Electric compressor

Abstract

In an electric compressor, a cover (7) is fixed to a casing (1) by fixing members (31a-31f). The casing (1) and the fixing members (31a-31f) are made of metal. The cover (7) is made of a vibration-damping steel plate (70). The vibration-damping steel plate (70) has a first steel plate (71), a second steel plate (72), and a resin member (73). By fixing the cover (7) to the casing (1), the fixing members (31a-31f) abut against the first steel plate (71). The second steel plate (72) has a second surface (72b) facing the casing (1). The second surface (72b) has first portions (711-716) and second portions (721-726). The second portions (721-726) are sealed from the casing (1) by a gasket (33). At least one of the first portions (711-716) directly abuts against the casing (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electric compressors. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional electric compressor. This electric compressor includes a compression mechanism, an electric motor, an inverter, a housing, and a cover. The compression mechanism compresses the fluid. The electric motor drives the compression mechanism. The inverter controls the drive of the electric motor. The housing internally houses the compression mechanism and the electric motor. The cover is fixed to the housing by multiple fasteners, forming a housing chamber for the inverter between the cover and the housing.

[0003] The cover is made of aluminum alloy. The cover has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface faces the outside of the cover. The second surface is located on the opposite side of the first surface and faces the transducer within the housing chamber. Multiple ribs protruding towards the transducer are provided on the second surface. Additionally, multiple through holes are formed in the cover. Each through hole extends from the first surface to the second surface in the axial direction of the fastener. A fastener is inserted into each through hole.

[0004] In this type of electric compressor, the vibration generated by the compression mechanism and electric motor during operation is transmitted to the housing, causing the housing to vibrate. Furthermore, the vibration of the housing is transmitted to the cover, causing the cover to vibrate, resulting in increased noise during operation. Regarding this issue, in the electric compressor described in Patent Document 1, ribs are used to increase the rigidity of the cover, thereby suppressing cover vibration during operation.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-177826 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, electric compressors require even higher levels of quietness. Therefore, in conventional electric compressors, increasing the thickness of the casing plate can further improve its rigidity and suppress vibrations during operation. However, this results in a larger casing, which in turn leads to a larger electric compressor.

[0010] Furthermore, in electric compressors, a high degree of airtightness is required for the containment chamber to protect the converter from water, dust, and other contaminants. Moreover, electric compressors also require electromagnetic countermeasures to minimize the impact of external noise on the converter and to minimize the noise generated by the converter on external equipment.

[0011] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned conventional realities, and the problem to be solved is to provide an electric compressor that achieves miniaturization while having excellent airtightness of the housing and excellent electromagnetic countermeasures against the converter.

[0012] Methods for solving problems

[0013] The electric compressor of the present invention comprises:

[0014] A compression mechanism is used to compress fluids;

[0015] An electric motor drives the compression mechanism;

[0016] The converter performs drive control of the electric motor;

[0017] A housing, which internally houses the compression mechanism and the electric motor; and

[0018] The cover is fixed to the housing by multiple fasteners, forming a housing chamber for accommodating the transducer between the cover and the housing.

[0019] Its features are,

[0020] The housing and all the fasteners are made of metal.

[0021] The cover is made of a vibration-damping steel plate, which has a first steel plate, a second steel plate spaced apart from the first steel plate in the axial direction of the fixing member, and a resin member disposed between the first steel plate and the second steel plate.

[0022] The cover has multiple through holes that extend axially from the first steel plate to the second steel plate, allowing each fixing member to be inserted.

[0023] The housing has multiple fixing holes, which face each insertion hole and allow the fixing components to be inserted and fixed.

[0024] By fixing the cover to the housing, the fixing members abut against the first steel plate.

[0025] The second steel plate has: a first surface facing the resin component; and a second surface located axially opposite to the first surface, fixed to the housing by the cover, with the second surface facing the housing.

[0026] The second surface has: a plurality of first portions on the inner side of which are respectively formed the insertion holes; and a second portion located on the outer side of each of the first portions.

[0027] The second part is sealed to the housing by a gasket.

[0028] At least one of the first portions directly abuts against the housing.

[0029] In the electric compressor of the present invention, the cover is made of a vibration-damping steel plate. Furthermore, the vibration-damping steel plate comprises a first steel plate, a second steel plate, and a resin component, the resin component suppressing the transmission of vibration between the first and second steel plates. Therefore, in this electric compressor, it is not necessary to excessively increase the thickness of the cover when suppressing vibration of the cover during operation.

[0030] Furthermore, in this electric compressor, the second steel plate has a first surface and a second surface. The cover is fixed to the housing using fasteners, so that the second surface faces the housing. The second surface also has multiple first portions with through holes on their inner sides, and second portions located on the outer sides of each first portion. The second portions are sealed to the housing by a gasket. Therefore, in this electric compressor, water, dust, etc., can be properly (effectively) prevented from entering the housing chamber from between the second portion and the housing.

