Electric compressor and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

The invention provides an electric compressor and a manufacturing method thereof, and the electric compressor can integrate a substrate, a switch element, and a fixing plate for pressing the switch element to a box body as an assembly part through a simple structure and assemble the assembly part to the box body. In an electric compressor (1) in which a substrate (51) to which a switching element (5) is connected is assembled in a case (11), the electric compressor (1) is provided with a spring-like fixing plate (57) disposed between the switching element (5) and the substrate (51), the fixing plate (57) being held by the switching element (5) and pressing the switching element (5) against the case (11) in a state in which the substrate (51) is assembled in the case (11). The fixing plate (57) has: a spring section that presses the switching element (5) against the case (11); and a positioning part that engages with the through hole of the switching element (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric compressor for assembling a substrate connected with a switching element to a case and a manufacturing method thereof. Background Art

[0002] For example, as a refrigerant compressor for an air conditioning device of an electric vehicle, an inverter integrated type electric compressor having an inverter in a case is used. In this case, a motor chamber for housing a motor and an inverter housing portion for housing an inverter and partitioned from the motor chamber are formed in the case of the electric compressor.

[0003] Moreover, the following structure is adopted: switching elements (such as IGBTs) of the inverter are provided on a partition wall between the motor chamber and the inverter housing portion, and the partition wall is used as a radiator. For example, by pressing the partition wall (radiator) with a leaf spring shown in Patent Document 1, the switching elements are fixed to the partition wall and cooled by low-temperature refrigerant flowing on the motor chamber side of the partition wall (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5644706 Patent Document 2: WO2021 / 118135

[0005] Here, in order to improve the workability when assembling a substrate and switching elements constituting an inverter to a case, a method of pre-assembling and integrating the substrate and the switching elements and assembling the integrated member to the case can be considered (for example, refer to Patent Document 2).

[0006] However, since the conventional method is a structure in which a spring for pressing a switching element to a case is pre-assembled to a resin frame and the resin frame is integrally assembled with the case and the switching elements, there are problems of a large number of component parts and a complicated structure. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention is proposed to solve the above-mentioned conventional technical problems, and aims to provide an electric compressor and a manufacturing method thereof which can integrate a substrate, a switching element, and a fixing plate for pressing the switching element to a case into an assembly with a simple structure and assemble the assembly to the case.

[0008] In the electric compressor according to the invention of Mode 1, a substrate is assembled to a case, and a switching element is connected to the substrate. The electric compressor includes a fixing plate disposed between the switching element and the substrate and having spring elasticity as a whole or at least in part. The fixing plate is held by the switching element and presses the switching element to the case in a state where the substrate is assembled to the case.

[0009] Based on the above invention, the electric compressor of the invention of Mode 2 has a substrate fastening portion on the substrate for fastening the substrate to the casing, and the fixing plate has: a fixing plate fastening portion formed at a position corresponding to the substrate fastening portion; a spring portion for applying a force to the switching element toward the casing; and a positioning portion engaged with the switching element.

[0010] Based on the above invention, the electric compressor of the invention of Mode 3 has a positioning portion protruding from the spring portion, and the fixing plate is held on the switching element by engaging the positioning portion with a through hole of the switching element.

[0011] Based on the above invention, the electric compressor of the invention of Mode 4 has a plurality of switching elements connected to the substrate, and the fixing plate has: a plurality of spring portions for applying forces to the respective switching elements; positioning portions respectively formed on the respective spring portions; and terminal passing portions for the terminals of the respective switching elements to pass through.

[0012] When assembling a substrate connected with a switching element to a casing in the manufacturing method of the electric compressor of the invention of Mode 5, prepare a fixing plate which has a spring portion for applying a force to the switching element toward the casing, a positioning portion engaged with the switching element, a terminal passing portion for the terminal of the switching element to pass through, and a fixing plate fastening portion. Arrange the fixing plate between the switching element and the substrate. With the positioning portion of the fixing plate engaged with the through hole of the switching element and the fixing plate fastening portion of the fixing plate corresponding to the substrate fastening portion formed on the substrate, connect the terminal of the switching element passing through the terminal passing portion of the fixing plate to the substrate, so as to integrally assemble the switching element, the fixing plate and the substrate.

