Electric compressor
By overlapping the high-voltage and low-voltage connectors with the housing bottom wall in the axial direction of the rotating shaft in the electric compressor, the problems of inverter housing are solved and the connector damage are achieved, achieving a more compact design and protection.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510086448.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-02-15
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-15
AI Technical Summary
In existing electric compressors, high voltage connectors and low voltage connectors protrude from the side of the inverter housing, causing the inverter housing to be larger in the axial orthogonal direction of the rotation axis and to be susceptible to external impact damage.
An inverter housing is provided on the peripheral wall of the motor housing, so that the high-voltage connector and the low-voltage connector overlap with the bottom wall of the housing in the axial direction of the rotation shaft, and are arranged within the width of the extension part to avoid protrusions, and electrical connection is used to simplify assembly.
The inverter housing is suppressed in the axial orthogonal direction of the rotation shaft, protecting the connector from external impact damage, and simplifying the assembly process.
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Figure CN120498197A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an electric compressor. Background Art
[0002] An example of a conventional electric compressor is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This electric compressor includes a compression unit, a motor, an inverter, and a housing.
[0003] The compression unit is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft to compress the fluid. The motor rotates the rotating shaft. The inverter includes an inverter circuit that drives the motor. The housing includes a motor housing and an inverter housing. The motor housing houses the motor. The inverter housing houses the inverter.
[0004] In this electric compressor, the inverter housing is arranged on the outer peripheral surface side of the motor housing, and the motor housing and the inverter housing are arranged side by side in the radial direction of the rotating shaft. This prevents the axial length of the electric compressor from increasing.
[0005] In this electric compressor, a high-voltage connector and a low-voltage connector are connected to the side of the inverter housing. The high-voltage connector supplies power from an external power source to the motor. The low-voltage connector is a communication connector that transmits control signals from an external control device (which has less power than the external power source) to the inverter, for example.
[0006] Prior art literature
[0007] Patent Literature
[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-324903 Summary of the Invention
[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention
[0010] Furthermore, for example, when a compressor module is formed by integrating multiple devices constituting a heat pump cycle with an electric compressor and applying the compressor module to an air conditioning device mounted on a vehicle or the like, the electric compressor is required to be made more compact in order to improve vehicle mountability.
[0011] However, in the aforementioned conventional electric compressor, the high-voltage and low-voltage connectors protrude from the side surfaces of the outer frame of the inverter housing. Specifically, when the width of the inverter housing is defined as a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft, these connectors protrude laterally from the side surfaces of the inverter housing that face that width. Consequently, the inverter housing becomes larger in the width direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft, corresponding to the amount by which these connectors protrude from the side surfaces of the inverter housing.
[0012] Furthermore, when the high-voltage connector and the low-voltage connector protrude from the side surface of the inverter case, the protruding portions are easily damaged by external impact.
[0013] The present invention has been completed in view of the above-mentioned actual situation in the past. The problem to be solved is to suppress the enlargement of the inverter housing in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotating shaft and to suppress damage to the high-voltage connector and the low-voltage connector in an electric compressor in which the inverter housing is provided on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical motor housing.
[0014] Solutions to Problems
[0015] The electric compressor of the present invention has:
[0016] Rotation axis;
[0017] a compression portion driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft to compress the fluid;
[0018] a motor that rotates the rotating shaft;
[0019] an inverter having an inverter circuit for driving the motor; and
[0020] a housing accommodating the rotating shaft, the compression unit, the motor, and the inverter;
[0021] The housing has:
[0022] a motor housing having a bottomed cylindrical shape and including a cylindrical peripheral wall extending in the axial direction of the rotating shaft and a bottom wall connected to one end of the peripheral wall, and accommodating the motor on the inner peripheral surface side of the peripheral wall;
[0023] an inverter housing, which is disposed on the peripheral wall and accommodates the inverter;
[0024] a bottomed cylindrical compression unit housing, which sandwiches the motor and is disposed on the side opposite to the bottom wall and accommodates the compression unit; and
[0025] a shaft supporting member disposed between the opening of the motor housing and the opening of the compression unit housing, and defining a motor chamber for accommodating the motor together with the motor housing, and defining a compression unit chamber for accommodating the compression unit together with the compression unit housing, wherein the shaft supporting member has an insertion hole for inserting the rotating shaft and rotatably supports the rotating shaft;
[0026] The inverter housing has an extension portion extending in the axial direction from the bottom wall in a direction opposite to the peripheral wall.
[0027] The extension portion is provided with:
[0028] a high voltage connector for supplying power from a high voltage power source to the motor; and
[0029] a low voltage connector for supplying power smaller than that of the high voltage power source from a low voltage power source to the inverter;
[0030] The high-voltage connector and the low-voltage connector overlap with the bottom wall when viewed in the axial direction of the rotation shaft and are arranged within a width of the extension portion.
[0031] In the electric compressor of the present invention, the inverter housing has an extension portion that extends axially from the bottom wall of the motor housing in a direction opposite to the peripheral wall. A high-voltage connector and a low-voltage connector are provided in the extension portion. Furthermore, the high-voltage connector and the low-voltage connector are arranged so as to overlap with the bottom wall when viewed axially in relation to the rotating shaft. Therefore, compared to a case where these connectors are arranged so as to protrude from the extension portion toward the side opposite to the motor housing without overlapping with the bottom wall when viewed axially, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the inverter housing in the height direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft. Furthermore, the bottom wall can prevent damage to the high-voltage connector and the low-voltage connector from external impact.
[0032] Furthermore, the high-voltage and low-voltage connectors are arranged within the width of the extension when viewed axially. Therefore, when viewed axially, the high-voltage and low-voltage connectors do not protrude from the extension along the width of the inverter housing. This prevents the inverter housing from increasing in size in the width direction, which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis, due to the high-voltage and low-voltage connectors. Furthermore, damage to the high-voltage and low-voltage connectors due to external impacts is prevented.
[0033] Therefore, according to the present invention, in an electric compressor in which an inverter case is provided on the peripheral wall of a cylindrical motor case, it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the inverter case in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft and to suppress damage to the high-voltage connector and the low-voltage connector.
