Arrangement for connecting electrical terminals and device for driving a compressor with the arrangement

Abstract

Arrangement (20) for connecting electrical connections through a housing (2), in particular a device for driving a compressor (1), comprising at least one plug connection (21, 22, 22a) with at least one connector (24, 25) for transmitting electrical energy and a receiving element (23) for receiving the at least one connector (24, 25), wherein the receiving element (23) is designed to be fixable to the housing (2) and has an opening (29) on an inner side oriented towards a volume enclosed by the housing (2) for receiving a fastening element (35) for fixing the receiving element (23) to the housing (2),wherein the opening (29) extends from the inside into the receiving element (23) and terminates in the receiving element (23), and the fastening element (35) is arranged to be inserted from the volume enclosed by the housing (2) through a through-opening (40) formed in the housing (2) into the opening (29).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for connecting electrical connections through a housing, in particular a device for driving a compressor, such as an electric motor, specifically for compressing a vaporous fluid, such as a refrigerant. The arrangement comprises at least one plug connection with at least one connector for transmitting electrical energy and a receiving element for receiving the connector. The receiving element can be fixed to the housing.

[0002] The invention further relates to a device for driving a compressor, in particular an electric motor, with an arrangement for connecting electrical terminals, and a method for mounting the arrangement on the device for driving the compressor. The compressor can be used in the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle.

[0003] Compressors known from the prior art for mobile applications, especially for air conditioning systems in motor vehicles, for circulating refrigerant through a refrigerant circuit, also called refrigerant compressors, are often designed as piston compressors with variable displacement or as scroll compressors, regardless of the refrigerant. The compressors are driven either by a pulley or electrically.

[0004] An electrically driven compressor, in addition to the electric motor that powers the compression mechanism, includes an inverter for powering the electric motor. The inverter converts the direct current from a vehicle battery into alternating current, which is then supplied to the electric motor via electrical connections.

[0005] The inverter has plug connectors for pin-type connectors for electrical connection to the terminals of the electric motor, which in turn are electrically connected to the connecting wires of the stator coils. The electric motor terminals are housed in a connector casing located on an end face of the stator aligned axially with the stator.

[0006] The pin-type connectors, located on the inverter or on a circuit board of a compressor's switching device and outside the compressor housing, are inserted into a connection port provided in the connector housing during compressor assembly and each is connected to an end piece connected to a corresponding conductor wire, in particular a connecting lead of the conductor wire. The connectors leading through the housing to the inverter located outside the housing must be sealed.

[0007] Traditionally, electrically driven compressors are each equipped with a connector for transmitting electrical power and communication signals in the low-voltage range, and a connector for transmitting electrical power in the high-voltage range. These connectors are each attached to the housing via numerous screw connections and one or more sealing elements. Consequently, the two connectors, which are installed separately and ensure the power supply and communication, are mounted with numerous screws and sealing elements, specifically two axial seals and two radial seals.

[0008] The large number of separate sealing elements and the screw connections mounted externally to the compressor housing, along with their arrangement and design, create a high risk of contamination, which increases manufacturing costs and assembly time. Furthermore, the screw connections require a minimum amount of space on the housing to allow the screws to be inserted from the outside.

[0009] German patent application DE 10 2015 119 131 A1 discloses a connector arrangement comprising a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector. Each connector has a housing with an input and an output. At least one of the housings encloses an interior space in which busbars are arranged between the input and the output. The housings of both connectors are joined together as a single injection-molded plastic part.

[0010] German patent application DE 11 2017 000 295 T5 discloses a compressor comprising a motor, a compression mechanism, an inverter, and a sealing element. The compressor also includes an arrangement for connecting electrical terminals through a housing with a connector for transmitting electrical energy, as well as a receiving element for the connector.

[0011] German patent application DE 10 2018 210 892 A1 discloses a connector element for a motor vehicle comprising an electrical conductor element to which a plug of an electronic component can be connected, and a plastic sheathing element with which the conductor element is at least partially electrically insulated. The electrical conductor element is firmly and permanently bonded to the sheathing element by forming the plastic.

