Power electronic module, its manufacturing method and vehicle comprising such a module

Abstract

Power electronic module, its manufacturing method and vehicle comprising such a module The invention relates to a power electronic module (1) comprising a protective housing (2), forming a Faraday cage and preferably sealed, and at least one power electronic circuit, component or set of components (3) housed in the latter, the housing (2) being formed of two constituent parts (4, 4') assembled together peripherally.This module is characterized in that at least one (4) of the two constituent parts (4, 4') consists of a formed metal sheet on which is attached or formed, at a functional region (5') of its outer face (5), a liquid cooling circuit (6), and in that said at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power components (3) is mounted in application against the inner face (5'') of the sheet metal part (4) and opposite the aforementioned outer functional region (5'). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1C.

Description

Title of the invention: Power electronic module, its manufacturing method and vehicle comprising such a module

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of technical equipment of vehicles, in particular electric cars, and more particularly the protection and preservation of good operating conditions of the electrotechnical or electronic power equipment of these vehicles, and has as its subjects an improved electronic power module, its manufacturing method and a vehicle comprising at least one such module.

[0002] The specific context of the invention is that of electronic power modules, in particular for electric cars, comprising a protective housing, forming a Faraday cage and preferably sealed, and at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power components housed in the latter. Generally, these housings are formed of two constituent parts assembled together peripherally. Such a construction makes it possible to protect the circuit(s) and / or component(s) from the external environment both physically and electromagnetically.

[0003] Known housings are generally composed of a casing and a cover, both of which are molded, in particular from aluminum, and include positioning and fixing sites for the electronic / electrical circuits / components to be housed, which are formed during molding.

[0004] Furthermore, at least one cooling circuit is attached to one of the two parts to evacuate the calories generated by the operation of the aforementioned circuits and components, at least by those called power circuits.

[0005] However, taking into account their method of production and the integration of the aforementioned positioning and fixing sites, the parts of these known housings comprise significant quantities of metallic material (high cost price, significant mass) and have variable wall thicknesses which do not allow for uniform heating or cooling of the part concerned.

[0006] The present invention aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks.

[0007] For this purpose, it relates to an electronic power module, in particular for an electric car, comprising a protective casing forming a Faraday cage and preferably sealed, and at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power components housed in the latter, the casing being formed of two constituent parts assembled together peripherally,

[0008] module characterized in that at least one of the two constituent parts consists of a formed metal sheet on which is attached or formed, at the level of a functional region of its external face, a liquid cooling circuit, and in that said at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power components is mounted in application against the internal face of the sheet metal part and opposite the aforementioned external functional region.

[0009] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0010] [Fig.lA] and [Fig.lB] are perspective views from above and below of an electronic power module according to an embodiment of the invention, the protective housing having a parallelepiped shape;

[0011] [Fig. IC] represents, on a different scale, a sectional view along a longitudinal plane passing through the passage opening of the module represented in Figures 1A and 1B, the module comprising a cooling circuit in accordance with a first variant embodiment;

[0012] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the casing constituting one of the parts of the housing of the module shown in figures 1;

[0013] [Fig.3A] and [Fig.3B] are perspective views of the inner face and the outer face of the cover-forming part of the housing of the module shown in Figures 1;

[0014] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the inner face of the cover portion of the module housing shown [Fig.3A], with the electronic components removed;

[0015] [Fig.5A] and [Fig.5B] are exploded and perspective views of the cover-forming part of the housing of the module shown in Figures 3, respectively in the directions of Figures 3A and 3B and with the connection means removed at the level of the passage opening, according to the first variant embodiment of the invention;

[0016] [Fig.ôA] and [Fig.ôB] are detailed views, on a different scale and in perspective in two different directions, of the plate made of thermoplastic material having a grooved pattern shown in Figures 1, 3B and 5, in accordance with the first variant embodiment;

[0017] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the external face of the cover portion of the module housing shown in figures 1 and 3B, the module comprising a cooling circuit in accordance with a second embodiment variant;