[0031] Furthermore, in this electric compressor, the housing and all fasteners are made of metal. When the cover is fixed to the housing, each fastener is inserted through and fixed to the corresponding fastening hole in the housing. Additionally, by fixing the cover to the housing, each fastener abuts against the first steel plate. Moreover, in this electric compressor, at least one of the first portions of the second steel plate directly abuts against the housing. That is, at the location where the first portion directly abuts against the housing, the second steel plate and the housing make metal-to-metal contact without a gasket.

[0032] As a result, in this electric compressor, the cover and housing can be appropriately equipotentially aligned via a fixing member. Therefore, in this electric compressor, the impact of external noise on the converter can be minimized, and the noise generated by the converter on external equipment during operation can be minimized as well. Here, at the location where the first part directly abuts against the housing, even without a sealing gasket, a proper seal can be achieved between the two parts through metal-to-metal contact. Therefore, water, dust, and the like can be appropriately prevented from entering the housing chamber from this location.

[0033] Therefore, the electric compressor of the present invention achieves miniaturization while having excellent airtightness of the housing and excellent electromagnetic countermeasures against the converter.

[0034] In the electric compressor of the present invention, it is preferable that each of the first parts directly abuts against the housing. In this case, it is possible to more appropriately achieve equipotentiality between the cover and the housing. In addition, it is possible to more appropriately prevent water, dust, etc. from entering the containment chamber from between the first part and the housing.

[0035] Preferably, the cover covers a portion of the housing from the outside while it is fixed to the housing. In this case, for example, the formation of both the cover and the housing can be facilitated compared to a configuration where the housing covers a portion of the cover from the outside while the cover is fixed to the housing.

[0036] Alternatively, in this case, the second surface may have a third part, which is connected to the second part and covers the outer peripheral surface of the housing from the outside. Preferably, the third part is sealed to the housing by a gasket. This effectively prevents water, dust, and the like from entering the containment chamber from between the third part and the housing.

[0037] In the electric compressor of the present invention, the first steel plate may have a metallic first plate body and a first coating covering the first plate body. Additionally, the second steel plate may have a metallic second plate body and a second coating covering the second plate body. Preferably, both the first and second coatings are corrosion-resistant. In this case, the first and second steel plates, and consequently the cover, are less susceptible to corrosion, thus improving the durability of the cover.

[0038] Invention Effects

[0039] The electric compressor of the present invention achieves miniaturization while providing excellent airtightness of the housing and excellent electromagnetic countermeasures against the converter. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the electric compressor in the embodiment.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a front view of the electric compressor in the embodiment.

[0042] Figure 3 The electric compressor involved in the embodiments is Figure 1 Enlarged sectional view of the main part of section X1.

[0043] Figure 4 The electric compressor involved in the embodiments is Figure 1 Enlarged sectional view of the main part of section X2.

[0044] Figure 5 The electric compressor involved in the embodiment is a rear view of the cover when viewed from the rear. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The electric compressor of the embodiment is mounted in a vehicle (not shown) and constitutes the refrigeration circuit of a vehicle air conditioning system.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the electric compressor of this embodiment includes a housing 1, an electric motor 3, a compression mechanism 5, a cover 7, and a converter 9. The housing 1 has a first housing 11 and a second housing 13.

[0047] In this embodiment, by Figure 1 The arrows shown define the up-down and back-forward directions of the electric compressor. These directions are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, in Figure 2 Later, with Figure 1 Correspondingly, the up-down and front-back directions are specified. Furthermore, the aforementioned directions are merely examples for illustrative purposes; the electric compressor's posture may be appropriately adjusted in relation to the vehicle it is mounted on.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the first housing 11 is made of aluminum alloy. The first housing 11 has a bottom wall 11a, a first side wall 11b, and a second side wall 11c. The bottom wall 11a is located at the front of the first housing 11 and extends radially in the electric compressor. The first side wall 11b is continuous with the bottom wall 11a and extends cylindrically rearward from the bottom wall 11a in the axial direction of the electric compressor. Through these bottom walls 11a and first side walls 11b, the first housing 11 is a bottomed cylindrical shape with a rearward opening. A plurality of bolt holes 112 are formed in the first side wall 11b. Each bolt hole 112 opens at the rear end of the first side wall 11b and extends forward within the first side wall 11b. Furthermore, in Figure 1 The diagram shows one of the multiple bolt holes 112.

[0049] Within the first housing 11, a motor chamber 150 is formed via a bottom wall 11a and a first side wall 11b. The motor chamber 150 draws in refrigerant gas from outside the housing 1 through an intake port (not shown) formed on the first side wall 11b. In other words, in this electric compressor, the motor chamber 150 also functions as a refrigerant gas intake chamber. The refrigerant gas is an example of a "fluid" in this invention. Furthermore, a support portion 15 protruding into the motor chamber 150 is formed on the bottom wall 11a. The drive shaft 29 is rotatably supported on the support portion 15 via a bearing 17.

[0050] The second sidewall 11c is continuous with the bottom wall 11a on the side opposite to the first sidewall 11b, and extends in a cylindrical manner from the bottom wall 11a toward the front in the axial direction of the electric compressor. The second sidewall 11c has a front end face 110 located at the front end.