[0013] Based on the above invention, in the manufacturing method of the electric compressor of the invention of Mode 6, after arranging the assembled switching element, fixing plate and substrate in the casing with the switching element on the casing side, pass a fastener through the substrate fastening portion and the fixing plate fastening portion, and fasten the substrate and the fixing plate together by threadedly connecting the fastener to the casing, so as to assemble to the casing, and press the switching element to the casing by the spring portion of the fixing plate.

[0014] Based on the above invention, in the manufacturing method of the electric compressor of the invention of Mode 7, adjust the load for pressing the switching element to the casing by changing the free length of the spring portion of the fixing plate or adjusting the rigidity of the fixing plate.

[0015] According to the present invention, in an electric compressor in which a substrate connected with a switching element is assembled to a housing, it is configured that a fixing plate which is disposed between the switching element and the substrate and has spring property as a whole or at least in part is provided, the fixing plate is held by the switching element, and the switching element is pressed against the housing in a state where the substrate is assembled to the housing. Therefore, the switching element, the fixing plate, and the substrate can be pre-assembled integrally with a simple structure, and the assembled components can be assembled to the housing, and in the assembled state, the switching element is pressed against the housing by the fixing plate.

[0016] Thereby, the number of components can be reduced to achieve cost reduction, and the workability when assembling the substrate connected with the switching element to the housing can be improved.

[0017] In this case, a fixing plate fastening portion is formed on the fixing plate, and the fixing plate fastening portion is formed at a position corresponding to a substrate fastening portion for fastening the substrate to the housing. Further, by providing a spring portion for applying a force to the switching element toward the housing and a positioning portion engaged with the switching element on the fixing plate, the substrate and the fixing plate can be fastened to the housing without any obstacles by a fastener, and the pressing of the switching element against the housing by the fixing plate and the holding of the switching element by the fixing plate can be stably achieved.

[0018] In addition, as long as a positioning portion of the fixing plate is formed to protrude from the spring portion and the positioning portion is engaged with a through hole of the switching element, so that the fixing plate is held by the switching element, the pressing of the switching element against the housing by the fixing plate and the holding of the switching element by the fixing plate can be achieved with a simple structure.

[0019] Furthermore, in a case where a plurality of switching elements are connected to the substrate, by forming a plurality of spring portions for applying forces to the respective switching elements on the fixing plate, and forming positioning portions on the respective spring portions, each switching element can be stably pressed against the housing, and by providing a terminal passing portion on the fixing plate through which terminals of the respective switching elements pass, the terminals of the respective switching elements can be connected to the substrate without any obstacles.

[0020] In addition, as long as the load for pressing the switching element against the housing is adjusted by changing the free length of the spring portion of the fixing plate or adjusting the rigidity of the fixing plate, the switching element can be safely and stably pressed against the housing with a simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electric compressor to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the electric compressor. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a state where a cover member of the electric compressor is removed. Figure 1 of the electric compressor. Figure 4 is Figure 1 exploded perspective view of an electric compressor. Figure 5 is from Figure 1 perspective view of the surface of the inverter of the electric compressor. Figure 6 is from Figure 5 perspective view of the back of the inverter. Figure 7 is Figure 5 side view of the inverter. Figure 8 is Figure 5 exploded perspective view of the inverter. Figure 9 is Figure 5 enlarged sectional view of the switching element part of the inverter. Figure 10 is Figure 9 enlarged perspective view of the main part. Figure 11 is at Figure 1 perspective view of the part of the inverter housing part formed in the casing of the electric compressor. Figure 12 is to illustrate Figure 5 exploded perspective view of the positional relationship between the bolts fastening the inverter to the casing and the inverter. Figure 13 is from Figure 12 perspective view of the surface of the inverter in the state where the bolt passes through. Figure 14 is from Figure 13 perspective view of the back of the inverter. Figure 15 is Figure 13 side view of the inverter. Figure 16 is to illustrate Figure 1 exploded perspective view of the positional relationship between the bolts fastening the inverter and the cover member of the electric compressor to the casing and the inverter and the cover member. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of an electric compressor 1 to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the electric compressor 1, Figure 3 is a perspective view in a state where the cover member 15 is removed.