[0018] [Fig.8A] and [Fig.8B] are exploded and perspective views of the part forming cover of the module housing shown in figures 7, respectively in the directions of figures 3A and 3B and with the connection means removed at the level of the passage opening, according to a first variant embodiment of the invention;

[0019] [Fig.9A] and [Fig.9B] are detailed views, on a different scale and in perspective in two different directions, of the plate made up of two welded metal sheets forming the cooling circuit shown in Figures 7 and 8;

[0020] [Fig.lOA], [Fig.lOB], [Fig.11], [Fig.12] and [Fig.13] represent, on a different scale, the different types of positioning and / or fixing part(s) made of thermoplastic material already represented in figures IC, 3, 4, 5 and 8.

[0021] Figures 1 show an exemplary embodiment of an electronic power module (1), in particular for an electric car, comprising a protective housing (2) forming a Faraday cage and preferably sealed, and at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power components (3) housed in the latter, the housing (2) being formed of two constituent parts (4, 4') assembled together peripherally.

[0022] The housing (2) has, by way of example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, but of course other shapes are possible within the framework of the invention.

[0023] In addition to the power electronics, the housing (2) may also contain control, measurement or command electronics (12) which may not require any particular cooling, or for which the overall cooling of the housing (2) may be sufficient.

[0024] According to the invention, and as is apparent by way of example from [Fig.lC], but also from figures 3 to 5, 7 and 8, at least one of the two constituent parts (4, 4') consists of a formed metal sheet on which is added or formed, at a functional region (5') of its outer face (5), a liquid cooling circuit (6), and said at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power components (3) is mounted in application against the inner face (5”) of the sheet metal part (4) and opposite the aforementioned outer functional region (5').

[0025] Thanks to these provisions, the invention makes it possible to provide a first part (4) having a uniform thickness, with a uniform distribution of the temperature, rapid diffusion of heating / cooling over its entire surface (and therefore also in the housing) and a reduction in weight (and in material) compared to a production by molding for equivalent mechanical characteristics.

[0026] In accordance with a possible embodiment, emerging from figures 1 and 2, it can be provided that the other or second part (4') of the housing (2) consists of a formed sheet metal or a molded part, this second or other part (4') defining the major part of the interior volume of said housing (2) and the first sheet metal part (4) which comprises the cooling circuit (6) forming a cover, the first and second complementary parts (4 and 4') mentioned above are advantageously assembled, with interposition of a seal (15), at the level of respective peripheral wings (7 and 7') of coincident shapes and together forming a jointing plane (PJ), the assembly being advantageously locked in a removable manner by screw means (15').

[0027] Preferably, this first formed sheet metal part (4) carries all the circuit(s), component(s) or set(s) of electronic components (3, 12) present in the housing (2).

[0028] The second part (4') thus has the sole function of providing, in cooperation with the first part (4), an enclosed space, protecting the components it contains and isolated from the external environment, particularly in terms of electromagnetic radiation, water and dust. This second part (4') does not require any special provision for supporting the component or circuit and can be produced with a simple shape. In addition, by grouping all the circuit(s), component(s) or set(s) of electronic components (3, 12) present in the housing (2) on the first part (4), they all benefit from the cooling action of the circuit (6), promoted by the production of this part as a formed metal sheet.

[0029] Preferably, and in particular for reasons of weight, the first housing part (4) at least consists of aluminum or an aluminum-based metal alloy.

[0030] The second part (4') can also be made of aluminum or another metal, but also of a thermoplastic material with inserted or added metal parts or even with a metal coating. The housing (2) can therefore be entirely metallic or be made of two metal / plastic materials, while in all cases fulfilling the functions of a Faraday cage and a watertight partition.

