Motors for motor vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric motor (4) for a motor vehicle, the electric motor comprising an electric motor (16) and an electronics housing (18), the electronics housing comprising a circuit board (40) arranged therein and comprising phase connectors (44) held in a fixed position within the electronics housing (18), the phase connectors being in electrical contact with stator windings (50) of a stator (32) of the electric motor (16), wherein a bridge circuit (42) is carried on an upper side (60) of the circuit board (40), wherein the circuit board (40) comprises contact elements (56) for electrically plug-in contacting the phase connectors (44), and wherein the plug-in contacting is effected on a lower side (58) of the circuit board (40) that is opposite the upper side (60).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric motor for a motor vehicle, comprising an electric motor and an electronics housing with a circuit board arranged therein and phase connectors held in a fixed position within the electronics housing. The invention also relates to a refrigerant drive having such an electric motor, in particular a refrigerant compressor for a vehicle air conditioning system. Background Art

[0002] Motor vehicles are often equipped with air conditioning systems that control the temperature of the vehicle interior using a system forming a refrigerant circuit. Such systems generally have a circuit in which a refrigerant is conducted. The refrigerant is heated in an evaporator and compressed by a (refrigerant) compressor or booster. The refrigerant then releases the absorbed heat again via a heat exchanger before being directed back to the evaporator via a throttle valve.

[0003] For example, in such applications, it is possible in principle to use a scroll machine as a booster or compressor for a refrigerant. This type of scroll compressor typically has two scrolls that can move relative to each other and that work in the manner of a positive displacement pump during operation.

[0004] The compressor is driven by the internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle, for example, via a belt drive. If the air conditioning system is a component of the motor vehicle that does not include an internal combustion engine, the refrigerant compressor typically has an electric motor or an electric motor-type drive as the electric drive for the compressor. The speed of the drive and the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system are set based on the temperature set by the user of the motor vehicle or the temperature achieved by the high-voltage battery.

[0005] The electric motor of an electric machine is typically designed as a brushless motor and is connected to electronics for control and / or regulation. The individual electrical coils are energized, in particular, via a bridge circuit on a printed circuit board of the electronics. The electrical coils of the electric motor or its stator are electrically contacted, for example, via phase connections, which in turn are electrically contacted with the bridge circuit. This bridge circuit has semiconductor switches that are actuated via PWM control. To protect against environmental influences (dirt, moisture), the motor electronics or power electronics are typically housed in an electronics compartment of the (electronics) housing.

[0006] To ensure quick and reliable startup and operation of the compressor, the electric motor requires relatively high power. In other words, a relatively large (alternating) current is needed to drive the rotor, enabling the compressor to quickly accelerate to operating speed. With such high power requirements and relatively low rotational speeds, the necessary currents are relatively high. Therefore, the circuit board's phase connectors and conductor traces must be designed to be durable. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to specify a particularly suitable electric motor which is improved, in particular with regard to a mechanically durable and space-saving electrical contact between the phase connectors and the printed circuit board. The object of the present invention is also to specify a particularly suitable electric refrigerant drive.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved with respect to the electric machine by means of the features of the invention and with respect to the electric refrigerant drive by means of the features of the invention.

[0009] An electric motor is a component of a motor vehicle and has an electric motor that operates as a generator or an electric motor. For example, the electric motor is used to drive the motor vehicle, and the motor vehicle is therefore particularly an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. However, the electric motor is preferably a component of an auxiliary unit of the motor vehicle, such as a control drive, such as a steering motor for a so-called servo steering system, an electric window regulator, or an electric seat adjustment system. In the assembled state, the electric motor is suitably electrically connected to the motor vehicle's onboard power supply and is powered by the onboard power supply. This electric motor is particularly suitable for this purpose. For example, the motor vehicle's onboard power supply is a low-voltage onboard power supply and carries a voltage of, for example, 12 volts, 24 volts, or 48 volts. Alternatively, the voltage applied to the electric motor or the motor vehicle's onboard power supply during operation is 288 volts, 450 volts, 650 volts, or 830 volts.

