Power electronic module, its manufacturing process and vehicle incorporating such a module
The power electronic module with a formed metal sheet and integrated cooling circuit addresses the issues of weight and thermal non-uniformity in existing housings, achieving efficient thermal management and reduced material usage.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023014088
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-12-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing power electronic module housings for electric vehicles are heavy, costly due to significant metallic material usage, and have non-uniform heating and cooling, with variable wall thicknesses that hinder efficient thermal management.
A power electronic module with a protective housing formed of two assembled parts, where one part is a formed metal sheet with an integrated liquid cooling circuit, and components are mounted opposite the cooling region, ensuring uniform temperature distribution and reduced weight.
The solution provides uniform heating and cooling, reduces weight and material usage, while maintaining electromagnetic protection and sealing, enhancing thermal management efficiency.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Power electronic module, its manufacturing process 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 objects an improved electronic power module, its manufacturing process and a vehicle comprising at least one such module.
[0002] The specific context of the invention is that of electronic power modules, particularly for electric vehicles, comprising a protective housing, forming a Faraday cage and preferably sealed, and at least one electronic power circuit, component, or set of components housed therein. Generally, these housings are formed of two constituent parts assembled 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 made from molded materials, particularly aluminum, and include positioning and fixing sites for the electronic / electrical circuits / components to be housed, which are formed during the molding process.
[0004] In addition, at least one cooling circuit is reported on one of the two parts to evacuate the heat generated by the operation of the aforementioned circuits and components, at least by those referred to as power circuits.
[0005] However, given their method of embodiment and the integration of the aforementioned positioning and fixing sites, the parts of these known housings contain significant quantities of metallic material (high cost price, significant mass) and have variable wall thicknesses which do not allow for heating or homogeneous cooling of the part concerned.
[0006] The present invention is specifically intended to overcome these drawbacks.
[0007] To this end, it relates to a power electronic module, 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 power electronic components housed in the latter, the housing 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 outer face, a liquid cooling circuit, and in that said at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power component(s) is mounted in application against the inner face of the sheet part and opposite the aforementioned outer functional region.
[0009] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:
[0010] [Fig.1A] and [Fig.1B] are perspective views from above and below of a power electronic module according to an embodiment of the invention, the protective housing having a parallelepiped shape;
[0011] [Fig. IC] represents, at a different scale, a cross-sectional view along a longitudinal plane passing through the opening of the module shown in figures IA and IB, the module comprising a cooling circuit in accordance with a first embodiment variant;
[0012] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the housing constituting one of the parts of the casing of the module represented in figures 1;
[0013] [Fig.3A] and [Fig.3B] are perspective views of the inner face and outer face of the part forming the cover of the module housing shown in Figures 1;
[0014] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the inner face of the lid-forming part of the module housing shown [Fig.3A], with electronic components removed;
[0015] [Fig.5A] and [Fig.5B] are exploded and perspective views of the part forming the cover of the module housing shown in figures 3, respectively along 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 of the invention;
[0016] [Fig. A] and [Fig. B] are detailed views, at a different scale and in perspective along two different directions, of the thermoplastic material plate with a grooved pattern shown in figures 1, 3B and 5, in accordance with the first embodiment variant;
[0017] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the external face of the part forming the lid of the module housing shown in figures 1 and 3B, the module including 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 along 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 of the invention;
[0019] [Fig.9A] and [Fig.9B] are detailed views, at a different scale and in perspective along 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.1OA], [Fig.1OB], [Fig.11], [Fig.12] and [Fig.13] represent, at a different scale, the different types of positioning and / or fixing part(s) in thermoplastic material already shown in Figures IC, 3, 4, 5 and 8.
[0021] Figures 1 show an example of an embodiment of a power electronic 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 power electronic 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, substantially a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but of course other shapes are possible within the scope 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 special cooling, or for which the overall cooling of the housing (2) may be sufficient.
