each power module is ensured reliably.

[0022] In addition, it is easier to manufacture a plating member intended to be associated with a power module, instead of specifically manufacturing a plating member whose configuration is specific to each inverter structure. Indeed, the plating members can be arranged differently on the body depending on the structure of the inverter, and in particular depending on the arrangement of the power modules.

[0023] The invention may optionally comprise one or more of the following features combined with each other or not.

[0024] Each plating member may be made, at least partially, of metal, and in that the body is made of plastic. Each plating member may be attached to the body of the plating device by snap-fastening.

[0025] Each plating organ can include

[0026] - a plate fixed on the internal face of the body, and

[0027] - an elastically deformable spring blade, the spring blade having a connecting edge attaching the spring blade to the plate and a free end edge which is distal to the connecting edge, the free end edge being intended to bear against the at least one power module.

[0028] The spring blade may have an overall shape of an isosceles trapezoid, with the connecting edge forming the small base and the free end edge forming the large base of this trapezoid.

[0029] Each plating member comprises a second spring blade, the free end edges of each of the blades being opposite each other and substantially in the same plane. Preferably, the blades can extend over the entire width of the power module.

[0030] The plate of each plating member may have stress concentration zones linked to the deformation of the spring blade, these zones being located at the ends of the connecting edge of the spring blade, the plate being provided, at each stress concentration zone, with a local stiffening boss.

[0031] The body may comprise an intermediate portion which is positioned between said at least two plating members, said intermediate portion comprising a housing adapted to receive a temperature sensor.

[0032] The invention relates, according to a second aspect, to an inverter comprising

[0033] - a cooling surface,

[0034] - at least two power modules, each power module being arranged on the cooling surface, and

[0035] - a plating device as described above, each of said at least two plating members being compressed between the body and the associated power module and exerting a force plating said power module against the cooling surface, each power module comprising control pins, and the inverter further comprising an electronic card comprising female connectors to which the control pins of said at least two power modules are connected, at least one control pin of each of said at least two power modules passing through an orifice of the plating device. The inverter may comprise a thermally conductive interface element interposed between each power module and the cooling surface, the interface element being compressed between each power module and the cooling surface under the action of the plating member.

[0036] The interface element may have a thermal conductivity which is a function of the pressure applied to said interface element.

[0037] The force exerted by each plating member on the associated power module can be between 5 daN and 100 daN, and preferably between 20 daN and 60 daN.

[0038] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 schematically and partially represents an inverter, in accordance with the invention, in which a plating device is positioned, also in accordance with the invention.

[0040] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a plating device according to the invention, taken in isolation.

[0041] Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2, from another angle.

[0042] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a plating member, taken in isolation, of the plating device of Figures 2 and 3.

[0043] Figure 5 is a side view of the plating member of Figure 4.

[0044] Figure 6 is a top view of the plating member of Figures 4 and 5, from yet another angle.

[0045] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an assembly of the plating device of Figures 2 and 3.

[0046] Figure 8 shows, in a partial sectional view, the plating member and the body of the plating device for assembly.

[0047] Figure 9 shows, in a partial sectional view, the plating member and the body of the plating device assembled.

[0048] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a plating member, taken in isolation, according to a first variant embodiment.

[0049] Figure 11 is a view similar to that of Figure 10, according to a second alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0050] Figure 12 is a view similar to that of Figure 10, according to a third alternative embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 shows partially and schematically an inverter 1, which is for example adapted to control the operation of an electric traction machine of an electric or hybrid vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0051] For this purpose, the inverter 1 comprises a power module 2 and an electronic card 3 configured to control, in an appropriate manner, the power module 2. The power module 2 comprises for this purpose control pins 21 which extend in the direction of the electronic card 3 and which engage in female connectors 31 of the electronic card 3 to make an electrical connection.

[0052] The inverter 1 comprises a cooling surface 4 configured to dissipate the heat generated by components of the inverter 1 and in particular, in the example illustrated, of the power module 2.

[0053] In order to ensure good thermal conductivity and therefore efficient heat dissipation, the power module 2 is pressed against the cooling surface 4 by a pressing device 5 of the inverter 1. The pressing device 5 is configured to exert a force substantially perpendicular to the surface of the power module 2 in contact with the cooling surface 4.