[0034] The motor housing may be provided with a conductive pin that is electrically connected to the motor and extends through the bottom wall. Alternatively, the inverter housing may be provided with an extension through-hole that accommodates an inverter terminal electrically connected to the inverter circuit and opens into the extension portion. Furthermore, an electrical connection member may be provided between the bottom wall and the extension portion, extending through the extension through-hole and electrically connecting the conductive pin to the inverter terminal. Furthermore, preferably, when viewed axially, the high-voltage connector is positioned on the side opposite the low-voltage connector, sandwiching the electrical connection member.
[0035] In this case, the inverter terminals connected to the inverter circuit of the inverter housed in the inverter chamber and the conductive pins connected to the motor housed in the motor chamber are electrically connected by an electrical connection member. Furthermore, the electrical connection member is positioned between the high-voltage connector and the low-voltage connector when viewed axially. Therefore, the distance between the high-voltage connector and the low-voltage connector is easily maintained. As a result, this is advantageous in reducing noise transmitted from the high-voltage connector to the low-voltage connector. Furthermore, the electrical connection member does not extend from the width of the extension portion, thereby preventing the electric compressor from being enlarged in the width direction of the inverter housing due to the electrical connection member.
[0036] Preferably, the electrical connection component has a plate-shaped busbar, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The first terminal may be provided at one end of the busbar and connected to a conductive pin outside the motor housing. The second terminal may be provided at the other end of the busbar and connected to the inverter terminal inside the inverter housing. Furthermore, preferably, the first terminal is axially connected to the conductive pin, and the second terminal is axially connected to the inverter terminal. In addition, preferably, the high-voltage cable connector provided at one end of a high-voltage cable that supplies power from a high-voltage power source is axially connected to the high-voltage connector. Furthermore, preferably, the low-voltage cable connector provided at one end of a low-voltage cable that supplies power from a low-voltage power source is axially connected to the low-voltage connector.
[0037] In this case, the connection between the first terminal and the conductive pin, the connection between the second terminal and the inverter terminal, the connection between the high-voltage connector and the high-voltage cable connector, and the connection between the low-voltage connector and the low-voltage cable connector are all performed axially. Therefore, these connections can be made axially without changing the orientation of the housing. As a result, these connections are facilitated. Furthermore, it is also easier to secure working space for these connections. As a result, the assembly of the electric compressor can be simplified.
[0038] Preferably, a pair of mounting legs are provided on the peripheral wall of the motor housing for mounting the motor housing to an installation object. Furthermore, preferably, one mounting leg is positioned on the side opposite the inverter housing, sandwiching the high-voltage connector. Furthermore, preferably, the other mounting leg is positioned on the side opposite the inverter housing, sandwiching the low-voltage connector, when viewed axially.
[0039] If an external impact acts on the motor housing mounted on an object and damages the mounting legs due to the impact, the impact could potentially affect the inverter housing, inverter circuitry, and other components. Regarding this, in this electric compressor, one mounting leg is positioned opposite the inverter housing, sandwiching the high-voltage connector, while the other mounting leg is positioned opposite the inverter housing, sandwiching the low-voltage connector. This minimizes the distance between the inverter housing and the mounting legs. Therefore, even if a mounting leg were damaged, the inverter housing would be less susceptible to damage. Consequently, damage to the inverter circuitry and other components due to damage to the mounting legs can be minimized.
[0040] Effects of the Invention
[0041] According to the present invention, in an electric compressor in which an inverter case is provided on the peripheral wall of a cylindrical motor case, the inverter case can be reduced in size in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft and damage to the high-voltage connector and the low-voltage connector can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a compressor module including the electric compressor of Example 1 viewed from the left.
[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a compressor module including the electric compressor of Example 1 as viewed from above.
[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a compressor module including the electric compressor of Example 1, viewed from the rear.
[0045] Figure 4 The present invention relates to the electric compressor of the first embodiment and is a partial schematic diagram showing mainly the inverter housing portion as viewed from above.
[0046] Figure 5 The present invention relates to the electric compressor of Example 1 and is a schematic diagram showing an inverter housing, a motor housing, a power connector as a high-voltage connector, a communication connector as a low-voltage connector, an electrical connection member, and a mounting leg as viewed from the rear.
[0047] Figure 6 The present invention relates to the electric compressor of the first embodiment and is a partial perspective view schematically showing a portion of an inverter case, a portion of a motor case, and an airtight terminal.
[0048] Figure 7 The present invention relates to the electric compressor of the first embodiment and is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of a housing case, a bus bar, a portion of an airtight terminal, and a portion of an inverter housing among electrical connection components.
[0049] Figure 8 The present invention relates to the electric compressor of the first embodiment and is a perspective view schematically showing an inverter case, a power connector, and a communication connector.
[0050] Figure 9 The present invention relates to the electric compressor of Example 1 and is a perspective view schematically showing an electric connecting member viewed from an oblique rear side.
[0051] Figure 10 The present invention relates to the electric compressor of Example 1 and is a perspective view schematically showing an electric connecting member viewed obliquely from the front.
[0052] Figure 11 The present invention relates to an electric compressor of Example 1 and is a stereoscopic view schematically showing a portion of a housing, a bus bar, a socket terminal as a first terminal provided at one end of the bus bar, and a male terminal as a second terminal provided at the other end of the bus bar, as viewed obliquely from the rear.
[0053] Figure 12 The present invention relates to an electric compressor according to Example 1 and is a stereoscopic diagram schematically showing a state in which a socket terminal provided at one end of a bus bar is connected to a conductive pin of an airtight terminal, and a male terminal provided at the other end of the bus bar is connected to a female terminal serving as an inverter terminal.
[0054] Figure 13 The present invention relates to the electric compressor of Example 2 and is a schematic diagram showing an inverter housing, a motor housing, a power connector, a communication connector, an electrical connection member, and a mounting leg as viewed from the rear.