[0024] In accordance with the invention, and as can be seen by way of example from [Fig.1C], 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 attached or formed, at the level of 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 component(s) (3) is mounted in application against the inner face (5”) of the sheet part (4) and opposite the aforementioned outer functional region (5').
[0025] Thanks to these arrangements, the invention makes it possible to provide a first part (4) having a uniform thickness, with a uniform distribution of temperature, a 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 molded realization for equivalent mechanical characteristics.
[0026] In accordance with one possible embodiment, shown in Figures 1 and 2, it may be provided that the other or second part (4') of the housing (2) consists of a formed sheet metal part or a molded part, this second or other part (4') defining the major part of the internal volume of said housing (2) and the first sheet metal part (4) which includes the cooling circuit (6) forming a cover, the aforementioned first and second complementary parts (4 and 4') are advantageously assembled, with interposition of a joint (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 isolating them from the external environment, particularly in terms of electromagnetic radiation, water, and dust. This second part (4') does not require any special provisions for supporting components or circuits and can be made with a simple shape. Furthermore, by grouping all the electronic circuits, components, or sets of electronic components (3, 12) present in the housing (2) onto the first part (4), they all benefit from the cooling effect of the circuit (6), enhanced by the fact that this part is made of formed sheet metal.
[0029] Preferably, and especially for reasons of weight, the first part of the housing (4) at least consists of aluminium or an aluminium-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 attached metal parts, or with a metallic coating. The housing (2) can therefore be entirely metallic or made of a metal / plastic composite material, while in all cases fulfilling the functions of a Faraday cage and a watertight compartment.
[0031] According to a first embodiment of the invention, shown by way of example in Figures IC, 5 and 6, the cooling circuit (6) is made up of a thermoplastic material plate (8) having a grooved pattern (8') and joined by direct metal / thermoplastic welding to the first part (4) of the housing (2) at the level of 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 fittings in one piece with the plate (8), said circulation and cooling circuit (6) advantageously comprising at least one portion of the circuit (6') in the form of a serpentine.
[0032] Thanks to its uniform thickness over its entire extent, the first part (4) of formed sheet metal can be heated quickly and homogeneously before welding the thermoplastic 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 A uniformly high temperature will melt the material, ensuring compliance with the temperature tolerances required for the thermoplastic plate. Furthermore, this first formed sheet metal part (4) also exhibits a significantly uniform cooling rate across its entire surface.
[0033] According to a second embodiment, the cooling circuit (6) consists of a metal sheet plate (10), advantageously made of aluminum, welded to the first part of the housing (4), at the level of the functional region (5') of its outer face (5), peripherally and according to a pattern of weld lines (10') defining the path of a liquid circulation circuit between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), advantageously with at least one portion of the 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) brought from the sheet metal areas located between the weld lines (10'), said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being, for example, in the form of one-piece end caps or welded to the plate (10).
[0034] According to a third embodiment, the cooling circuit (6) consists of a sheet metal plate (10), advantageously made of aluminum, pre-formed to present a continuous groove pattern between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), this plate (10) being welded to 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'), advantageously with at least one portion of the circuit (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 one-piece end caps or end caps fixed to the plate (10).
[0035] According to a fourth embodiment, shown by way of example in Figures 7 to 9, the cooling circuit (6) consists of a plate (10) formed of two metal sheets, advantageously made of aluminum, joined together by peripheral welding and according to a pattern of weld lines (10') defining or respecting the path of a liquid circulation circuit between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), advantageously with at least one portion of the 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 areas 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 joined by peripheral welding to the first part of the housing (4) at the level of the functional region (5') of its outer face (5),with the application of the undeformed or undeformed sheet metal onto the latter, pre-formed, the said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being presented or extending for example in the form of one-piece end caps or attached to the plate (10).
[0036] The plate (8 or 10) forming the coolant circulation circuit (6) may optionally carry elements, formations or structures or incorporate shapes enabling the provision of additional ancillary or accessory functions, such as fixing, support for other components or parts, or sealing interfaces.