[0054] The inverter 1 comprises a casing 8 in which the power module 2, the electronic card 3 and the plating device 5 are housed. For reasons of compactness of the inverter 1, the plating device 5 is arranged between the power module 2 and the electronic card 3.

[0055] Since the power module 2 and the cooling surface 4 potentially have surface irregularities on their contacting surfaces, for example of the order of 150 microns maximum, a thermally conductive interface element 6 is provided which is interposed between the power module 2 and the cooling surface 4. The interface element 6 thus ensures improved thermal conductivity, in particular by filling potential gaps between the power module 2 and the cooling surface 4.

[0056] The thermal conductivity can be further improved by applying a predetermined compressive force to the interface element 6 which, in certain cases, has intrinsic thermal conductivity properties that vary depending on the force applied. The interface element 6 is for example a thermal paste, also referred to by the English term “gap filler”, for which a compressive force of between 5 daN and 100 daN, preferably between 20 daN and 60 daN, makes it possible to improve the thermal conductivity properties of this thermal paste. The use of a thermal paste also guarantees a homogeneous distribution of the interface element 6 between the power module 2 and the cooling surface 4, by spreading under the action of the force exerted by the plating device 5. In other words, the force applied by the plating device 5 to the power module 2 contributes to the expansion of the interface element 6.This effort also contributes to obtaining a predetermined thickness, which is preferably as small as possible, so as to only fill the gaps between the power module 2 and the cooling surface 4 in order to ensure homogeneous heat transfer.

[0057] Figures 2 and 3 show in more detail the plating device 5 according to the invention.

[0058] The pressing device 5 is formed essentially by a substantially planar body 50 and pressing members 60 which are carried by a first face 51 of the body 50, intended to be turned towards the power module 2. Each pressing member 60 is configured to exert a force directed away from the body 50 when this pressing member 60 is compressed, so as to press a power module 2 against the cooling surface 4.

[0059] In the example illustrated, the plating device 5 has a body 50 of elongated shape, generally rectangular, and three distinct plating members 60, distributed along a longitudinal axis X of the body 50. In other words, each plating member 60 is independent or distinct and the body 50 serves as a support to hold these plating members 60 in position.

[0060] As illustrated in Figure 3, the body 50 comprises plating portions 53 which each cover, at least in part, a plating member 60. The plating portions 53 are rigid and directly absorb the forces exerted by the plating members 60 on the associated power modules 2 and comprise, on a second face 52 opposite the first face 51, reinforcing means 54 which are here formed by ribs, for example in the shape of a cross.

[0061] The reinforcing means 54 ensure rigidity of the body 50, in particular at the level of the plating portions 53, which makes it possible to limit or even avoid deformations by bending of the body 50 under the influence of the force exerted by each plating member 60. The reinforcing means 54 thus contribute to the application and maintenance of an identical force on each power module 60. It should be noted that the body 50 also comprises on each of the faces 51 and 52 other, smaller, reinforcing ribs, for example having a honeycomb shape.

[0062] The plating members 60 are here formed by spring blades, using the elastic properties of the material from which these blades are formed to exert a force. For reasons of resistance, in particular to heat and deformation, it is preferable that the plating members 60 are made of metal.

[0063] The plating members 60 being, once the plating device 5 is assembled in the inverter 1, close to the control pins 21 are likely to come into contact with one of the pins 21, for example during an impact or due to vibrations, which is particularly frequent in the case of a vehicle inverter. Such contact is likely to generate a short circuit, which can be particularly damaging for the inverter 1.

[0064] For this purpose, the body 50 comprises guide portions 55 which are each provided with orifices 22 adapted for the passage of the control pins 21. Each orifice 22 is sized to allow the passage of a single control pin 21. The orifices 22 are arranged on the body 50 so as to keep the control pins 21 away from the plating members 60. The orifices 22 are also arranged on the body 50 so as to guarantee precise positioning and orientation of the control pins 21 with a view to their connection to the electronic card 3.

[0065] The plating device 5 thus combines the plating and guiding functions, while keeping the control pins at a distance from the plating members 60. The assembly of the plating device 5 in the inverter is thus simplified.