[0023] (1) Structure of the electric compressor 1 The electric compressor 1 of the embodiment is used, for example, in the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner for an electric vehicle, sucks in a refrigerant that is the working fluid of the air conditioner, compresses it, and discharges it into a discharge pipe. The electric compressor 1 is a so-called horizontally-mounted inverter-integrated scroll electric compressor, and includes a three-phase electric motor 2 of the embodiment as a motor, an inverter 3 for operating the electric motor 2, and a scroll compression mechanism 4 as a compression mechanism driven by the electric motor 2.

[0024] The electric compressor 1 of the embodiment includes: a main body housing 7 that houses the electric motor 2 and the center housing 6 inside; an inverter housing portion 8 formed at one end side of the main body housing 7 and housing the inverter 3 inside; and a rear housing 9 attached to the other end side of the main body housing 7. Both the main body housing 7 and the rear housing 9 are made of metal (aluminum in the embodiment), and they are integrally joined to form the housing 11 of the electric compressor 1 of the embodiment.

[0025] A motor chamber 12 for housing the electric motor 2 is formed inside the main body housing 7, and one end surface of the motor chamber 12 is substantially closed by the end wall 7A of the main body housing 7. Moreover, this end wall 7A serves as a partition wall that divides the motor chamber 12 and the inverter housing portion 8. The other end surface of the motor chamber 12 is open. After housing the electric motor 2 into this opening, the center housing 6 is housed. In addition, a sub-bearing 16 for rotatably supporting one end portion of the drive shaft 14 of the electric motor 2 is installed on the inner surface (motor chamber 12 side) of the end wall 7A.

[0026] The center housing 6 is open on the side opposite to the electric motor 2 (the other end side). After housing the movable scroll disk 22, which will be described later, of the scroll compression mechanism 4 into this opening, the opening is closed by fixing the rear housing 9 to the main body housing 7. The fixed scroll disk 21, which will also be described later, of the scroll compression mechanism 4 is fixed to the rear housing 9.

[0027] In addition, a through hole 17 for the other end portion of the drive shaft 14 of the electric motor 2 to pass through is formed in the center housing 6, and a main bearing 18 is installed inside the center housing 6 on the scroll compression mechanism 4 side of the through hole 17. The main bearing 18 rotatably supports the other end portion of the drive shaft 14 on the scroll compression mechanism 4 side.

[0028] The electric motor 2 is composed of a stator 25 that is wound with a coil and fixed to the inner side of the peripheral wall of the main body housing 7, and a rotor 35 that rotates inside the stator 25. Moreover, for example, it is configured that the inverter 3 converts the DC voltage from a vehicle battery (not shown) into a three-phase AC voltage and applies it to the coil of the stator 25 of the electric motor 2, thereby driving the rotor 35 to rotate. And the drive shaft 14 is fixed to the rotor 35.

[0029] In addition, a suction port 30 is formed in the main body housing 7. The refrigerant sucked in from the suction port 30 flows into the central housing 6 after passing through the electric motor 2 in the main body housing 7, and is sucked into the suction portion 37 outside the scroll compression mechanism 4. Thus, the end wall 7A and the electric motor 2 are cooled by the sucked refrigerant. Further, it is configured that the refrigerant compressed by the scroll compression mechanism 4 is ejected from the ejection chamber 27 described later through the ejection port 20 formed in the rear housing 9 to an ejection pipe of a refrigerant circuit (not shown) outside the box body 11.

[0030] The scroll compression mechanism 4 is composed of the aforementioned fixed scroll disk 21 and movable scroll disk 22. The fixed scroll disk 21 integrally includes a disk-shaped cover plate 23, and a spiral scroll tooth (wrap) 24 formed in an involute shape or a curve approximate to the involute shape and vertically provided on the surface (one surface) of the cover plate 23. The surface of the cover plate 23 on which the scroll tooth 24 is vertically provided is on the central housing 6 side and is fixed to the rear housing 9. An ejection hole 26 is formed in the center of the cover plate 23 of the fixed scroll disk 21, and the ejection hole 26 communicates with the ejection chamber 27 in the rear housing 9. In the figure, 28 is an ejection valve, and the ejection valve 28 is provided at the opening of the ejection hole 26 on the back surface (the other surface) side of the cover plate 23.