[0037] Advantageously, and as illustrated in Figures IC, 5 and 8, the functional region (5') of the outer face (5) of the first part (4) consists of a recessed area or flat-bottomed depression 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 either of the two parts (4, 4'), in particular the one made of formed sheet metal (4), the module may advantageously include 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 component(s) (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 bonded by adhesive or by metal / thermoplastic welding to the inner or outer face of at least one of the two parts (4, 4') constituting the housing (2), preferably to the inner face (5") of the first part (4) only.
[0039] According to one feature 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 screw barrels (11). Some of these barrels may optionally be connected by material bridges, facilitating their placement, reducing the number of parts and simplifying their manufacture (simultaneous manufacture of at least two barrels).
[0040] According to another feature 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 feet attached by adhesive or by metal / thermoplastic welding to the inner face of the relevant part (4, 4') of the housing (2), preferably the first part (4). This plate (11') with feet can also be fixed by its base to the part (4).
[0041] Metal / thermoplastic welding for joining the parts (11, 11'), but also, where applicable, the thermoplastic plate (8), with the first part in formed sheet metal (4) can for example be made by implementing the process described in US document 11745295.
[0042] In relation to the practical implementation on site of the module (1), the housing (2), and preferably the first constituent part (4) thereof, includes at least one passage opening (13) for the electrical connection of said at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power component(s) (3), and possibly of at least one other electrical / electronic component (12) housed in the housing (2), with the outside.
[0043] Advantageously, and as shown in a non-limiting way in Figures 1 and 3, the module (1) can for example include either, mounted on one side of the passage opening, a passage forming means (14) defining a passageway between the inside of the housing (2) and the outside, 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 inside of the housing (2) and the outside, the 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 inner and / or outer face(s) of the first part (4) made of formed sheet metal.
[0044] The configuration and arrangement of the means for forming a passage (14), or of the construction resulting from the cooperation of the means (14, 14') for forming a passage through the opening (13), advantageously allows the electromagnetic shielding properties of the housing (2) to remain intact.
[0045] Preferably, the positioning and / or fixing part (11, 11') is made of a thermoplastic material that is chemically and thermally compatible with anti-corrosion treatment processes of the constituent part of the housing (4 or 4') with which it is bonded.
[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 component(s) (3) housed therein, said method consisting of separately providing first and second complementary housing parts (4 and 4') and assembling these first and second constituent parts (4 and 4') mentioned above, with interposition of a gasket (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 lid and the second part (4') forming a hollow and open casing, defining the major part of the internal 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 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 attached or formed at the level of a functional region (5') of the outer face (5) of this first part (4), simultaneously or subsequent to the forming of the latter, and in that said at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power component(s) (3) is mounted in application against the inner face (5”) of the sheet 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, arising for example from Figures IC, 5 and 6, the method may consist, for the purpose of making the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), of providing a plate of thermoplastic material (8) having a grooved pattern (8') defining a path of a continuous circulation circuit, of heating this first part (4) and of applying said grooved plate (8) to it so as to secure it by direct metal / thermoplastic welding with this first part (4) of the housing (2) at the level of 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) of liquid circulation between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), for example in the form of fittings in one piece with the plate (8),said circulation and cooling circuit (6) advantageously comprising at least one serpentine portion of the circuit (6').
[0049] According to a second embodiment, the method may consist, for the purpose of constructing the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), of providing a sheet metal plate (10), advantageously made of aluminum, pre-formed so as to have a continuous groove pattern between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), of joining this plate (10) by welding to the first part of the housing (4) at the level of 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'), advantageously with at least one portion of the circuit (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 one-piece end caps or end caps fixed to the plate (10).
[0050] According to a third embodiment, the method may consist, for the purpose of constructing the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), to provide a flat metal sheet plate (10), advantageously made of aluminium, to secure this plate (10) to the first part of the housing (4) at the level of 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 path of a liquid circulation circuit between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), advantageously with at least one portion of the circuit (6') in the form of a serpentine, then to carry out a pressurized fluid injection so as to deform the areas of the plate (10) located between the weld lines (10') and to 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 locally deformed plate (10) under pressure is secured by the weld lines,said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being, for example, in the form of one-piece end caps or end caps fixed to the plate (10).