[0066] In addition, the control pins 21 can be kept relatively close to the plating members 60, in order to limit the size, without coming into contact under the influence of vibrations or shock. For this purpose, each guide portion 55 adjoins a respective plating portion 53 in order to limit the compactness of the plating device 5. In the example illustrated, each guide portion 55 forms an extension of the associated plating portion 53 in a transverse direction of the body 50. The guide portions 55 and the plating portions 53 are inscribed in the same plane, defining a general plane of extension of the body 50.

[0067] The plating portions 53 and the associated guide portions 55, that is to say intended respectively to plate and guide the control pins 21 of the same power module 2, are spaced from each other, along the longitudinal axis X of the body 50, by intermediate portions 56. Each intermediate portion 56 here has an elongated shape along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the body 50. The intermediate portions 56 each comprise a housing (not referenced) intended to receive a sensor, for example a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of one or more power modules 2. This makes it possible to adjust the control of the inverter 1 and to avoid damaging components of the inverter 1. Such a sensor must thus be electrically connected to the electronic card 3. For this purpose, the housing is through and allows the passage, at least partially, through the thickness of the body 50 of such a sensor.

[0068] The body 50 comprises means 7 for fixing the plating device 5. These means 7 are arranged on the one hand at each corner of the body 50 and on the other hand at the longitudinal ends of each intermediate portion 56. The means 7 for fixing at the longitudinal ends of the intermediate portions 56 contribute to reducing the bending moment at the center, along the longitudinal axis X, of the body 50 by absorbing the forces around each plating member 60, that is to say each plating portion 53.

[0069] In the example shown, the plating portions 53 have a generally rectangular shape and the fixing means 7 are arranged at each corner of the plating portions 53. The forces of the plating members 60 are thus distributed uniformly between the fixing means 7.

[0070] The plating device 5 is for example screwed to the casing 8 of the inverter 1. Indeed, the screwing makes it possible to adjust the vertical position of the plating device 5 and to adjust the force exerted on the power modules 2. To increase the force exerted, it is sufficient to screw, that is to say tighten, so as to bring the plating device 5 closer to the power modules 2. This has the effect of compressing each plating member 60 between the body 50 and the associated power module 2. To reduce the force exerted, it is sufficient to unscrew so as to move the plating device 5 away from the power modules 2. By unscrewing, the plating device 5 naturally moves away from the power modules 2, under the influence of the force exerted by the power members 60 on the associated power modules 2.

[0071] The fixing means 7 are for example formed by tabs extending from the body 50 and being provided, at their distal end, with an orifice 71 adapted to receive a screw. In the example illustrated, the tabs are slightly raised relative to a general plane of extension of the body, in order to limit the space between the orifices 71 and the fixing points of the inverter 1.

[0072] The body 50 is for example obtained by molding a plastic material. The use of a plastic material makes it possible to form the orifices 22 for the passage of the control pins 21 directly in the body 50 due to the low electrical conductivity of this material.

[0073] The body 50 is advantageously formed from a single piece. This provides better resistance to stresses and facilitates the manufacture of the body 50.

[0074] Figures 4 to 6 show, in isolation, a plating member 60 identical to those illustrated in Figure 2.

[0075] The plating member 60 comprises a plate 61 intended to be fixed on the first face 51 of the body 50 and elastically deformable spring blades 62 extending in projection from the plate 61. By elastically deformable, it is meant an element which returns to an initial position in the absence of stress. The spring blades 62 are for example elastically deformable by their tongue shape.

[0076] Each leaf spring 62 has a connecting edge 63 connecting the leaf spring 62 to the plate 61 and a free end edge 64 which is distal to the connecting edge 63.

[0077] The free end edges 64 of each spring blade 62 are intended to come into contact with a power module 2. The spring blades 62 extend from the plate 61 in a transverse direction to converge towards each other so that the free end edges 64 are opposite each other and lie in the same plane.

[0078] The force exerted by each spring blade 62 may comprise a component substantially perpendicular to the general plane of extension of the body 50, and also a lateral component which may cause the power module 2 to slide on the cooling surface 4. The free end edges 64 being opposite, the lateral components of the forces exerted by the spring blades 62 compensate each other. Thus, sliding of the power module 2 caused by the spring blades 62 is avoided.