[0031] According to a first embodiment of the invention, emerging as an example from Figures 1C, 5 and 6, the cooling circuit (6) is constituted by a plate made of thermoplastic material (8) having a grooved pattern (8') and secured by direct metal / thermoplastic welding with the first part (4) of the housing (2) at the functional region (5') of its outer face (5), this grooved pattern (8') forming, by cooperation with the surface of said functional region (5'), against which the plate (8) is applied, a sealed circuit (6) for circulating liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), for example in the form of end pieces integral with the plate (8), said circulation and cooling circuit (6) advantageously comprising at least one circuit portion (6') in the form of a serpentine.

[0032] Thanks to a uniform thickness over its entire extent, the first part (4) of formed sheet metal can be heated quickly and homogeneously before welding the thermoplastic material plate (8). During the welding operation itself, the material of the areas of the plate (8), coming into contact with the heated formed sheet metal with a uniform high temperature, will melt with a guarantee of compliance with the temperature tolerances necessary for the thermoplastic material of the plate. In addition, this first formed sheet metal part (4) of course also shows a substantially uniform cooling rate over its entire surface.

[0033] According to a second embodiment, the cooling circuit (6) is constituted by a metal sheet plate (10), advantageously made of aluminum, secured by welding with the first part of the housing (4), at the functional region (5') of its outer face (5), peripherally and according to a pattern of weld lines (10') defining the outline of a liquid circulation circuit between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), with advantageously at least one portion of circuit (6') in the form of a serpentine, the channel (10”) forming said circulation circuit (6) resulting from a deformation under internal pressure of the plate (10) added to the sheet metal zones located between the weld lines (10'), said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being for example in the form of end pieces in one piece or secured to the plate (10).

[0034] According to a third embodiment, the cooling circuit (6) is constituted by a metal sheet plate (10), advantageously made of aluminum, preformed so as to have a continuous groove pattern between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), this plate (10) being secured by welding with the first part of the housing (4) at the functional region (5') of its outer face (5) according to a pattern of weld lines (10') compatible with the continuous groove pattern so as to define a liquid circulation circuit between said inlet (9) and said outlet (9'), with advantageously at least one circuit portion (6') in the form of a serpentine, the channel (10”) forming said circulation circuit (6) resulting from the cooperation of the continuous groove pattern with the surface of said functional region (5'), against which the plate (10) is applied,said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being for example in the form of end pieces in one piece or secured to the plate (10).

[0035] According to a fourth embodiment, emerging as an example from Figures 7 to 9, the cooling circuit (6) is constituted by a plate (10) formed of two metal sheets, advantageously made of aluminum, secured to each other by peripheral welding and according to a pattern of weld lines (10') defining or respecting the outline of a liquid circulation circuit between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), with advantageously at least one portion of circuit (6') in the form of a serpentine, the channel (10”) forming said circulation circuit (6) resulting from a deformation under internal pressure of the zones of one of the two sheets located between the weld lines (10') after their assembly or from a preforming of one of the two sheets before their assembly, and said plate (10) being secured by peripheral welding with the first part of the housing (4) at the functional region (5') of its external face (5),with application on the latter of the non-deformed sheet metal or not, preformed, said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being presented or extended for example in the form of end pieces in one piece or secured to the plate (10).

[0036] The plate (8 or 10) forming the cooling liquid circulation circuit (6) may, if necessary, carry elements, formations or structures or integrate shapes making it possible to provide additional ancillary or accessory functions, such as fixing, support for other components or parts, or even sealing interfaces.

[0037] Advantageously, and as illustrated in Figures 1C, 5 and 8, the functional region (5') of the outer face (5) of the first part (4) consists of a recessed area or depression with a flat bottom in the wall of said part (4), the cooling circuit (6) located in this depression possibly being level with the rest of said outer face (5). In the latter case, said cooling circuit (6), by being embedded in the first part (4) and not protruding, will be protected from the external environment.

