Electric compressor

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides an electric compressor comprising: a housing; a compression unit for compressing a refrigerant; a motor unit disposed in the housing and configured to drive the compression unit; and an inverter unit disposed on one side of the housing and configured to control the motor unit. The inverter unit includes: a printed circuit board disposed in an open side portion of the housing; and an inverter cover coupled to the housing to cover the printed circuit board. The inverter cover includes a first rib portion and a second rib portion, the first rib portion and the second rib portion being recessed at different depths relative to the inner surface of the inverter cover and protruding relative to the outer surface of the inverter cover.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0007599, filed on January 17, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0004965, filed on January 13, 2025, the entire contents of each of the two Korean patent applications of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to electric compressors, and more specifically, to electric compressors in which the inverter cover can be manufactured by a stamping process to reduce costs, while the rib portion can increase the rigidity of the inverter cover and improve NVH. Background Technology

[0003] Vehicles are typically equipped with an air conditioning system for heating and cooling their interiors. This air conditioning system includes a compressor that compresses the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant introduced from the evaporator into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and then delivers the compressed refrigerant to the condenser.

[0004] Compressors used in vehicles include mechanically driven compressors that operate by receiving driving power from the engine and electrically driven compressors that use electric motors. Recently, with the acceleration of vehicle electrification, the use of electrically driven compressors has been increasing.

[0005] Meanwhile, compressors can be classified into reciprocating compressors, which compress refrigerant through the reciprocating motion of pistons, and rotary compressors, which compress refrigerant through rotational motion. Based on the power transmission mechanism, reciprocating compressors include crank-type compressors in which power is transmitted to multiple pistons via a crank, and swashplate-type compressors in which power is transmitted via a rotating shaft equipped with swashplates. Rotary compressors include vane-type compressors employing a rotating shaft and vanes, and scroll-type compressors employing a moving scroll and a stationary scroll.

[0006] In addition, efforts are being made to actively develop inverter-type electric compressors capable of changing the operating speed of motors. An example of such a conventional inverter-type electric compressor is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0081782.

[0007] Refer to the attached document Figure 1 A conventional electric compressor includes a compressor housing 1 and an inverter housing 20. The compressor housing 1 houses a compression unit configured to compress a refrigerant and an electric motor configured to transmit drive power to the compression unit.

[0008] Inverter housing 20 is connected to compressor housing 1, and inverter 4, configured to control the operation of an electric motor, is housed within inverter housing 20. Inverter 4 includes a printed circuit board 4b disposed within inverter housing 20 and electronic components 4a mounted on the printed circuit board 4b. Inverter 4, housed within inverter housing 20, is electrically connected via a connector to the electric motor housed within compressor housing 1.

[0009] One side of the inverter housing 20 is open, and the inverter cover 3 is fastened to the inverter housing 20. The inverter cover 3 is configured to seal the opening 23 of the inverter housing 20 and to physically protect the inverter 4 and prevent moisture and foreign objects from entering the interior of the inverter housing 20.

[0010] The inverter cover 3 is detachably fastened to the inverter housing 20 so that it can be separated from the inverter housing 20 when repairing the inverter 4 or replacing its components.

[0011] The inverter cover 3 is typically fastened to the inverter housing 20 by a plurality of fastening bolts 51. The plurality of fastening bolts 51 pass through fastening holes 3a formed in the inverter cover 3 and are fastened into threaded holes formed in the inverter housing 20, thereby fixing the inverter cover 3 to the inverter housing 20.

[0012] According to this conventional structure, the vibrations generated during the operation of the electric compressor are transmitted through space to the inverter cover 3, causing vibration due to the shaking of the inverter cover 3. This vibration causes the inverter cover 3 to generate radiated noise, which is converted into noise in a specific frequency band, thus creating a need for measures to solve this problem.

[0013] As an example of a conventional electric compressor developed to solve the above problems, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0057143 discloses an electric compressor that can simultaneously increase the stiffness of the inverter cover, reduce vibration and noise, and suppress weight gain.

[0014] In the disclosed electric compressor, the inverter cover 100 includes a plate-shaped main board 110 and an annular side plate 120 that protrudes from the outer peripheral portion of the main board 110 toward the front housing (not shown) and extends along the outer peripheral portion of the main board 110.

[0015] In this case, the mainboard 110 is formed with a corrugated shape to increase its rigidity. Specifically, the mainboard 110 includes a first board portion 112 and a second board portion 114 extending from the first board portion 112, the second board portion 114 being formed to protrude relative to the first board portion 112 on the inner side of the side accommodating the inverter (not shown) and to be recessed relative to the first board portion 112 on the outer side.