[0051] Additionally, six fixing holes 19 are formed in the second sidewall 11c. Each fixing hole 19 is arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the second sidewall 11c, corresponding to the insertion holes 75a-75f described later. Each fixing hole 19 opens at the front end face 110 of the second sidewall 11c and extends rearward inside the second sidewall 11c. Although detailed drawings are omitted, a threaded groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of each fixing hole 19. Furthermore, the portions of the second sidewall 11c where each fixing hole 19 is formed are thicker than other portions of the second sidewall 11c. Moreover, in... Figure 1 The diagram shows one of the six fixing holes 19. Furthermore, multiple fixing holes 19 are acceptable, and their number can be designed appropriately.

[0052] The second housing 13 is also made of aluminum alloy. The second housing 13 has a rear wall 13a and a third side wall 13b. The rear wall 13a is located at the rear end of the second housing 13 and extends radially in the electric compressor. A discharge port (not shown) is formed in the rear wall 13a.

[0053] The third sidewall 13b is continuous with the rear wall 13a and extends forward from the rear wall 13a. Through these rear walls 13a and the third sidewall 13b, the second housing 13 is a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening at the front.

[0054] The second housing 13 is positioned behind the first housing 11, with the front end of the third sidewall 13b abutting against the rear end of the first sidewall 11b of the first housing 11. Furthermore, the first housing 11 and the second housing 13 are fastened together by inserting and fixing a plurality of bolts 111 into bolt holes 112. Thus, the first housing 11 and the second housing 13 are integrated. Although detailed drawings are omitted, a discharge chamber is formed within the second housing 13, which communicates with a discharge outlet. Alternatively, the first and second housings 11 and 13 can be formed using metals other than aluminum alloy. Additionally, in... Figure 1 The diagram shows one of the multiple bolts 111.

[0055] The electric motor 3 is housed within the motor chamber 150 of the first housing 11. The electric motor 3 has a stator 25, a rotor 27, a drive shaft 29, and a connecting portion (not shown). The stator 25 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the first side wall 11b within the motor chamber 150. The stator 25 has coils (not shown). The rotor 27 is disposed inside the stator 25. The drive shaft 29 is fixed to the rotor 27 and rotates integrally with the rotor 27. The connecting portion is connected to a cluster block.

[0056] The compression mechanism 5 is housed within the first housing 11 behind the electric motor 3. A known scroll-type compression mechanism is used as the compression mechanism 5. The compression mechanism 5 has a fixed scroll member fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the first side wall 11b and a movable scroll member disposed opposite to the fixed scroll member. The movable scroll member is connected to the drive shaft 29 in a manner capable of transmitting power and is rotatable via the drive shaft 29. The fixed scroll member and the movable scroll member engage to form a compression chamber between them. The compression chamber communicates with the discharge chamber. Furthermore, the fixed scroll member, the movable scroll member, and the compression chamber are not shown in the figures. Alternatively, a blade-type compression mechanism or the like can also be used as the compression mechanism 5.

[0057] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the cover 7 is positioned in front of the housing 1, and more specifically, in front of the second side wall 11c of the first housing 11. The cover 7 is formed by stamping a damping steel plate 70. That is, the cover 7 is composed of the damping steel plate 70.

[0058] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the vibration-damping steel plate 70 is composed of a first steel plate 71, a second steel plate 72, and a resin plate 73. The resin plate 73 is an example of a "resin component" in this invention. In the vibration-damping steel plate 70, the first steel plate 71 and the second steel plate 72 are arranged spaced apart in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the resin plate 73 is disposed between the first steel plate 71 and the second steel plate 72.

[0059] The first steel plate 71 is composed of a first plate body 710a and a first coating 710b. The second steel plate 72 is composed of a second plate body 720a and a second coating 720b. The first plate body 710a and the second plate body 720a are made of steel. The first plate body 710a and the second plate body 720a are formed with the same plate thickness. The first coating 710b and the second coating 720b are formed of a zinc-nickel alloy. Therefore, the first coating 710b and the second coating 720b have corrosion resistance.

[0060] In the first steel plate 71, the entire first plate body 710a is covered by the first coating 710b. Similarly, in the second steel plate 72, the entire second plate body 720a is covered by the second coating 720b. Thus, both the first steel plate 71 and the second steel plate 72 are corrosion-resistant. Furthermore, the first coating 710b and the second coating 720b only need to be corrosive and can be formed from other metals.

[0061] The first steel plate 71 has a first surface 71a facing outwards and a second surface 71b located opposite the first surface 71a and facing the resin plate 73. The second steel plate 72 has a first surface 72a facing the resin plate 73 and a second surface 72b located opposite the first surface 72a and facing outwards. Here, the first surface 71a constitutes the outer surface of the vibration-damping steel plate 70, and thus constitutes the outer surface of the cover 7. Furthermore, the second surface 72b constitutes the inner surface of the cover 7. That is, the first surface 71a faces the front of the cover 7, and the second surface 72b faces the first housing 11.