[0031] The movable scroll disk 22 is a scroll disk that performs a revolution motion relative to the fixed scroll disk 21, and integrally includes a disk-shaped cover plate 31, a spiral scroll tooth 32 formed in an involute shape or a curve approximate to the involute shape and vertically provided on the surface (one surface) of the cover plate 31, and a boss 33 protruding from the center of the back surface (the other surface) of the cover plate 31. The movable scroll disk 22 is arranged such that the protruding direction of the scroll tooth 32 is on the fixed scroll disk 21 side, the scroll tooth 32 is opposed to the scroll tooth 24 of the fixed scroll disk 21 and meshes with each other relatively, and a compression chamber 34 is formed between the scroll teeth 24 and 32.

[0032] That is, the scroll tooth 32 of the movable scroll disk 22 is opposed to the scroll tooth 24 of the fixed scroll disk 21, meshes in such a way that the tip of the scroll tooth 32 contacts the surface of the cover plate 23 and the tip of the scroll tooth 24 contacts the surface of the cover plate 31, and an eccentric portion 36 eccentrically provided from the axis at the other end of the drive shaft 14 is fitted into the boss 33 of the movable scroll disk 22. Moreover, it is configured that if the drive shaft 14 rotates together with the rotor 35 of the electric motor 2, the movable scroll disk 22 does not rotate by itself, but performs a revolution motion relative to the fixed scroll disk 21.

[0033] Since the movable scroll disk 22 revolves eccentrically relative to the fixed scroll disk 21, the eccentric directions and contact positions of the respective scroll teeth 24, 32 move while rotating, and the compression chamber 34 after sucking the refrigerant from the aforementioned suction portion 37 on the outside gradually shrinks while moving toward the inside. As a result, the refrigerant is compressed and finally ejected from the central ejection hole 26 to the ejection chamber 27 via the ejection valve 28.

[0034] In Figure 1 38 is an annular thrust plate. This thrust plate 38 is used to divide the back pressure chamber 39 from the suction portion 37 outside the scroll compression mechanism 4, is located outside the boss 33, and is sandwiched between the center housing 6 and the movable scroll disk 22. The back pressure chamber 39 is formed between the back surface of the cover plate 31 of the movable scroll disk 22 and the center housing 6. In addition, 41 is a sealing material mounted on the back surface of the cover plate 31 of the movable scroll disk 22 and abutting against the thrust plate 38. The back pressure chamber 39 and the suction portion 37 are divided by this sealing material 41 and the thrust plate 38.

[0035] In addition, 48 is a centrifugal oil separator installed in the ejection chamber 27 of the rear housing 9. This oil separator 48 separates the lubricating oil mixed in the refrigerant ejected from the scroll compression mechanism 4 into the ejection chamber 27 from the refrigerant. An inlet 49 is formed in the oil separator 48, and the refrigerant containing oil flowing in from the inlet 49 rotates in the oil separator 48. The oil is separated by the centrifugal force at this time, and the refrigerant goes from the upper outlet toward the ejection port 20 and is ejected to the ejection pipe as described above.

[0036] An oil storage chamber 44 is formed in the rear housing 9 below the oil separator 48, and the oil separated from the refrigerant by the oil separator 48 flows into this oil storage chamber 44 from the lower end of the oil separator 48. In the figure, 43 is a back pressure passage formed from the rear housing 9 to the center housing 6. This back pressure passage 43 is a path that connects the oil separator 48 in the ejection chamber 27 (ejection side of the scroll compression mechanism 4) in the rear housing 9 to the back pressure chamber 39, and has a throttle hole 50 in the embodiment. Thus, it is configured to supply the ejection pressure adjusted by the throttle hole 50 of the back pressure passage 43 and the oil in the oil storage chamber 44 separated by the oil separator 48 to the back pressure chamber 39 together.

[0037] Using the pressure (back pressure) in the back pressure chamber 39, a back pressure load for pressing the movable scroll disk 22 against the fixed scroll disk 21 is generated. Using this back pressure load, the compression reaction force from the compression chamber 34 of the scroll compression mechanism 4 can be overcome, the movable scroll disk 22 can be pressed against the fixed scroll disk 21, the contact between the scroll teeth 24, 32 and the cover plates 31, 23 can be maintained, and the refrigerant can be compressed by the compression chamber 34.