[0016] Additionally, the motherboard 110 also includes a rib portion R protruding from at least one of the first inner surface 112a and the first outer surface 112b of the first plate portion 112, in order to further increase the rigidity of the motherboard 110. Specifically, the rib portion R may include a first rib portion R1 protruding from the first inner surface 112a, a second rib portion R2 protruding from the first outer surface 112b, and a fastening rib portion R3 surrounding the fastening hole 122, which will be described later.

[0017] However, in the conventional structure, because the rib portion R has a complex shape and, unlike the second plate portion 114, is formed to protrude from the first inner surface 112a and the first outer surface 112b respectively, the inverter cover 100 must be manufactured by additional machining after die casting. Therefore, manufacturing costs increase due to the expensive die casting process and additional machining operations. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an electric compressor in which the inverter cover can be manufactured by a stamping process to reduce costs, while the rib portion can increase the rigidity of the inverter cover and improve NVH.

[0019] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the purposes described above, and other purposes not specifically mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0020] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this disclosure provide an electric compressor comprising: a housing; a compression unit configured to compress a refrigerant; a motor unit disposed within the housing and configured to drive the compression unit; and an inverter unit disposed on one side of the housing and configured to control the motor unit. The inverter unit includes: a printed circuit board disposed in an open side portion of the housing; and an inverter cover coupled to the housing to cover the printed circuit board. The inverter cover has a first rib portion and a second rib portion formed at different depths, such that the first rib portion and the second rib portion are recessed relative to the inner surface of the inverter cover and protrude relative to the outer surface of the inverter cover.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the first rib portion may be formed at a first depth in the region facing the printed circuit board, such that the first rib portion is recessed relative to the inner surface of the inverter cover and protrudes relative to the outer surface of the inverter cover.

[0022] According to the embodiment, the second rib portion may be at least partially disposed in the region of the first rib portion, and may be formed at a second depth greater than the first depth, such that the second rib portion is recessed relative to the inner surface of the inverter cover and protrudes relative to the outer surface of the inverter cover.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the second rib portion may include a second-1 rib, which is disposed within the region of the first rib portion and includes one or more curved portions.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the second rib portion may further include a second-2 rib portion, which is spaced apart from the second-1 rib portion in the region of the first rib portion, and at least a portion of the periphery of the second-2 rib portion has a predetermined curvature.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the second-2 ribs may face the pins configured to electrically connect the printed circuit board to the motor unit.

[0026] According to an embodiment, a portion of the periphery of the second-2 rib may have a radially outward-pointing angular shape.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the second rib portion may further include a high-voltage opposing rib, which faces the connection portion of the high-voltage connector and extends from the second-1 rib to the outside of the region of the first rib portion.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the first rib portion may include a low-voltage opposing rib, which faces the connection portion of the low-voltage connector and extends radially outward beyond the area facing the printed circuit board.

[0029] According to the implementation method, the low-voltage relative rib can be arranged parallel to the high-voltage relative rib on the opposite side of the vertical centerline of the inverter cover.

[0030] According to the implementation method, the inverter cover can be formed from a single plate.

[0031] According to the implementation method, the first rib portion and the second rib portion can be formed by a stamping process.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the first rib portion may be provided with a clearance portion configured to avoid interference with fastening members used to fasten the inverter cover to the housing.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the electric compressor may also include a vibration damping member connected from the outside of the inverter cover toward the printed circuit board to prevent radiated noise generated from the inverter cover during operation of the motor unit.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the vibration damping member may include a fixing member and a spacer, wherein the fixing member passes through the spacer and the spacer is formed to surround the circumference of the fixing member.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the vibration damping member may include: a first vibration damping member disposed at any position on the inverter cover facing the motor unit; and a second vibration damping member disposed spaced apart from the first vibration damping member.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the first vibration damping member may include: a first spacer, which is press-fitted into the gap between the inverter cover and the printed circuit board; and a first fixing member, which is inserted into the first spacer from the outside of the inverter cover and connected to the housing; and the second vibration damping member may include: a second spacer, which is press-fitted into the gap between the inverter cover and the printed circuit board; and a second fixing member, which is inserted into the second spacer from the outside of the inverter cover and connected to the housing.

[0037] According to the implementation method, the first spacer and the second spacer can extend to different lengths.

[0038] According to the implementation method, the first spacer can extend to a greater length than the second spacer.

[0039] According to the embodiment, the inverter cover may be provided with a first mounting groove and a second mounting groove, a first spacer is mounted in the first mounting groove, a second spacer is mounted in the second mounting groove, and the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove are formed on the inner side of the inverter cover.

[0040] According to the embodiments, the first spacer and the second spacer can be made of metallic material.