[0062] The resin plate 73 is formed by molding a viscoelastic resin into a plate shape. The resin plate 73 is formed with a thickness thinner than that of the first steel plate 71 and the second steel plate 72. The resin plate 73 is bonded to the second surface 71b of the first steel plate 71 and to the first surface 72a of the second steel plate 72. In this way, the resin plate 73 is located between and fixed to the first steel plate 71 and the second steel plate 72. As a result, the vibration-damping steel plate 70 integrates the first steel plate 71, the resin plate 73, and the second steel plate 72, with the resin plate 73 sandwiched between the first steel plate 71 and the second steel plate 72. Furthermore, in Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 For ease of explanation, the thicknesses of the first steel plate 71, the second steel plate 72, and the resin plate 73 are exaggerated in the illustration, including the thicknesses of the first coating 710b and the second coating 720b. Furthermore, in Figure 1 The illustrations of the first steel plate 71, the second steel plate 72, and the resin plate 73 are omitted.

[0063] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the cover 7 has a main body portion 7a, an edge portion 7b, and a peripheral wall portion 7c. The main body portion 7a is located inside the edge portion 7b and protrudes forward from the edge portion 7b. In other words, in the cover 7, the part that protrudes forward is the main body portion 7a.

[0064] The edge portion 7b is located outside the main body portion 7a and is connected to the main body portion 7a. Furthermore, the edge portion 7b extends radially from the main body portion 7a outwards in the cover 7 and circumferentially surrounds the main body portion 7a. Thus, the edge portion 7b surrounds the main body portion 7a from the outside.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, insertion holes 75a to 75f are formed in the edge portion 7b. The insertion holes 75a to 75f are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the edge portion 7b. The insertion holes 75a to 75f penetrate the edge portion 7b in the front-rear direction. That is, the insertion holes 75a to 75f extend from the first steel plate 71 through the resin plate 73 to the second steel plate 72.

[0066] The peripheral wall portion 7c connects to the outermost edge of the edge portion 7b, i.e., the outer edge of the edge portion 7b. The peripheral wall portion 7c extends cylindrically from the edge portion 7b toward the rear along the outer edge of the edge portion 7b. Thus, the peripheral wall portion 7c has a vertical wall shape rising from the edge portion 7b. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, the peripheral wall portion 7c is formed with a diameter larger than that of the second side wall 11c of the first shell 11.

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, in the cover 7, the second surface 72b of the second steel plate 72 has a first part 711~716, a second part 721~726, a third part 731~736 and a fourth part 741~746.

[0068] Parts 711-716 are located in the portion of the second surface 72b that becomes the edge 7b. For example... Figure 5 As shown by the dotted lines, the first portions 711 to 716 are respectively formed to be larger than the insertion holes 75a to 75f. Furthermore, in the first portion 711, an insertion hole 75a is formed on the inner side. Similarly, in the first portion 712, an insertion hole 75b is formed on the inner side, and in the first portion 713, an insertion hole 75c is formed on the inner side. Additionally, in the first portion 714, an insertion hole 75d is formed on the inner side, in the first portion 715, an insertion hole 75e is formed on the inner side, and in the first portion 716, an insertion hole 75f is formed on the inner side. Thus, the first portions 711 to 716 form annular shapes that respectively surround the insertion holes 75a to 75f from the outside.

[0069] Parts 721-726 are located in the second surface 72b, forming the edge 7b and extending outwards from parts 711-716. Specifically, part 721 is located between parts 711 and 712 in the circumferential direction of the edge 7b; part 722 is located between parts 712 and 713 in the circumferential direction of the edge 7b; and part 723 is located between parts 713 and 714 in the circumferential direction of the edge 7b. Furthermore, part 724 is located between parts 714 and 715 in the circumferential direction of the edge 7b; part 725 is located between parts 715 and 716 in the circumferential direction of the edge 7b; and part 726 is located between parts 716 and 711 in the circumferential direction of the edge 7b.

[0070] In this way, at the part of the edge 7b in the second surface 72b, the first part 711~716 and the second part 721~726 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the edge 7b.

[0071] Parts 731-736 are located in the portion of the second surface 72b that forms the peripheral wall portion 7c, and are connected to parts 721-726. Specifically, part 731 is located in the peripheral wall portion 7c that forms the outer peripheral side of part 721, and is connected to part 721. Part 732 is located in the peripheral wall portion 7c that forms the outer peripheral side of part 722, and is connected to part 722. Part 733 is located in the peripheral wall portion 7c that forms the outer peripheral side of part 723, and is connected to part 723. Part 734 is located in the peripheral wall portion 7c that forms the outer peripheral side of part 724, and is connected to part 724. The third part 735 is located on the outer periphery of the second part 725 in the peripheral wall portion 7c and is connected to the second part 725. Furthermore, the third part 736 is located on the outer periphery of the second part 726 in the peripheral wall portion 7c and is connected to the second part 726.