[0079] Preferably, each free end edge 64 extends transversely, that is to say perpendicular to a direction connecting the connecting edge 63 to the free end edge 64, over the entire width or length of the associated power module 2. As a result, the area of ​​application of the force on the power module 2 is as wide as possible and the risk of damage to the power module is limited. Indeed, by increasing the surface area of ​​application of the force on the power module 2, the pressure is reduced compared to an equivalent force applied to a smaller surface area.

[0080] As shown in Figure 5, each free end edge 64 forms an angle with the rest of the associated spring blade 62, so as to form a flat surface. This angle is such that the surface formed by the free end edge 64 is substantially parallel to the plane formed by the plate 61. This flat surface is substantially parallel with the surface of the power module in contact with the free end edge 64. The free end edges 64 are preferably chamfered or rounded in order to facilitate sliding on the power modules 2 and to prevent their degradation.

[0081] The spring blades 62 are formed by cutting and bending from the plate 61. The plate 61 is for example made of C67S spring steel. Preferably, the plate 61 as well as the spring blades 62 have a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, and more particularly equal to 0.8 mm. The angle formed between each of the spring blades 62 and the plate 61 after bending can be adjusted according to the forces to be applied to the power modules 2.

[0082] When the spring blades 62 are deformed, by pressing the free end edge 64 on a power module 2, stress concentration zones appear at the level of the connecting edge 63.

[0083] By observing the stresses in these areas according to different shapes of spring blades 62, the Applicant has found that a spring blade 62 having an overall shape of an isosceles trapezoid, with the connecting edge 63 forming the small base and the free end edge 64 forming the large base, makes it possible to obtain relatively low stress concentrations compared to the other shapes. In particular, the Applicant has found that compared to a blade of rectangular shape, such a spring blade 62 makes it possible to reduce the stresses by approximately 70% and to distribute the force uniformly over the free end edge 64.

[0084] In other words, the connecting edge 63 is wider than the free end edge 64 and the spring blade 62 gradually widens from the connecting edge 63 towards the free end edge 64.

[0085] For example, the ratio between the width of the connecting edge 63 and the width of the free end edge 64 is between 0.5 and 0.9, preferably of the order of 0.8. More particularly, the connecting edge 63 has a width equal to 24 mm while the free end edge 64 has a width equal to 29 mm.

[0086] As seen in Figure 6, each spring blade 62 has lateral edges connecting the connecting edge 63 and the free end edge 64. Each lateral edge has a beveled portion and a straight portion. The beveled portion is on the side of the connecting edge 63 and the straight portion is on the side of the free end edge 64. The beveled portion allows for better distribution of forces along the end edge 64 of the spring blade 62. The straight portion makes it possible to avoid the appearance of burrs when bending the spring blade 62 during its manufacturing process and makes it possible to avoid having a protruding angle at the ends of the free end edge 64 of the spring blade 62.

[0087] The lateral edges are spaced from the plate 61 by notches 72. The notches 72 result for example from the cutting of the spring blades 62 in the plate 61. Each notch 72 has for example an end, on the side of the connecting edge 63, which is straight or preferably rounded in order to reduce the stress concentration at this edge or the rounding of the notch 72.

[0088] The notches 72 together form an H-shaped opening whose ends of the vertical bars approach each other.

[0089] The plate 61 comprises, at each stress concentration zone, a boss 65 making it possible to locally stiffen the plate 61. Each boss 65 is for example obtained by stamping and thus makes it possible to locally increase the intrinsic stiffness of the plate 61.

[0090] In the example illustrated, the plate 61 comprises four bosses 65 distributed at each corner of the plate 61. In other words, the four corners of the plate 61 are provided with stamped portions which stiffen the stress concentration zones and prevent the plate 61 from deforming under the force and deformation of the spring blades 62. The bosses 65 are preferably arranged at the locations where the stresses are greatest. Each boss 65 here has an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction of the spring blades 62. The boss 65 is for example obtained by stamping.

[0091] From this plate 61 extend, from opposite edges 61a, two wings 66 configured to fix the plating member 60 on the body 50 of the plating device 5. Each wing 66 comprises a vertical section 67, an angled section 68 attaching the vertical section 67 to the plate 61 and ramps 69 extending from the vertical section 67 opposite the angled section 68.