[0041] According to the embodiment, the printed circuit board may be provided with a first fixing member insertion hole and a second fixing member insertion hole, wherein the first fixing member is inserted through the first fixing member insertion hole and the second fixing member is inserted through the second fixing member insertion hole.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the printed circuit board may be provided with a first contact portion surrounding the insertion hole of the first fixing member and a second contact portion surrounding the insertion hole of the second fixing member.

[0043] According to the implementation, the first contact portion can contact the first spacer to establish an electrical ground, and the second contact portion can contact the second spacer to establish an electrical ground.

[0044] According to the implementation method, the first vibration damping member can be disposed in the area of ​​the second-2 rib.

[0045] According to the embodiment, the second vibration damping member can be disposed in the area between the second-1 ribs of the first rib portion.

[0046] According to this disclosure, since the inverter cover has a first rib portion and a second rib portion formed at different depths, such that the first rib portion and the second rib portion are recessed relative to the inner surface of the inverter cover and protrude relative to the outer surface of the inverter cover, the inverter cover can be manufactured by a stamping process without additional machining, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. In other words, the shape of the rib portion is simplified and optimized to allow for the application of a stamping process.

[0047] Furthermore, the stiffness of the inverter cover can be increased by the rib portion, and NVH can be improved due to the separation of the natural frequencies. Specifically, the first rib portion can maintain an insulating distance from the printed circuit board, and the second-2 rib portion of the second rib portion can maintain an insulating distance from the pins, while reducing radiated noise. In addition, the stiffness of the inverter cover can be increased by the second-1 rib portion of the second rib portion.

[0048] Furthermore, since the electric compressor also includes vibration damping components, the radiated noise generated by the inverter cover during the operation of the electric compressor is reduced, and the noise in a specific frequency band is also reduced. In this embodiment, a structure capable of directly suppressing the vibration of the inverter cover is additionally provided on the inverter cover, thereby steadily reducing the vibration of the inverter cover while maintaining connection stability.

[0049] In addition, by optimizing the position of vibration damping components, the generation of vibration noise in electric compressors of various specifications can be minimized.

[0050] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be derived from the configuration of the invention as described in the detailed description or the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a conventional electric compressor with the inverter cover shown as being in a disconnected state.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an electric compressor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 3 The illustration shows the device in a disassembled state. Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of some components of an electric compressor.

[0054] Figure 4 yes Figure 2Front view of the electric compressor.

[0055] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing from Figure 4 Front view of the inverter cover separated from the electric compressor.

[0056] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Rear view.

[0057] Figure 7 and Figure 8 They are respectively in Figure 4 Three-dimensional views of partial cross-sections taken from different locations of the electric compressor.

[0058] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an electric compressor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 10 It's a diagram. Figure 9 Rear view and enlarged cross-sectional view of the inverter cover, wherein the vibration damping component is connected to the inverter cover.

[0060] Figure 11 It is illustrated in Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of a printed circuit board having a first spacer and a second spacer. Detailed Implementation

[0061] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as the methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become clear from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but can be implemented in a variety of different forms. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be detailed and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. This disclosure is defined only by the scope of the appended claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0062] When an element is referred to as “connected to” or “linked to” another element, it should be understood that the element may be directly connected to or linked to the other element, or may be connected to or linked to the other element through one or more intermediate elements between the element and the other element. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly connected to” or “directly linked to” another element, no intermediate elements are present. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0063] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” mean the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0064] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used in this document to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one element from another.

[0065] First, refer to Figures 2 to 8 An electric compressor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0066] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 First, the configuration of the electric compressor will be briefly described. The electric compressor includes a housing 10, a compression unit 3 configured to compress refrigerant, a motor unit 2 disposed in the housing 10 and configured to drive the compression unit 3, and an inverter unit 100.

[0067] A housing 10 of predetermined dimensions forms the entire exterior of the electric compressor. In this embodiment, the housing 10 includes a central housing 12, a motor housing 11, and a rear housing 14.

[0068] Motor unit 2 is disposed in the space defined by motor housing 11 and central housing 12, and provides driving power for compressing the refrigerant in compression unit 3. Motor unit 2 includes rotor 2b and stator 2c. Rotor 2b is coupled to rotating shaft 2a, which is rotatably mounted at the center of motor housing 11. Stator 2c is fixed to motor housing 11 and disposed radially outside of rotor 2b. Stator 2c includes stator core 2c1 and coil 2c2 wound around stator core 2c1.

[0069] The compression unit 3 is disposed inside the rear housing 14 and includes a moving scroll 3a and a fixed scroll 3b. The moving scroll 3a is connected to the rotating shaft 2a via an eccentric bushing. The fixed scroll 3b is fixed between the central housing 12 and the rear housing 14 to define a compression chamber together with the moving scroll 3a, in which the refrigerant is compressed.