[0038] On the other hand, one end side of the inverter housing portion 8 is open (in Figure 1 , Figure 3etc. are indicated by reference numeral 13 in the drawings, and the opening 13 is closed in an openable and closable manner by a lid member 15. Further, an inverter 3 is housed in the inverter housing portion 8, and after the inverter 3 is housed in the inverter housing portion 8, as Figure 3 shown, the lid member 15 is fastened to the main body housing 7 (the casing 11) by bolts (ten in the embodiment) 40 serving as fasteners, as Figure 2 shown and installed. In this state, the inverter housing portion 8 is closed by the lid member 15.

[0039] (2) Structure of the inverter 3 and its peripheral structure Next, with further reference to Figures 4 to 10 the structure of the inverter 3 of the electric compressor 1 of the embodiment and its peripheral structure will be described. In addition, including the foregoing Figure 2 , Figure 3 etc., in Figure 4 and later, the state where the casing 11 of the electric compressor 1 is erected with the inverter housing portion 8 side as the upper side is shown. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the electric compressor 1, Figure 5 is a perspective view observed from the surface of the inverter 3 of the electric compressor 1, Figure 6 is a perspective view observed from the back surface of the inverter 3, Figure 7 is a side view of the inverter 3, Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the inverter 3, Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the switching element 5 of the inverter 3, Figure 10 is Figure 9 an enlarged perspective view of the main part.

[0040] (2-1) Sealing plate 52 and sealing pin 53 The inverter 3 of the embodiment is configured such that a control circuit is mounted on a single substrate 51 and a plurality of switching elements 5 (six in the embodiment) composed of IGBTs, smoothing capacitors, etc. are connected. Here, as Figure 1 shown, a sealing plate 52 is mounted on the end wall 7A (partition wall) of the main body housing 7, and a conductive sealing pin 53 is mounted on the sealing plate 52.

[0041] In this case, three sealing pins 53 are mounted corresponding to each phase (three phases) of the electric motor 2. The other end sides of the respective sealing pins 53 penetrate the end wall 7A and enter the motor chamber 12, and are connected to the coils of the stator 25 of the electric motor 2.

[0042] On the other hand, one end side of each of the sealing pins 53 is in a form that stands facing the inside of the inverter housing portion 8. At positions on the substrate 51 corresponding to one end sides of the respective sealing pins 53, three metal press-fit terminals 56 called power baskets are installed, and one end sides of the respective sealing pins 53 respectively enter into the respective press-fit terminals 56 and are pressed against (press-fitted to) the press-fit terminals 56. Thus, each of the sealing pins 53 is configured to be electrically connected to the substrate 51.

[0043] Structure of the Inverter 3 (2-2) Next, the structure of the inverter 3 will be described. The inverter 3 includes the aforementioned substrate 51, six switching elements 5, a fixing plate 57, and a filter box 58 that houses the aforementioned smoothing capacitor. Among them, the fixing plate 57 is disposed between the substrate 51 and each of the switching elements 5 and functions to press each of the switching elements 5 against the end wall 7A of the main body housing 7 (the box body 11).

[0044] Here, in the embodiment, the six switching elements 5 are arranged in two columns with three elements in each column as Figure 8 shown. In addition, each of the switching elements 5 has three terminals 5A, and the switching elements 5 in each column are arranged in a state where the terminal 5A sides are adjacent to each other, and in this state, the terminals 5A of each of the switching elements 5 stand facing the substrate 51. In addition, each of the switching elements 5 has a through hole (a through hole for installation) 5B.

[0045] On the other hand, the fixing plate 57 is formed of a metal plate, and a terminal passing portion 59 for allowing the terminals 5A of the respective switching elements 5 to pass through is formed and opened in a substantially central portion. In addition, on both sides of the terminal passing portion 59, a plurality of (six portions in the embodiment) spring portions 61 are formed at positions corresponding to the respective switching elements 5. As Figure 9 、 Figure 10 shown, each of the spring portions 61 has a long strip shape that is continuous only at both ends in the long side direction with the fixing plate 57 itself. Further, each of the spring portions 61 has an inverted trapezoidal ridge line shape that is bent in a form protruding toward the switching element 5 side, and positioning portions 65 protruding toward the switching element 5 side are respectively formed at the central portions of the protruding spring portions 61.