[0010] The electric motor is particularly preferably a component of a refrigerant drive, which is therefore an electric refrigerant drive or an electric motor-type refrigerant drive. The electric refrigerant drive, as an electric refrigerant compressor (eKMV), is particularly part of a refrigerant circuit of a motor vehicle, by means of which, during operation, the interior of the motor vehicle is tempered and / or the energy storage of the motor vehicle is cooled. In particular, the electric refrigerant drive comprises a compressor or a compressor head, such as a scroll compressor. The electric refrigerant drive is particularly preferably used to compress a refrigerant, for example a chemical refrigerant such as R134a or R1234yf. Alternatively, CO2 is a suitable refrigerant.

[0011] The electric motor of the electric machine is preferably designed as a brushless motor, for example, as a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. The electric motor thus has a stator with at least one electric coil as a stator winding, which at least partially forms an electromagnet. The stator preferably includes a plurality of such electric coils, for example, two, three, six, or twelve. The electric coils are preferably interconnected to form the electric phases of the electric motor, for which purpose they are suitably electrically connected in parallel or in series. The electric phases themselves are in particular electrically connected to one another in a delta or star connection. The electric motor is preferably designed as a three-phase, six-phase, or twelve-phase motor.

[0012] Current is supplied to the stator winding or the voltage applied to it is tapped off using a printed circuit board, which is typically part of the electronics. The stator winding is electrically contacted with the printed circuit board's bridge circuit. The printed circuit board preferably has a carrier, typically made of a fabric, such as fiberglass fabric or paper, which is preferably surrounded by a matrix, such as epoxy resin or at least including epoxy resin. In particular, conductor tracks are attached to and / or embedded in the carrier. For example, the conductor tracks themselves are made of copper.

[0013] The bridge circuit preferably has four, six, or twelve bridge arms, thus forming a B4, B6, or B12 circuit. Each two bridge arms are assigned to one of the electrical phases of the electric motor, and / or the bridge circuit is preferably directed to the DC side, which is in particular in electrical contact with the vehicle electrical system. The conjunction "and / or" here and below should be understood to mean that the features linked by this conjunction can be configured jointly or as alternatives to one another. Each bridge arm preferably comprises a semiconductor element, in particular a semiconductor switch, preferably a power semiconductor switch. In particular, the power electronics are provided by a printed circuit board or are a component of the power electronics.

[0014] The electric motor has an electronics housing, which is, for example, a component of the motor's housing. In particular, the housing / electronics housing is made of metal, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The housing is preferably die-cast. The circuit board is arranged within the electronics housing, with the stator, and in particular the stator windings, located outside the electronics housing. In particular, the circuit board is arranged parallel to the housing wall. The electronics housing itself is preferably airtight and pressure-tight in the assembled state, thereby substantially preventing damage to the circuit board.

[0015] The electric motor has, for example, a bolt-shaped or pin-shaped phase connector (phase pin), which is in electrical contact with the stator winding of the stator. If the electric motor has multiple phases, the phase connector is therefore in particular a connector to one of the electrical phases of the stator. The phase connector is held fixedly within the electronics box. For example, the phase connector is fastened to the wall of the electronics box. Thus, electrical contact is made through the wall of the electronics box by means of the phase connector, wherein at least one section of the phase connector is fixedly positioned at a defined, specific location within the electronics box. The phase connector is particularly rigidly fastened to the housing wall of the electronics box.

[0016] The circuit board or its carrier has a top side and a bottom side that are flat surfaces. The bridge circuit is carried on the top side facing away from the stator or the housing wall and is in contact with the conductor tracks. In this case, the circuit board has contact elements for plugging into the phase connectors. In other words, the phase connectors are electrically plugged into the circuit board by means of the contact elements. The contact elements themselves are electrically contacted with the bridge circuit of the circuit board, for example by means of conductor tracks. The contact elements are preferably rigidly connected to other components of the circuit board, in particular on the carrier of the circuit board. The contact elements are implemented as pluggable power supply elements or as pluggable high-current contacts and are particularly suitable, preferably configured, for carrying currents exceeding 100 amperes, 150 amperes or 200 amperes, wherein the current carrying capacity is, for example, less than 1000 amperes, 900 amperes or 800 amperes.