[0070] As described above, since the compression unit 3 is connected to the motor unit 2 via the rotating shaft 2a, the rotational force generated by the motor unit 2 can be transmitted to the moving scroll member 3a of the compression unit via the rotating shaft 2a. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and other types of compression units may also be used.

[0071] Inverter unit 100 is disposed on the side of housing 10 opposite to motor unit 2 and compressor unit 3. Inverter unit 100 is electrically connected to motor unit 2 and supplies power to motor unit 2 and controls the operation of motor unit 2 in response to power signals and control signals supplied from an external source.

[0072] More specifically, the stator 2c generates an electromagnetic field in response to the power supplied from the inverter unit 100, and as the rotor 2b rotates through the electromagnetic field generated by the stator 2c, it generates a rotational force for driving the compression unit 3.

[0073] At this time, as Figure 1 As illustrated, the motor unit 2 and the inverter unit 100 can be electrically connected via pins 5. In this embodiment, since a three-phase motor is used, three pins 5, each connected to one of the three phases, can be provided to supply three-phase power from the inverter unit 100 to the motor unit 2. The three pins 5 are electrically connected to the three-phase coils of the stator 2c, extend through the motor housing 11, pass through the printed circuit board (PCB) 101 of the inverter unit 100 (described later), and are electrically connected to the PCB 101.

[0074] More specifically, the inverter unit 100 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 101 disposed in an open side portion of the housing 10, and an inverter cover 120 coupled to the housing 10 to cover the printed circuit board 101.

[0075] In this embodiment, one side portion of the motor housing 11 is open and extends radially outward beyond the portion where the motor unit 2 is disposed, so that a printed circuit board 101 connected to a switching element can be placed therein.

[0076] The inverter cover 120 is connected to the motor housing 11 so that the printed circuit board 101 can be accommodated therein.

[0077] If necessary, a sealing member can be provided between a side portion of the motor housing 11 and the inverter cover 120. Since the printed circuit board 101 is located inside a side portion of the motor housing 11, the sealing member is provided along the edge of a side portion of the motor housing 11 to ensure a reliable seal, thereby preventing moisture and foreign matter from entering.

[0078] In addition to the printed circuit board 101 and the inverter cover 120, the inverter unit 100 according to this embodiment may also include a CM choke (not shown), a high-voltage connector 40 and a low-voltage connector 50.

[0079] High-voltage connector 40 is configured, for example, to supply high voltage to the inverter on the vehicle side, while low-voltage connector 50 is configured to supply low voltage to the vehicle's low-voltage-operating electrical components or to transmit signals.

[0080] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 4 to 8 The structure of the inverter cover 120 is described in detail.

[0081] In this disclosure, the inverter cover 120 is provided with a first rib portion 310 and a second rib portion 320, which are formed at different depths such that the first rib portion 310 and the second rib portion 320 are recessed relative to the inner surface 120a of the inverter cover 120 and protrude relative to the outer surface 120b of the inverter cover 120. The inner surface 120a of the inverter cover corresponds to the surface facing the printed circuit board 101, and the outer surface 120b of the inverter cover corresponds to the surface facing the outer side of the inverter unit 100.

[0082] The first rib portion 310 is formed at a first depth d1 in the region facing the printed circuit board 101, such that the first rib portion 310 is recessed relative to the inner surface 120a of the inverter cover 120 and protrudes relative to the outer surface 120b of the inverter cover 120. Preferably, the first rib portion 310 is formed over the entire region facing the printed circuit board 101, corresponding to the shape of the printed circuit board 101, thereby maintaining an insulating distance from the printed circuit board 101.

[0083] At least a portion of the second rib portion 320 is disposed in the region of the first rib portion 310 and is formed at a second depth d2 greater than the first depth d1, such that the second rib portion 320 is recessed relative to the inner surface 120a of the inverter cover 120 and protrudes relative to the outer surface 120b of the inverter cover 120.

[0084] In this embodiment, the second rib portion 320 includes a second-1 rib 321 and a second-2 rib 322. The second-1 rib 321 is disposed in the region of the first rib portion 310 and includes one or more curved portions. The second-2 rib 322 is disposed in the region of the first rib portion 310 to be spaced apart from the second-1 rib 321. At least a portion of the periphery of the second-2 rib 322 has a predetermined curvature.

[0085] The second-1 rib 321 is configured to increase the rigidity of the inverter cover 120 and includes one or more curved portions 321a to maximize its length. In this embodiment, the second-1 rib 321 includes two curved portions 321a and is designed in an S-shape. The second-1 rib 321 is positioned above the second-2 rib 322.

