WO2023135310A1

WO2023135310A1 - Inverter assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2023135310A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/050907
Authority: WO
Inventors: Couderc MAX; Hervé LAROCHE
Original assignee: Punch Powertrain
Priority date: 2022-01-16
Filing date: 2023-01-16
Publication date: 2023-07-20

Abstract

An inverter assembly includes a housing. The housing includes a top wall, a lateral wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom wall. The top wall, and the lateral wall define a cavity therebetween. The housing further includes a cooling channel, a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet. The cooling channel is partially defined by the top wall, the first side wall, the side second wall, and the bottom wall. The inverter assembly also includes a cover connected to the top wall of the housing for covering the cooling channel. The inverter assembly further includes a printed circuit board connected to the housing, such that the cavity is partially covered by the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is partially thermally coupled with the bottom wall of the housing.

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates to an inverter assembly. The present invention further relates to a housing of the inverter assembly and a cooling channel defined by the housing.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles, such as electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and the like, typically include an inverter assembly. The inverter assembly may include a variety of electrical and electronic components. The electrical and electronic components may include, for example, inductors, power modules such as batteries, fuel cells, or combinations thereof, computer chips, power circuits, printed circuit boards, microprocessors, and the like. Such electrical and electronic components typically generate heat during operation. Heating of the electrical or electronic components may affect a performance of the inverter assembly, and in some cases, heating may also cause irreparable damage to the electrical and electronic components, which is not desirable. Further, heat generated during the operation of the electrical and electronic components may affect a performance of other components that are disposed proximate to the electrical and electronic components. Therefore, a cooling arrangement may be required for dissipating the heat generated by the electrical and electronic components. Conventionally, inverter assemblies include a housing and a cooler that is used to dissipate the heat generated by the electrical or electronic components. A cooling fluid may flow through the cooler to cool one or more electrical or electronic components that are disposed proximate to the cooler. Thus, the housing of conventional inverter assemblies are used to mount the electrical and/or electronic components as well as the cooler. Further, the housing and the cooler are generally manufactured as separate pieces that are assembled together during an assembly process. The technique of manufacturing the housing and the cooler as separate pieces may increase a number of components associated with the inverter assembly. Further, such a technique may also increase a cost associated with the manufacturing of the separate pieces and an assembly of the separate pieces. Moreover, the coupling of the cooler with the housing may also require additional steps, such as welding, soldering, brazing, and the like. In other examples, the coupling of the cooler with the housing may require additional fastening elements, such as, mechanical fasteners, brackets, and the like. Thus, such coupling techniques may be time consuming and the assembly process may result in additional costs, which may not be desirable. Further, the assembly of the housing and the cooler may be particularly unfavorable for a high volume production set-up. More particularly, such an assembly process may reduce an overall efficiency of a production line and a manufacturability of the inverter assembly. Moreover, conventional inverter assemblies may not allow an optimum arrangement of the electrical and/or electronic components with respect to the cooler, which may cause inefficient cooling of one or more electrical and/or electronic components.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved inverter assembly which may eliminate or minimize the various limitations of existing inverter assemblies. There is also a need for reducing an assembly time of inverter assemblies, reducing a number of pieces associated with inverter assemblies, and reducing manufacturing costs of inverter assemblies. Further, it may be desirable to have inverter assemblies that are suitable for high volume production set-ups. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As noted above, there are a number of disadvantages associated with currently inverter assemblies. For example, some of the inverter assemblies may require a number of separate pieces, such as a housing and a cooler, which may increase cost, assembly time, and complexity associated with manufacturing of such inverter assemblies.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved inverter assembly that may be easy to assemble, may be cost-effective, and may improve a manufacturability of the inverter assembly. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide the inverter assembly including a housing defining an integral cooling channel. Further, an inverter assembly is contemplated that may reduce or eliminate a number of separate pieces associated with the inverter assembly, may reduce or eliminate additional steps and time required for assembling the inverter assembly, and may also facilitate efficient cooling of various electrical and/or electronic components of the inverter assembly. Moreover, it may be desirable to provide inverter assemblies that may be compact and lightweight.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an inverter assembly includes a housing. The housing includes a top wall defining a major surface. The housing also includes a lateral wall extending from a periphery of the top wall, such that a cavity is defined between the top wall and the lateral wall. The housing further includes a first side wall extending from the top wall into the cavity. The housing includes a second side wall extending from the top wall into the cavity and disposed opposite to the first side wall. The housing also includes a bottom wall disposed in the cavity. The bottom wall extends between and is connected to the first side wall and the second side wall opposite to the top wall. The housing further includes a cooling channel extending from the major surface of the top wall into the cavity. The cooling channel is at least partially defined by the top wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, and the bottom wall. The housing further includes a fluid inlet extending through the lateral wall and disposed in fluid communication with the cooling channel. The fluid inlet is configured to receive a cooling fluid therein. The housing also includes a fluid outlet extending through the lateral wall and disposed in fluid communication with the cooling channel. The fluid outlet is spaced apart from the fluid inlet. The inverter assembly also includes a cover connected to the top wall of the housing for covering the cooling channel. The inverter assembly further includes a printed circuit board connected to the housing, such that the cavity is at least partially covered by the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is at least partially thermally coupled with the bottom wall of the housing.

Optionally, the first side wall defines a first side surface of the cooling channel, and the second side wall defines a second side surface of the cooling channel opposite to the first side surface. The first side wall further includes a plurality of first projections extending from the first side surface into the cooling channel. The second side wall further includes a plurality of second projections extending from the second side surface into the cooling channel.

Optionally, each first projection has a convex shape, and each second projection has a convex shape.

Optionally, the housing further includes a first end surface extending from the top wall and connecting the first side surface to the second side surface proximal to the fluid inlet. The first end surface is at least partially curved. The housing further includes a second end surface extending from the top wall and spaced apart from the first end surface. The second end surface connects the first side surface to the second side surface proximal to the fluid outlet. The second end surface is at least partially curved. Optionally, the bottom wall defines a bottom surface of the cooling channel. The housing further includes a plurality of fins extending from the bottom surface into the cooling channel.

Optionally, each fin has an elliptical cross-section.

Optionally, the housing further includes a plurality of flow guiding members extending from the bottom surface into the cooling channel. A cross-sectional area of each flow guiding member is greater than a cross- sectional area of each fin.

