Motor cooling system for electronic supercharger

Abstract

A motor assembly for an electronic supercharger is disclosed. The motor assembly includes a motor housing and a motor cavity within the motor housing. The motor housing is configured to receive an electric motor configured to driveably rotate a rotor around a rotation axis. The motor assembly also includes a through hole defined by the motor housing. The motor housing is configured to be received in an outer housing to define a coolant jacket together with the outer housing. The coolant jacket includes a fluid flow path partially defined by the through hole. A method of manufacturing the motor assembly is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an electronic supercharger device, and more particularly, to a motor cooling system for an electronic supercharger device. Background Art

[0002] An air intake device such as a turbocharger or a supercharger is provided, which improves performance by compressing a fluid, which is then supplied to a fuel cell stack, an engine, etc. In some cases, an electric boost device is provided, which has an electric motor configured to drive and rotate a compressor impeller to compress an air flow, which is then supplied to a fuel cell stack, an engine, etc.

[0003] These induction devices may include a cooling system. For example, in the case of an electronic supercharger device, a cooling system may be provided that directs a coolant through the device to maintain an operating temperature within a predetermined range. For example, an electric motor may be cooled to improve the operating efficiency of the electric motor.

[0004] However, conventional cooling systems for electronic superchargers suffer from various drawbacks, and operating efficiency may be negatively impacted as a result. It may be difficult to provide acceptable cooling for some intake arrangements and / or under certain operating conditions. There may be space constraints that limit the size and / or routing of the cooling circuit, which may negatively impact cooling performance.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a cooling system for an electronic supercharger device that improves cooling effectiveness and / or operating efficiency. It is also desirable to provide a compact, highly manufacturable and cost-effective electronic supercharger cooling system. Other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background discussion. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one embodiment, a motor assembly for an electronic supercharger is disclosed. The motor assembly includes a motor housing and a motor cavity within the motor housing. The motor housing is configured to receive an electric motor configured to driveably rotate a rotor around a rotation axis. The motor assembly also includes a through hole defined by the motor housing. The motor housing is configured to be received in an outer housing to define a coolant jacket together with the outer housing. The coolant jacket includes a fluid flow path partially defined by the through hole.

[0007] In another embodiment, an electronic supercharger is disclosed, which includes a method of manufacturing the electronic supercharger. The method includes providing an electric motor configured to drive and rotate a rotor. The method also includes encapsulating the electric motor in a motor cavity of a motor housing. The motor housing defines a through hole. In addition, the method includes arranging the motor cavity in the housing to define a coolant jacket of a cooling system. The coolant jacket is defined by the outer housing and the motor housing. The coolant jacket includes a fluid channel defined by the through hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic boost device incorporated into, for example, a fuel cell system;

[0010] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a motor portion of an electronic supercharger device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 a first isometric view of a motor housing of a motor portion of the motor;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 a second isometric view of a motor housing;

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 An exploded view of the motor housing;

[0014] Figure 6 is partly due to Figure 3 a first end view of a cooling system defined by a motor housing;

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a cooling system; and

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A second end view of the cooling system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the disclosure. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

[0018] In summary, the example embodiments disclosed herein include an improved electronic supercharging device. The disclosed electronic supercharging device may be a device having an electrically driven compressor impeller that provides a compressed air flow to a downstream component (e.g., an engine, a fuel cell stack, etc.). In addition, the electronic supercharging device disclosed herein may be configured as an electrically assisted turbocharger, an electric supercharger, a hybrid turbocharger, an electronic supercharger assembly, an electronic turbine, an electronically assisted intake device, or other related components. In particular, an electronic supercharging device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed, wherein the electronic supercharging device further includes a fluid cooling system, through which a coolant (e.g., ethylene glycol) flows to remove heat from the electronic supercharging device.

[0019] The electronic supercharger may include a motor housing that encapsulates the motor and holds the core windings together. At least a portion of the motor housing may be thermally conductive for transferring heat from the motor to the coolant. The motor housing may have a relatively thin wall thickness (especially compared to conventional motor housings), which reduces mass, reduces material costs, and allows heat to be quickly and efficiently transferred to the coolant through it. The material used for the motor housing may be selected to be chemically resistant to the coolant and non-magnetic to avoid interfering with motor operation. The motor housing may also define one or more fluid boundaries, barriers, baffles, barriers, etc. for directing the flow of coolant through the cooling system. The motor housing may be compact, efficiently manufactured, and may provide additional advantages as described below.