[0086] At this point, the radius R of the bent portion 321a of the second-1 rib 321 can be appropriately selected by considering the characteristics of the stamping process to improve manufacturability. This is because if the radius R of the bent portion 321a of the second-1 rib 321 is too large, the second-1 rib 321 becomes too large and occupies too much area of ​​the inverter cover 120, while if the radius R is too small, stamping cannot be performed.

[0087] The second rib 322 is formed in the region facing the three pins 5 that electrically connect the printed circuit board 101 and the motor unit 2, so that an insulating distance can be maintained without interfering with the three pins 5 (see [link]). Figure 1 In addition, radiated noise is reduced by the second-2 rib 322.

[0088] The periphery of the second-2 rib 322 is substantially formed into a circular shape with a predetermined curvature. However, to improve the manufacturability of the stamping process, a portion of the periphery of the second-2 rib 322 may have a radially outward-pointing angular shape. In this embodiment, a portion of the periphery of the second-2 rib 322 facing the second-1 rib 321 forms a radially outward angle of approximately 90°, thereby facilitating adjustment of the depth of the second-2 rib 322.

[0089] In some embodiments, the second rib portion 320 may further include a high-voltage opposing rib 323 facing the connection portion 42 of the high-voltage connector 40 to the printed circuit board 101, and extending from the second rib portion 321 to the outside of the region of the first rib portion 310, thereby avoiding interference with the connection portion 42 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 7 ).

[0090] In some embodiments, the first rib portion 310 may include a low-voltage opposing rib 311 facing the connection portion 52 of the low-voltage connector and extending radially outward beyond the area facing the printed circuit board 101 to allow passage of the connection portion 52 of the low-voltage connector connecting the low-voltage connector 50 to the printed circuit board 101 (see [link]). Figure 8 ).

[0091] In this embodiment, since the connection portion 42 of the high-voltage connector includes a bolted connection structure, the high-voltage opposing rib 323 is formed to be recessed deeper relative to the inner surface 120a of the inverter cover 120 than the low-voltage opposing rib 311. The low-voltage opposing rib 311 and the high-voltage opposing rib 323 are arranged parallel to each other on opposite sides of the vertical centerline (C) of the inverter cover 120.

[0092] Furthermore, the first rib portion 310 may also be provided with a clearance portion 312 to avoid interference with the fastening member 400 used to fasten the inverter cover 120 to the housing 10. In this embodiment, since the first rib portion 310 may interfere with the fastening member 400 fastened to the lowermost part of the inverter cover 120, a clearance portion 312 is provided on the lower side of the first rib portion 310. However, the position and number of clearance portions 312 can be varied depending on the position and number of interference points between the first rib portion 310 and the fastening member 400.

[0093] In this embodiment, the inverter cover 120 is plate-shaped and formed from a single plate. Furthermore, the first rib portion 310 and the second rib portion 320 are designed to have a simplified and optimized shape, and are formed to be recessed relative to the inner surface 120a of the inverter cover 120 and protruding relative to the outer surface 120b of the inverter cover 120. Therefore, the inverter cover 120 can be formed by a stamping process. In this way, the first rib portion 310 and the second rib portion 320 are formed by pressing the plate-shaped inverter cover 120 through a stamping process, thereby facilitating the manufacture of the inverter cover 120. Moreover, since an expensive die-casting process and additional machining are not required, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0094] Furthermore, despite the changes in the manufacturing process and the simplification of the rib configuration, the rib portions 310 and 320 according to this disclosure also have natural frequencies comparable to those of conventional rib portions. In other words, in the electric compressor according to this disclosure, the stiffness of the inverter cover 120 can be increased through the rib portions 310 and 320, and NVH can be improved due to the separation of natural frequencies, while maintaining a level comparable to that of conventional structures.

[0095] Next, we will refer to Figures 10 to 1 3. An electric compressor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0096] Reference Figure 10 The configuration of the electric compressor will be briefly described below. The electric compressor includes a housing 10, a compression unit 3 configured to compress refrigerant, a motor unit 2 disposed within the housing 10 and configured to drive the compression unit 3, an inverter unit 100, and a vibration damping member 200. That is, Figure 10 The electric compressor shown in the figure and Figure 2 The only difference between the electric compressor illustrated is that it also includes a vibration damping component 200. Therefore, the vibration damping component 200 will be described in detail below.

[0097] The electric compressor according to this embodiment includes a vibration damping member 200 connected from the outside of the inverter cover 120 toward the printed circuit board 101 to prevent radiated noise generated from the inverter cover 120 during operation of the motor unit 2.