[0055] Description of Reference Numerals
[0056] 20, 21 Electric compressor
[0057] 22 Rotation axis
[0058] 24 Compression
[0059] 26 Motor
[0060] 28 Inverter
[0061] 28A inverter circuit
[0062] 32 Compression housing
[0063] 32A Compression Room
[0064] 34 Motor housing
[0065] 34A Motor Room
[0066] 34B bottom wall
[0067] 36 Inverter housing
[0068] 36A Inverter Room
[0069] 36B extension
[0070] 37 Shaft support member
[0071] 37A through hole
[0072] 42 conductive pins
[0073] 48 Extension through hole
[0074] 52 female terminal (inverter terminal)
[0075] 56 Power connector (high voltage connector)
[0076] 57 External power supply (high voltage power supply)
[0077] 57A power cable (high voltage cable)
[0078] 57B power cable connector (high voltage cable connector)
[0079] 58 Communication connector (low voltage connector)
[0080] 59 External control device (low voltage power supply)
[0081] 59A communication cable (low voltage cable)
[0082] 59B Communication Cable Connector (Low Voltage Cable Connector)
[0083] 60 Electrical connection components
[0084] 64 busbar
[0085] 66 socket terminal (first terminal)
[0086] 68 male terminal (second terminal)
[0087] 80 Mounting Legs
[0088] 82: Mounted portion (mounting object). DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0089] Hereinafter, Examples 1 and 2 embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0090] (Example 1)
[0091] The electric compressor (hereinafter simply referred to as the compressor) 20 of Example 1 is specifically a scroll-type electric compressor. This compressor 20 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown) and is used in a vehicle air conditioner. This vehicle air conditioner is a heat pump cycle device that performs vehicle interior air conditioning and temperature control for onboard equipment.
[0092] In this embodiment, using Figure 1 The solid arrows shown define the front-back direction and the up-down direction of the compressor 20. Figure 1 The front side of the paper is set as the left side, and the back side of the paper is set as the right side. Figure 2 In the following figures, Figure 1 The front-back direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction of the compressor 20 are defined accordingly. Figure 1 The front and rear, up and down, and left and right are used as a reference. It should be noted that these directions are examples for convenience of description, and the posture of the compressor 20 is appropriately changed according to the vehicle etc. on which it is mounted.
[0093] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the compressor 20 of Example 1 constitutes a compressor module 10 assembled in a heat pump cycle device (not shown). The compressor module 10 integrates the multiple devices that make up the heat pump cycle device. Specifically, the compressor module 10 integrates the compressor 20, along with other components (not shown) such as an expansion valve, a regulating valve, an on-off valve, a chiller, a receiver, a water-cooled heat exchanger, and a muffler.
[0094] The heat pump circulation device switches and controls the opening and closing valves according to various operating modes, thereby heating or cooling the supply air blown into the vehicle interior using the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit, or cooling the cooling heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit using the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit.
[0095] The compressor module 10 includes a flow box 12 having a generally rectangular, thick, flat plate shape. Multiple devices constituting the heat pump circulation system are mounted in the flow box 12. Although not shown, the flow box 12 includes, in addition to refrigerant passages for circulating the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit of the heat pump circulation system, heat medium passages for circulating the cooling heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit, and the like.
[0096] The compressor 20 is housed within the outer contour of the rectangular flat-plate flow box 12. Furthermore, in the positional relationship between the flow box 12 and the compressor 20, the rotation axis O of a rotary shaft 22 (described later) in the compressor 20 extends parallel to the largest principal surface of the rectangular flat-plate flow box 12. More specifically, the rotation axis O of the rotary shaft 22 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the principal surface of the flow box 12. It should be noted that the compressor 20 can also be arranged so that the rotation axis O of the rotary shaft 22 extends perpendicularly to the principal surface of the flow box 12.
[0097] The compressor 20 includes a rotating shaft 22 , a compression unit 24 , a motor 26 , an inverter 28 , and a casing 30 .
[0098] The housing 30 includes a compression housing 32, a motor housing 34, an inverter housing 36, and a shaft supporting member 37. The compression housing 32 and the motor housing 34 have a roughly cylindrical shape. In detail, the compression housing 32 is a bottomed cylindrical shape having a cylindrical peripheral wall extending along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 22, a bottom wall connected to the front end of the peripheral wall, and an open rear end. In addition, the motor housing 34 is a bottomed cylindrical shape having a cylindrical peripheral wall extending along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 22, a bottom wall 34B connected to the rear end of the peripheral wall, and an open front end. The inverter housing 36 has an outer shape that is a roughly rectangular flat plate and a thick plate. The shaft supporting member 37 has an outer shape that is a roughly circular flat plate and a thick plate.
[0099] The rotating shaft 22 is provided inside the compression unit housing 32 and the motor housing 34. The rotating shaft 22 has a cylindrical shape extending in the front-back direction. The rotating shaft 22 is supported by the motor housing 34 and the shaft support member 37 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis O.
[0100] The compression unit housing 32 and the motor housing 34 are arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis O of the rotation shaft 22. The motor housing 34 is arranged behind the compression unit housing 32.
[0101] The motor case 34 and the inverter case 36 are arranged side by side in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 22. That is, the inverter case 36 is arranged on the side surface of the motor case 34, that is, on the outer peripheral surface side of the motor case 34.
[0102] In the following description, the direction of the rotation axis O is simply referred to as the axial direction. That is, the axial direction means the axial direction of the rotating shaft 22, and the axial observation means the axial observation of the rotating shaft 22. In addition, the radial direction means the radial direction of the rotating shaft 22, that is, the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 22. The direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 22 includes the width direction and the height direction of the inverter housing 36 (the extension portion 36B described later) when viewed in the axial direction. In addition, the axial direction is consistent with the front-to-back direction of the compressor 20. For the sake of convenience, one axial direction refers to the front of the compressor 20. In addition, the width direction of the inverter housing 36 is consistent with the left-right direction of the compressor 20, and the height direction of the inverter housing 36 is consistent with the up-down direction of the compressor 20.
[0103] The compression section housing 32, together with the shaft support member 37, divides the compression section chamber 32A. The motor housing 34, together with the shaft support member 37, divides the motor chamber 34A. The motor chamber 34A is formed on the inner peripheral surface side of the peripheral wall of the motor housing 34. The inverter housing 36, together with the motor housing 34, divides the inverter chamber 36A. The inverter chamber 36A is formed on the outer peripheral surface side of the peripheral wall of the motor housing 34. A shaft support member 37 is provided between the opening of the compression section housing 32 and the opening of the motor housing 34, and the compression section chamber 32A and the motor chamber 34A are divided by the shaft support member 37. The shaft support member 37 has an insertion hole 37A for the rotating shaft 22 to be inserted, and supports the rotating shaft 22 so that it can rotate.