[0020] There may be a plurality of housing members that collectively define the motor housing and collectively encapsulate the motor. In some embodiments, there may be a first housing member and a second housing member. At least one of the housing members may span and cover the stator of the motor, and at least a portion of the housing member may include a barrier, a barrier, a baffle, or other member protruding therefrom. The barrier member may separate the coolant system and may direct the coolant through.

[0021] The motor housing may enclose a motor having a rotor shaft extending outwardly from the motor housing. In addition, the motor housing may be positioned within a housing of the electronic supercharger. A coolant jacket may be defined between and jointly defined by an inner surface of the housing and an outer surface of the motor housing.

[0022] Additionally, in some embodiments, the motor housing may be formed to include or at least partially define an aperture therethrough. The aperture may be a gap, hole, or other void independently defined through the motor housing. The aperture or the like may define a fluid passage for coolant to flow from one region of the coolant jacket to another region. In other words, the aperture may fluidly connect these regions of the coolant jacket.

[0023] In some embodiments, the motor housing may include a shell portion covering the stator and a protrusion protruding outward from the shell portion. The protrusion may partition the coolant jacket (i.e., separate one area of ​​the coolant jacket from another area, block coolant, and / or direct coolant flow through the coolant jacket). The aperture in the motor housing may be at least partially defined by the protrusion of the motor housing, such that coolant can flow through the protrusion. In some embodiments, the aperture may be defined between the protrusion and the shell portion.

[0024] Thus, coolant may flow from the inlet into and through the coolant jacket and to the outlet to remove heat (e.g., from the stator of the motor, from the housing, from the casing, from one or more bearing components, or from other areas near the coolant jacket). As the coolant flows through the coolant jacket, the coolant may be directed through the holes in the motor casing to effectively remove heat from the electronic supercharger. A plurality of cooling channels may be defined to have predetermined shapes, sizes, and flow profiles to provide a desired coolant flow. In addition, the disclosed manufacturing method may be used to efficiently, accurately, and repeatably form a motor casing in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example electronic boost device 100 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the electronic boost device 100 may be incorporated into a fuel cell system 102 of a vehicle.

[0026] Generally, the electronic supercharger device 100 may include an electronic supercharger housing 104 and a rotor 106 (ie, a rotating group). The rotor 106 may be supported by one or more bearings within the electronic supercharger housing 104 to rotate about a rotor rotation axis 108.

[0027] The electric supercharger device 100 may include a motor portion 110 . The motor portion 110 may include an electric motor 222 that selectively drives the rotor 106 to rotate about the axis 108 .

[0028] The electric boost device 100 may also include a compressor portion 111 having a compressor impeller that is fixed to the rotor 106 and rotates within the housing 104 (within a compressor housing member). As a result of the rotation of the rotor 106, the compressor portion 111 of the electric boost device 100 may compress the received input air flow 112 into a pressurized air flow 114. The pressurized air flow 114 may be directed to the fuel cell system 102.

[0029] The electric supercharger 100 may also include a turbine section 116. The turbine section 116 may include a turbine wheel fixed to the end of the rotor 106 opposite the compressor section 111, and the turbine wheel may rotate within the housing 104 (within a turbine housing member). The turbine section 116 may be configured to receive a high pressure and high temperature exhaust gas flow 118 from the fuel cell system 102.

[0030] The turbine section 116 may transfer and / or convert energy of the exhaust flow 118. For example, the turbine section 116 may drive the rotor 106 to drive rotation of the compressor section 111. In additional embodiments, the turbine section 116 may be operatively connected to a generator to generate electrical energy for the motor section 110. The high pressure exhaust flow 118 may become a low pressure exhaust flow 124 that is released into a downstream exhaust pipe 126.