[0098] According to this embodiment, the vibration damping member 200 is configured to reduce radiated noise in the high-frequency region caused by vibration transmitted in the axial direction of the electric compressor to the inverter cover 120 which is disposed facing the motor unit 2 during operation of the motor unit 2, and to minimize unnecessary vibration.

[0099] The vibration damping component 200 is a vibration isolation component that can reduce the noise generated in the high-frequency band of the radiated noise caused by the vibration of the inverter cover 120, thereby enabling the electric compressor to operate more quietly.

[0100] The vibration damping member 200 includes fixed members (i.e., a first fixed member and a second fixed member) and spacers (i.e., a first spacer and a second spacer). Each fixed member passes through a corresponding spacer, and each spacer is formed as a circle around the circumference of the corresponding fixed member.

[0101] For this purpose, the vibration damping member 200 includes a first vibration damping member 210 and a second vibration damping member 220. The first vibration damping member 210 is disposed at any position on the inverter cover 120 facing the motor unit 2, and the second vibration damping member 220 is disposed spaced apart from the first vibration damping member 210. The second vibration damping member 220 can be disposed at any position on the inverter cover 120 not facing the motor unit 2.

[0102] The vibration damping member 200 is provided for measuring radiated noise generated by vibration in various frequency bands, and is installed to reduce and improve noise in the high-frequency region of various frequency bands. Although this embodiment has been described as beneficial for reducing high-frequency noise, it should be understood that noise in other frequency bands can also be reduced.

[0103] In particular, according to this embodiment, since radiated noise is generated not only at a specific location of the inverter cover 120, but also throughout the entire inverter cover 120, vibration can be reduced more effectively by installing the first vibration damping member 210 and the second vibration damping member 220 at different locations.

[0104] The inverter cover 120 is provided with a first insertion hole 120c and a second insertion hole 120d. The first vibration damping member 210 is inserted into the first insertion hole 120c, and the second vibration damping member 220 is inserted into the second insertion hole 120d.

[0105] At this point, the first vibration damping member 210 is preferably disposed within the area of ​​the second-2 rib 322 described above. Although radiated noise due to vibration is generated throughout the inverter cover 120, this radiated noise is mainly generated within the area of ​​the second-2 rib 322. Therefore, the first vibration damping member 210 is disposed within the area of ​​the second-2 rib 322.

[0106] In this embodiment, the first vibration damping member 210 is connected at a predetermined distance radially outward from the center of the region of the second-2 rib 322. The installation position of the first vibration damping member 210 is determined taking into account the location in the region of the second-2 rib 322 where the maximum vibration occurs and the layout of the printed circuit board 101. However, it should be understood that the installation position can be changed.

[0107] Furthermore, the second vibration damping member 220 is preferably disposed in the region between the second-1 ribs 321 of the first rib portion 310. Since radiated noise is also generated in the region above the second-2 rib 322, the second vibration damping member 220 is disposed to reduce the radiated noise generated from the inverter cover 120 together with the first vibration damping member 210.

[0108] In particular, since the second vibration damping member 220 is disposed in the area of ​​the first rib portion 310 and between the second-1 ribs 321, the second-1 ribs 321 protruding from the outer surface 120b of the inverter cover 120 are respectively disposed above and below the position where the second vibration damping member 220 is installed.

[0109] The reason for connecting the second vibration damping member 220 to the area between the second-1 ribs 321 of the first rib portion 310 is to attenuate the vibration transmitted to the inverter cover 120 by making the greatest possible use of the structural configuration of the adjacent second-1 ribs 321.

[0110] For example, when a portion of the vibration transmitted to the second vibration damping member 220 is transmitted to the second-1 rib 321, vibration dispersion and noise in the high-frequency region can be reduced, thereby reducing the noise generated from the inverter cover 120 at the location illustrated in the figures.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the first vibration damping member 210 includes a first spacer 212 and a first fixing member 214. The first spacer 212 is press-fitted into the gap between the inverter cover 120 and the printed circuit board 101. The first fixing member 214 is inserted into the first spacer 212 from the outside of the inverter cover 120 and connected to the housing 10.

[0112] The second vibration damping member 220 includes a second spacer 222 and a second fixing member 224. The second spacer 222 is press-fitted into the gap between the inverter cover 120 and the printed circuit board 101. The second fixing member 224 is inserted into the second spacer 222 from the outside of the inverter cover 120 and connected to the housing 10.

[0113] The first spacer 212 and the second spacer 222 are mounted to make surface contact with the upper surface of the printed circuit board 101 and serve as grounding members when in contact with the printed circuit board 101.

[0114] Specifically, the first spacer 212 and the second spacer 222 are used to fix the printed circuit board 101 and the inverter cover 120 relative to each other, thereby preventing the inverter cover 120 from vibrating inward and outward in the axial direction and minimizing the generation of high-frequency noise.