[0104] The compression section 24 is housed in the compression section chamber 32A. The compression section 24 compresses the refrigerant under the action of the rotation of the rotating shaft 22. The refrigerant is an example of a "fluid" in the present invention. The compression section 24 is connected to the refrigerant passage of the flow box 12 via the high-pressure refrigerant hose 14. Although omitted in the figure, the motor chamber 34A is connected to the refrigerant passage of the flow box 12 via a low-pressure refrigerant hose. The refrigerant that flows from the refrigerant passage of the flow box 12 into the motor chamber 34A via the low-pressure refrigerant hose is sucked into the compression section 24 via the intake passage (not shown) provided in the shaft support member 37.
[0105] Although not shown, the compression section 24 includes a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll. The rotation of the rotary shaft 22 causes the orbiting scroll to rotate in the compression section 24, thereby changing the volume of the compression chamber formed between the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll. Consequently, the compression section 24 draws and compresses refrigerant from the refrigerant passage of the flow box 12 via the low-pressure refrigerant hose and then discharges the compressed refrigerant. The refrigerant discharged from the compression section 24 flows through the high-pressure refrigerant hose 14 into the refrigerant passage of the flow box 12.
[0106] Motor 26 is housed in motor chamber 34A. Although not shown, motor 26 includes a stator and a rotor. The stator is connected to inverter 28. Rotating shaft 22 is fixed to the rotor. The rotor rotates under the action of power supplied from inverter 28 to the stator, thereby rotating rotating shaft 22.
[0107] The inverter 28 is housed in the inverter chamber 36A. Figure 4 As shown, inverter 28 includes an inverter circuit 28A, a control circuit 28B, and a high-voltage input filter 28C. Inverter circuit 28A drives motor 26. Control circuit 28B controls inverter circuit 28A. High-voltage input filter 28C reduces noise in the power supplied from an external power supply 57 via a power connector 56 (described later). Inverter circuit 28A, control circuit 28B, and high-voltage input filter 28C are each composed of a substrate, electronic components mounted on the substrate, and switching elements.
[0108] The compressor 20 includes three conductive pins 42 and three female terminals 52. The female terminals 52 are an example of "inverter terminals" in the present invention. The three conductive pins 42 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. Each conductive pin 42 has the same structure. The three female terminals 52 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. Each female terminal 52 has the same structure.
[0109] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the conductive pins 42 are rod-shaped and are provided in the airtight terminal 38. In the airtight terminal 38, an insulating member is interposed between the conductive pins 42.
[0110] like Figure 6 As shown, the airtight terminal 38 is provided on the bottom wall 34B of the motor housing 34. The other axial end of the motor housing 34 serves as the bottom wall 34B. The bottom wall 34B is substantially disk-shaped and extends radially from the other axial end of the motor housing 34. A first through hole 34C (see FIG. 1 ) is formed in the bottom wall 34B, which penetrates the motor chamber 34A in the axial direction and connects the motor chamber 34A to the outside. Figure 1 An airtight terminal 38 is disposed within first through-hole 34C. Conductive pins 42 disposed within airtight terminal 38 extend linearly in the axial direction and penetrate bottom wall 34B. Airtight terminal 38 is secured to bottom wall 34B by two first fastening members 39. Airtight terminal 38 ensures airtightness within motor chamber 34A.
[0111] Each conductive pin 42 is electrically connected to the motor 26. One end of each conductive pin 42 is inserted into a resin terminal box 44 provided in the motor chamber 34A (see Figure 1Although not shown, within the terminal box 44, three motor wires extending from the stator of the motor 26 are electrically connected to one end of each conductive pin 42 via connection terminals. The other end of each conductive pin 42 is formed as a connection end portion 46 that protrudes axially from the bottom wall 34B toward the outside of the motor chamber 34A.
[0112] like Figure 6 As shown, the inverter housing 36 has an extension through-hole 48 at the other axial end, i.e., at the end of the extension 36B (described later). Extension through-hole 48 extends linearly in the axial direction and opens toward the other axial end of extension 36B, thereby connecting the inverter chamber 36A to the outside. Extension through-hole 48 has a long hole shape that is elongated in the left-right direction.
[0113] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 4 As shown, each female terminal 52 is provided in the inverter housing 36. Each female terminal 52 is disposed in the inverter chamber 36A. Each female terminal 52 is axially opposed to the extension through-hole 48. Figure 12 As shown, each female terminal 52 has a pair of clamping pieces that utilize elastic restoring force to clamp a male terminal 68, described later. Each female terminal 52 has an open end at the other axial end thereof into which the male terminal 68 is inserted. The open end of each female terminal 52 has a larger diameter toward the other axial end to facilitate insertion of the male terminal 68, which moves relative to the female terminal 52 in the axial direction. Thus, by axially moving the male terminal 68 relative to the female terminal 52 and engaging it, the female terminal 52 and the male terminal 68 are connected.
[0114] Each female terminal 52 is electrically connected to the inverter circuit 28A via three conductive members 54 (see Figure 4 ).
[0115] like Figure 6 As shown, the inverter housing 36 has an extension portion 36B that extends in the axial direction in the opposite direction to the peripheral wall from the bottom wall 34B of the motor housing 34. The extension portion 36B extends in the other axial direction from the bottom wall 34B. Figure 4 As shown, the rear end of the inverter housing 36 forms an extension portion 36B. The width of the extension portion 36B in the left-right direction is equal to the width of the rest of the inverter housing 36, excluding the extension portion 36B. The extension portion 36B protrudes axially from the bottom wall 34B of the motor housing 34, further than the electrical connection member 60, described later.
[0116] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, a power connector 56 and a communication connector 58 are connected to the extension portion 36B. The power connector 56 is an example of a "high-voltage connector" in the present invention. The communication connector 58 is an example of a "low-voltage connector" in the present invention. The power connector 56 supplies power from an external power supply 57 to the motor 26. The external power supply 57 is an example of a "high-voltage power supply" in the present invention. The communication connector 58 transmits control signals from an external control device 59, which has less power than the external power supply 57, to the control circuit 28B of the inverter 28. The external control device 59 is an example of a "low-voltage power supply" in the present invention.
[0117] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58 are connected to the outer bottom surface 36C of the extension portion 36B on the motor housing 34 side. When viewed axially, a portion of the power connector 56 overlaps with the bottom wall 34B, and a portion of the communication connector 58 overlaps with the bottom wall 34B.