Optionally, the housing further includes a first end member extending from the top wall into the cavity and connected to the first side wall, the second side wall, and the bottom wall to form a first end of the cooling channel. The fluid inlet extends into the first end member. The housing further includes a second end member extending from the top wall into the cavity and connected to the first side wall, the second side wall, and the bottom wall to form a second end of the cooling channel spaced apart from the first end of the cooling channel. The fluid outlet extends into the second end member.

Optionally, the bottom wall has a bottom outer surface facing the printed circuit board. The bottom outer surface is substantially planar. The first end member has a first bottom outer surface facing the printed circuit board. The first bottom outer surface is curved and spaced apart from the bottom outer surface of the bottom wall along a vertical axis normal to the major surface. The second end member has a second bottom outer surface facing the printed circuit board. The second bottom outer surface is substantially planar and spaced apart from the bottom outer surface of the bottom wall along the vertical axis.

Optionally, the housing further includes an inlet member extending from the lateral wall to the first end member and at least partially defining the fluid inlet therethrough. The housing further includes an outlet member extending from the lateral wall to the second end member and at least partially defining the fluid outlet therethrough.

Optionally, the cooling channel includes a first channel portion extending along a first axis, a second channel portion extending along a second axis that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis, and a third channel portion fluidly communicating the first channel portion to the second channel portion and extending along a third axis. The third axis is substantially perpendicular to each of the first axis and the second axis. Each of the first channel portion, the second channel portion, and the third channel portion is at least partially formed by the top wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, and the bottom wall of the housing.

Optionally, the cooling channel further includes a first channel end portion disposed adjacent to the first channel portion opposite to the third channel portion and fluidly communicated with the fluid inlet. The first channel end portion is at least partially curved relative to the first axis. The cooling channel further includes a second channel end portion disposed adjacent to the second channel portion opposite to the third channel portion and fluidly communicated with the fluid outlet. The second channel end portion is at least partially curved relative to the second axis.

Optionally, the first channel portion has a substantially uniform first channel width perpendicular to the first axis. The second channel portion has a substantially uniform second channel width perpendicular to the second axis. The third channel portion has a substantially uniform third channel width perpendicular to the third axis. The first channel end portion has a first maximum channel width perpendicular to the first axis. The second channel end portion has a second maximum channel width perpendicular to the second axis. Each of the first, second, and third channel widths is substantially equal to a uniform channel width. Each of the first maximum channel width and the second maximum channel width is greater than the uniform channel width. Optionally, a maximum dimension of the major surface perpendicular to the first axis is greater than the uniform channel width by a factor of between 5 and 10.

Optionally, the cooling channel further includes an intermediate channel portion fluidly disposed between the second channel portion and the second channel end portion. The intermediate channel portion extends along a fourth axis that is obliquely inclined relative to the second axis towards the first channel portion.

Optionally, the cooling channel further includes a first channel transition portion fluidly disposed between the first channel portion and the third channel portion, and a second channel transition portion fluidly disposed between the second channel portion and the third channel portion. Each of the first and second channel transition portions is at least partially curved.

Optionally, each of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet extends substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Optionally, a shape of the cooling channel is substantially similar to a shape of the cover in a plane of the major surface.

Optionally, the inverter assembly further includes a housing cover configured to be coupled to the housing and to at least partially cover the cavity and the printed circuit board.

Optionally, the housing further includes a plurality of bosses extending from the top wall into the cavity and configured to be coupled to the printed circuit board.

As discussed above, conventional inverter assemblies and conventional techniques of manufacturing the inverter assembly may have some disadvantages. Specifically, the conventional techniques may be time consuming, may involve usage of separate pieces, and may be costly. The present disclosure describes an improved design of the inverter assembly having a simple construction. The housing of the improved inverter assembly defines the integral cooling channel that may reduce or eliminate additional steps and time required for assembling the inverter assembly, thereby increasing efficiency of a production line. Further, the inverter assembly described herein may also reduce or eliminate a number of separate pieces, thereby reducing a manufacturing cost associated with of the inverter assembly. Moreover, the arrangement of the cooling channel as described herein may allow mounting of the electrical and/or electronic component in alignment with the cooling channel which may in turn allow cooling of each electrical and/or electronic component mounted within the housing. Additionally, the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are directly embedded with the housing for introduction and exit, respectively, of cooling fluids. Additionally, the inverter assembly described herein may be compact, lightweight, and may also exhibit improved manufacturability.

The present invention will be further elucidated with reference to figures of exemplary embodiments. The embodiments may be combined or may be applied separately from each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Same reference numerals refer to same elements or elements of similar function throughout the various figures. Furthermore, only reference numerals necessary for the description of the respective figure are shown in the figures. The shown embodiments represent only examples of how the invention can be carried out. This should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a top perspective view of an inverter assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the inverter assembly of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of a housing and a printed circuit board of the inverter assembly of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of the housing of the inverter assembly of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 shows a top perspective view of the housing of the inverter assembly of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows a top view of the housing of the inverter assembly of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 7 shows an exploded view of the housing and a cover of the inverter assembly of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In this application similar or corresponding features are denoted by similar or corresponding reference signs. The description of the various embodiments is not limited to the examples shown in the figures and the reference numbers used in the detailed description and the claims are not intended to limit the description of the embodiments but are included to elucidate the embodiments by referring to the example shown in the figures.

As noted above, there is a need in the art for an improved inverter assembly and method of making the same, and in particular, an improved inverter assembly which eliminates or minimizes the various limitations of existing inverter assemblies. Further, there is a need for reducing time required in an assembly process of a number of separate components of the inverter assembly to meet the demands of high volume production and also reducing a manufacturing cost of the inverter assembly while improving manufactur ability of the inverter assembly.

Fig. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an inverter assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The inverter assembly 100 may be associated with a vehicle (not shown), such as, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, and the like, without any limitations. In an example, the inverter assembly 100 may be coupled with a drive train unit (not shown) of the vehicle. The inverter assembly 100 may provide three phase voltages to the drive train unit.

Further, the inverter assembly 100 may also include one or more electrical components (not shown in Fig. 1) and/or electronic components (not shown in Fig. 1 ). For example, the inverter assembly 100 may include an inductor, or a power module such as batteries, fuel cells, or combinations thereof. Further, the inverter assembly 100 may include computer chips, power circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, and the like. Moreover, the inverter assembly 100 may include various electromagnetic interference (EMI) filtering devices, such as an EMI shield. The inverter assembly 100 may include one or more printed circuit boards, such as, a printed circuit board 216 (shown in Figs. 2 and 3). Details related to the printed circuit board 216 will be explained later in this section.