[0017] According to the present invention, the plug-in contact, i.e., the connection and electrical contact, is made on the bottom side of the printed circuit board facing the stator. In other words, the printed circuit board contacts the phase connections via contact elements on the side of the printed circuit board that is arranged opposite the bridge circuit. This means that the overall height of the contact elements is oriented toward the phase connections, thereby reducing the installation space required for the surface with the bridge circuit. This results in a particularly suitable and compact electric motor.

[0018] The stator is preferably arranged within the housing and is, for example, essentially designed as a hollow cylinder. The electronics box is preferably located on the end side of the hollow cylindrical stator. In particular, the stator surrounds the rotor on the circumference, the rotor is also positioned within the housing and is supported in a manner that can rotate around the axis of rotation. For example, the rotor itself has a plurality of permanent magnets. During the electric motor operation of the electric motor, in particular the electric coils of the stator winding, preferably a plurality of electric coils, are energized by means of a circuit board, thereby providing a rotating magnetic field. By means of the magnetic interaction between the permanent magnet(s) of the rotor and the electromagnet(s) of the stator formed by means of the electric coil(s), the rotor is set in rotational motion about the axis of rotation. For example, if the electric motor is a component of a refrigerant drive, the compressor or the compressor head is connected to the rotor. The compressor is preferably located on the side of the stator opposite to the electronics box.

[0019] The phase connection and the contact element are preferably made of metal, in particular of the same material, for example copper, which reduces any electrical resistance of the electrical contact.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical (plug-in) contact is made perpendicular to the underside. In other words, the phase connector is inserted substantially vertically into the contact element. The vertical direction or normal direction is oriented substantially parallel to the axial direction of the electric motor or stator. This allows for particularly simple and convenient contacting, which simplifies the assembly and manufacture of the electric motor.

[0021] In a suitable development, the electrical contact between the contact element and the phase connector is realized in a contact plane that is parallel to and spaced apart from the circuit board plane of the circuit board. This means that the contact points of the electrical contact between the contact element and the phase connector are arranged spaced apart from the underside of the circuit board. The phase connector and the contact element are preferably rigidly connected to other components of the motor, in particular to the housing wall of the electronics compartment or to the circuit board. Since the contact plane or the contact point is spaced apart from the circuit board, (axial) tolerance compensation occurs when the two components move relative to each other during operation, so that even in the worst case, for example when one of the two components is deformed compared to the other component due to pressure or heat input, the electrical connection between the two connectors is always ensured. Tolerance compensation is also present during the assembly process, so that the individual components can be manufactured with larger manufacturing tolerances, which reduces manufacturing costs.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the contact element is implemented as a socket, in particular as an SMD socket, i.e., a surface-mounted device (SMD) socket. This means that the contact element is soldered directly to the circuit board via solderable connection surfaces. This ensures particularly simple assembly and contacting of the contact element with the circuit board. The phase connector serves as a mating plug for the socket.

[0023] The contact element is implemented, for example, in the form of a cage with a plurality of curved elastic struts, which, in the plug contact state, rest against the phase connector in a mechanically prestressed clamping manner. Due to the curved, flexible struts, the contact element is designed to be flexible in a transverse direction oriented transversely to the insertion direction, so that the electrical connection between the contact element and the phase connector is essentially flexible. In this design of the contact element, length and / or tension compensation as well as lateral compensation between the contact element and the phase connector are possible. In particular, the contact element or the struts can be elastically deformed, which simplifies assembly and results in relatively safe operation, wherein electrical contact between the phase connector and the contact element always exists even if the electronics box oscillates or deforms. Here, the contact element is implemented, for example, as the PowerBasket product of Würth Elektronik.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the printed circuit board has a through-opening that is surrounded on its periphery by the contact element, and the free end of the phase connector extends at least partially through the through-opening. The equipment and installation space required for the electrical contacting are realized on the bottom side, wherein the through-opening enables visual inspection or testing of the contacts from the top side facing away from the plug (penetration test). This allows simple and reliable testing or inspection of the plug contacts during assembly.

[0025] In one possible embodiment, the contact element makes electrical contact with the printed circuit board on the top side. In other words, the contact element is implemented as a via in the printed circuit board. Thus, the contact element extends sectionally through the printed circuit board, for example, in a recess or through-opening in the printed circuit board. This ensures a particularly low overall height for the contact element and printed circuit board. Furthermore, the electrical contacts can be inspected or tested from the top side of the printed circuit board.