[0092] The vertical section 67 is, in the absence of stress, in an initial position in which the vertical section 67 is substantially perpendicular to the plate 61.

[0093] Each wing 66 has notches 70 delimited by a first edge 67a, namely a lower edge of the vertical section 67, edges 68a of the bent section 68 and the edges 61a of the plate 61 from which the wings 66 extend. The notches 70 are located on either side of the bent sections 68, so that the section of each bent section 68 is reduced compared to the section of the plate 61 and the section of the vertical section 67. The notches 70 thus facilitate the deformation of the bent section 68.

[0094] The ramps 69 are inclined relative to the vertical section 67, for example by approximately 45°, and are turned inwards, that is to say towards the plate 61. As visible in FIG. 6, the ramps 69 are for example arranged at each corner of the plating member 60.

[0095] Figures 7 to 9 schematically show an example of assembly of the plating device 5 in which the plating members 60 are assembled to the body 50.

[0096] As shown in Figure 7, the plating members 60 are assembled to the body 50 in the same assembly direction, represented by vertical arrows. The assembly direction is for example substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the body 50. This facilitates assembly, and makes it possible to use a single assembly device.

[0097] The plating members 60 are advantageously fixed to the body 50 by snap-fastening. Such an assembly therefore does not require any additional element. In addition, such an assembly only involves bringing the plating members 60 and the body 50 together in a predefined direction, which can easily be automated.

[0098] Such a snap-on attachment can of course be implemented independently of the second portion of the body in which the orifices are provided. In other words, it is entirely possible to provide such a snap-on attachment on a body without a second portion as described above.

[0099] The body 50 comprises, on its first face 51, openings 57 configured to receive respectively, at least partially, the wings 66 of the plating members 60. The openings 57 are through, at least at their longitudinal ends. The forces exerted by the spring blades 62 are thus transmitted via the wings 66 to the body 50, which makes it possible to limit the deformation of the plating member 60, in particular by buckling.

[0100] Once the wings 66 are received in the openings 57, the plate 61 is preferably in abutment against the face 51 of the body 50, at the level of the plating portion 53. The forces transmitted to the plate 61 by the spring blades 62 are transmitted to the body 50, and the deformation of the plate 61 is thus limited.

[0101] With reference to figures 8 and 9, the body 50 is provided with a nose 58 projecting into each opening 57. This nose 58 comprises a slope 59a open on the first face 51 of the body 50 and forming an angle of approximately 45° relative to this first face 51. To this slope 59a is connected a stop 59b, visible from the second face 52 of the body 50 through the opening 57. The stop 59b forms for example an angle of approximately 45° with the slope 59a.

[0102] The snap-fit ​​assembly of the body 50 and a plating member 60 is described below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 showing respectively the body 50 and the plating member 60 during their assembly and after their snap-fit ​​assembly.

[0103] The free end of the wing 66 is opposite the corresponding opening 57 on the side of the first face 51 of the body 50, so that the ramp 69 is opposite the slope 59a of the nose 58.

[0104] The plating member 60 and the body 50 are then brought closer to each other in the assembly direction, illustrated by a vertical arrow in Figure 8.

[0105] The vertical section 67 and the bent section 68 are configured so that during this approaching movement, the slope 59a of the nose 58 meets the ramp 69 and causes it to move the vertical section 67 away from its initial position by elastic deformation of the bent section 68, until the vertical section 67 has crossed the ramp 69, the bent section 68 then relaxing, returning the vertical section 67 to its initial position.

[0106] The plating member 60 and the body 50 are then assembled. In the snap-fastened configuration, illustrated in Figure 9, the plating member 60 is thus held at its wings 66 in the assembly direction in the opposite direction to the arrow shown in Figure 8, i.e. upwards, since the lower edge 67a of the vertical section 67 comes to bear against the stop 59b of the nose 58. The nose 58 thus prevents, via the stop 59b, the disassembly of the plating member 60 by separating the body 50 and the plating member 60 in the assembly direction.