[0046] Each of the spring portions 61 has a predetermined elasticity or spring property due to the above-described bent shape and generates a force for pressing the switching element 5 against the end wall 7A of the main body housing (the box body 11). Thus, the fixing plate 57 is in a form in which at least a part thereof has spring property. In addition, at the peripheral portion of the fixing plate 57, four fixing plate fastening portions (through holes) 63 are formed and penetrated at positions corresponding to four of the plurality of substrate fastening portions (through holes) 62 for fastening the substrate 51 to the main body housing 7 (the box body 11). Further, 64 is a terminal connection portion formed at a position on the substrate 51 corresponding to the terminal 5A of each of the switching elements 5.

[0047] (3) Sub - assembly steps of the inverter 3 Next, the sub - assembly steps of the inverter 3 with the above - described structure will be described. First, six switching elements 5 are arranged on a jig (not shown) in two columns as shown. Next, with the terminals 5A of each switching element 5 located inside the terminal passing portion 59, each spring portion 61 corresponding to each switching element 5, and each positioning portion 65 entering and engaging with each through - hole 5B, the fixing plate 57 is made to cover each switching element 5. Figure 8 Next, with the four substrate fastening portions 63 of the substrate 51 being aligned with the respective fixing - plate fastening portions 63 of the fixing plate 57, the substrate 51 is made to cover the fixing plate 57 and the switching elements 5. At this time, the terminals 5A of each switching element 5 pass through the terminal passing portion 59 of the fixing plate 57 and enter the terminal connection portion 64 of the substrate 51. Thereafter, the terminals 5A of each switching element 5 are welded and fixed to the substrate 51, electrically connecting each switching element 5 to the substrate 51. Alternatively, the terminals 5A of the switching elements 5 can be connected to the substrate 51 by press - fitting.

[0048] In this state, the switching elements 5 are mounted on the substrate 51, and the fixing plate 57 is in a form that is located between the substrate 51 and the switching elements 5 and is held by each switching element 5. Thus, the inverter 3 is integrally assembled.

[0049] In this state, the switching elements 5 are mounted on the substrate 51, and the fixing plate 57 is in a form that is located between the substrate 51 and the switching elements 5 and is held by each switching element 5. Thus, the inverter 3 is integrally assembled.

[0050] (4) Steps of assembling the inverter 3 into the main body housing 7 (the box body 11) Next, with further reference to Figures 11 to 16 the steps of assembling the inverter 3 into the main body housing 7 (the box body 11) will be described. Figure 11 is a perspective view of a part of the inverter housing portion 8 of the box body 11, Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the positional relationship between the bolts 67 for fastening the inverter 3 to the main body housing 7 (the box body 11) and the inverter 3, Figure 13 is a perspective view of the surface of the inverter 3 in a state where the bolts 67 are passed through, Figure 14 is from Figure 13 a perspective view of the back surface of the inverter 3, Figure 15 is Figure 13 a side view of the inverter 3, Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the positional relationship between the bolts 40 for fastening the inverter 3 and the cover member 15 of the electric compressor 1 to the main body housing 7 (the box body 11) and the inverter 3 and the cover member 15.

[0051] In this case, in the inverter housing portion 8 of the main body housing 7 (the box body 11), fastening holes 66 are formed at positions corresponding to the respective substrate fastening portions 62 of the substrate 51 ( Figure 11). Further, with the switching element 5 located on the side of the end wall 7A of the main body housing 7 (the box body 11), the inverter 3 formed by sub-assembling the switching element 5, the fixing plate 57, and the substrate 51 as described above is inserted into the inverter housing portion 8 and arranged in the main body housing 7 (the box body 11).

[0052] Next, bolts 67 (nine in the embodiment) as fasteners are passed through the substrate fastening portion 62 of the substrate 51 and the fixing plate fastening portion 63 of the fixing plate 57, and threadedly connected to the fastening holes 66 of the main body housing 7 (the box body 11). Thus, the substrate 51 and the fixing plate 57 of the inverter 3 are fastened together and assembled to the main body housing 7 (the box body 11) ( Figure 3 state).