[0072] Parts 741 to 746 are located in the portion of the second surface 72b that becomes the peripheral wall portion 7c, and are located on the outer periphery of parts 711 to 716. Specifically, part 741 is located on the outer periphery of part 711 in the peripheral wall portion 7c, part 742 is located on the outer periphery of part 712 in the peripheral wall portion 7c, and part 743 is located on the outer periphery of part 713 in the peripheral wall portion 7c. In addition, part 744 is located on the outer periphery of part 714 in the peripheral wall portion 7c, part 745 is located on the outer periphery of part 715 in the peripheral wall portion 7c, and part 746 is located on the outer periphery of part 716 in the peripheral wall portion 7c.

[0073] In this way, at the part that becomes the peripheral wall 7c in the second surface 72b, the third part 731~736 and the fourth part 741~746 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 7c.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the cover 7 is positioned in front of the second sidewall 11c such that the second surface 72b faces the second sidewall 11c of the first housing 11. Furthermore, the cover 7 is... Figure 2 The flange 7b is fastened to the second side wall 11c by the fixing bolts 31a-31f shown. In this way, the cover 7 is fixed to the housing 1. Furthermore, details related to the fixing of the cover 7 to the housing 1 will be described later.

[0075] The fixing bolts 31a to 31f are examples of "fixing elements" in this invention. All fixing bolts 31a to 31f have the same structure. Hereinafter, they will be referred to as... Figure 4 The following explanation uses the fixing bolt 31a as an example. The fixing bolt 31a is made of metal and extends axially in the front-to-back direction. That is, the axial direction of the fixing bolt 31a is parallel to the axial direction of the electric compressor.

[0076] The fixing bolt 31a has a head 310 and a threaded portion 311. The head 310 is located at the front end of the fixing bolt 31a. The head 310 is formed with a diameter larger than the diameter of the through holes 75a to 75f. The threaded portion 311 is integral with the head 310 and extends axially from the head 310 to the rear. The threaded portion 311 is formed with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the through holes 75a to 75f.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, regarding the cover 7, by fixing the edge portion 7b to the second side wall 11c, the peripheral wall portion 7c is located on the outer side of the second side wall 11c. Furthermore, the peripheral wall portion 7c covers a portion of the second side wall 11c from the outside.

[0078] Additionally, a containment chamber 8 is formed between the cover 7 and the bottom wall 11a of the first housing 11. The containment chamber 8 is surrounded by the second side wall 11c and its front is blocked by the main body 7a of the cover 7.

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the cover 7 and the second sidewall 11c, more specifically, the second portion 721-726 of the second surface 72b and the front end face 110 of the second sidewall 11c, and the third portion 731-736 of the second surface 72b and the outer peripheral surface of the second sidewall 11c, are sealed by a sealing gasket 33. The sealing gasket 33 is formed by curing a liquid sealing gasket 33a applied to the second surface 72b.

[0080] On the other hand, such as Figure 4 As shown, there is no sealing gasket 33 between the first part 711~716 of the second surface 72b and the front end surface 110 of the second sidewall 11c, and between the fourth part 741~746 of the second surface 72b and the outer peripheral surface of the second sidewall 11c.

[0081] The converter 9 has a circuit board 9a and a plurality of semiconductors 9b disposed on the circuit board 9a. The converter 9 is housed in a housing chamber 8 with the circuit board 9a fixed to the bottom wall 11a. Regarding the converter 9, leads (not shown) connected to the circuit board 9a are connected to the stator 25 via a hub and a connecting portion. Thus, the converter 9 is connected to the electric motor 3 in a manner that allows it to be energized. Additionally, the converter 9 is connected to the vehicle's battery (not shown) in a manner that allows it to be energized.

[0082] In the electric compressor configured as described above, DC power is supplied from the battery to the converter 9. The converter 9 converts the DC power to AC power and supplies AC power to the electric motor 3, thereby controlling the drive of the electric motor 3. In the electric motor 3, which is supplied with AC power, the rotor 27 and the drive shaft 29 rotate. This drives the compression mechanism 5. In this way, the compression mechanism 5 compresses the refrigerant gas drawn in from the suction port and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas from the discharge port.

[0083] Furthermore, in this electric compressor, the cover 7 is fixed to the housing 1 as follows. First, as a preparation step, the cover 7 is prepared. Next, a coating process is performed, in which a liquid sealing gasket 33a is coated on the edge 7b of the second surface 72b of the second steel plate 72.

[0084] Next, the assembly process is performed. In the assembly process, the cover 7 is positioned in front of the second sidewall 11c with the second surface 72b facing the second sidewall 11c of the first housing 11. Furthermore, the edge 7b, together with the liquid sealing gasket 33a, abuts against the front end surface 110 of the second sidewall 11c. Additionally, in the cover 7, the insertion holes 75a-75f are aligned with the fixing holes 19 of the first housing 11 in the front-rear direction. This completes the assembly process. Furthermore, before the assembly process is completed, the circuit board 9a of the converter 9 is fixed to the bottom wall 11a of the first housing 11.