[0026] In one conceivable embodiment, the phase connection is formed by an enameled wire. The approximately cylindrical or pin-shaped phase connection or phase pin has a round cross-sectional shape, for example, a diameter of 3 mm (millimeter).

[0027] In a suitable refinement, the phase connector is integral with the electric coil of the electric motor, i.e., is formed as a single piece or monolithic unit. The phase connector is preferably formed by the end of the electric coil. Alternatively, the phase connector is a separate component that is in electrical contact, in particular direct electrical contact, with the electric coil and is preferably mechanically connected, for example, by soldering or welding to the electric coil. Particularly preferably, the phase connector is in direct contact with the electric coil.

[0028] When an electric motor is used as an electric drive or electric motor drive for a refrigerant drive, a large amount of heat is generated when high currents are applied to the stator windings. For cooling purposes, the electric motor is flushed with, for example, coolant and / or motor fluid (motor oil) during operation. This requires a fluid-tight and pressure-tight separation between the electric motor and the electronics housing to prevent the semiconductor switches in the bridge circuit from being damaged or disrupted.

[0029] Therefore, an additional or further aspect of the present invention provides for the phase connector to be routed through the housing wall. In other words, one end of the phase connector is located inside the electronics compartment, while the other end is located outside the electronics compartment, with the two areas separated by the housing wall. The stator electrical winding is preferably connected to the end of the phase connector located outside the electronics compartment. Route through the housing wall stabilizes the phase connector and simplifies electrical contact with the contact element.

[0030] The phase connectors are preferably positioned in a positively and / or non-positively locking manner within the recesses in the housing wall. In particular, a pressure-tight and fluid-tight seal exists between the phase connectors and the housing wall. This allows the electronics compartment to be designed to be pressure-tight and fluid-tight, thereby preventing potential damage or contamination of the circuit boards. In particular, the phase connectors extend in an axial direction, and the housing wall is arranged substantially perpendicular to this axial direction, i.e., parallel to the circuit boards.

[0031] A "positive fit" or a "positive connection" between at least two connected components is understood here and hereinafter to mean that the connected components are held together at least in one direction by direct engagement of the contours of the components themselves or by indirect engagement via additional connecting elements. The "impediment" of mutual movement in this direction is therefore due to the shape.

[0032] A "non-positive connection" or "non-positive connection" between at least two connected components is understood here and hereinafter to mean that the connected components are prevented from sliding against each other due to frictional forces acting between them. Without a "connecting force" that causes such frictional forces (i.e., a force pressing the components against each other, such as screw forces or the force of weight), the non-positive connection would not be maintained and could therefore become loose.

[0033] The advantages and configurations listed with respect to the machine can also be transferred to the refrigerant drive, and vice versa.

[0034] The refrigerant drive according to the present invention is a component of a motor vehicle and includes an electric motor as described above as an electric drive or electric motor drive for a compressor or compressor head. The refrigerant drive is particularly designed as an electric motor refrigerant compressor or electric refrigerant compressor (eKMV). The electric motor comprises, for example, a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. Preferably, the refrigerant compressor, in particular the electric motor, is / can be electrically contacted with the onboard electrical system of the motor vehicle and / or is / can be operated with a voltage of a few volts up to 1000 V, in particular a voltage of 12 V, 24 V, 48 V, 288 V, 450 V, 650 V, or 830 V.

[0035] During operation, the refrigerant is compressed by means of a refrigerant compressor. The refrigerant is, for example, a chemical refrigerant such as R134a or R1234yf. Alternatively, the refrigerant is CO2. The refrigerant compressor is preferably designed so that it can be used to compress the respective refrigerant, achieving, for example, a pressure increase of between 5 bar and 20 bar. The refrigerant compressor is, in particular, a component of a refrigeration circuit, which is used, for example, to temperature-control the interior or to cool an energy storage device, such as a high-voltage battery, in a motor vehicle. For example, an electric motor-type refrigerant compressor is coupled to a bus system, in particular a LIN or CAN bus, for signaling purposes.