The inverter assembly 100 may dissipate a heat generated by the electrical components and/or electronic components during an operation thereof. The inverter assembly 100 includes a housing 102. The inverter assembly also includes a fluid inlet 104 and a fluid outlet 106 (shown in Fig. 2). Further, the housing 102 may allow mounting of the electrical components and/or electronic components of the inverter assembly 100. The housing 102 of the inverter assembly 100 may be substantially rectangular in shape. The housing 102 defines a length LI, a width Wl, and a height Hl. The length LI, the width W 1, and the height Hl may be selected based on application requirements. The housing 102 is a one-piece integral cast component. The housing 102 of the inverter assembly 100 may be manufactured using a die casting technique. Further, an alloy may be used to manufacture the housing 102. In an embodiment, the housing 102 may be made from an aluminum based alloy. In other embodiments, the housing 102 may be made of one or more of a zinc based alloy, a copper based alloy, a magnesium based alloy, a tin based alloy, and the like. It should be noted that the housing 102 may be manufactured using any other technique and/or material, without any limitations.

The housing 102 includes a top wall 206 defining a major surface 208. The major surface 208 is substantially planar. Specifically, the major surface 208 defines a plane Pl. The housing 102 defines a front side 202, a rear side 204 (as shown in Figs. 2 and 3), and a vertical axis Al. The vertical axis Al is substantially perpendicular to the plane Pl defined by the major surface 208. Further, the vertical axis Al extends between the front side 202 and the rear side 204 of the housing 102.

The major surface 208 defines a maximum dimension DI. Further, the maximum dimension DI of the major surface 208 may correspond to the length LI or the width W1 of the housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 1, the maximum dimension DI of the major surface 208 corresponds to the length LI of the housing 102. Further, the housing 102 may include a projection 210 extending from the major surface 208. The projection 210 defines a hollow passage for routing of one or more wires (not shown) therethrough.

As shown in Fig. 2, the inverter assembly 100 including a housing cover 212 configured to be coupled to the housing 102 and to at least partially cover a cavity 214 (shown in Fig. 3) and the printed circuit board 216 (see Figs. 2 and 3). The housing cover 212 is disposed at the rear side 204 of the housing 102. A shape of the housing cover 212 corresponds to a shape of the housing 102 at the rear side 204. Further, the housing cover 212 may include various features such as one or more projections, holes, slots, and the like, that may assist in mounting of one or more components of the inverter assembly 100 or for mounting of the inverter assembly 100 itself to another part. The housing cover 212 defines a hollow space 218 for accommodating an electrical component, such as the inductor, therewithin.

As illustrated in Fig. 3, the cavity 214 defined at the rear side 204 may house the electrical and/or electronic components therewithin. It should be noted that the electrical and/or electronic components may have any spatial arrangement with respect to the inverter assembly 100. Typically, the electrical and/or electronic components may be arranged such that they are in alignment with a cooling channel 220 (shown in Fig. 5) to establish a heat transfer between the electrical and/or electronic components and a cooling fluid flowing through the cooling channel 220. The cooling fluid may include any coolant that facilitates heat transfer. The cooling fluid may include water, a mixture of glycol and water, and the like. It should be noted that any other cooling fluid may flow through the cooling channel 220, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Further, the cavity 214 may also partially receive the printed circuit board 216. Specifically, the inverter assembly 100 includes the printed circuit board 216 connected to the housing 102, such that the cavity 214 is at least partially covered by the printed circuit board 216. The printed circuit board 216 includes a substantially rectangular shaped structure. The shape of the printed circuit board 216 corresponds to the shape of the housing 102. It should be noted that dimension of the printed circuit board 216 may slightly lesser than dimensions of the housing 102 to accommodate the printed circuit board 216 within the cavity 214. The printed circuit board 216 may embody a power printed circuit board that may provide a power signal to one or more electrical and/or electronic components of the inverter assembly 100 or the printed circuit board 216 may embody a control printed circuit board that may provide control signals to one or more electrical and/or electronic components for controlling their operation. It may be noted that the printed circuit board 216 described herein is exemplary in nature and the inverter assembly 100 may include more than one printed circuit board, without any limitations.

The printed circuit board 216 includes a first aperture 222 to partially receive a mechanical fastener, such as, a screw, a bolt, a rivet, and the like, for coupling the printed circuit board 216 to the housing 102. In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 3, the printed circuit board 216 includes eight first apertures 222. Further, the printed circuit board 216 defines a slot 224 to allow mounting of the inductor. Moreover, the printed circuit board 216 may define one or more engagement features and/or packing features for connection of the printed circuit board 216 with the housing 102.

The printed circuit board 216 is at least partially thermally coupled with a bottom wall 228 of the housing 102. When assembled with the inverter assembly 100, the printed circuit board 216 is disposed substantially parallel to the major surface 208 (see Fig. 1). The heat generated by the printed circuit board 216 may be dissipated by the cooling fluid flowing through the cooling channel 220.

The housing 102 also includes a lateral wall 230 extending from a periphery 232 of the top wall 206, such that the cavity 214 is defined between the top wall 206 and the lateral wall 230. The lateral wall 230 defines an outer side surface 234. The outer side surface 234 is substantially perpendicular to the major surface 208. The outer side surface 234 may define one or more curved portions, chamfered portions, straight portions, and the like, as per application requirements. The lateral wall 230 defines a sealing groove 235. The sealing groove 235 may receive a sealing ring or a sealing material (for e.g., silicone) that may allow sealing of the housing cover 212 (see Fig. 2) with the housing 102.

Further, the housing 102 includes the fluid inlet 104 (shown in Fig. 1) extending through the lateral wall 230 and disposed in fluid communication with the cooling channel 220. The fluid inlet 104 is configured to receive the cooling fluid therein. The fluid inlet 104 extends from the outer side surface 234 to a first end surface 236 (shown in Fig. 5). The fluid inlet 104 includes a through opening via which the coohng fluid enters the cooling channel 220. The fluid inlet 104 described herein includes a circular through opening. In other embodiments, the through opening may include any other shape, such as a square shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, and the like. Further, the fluid inlet 104 may include various engagement features (not shown) that may allow removable coupling of an inlet pipe (not shown) with the fluid inlet 104. Moreover, the fluid inlet 104 may define a threaded portion (not shown) to removably couple the inlet pipe with the fluid inlet 104.