[0085] Next, fixed processes are performed. In these fixed processes, such as... Figure 2 As shown, for the through hole 75a, the threaded portion 311 of the fixing bolts 31a to 31f is inserted through the threaded portion 311 from the front side of the cover 7, i.e., the side of the first steel plate 71. Furthermore, each threaded portion 311 is screwed into the fixing hole 19. Taking the fixing bolt 31a as an example for a more detailed explanation, as follows... Figure 4 As shown, in the fixing bolt 31a, the threaded portion 311 is inserted through the through hole 75a into the fixing hole 19 of the first housing 11. Furthermore, the threaded portion 311 is screwed into the fixing hole 19. Additionally, by screwing the threaded portion 311 into the fixing hole 19 in this manner, the head 310 of the fixing bolt 31a abuts against the first steel plate 71 around the through hole 75a.

[0086] The fixing process is completed by fixing the fixing bolts 31a~31f into the fixing holes 19 respectively. Thus, as Figure 1As shown, the edge 7b of the cover 7 is fastened and fixed to the second side wall 11c in a state where it presses against the front end face 110 of the second side wall 11c from the front. Furthermore, by fixing the edge 7b to the second side wall 11c in this way, the peripheral wall portion 7c of the cover 7 becomes a state in which it covers part of the outer peripheral surface of the second side wall 11c from the outside.

[0087] Here, in this electric compressor, the assembly and fixing processes are completed before the liquid sealing gasket 33a applied to the second surface 72b during the coating process cures. Therefore, taking the area around the through-hole 75a in the second surface 72b as an example, as follows... Figure 4 As shown, the liquid sealing gasket 33a coated around the through hole 75a in the second surface 72b is pulled into the fixing hole 19 along with the threaded portion 311 of the fixing bolt 31a during the engagement of the bolt with the fixing hole 19. As a result, in this electric compressor, the liquid sealing gasket 33a is almost absent around the through hole 75a in the second surface 72b, i.e., in the first part 711. Furthermore, the fourth part 741 connected to the first part 711 is also almost devoid of the liquid sealing gasket 33a. The same applies to the first parts 712-716 and the fourth parts 742-746.

[0088] On the other hand, such as Figure 3 As shown, in the second surface 72b, at the second portions 721-726, a liquid sealing gasket 33a exists between the second sidewall 11c and the front end face 110. Here, as described above, through the fixing process, the edge 7b is fixed to the second sidewall 11c in a state of pressing against the front end face 110 from the front. Therefore, a portion of the liquid sealing gasket 33a existing between the second portions 721-726 and the front end face 110 of the second sidewall 11c overflows into the third portions 731-736 connected to the second portions 721-726. Therefore, a liquid sealing gasket 33a also exists between the third portions 731-736 of the second surface 72b and the outer peripheral surface of the second sidewall 11c. Furthermore, a portion of the liquid sealing gasket 33a applied to the second surface 72b also overflows into the inner side of the second sidewall 11c, i.e., into the receiving chamber 8.

[0089] Furthermore, a sealing gasket 33 is formed by curing the liquid sealing gasket 33a, thereby sealing the space between the second portion 721-726 of the second surface 72b and the front end face 110 of the second side wall 11c, and between the third portion 731-736 of the second surface 72b and the outer peripheral surface of the second side wall 11c, in this electric compressor. On the other hand, there is no sealing gasket 33 between the first portion 711-716 and the front end face 110 of the second side wall 11c, and between the fourth portion 741-746 and the outer peripheral surface of the second side wall 11c.

[0090] In addition, such as Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in this electric compressor, the cover 7 is constructed of a vibration-damping steel plate 70. Furthermore, within the vibration-damping steel plate 70, a resin plate 73 absorbs vibrational energy between the first steel plate 71 and the second steel plate 72. Therefore, in this electric compressor, although the housing 1 inevitably vibrates during operation, the transmission of vibration between the first steel plate 71 and the second steel plate 72 is suppressed within the cover 7. Thus, even when vibration is transmitted from the housing 1 to the cover 7 during operation, the cover 7 is unlikely to vibrate. Consequently, in this electric compressor, it is not necessary to excessively increase the thickness of the cover 7 when suppressing vibration of the cover 7 during operation.

[0091] Furthermore, in this electric compressor, the second portion 721-726 of the second surface 72b is sealed to the front end face 110 of the second side wall 11c by a sealing gasket 33. Also, the third portion 731-736 of the second surface 72b is sealed to the outer peripheral surface of the second side wall 11c by a sealing gasket 33. Thus, in this electric compressor, water, dust, etc., can be appropriately prevented from entering the receiving chamber 8 from between the second portion 721-726 and the front end face 110 of the second side wall 11c, and from between the third portion 731-736 and the outer peripheral surface of the second side wall 11c.

[0092] Furthermore, in this electric compressor, the first housing 11 and each of the fixing bolts 31a-31f are made of metal. When the edge 7b of the cover 7 is fixed to the second side wall 11c, each of the fixing bolts 31a-31f is fixed to the fixing holes 19 of the second side wall 11c by the engagement of the threaded portion 311 with the fixing holes 19. That is, by fixing the edge 7b to the second side wall 11c, the threaded portion 311 of each of the fixing bolts 31a-31f contacts the second side wall 11c. Additionally, regarding each of the fixing bolts 31a-31f, the head 310 abuts against the first steel plate 71 around the through holes 75a-75f.