[0036] The electric motor has a stator with electrical coils, particularly a plurality of coils combined to form a stator winding, forming a plurality of electrical phases. The motor also includes an electronics housing and a circuit board disposed therein. Phase connectors are positionally fixed within the electronics housing and are in electrical contact with the stator winding or the electrical coils. These phase connectors also make electrical plug-in contact with the circuit board via contact elements. In particular, a bridge circuit is used to energize the electrical coils or phases.

[0037] The bridge circuit preferably has a number of bridge arms corresponding to the number of electrical coils / phases. In particular, the number of bridge arms is equal to an integer multiple of the number of electrical phases and / or the number of electrical coils. For example, an intermediate circuit capacitor is assigned to each bridge arm. Each bridge arm in particular has two semiconductor switches connected in series, in particular power semiconductor switches. The power semiconductor switches are configured and set up for switching currents with a current intensity of at least 1A, 2A, 5A or 10A. The power semiconductor switches are preferably IGBTs or field effect transistors (FETs), in particular DirectFETs. In particular, two power semiconductor switches are connected in parallel to each other, so that each bridge arm includes four such power semiconductor switches. In this way, the current carried by the respective power semiconductor switches is reduced, which reduces manufacturing costs.

[0038] The refrigerant drive or refrigerant compressor is advantageously part of a refrigerant circuit comprising an (air conditioning) condenser and an evaporator, as well as a refrigerant compressor. The condenser is fluidically connected between the refrigerant compressor and the evaporator. The refrigerant circuit preferably includes a further heat exchanger, which is connected between the evaporator and the refrigerant compressor and is preferably in thermal contact with further components of the motor vehicle, such as the blower circuit of the air conditioning system or an energy storage device, such as a high-pressure accumulator. The refrigerant circuit is in particular filled with a refrigerant, for example a chemical refrigerant such as R134a or R1234yf, or with CO2.

[0039] During operation, the refrigerant pressure is increased by means of the refrigerant compressor, which is then directed to a condenser, preferably in thermal contact with the vehicle's surroundings. The condenser preferably achieves temperature equilibration between the refrigerant and the surroundings, or at least a reduction in the refrigerant temperature. The refrigerant is expanded by means of a downstream evaporator, thereby further reducing its temperature. In a further downstream heat exchanger, heat energy is transferred from components in thermal contact with the further heat exchanger to the refrigerant, resulting in cooling of the components and heating of the refrigerant. The heated refrigerant is preferably fed back to the refrigerant compressor to close the refrigerant circuit.

[0040] The statements made with respect to the electric motor and / or the refrigerant drive also apply to the application, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The following embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0042] Figure 1 An electric refrigerant drive having a motor and a compressor is shown in perspective view;

[0043] Figure 2A schematic simplified illustration of a refrigerant driver is shown in cross-section;

[0044] Figure 3 The refrigerant driver is shown in side view without the housing;

[0045] Figure 4 A perspective detail shows a through-hole of a phase connector and a printed circuit board contacted therewith by means of a contact element;

[0046] Figure 5 A first embodiment of a contact element and a circuit board is shown in a schematic side view;

[0047] Figure 6 A second embodiment of a contact element and a circuit board is shown in a schematic side view; and

[0048] Figure 7 A first embodiment of a contact element and a printed circuit board is shown in a schematic side view.

[0049] In all figures, corresponding parts and dimensions are always provided with the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Figure 1 The refrigerant drive 2 shown in the figure is preferably installed as a refrigerant compressor in the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system (not shown) of a motor vehicle. The electric motor refrigerant compressor 2 has an electric (electric motor) drive in the form of an electric motor 4 and a compressor (compressor head) 6 coupled thereto.

[0051] The machine 4 on the one hand and the compressor 6 on the other hand are constructed in a modular manner, so that, for example, the machine 4 can be connected to different compressors 6. The transition area formed between the modules 4 and 6 has a mechanical interface 8 with a drive-side bearing shield 10. The compressor 6 is connected to the machine 4 via the mechanical interface 8 for drive technology and has a scroll compressor 11 that can be driven by the machine.

[0052] For assembly or fastening, the compressor 6 is joined (screwed, connected) to the drive or machine 4 by means of peripherally distributed flange connections extending in the axial direction A of the refrigerant compressor 1. In the figures, the flange connections 12 are provided with reference numerals merely as an example.