[0012] In DE 20 2008 005 099 U1 a plug connection with connectors and adapter housings for receiving a plug arrangement or a socket arrangement is described.

[0013] From DE 20 2008 005 250 U1 a plug connection for connecting electrical conductors with a first connector and a second connector that can be plugged together with the first connector is shown.

[0014] The plug connectors known from the prior art, with their high number of components and thus extensive installation space, require considerable assembly time, since the available installation space within the compressor housing, and consequently also the space for the electrical connectors, is very limited. Furthermore, the plug connectors, formed from the multitude of components, result in high material, manufacturing, and storage costs.

[0015] The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement for connecting electrical terminals for a device for driving an electrically driven compressor of a vaporous fluid, in particular an electric motor, which can be assembled easily and thus quickly. In particular, the arrangement should minimize not only the complexity of the assembly but also its installation space and thus, among other things, the required installation space of the device. The arrangement should have as few individual components as possible and be simple to design, also to minimize manufacturing costs. The device should be protected against external dirt, also to maximize its service life.

[0016] The problem is solved by the subject matter with the features of the independent patent claims. Further developments are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0017] The problem is solved by an arrangement according to the invention for connecting electrical connections through a housing, in particular a device for driving a compressor. The arrangement is designed with at least one plug connection with at least one connector for transmitting electrical energy and a receiving element for receiving the at least one connector. The receiving element can be fixed to the housing.

[0018] According to the invention, the receiving element has, on an inner side facing into a volume enclosed by the housing, only one opening for receiving a fastening element for fixing the receiving element to the housing. The opening extends from the inner side into the receiving element and ends within the receiving element. The fastening element is inserted into the opening from the volume enclosed by the housing through a through-opening formed in the housing. The opening is therefore advantageously designed as a blind hole without a connection to an outer surface of the receiving element opposite the inside.

[0019] According to a further development of the invention, the receiving element has on its inner side a projection extending into the volume enclosed by the housing, with an opening for receiving the fastening element. The projection and the opening are, in particular, oriented orthogonally to a wall of the receiving element arranged in a plane.

[0020] The shape preferably has a circular cylindrical form, in particular a hollow circular cylindrical form, or the form of a truncated cone with the opening oriented in the axial direction. The shape is connected to the wall of the receiving element at a first end face in such a way that the opening is closed.

[0021] The receiving element and the mold are preferably designed as a single, integrated unit and one-piece component, in particular as a one-piece injection-molded element. The opening, which has the form of a blind hole and is provided within the mold or the receiving element, is open on the free second end face of the mold, which faces distally to the first end face and points into the volume enclosed by the housing.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a receiving sleeve for receiving the fastening element is arranged within the opening. The receiving sleeve preferably has essentially the form of a hollow cylinder. The outer shape of the receiving sleeve corresponds in dimensions and form to the inner shape of the opening.

[0023] The receiving sleeve is preferably designed essentially in the form of a hollow circular cylinder. The outer diameter of the receiving sleeve corresponds to the inner diameter of the circular cylindrical opening. The opening and the receiving sleeve are arranged, in particular, coaxially with each other.

[0024] Another advantage of the invention is that the receiving sleeve is integrated immovably within the opening, particularly by means of a positive locking mechanism.

[0025] The receiving sleeve advantageously has a projection designed as a hollow cylindrical ring, which is arranged particularly centrally between the end faces of the receiving sleeve. The outer diameter of the projection is larger than the outer diameter of the receiving sleeve in areas where it differs from the projection, so that the projection extends circumferentially from an outer surface of the receiving sleeve. The outer surface of the receiving sleeve, together with the projection, corresponds to the inner surface of the opening in such a way that axial displacement of the receiving sleeve within the opening is prevented.

[0026] The receiving sleeve, preferably made of metal, is integrated into the receiving element, which is advantageously designed as an injection-molded element, or is arranged around it. The receiving element and the receiving sleeve are thus positively connected to each other.

[0027] The protrusion can be formed on an outer surface with a groove extending in the axial direction as a rotation protection device for the receiving sleeve in the circumferential direction within the opening of the receiving element.