[0118] Also like Figure 7 As shown, a mounting base 70 is integrally formed at the left end portion on the other axial side of the outer bottom surface 36C of the extension portion 36B. Mounting base 70 is formed with a first communication hole 71 extending in a generally L-shape within mounting base 70, with one end opening at the outer bottom surface 36C and the other end opening at an end surface 70A on the other axial side of mounting base 70. First communication hole 71 connects the interior of inverter chamber 36A with the outside.
[0119] like Figure 8 As shown, the power connector 56 is fixed to the end surface 70A on the other axial side of the mounting base 70 by four third fastening members 72. Figure 8 , three of the four third fastening members 72 are shown. The power connector 56 has a power connector connection portion 56A.
[0120] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the rear end portion of the power connector connecting portion 56A in the power connector 56 protrudes slightly in the axial direction than the extension portion 36B.
[0121] One end of a power cable 57A is connected to the external power supply 57. Power cable 57A is an example of a "high-voltage cable" in the present invention. A power cable connector 57B is provided at the other end of power cable 57A. Power cable connector 57B is an example of a "high-voltage cable connector" in the present invention. Power cable connector 57B is axially connected to the power connector connection portion 56A of the power connector 56.
[0122] like Figure 6 As shown, a second communication hole 73 is formed at the right end portion on the other axial side of the outer bottom surface 36C of the extension portion 36B. The second communication hole 73 connects the inverter chamber 36A to the outside.
[0123] like Figure 8 As shown, the communication connector 58 is fixed to the portion of the outer bottom surface 36C around the second communication hole 73 by a fastening member (not shown). The communication connector 58 has a communication connector connecting portion 58A.
[0124] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the rear end portion of the communication connector connecting portion 58A in the communication connector 58 protrudes slightly in the axial direction than the extension portion 36B.
[0125] One end of a communication cable 59A is connected to the external control device 59. Communication cable 59A is an example of a "low-voltage cable" in the present invention. A communication cable connector 59B is provided at the other end of communication cable 59A. Communication cable connector 59B is an example of a "low-voltage cable connector" in the present invention. This communication cable connector 59B is axially connected to the communication connector connection portion 58A of the communication connector 58.
[0126] The power connector connection portion 56A of the power connector 56 is electrically connected to the inverter circuit 28A of the inverter 28 via a power-side conductive member (not shown). The communication connector connection portion 58A of the communication connector 58 is electrically connected to the control circuit 28B of the inverter 28 via a communication-side conductive member (not shown).
[0127] like Figure 5 As shown, the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58 are arranged within the width of the extension portion 36B when viewed in the axial direction. Figure 5 The dashed double-dashed line shown represents the circumscribed rectangle ER encompassing the inverter housing 36, including the extension 36B, and the motor housing 34, as viewed in the axial direction. As viewed in the axial direction, the power connector 56, the communication connector 58, and an electrical connection member 60 (described later) disposed between the two connectors are disposed within the circumscribed rectangle ER.
[0128] An electrical connection member 60 is provided on the outside of the housing 30 on the other side in the axial direction. The electrical connection member 60 is provided between the bottom wall 34B of the motor housing 34 and the end of the extension 36B in the axial direction. The electrical connection member 60 is fastened by two second fastening members 61 (see FIG. 1 ) in a state where the head portion 60B described later passes through the extension through-hole 48. Figure 9) is fixed to the bottom wall 34B. The electrical connection member 60 electrically connects the conductive pins 42 and the female terminals 52. When the electrical connection member 60 is installed, the electrical connection member 60 is moved axially, thereby connecting the socket terminals 66 (described later) to the connection ends 46 of the conductive pins 42, and connecting the male terminals 68 (described later) to the female terminals 52 by mating.
[0129] like Figure 3 As shown, the electrical connection member 60 is arranged on the imaginary straight line VL. The imaginary straight line VL passes through the rotation axis O of the rotating shaft 22 and extends in the vertical direction orthogonal to the axial direction. Figure 5 As shown, the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58 are arranged on both sides of the electrical connection member 60 in the left-right direction perpendicular to the axial direction. That is, the power connector 56 is arranged on the opposite side of the communication connector 58 with the electrical connection member 60 in between.
[0130] like Figure 9 As shown, the electrical connecting member 60 includes a main body 60A and a head 60B. The main body 60A has a generally rectangular shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction (front-back direction). The head 60B has a generally oblong shape, elongated in the left-right direction and having a pair of straight portions extending parallel to the left-right direction, in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction.
[0131] Also like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the electrical connection member 60 includes a housing 62, three bus bars 64, three socket terminals 66, and three male terminals 68. The socket terminals 66 are examples of "first terminals" in the present invention. The male terminals 68 are examples of "second terminals" in the present invention.
[0132] The male terminal 68 is integrally formed at one end portion on one axial side of the bus bar 64. The male terminal 68 extends linearly in the axial direction.
[0133] like Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 6 , the male terminal 68 is arranged outside the housing 62. The male terminal 68 is inserted into the inverter chamber 36A through the extension through-hole 48. Figure 1 as well as Figure 12 As shown, the male terminal 68 is connected to the female terminal 52 disposed in the inverter chamber 36A.
[0134] The socket terminal 66 is fixed to the other end of the busbar 64. The socket terminal 66 is fixed at a predetermined position inside the housing case 62. Specifically, as the housing case 62 moves along the surface of the bottom wall 34B of the motor case 34, the socket terminal 66 also moves along the surface of the bottom wall 34B of the motor case 34. The diameter of the opening in the socket terminal 66, through which the connection end 46 of the conductive pin 42 is introduced, is set to be the same as the diameter of the connection end 46 of the conductive pin 42.
[0135] like Figure 11 As shown, each busbar 64 is arranged so that the thickness direction of the busbar 64 is aligned with a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Each busbar 64 is in the shape of a strip and is integrally formed by bending a metal plate, for example. Each busbar 64 has three edgewise bends and two flattened bends. Specifically, each busbar 64 has, in order from the other end toward the one end, a first flattened bend 64A, a second flattened bend 64B, a first edgewise bend 64C, a second edgewise bend 64D, and a third edgewise bend 64E.