[0053] In this state, each switching element 5 is pressed against the end wall 7A of the main body housing 7 (the box body 11) by the spring portion 61 of the fixing plate 57 with a predetermined load. In addition, the pressing load in this case is adjusted by changing the free length (the dimension in the long side direction of the long strip shape) of the spring portion 61 of the fixing plate 57.

[0054] In the state where the inverter 3 is assembled to the main body housing 7 (the box body 11) in this way, the switching elements 5 are arranged on the outer side (the side opposite to the motor chamber 12) of the end wall 7A of the main body housing 7 (the box body 11) in a heat exchange relationship. In addition, actually, an insulating sheet (denoted by S in Figure 11 is interposed between the switching element 5 and the end wall 7A). Thus, each switching element 5 is cooled by the refrigerant sucked into the motor chamber 12 through the end wall 7A. That is, the main body housing 7 (the end wall 7A) constituting the box body 11 becomes the radiator of the switching element 5.

[0055] As described in detail above, according to the present invention, in the electric compressor 1 in which the substrate 51 connected with the switching element 5 is assembled to the box body 11, it is configured that a fixing plate 57 having elasticity is provided between the switching element 5 and the substrate 51, the fixing plate 57 is held on the switching element 5, and in the state where the substrate 51 is assembled to the box body 11, the switching element 5 is pressed against the box body 11. Therefore, the switching element 5, the fixing plate 57, and the substrate 51 can be pre-assembled (sub-assembled) integrally with a simple structure, and the assembled components can be assembled to the box body 11, and in the assembled state, the switching element 5 is pressed against the box body 11 by the fixing plate 57.

[0056] Thereby, the number of components can be reduced to achieve cost reduction, and the workability when assembling the substrate 51 connected with the switching element 5 to the box body 11 can be improved.

[0057] In addition, since the fixing plate fastening portion 63 is formed on the fixing plate 57, and the fixing plate fastening portion 63 is formed at a position corresponding to the substrate fastening portion 62 for fastening the substrate 51 to the box body 11. Furthermore, a spring portion 61 that applies a force to the switch element 5 toward the box body 11 and a positioning portion 65 that engages with the switch element 5 are provided on the fixing plate 57. Therefore, the substrate 5 and the fixing plate 57 can be fastened to the box body 11 without any obstacles by the bolt 67, and the pressing of the switch element 5 by the fixing plate 57 toward the box body 11 and the holding of the switch element 5 to the fixing plate 57 can be stably achieved.

[0058] In addition, by protruding the positioning portion 65 of the fixing plate 57 from the spring portion 61 and engaging the positioning portion 65 with the through hole 5B of the switch element 5, the fixing plate 57 is held by the switch element 5. Therefore, the pressing of the switch element 5 by the fixing plate 57 toward the box body 11 and the holding of the switch element 5 to the fixing plate 57 can be achieved with a simple structure.

[0059] Furthermore, in the embodiment, a plurality of switch elements 5 are connected to the substrate 51. A plurality of spring portions 61 that respectively apply forces to the respective switch elements 5 are formed on the fixing plate 57, and positioning portions 65 are respectively formed on the respective spring portions 61. Therefore, the respective switch elements 5 can be stably pressed against the box body 11, and since a terminal passing portion 59 for the terminals 5A of the respective switch elements 5 is provided on the fixing plate 57, the terminals 5A of the respective switch elements 5 can be connected to the substrate 51 without any obstacles.

[0060] In addition, since the load for pressing the switch element 5 against the box body 11 is adjusted by changing the free length of the spring portion 61 of the fixing plate 57, the switch element 5 can be safely and stably pressed against the box body 11 with a simple structure.

[0061] In addition, the specific shapes of the respective components shown in the embodiment are not limited to the above shapes and can be changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0062] In particular, although in the embodiment, a part of the fixing plate 57 has spring elasticity by forming the spring portion 61 on the fixing plate 57, in the invention of Mode 1, it is not limited to this. It may be configured such that the fixing plate 57 itself is constituted by a spring (such as a leaf spring) and the entire fixing plate 57 has spring elasticity. In this case, it is only necessary to form the positioning portion 65 at a position corresponding to the switch element 5 on the fixing plate 57. In addition, the adjustment of the acting force for pressing the switch element 5 against the end wall 7A of the main body case (box body 11) is also set to adjust the rigidity of the fixing plate 57.