The housing 102 further includes an inlet member 238 extending from the lateral wall 230 to a first end member 226 and at least partially defining the fluid inlet 104 therethrough. The inlet member 238 and the first end member 226 are fluidly coupled to each other. Specifically, the inlet member 238 is fluidly coupled to the first end member 226 to allow introduction of the cooling fluid within the cooling channel 220.

The housing 102 further includes the fluid outlet 106 extending through the lateral wall 230 and disposed in fluid communication with the cooling channel 220. The fluid outlet 106 is spaced apart from the fluid inlet 104. The fluid outlet 106 extends from the outer side surface 234 to a second end surface 240 (shown in Fig. 5). The fluid outlet 106 defines a through opening via which the cooling fluid exits the cooling channel 220. The fluid outlet 106 described herein includes a circular through opening. In other embodiments, the through opening may include any other shape, such as, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, and the like. Further, the fluid outlet 106 may include various engagement features (not shown) that may allow removable coupling of an outlet pipe (not shown) with the fluid outlet 106. The fluid outlet 106 may define a threaded portion (not shown) to removably couple the outlet pipe to the fluid outlet 106. Moreover, each of the fluid inlet 104 and the fluid outlet 106 extends substantially perpendicular to a first axis A2. The housing 102 further includes an outlet member 242 extending from the lateral wall 230 to a second end member 244 and at least partially defining the fluid outlet 106 therethrough. The outlet member 242 and the second end member 244 are fluidly coupled to each other. Specifically, the outlet member 242 is fluidly coupled to the second end member 244 to allow exit of the cooling fluid from the cooling channel 220.

Referring to Fig. 4, the housing 102 includes a plurality of bosses 246 extending from the top wall 206 into the cavity 214 and configured to be coupled to the printed circuit board 216 (show in Fig. 3). The bosses 246 are disposed at the rear side 204 of the housing 102. The bosses 246 allow coupling of the printed circuit board 216 with the inverter assembly 100. In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 4, the inverter assembly 100 includes five bosses 246 (some of which are illustrated herein), without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Each boss 246 may define a second aperture 248 to receive the mechanical fastener for coupling of the printed circuit board 216 with the inverter assembly 100. Specifically, each second aperture 248 aligns with a corresponding first aperture 222 (see Fig. 3) from the plurality of first apertures 222 in the printed circuit board 216 for receiving the mechanical fastener therethrough. It should be noted that a total number of the first apertures 222 may or may not correspond to a total number of the second apertures 248.

Moreover, the housing 102 may include one or more mounting brackets 250. The mounting brackets 250 extend from the outer side surface 234. The mounting brackets 250 may assist in mounting of the inverter assembly 100. Each mounting bracket 250 defines a through-hole to receive a mechanical fastener (not shown) such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 4, the inverter assembly 100 includes four mounting brackets 250, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The housing 102 also includes one or more ribs 252 defined at the rear side 204 of the housing 102. The ribs 252 may provide strength and support to the housing 102.

The housing 102 includes a first side wall 254 extending from the top wall 206 into the cavity 214. The housing 102 also includes a second side wall 256 extending from the top wall 206 into the cavity 214 and disposed opposite to the first side wall 254. The first and second side walls 254, 256 may be substantially parallel to each other. The housing 102 further includes the bottom wall 228 disposed in the cavity 214. The bottom wall 228 extends between and is connected to the first side wall 254 and the second side wall 256 opposite to the top wall 206. In some examples, the bottom wall 228 may be spaced apart from the printed circuit board 216 to accommodate thermal interface materials therebetween for promoting heat exchange. Moreover, in some examples, power components, such as the power module, may be disposed in alignment with the bottom wall 228. In some examples, the electrical and/or electronic components may be disposed and aligned with the cooling channel 220 such that the printed circuit board 216 is mounted between the bottom wall 228 and the electrical and/or electronic components. Moreover, the bottom wall 228 has a bottom outer surface 262 facing the printed circuit board 216 (see Fig. 3). The bottom outer surface 262 is substantially planar.

Further, the housing 102 includes the cooling channel 220 (shown in Fig. 5) extending from the major surface 208 of the top wall 206 into the cavity 214. Specifically, the cooling channel 220 is at least partially defined by the top wall 206, the first side wall 254, the second side wall 256, and the bottom wall 228. The cooling channel 220 is defined at the front side 202 (see Fig. 5) of the housing 102.

As illustrated herein, the housing 102 further includes the first end member 226 extending from the top wall 206 into the cavity 214 and connected to the first side wall 254, the second side wall 256, and the bottom wall 228 to form a first end 258 of the cooling channel 220. The fluid inlet 104 extends into the first end member 226. The first end member 226 defines a substantially square shaped structure. The first end member 226 also defines a first bottom outer surface 260. Further, the first bottom outer surface 260 is curved and spaced apart from the bottom outer surface 262 of the bottom wall 228 along the vertical axis Al normal to the major surface 208. Specifically, a maximum distance D2 (shown in Fig. 3) is defined between the first bottom outer surface 260 and the bottom outer surface 262. In an example, the inductor may be disposed in alignment with the first end member 226.

The housing 102 further includes the second end member 244 extending from the top wall 206 into the cavity 214 and connected to the first side wall 254, the second side wall 256, and the bottom wall 228 to form a second end 264 of the cooling channel 220 spaced apart from the first end 258 of the cooling channel 220. The fluid outlet 106 extends into the second end member 244. The second end member 244 defines a second bottom outer surface 266. The second bottom outer surface 266 is co-planar with the major surface 208. The second bottom outer surface 266 is substantially planar and spaced apart from the bottom outer surface 262 of the bottom wall 228 along the vertical axis Al (see Fig. 3). Specifically, a maximum distance D3 is defined between the second bottom outer surface 266 and the bottom outer surface 262. In an example, the microcontroller may be disposed in alignment with the second end member 244.