[0115] The first spacer 212 and the second spacer 222 are made of metallic material and maintain electrical conductivity.

[0116] The printed circuit board 101 is provided with a first fixing member insertion hole 101a and a second fixing member insertion hole 101b. The first fixing member 214 is inserted through the first fixing member insertion hole 101a, and the second fixing member 224 is inserted through the second fixing member insertion hole 101b.

[0117] The printed circuit board 101 also has a first contact portion 101c surrounding the first fixing member insertion hole 101a and a second contact portion 101d surrounding the second fixing member insertion hole 101b. The first contact portion 101c and the second contact portion 101d are preferably formed of copper, which has high thermal conductivity, although other materials may also be used.

[0118] Therefore, the first contact portion 101c contacts the first spacer 212 to establish an electrical ground, and the second contact portion 101d contacts the second spacer 222 to establish an electrical ground.

[0119] The first contact portion 101c and the second contact portion 101d are formed during the manufacture of the printed circuit board 101 by providing a shadow with a size corresponding to the outer diameter of the first spacer 212 and the second spacer 222. Additionally, the first contact portion 101c and the second contact portion 101d can be formed on the upper surface of the printed circuit board 101 with a predetermined thickness.

[0120] When the first spacer 212 is electrically grounded through the first contact portion 101c, a conventional grounding function can also be achieved. Therefore, even if an unwanted leakage current occurs, it can prevent leakage current from being applied to electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board 101, thereby maintaining the stable and safe operation of the electric compressor.

[0121] In this embodiment, the first spacer 212 and the second spacer 222 extend to different lengths. In particular, the first spacer 212 disposed in the region of the second rib portion 320 (i.e., the region of the second-2 rib 322) extends to a greater length than the second spacer 222 disposed in the region of the first rib portion 310.

[0122] The reason why the first spacer 212 extends to a greater length than the second spacer 222 is that since the first vibration damping member 210 including the first spacer 212 is located in a region where the level of radiated noise generation is greater than that of the region where the second vibration damping member 220 including the second spacer 222 is located, high-frequency noise generated from the inverter cover 120 is reduced.

[0123] The first spacer 212 and the second spacer 222 are each formed in a cylindrical shape, such that the first fixing member 214 and the second fixing member 224 are respectively inserted into the first spacer 212 and the second spacer 222 in the axial direction, and the first fixing member 214 and the second fixing member 224 are respectively inserted through the central opening of the first spacer 212 and the second spacer 222.

[0124] Although the first spacer 212 and the second spacer 222 are illustrated as bolts by way of example, the first spacer 212 and the second spacer 222 can be modified into various other forms.

[0125] The first fixing member 214 and the second fixing member 224 are respectively connected from the outside of the inverter cover 120 to the printed circuit board 101 and the housing 10 via the first spacer 212 and the second spacer 222, thereby maintaining a stable assembly state.

[0126] In this configuration, the electric compressor can prevent vibration of the individual components assembled as separate parts, namely the housing 10, the printed circuit board 101, and the inverter cover 120, thereby preventing radiated noise caused by vibration.

[0127] The inverter cover 120 is provided with a first mounting groove 121 and a second mounting groove 122. A first spacer 212 is mounted in the first mounting groove 121, and a second spacer 222 is mounted in the second mounting groove 122. The first mounting groove 121 and the second mounting groove 122 are formed on the inner side of the inverter cover 120.

[0128] The first seating groove 121 and the second seating groove 122 allow one side of the first spacer 212 and the second spacer 222 to be partially seated therein, thereby improving assembly stability. Furthermore, after the first fixing member 214 and the second fixing member 224 have been installed, the first spacer 212 and the second spacer 222 maintain close contact with the first seating groove 121 and the second seating groove 122, respectively, thereby increasing the connection strength.

[0129] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims, such as adding, modifying, deleting, or replacing constituent elements. Such modifications and alterations are also intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Industrial applicability

[0130] This disclosure relates to an electric compressor in which the inverter cover can be manufactured by a stamping process, thereby reducing manufacturing costs, while the rib portion can increase the rigidity of the inverter cover and improve NVH.

Claims

1. An electric compressor, comprising: case; A compression unit configured to compress a refrigerant; A motor unit, which is disposed in the housing and configured to drive the compression unit; as well as An inverter unit is disposed on one side of the housing and configured to control the motor unit. The inverter unit includes: A printed circuit board disposed in the open side portion of the housing; and An inverter cover, which is attached to the housing to cover the printed circuit board. The inverter cover has a first rib portion and a second rib portion, which are formed at different depths, such that the first rib portion and the second rib portion are recessed relative to the inner surface of the inverter cover and protrude relative to the outer surface of the inverter cover.