[0063] In addition, although the spring portion 61 having a bent shape is formed on the fixing plate 57 in the embodiment, it is not limited thereto. A spring such as a clockwork spring or a leaf spring may be additionally installed on the fixing plate 57 to make a part of the fixing plate 57 elastic. In this case, for example, the positioning portion 65 and the fixing plate 57 are constituted by independent members, and they are connected by a spring (clockwork spring, leaf spring). The spring portion 61 in the present invention is constituted by this spring (clockwork spring, etc.) and the positioning portion 65. Moreover, it is only necessary to press the switch element 5 against the end wall 7A of the main body housing (the box body 11) with a spring (clockwork spring, etc.).

[0064] Furthermore, although the positioning portion 65 is provided in the spring portion 61 in the embodiment, it is not limited thereto in the inventions other than Mode 3 and Mode 4. For example, the spring portion 61 may be formed at a position other than the position corresponding to the switch element 5 on the fixing plate 57, or a spring may be additionally installed, and the positioning portion 65 may be formed at a position corresponding to each switch element 5. Explanation of reference numerals

[0065] 1 Electric compressor 2 Electric motor (motor) 3 Inverter 4 Scroll compression mechanism (compression mechanism) 5 Switch element 5A Terminal 5B Through hole 7 Main body housing 7A End wall 8 Inverter housing portion 10 Box main body 11 Box body 12 Motor chamber 51 Substrate 57 Fixing plate 59 Terminal passing portion 61 Spring portion 62 Substrate fastening portion 63 Fixing plate fastening portion 65 Positioning portion 67 Bolt (fastening member).

Claims

1. An electric compressor, in which a substrate is assembled in a housing, the substrate is connected with a switching element, and the electric compressor is characterized in that it includes a fixing plate disposed between the switching element and the substrate and having spring properties as a whole or at least in part, the fixing plate is held by the switching element, and presses the switching element against the housing in a state where the substrate is assembled in the housing.

2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that the substrate has a substrate fastening portion for fastening the substrate to the housing, and the fixing plate has: a fixing plate fastening portion formed at a position corresponding to the substrate fastening portion; a spring portion for applying a force to the switching element toward the housing; and a positioning portion engaged with the switching element.

3. The electric compressor according to claim 2, characterized in that the positioning portion protrudes from the spring portion, and the fixing plate is held by the switching element by engaging the positioning portion with a through hole of the switching element.

4. The electric compressor according to claim 3, characterized in that a plurality of the switching elements are connected to the substrate, and the fixing plate has: a plurality of the spring portions respectively applying forces to the respective switching elements; the positioning portions respectively formed on the respective spring portions; and a terminal passing portion through which terminals of the respective switching elements pass.

5. A manufacturing method of an electric compressor, assembling a substrate connected with a switching element into a housing, the manufacturing method of the electric compressor is characterized in that a fixing plate is prepared, the fixing plate having a spring portion for applying a force to the switching element toward the housing, a positioning portion engaged with the switching element, a terminal passing portion through which terminals of the switching element pass, and a fixing plate fastening portion, the fixing plate is disposed between the switching element and the substrate, and in a state where the positioning portion of the fixing plate is engaged with a through hole of the switching element and the fixing plate fastening portion of the fixing plate corresponds to a substrate fastening portion formed on the substrate, the terminals of the switching element passing through the terminal passing portion of the fixing plate are connected to the substrate, so as to integrally assemble the switching element, the fixing plate and the substrate.

6. The manufacturing method of the electric compressor according to claim 5, characterized in that after the assembled switching element, fixing plate and substrate are disposed in the housing with the switching element on the housing side, a fastener is passed through the substrate fastening portion and the fixing plate fastening portion, and the substrate and the fixing plate are fastened together by threadedly connecting the fastener to the housing, so as to be assembled to the housing, and the switching element is pressed against the housing by the spring portion of the fixing plate.

7. The manufacturing method of the electric compressor according to claim 6, characterized in that the load for pressing the switching element against the housing is adjusted by changing the free length of the spring portion of the fixing plate or adjusting the rigidity of the fixing plate.

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