[0038] In order to avoid any need to provide fixing or positioning sites in any one of the two parts (4, 4'), in particular the one made of formed sheet metal (4), the module may advantageously comprise at least one, preferably several, part(s) (11, 11') for positioning and / or fixing said at least one power electronic circuit, component or set of components (3) in the housing (2), and possibly at least one other electrical / electronic component (12) housed in the housing (2), for example an uncooled control or connection component, the part(s) (11, 11') being made of a thermoplastic material and secured adhesively or by metal / thermoplastic welding with the inner or outer face of at least one of the two parts (4, 4') constituting the housing (2), preferably with the inner face (5”) of the first part (4) only.

[0039] According to a characteristic of the invention, and as shown in particular in figures 4, 5, 8 and 10 to 12, the positioning and / or fixing parts (11, 11') comprise screwing barrels (11). Some of these barrels may optionally be connected by material bridges, facilitating their placement, reducing the number of parts and facilitating their manufacture (simultaneous manufacture of at least two barrels).

[0040] According to another characteristic of the invention, and as shown in particular in figures 3, 5, 8 and 13, the positioning and / or fixing parts (11, 11') comprise at least one mounting plate (11') with legs secured adhesively or by metal / thermoplastic welding with the inner face of the part (4, 4') of the housing (2) concerned, preferably the first part (4). This plate (11') with legs can also be fixed by its plate with the part (4).

[0041] The joining by metal / thermoplastic welding for the joining of the parts (11, 11'), but also where appropriate of the thermoplastic plate (8), with the first formed sheet metal part (4) can for example be produced by implementing the method described in document US 11745295.

[0042] In relation to the practical implementation on site of the module (1), the housing (2), and preferably the first constituent part (4) of the latter, comprises at least one passage opening (13) for the electrical connection of said at least one power electronic circuit, component or set of components (3), and possibly at least one other electrical / electronic component (12) housed in the housing (2), with the exterior.

[0043] Advantageously, and as shown in a non-limiting manner in Figures 1 and 3, the module (1) may for example comprise either, mounted on one side of the passage opening, a passage-forming means (14) defining a passageway between the interior of the housing (2) and the exterior, or, arranged on either side of the passage opening (13), complementary passage-forming means (14 and 14') ensuring by mutual cooperation the creation of a passageway between the interior of the housing (2) and the exterior, the or each passage means (14, 14') being optionally secured to the housing (2) by at least one positioning and / or fixing part (11, 11'), respectively on the interior and / or exterior face(s) of the first part (4) made of formed sheet metal.

[0044] The configuration and arrangement of the passage forming means (14), or of the construction resulting from the cooperation of the means (14, 14') for forming a passage through the opening (13), advantageously make it possible to keep intact the electromagnetic shielding properties of the housing (2).

[0045] Preferably, the or each positioning and / or fixing part (11, 11') is made of a thermoplastic material chemically and thermally compatible with anti-corrosion treatment processes for the constituent part of the housing (4 or 4') with which it is secured.

[0046] The invention also relates to a manufacturing method comprising a protective housing (2) forming a Faraday cage and preferably sealed, and at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power components (3) housed therein, said method consisting in separately providing first and second complementary housing parts (4 and 4') and in assembling these aforementioned first and second constituent parts (4 and 4'), with the interposition of a seal (15), at the level of respective peripheral wings (7 and 7') of coincident shapes and together forming a jointing plane (PJ), the assembly being advantageously locked in a removable manner by screw means (15'), the first part (4) forming a cover and the second part (4') forming a hollow and open casing, defining the major part of the interior volume of said housing (2) and closed by the first part (4) after the mutual assembly of the two parts.

[0047] According to the invention, this method is characterized in that it consists in providing the first (4) at least of the two constituent parts (4, 4') as a metal sheet having undergone a forming operation, in that a cooling circuit (6) for liquid is added or formed at a functional region (5') of the outer face (5) of this first part (4), simultaneously or after the forming of the latter, and in that said at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power components (3) is mounted in application against the inner face (5”) of the sheet metal part (4) and opposite the aforementioned outer functional region (5'), before the assembly of the two parts (4 and 4').