[0107] The notch 70 is for example configured to accommodate the nose 58 while allowing a small displacement, of the order of a few millimeters, of the plating member 60 along the assembly direction. In particular, this is explained by the fact that the distance between the lower edge 67a of the vertical section 67 and the surface of the plate 61 facing the body 50 is greater than the distance between the stop 59b of the nose 58 and the surface of the internal face 51 of the body 50 on which the plate 61 rests.

[0108] This arrangement thus promotes sliding, or even friction, of the plating members 60 on the body 50 when forces from opposite directions are applied to each of these parts. Such an arrangement is thus particularly effective, in particular in comparison with other assemblies such as riveting or overmolding, which allow little or no movement between the assembled parts.

[0109] Figure 10 illustrates a plating member according to a first variant embodiment, of the same type as that described with reference to Figures 4 to 6, but in which the plate and the spring blades differ from the latter.

[0110] To simplify the description, similar numerical references but added with the number 100 have been used for the description of this plating organ.

[0111] This plating member 160 also comprises a plate 161 and two spring blades 162 attached to the plate 161 by connecting edges 163.

[0112] The plate 161 is generally planar and the spring blades 162 project from this plate 161. The plate 161 has a central portion 161b from which the spring blades 162 extend in opposite directions, so that the free end edges 164 of each spring blade 162 face in an opposite direction. The spring blades 162 of this pressing member 160 are therefore reversed relative to the spring blades of the pressing member illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0113] Each spring blade 162 here has the overall shape of a rectangle. The side edges are straight and the connecting edge 163 has a width substantially equal to the width of the free end edge 164. The spring blades may, however, be similar to the spring blades of the clamping member illustrated in Figures 4 to 6.

[0114] The plate 161 has an elongated shape. Fixing tabs 173 extend at the longitudinal ends of the plate 161, that is to say in the direction of extension of the spring blades 162. Alternatively, the plate may have wings similar to those of the plating member described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0115] Figure 11 illustrates a plating member according to a second variant embodiment, of the same type as that described with reference to Figures 4 to 6, but in which the plate and the spring blades differ from the latter.

[0116] To simplify the description, similar numerical references but added with the number 200 have been used for the description of this plating organ.

[0117] This plating member 260 comprises a plate 261 and six spring blades 262 which extend from opposite edges of the plate 261. In particular, three spring blades 262 extend from a first edge of the plate 261 and three spring blades 262 extend symmetrically from a second edge of the plate 261 opposite the first edge. In other words, the spring blades 262 extend symmetrically on either side of the plate 261. The spring blades 262 here extend towards the outside of the plate 261.

[0118] The spring blades 262 are similar to the spring blades described with reference to Figure 10.

[0119] The plate 261 is generally flat and has an elongated shape. The spring blades 262 extend perpendicular to the direction of extension of the plate 261, that is to say perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plate 261.

[0120] Fixing tabs 273 extend at the longitudinal ends of the plate 261. Alternatively, the plate may have wings similar to those of the plating member described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0121] Figure 12 illustrates a plating member according to a third variant embodiment, of the same type as that described with reference to Figure 11, but in which the plate, the number and the arrangement of the spring blades differ from the latter.

[0122] To simplify the description, similar numerical references but added with the number 300 have been used for the description of this plating organ.

[0123] This plating member 360 comprises a plate 361 of generally square shape and four spring blades 362 which extend from each edge of the plate 361.

[0124] The spring blades 362 are similar to the spring blades described with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0125] The plate 361 has in its center a hole 374 allowing the fixing of the plating member 360 to the body of the plating device.

[0126] Variants not shown are described below.

[0127] The inverter can vary. Alternatively, the inverter can have one, two, or even more power modules depending on its use.

[0128] Alternatively, the inverter may be without a cooling plate. In this case, the cooling surface may, for example, consist of an internal wall of the housing.

[0129] The plating device may also vary. In particular, the plating members may vary. Alternatively, the plating device may include one, two, or more than three plating members.

[0130] Alternatively, the plating members may comprise a resilient plastic block and / or a coil spring. Alternatively, the shape of the spring blades may vary. For example, the side edges may be curved, rather than straight.

[0131] Alternatively, the wings of the plating members can vary. For example, the ramps can extend across the entire width of the vertical section.

[0132] The plating elements can be attached to the body in different ways. Alternatively, the plating elements can be plastically overmolded with the body, for example at their wings. In this case, the attachment is achieved by plastic overmolding.