[0051] According to a practical embodiment of this third embodiment, which allows for increased productivity, the process may consist of joining the flat metal sheet plate (10) with the first part (4) before forming the latter, 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 creating 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, shown for example in Figures IC, 5 and 6, the method may consist, for the purpose of constructing the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), of providing a plate (10) formed of two metal sheets, advantageously made of aluminum, joined together by peripheral welding and according to a pattern of weld lines (10') defining or respecting the layout of a liquid circulation circuit between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), advantageously with at least one portion of the circuit (6') in the form of a serpentine,then to inject a fluid under pressure so as to create, by internal pressure deformation of areas of one of the two sheets located between the weld lines (10'), a channel (10”) forming said circulation circuit (6), and then to secure said plate (10) by peripheral welding with the first part of the housing (4) at the level of the functional region (5') of its outer face (5), with application on the latter of the undeformed sheet, said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being, for example, in the form of single-piece end caps or being secured to the plate (10).
[0053] In accordance with a possible advantageous feature, facilitating the implementation of the first part (4), allowing for electrically isolated installation of the components and allowing a great deal of freedom in 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 component(s) (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 bonded 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 accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.
Claims
1. Demands Power electronic module (1), particularly for electric vehicles, 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 therein, the housing (2) being formed of two constituent parts (4, 4') assembled peripherally, on a first (4) of the two constituent parts (4, 4') being attached or formed, at the level of a functional region (5') of its outer face (5), a liquid cooling circuit (6), and said at least one power electronic circuit, component or set of components (3) being applied against the inner face (5”) of this first part and opposite the aforementioned outer functional region (5'), module (1) characterized in that said first part (4) consists of a formed metal sheet,and in that the cooling circuit (6) consists of a plate made of thermoplastic material (8) which has a grooved pattern (8') and is joined by direct metal / thermoplastic welding to the first part (4) of the housing (2) at the level of 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 the circulation of liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), or, by a metal sheet plate (10), advantageously made of aluminum, which is preformed so as to present a continuous groove pattern between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), and which is welded together with the first part of the housing (4) at the level of the functional region (5') of its outer face (5) according to a pattern of weld lines (10') compatible with the continuous groove pattern and so as to define a liquid circulation circuit between said inlet (9) and said outlet (9'), 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.
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 internal volume of said housing (2) and the first sheet metal part (4) which includes the cooling circuit (6) forming a cover, and in that this first formed sheet metal part (4) or cover carries all the electronic circuit(s), component(s) or set(s) of electronic components (3, 12) present in the housing (2), the aforementioned first and second complementary parts (4 and 4') being assembled, with the interposition of a gasket (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 the first part of the housing (4) at least consists of aluminium or an aluminium-based metal alloy.
4. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inlet (9) and outlet (9') are in the form of end caps in one piece with the plate (8), and in that said circulation and cooling circuit (6) comprises at least one portion of the circuit (6') in the form of a serpentine.
5. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the liquid circulation circuit between said inlet (9) and said outlet (9') comprises at least one serpentine-shaped circuit portion (6'), and in that said inlet (9) and outlet (9') are in the form of one-piece or integral ends attached to the plate (10).
6. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the functional region (5') of the outer face (5) of the first part (4) consists of a recessed area or flat-bottomed depression of the wall of said part (4), the cooling circuit (6) located in this depression being optionally level with the rest of said outer face (5).
7. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one, preferably several, positioning and / or fixing part(s) (11, 11') of said at least one electronic circuit, component or set of electronic components(s) power (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 bonded adhesively or by metal / thermoplastic welding to 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.
8. Module according to claim 7, characterized in that the positioning and / or fixing parts (11, 11') comprise screw barrels (11).