[0048] In accordance with a first embodiment, emerging for example from Figures IC, 5 and 6, the method may consist, with a view to producing the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), in providing a plate of thermoplastic material (8) having a grooved pattern (8') defining a path of a continuous circulation circuit, in heating this first part (4) and in applying said grooved plate (8) thereto so as to secure it by direct metal / thermoplastic welding with this first part (4) of the housing (2) at the functional region (5') of its outer face (5), the grooved pattern (8') forming, by cooperation with the surface of said functional region (5'), against which the plate (8) is applied, a sealed circuit (6) for circulating liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), for example in the form of end pieces integral with the plate (8),said circulation and cooling circuit (6) advantageously comprising at least one circuit portion (6') in the form of a serpentine.

[0049] In accordance with a second embodiment, the method may consist, with a view to producing the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), in providing a metal sheet plate (10), advantageously made of aluminum, preformed so as to have a continuous groove pattern between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), in securing this plate (10) by welding with the first part of the housing (4) at the functional region (5') of its outer face (5) according to a pattern of weld lines (10') compatible with the continuous groove pattern so as to define a liquid circulation circuit between said inlet (9) and said outlet (9'), with advantageously at least one circuit portion (6') in the form of a serpentine, the channel (10”) forming said circulation circuit (6) resulting from the cooperation of the continuous groove pattern with the surface of said functional region (5'), against which the plate (10) is applied,said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being for example in the form of end pieces in one piece or secured to the plate (10).

[0050] In accordance with a third embodiment, the method may consist, with a view to producing the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), providing a flat plate made of metal sheet (10), advantageously made of aluminum, securing this plate (10) with the first part of the housing (4) at the functional region (5') of its outer face (5) by welding, on the one hand, peripherally and, on the other hand, according to a pattern of weld lines (10') defining or respecting the outline of a liquid circulation circuit between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), with advantageously at least one portion of circuit (6') in the form of a serpentine, then carrying out an injection of fluid under pressure so as to deform the areas of the plate (10) located between the weld lines (10') and constitute a channel (10”) intended to form said circulation circuit (6) between said inlet (9) and said outlet (9'), this by cooperation with the surface of said functional region (5'), against which this plate (10) deformed locally under pressure is secured by the weld lines,said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being for example in the form of end pieces in one piece or secured to the plate (10).

[0051] According to a practical variant of implementation of this third embodiment, allowing productivity gains, the method can consist of securing the flat metal sheet plate (10) with the first part (4) before forming the latter, of carrying out the forming of said first part (4) during an operating sequence of closing the forming tool used to obtain the desired shape for the first part (4) and of producing the channel (10”) by deformation under internal pressure during the same operating sequence with the tool closed and in the same forming tool.

[0052] In accordance with a fourth embodiment, emerging for example from figures IC, 5 and 6, the method may consist, with a view to producing the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), in providing a plate (10) formed of two metal sheets, advantageously made of aluminum, secured together by peripheral welding and according to a pattern of welding lines (10') defining or respecting the outline of a liquid circulation circuit between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), with advantageously at least one portion of circuit (6') in the form of a serpentine,then injecting a fluid under pressure so as to create by deformation under internal pressure of the zones of one of the two sheets located between the welding lines (10') a channel (10”) forming said circulation circuit (6) and then securing said plate (10) by peripheral welding with the first part of the housing (4) at the functional region (5') of its external face (5), with application on the latter of the non-deformed sheet, said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being presented or extending for example in the form of end pieces in a single piece or secured to the plate (10).

[0053] According to a possible advantageous characteristic, facilitating the production of the first part (4), allowing an electrically isolated installation of the components and allowing great freedom of installation, the method may consist of placing on the inner or outer face of at least one of the two parts (4, 4') constituting the housing (2), preferably on the inner face (5”) of the first part (4) only, at least one, preferably several, part(s) (11, 11') for positioning and / or fixing said at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power components (3) in the housing (2), and possibly at least one other electrical / electronic component (12) housed in the housing (2), for example an uncooled control or connection component, this or these parts (11, 11') being made of a thermoplastic material and secured adhesively or by metal / thermoplastic welding with the face of the part concerned (4, 4').