[0093] Furthermore, as described above, in this electric compressor, there is no sealing gasket 33 between the first portions 711-716 and the front end face of the second side wall 11c. Therefore, by fixing the edge 7b to the second side wall 11c, the first portions 711-716 directly abut against the front end face 110 of the second side wall 11c. In other words, in the first portions 711-716, the second steel plate 72 and the second side wall 11c make metal-to-metal contact without the sealing gasket 33.

[0094] As a result, in this electric compressor, the cover 7 and the first housing 11 can be appropriately equipotentially connected by the fixing bolts 31a-31f. Therefore, in this electric compressor, the influence of external noise on the converter 9 can be minimized, and the noise caused by the converter 9 to external equipment during operation can be minimized. Here, even without the sealing gasket 33 being placed between the first part 711-716 and the front end face 110 of the second side wall 11c, a proper seal can be achieved between the two parts through metal-to-metal contact. Therefore, water, dust, etc., can be appropriately prevented from entering the housing 8 from this part.

[0095] Therefore, the electric compressor of the embodiment achieves miniaturization while having excellent airtightness of the housing 8 and excellent electromagnetic countermeasures against the converter 9.

[0096] In particular, in this electric compressor, when the cover 7 is fixed to the housing 1, the assembly and fixing processes are completed before the liquid sealing gasket 33a applied to the second surface 72b in the coating process cures. Therefore, by utilizing the engagement of the threaded portions 311 of the fixing bolts 31a-31f with each fixing hole 19 and the fluidity of the liquid sealing gasket 33a before curing, it is possible to achieve a state where the liquid sealing gasket 33a is almost absent from the first parts 711-716. Thus, in this electric compressor, it is not necessary to mask the first parts 711-716 during the coating process to avoid applying the liquid sealing gasket 33a to the first parts 711-716. Therefore, the coating process can be easily performed in this electric compressor.

[0097] Furthermore, by completing the assembly and fixing processes before the liquid sealing gasket 33a cures, the liquid sealing gasket 33a overflowing from the second part 721-726 can be used to properly seal the third part 731-736 with the outer peripheral surface of the second sidewall 11c.

[0098] Furthermore, in this electric compressor, by fixing the edge 7b of the cover 7 to the second side wall 11c, the peripheral wall 7c of the cover 7 is configured to cover a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second side wall 11c from the outside. Therefore, for example, compared to a configuration where the peripheral wall 7c is fixed to the second side wall 11c and thus the second side wall 11c covers the peripheral wall 7c from the outside, the formation of the cover 7 and the second side wall 11c is facilitated in this electric compressor. Moreover, by having the peripheral wall 7c cover a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second side wall 11c from the outside, a sealing gasket 33 can be easily provided between the peripheral wall 7c and the second side wall 11c in this electric compressor.

[0099] Furthermore, in this electric compressor, the first steel plate 71 and the second steel plate 72 of the vibration damping steel plate 70 each have a first and a second plating layer 710b and 720b, respectively. This gives the first steel plate 71 and the second steel plate 72, and consequently the cover 7, corrosion resistance, thus increasing the durability of the electric compressor. Additionally, the first and second plating layers 710b and 720b can smooth the first steel plate 71 and the second steel plate 72, allowing for secure fixing of the first steel plate 71 and the second steel plate 72 to the resin plate 73.

[0100] The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Of course, appropriate changes can be made to apply it without departing from its spirit.

[0101] For example, in the electric compressor of the embodiment, the first portions 711 to 716 are all in direct contact with the front end face 110 of the second sidewall 11c. However, it is not limited to this, and it is also possible that at least one of the first portions 711 to 716 is in direct contact with the front end face 110 of the second sidewall 11c.

[0102] Alternatively, in the electric compressor of the embodiment, the sealing gasket 33 between the peripheral wall portion 7c and the second side wall 11c may be omitted.

[0103] In addition, in the electric compressor of the embodiment, the fixing bolts 31a to 31f are used as "fixing members" in the present invention. However, it is not limited to this, and metal rivets or the like can also be used as "fixing members" in the present invention.

[0104] Furthermore, in the electric compressor of this embodiment, the first steel plate 71 has a first plate body 710a and a first plating layer 710b, and the second steel plate 72 has a second plate body 720a and a second plating layer 720b. However, it is not limited to this; the first steel plate 71 and the second steel plate 72 may also be composed solely of a first plate body 710a and a second plate body 720a formed of an alloy of zinc and aluminum, respectively.

[0105] In addition, in the electric compressor of the embodiment, the first part 711 to 716 can also be masked during the coating process.

[0106] Furthermore, in the electric compressor of the embodiment, refrigerant gas is used as the "fluid" in this invention. However, it is not limited to this, and air, oxygen, etc. may also be used as the "fluid" in this invention.