[0053] The machine 4, also referred to below as a drive, comprises a pot-shaped drive housing or machine housing 14 having two housing sub-areas 14a and 14b, which are connected by an integrally integrated housing intermediate wall 14c ( Figure 2 ) are separated from each other in a fluid-tight and pressure-tight manner within the driver housing 14. The driver housing 14 is preferably manufactured from a die-cast part made of an aluminum material.

[0054] and Figure 2 It can also be seen that the compressor-side housing subregion is designed as a motor housing 14a for accommodating an electric motor 16. The motor housing 14a is closed on the one hand by a housing intermediate wall 14c and on the other hand by a bearing shield 10. The housing subregion opposite the intermediate wall 14c, also referred to below as the housing wall, is designed as an electronics housing 14b, in which an electronics compartment 18 is configured for accommodating electronics 20 for controlling the electric motor 16.

[0055] The driver housing 14a has a refrigerant inlet or refrigerant inflow 22 for connection to the refrigerant circuit, wherein a refrigerant outlet 26 is arranged on the bottom of the compressor housing 24. In the connected state, the inlet 22 forms the low-pressure or suction side (suction gas side) and the outlet 26 forms the high-pressure or pump side (pumping side) of the refrigerant driver 2.

[0056] Figure 2 The refrigerant drive 2 in the form of an electric motor is shown schematically and simplified in a sectional view along the axis of rotation 28 of the electric motor 16. The electric motor is a brushless DC motor (BLDC) and has a cylindrical rotor 30. The rotor is surrounded on the circumference by a hollow cylindrical stator 32. The rotor 30 comprises a plurality of permanent magnets and is mounted on bearings 36 ( Figure 3 ) and the end shield 10 is supported rotatably about the axis of rotation 28. The stator 32 has a plurality of electrical coils which are energized by means of the electronics 20 which are in turn connected, for example, to the bus system and the onboard electrical system of the motor vehicle.

[0057] In this and the following, an “axial” or axial direction A is understood to mean, in particular, a direction parallel (coaxial) to the rotation axis 28 of the electric motor 16, i.e., perpendicular to the end face of the stator 32. Correspondingly, in this and the following, a “radial” or radial direction R is understood to mean, in particular, a direction 16 along a radius of the stator 32 or the electric motor 16, oriented perpendicularly (transversely) to the rotation axis 28 of the electric motor 16. In this and the following, a “tangential” or “tangential direction” is understood to mean, in particular, a direction along the circumference of the stator 32 or the electric motor 16 (peripheral direction, azimuthal direction), i.e., a direction perpendicular to the axial direction A and the radial direction R.

[0058] The electronics 20 are arranged in the electronics compartment 18 of the electronics housing 14b, which is separated from the stator 32 and the rotor 30 by the housing wall 14c. A housing cover 38, which is releasably fastened to the electronics housing 14b by screws, closes the access opening of the electronics housing 14b. When the housing cover 38 is opened, the electronics 20 is mounted in the electronics compartment 18. Even when the housing cover 38 is removed, the electronics 20 can still be easily accessed for maintenance or repair purposes.

[0059] The electronic component 20 has a printed circuit board or PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 40 arranged parallel to the housing wall 14c. The bridge circuit 42 of the printed circuit board 40 is in contact with the multi-phase stator winding 50 of the stator 32 formed by coils 48 via phase connections 44, which are connected by means of through-holes 46 ( Figure 3 、 Figure 4 ) is guided axially through the housing wall 14c and held fixed in position. The coil windings of the individual coils 48 are interconnected in a star or delta connection to form stator or motor phases in an interconnection ring 52 placed on the stator 32 at the end. These are then guided to the bridge circuit 42 via axially extending through-holes 46 and phase connections 44 extending therefrom. The bridge circuit 42 is supplied with power from the vehicle electrical system via two connections 54.

[0060] As in Figure 3 As can be seen in the illustration of FIG, the stator 32 has a six-phase stator winding 50 and therefore correspondingly has six through-holes 46 and six phase connections 44. The phase connections 44, also referred to as phase pins, have a cylindrical, peg-shaped, or pin-shaped geometry. The phase connections 44 are preferably designed with a circular cross-section and have a diameter of, for example, 3 mm (millimeter).