[0054] The installation of said parts (11, 11') and said cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) can be carried out before, for example, an anti-corrosion surface treatment and / or a dielectric coating of this part.

[0055] Finally, the invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular an electric car, characterized in that it comprises at least one electronic power module as described above.

[0056] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the attached drawings. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Electronic power module (1), in particular for an electric car, comprising a protective housing (2) forming a Faraday cage and preferably sealed, and at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power components (3) housed in the latter, the housing (2) being formed of two constituent parts (4, 4') assembled together peripherally, module (1) characterized in that at least one (4) of the two constituent parts (4, 4') consists of a formed metal sheet on which is attached or formed, at a functional region (5') of its outer face (5), a liquid cooling circuit (6), and in that said at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power components (3) is mounted in application against the inner face (5”) of the sheet metal part (4) and opposite the aforementioned outer functional region (5').

2. Module according to claim 1, characterized in that the other or second part (4') of the housing (2) consists of a formed sheet metal or a molded part, this second or other part (4') defining the major part of the interior volume of said housing (2) and the first sheet metal part (4) which comprises the cooling circuit (6) forming a cover, and in that this first formed sheet metal part (4) or cover carries all the circuit(s), component(s) or set(s) of electronic components (3, 12) present in the housing (2), the first and second complementary parts (4 and 4') mentioned above being assembled, with the interposition of a seal (15), at the level of respective peripheral wings (7 and 7') of coincident shapes and together forming a jointing plane (PJ), the assembly being advantageously locked in a removable manner by screw means (15').

3. Module according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that at least the first housing part (4) consists of aluminum or an aluminum-based metal alloy.

4. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cooling circuit (6) is constituted by a plate of thermoplastic material (8) having a grooved pattern (8') and secured by direct metal / thermoplastic welding with the first part (4) of the housing (2) at the functional region

5.

6. (5') of its outer face (5), this grooved pattern (8') forming by cooperation with the surface of said functional region (5'), against which the plate (8) is applied, a sealed circuit (6) for circulation of liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), for example in the form of end pieces in one piece with the plate (8), said circulation and cooling circuit (6) advantageously comprising at least one portion of circuit (6') in the form of a serpentine. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cooling circuit (6) is constituted by a metal sheet plate (10), advantageously made of aluminum, secured by welding with the first part of the housing (4), at the functional region (5') of its external face (5), peripherally and according to a pattern of welding lines (10') defining the outline of a liquid circulation circuit between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), with advantageously at least one portion of circuit (6') in the form of a serpentine, the channel (10”) forming said circulation circuit (6) resulting from a deformation under internal pressure of the plate (10) added to the sheet metal zones located between the welding lines (10'), said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being for example in the form of end pieces in one piece or secured to the plate (10). Module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cooling circuit (6) is constituted by a metal sheet plate (10), advantageously made of aluminum, preformed so as to have a continuous groove pattern between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), this plate (10) being secured by welding with the first part of the housing (4) at the functional region (5') of its outer face (5) according to a pattern of weld lines (10') compatible with the continuous groove pattern so as to define a liquid circulation circuit between said inlet (9) and said outlet (9'), with advantageously at least one circuit portion (6') in the form of a serpentine, the channel (10”) forming said circulation circuit (6) resulting from the cooperation of the continuous groove pattern with the surface of said functional region (5'), against which the plate (10) is applied,said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being for example in the form of end pieces in one piece or secured to the plate (10).,

7. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cooling circuit (6) is constituted by a plate (10) formed of two metal sheets, advantageously made of aluminum, secured to each other by peripheral welding and according to a pattern of welding lines (10') defining or respecting the outline of a liquid circulation circuit between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), with advantageously at least one portion of circuit (6') in the form of a serpentine, the channel (10”) forming said circulation circuit (6) resulting from a deformation under internal pressure of the zones of one of the two sheets located between the welding lines (10') after their assembly or from a preforming of one of the two sheets before their assembly, and said plate (10) being secured by peripheral welding with the first part of the housing (4) at the functional region (5') of its external face (5),with application to the latter of the non-deformed or non-preformed sheet metal, said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being presented or extended for example in the form of end pieces in one piece or secured to the plate (10).,

8. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the functional region (5') of the outer face (5) of the first part (4) consists of a recessed area or depression with a flat bottom in the wall of said part (4), the cooling circuit (6) located in this depression possibly being level with the rest of said outer face (5).

9. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one, preferably several, part(s) (11, 11') for positioning and / or fixing said at least one electronic power circuit, component or set of components (3) in the housing (2), and possibly at least one other electrical / electronic component (12) housed in the housing (2), for example an uncooled control or connection component, the part(s) (11, 11') being made of a thermoplastic material and secured adhesively or by metal / thermoplastic welding with the inner or outer face of at least one of the two parts (4, 4') constituting the housing (2), preferably with the inner face (5”) of the first part (4) only.

10. Module according to claim 9, characterized in that the positioning and / or fixing parts (11, 11') comprise screw barrels (11).

11. Module according to claim 9, characterized in that the positioning and / or fixing parts (11, 11') comprise at least one mounting plate (11') with legs secured adhesively or by metal / thermoplastic welding with the inner face of the part (4, 4') of the housing (2) concerned.

12. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the housing (2), and preferably the first constituent part (4) of the latter, comprises at least one passage opening (13) for the electrical connection of said at least one power circuit, component or set of electronic components (3), and possibly at least one other electrical / electronic component (12) housed in the housing (2), with the exterior.

13. Module according to claim 12 and one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that it comprises either, mounted on one side of the passage opening, a passage-forming means (14) defining a passageway between the interior of the housing (2) and the exterior, or, arranged on either side of the passage opening (13), complementary passage-forming means (14 and 14') ensuring by mutual cooperation the creation of a passageway between the interior of the housing (2) and the exterior, the or each passage means (14, 14') being optionally secured to the housing (2) by at least one positioning and / or fixing part (11, 11'), respectively on the interior and / or exterior face(s) of the first part (4) made of formed sheet metal.

14. Module according to any one of claims 9 to 11 and 13, characterized in that the or each positioning and / or fixing part (11, 11') is made of a thermoplastic material chemically and thermally compatible with anti-corrosion treatment processes of the constituent part of the housing (4 or 4') with which it is secured.

15. Method for manufacturing an electronic power module according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a protective housing (2) forming a Faraday cage and preferably sealed, and at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power components (3) housed in the latter, said method

16. consisting of separately providing first and second complementary housing parts (4 and 4') and assembling these first and second aforementioned constituent parts (4 and 4'), with the interposition of a seal (15), at the level of respective peripheral wings (7 and 7') of coincident shapes and together forming a jointing plane (PJ), the assembly being advantageously removably locked by screw means (15'), the first part (4) forming a cover and the second part (4') forming a hollow and open casing, defining the major part of the interior volume of said housing (2) and closed by the first part (4) after the mutual assembly of the two parts, method characterized in that it consists of providing the first (4) at least of the two constituent parts (4, 4') as a metal sheet having undergone a forming operation,in that a cooling circuit (6) for liquid is added or formed at a functional region (5') of the outer face (5) of this first part (4), simultaneously or after the forming of the latter, and in that said at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power components (3) is mounted in application against the inner face (5”) of the sheet metal part (4) and opposite the aforementioned outer functional region (5'), before the assembly of the two parts (4 and 4')., Manufacturing method according to claim 15, characterized in that it consists, with a view to producing the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), in providing a plate of thermoplastic material (8) having a grooved pattern (8') defining a path of a continuous circulation circuit, in heating this first part (4) and in applying said grooved plate (8) thereto so as to secure it by direct metal / thermoplastic welding with this first part (4) of the housing (2) at the functional region (5') of its outer face (5), the grooved pattern (8') forming, by cooperation with the surface of said functional region (5'), against which the plate (8) is applied, a sealed circuit (6) for circulation of liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), for example in the form of end pieces in one piece with the plate (8),said circulation and cooling circuit (6) advantageously comprising at least one circuit portion (6') in the form of a serpentine.,

17.