[0136] In this manner, each bus bar 64 is bent sideways to fit the male terminal 68 into the female terminal 52 , and is also bent flatly to adjust the position of the socket terminal 66 in the plane direction of the bottom wall 34B of the motor case 34 .
[0137] Specifically, each bus bar 64 is configured such that the receptacle terminals 66 provided at the other end of the bus bar 64 can swing relative to the position of the male terminals 68 provided at one end of the bus bar 64, with the first flat curved portion 64A serving as the base point in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, that is, in the direction of the surface of the bottom wall 34B of the motor case 34. Furthermore, each bus bar 64 is housed in the housing 62. Consequently, the electrical connection member 60 is configured such that the receptacle terminals 66 provided at the other end of each bus bar 64 housed in the housing 62 can swing in the direction of the surface of the bottom wall 34B of the motor case 34 as the housing 62 is moved in the direction of the surface of the bottom wall 34B of the motor case 34. Consequently, each bus bar 64 can simultaneously engage the male terminals 68 with the female terminals 52 and the receptacle terminals 66 with the conductive pins 42.
[0138] like Figure 10 As shown, the housing case 62 includes a base portion 62A made of resin, a cover portion 62B made of resin, a first sealing portion 62C, and a second sealing portion 62D.
[0139] The base 62A and the cover 62B have a main body portion corresponding to the main body 60A of the electrical connection member 60 and a head portion corresponding to the head 60B of the electrical connection member 60 in a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction.
[0140] like Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the base portion 62A has two first insertion holes 65A, two second insertion holes 65B, three second through-holes 65C, and one third insertion hole 65D. Each first insertion hole 65A, each second insertion hole 65B, and each second through-hole 65C is formed in a portion corresponding to the main body. The third insertion hole 65D is formed in a portion corresponding to the head.
[0141] The portion corresponding to the main body of the base portion 62A is arranged to surround the airtight terminal 38 provided on the bottom wall 34B. That is, the airtight terminal 38 is housed in the housing case 62 and is not exposed to the outside.
[0142] A first fastening member 39 for securing the airtight terminal 38 to the bottom wall 34B is inserted through each first insertion hole 65A. A second fastening member 61 for securing the electrical connection member 60 to the bottom wall 34B is inserted through each second insertion hole 65B. The connection end 46 of each conductive pin 42 extends through each second through-hole 65C. The male terminal 68-side portion of the three busbars 64 and a portion of the housing 62 are inserted through the third insertion hole 65D.
[0143] The cover 62B sandwiches the bus bars 64 and the socket terminals 66 between the cover 62B and the base 62A and is integrated with the base 62A. In other words, the bus bars 64 and the socket terminals 66 are housed in the housing case 62. The cover 62B insulates the bus bars 64 from each other.
[0144] The first sealing portion 62C is composed of an annular gasket that surrounds a portion corresponding to the main body portion of the base portion 62A. Figure 7 As shown, when the electrical connection member 60 is attached to the bottom wall 34B, the end surface of the annular first sealing portion 62C abuts against the bottom wall 34B, thereby forming a flat sealing portion.
[0145] The second sealing portion 62D is provided at a portion corresponding to the head portion of the cover portion 62B. The second sealing portion 62D is formed of an annular gasket having an outer peripheral surface shape corresponding to the inner peripheral surface shape of the extension portion through-hole 48 of the inverter housing 36. Figure 7 As shown, when the electrical connection member 60 is attached to the bottom wall 34B, the outer peripheral surface of the annular second sealing portion 62D abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the extension through-hole 48 , thereby forming a cylindrical (tubular) sealing portion.
[0146] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, three mounting legs 80 are provided on the housing 30. Each mounting leg 80 is integrally formed on the outer surface of the housing 30, that is, the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the motor housing 34 and the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the compression unit housing 32.
[0147] Two of the three mounting legs 80 are provided on the motor housing 34, and the remaining one is provided on the compressor housing 32. Specifically, the mounting legs 80 are provided at the lower portion of the rear end and left end of the motor housing 34, and at the lower portion of the right end of the motor housing 34. Furthermore, the mounting leg 80 is provided at the lower portion of the rear end and right end of the compressor housing 32.
[0148] like Figure 5 As shown, three mounting legs 80 are arranged within the circumscribed rectangle ER of the housing 30, which includes the inverter housing 36 and the motor housing 34, when viewed axially. Furthermore, the three mounting legs 80 sandwich the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58, and are arranged on the side opposite the inverter housing 36, when viewed axially. Specifically, the mounting legs 80 located at the lower portion of the rear left end of the motor housing 34 sandwich the power connector 56, and are arranged on the side opposite the inverter housing 36, when viewed axially. The mounting legs 80 located at the lower portion of the rear left end of the motor housing 34 are separated from the power connector 56 by a predetermined distance in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the mounting legs 80 located at the lower portion of the rear right end of the motor housing 34 and the mounting legs 80 located at the lower portion of the rear right end of the compressor housing 32 sandwich the communication connector 58, and are arranged on the side opposite the inverter housing 36, when viewed axially. The mounting leg 80 provided at the lower portion of the rear end portion and the right end portion of the motor housing 34 is spaced apart from the communication connector 58 by a predetermined distance in the vertical direction.
[0149] Each mounting leg 80 extends parallel to the vertical direction. In other words, each mounting leg 80 extends in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the circuit board within the inverter chamber 36A on which the inverter circuit 28A is mounted. Each mounting leg 80 has an internally threaded hole 80A extending in the vertical direction and opening downward.
[0150] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the flow path box 12 is provided with three plate-shaped mounting portions 82. Mounting portions 82 are an example of a "mounting target" in the present invention. Each mounting portion 82 extends horizontally leftward from the left side 12A of the flow path box 12. Furthermore, each mounting portion 82 has mounting holes 82A at positions corresponding to the mounting legs 80.
[0151] A vibration damper 84 is disposed within each mounting hole 82A. Although not shown, each vibration damper 84 comprises an outer tube, an inner tube, and a cylindrical rubber elastic body connecting the outer and inner tubes. The outer tube of the vibration damper 84 is fitted into each mounting hole 82A. A fourth fastening member 86, which securely connects the mounting leg 80 to the mounted portion 82, has an externally threaded portion 86A inserted through the inner tube of each vibration damper 84. Furthermore, the externally threaded portion 86A of each fourth fastening member 86 is screwed into the internally threaded hole 80A of the mounting leg 80. In this manner, the compressor 20 is secured to the flow path box 12 via three-point support at the three mounting legs 80.