[0061] The phase connections 44 are, for example, integrally, i.e., one-piece or monolithically, implemented with the stator winding 50. In this case, the phase connections 44 are essentially designed as coil ends of the coils 48. Alternatively, the phase connections 44 are each implemented as a separate component that is in electrical contact, in particular direct electrical contact, with the respective electrical coil 48 within the interconnection ring 52 and is preferably mechanically connected thereto, for example, soldered or welded thereto.

[0062] Here, the phase connections 44 are in electrically conductive contact with the bridge circuit 42 by means of an associated contact element 56 on the underside 58 of the printed circuit board 40. The underside 58 is understood here to be, in particular, the surface of the printed circuit board 40 that faces the stator 32 or the housing wall 14c, regardless of its actual orientation in space. Accordingly, the surface of the printed circuit board 40 that is opposite the underside 58, in particular, on which the bridge circuit 42 is arranged and that faces away from the stator 32 or the housing wall 14c, is also referred to below as the top side 60.

[0063] Figure 4 An embodiment of the refrigerant driver 2 as a 470V refrigerant compressor is shown in FIG. Figure 4 As can be seen more clearly in the view of FIG, the approximately cage-shaped contact element 56 is provided for electrical plug-in contact with the phase connection 44 and is also suitable and designed for this purpose.

[0064] Figure 5The contact element 56, shown separately in the figure, has a roughly annular contact region 62 for electrical contact and mechanical fastening to the circuit board 40. In this embodiment, the contact region or contact ring 62 has, for example, four vertical, axially upright struts 64 as flexurally resilient wings, which point obliquely or skewly relative to the contact ring 62 toward the center axis (not specifically labeled) of the contact element 56. The struts 64 are provided with reference numerals in the figure for exemplary purposes only. The contact element 56 is thus designed as a socket for the phase connector 44.

[0065] The space surrounded by the struts 64 narrows radially in a contact plane K axially spaced apart from the contact ring 62 to a diameter smaller than the diameter of the phase connector 44. The free ends of the struts 64 widen radially outward from the contact plane K, thereby enabling simplified introduction or insertion of the phase connector 44.

[0066] In the plugged contact state, the struts 64 therefore bear against the outer circumference of the phase connection 44 with a certain mechanical prestress or spring tension, thereby ensuring a reliable electrical contact even in the event of oscillations or vibrations occurring during operation.

[0067] According to the invention, the contact plane K is axially spaced apart from the circuit board plane, in particular the underside 58, of the circuit board 40 (not specifically designated). Figure 4 It can be seen more clearly that the phase connector 44 for plug-type contact is inserted essentially vertically or axially from the bottom side 58 or the housing wall 14 c into the contact element 56 .

[0068] The contact element 56 is designed here, in particular, as an SMD socket, which means that the contact ring 62 is designed as a solderable connection surface which is soldered directly to the conductor track 68 of the printed circuit board 40 by means of a solder connection 66 .

[0069] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, the contact element 56 is fastened to the upper side 60 of the circuit board 40. In this case, the circuit board 40 has a drill hole or a through-opening (PCB penetration) 70, through which the support 64 is guided to the lower side 58. The contact ring 62 surrounds the through-opening 70 on the peripheral side. In other words, the contact ring 62 is arranged on the edge of the through-opening 70. This arrangement of the contact element 56 is also referred to below as a plug-in assembly. On the one hand, the plug-in assembly has a particularly low structural height of the contact element 56 and the circuit board 44. On the other hand, due to the central recess of the through-opening 70 and the contact ring 62, it is possible to carry out a visual inspection or examination of the electrical contacts, in particular from the upper side 60 of the circuit board 40, that is, when the housing cover 38 is open.

[0070] The following is based on Figure 6 and Figure 7, two alternative embodiments for arranging and contacting or mounting the contact element 56 are described.

[0071] Figure 6 The embodiment of FIG shows the structural assembly of the contact element 56 on the underside 58 of the circuit board 40. In this embodiment, the contact ring 62 is arranged on the edge of the underside of the through-opening 70. In such a structural assembly, the equipment and the installation space are occupied on the same side of the circuit board, and the penetration test of the electrical contact can still be carried out due to the through-opening 70.