[0031] From the compressor section 111, the pressurized air flow 114 may be characterized by an increased temperature above the temperature of the input air flow 112. Therefore, the air flow 114 may be directed through an air cooler 130 (i.e., an intercooler), such as a convection-cooled charge air cooler. The air cooler 130 may be configured to dissipate heat from the air flow 114, increasing its density. The resulting cooled and pressurized air flow 132 may be directed to the fuel cell stack 140, or alternatively, to a subsequent series compressor.

[0032] Hydrogen may be supplied to the fuel cell stack 140 from a tank 142 , and oxygen may be supplied to the fuel cell stack 140 to generate electricity through known chemical reactions. The fuel cell stack 140 may generate electricity for an electrical device such as an electric motor 144 .

[0033] A control system 145 for controlling various systems may be included. The control system 145 may be connected to one or more components via a communication connection 149. The control system 145 may be a computerized system having a processor, various sensors, and other components for electrically controlling the operation of the motor 144, the fuel cell stack 140, and / or the electronic supercharging device 100. In addition, the fuel cell system 102 may be included in a vehicle, such as a car, a truck, a sports utility vehicle, a van, a motorcycle, etc. Therefore, in some embodiments, the electric motor 144 may convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive and rotate the axle (and therefore, one or more wheels) of the vehicle. In these embodiments, the control system 145 may be incorporated into a vehicle control unit that controls a plurality of additional vehicle systems (e.g., a braking system, an air conditioning system, etc.).

[0034] Thus, during operation, oxygen may be at least partially supplied by Figure 1The electronic boost device 100 shown is provided to a fuel cell stack 140. More specifically, the motor portion 110 can drive the rotation of the rotor 106, and the compressor portion 111 can provide the pressurized air flow 114 to the air cooler 130 when the pressurized air flow flows to the stack 140, and the exhaust flow 118 from the stack 140 can be returned to the turbine portion 116 to provide power assistance to the motor portion 110. However, it will be understood that other embodiments of the electronic boost device 100 fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the turbine portion 116 can be omitted so that the electronic boost device 100 includes the motor portion 110 and the compressor portion 111. In addition, in some embodiments, the electronic boost device 100 can include multiple parts, such as multiple compressor parts, which are connected in series fluidly to include a first (low pressure) stage, which feeds a second (high pressure) stage, and the second (high pressure) stage is finally fed to the fuel cell system 102. Furthermore, the electronic boost device 100 may be provided in a system other than the fuel cell system 102 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] It should be understood that the term "electronic supercharger" as used herein should be interpreted broadly, for example, including a device having an electrically driven compressor impeller, regardless of where the electronic supercharger is incorporated, the type of system into which the electronic supercharger is incorporated, etc. It should also be understood that the electronic supercharger of the present disclosure may also be referred to as an electrically driven compressor assembly. In addition, the electronic supercharger of the present disclosure may be configured as an electric supercharger, a hybrid turbocharger, an electronic supercharger device, an electronic turbine, or other related components.

[0036] Reference now Figure 2 , the motor portion 110 is shown in more detail according to an example embodiment. The motor portion 110 may include a motor 222 as described above. The motor 222 may include a stator 224 and a rotor member 226. The rotor member 226 may be fixed to the shaft of the rotor 106, and the rotor member 226 may be received within the stator 224 and may be operatively connected so that the rotor 106 is selectively driven to rotate by the motor 222.

[0037] The motor 222 may be enclosed in a motor housing 228 ( Figure 2 , 3 and 4). Generally, the motor housing 228 can be a hollow, shell-like, thin-walled body. Therefore, the motor housing 228 can include an internal motor cavity 230 therein. The size and dimensions of the motor cavity 230 can correspond to the size and dimensions of the motor 222 to be nested and supported therein. The shaft of the rotor 106 can extend and protrude from opposite sides of the motor housing 228. In addition, the motor housing 228 can basically accommodate, encapsulate and support the motor 222.

[0038] Generally, the motor housing 228 may be cylindrical and / or barrel-shaped. The motor housing 228 may include a first end 201 and a second end 202 extending transversely to the axis 108 and spaced apart from each other along the axis 108. The motor housing 228 may further include a side 203 extending in a circumferential direction around the axis 108. The side 203 may also extend longitudinally between the first end 201 and the second end 202.