[0152] In this compressor 20, a power connector 56 and a communication connector 58 are connected to the lower surface, or outer bottom surface 36C, of an extension portion 36B of the inverter housing 36, which extends axially beyond the bottom wall 34B of the motor housing 34. Furthermore, when viewed axially, the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58 are arranged so as to overlap with the bottom wall 34B. Therefore, compared to a case where these connectors protrude from the upper surface of the extension portion 36B, the inverter housing 36 can be less enlarged in the radial and vertical directions, which are perpendicular to the axial direction. Furthermore, the bottom wall 34B can be used to prevent damage to the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58 from external impacts in the axial direction.
[0153] Furthermore, by arranging the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58 within the width of the extension portion 36B as viewed in the axial direction, it is possible to prevent the inverter housing 36 from being enlarged in the width direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, due to the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress damage to the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58 due to external impact in the width direction of the inverter housing 36.
[0154] Therefore, in the compressor 20 in which the inverter case 36 is provided on the peripheral wall of the motor case 34 , it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the inverter case 36 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and to suppress damage to the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58 .
[0155] Furthermore, in this compressor 20, the electrical connection member 60, which electrically connects the conductive pin 42 to the female terminal 52, is positioned between the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58 when viewed in the axial direction. This facilitates maintaining a distance between the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58, which is advantageous for reducing noise propagation from the power connector 56 to the communication connector 58. Furthermore, since the electrical connection member 60 does not extend in the width direction of the extension portion 36B, the compressor 20 is not enlarged in the width direction of the inverter housing 36 due to the electrical connection member 60. Furthermore, damage to the electrical connection member 60 due to external impact in the axial direction and in the width direction of the inverter housing 36 is suppressed.
[0156] Furthermore, in this compressor 20, the connection between the conductive pin 42 and the receptacle terminal 66 within the electrical connection member 60, and the connection between the male terminal 68 and the female terminal 52 within the inverter housing 36, are performed by axial movement of the electrical connection member 60. Furthermore, the connection between the power connector 56 and the power cable 57A, and the connection between the communication connector 58 and the communication cable 59A, are also performed axially. This facilitates these connections and also makes it easier to secure the necessary workspace. Consequently, assembly of the compressor 20 can be simplified.
[0157] Furthermore, in this compressor 20, the mounting leg 80 used to mount the housing 30 to the mounted portion 82 is separated from the inverter housing 36 by the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58. Specifically, the mounting leg 80 provided at the lower portion of the left end of the motor housing 34 is separated from the inverter housing 36 by the power connector 56. Furthermore, the mounting leg 80 provided at the lower portion of the right end of the motor housing 34 is separated from the inverter housing 36 by the communication connector 58. Therefore, even if the mounting leg 80 is damaged by an external impact, the impact is unlikely to affect the inverter housing 36. As a result, damage to the inverter circuit 28A and the like due to damage to the mounting leg 80 can be suppressed.
[0158] Furthermore, in this compressor 20, the three mounting legs 80, the power connector 56, the communication connector 58, and the electrical connection member 60 provided on the housing 30 are arranged within the circumscribed rectangle ER of the housing 30 when viewed in the axial direction, and these components do not protrude from the circumscribed rectangle ER. Therefore, the compressor 20 can be prevented from being enlarged in the width and height directions of the inverter housing 36 (directions orthogonal to the axial direction) due to the mounting legs 80 and other components protruding from the circumscribed rectangle ER. Furthermore, damage to the mounting legs 80 and other components due to external impact in the axial direction and the width direction of the inverter housing 36 can be suppressed.
[0159] Furthermore, in this compressor 20, the flat seal formed by the first seal 62C provided on the electrical connection member 60 ensures airtightness within the housing case 62 surrounding the airtight terminal 38, and the cylindrical seal formed by the second seal 62D provided on the electrical connection member 60 ensures airtightness around the extension through-hole 48 of the inverter case 36. Therefore, the electrical connection member 60 can easily ensure airtightness in the inverter chamber 36A and the motor chamber 34A.
[0160] Furthermore, in the compressor 20, the inverter case 36 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of the motor case 34, and the motor case 34 and the inverter case 36 are radially aligned. Therefore, the axial length of the compressor 20 can be suppressed from increasing.
[0161] In the compressor 20, a portion of the power connector 56 and a portion of the communication connector 58 axially overlap with the extension portion 36B. Therefore, the length of the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58 protruding axially from the extension portion 36B can be reduced by the amount of the overlapping portion.
[0162] (Example 2)
[0163] like Figure 13 As shown, in the compressor 21 of Example 2, three mounting legs 88 and the like are provided on the outer surface of the housing 30. Specifically, one mounting leg 88 is integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the motor housing 34, and two mounting legs (not shown) are integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the compression portion housing.
[0164] The mounting legs 88 provided on the motor housing 34 are arranged at the rear end and the lower end of the motor housing 34. The two mounting legs provided on the compressor housing are respectively arranged at the rear end and the upper end and the lower end of the compressor housing.
[0165] These mounting legs 88 and the like extend parallel to the left-right direction. In other words, each mounting leg 88 and the like extends parallel or substantially parallel to the circuit board on which the inverter circuit 28A is mounted. The mounting legs 88 provided on the motor housing 34 have threaded insertion holes 88A extending in the left-right direction and open at both ends. The two mounting legs provided on the compressor housing also have similar threaded insertion holes (not shown).
[0166] Although not shown in the drawings, the mounting legs 88 and the like are fixed to the mounted portions extending from the flow path box 12 by fastening members such as screw insertion holes 88A.
[0167] When viewed in the axial direction, the mounting legs 88 provided at the lower end of the motor housing 34 and the lower half of the mounting legs provided at the lower end of the compression section housing extend downward from the circumscribed rectangle ER of the housing 30. On the other hand, the mounting legs 88 provided at the lower end of the motor housing 34 and the upper half of the mounting legs 88 provided at the lower end of the compression section housing, as well as the mounting legs 88 provided at the upper end of the compression section housing, are arranged within the range of the circumscribed rectangle ER of the housing 30.
[0168] Therefore, the compressor 21 is slightly larger in the vertical direction than the compressor 20 of the first embodiment by the amount that the lower half of the mounting legs 88 provided at the lower end of the casing 30 protrudes from the circumscribed rectangle ER.