Referring to Fig. 5, the first side wall 254 defines a first side surface 268 of the cooling channel 220, and the second side wall 256 defines a second side surface 270 of the cooling channel 220 opposite to the first side surface 268. The first side surface 268 is perpendicular to the major surface 208. The first side surface 268 follows a substantially U-shaped profile. Further, the second side surface 270 is perpendicular to the major surface 208. The second side surface 270 follows a substantially U-shaped profile. The first and second side surfaces 268, 270 are offset from each other by substantially a uniform channel width W2. The first side wall 254 further includes a plurality of first projections 272 extending from the first side surface 268 into the cooling channel 220. The second side wall 256 further includes a plurality of second projections 274 extending from the second side surface 270 into the cooling channel 220. The first projections 272 and the second projections 274 may increase a rate of heat transfer between the electrical and/or electronic components and the cooling fluid. Specifically, the first projections 272 and the second projections 274 may increase a surface area of the cooling channel 220 which may in turn improve the rate of heat transfer. In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 5, each first projection 272 has a convex shape, and each second projection 274 has a convex shape. In other embodiments, the first projections 272 and the second projections 274 may include any other shape, such as, a concave shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, and the like, without any limitations. The first projections 272 and the second projections 274 are equally spaced apart from each other along the first side surface 268 and the second side surface 270, respectively. It should be noted that the housing 102 may include any number of the first projections 272 and the second projections 274, as per application requirements.

The housing 102 further includes the first end surface 236 extending from the top wall 206 and connecting the first side surface 268 to the second side surface 270 proximal to the fluid inlet 104 (see Fig. 1). The first end surface 236 is at least partially curved. The first end surface 236 is defined by the first end member 226. The first end surface 236 is substantially C-shaped. The housing 102 further includes the second end surface 240 extending from the top wall 206 and spaced apart from the first end surface 236. The second end surface 240 connects the first side surface 268 to the second side surface 270 proximal to the fluid outlet 106. The second end surface 240 is at least partially curved. The second end surface 240 is defined by the second end member 244. The first end surface 236 and the second end surface 240 are embodied as end surfaces of the cooling channel 220 where the fluid inlet 104 and the fluid outlet 106 are disposed. Moreover, the first and second end surfaces 236, 240, may include a combination of straight portions and curved portions. The first side surface 268, the second side surface 270, the first end surface 236, and the second end surface 240 at least partially define the cooling channel 220 therebetween. The cooling channel 220 defines a uniform channel height (not shown) defined along the vertical axis Al and the uniform channel width W2.

Further, the bottom wall 228 defines a bottom surface 276 of the cooling channel 220. The bottom surface 276 is substantially planar. The bottom surface 276 is connected to each of the first side surface 268, the second side surface 270, the first end surface 236, and the second end surface 240. The bottom surface 276 is co-planar with the major surface 208. Further, the bottom surface 276 is perpendicular to the vertical axis Al. Moreover, the first side surface 268, the second side surface 270, the first end surface 236, the second end surface 240, and the bottom surface 276 together define a volume VI of the cooling channel 220. The cooling fluid enters the volume VI of the cooling channel 220 via the fluid inlet 104 and exits the volume VI via the fluid outlet 106.

The housing 102 further includes a plurality of fins 278 extending from the bottom surface 276 into the cooling channel 220. The fins 278 may increase the rate of heat transfer between the electrical and/or electronic components, and the cooling fluid. Specifically, the fins 278 may increase the surface area of the cooling channel 220 which may in turn improve the rate of heat transfer between the electrical and/or electronic components, and the cooling fluid. Each fin 278 defines a fin height (not shown) that may be less than or equal to the uniform channel height. The fins 278 are disposed between the first side surface 268 and the second side surface 270. Each fin 278 has an elliptical cross-section. In other embodiments, the fins 278 may define any other cross-section, such as, circular, square, rectangular, oval, triangular, and the like, without any limitations. It should be noted that the housing 102 may include any number of the fins 278, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. It should be further noted that the cooling channel 220 may include other additional features that may further improve the rate of heat transfer, without any limitations.

Further, the housing 102 includes a plurality of flow guiding members 280, 282 extending from the bottom surface 276 into the cooling channel 220. A cross-sectional area of each flow guiding member 280, 282 is greater than a cross-sectional area of each fin 278. The flow guiding members 280, 282 include a first flow guiding member 280 and a second flow guiding member 282. The first flow guiding member 280 defines an elongated elliptical cross-section. The second flow guiding member 282 defines a C-shaped cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 5, the first flow guiding members 280 are disposed proximate the fluid inlet 104, the fluid outlet 106, and in a second channel transition portion 284 of the cooling channel 220. Further, the second flow guiding member 282 is disposed in a first channel transition portion 286 of the cooling channel 220. The flow guiding members 280, 282 may direct, or guide, the cooling fluid within the cooling channel 220 from the fluid inlet 104 towards the fluid outlet 106. Further, the flow guiding members 280, 282 may also increase the surface area of the cooling channel 220 which may in turn improve the rate of heat transfer between the electrical and/or electronic components and the cooling fluid.

As shown in Fig. 6, the cooling channel 220 includes a first channel portion 288 extending along the first axis A2, a second channel portion 290 extending along a second axis A3 that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis A2, and a third channel portion 292 fluidly communicating the first channel portion 288 to the second channel portion 290 and extending along a third axis A4. The third axis A4 is substantially perpendicular to each of the first axis A2 and the second axis A3. Each of the first channel portion 288, the second channel portion 290, and the third channel portion 292 is at least partially formed by the top wall 206, the first side wall 254, the second side wall 256, and the bottom wall 228 of the housing 102. Further, each of the first channel portion 288, the second channel portion 290, and the third channel portion 292 are substantially rectangular in shape. It should be noted that the first channel portion 288, the second channel portion 290, and the third channel portion 292 may include any other shape, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the shape of the first channel portion 288, the second channel portion 290, and the third channel portion 292 may be identical or non-identical, without any limitations. In various embodiments, an area defined by the first channel portion 288 may be identical or non-identical to an area defined by the second channel portion 290, without any limitations. In various embodiments, the area defined by each of the first channel portion 288 and the second channel portion 290 may be identical or non- identical to an area defined by the third channel portion 292, without any limitations.

The first channel portion 288 has a substantially uniform first channel width W3 perpendicular to the first axis A2. The second channel portion 290 has a substantially uniform second channel width W4 perpendicular to the second axis A3. The third channel portion 292 has a substantially uniform third channel width W5 perpendicular to the third axis A4. Each of the first, second, and third channel widths W3, W4, W5 is substantially equal to the uniform channel width W2.