[0039] For reference purposes, the “outboard direction” will be discussed with respect to the motor housing 228. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the outboard direction may be directed longitudinally (i.e., substantially parallel to the axis) away from the first end 201 and away from the motor cavity 230. Furthermore, the outboard direction may be directed longitudinally (i.e., substantially parallel to the axis) away from the second end 202 and away from the motor cavity 230. Furthermore, the outboard direction may be directed radially away from the side 203 of the motor housing 228.

[0040] In contrast, the motor housing 228 can define an inboard direction pointing toward the motor housing 228 and the motor cavity 230 therein. The inboard direction points longitudinally toward the motor cavity 230. Additionally, the inboard direction points radially toward the side 203 of the motor housing 228 and into the motor cavity 230.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown in , the motor housing 228 can be received and fixedly supported within the outer housing 204. The outer housing 204 can define a portion of the housing 104 of the electronic boost device 100. The outer housing 204 can include one or more solid and stable (e.g., metal) components. The outer housing 204 can be block-shaped, with a generally cylindrical or barrel-shaped outer housing cavity 206. Figure 2 As shown in , the housing cavity 206 can be defined by a first face 208, a second face 209, and a side 210. The motor housing 228 can be received in the housing cavity 206 such that the first end 201 is opposite to the first face 208, the second end 202 is opposite to the second face 209, and the side 203 is opposite to the side 210.

[0042] In addition, the electronic boost device 100 may include a cooling system 250 ( Figure 2 and Figure 6-8 ). The cooling system 250 may include a plurality of fluid channels, reservoirs, passages, circuits, etc. that receive one or more streams of liquid coolant. The cooling system 250 may include at least one inlet, such as a first inlet 212 and a second inlet 213 ( Figure 2). The cooling system 250 may further include a coolant jacket 214. The coolant jacket 214 may be defined by the motor housing 228 and the outer housing 204 so as to surround the motor housing 228. In other words, a majority of the exterior of the motor housing 228 may be smaller than the inner surface of the outer housing cavity 206. Therefore, the exterior of the motor housing 228 may be spaced apart and spaced a distance from the inner surface of the outer housing cavity 206. The space between the exterior of the motor housing 228 and the inner surface of the outer housing cavity 206 may define the coolant jacket 214. The cooling system 250 may additionally include at least one outlet 216 ( Figure 7 ). In some embodiments, liquid coolant may be provided to the coolant jacket 214 via the inlets 212, 213, and the coolant may be exhausted via the outlet 216. As the coolant flows through the cooling system 250, the coolant may remove heat from the electronic supercharger device 100 to maintain high operating efficiency.

[0043] Reference now Figure 3-5 , the motor housing 228 will be discussed in detail according to an example embodiment. In some embodiments, the motor housing 228 may include a plurality of pieces, components, members, etc., which collectively define the motor housing 228 and the motor cavity 230 therein. For example, the motor housing 228 may generally include a first housing member 231 and a second housing member 232, which are fixed together end to end (e.g., removably attached) to collectively define the motor housing 228 and the motor cavity 230 therein. In some embodiments, the first housing member 231 may be referred to as a "sleeve" and the second housing member 232 may be referred to as a "cap" of the motor 222.

[0044] The first housing member 231 may include a first housing member 234. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first shell member 234 may be integral, cup-shaped, and thin-walled (eg, with a wall thickness as low as one millimeter). The first shell member 234 may include a circular and plate-like end disk 238 ( Figure 5 ) and an annular ring 240 secured thereto. The annular ring 240 may include one or more features (e.g., a tapered portion, a shoulder, an edge, or other surface feature) that change the diameter of the annular ring 240 as it protrudes from the disk 238. The end disk 238 may include a central hole 242. The ring 240 may protrude from one side of the end disk 238 and terminate at an edge 244. The edge 244 may have a slightly larger diameter than the end disk 238.