[0072] exist Figure 7 In a variant, the contact element 56 is mounted on the underside 58 of the circuit board 40 without the through-opening 70 . This embodiment allows for additional installation space on the top side 60 of the circuit board 40 , in particular opposite the contact element 56 .

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Rather, those skilled in the art may derive other variations of the present invention therefrom without departing from the subject matter of the present invention. In particular, all individual features described in conjunction with the embodiments may also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the present invention.

[0074] It is essential that the phase connection 44 and the contact element 56 are brought into contact or plug-in contact from the bottom side 58 or the housing wall 14 c .

[0075] Reference Signs List

[0076] 2 Refrigerant driver / refrigerant compressor

[0077] 4 Machine / Drive

[0078] 6 Compressor

[0079] 8 Interface

[0080] 10 Bearing end cover

[0081] 11 Scroll compressor

[0082] 12 Flange connection

[0083] 14 Driver housing

[0084] 14a Housing subarea / motor housing

[0085] 14b Housing subarea / electronics housing

[0086] 14c Housing intermediate wall / housing wall

[0087] 16 Electric Motor

[0088] 18 Electronics Box

[0089] 20 Electronic devices

[0090] 22 Entrance

[0091] 24 Compressor housing

[0092] 26 plugs

[0093] 28 Rotation axis

[0094] 30 rotors

[0095] 32 stator

[0096] 34 axis

[0097] 36 bearings

[0098] 38 Housing cover

[0099] 40 circuit boards

[0100] 42 Bridge Circuit

[0101] 44-phase connector

[0102] 46 vias

[0103] 48 Coils

[0104] 50 stator winding

[0105] 52 interconnected rings

[0106] 54 connector

[0107] 56 contact elements

[0108] 58 lower side

[0109] 60 upper side

[0110] 62 Contact area / contact ring

[0111] 64 Pillars

[0112] 66 Brazing connection

[0113] 68 conductor traces

[0114] 70 through opening

[0115] A Axial direction

[0116] R radial direction

[0117] K contact plane

Claims

1. An electric motor (4) for a motor vehicle, comprising an electric motor (16) and an electronics housing (18), the electronics housing having a circuit board (40) arranged therein and having phase connectors (44) held in an orientationally fixed manner within the electronics housing (18), the phase connectors being in electrical contact with stator windings (50) of a stator (32) of the electric motor (16), -in, A bridge circuit is carried on the upper side (60) of the circuit board (40), wherein the printed circuit board (40) has contact elements (56) for electrically plug-connecting the phase connectors (44), wherein the contact element (56) is in electrical contact with the circuit board (40) at the upper side (60), wherein the printed circuit board (40) has a through-opening (70) which is surrounded on the circumference by the contact element (56) on the upper side (60), wherein the free end of the phase connector (44) is guided at least in sections through the through-opening (70), wherein the contact element (56) is guided from the upper side (60) through a through-opening (70) toward the lower side (58) of the printed circuit board (40) opposite the upper side (60), wherein the plug-in contact is realized on the underside (58) of the printed circuit board (40), wherein the electrical contact between the contact element (56) and the phase connection (44) is effected in a contact plane (K) which is parallel to and spaced apart from the bottom side (58).

2. The electric motor (4) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The electrical contacting is effected perpendicularly to the underside (58).

3. The electric machine (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, It is characterized in that The contact element (56) is embodied as a socket.

4. The electric machine (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, It is characterized in that The phase connector (44) is formed by enameled wire.

5. The electric machine (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, It is characterized in that The phase connections (44) are formed by coil ends of the coils (48) of the stator winding (50).

6. The electric machine (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, It is characterized in that The phase connection (44) is guided through the housing wall (14c).

7. The electric machine (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, It is characterized in that The contact element (56) is embodied as an SMD socket.

8. An electric refrigerant drive (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising a compressor (6) which is drive-coupled to an electric machine (4) according to claim 1.

9. The electric refrigerant driver according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The electric refrigerant drive is a refrigerant compressor for a vehicle air conditioning system.

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