[0133] Alternatively, the plating members may be screwed, glued, or riveted to the body. In the case where the plating member comprises a resilient plastic block, the body and the plating member may be made from a single piece, for example by bi-material injection. The shape of the body may vary and may in particular not be elongated. The body may, for example, have a square, circular, triangular, or any other similar shape.

[0134] Alternatively, the body may be devoid of housings in its intermediate portions.

[0135] Alternatively, the body may be made of another material, for example metal. In this case, the body may include electrically insulating rings in the holes allowing the passage of the control pins of the power modules.

[0136] The invention thus developed makes it possible to jointly press a power module against a cooling surface of an inverter, and to guarantee the maintenance in position and orientation of the control pins of the power modules.

[0137] Combining these functions within a single device makes it easier to assemble the inverter and reduces its footprint. This also makes management easier, particularly in terms of referencing, since only one reference is required, instead of two or more in state-of-the-art solutions.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Plating device intended to be installed in an inverter (1) comprising at least two power modules (2) arranged on a cooling surface (4) of the inverter (1), the plating device comprising: - a rigid body (50) having a substantially planar shape and comprising a first face (51) intended to be turned towards the cooling surface (4), - at least two separate plating members (60) carried by the first face (51) of the body (50), each plating member (60) being intended to be associated with one of said at least two power modules (2) of the inverter (1) and configured to exert a force substantially perpendicular to a general plane of extension of the body (50) when said plating member (60) is compressed in order to press the associated power module (2) against the cooling surface (4), the body (50) comprising first portions (53) covering each plating member (60), the body (50) further comprising a second portion (55), adjacent or superimposed on the first portion (53), in which orifices (22) are provided forming guides for control pins (21) of the power module (2).

2. Plating device according to claim 1, characterized in that each plating member (60) is made, at least partially, of metal, and in that the body (50) is made of plastic.

3. Plating device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each plating member (60) is fixed to the body (50) of the plating device (5) by snap-fastening.

4. Plating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each plating member (60) comprises - a plate (61) fixed on the internal face of the body (50), and - an elastically deformable spring blade (62), the spring blade (62) having a connecting edge (63) attaching the spring blade (62) to the plate (61) and a free end edge (64) which is distal to the connecting edge (63), the free end edge (64) being intended to bear against the at least one power module (2).

5. Plating device according to claim 4, characterized in that the spring blade (62) has the overall shape of an isosceles trapezoid, with the connecting edge (63) forming the small base and the free end edge (64) forming the large base of this trapezoid.

6. Plating device according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that each plating member (60) comprises a second spring blade, the free end edges of each of the blades being opposite each other and lying substantially in the same plane.

7. Plating device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the plate (61) of each plating member (60) has stress concentration zones linked to the deformation of the spring blade (62), these zones being located at the ends of the connecting edge (63) of the spring blade (62), the plate (61) being provided, at each stress concentration zone, with a boss (65) for local stiffening.

8. Plating device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the body (50) comprises an intermediate portion (56) which is positioned between said at least two plating members (60), said intermediate portion (56) comprising a housing adapted to receive a temperature sensor.

9. Inverter (1) comprising - a cooling surface (4), - at least two power modules (2), each power module (2) being arranged on the cooling surface (4), and a plating device (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, each of said at least two plating members (60) being compressed between the body (50) and the associated power module (2) and exerting a force plating said power module (2) against the cooling surface (4), each power module comprising control pins (21), and the inverter (1) further comprising an electronic card (3) comprising female connectors (31) to which the control pins (21) of said at least two power modules (2) are connected, at least one control pin (21) of each of said at least two power modules (2) passing through an orifice (22) of the plating device (5).

10. Inverter according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a thermally conductive interface element (6) interposed between each power module (2) and the cooling surface (4), the interface element (6) being compressed between each power module (2) and the cooling surface (4) under the action of the plating member (5).

11. Inverter according to claim 10, characterized in that the interface element (6) has a thermal conductivity which is a function of the pressure applied to said interface element (6).

12. Inverter according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the force exerted by each plating member (60) on the associated power module (2) is between 5 daN and 100 daN, and preferably between 20 daN and 60 daN.

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