[0045] In addition, the first cover shell member 231 may include at least one first blocking member 236. The first blocking member 236 may be fixed to the first shell member 234. The first blocking member 236 may be stacked on the outer surface of the first shell member 234 and fixed to the outer surface of the first shell member 234. The first blocking member 236 may also protrude in the outer side direction from the outer surface of the first shell member 234. Therefore, the first blocking member 236 may be referred to as a "protruding portion" or an "outer side portion" that protrudes from the shell member 234 in the outer side direction.

[0046] The first blocking member 236 may include a first circumferential blocking portion 246, which is stacked on the outer surface of the first shell member 234 and extends in a circumferential direction thereon. The first circumferential blocking portion 246 may be disposed near the edge 244. The first blocking member 236 may also include a second circumferential blocking portion 248. The second circumferential blocking portion 248 may be stacked on the outer surface of the first shell member 234 and may extend in a circumferential direction thereon. The second circumferential blocking portion 248 may be disposed near the transition between the edge 244 and the end disk 238. In addition, the first blocking member 236 may include an elongated blocking portion 249. The elongated blocking portion 249 may include a plurality of elongated and straight segments, such as a first segment 245 extending longitudinally along the annular ring 240 and a second segment 247 extending radially along the end disk 238. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG, there may be a circumferentially defined space 254 between the ends of the elongated barrier portion 249 and the second circumferential barrier portion 248.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first shell member 234 and the first blocking member 236 can be made of different materials. For example, in some embodiments, the first shell member 234 can be made of a metal material, while the first blocking member 236 can be made of a polymer material. However, it will be understood that in other embodiments, both the first shell member 234 and the blocking member 236 can be made of a metal material, or alternatively, both can be made of a polymer material. In addition, in some embodiments, the first shell member 234 and the blocking member 236 can be made of the same material and can define an integral, one-piece member.

[0048] The second housing member 232 may include a second housing member 264. Figure 5 As shown in , the second shell member 264 can be integral, cup-shaped and thin-walled (e.g., with a wall thickness as low as one millimeter). The second shell member 264 can include a circular and plate-like end disk 268 ( Figure 5) and an annular ring 270 secured thereto. The annular ring 270 may have a substantially constant diameter. The end disk 268 may include a central hole 272. The ring 270 may protrude from one side of the end disk 268 and terminate at an edge 274. The ring 270 may also include an elongated side opening 276 extending therethrough.

[0049] In addition, the second cover member 232 may include at least one second blocking member 266. The second blocking member 266 may be fixed to the second shell member 264. The second blocking member 266 may be fixed to the outer surface of the second shell member 264. The second blocking member 266 may also protrude in the outer side direction from the outer surface of the second shell member 264. Therefore, the second blocking member 266 may be referred to as a "protruding portion" or "outer side portion" that protrudes from the shell member 264 in the outer side direction.

[0050] The second blocking member 266 may include an outer skirt 278 extending around the ring 270. The second blocking member 266 may include an end blocking portion 279 extending radially along the end disk 268.

[0051] In some embodiments, the second shell member 264 and the second blocking member 266 can be made of different materials. For example, in some embodiments, the second shell member 264 can be made of a metal material, while the second blocking member 266 can be made of a polymer material. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, both the second shell member 264 and the blocking member 236 can be made of a metal material, or alternatively, both can be made of a polymer material. In addition, in some embodiments, the first shell member 234 and the blocking member 236 can be made of the same material and can define an integral, one-piece member.

[0052] At least one of the first and second shell members 231, 232 can be formed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, both can be formed using a combination of metal forming and overmolding processes. In some embodiments, the first shell member 231 can be formed by metal forming (e.g., cold working via stamping, pressing or other similar processes) the first shell member 234. Then, the first blocking member 236 can be overmolded onto the first shell member 234. In addition, the second shell member 232 can be similarly formed by metal forming the second shell member 264 and then overmolding the second blocking member 266 onto the second shell member 264. The skirt 278 can be overmolded to include an opening aligned with the side opening 276. The shell members 231, 232 can also be heat treated, coated or otherwise treated before further assembly.