The cooling channel 220 further includes a first channel end portion 294 disposed adjacent to the first channel portion 288 opposite to the third channel portion 292 and fluidly communicated with the fluid inlet 104. The first channel end portion 294 is defined by a portion of the bottom surface 276 and the first end surface 236. The first channel end portion 294 is at least partially curved relative to the first axis A2. The cooling channel 220 further includes a second channel end portion 296 disposed adjacent to the second channel portion 290 opposite to the third channel portion 292 and fluidly communicated with the fluid outlet 106. The second channel end portion 296 is defined by a portion of the bottom surface 276 and the second end surface 240. The second channel end portion 296 is at least partially curved relative to the second axis A3.

The first channel end portion 294 has a first maximum channel width W6 perpendicular to the first axis A2. The second channel end portion 296 has a second maximum channel width W7 perpendicular to the second axis A3. Each of the first maximum channel width W6 and the second maximum channel width W7 is greater than the uniform channel width W2. Further, the maximum dimension DI of the major surface 208 perpendicular to the first axis A2 is greater than the uniform channel width W2 by a factor of between 5 and 10.

The cooling channel 220 further includes the first channel transition portion 286 fluidly disposed between the first channel portion 288 and the third channel portion 292, and the second channel transition portion 284 fluidly disposed between the second channel portion 290 and the third channel portion 292. Each of the first and second channel transition portions 286, 284 is at least partially curved. Specifically, the first channel transition portion 286 connects the first channel portion 288 and the third channel portion 292. Further, the second channel transition portion 284 connects the second channel portion 290 and the third channel portion 292. The first and second channel transition portions 286, 284 are substantially pie-shaped. Further, the cooling channel 220 includes an intermediate channel portion 298 fluidly disposed between the second channel portion 290 and the second channel end portion 296. The intermediate channel portion 298 extends along a fourth axis A5 that is obliquely inclined relative to the second axis A3 towards the first channel portion 288. The intermediate channel portion 298 connects the second channel portion 290 and the second channel end portion 296. Further, the intermediate channel portion 298 has a substantially parallelogram shaped structure.

As shown in Fig. 7, the inverter assembly 100 further includes a cover 300 connected to the top wall 206 of the housing 102 for covering the cooling channel 220. The cover 300 may be connected to the housing 102 by mechanical fasteners, welding, brazing, soldering, and the like. A shape of the cooling channel 220 is substantially similar to a shape of the cover 300 in the plane Pl of the major surface 208. The cover 300 of the inverter assembly 100 is substantially U-shaped and corresponds to the shape of the cooling channel 220. The cover 300 is a one-piece integral component. In other embodiments, the cover 300 may include multiple parts which may be manufactured separately and joined together. However, the cover 300 manufactured as the one-piece integral component may reduce the assembly time of the inverter assembly 100.

The cover 300 of the inverter assembly 100 may be manufactured using a die casting technique. Further, an alloy may be used to manufacture the cover 300. In an embodiment, the cover 300 may be made from an aluminum based alloy. In various embodiments, the cover 300 may be made of one or more of a zinc based alloy, a copper based alloy, a magnesium based alloy, a tin based alloy, and the like. In some embodiments, the material of the cover 300 may be similar to the material of the housing 102. It should be noted that the cover 300 may be manufactured using any other technique and/or material, without any limitations.

The cover 300 includes a first cover portion 302 configured to cover the first channel portion 288 of the cooling channel 220. The first cover portion 302 is substantially rectangular in shape. The shape of the first cover portion 302 may correspond to the shape of the first channel portion 288 of the cooling channel 220. Further, the first cover portion 302 has a substantially uniform first cover width W8. The first cover width W8 may correspond to the first channel width W3. Specifically, the first cover width W8 may be greater than the first channel width W3 to enable the first cover portion 302 to fully cover the first channel portion 288. The cover 300 also includes a second cover portion 304 substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first cover portion 302. The second cover portion 304 is configured to cover the second channel portion 290 of the cooling channel 220. The second cover portion 304 is substantially rectangular in shape. The shape of the second cover portion 304 may correspond to the shape of the second channel portion 290 of the cooling channel 220. Further, the second cover portion 304 has a substantially uniform second cover width W9. The second cover width W9 may correspond to the second channel width W4. Specifically, the second cover width W9 may be greater than the second channel width W4 to enable the second cover portion 304 to fully cover the second channel portion 290.

The cover 300 further includes a third cover portion 306 connecting the first cover portion 302 to the second cover portion 304 and substantially perpendicular to each of the first cover portion 302 and the second cover portion 304. The third cover portion 306 is configured to cover the third channel portion 292 of the cooling channel 220. The third cover portion 306 is substantially rectangular in shape. The shape of the third cover portion 306 may correspond to the shape of the third channel portion 292 of the cooling channel 220. Further, the third cover portion 306 has a substantially uniform third cover width W10. The third cover width W10 may correspond to the third channel width W5. Specifically, the third cover width W 10 may be greater than the third channel width W5 to enable the third cover portion 306 to fully cover the third channel portion 292. It should be noted that the first cover portion 302, the second cover portion 304, and the third cover portion 306 may include any other shape, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the shape of the first cover portion 302, the second cover portion 304, and the third cover portion 306 may be identical or non-identical, without any limitations. In various embodiments, an area defined by the first cover portion 302 may be identical or non-identical to an area defined by the second cover portion 304, without any limitations. In various embodiments, the area defined by each of the first cover portion 302 and the second cover portion 304 may be identical or non-identical to an area defined by the third cover portion 306, without any limitations. Further, each of the first, second, and third cover widths W8, W9, W10 is substantially equal to a uniform cover width Wil.

The cover 300 further includes a first cover transition portion 310 disposed between the first cover portion 302 and the third cover portion 306. Specifically, the first cover transition portion 310 connects the first cover portion 302 and the third cover portion 306. The first cover transition portion 310 is configured to cover the first channel transition portion 286 of the cooling channel 220. A shape of the first cover transition portion 310 may correspond to the shape of the first channel transition portion 286 of the cooling channel 220. The cover 300 also includes a second cover transition portion 312 disposed between the second cover portion 304 and the third cover portion 306. Specifically, the second cover transition portion 312 connects the second cover portion 304 and the third cover portion 306. The second cover transition portion 312 is configured to cover the second channel transition portion 284 of the cooling channel 220. A shape of the second cover transition portion 312 may correspond to the shape of the second channel transition portion 284 of the cooling channel 220. The first and second cover transition portions 310, 312, are substantially pie-shaped.