18.

19. Manufacturing method according to claim 15, characterized in that it consists, with a view to producing the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), in providing a metal sheet plate (10), advantageously made of aluminum, preformed so as to have a continuous groove pattern between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), in securing this plate (10) by welding with the first part of the housing (4) at the functional region (5') of its outer face (5) according to a pattern of weld lines (10') compatible with the continuous groove pattern so as to define a liquid circulation circuit between said inlet (9) and said outlet (9'), with advantageously at least one circuit portion (6') in the form of a serpentine, the channel (10”) forming said circulation circuit (6) resulting from the cooperation of the continuous groove pattern with the surface of said functional region (5'), against which the plate (10) is applied,said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being for example in the form of end pieces in one piece or secured to the plate (10)., Manufacturing method according to claim 15, characterized in that it consists, with a view to producing the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), in providing a flat plate of metal sheet (10), advantageously made of aluminum, in securing this plate (10) with the first part of the housing (4) at the functional region (5') of its outer face (5) by welding, on the one hand, peripherally and, on the other hand, according to a pattern of welding lines (10') defining or respecting the outline of a liquid circulation circuit between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), with advantageously at least one portion of circuit (6') in the form of a serpentine, then in injecting pressurized fluid so as to deform the areas of the plate (10) located between the welding lines (10') and constitute a channel (10”) intended to form said circulation circuit (6) between said inlet (9) and said outlet (9'),this by cooperation with the surface of said functional region (5'), against which this plate (10) deformed locally under pressure is secured by the weld lines, said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being presented for example in the form of end pieces in one piece or secured to the plate (10)., Manufacturing method according to claim 18, characterized in that it consists of securing the flat metal sheet plate (10) with the first part (4) before forming the latter, to carry out the forming of said first part (4) during an operating sequence of closing the forming tool used to obtain the desired shape for the first part (4) and to produce the channel (10”) by deformation under internal pressure during the same operating sequence with the tool closed and in the same forming tool.

20. Manufacturing method according to claim 15, characterized in that it consists, with a view to producing the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), in providing a plate (10) formed of two metal sheets, advantageously made of aluminum, secured together by peripheral welding and according to a pattern of weld lines (10') defining or respecting the outline of a liquid circulation circuit between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), with advantageously at least one portion of circuit (6') in the form of a serpentine, then in injecting a fluid under pressure so as to create by deformation under internal pressure of the zones of one of the two sheets located between the weld lines (10') a channel (10”) forming said circulation circuit (6) and then in securing said plate (10) by peripheral welding with the first part of the housing (4) at the functional region (5') of its external face (5),with application to the latter of the non-deformed sheet metal, said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being presented or extended for example in the form of end pieces in one piece or secured to the plate (10).,

21. Manufacturing method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that it consists of placing on the inner or outer face of at least one of the two parts (4, 4') constituting the housing (2), preferably on the inner face (5”) of the first part (4) only, at least one, preferably several, part(s) (11, 11') for positioning and / or fixing said at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power components (3) in the housing (2), and possibly at least one other electrical / electronic component (12) housed in the housing (2), for example an uncooled control or connection component, this or these parts (11, 11') being made of a thermoplastic material and secured adhesively or by metal / thermoplastic welding with the face of the part concerned (4, 4').

22. Vehicle, in particular an electric car, characterized in that it comprises at least one electronic power module according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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