[0053] The first housing member 231 and the second housing member 232 may be connected and in some embodiments removably attached ( Figure 3-5 ).like Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1 , the first housing member 231 can be received in the second housing member 232. The edge 244 of the first housing member 231 can be received within the edge 274 of the second housing member 232. The outer radial surface of the edge 244 can be fluidly sealed to the inner radial surface of the edge 274. Therefore, the annular rings 240, 270, the skirt 278, and the first and second circumferential barriers 246, 248 can extend about the axis 108 and can define the side 203 of the motor housing 228. In addition, the end disk 268 and the end barrier 279 can extend radially relative to the axis 108 and can define the first end 201 of the motor housing 228. In addition, the end disk 238 and the elongated barrier 249 can define the second end 202 of the motor housing 228. The first housing member 231 and the second housing member 232 can be connected and sealed using adhesives, fasteners, interference fit, or other means.

[0054] The motor housing 228 may further include and define at least one through hole, such as the first through hole 296 ( Figure 2-4 and 6) and the second through hole 298 ( Figure 3-7 ). The through holes 296, 298 may have any suitable shape and may be referred to as gaps, holes, or other types of openings that allow coolant to pass therethrough to flow between one portion of the coolant jacket 214 and another portion. The through holes 296, 298 may be independently defined to have a continuous fluid boundary extending through the motor housing 228. Thus, while some of the coolant jacket 214 may be defined by both the motor housing 228 and the outer housing 204, the through holes 296, 298 may define a portion of the coolant jacket 214 independently of the outer housing 204.

[0055] exist Figure 3 In some embodiments shown in , the skirt 278 can include an attachment area 273 that is laminated on and attached to the outer surface of the annular ring 270. The skirt 278 also protrudes outwardly in a radial direction from the attachment area 273 and can extend around the ring 270. The skirt 278 can also include a first separation area 275 and a second separation area 271 that are separated from the ring 270. The outer surfaces of the separation areas 271, 275 and the attachment area 273 of the skirt 278 can be flush, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and 4 , so as to be smooth, continuous and circular.

[0056] The first separation area 275 can extend from one circumferential end of the attachment area 273 to the first section 245 of the elongated barrier 249. The first separation area 275 can also be spaced apart from the outer surface of the shell member 264 in the outboard direction (i.e., radial direction) to define a first through hole 296 therebetween in the radial direction. Thus, the first through hole 296 can extend longitudinally (e.g., substantially parallel to the axis 108) through the motor housing 228 between the shell member 264 and the skirt 278. In addition, the first through hole 296 can be arcuate so as to extend circumferentially relative to the axis 108.

[0057] The second separation area 271 can extend from the opposite circumferential end of the attachment area 273 to the first section 245 of the elongated barrier 249. The second separation area 271 can be spaced apart from the outer surface of the shell member 264 in the outboard direction (i.e., radial direction) to define a second through hole 298 therebetween in the radial direction. Thus, the second through hole 298 can extend longitudinally (e.g., substantially parallel to the axis 108) through the motor housing 228 between the shell member 264 and the skirt 278. In addition, the second through hole 298 can be arcuate so as to extend circumferentially relative to the axis 108.

[0058] like Figure 2 and Figure 6-8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the motor housing 228 can be received in the outer housing 204. The motor housing 228 can be nested therein: 1) a first blocking member 236 and a second blocking member 266 ( Figure 3-5 ) the outer surface of the first shell member 234 and the second shell member 264 are located adjacent to the relative inner surfaces 208, 209, 210 of the outer shell cavity 206; and 2) the outer surfaces of the first shell member 234 and the second shell member 264 are spaced a certain distance from the relative inner surfaces 208, 209, 210 of the outer shell cavity 206.

[0059] Therefore, if Figure 2 and Figure 6-8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the coolant jacket 214 may be at least partially defined by the space between the outer surfaces of the shell members 234 , 264 and the inner surfaces 208 , 209 , 210 of the outer shell cavity 206 . Figure 2 ) can flow through the space to the outlet 216 ( Figure 7 The first blocking member 236 and the second blocking member 266 may separate the coolant jacket 214 so that the coolant is directed to flow primarily along a predetermined path through the coolant jacket 214 .