The cover 300 further includes a first cover end portion 314 disposed adjacent to the first cover portion 302 opposite to the third cover portion 306 and configured to cover the first channel end portion 294. The first cover end portion 314 has a first maximum cover width W 12. The first maximum cover width W 12 may correspond to the first maximum channel width W6. Specifically, the first maximum cover width W12 may be greater than the first maximum channel width W6 to enable the first cover end portion 314 to fully cover the first channel end portion 294. A shape of the first cover end portion 314 may correspond to the shape of the first channel end portion 294 of the cooling channel 220. The cover 300 further includes a second cover end portion 316 disposed adjacent to the second cover portion 304 opposite to the third cover portion 306 and configured to cover the second channel end portion 296. The second cover end portion 316 has a second maximum cover width W 13. The second maximum cover width W 13 may correspond to the second maximum channel width W7. Specifically, the second maximum cover width W 13 may be greater than the second maximum channel width W7 to enable the second cover end portion 316 to fully cover the second channel end portion 296. A shape of the second cover end portion 316 may correspond to the shape of the second channel end portion 296 of the cooling channel 220. Further, each of the first maximum cover width W 12 and the second maximum cover width W 13 is greater than the uniform cover width Wil.

The cover 300 also includes an intermediate cover portion 318 disposed between the second cover portion 304 and the second cover end portion 316, and inclined towards the first cover portion 302. The intermediate cover portion 318 is configured to cover the intermediate channel portion 298 of the cooling channel 220. The intermediate cover portion 318 connects the second cover portion 304 and the second cover end portion 316. Further, the intermediate channel portion 298 has a substantially parallelogram shaped structure. The shape of the intermediate cover portion 318 may correspond to the shape of the intermediate channel portion 298 of the cooling channel 220. Hence, the present disclosure describes an improved design for the inverter assembly 100 that may be simple in construction and may have a compact design. The teachings of the present disclosure may improve an efficiency of manufacturing the inverter assembly 100 and a manufactur ability of the inverter assembly 100. Further, the housing 102 defining the integral cooling channel 220 may reduce or eliminate a number of separate pieces associated with the inverter assembly 100, and may also reduce a time required in assembly of the inverter assembly 100. The inverter assembly 100 described herein may be cost-effective and lightweight. Moreover, the arrangement of the cooling channel 220 as described herein may allow mounting of the electrical and/or electronic components in alignment with the cooling channel 220 which may in turn allow efficient cooling of each electrical and/or electronic component mounted within the housing 102. Moreover, the fluid inlet 104 and the fluid outlet 106 are directly embedded with the housing 102 for introduction and exit, respectively, of cooling fluids.

Therefore, the present invention provides the inverter assembly 100 that may reduce or eliminate the number of separate pieces, may reduce the assembly time, may provide efficient cooling, may be cost-effective, and may improve the efficiency of manufacturing the inverter assembly 100.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides an inverter assembly including a housing. The housing includes a top wall, a lateral wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom wall. The top wall, and the lateral wall define a cavity therebetween. The housing further includes a cooling channel, a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet. The cooling channel is partially defined by the top wall, the first side wall, the side second wall, and the bottom wall. The inverter assembly also includes a cover connected to the top wall of the housing for covering the cooling channel. The inverter assembly further includes a printed circuit board connected to the housing, such that the cavity is partially covered by the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is partially thermally coupled with the bottom wall of the housing.

The various embodiments which are described above may be used implemented independently from one another and may be combined with one another in various ways. The reference numbers used in the detailed description and the claims do not limit the description of the embodiments nor do they limit the claims. The reference numbers are solely used to clarify.

In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor, element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

In the present disclosure, the expression “at least one of A, B and C” means “A, B, and/or C”, and that it suffices if, for example, only B is present. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Although the invention has been elucidated herein with reference to figures and embodiments, these do not limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. The skilled person having the benefit of the present disclosure shall appreciate that many variations, combinations and extensions are possible within said scope. LEGEND