9. Module according to claim 7, characterized in that the positioning and / or fixing parts (11, 11') comprise at least one mounting plate (11') with feet attached adhesively or by metal / thermoplastic welding to the inner face of the part (4, 4') of the housing (2) concerned.
10. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the housing (2), and preferably the first constituent part (4) thereof, comprises at least one passage opening (13) for the electrical connection of said at least one circuit, component or set of electronic power component(s) (3), and optionally of at least one other electrical / electronic component (12) housed in the housing (2), with the outside.
11. Module according to claim 10 and any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it comprises either, mounted on one side of the passage opening, a passage forming means (14) defining a passageway between the inside of the housing (2) and the outside, 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 inside of the housing (2) and the outside, the 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 inner and / or outer face(s) of the first part (4) made of formed sheet metal.
12. Module according to any one of claims 7 to 9 and 11, characterized in that the or each positioning part (11, 11')
13. and / or fixing is made of a thermoplastic material that is chemically and thermally compatible with anti-corrosion treatment processes of the constituent part of the housing (4 or 4') with which it is bonded. A method for manufacturing an electronic power module according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a protective housing (2) forming a Faraday cage and preferably sealed, and at least one electronic power circuit, component or set of components (3) housed therein, said method consisting of separately providing complementary first and second housing parts (4 and 4') and assembling these aforementioned first and second constituent parts (4 and 4'), with the interposition of a gasket (15), at the level of respective peripheral wings (7 and 7') of coincident shapes and together forming a joining plane (PJ), the assembly being advantageously removably locked by means of screws (15'), the first part (4) forming a cover and the second part (4') forming a hollow and open housing,defining the major part of the internal volume of said housing (2) and closed by the first part (4) after the mutual assembly of the two parts, a 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 liquid cooling circuit (6) is attached or formed at the level of a functional region (5') of the outer face (5) of this first part (4), simultaneously or subsequent to the forming of the latter, and in that said at least one power electronic circuit, component or set of 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'), and in that it further consists,for the purpose of constructing the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), to provide a plate (8, 10) which has a grooved pattern (8') or a continuous groove pattern and to secure this plate (8, 10) by welding to the first part of the housing (4) at the level of the functional region (5') of its outer face (5), this added plate (8, 10) forming by cooperation with the surface of said functional region (5'),
14.
15. against which said plate (8, 10) is applied, the channel (10”) of a sealed circuit (6) for circulating liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), said inlet (9) and outlet (9') being for example in the form of one-piece fittings or fittings attached to the plate (10) and / or said circulation circuit (6) advantageously comprising at least one portion of the circuit (6') in the form of a coil. A manufacturing method according to claim 13, characterized in that it consists, for the purpose of creating the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), of providing a plate made of thermoplastic material (8) having a grooved pattern (8') defining a path of a continuous circulation circuit, of heating this first part (4) and of applying said grooved plate (8) to it so as to secure it by direct metal / thermoplastic welding with this first part (4) of the housing (2) at the level of 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 the circulation of liquid between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), for example in the form of fittings in one piece with the plate (8),said circulation and cooling circuit (6) advantageously comprising at least one serpentine-shaped portion of the circuit (6'). A manufacturing method according to claim 13, characterized in that it consists, for the purpose of creating the cooling circuit (6) on the first part (4) of the housing (2), of providing a sheet metal plate (10), advantageously made of aluminum, pre-formed so as to have a continuous groove pattern between an inlet (9) and an outlet (9'), of joining this plate (10) by welding to the first part of the housing (4) at the level of 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'), advantageously with at least one portion of the circuit (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 input (9) and output (9') se, presented for example in the form of one-piece tips or attached to the plate (10).
16. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 14 and 15, 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 component(s) (3) in the housing (2), and optionally 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 bonded adhesively or by metal / thermoplastic welding to the face of the part concerned (4, 4').
17. Vehicle, in particular electric car, characterized in that it comprises at least one electronic power module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.