[0060] In addition, the electronic boost device 100 may include one or more sealing members. The sealing member may be a separate component that is sealed to the motor housing 228 and / or the outer housing 204. Thus, the sealing member may further separate the coolant jacket 214. For example, the assembly 100 may include a first sealing member 280 (FIGS. 2, 7, and 8). The first sealing member 280 may be a polymer O-ring that is centered on the axis 108 and may be disposed between and sealed to the end disk 238 and the face 209. As shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , face 209 may include a groove to receive first sealing member 280. Assembly 100 may additionally include second sealing member 282. Second sealing member 282 may be a polymeric O-ring centered about axis 108 and may be disposed between and seal to the outer radial surface of skirt 278 and side 210. Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown in , the outer skirt 278 may include a groove 284 to receive the second sealing member 282. In addition, the assembly 100 may further include a third sealing member 286. The third sealing member 286 may be a polymer O-ring, which is centered on the axis 108 and can be disposed between and sealed to the end surface of the skirt 278 and the face 208 of the outer shell 204. Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the face 208 may include a groove for receiving the third sealing member 286. In addition, the assembly 100 may further include a fourth sealing member 288 ( Figure 2 and Figure 7 ). The fourth sealing member 288 may be a polymer O-ring that is centered about the axis 108 and may be disposed between and sealed to the end disk 268 and the face 208. Figure 7 As shown in FIG, face 208 may include a groove that receives fourth sealing member 288 .

[0061] Thus, one or more continuous fluid paths may be defined through the coolant jacket 214 from the inlets 212, 213 to the outlet 216. As shown, there may be multiple paths flowing in parallel through the coolant jacket 214 as will be discussed.

[0062] Specifically, a first coolant flow path (ie, a circumferential flow path) may be defined. From the inlet 212 ( Figure 2 ) of coolant may be provided to the first inlet region 290 ( Figure 2 and Figure 4), and then provided to the side chamber 281 of the coolant jacket 214. The side chamber 281 can surround the side 203 of the motor housing 228. The side chamber 281 can be defined by the first circumferential barrier 246, the skirt 278, the elongated barrier 249, the outer surface of the first shell member 234, and the face 210 of the outer shell 204. The fluid in the side chamber 281 can flow around the motor housing 228 circumferentially to the outlet area 292 ( Figure 4 and Figure 7 The outlet region 292 may be fluidly connected to the outlet 216 for discharging the coolant ( Figure 7 ).

[0063] In addition, a second coolant flow path (ie, a first end flow path) may be defined. Figure 2 ) can be provided to the second inlet region 294 and then to the first end chamber 283 of the coolant jacket 214. The first end chamber 283 can surround the end 202 of the motor housing 228. The first end chamber 283 can be defined by the second circumferential barrier 248, the second section 247 of the elongated barrier 249, the first sealing member 280, the end disk 238, and the face 209. The fluid in the first end chamber 283 can flow circumferentially around the motor housing 228 to the space 254 ( Figure 4 ), and then to outlet area 292 for coolant discharge.

[0064] In addition, a third coolant flow path (i.e., a second end flow path) may be defined. The first through hole 296 of the motor housing 228 may fluidly connect the side chamber 281 to the second end chamber 285 of the coolant jacket 214. The second end chamber 285 may surround the end 201 of the motor housing 228. The second end chamber 285 may be defined by the skirt 278, the sealing member 288, the outer surface of the end disc 268, and the face 208 of the second shell member 264. In this coolant flow path, the coolant entering through the first inlet 212 may flow through the first through hole 296 and enter the second end chamber 285. The fluid may flow circumferentially around the end disc 268 to the second through hole 298. The second through hole 298 may fluidly connect and exit the second end chamber 285 to the outlet region 292 of the side chamber 281 of the coolant jacket 214 to be discharged through the outlet 216.

[0065] It will be appreciated that the cooling system 250 provides efficient cooling. The cooling system 250, the motor housing 228, and more generally the electronic supercharger device 100 are also highly compact and lightweight. The electronic supercharger device 100 can also be efficiently manufactured.

[0066] The through holes 296, 298 through the motor housing 228 provide useful routing of the coolant through the coolant jacket 214. The through holes 296, 298 can be easily formed for arranging the path of the coolant. Various through hole configurations can also be included in additional embodiments. In some embodiments, the through holes can be at a certain angle relative to the axis 108 or extend radially along a non-linear axis. These different variations can also be included using efficient manufacturing methods to provide a strong, chemically resistant, non-magnetic motor housing 228.