[0169] Furthermore, mounting leg 88 provided at the lower end of motor housing 34 is separated from inverter housing 36 by electrical connection member 60. Therefore, even if mounting leg 88 is damaged, the damage is unlikely to affect inverter housing 36. As a result, damage to inverter circuit 28A and the like due to damage to mounting leg 88 can be suppressed.
[0170] Other structures and effects are the same as those in Example 1.
[0171] As mentioned above, the present invention has been described with reference to the first and second embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and can be applied with appropriate modifications within the scope of the present invention.
[0172] For example, in the compressor 20 of Example 1, the rear end portion of the inverter housing 36 becomes an extension portion 36B, and in the left-right direction of the compressor 20, the width of the extension portion 36B becomes equal to the width of other parts of the inverter housing 36 other than the extension portion 36B, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the shape and size of the extension portion 36B can be appropriately set.
[0173] In the compressor 20 of Example 1, the rear end portions of the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58 protrude slightly axially from the extension portion 36B, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration may be employed in which the entire high-voltage connector axially overlaps with the extension portion 36B without protruding axially from the extension portion 36B, or a configuration may be employed in which the entire low-voltage connector axially overlaps with the extension portion 36B without protruding axially from the extension portion 36B.
[0174] In the compressor 20 of Example 1, the power connector 56 and the communication connector 58 are arranged along the width direction of the extension portion 36B (the left-right direction of the compressor 20) when viewed axially. However, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. For example, the high-voltage connector and the low-voltage connector may be arranged along the vertical direction of the compressor 20 (a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the circuit board) within the width of the extension portion 36B when viewed axially.
[0175] In the compressor 20 of Example 1, the power cable 57A is axially connected to the power connector 56, and the communication cable 59A is axially connected to the communication connector 58. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the high-voltage cable may be connected to the high-voltage connector from the bottom of the compressor 20 (in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the circuit board), or the low-voltage cable may be connected to the low-voltage connector from the bottom of the compressor 20 (in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the circuit board).
[0176] In the compressor 20 of Example 1, a power connector 56 and a communication connector 58 are provided on the outer bottom surface 36C of the extension portion 36B, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a high-voltage connector or a low-voltage connector may be provided on the other axial end surface (the rear end surface) of the extension portion 36B (inverter housing 36).
[0177] In the compressor 20 of Example 1, the opening in the socket terminal 66 through which the connecting end 46 of the conductive pin 42 is inserted has an opening diameter equal to the diameter of the connecting end 46 of the conductive pin 42. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the opening diameter of the socket terminal 66 may be larger than the diameter of the connecting end 46 of the conductive pin 42. In this case, the position of the socket terminal 66 relative to the conductive pin 42 is further adjusted, thereby further improving the assembly workability of the electric compressor.
[0178] In the compressor 20 of the first embodiment, the base 62A and the cover 62B of the housing case 62 are made of resin, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the cover 62B may be made of metal to shield electromagnetic noise.
[0179] Industrial Applicability
[0180] The present invention can be utilized in an air conditioning device for a vehicle or the like.
Claims
1. An electric compressor, characterized in that The electric compressor has: Rotation axis; a compression portion driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft to compress the fluid; a motor that rotates the rotating shaft; an inverter having an inverter circuit for driving the motor; and a housing accommodating the rotating shaft, the compression unit, the motor, and the inverter; The housing has: a motor housing having a bottomed cylindrical shape and including a cylindrical peripheral wall extending in the axial direction of the rotating shaft and a bottom wall connected to one end of the peripheral wall, and accommodating the motor on the inner peripheral surface side of the peripheral wall; an inverter housing, which is disposed on the peripheral wall and accommodates the inverter; a bottomed cylindrical compression unit housing, which sandwiches the motor and is disposed on the side opposite to the bottom wall and accommodates the compression unit; as well as a shaft supporting member disposed between the opening of the motor housing and the opening of the compression unit housing, and defining a motor chamber for accommodating the motor together with the motor housing, and defining a compression unit chamber for accommodating the compression unit together with the compression unit housing, wherein the shaft supporting member has an insertion hole for inserting the rotating shaft and rotatably supports the rotating shaft; The inverter housing has an extension portion extending in the axial direction from the bottom wall in a direction opposite to the peripheral wall. The extension portion is provided with: a high voltage connector for supplying power from a high voltage power source to the motor; as well as a low voltage connector for supplying power smaller than that of the high voltage power source from a low voltage power source to the inverter; The high-voltage connector and the low-voltage connector overlap with the bottom wall when viewed in the axial direction of the rotation shaft and are arranged within a width of the extension portion.
2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein The motor housing is provided with a conductive pin electrically connected to the motor and penetrating the bottom wall. The inverter housing is provided with an extension through-hole which receives an inverter terminal electrically connected to the inverter circuit and opens at the extension. An electrical connection member is provided between the bottom wall and the end of the extension portion in the axial direction, which passes through the extension portion through-hole and electrically connects the conductive pin to the inverter terminal. When viewed in the axial direction, the high-voltage connector is arranged on the side opposite to the low-voltage connector with the electrical connecting member interposed therebetween.
3. The electric compressor according to claim 2, wherein: The electrical connection member comprises: a plate-shaped bus bar; a first terminal provided at one end of the bus bar and connected to the conductive pin outside the motor housing; and a second terminal, which is provided at the other end of the busbar and connected to the inverter terminal inside the inverter housing, The first terminal is connected to the conductive pin along the axial direction, The second terminal is connected to the inverter terminal along the axial direction, A high-voltage cable connector provided at one end of a high-voltage cable supplying power from the high-voltage power source is connected to the high-voltage connector along the axial direction. A low-voltage cable connector provided at one end of a low-voltage cable that supplies power from the low-voltage power source is connected to the low-voltage connector along the axial direction.
4. The electric compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein A pair of mounting legs for mounting the motor housing on an object to be mounted is provided on the peripheral wall. When viewed in the axial direction, one of the mounting legs sandwiches the high voltage connector and is disposed on the side opposite to the inverter housing, and the other mounting leg sandwiches the low voltage connector and is disposed on the side opposite to the inverter housing.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Inverter integrated motor for vehicle
JP2003324903A