2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein The first rib portion is formed at a first depth in the region facing the printed circuit board, such that the first rib portion is recessed relative to the inner surface of the inverter cover and protrudes relative to the outer surface of the inverter cover.

3. The electric compressor according to claim 2, wherein The second rib portion is at least partially disposed within the region of the first rib portion and is formed at a second depth greater than the first depth, such that the second rib portion is recessed relative to the inner surface of the inverter cover and protrudes relative to the outer surface of the inverter cover.

4. The electric compressor according to claim 3, wherein The second rib portion includes a second-1 rib, which is disposed within the region of the first rib portion and includes one or more curved portions.

5. The electric compressor according to claim 4, wherein The second rib portion further includes a second-2 rib portion, which is spaced apart from the second-1 rib portion in the region of the first rib portion, and at least a portion of the periphery of the second-2 rib portion has a predetermined curvature.

6. The electric compressor according to claim 5, wherein The second-2 rib faces the pin configured to electrically connect the printed circuit board to the motor unit.

7. The electric compressor according to claim 5, in, A portion of the periphery of the second-2 rib has a radially outward-pointing angular shape.

8. The electric compressor according to claim 4, in, The second rib portion also includes a high-voltage opposing rib facing the connection portion of the high-voltage connector and extending from the second-1 rib to the outside of the region of the first rib portion.

9. The electric compressor according to claim 8, in, The first rib portion includes a low-voltage opposing rib that faces the connection portion of the low-voltage connector and extends radially outward beyond the area facing the printed circuit board.

10. The electric compressor according to claim 9, in, The low-voltage opposite rib is arranged parallel to the high-voltage opposite rib on the opposite side of the vertical centerline of the inverter cover.

11. The electric compressor according to claim 1, in, The inverter cover is formed from a single plate.

12. The electric compressor according to claim 1, in, The first rib portion and the second rib portion are formed by a stamping process.

13. The electric compressor according to claim 2, in, The first rib portion is provided with a clearance portion, which is configured to avoid interference with the fastening members used to fasten the inverter cover to the housing.

14. The electric compressor according to claim 5, further comprising: A vibration damping member is attached from the outside of the inverter cover toward the printed circuit board to prevent radiated noise generated from the inverter cover during operation of the motor unit.

15. The electric compressor according to claim 14, in, The vibration damping component includes a fixing component and a spacer. The fixing member passes through the spacer, and the spacer is formed as a circle around the fixing member.

16. The electric compressor according to claim 15, in, The vibration damping component includes a first vibration damping component and a second vibration damping component. The first vibration damping component is disposed at any position on the inverter cover facing the motor unit, and the second vibration damping component is disposed at a distance from the first vibration damping component.

17. The electric compressor according to claim 16, in, The first vibration damping member includes a first spacer and a first fixing member. The first spacer is press-fitted into the gap between the inverter cover and the printed circuit board. The first fixing member is inserted into the first spacer from the outside of the inverter cover and connected to the housing. The second vibration damping member includes a second spacer and a second fixing member. The second spacer is press-fitted into the gap between the inverter cover and the printed circuit board. The second fixing member is inserted into the second spacer from the outside of the inverter cover and connected to the housing.

18. The electric compressor according to claim 17, in, The first spacer and the second spacer extend to different lengths.

19. The electric compressor according to claim 17, in, The first spacer extends to a greater length than the second spacer.

20. The electric compressor according to claim 18, in, The inverter cover is provided with a first mounting groove and a second mounting groove. The first spacer is mounted in the first mounting groove, and the second spacer is mounted in the second mounting groove. The first mounting groove and the second mounting groove are formed on the inner side of the inverter cover.

21. The electric compressor according to claim 20, in, The first spacer and the second spacer are made of metallic material.

22. The electric compressor according to claim 17, in, The printed circuit board is provided with a first fixing member insertion hole and a second fixing member insertion hole, wherein the first fixing member is inserted through the first fixing member insertion hole and the second fixing member is inserted through the second fixing member insertion hole.

23. The electric compressor according to claim 22, in, The printed circuit board is provided with a first contact portion surrounding the insertion hole of the first fixing member and a second contact portion surrounding the insertion hole of the second fixing member.

24. The electric compressor according to claim 23, in, The first contact portion contacts the first spacer to establish an electrical ground, and the second contact portion contacts the second spacer to establish an electrical ground.

25. The electric compressor according to claim 16, in, The first vibration damping component is disposed in the area of ​​the second-2 rib.

26. The electric compressor according to claim 16, in, The second vibration damping member is disposed in the area between the second-1 ribs of the first rib portion.

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