[0067] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that one or more exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A motor assembly for an electronic supercharging device, comprising: outer shell; a motor housing configured to be received in the outer housing to define a coolant jacket together with the outer housing; a motor cavity within the motor housing configured to receive an electric motor configured to drivingly rotate a rotor about a rotational axis; a through hole independently defined by the motor housing to pass through the motor housing; and The coolant jacket includes a fluid flow path partially defined by the through hole, the motor housing includes a shell portion covering the electric motor and a protruding portion protruding from the shell portion in an outer side direction, the through hole is defined by the shell portion and the protruding portion of the motor housing, wherein the protruding portion is overmolded onto the shell portion, and the shell portion and the protruding portion are made of different materials.

2. The motor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The shell portion is made of a metallic material and the protruding portion is made of a polymeric material.

3. The motor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The protruding portion is configured to define, together with the outer housing, a fluid boundary for coolant in the coolant jacket. 4 . The motor assembly of claim 3 , further comprising a sealing member sealed to the protruding portion and the outer housing to define a sealed fluid boundary.

5. The motor assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The protruding portion includes a groove that receives a sealing member.

6. The motor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The protruding portion includes an attachment area attached to an outer surface of the shell portion; The protruding portion includes a separation area extending from the attachment area and spaced apart from the outer surface in the outer side direction to at least partially define the through hole.

7. The motor assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The separation region extends in a circumferential direction around the axis.

8. The motor assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The attachment area protrudes in the radial direction relative to the axis in the outer direction.

9. The motor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The through hole extends longitudinally through the motor housing relative to the axis.

10. The motor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The motor housing includes a first housing member and a second housing member attached to collectively define the motor cavity; wherein the first housing member comprises a first housing portion and a first protruding portion made of different materials; wherein the second casing member comprises a second casing portion and a second protruding portion made of different materials; and Wherein, the through hole is defined between the second shell portion and the second protruding portion.

11. The motor assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The first shell portion is made of metal, and the first protruding portion is made of polymer; Wherein, the second shell portion is made of metal, and the second protruding portion is made of polymer.

12. The motor assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The first casing member and the second casing member are attached to collectively enclose the electric motor; as well as The first protruding portion and the second protruding portion separate the coolant jacket.

13. The motor assembly of claim 1, wherein: The motor housing includes an end surface extending radially relative to the axis and a side surface extending around the axis; wherein the coolant jacket includes an end chamber partially defined by the end surface and a side chamber partially defined by the side surface of the motor housing; and Wherein, the through hole fluidically connects the end chamber and the side chamber.

14. A method for manufacturing an electronic boost device, comprising: providing an electric motor configured to drivingly rotate a rotor about a rotational axis; forming a motor housing to include a shell portion and a protruding portion protruding from the shell portion in an outer side direction, including forming the shell portion from a first material and forming the protruding portion from a second material different from the first material, and including forming a through hole independently defined by the motor housing to pass through the motor housing, the through hole being defined by the shell portion and the protruding portion of the motor housing, wherein the protruding portion is overmolded onto the shell portion; enclosing the electric motor in a motor cavity of the motor housing; The motor cavity is disposed in the outer housing to define a coolant jacket of the cooling system. The coolant jacket is defined by the outer housing and the motor casing. The coolant jacket includes a fluid passage defined by the through hole.

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, wherein: The shell portion is formed from a metallic material, and the projection portion is formed from a polymeric material. 16 . The manufacturing method of claim 14 , further comprising providing a sealing member sealed to the protruding portion and the outer housing to define a fluid boundary of a coolant.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising forming the protruding portion to include a groove; and Also included is placing a sealing member in the groove.

18. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, in, The motor housing includes an end surface extending radially relative to the rotation axis and a side surface extending around the rotation axis; wherein the coolant jacket comprises an end chamber partially defined by the end surface and a side chamber partially defined by a side surface of the motor housing; and Wherein, the through hole fluidically connects the end chamber and the side chamber.

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