[0107] In addition, the following inventions are included in this specification.

[0108] (Note 1)

[0109] An electric compressor, comprising:

[0110] A compression mechanism is used to compress fluids;

[0111] An electric motor drives the compression mechanism;

[0112] The converter performs drive control of the electric motor;

[0113] A housing, which internally houses the compression mechanism and the electric motor; and

[0114] The cover is fixed to the housing by multiple fasteners, forming a housing chamber for accommodating the transducer between the cover and the housing.

[0115] Its features are,

[0116] The housing and all the fasteners are made of metal.

[0117] The cover is made of a vibration-damping steel plate, which has a first steel plate, a second steel plate spaced apart from the first steel plate in the axial direction of the fixing member, and a resin member disposed between the first steel plate and the second steel plate.

[0118] The cover has multiple through holes that extend axially from the first steel plate to the second steel plate, allowing each fixing member to be inserted.

[0119] The housing has multiple fixing holes, which face each insertion hole and allow the fixing components to be inserted and fixed.

[0120] By fixing the cover to the housing, the fixing members abut against the first steel plate.

[0121] The second steel plate has: a first surface facing the resin component; and a second surface located axially opposite to the first surface, fixed to the housing by the cover, with the second surface facing the housing.

[0122] The second surface has: a plurality of first portions on the inner side of which are respectively formed the insertion holes; and a second portion located on the outer side of each of the first portions.

[0123] The second part is sealed to the housing by a gasket.

[0124] At least one of the first portions directly abuts against the housing.

[0125] (Note 2)

[0126] According to the electric compressor described in Appendix 1

[0127] Each of the first parts is in direct contact with the housing.

[0128] (Note 3)

[0129] According to the electric compressor described in Appendix 1 or 2,

[0130] The cover, while fixed to the housing, covers a portion of the housing from the outside.

[0131] (Note 4)

[0132] According to the electric compressor described in Appendix 3

[0133] The second surface has a third portion, which is connected to the second portion and covers the outer peripheral surface of the housing from the outside.

[0134] The third part is sealed to the housing by the gasket.

[0135] (Note 5)

[0136] The electric compressor according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4,

[0137] The first steel plate has a metal body and a first coating covering the body.

[0138] The second steel plate has a metal body and a second coating covering the body.

[0139] The first coating and the second coating are corrosion resistant.

[0140] Industrial availability

[0141] This invention can be used in vehicle air conditioning systems, etc.

[0142] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0143] 1. Shell

[0144] 3 Electric motors

[0145] 5. Compression Mechanism

[0146] 7 masks

[0147] 8 Containment Room

[0148] 9. Converter

[0149] 31a~31f Fixing bolts (fasteners)

[0150] 33 Sealing gasket

[0151] 70 vibration damping steel plate

[0152] 71 Steel Plate No. 1

[0153] 72. Second steel plate

[0154] 72a Page 1

[0155] 72b Page 2

[0156] 73 Resin sheets (resin parts)

[0157] 75a~75f Through-hole

[0158] 710a First Plate Main Body

[0159] 710b First Coating

[0160] Part 1, 711-716

[0161] 720a 2nd plate body

[0162] 720b Second Coating

[0163] Part 2, 721-726

[0164] Part 3, 731-736

Claims

1. An electric compressor, comprising: A compression mechanism is used to compress fluids; An electric motor drives the compression mechanism; The converter performs drive control of the electric motor; A housing, which internally houses the compression mechanism and the electric motor; and The cover is fixed to the housing by multiple fasteners, forming a housing chamber for accommodating the transducer between the cover and the housing. Its features are, The housing and all the fasteners are made of metal. The cover is made of a vibration-damping steel plate, which has a first steel plate, a second steel plate spaced apart from the first steel plate in the axial direction of the fixing member, and a resin member disposed between the first steel plate and the second steel plate. The cover has multiple through holes that extend axially from the first steel plate to the second steel plate, allowing each fixing member to be inserted. The housing has multiple fixing holes, which face each insertion hole and allow the fixing components to be inserted and fixed. By fixing the cover to the housing, the fixing members abut against the first steel plate. The second steel plate has: a first surface facing the resin component; The second surface, located axially opposite to the first surface, is fixed to the housing by the cover, and the second surface faces the housing. The second surface has: a plurality of first portions on the inner side of which are respectively formed the insertion holes; and a second portion located on the outer side of each of the first portions. The second part is sealed to the housing by a gasket. At least one of the first portions directly abuts against the housing.

2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, Each of the first parts is in direct contact with the housing.

3. The electric compressor according to claim 1 or 2, The cover, while fixed to the housing, covers a portion of the housing from the outside.

4. The electric compressor according to claim 3, The second surface has a third portion, which is connected to the second portion and covers the outer peripheral surface of the housing from the outside. The third part is sealed to the housing by the gasket.

5. The electric compressor according to claim 1 or 2, The first steel plate has a metal body and a first coating covering the body. The second steel plate has a metal body and a second coating covering the body. The first coating and the second coating are corrosion resistant.

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