100 Inverter Assembly

102 Housing

104 Fluid Inlet

106 Fluid Outlet

202 Front Side

204 Rear Side

206 Top Wall

208 Major Surface

210 Projection

212 Housing Cover

214 Cavity

216 Printed Circuit Board

218 Hollow Sp ace

220 Cooling Channel

222 First Aperture

224 Slot of Printed Circuit Board

226 First End Member

228 Bottom Wall

230 Lateral Wall

232 Periphery of Top Wall

234 Outer Side Surface

235 Sealing Groove

236 First End Surface

238 Inlet Member

240 Second End Surface

242 Outlet Member

244 Second End Member

246 Bosses

248 Second Aperture Mounting Brackets

Ribs

First Side Wall

Second Side Wall

First End of Cooling Channel

First Bottom Outer Surface

Bottom Outer Surface

Second End of Cooling Channel

Second Bottom Outer Surface

First Side Surface

Second Side Surface

First Projections

Second Projections

Bottom Surface

Fins

First Flow Guiding Member

Second Flow Guiding Member

Second Channel Transition Portion

First Channel Transition Portion

First Channel Portion

Second Channel Portion

Third Channel Portion

First Channel End Portion

Second Channel End Portion

Intermediate Channel Portion

Cover

First Cover Portion

Second Cover Portion

Third Cover Portion

First Cover Transition Portion 312 Second Cover Transition Portion

314 First Cover End Portion

316 Second Cover End Portion

318 Intermediate Cover Portion

Al Vertical Axis

A2 First Axis

A3 Second Axis

A4 Third Axis

A5 F ourth Axis

DI Maximum Dimension of Major Surface

D2 Maximum Distance Between First Bottom Outer Surface and Bottom Outer Surface

D3 Maximum Distance Between Second Bottom Outer Surface and Bottom Outer Surface

Hl Height of Housing

LI Length of Housing

Pl Plane of Major Surface

VI Volume of Cooling Channel

W1 Width of Housing

W2 Uniform Channel Width

W3 First Channel Width

W4 Second Channel Width

W5 Third Channel Width

W6 First Maximum Channel Width

W7 Second Maximum Channel Width

W8 First Cover Width

W9 Second Cover Width

W10 Third Cover Width

Wil Uniform Cover Width

W12 First Maximum Cover Width W13 Second Maximum Cover Width

Claims

33

Claims An inverter assembly comprising: a housing comprising: a top wall defining a major surface; a lateral wall extending from a periphery of the top wall, such that a cavity is defined between the top wall and the lateral wall; a first side wall extending from the top wall into the cavity; a second side wall extending from the top wall into the cavity and disposed opposite to the first side wall; a bottom wall disposed in the cavity, the bottom wall extending between and connected to the first side wall and the second side wall opposite to the top wall; a cooling channel extending from the major surface of the top wall into the cavity, wherein the cooling channel is at least partially defined by the top wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, and the bottom wall; a fluid inlet extending through the lateral wall and disposed in fluid communication with the cooling channel, the fluid inlet being configured to receive a cooling fluid therein; and a fluid outlet extending through the lateral wall and disposed in fluid communication with the cooling channel, the fluid outlet being spaced apart from the fluid inlet; a cover connected to the top wall of the housing for covering the cooling channel; and 34 a printed circuit board connected to the housing, such that the cavity is at least partially covered by the printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board is at least partially thermally coupled with the bottom wall of the housing.

2. The inverter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first side wall defines a first side surface of the cooling channel, and the second side wall defines a second side surface of the cooling channel opposite to the first side surface, wherein the first side wall further comprises a plurality of first projections extending from the first side surface into the cooling channel, and wherein the second side wall further comprises a plurality of second projections extending from the second side surface into the cooling channel.

3. The inverter assembly of claim 2, wherein each first projection has a convex shape, and each second projection has a convex shape.

4. The inverter assembly of claims 2 or 3, wherein the housing further comprises: a first end surface extending from the top wall and connecting the first side surface to the second side surface proximal to the fluid inlet, wherein the first end surface is at least partially curved; and a second end surface extending from the top wall and spaced apart from the first end surface, wherein the second end surface connects the first side surface to the second side surface proximal to the fluid outlet, and wherein the second end surface is at least partially curved.

5. The inverter assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bottom wall defines a bottom surface of the cooling channel, and wherein the housing further comprises a plurality of fins extending from the bottom surface into the cooling channel.

6. The inverter assembly of claim 5, wherein each fin has an elliptical cross-section.

7. The inverter assembly of claims 5 or 6, wherein the housing further comprises a plurality of flow guiding members extending from the bottom surface into the cooling channel, wherein a cross-sectional area of each flow guiding member is greater than a cross-sectional area of each fin.

8. The inverter assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing further comprises: a first end member extending from the top wall into the cavity and connected to the first side wall, the second side wall, and the bottom wall to form a first end of the cooling channel, wherein the fluid inlet extends into the first end member; and a second end member extending from the top wall into the cavity and connected to the first side wall, the second side wall, and the bottom wall to form a second end of the cooling channel spaced apart from the first end of the cooling channel, wherein the fluid outlet extends into the second end member.

9. The inverter assembly of claim 8, wherein: the bottom wall has a bottom outer surface facing the printed circuit board, the bottom outer surface being substantially planar; the first end member has a first bottom outer surface facing the printed circuit board, the first bottom outer surface being curved and spaced apart from the bottom outer surface of the bottom wall along a vertical axis normal to the major surface; and the second end member has a second bottom outer surface facing the printed circuit board, the second bottom outer surface being substantially planar and spaced apart from the bottom outer surface of the bottom wall along the vertical axis.

10. The inverter assembly of claims 8 or 9, wherein the housing further comprises: an inlet member extending from the lateral wall to the first end member and at least partially defining the fluid inlet therethrough; and an outlet member extending from the lateral wall to the second end member and at least partially defining the fluid outlet therethrough.

11. The inverter assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cooling channel comprises a first channel portion extending along a first axis, a second channel portion extending along a second axis that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis, and a third channel portion fluidly communicating the first channel portion to the second channel portion and extending along a third axis, wherein the third axis is substantially perpendicular to each of the first axis and the second axis, and wherein each of the first channel portion, the second channel portion, and the third channel portion is at least partially formed by the top wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, and the bottom wall of the housing.

12. The inverter assembly of claim 11, wherein the cooling channel further comprises: a first channel end portion disposed adjacent to the first channel portion opposite to the third channel portion and fluidly communicated with the fluid inlet, wherein the first channel end portion is at least partially curved relative to the first axis; and a second channel end portion disposed adjacent to the second channel portion opposite to the third channel portion and fluidly communicated with 37 the fluid outlet, wherein the second channel end portion is at least partially curved relative to the second axis.

13. The inverter assembly of claim 12, wherein: the first channel portion has a substantially uniform first channel width perpendicular to the first axis; the second channel portion has a substantially uniform second channel width perpendicular to the second axis; the third channel portion has a substantially uniform third channel width perpendicular to the third axis; the first channel end portion has a first maximum channel width perpendicular to the first axis; the second channel end portion has a second maximum channel width perpendicular to the second axis; each of the first, second, and third channel widths is substantially equal to a uniform channel width; and each of the first maximum channel width and the second maximum channel width is greater than the uniform channel width.

14. The inverter assembly of claim 13, wherein a maximum dimension of the major surface perpendicular to the first axis is greater than the uniform channel width by a factor of between 5 and 10.

15. The inverter assembly of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the cooling channel further comprising an intermediate channel portion fluidly disposed between the second channel portion and the second channel end portion, wherein the intermediate channel portion extends along a fourth axis that is obliquely inclined relative to the second axis towards the first channel portion. 38

16. The inverter assembly of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the cooling channel further comprises a first channel transition portion fluidly disposed between the first channel portion and the third channel portion, and a second channel transition portion fluidly disposed between the second channel portion and the third channel portion, wherein each of the first and second channel transition portions is at least partially curved.

17. The inverter assembly of any one of claim 11 to 16, wherein each of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet extends substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

18. The inverter assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a shape of the cooling channel is substantially similar to a shape of the cover in a plane of the major surface.

19. The inverter assembly of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a housing cover configured to be coupled to the housing and to at least partially cover the cavity and the printed circuit board.

20. The inverter assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing further comprises a plurality of bosses extending from the top wall into the cavity and configured to be coupled to the printed circuit board.