[0028] An inner surface of the receiving sleeve can have an internal thread that corresponds to an external thread of a fastening element designed as a screw or threaded bolt. Thus, the shape of the receiving element with the opening, the receiving sleeve integrated into the opening, and the fastening element constitute a screw connection for fixing the receiving element to the housing.

[0029] According to a further development of the invention, the arrangement is designed with a sealing element acting in a radial and an axial direction, which completely surrounds the receiving element in the radial direction and is arranged between the housing and the receiving element in the radial and axial directions. The sealing element can be made of an elastomer to ensure a hermetically sealed connection at each sealing surface.

[0030] The sealing element advantageously has a first region acting in a radial direction and a second region acting in an axial direction. The first region of the sealing element completely surrounds the receiving element in a circumferential direction, while the second region rests against the receiving element in an axial direction.

[0031] The sealing element is positioned, in particular with its first area, within a through-opening of the housing in a radial direction between a lateral surface of a housing wall enclosing the through-opening and the receiving element, while the second area of ​​the sealing element is arranged axially completely around the through-opening between the receiving element and an end face of the housing wall enclosing the through-opening.

[0032] The first region of the sealing element is preferably substantially hollow-cylindrical and rests against the receiving element with an inner surface. The first region of the sealing element may have extensions on an outer surface formed as sealing lips, which bear elastically against the outer surface of the housing wall surrounding the through-opening. The first region of the sealing element advantageously has three or four circumferentially extending and fully enclosed sealing lips.

[0033] The second region of the sealing element is preferably designed in the form of an annular disk, which is oriented orthogonally to the first sealing region and connected to it. The second region of the sealing element can have a circumferential, closed thickening on both sides in the axial direction. The thickenings are preferably designed with the same diameter, and their axes of symmetry are preferably identical.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first connector with first connectors and a second connector with second connectors are provided for transmitting electrical energy in independent transmission areas. The receiving element, comprising the first connectors of the first connector and the second connectors of the second connector, is designed as an integral and interconnected unit and a single component.

[0035] According to a further development of the invention, the connectors, each advantageously having the form of a straight pin, are arranged within a feedthrough formed in the receiving element. Each connector is preferably fully enclosed within the feedthrough by the receiving element and hermetically sealed to the receiving element.

[0036] The receiving element is preferably designed as a single, integrated unit and one-piece component, in particular as a one-piece injection-molded element, together with the connector feedthroughs.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first connector has two first connectors, while the second connector has three second connectors.

[0038] The at least one connector is enclosed in the axial direction, starting from the inside of the receiving element, preferably by a stabilizing means which has a hollow cylindrical shape with an open end face and at least one pin-shaped guide element, in particular at least two pin-shaped guide elements. Each guide element, preferably designed as a straight pin, projects axially from the open end face and is each guided through an opening provided in a printed circuit board.

[0039] According to a further development of the invention, the arrangement is designed with an interlock connection configured as an electrical locking mechanism, which is electrically coupled to the connectors of the plug connections. The interlock connection is advantageously fixed to the receiving element and, in the assembled state, can be integrated at least partially within the receiving element. The receiving element preferably has recesses that correspond to the outer shape of the interlock connection. The recesses are preferably formed on a side of the receiving element oriented towards the connectors and into a volume enclosed by the housing. The interlock connection can therefore be integrated, inserted, and fixed within the recesses formed in the receiving element.

[0040] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the interlock connection is designed with busbars for electrically connecting the respective connectors. The ends of the busbars of the interlock connection, which are preferably arranged in pairs, are advantageously configured for electrical contact with the respective connectors.

[0041] Furthermore, the invention can include a metallic shielding of the connecting lines of the high-voltage area designed as a shield cage, which is formed from at least one spring element as an electrical contact arranged between the connectors of the plug connection for transmitting electrical energy in the high-voltage area and the housing.

[0042] The problem is also solved by a device according to the invention for driving a compressor of a vaporous fluid, in particular an electric motor. The device comprises a rotor and a stationary stator, which extend along a common longitudinal axis, as well as a housing.

[0043] The stator is advantageously positioned radially on one outside of the rotor, surrounding the rotor.

[0044] According to the concept of the invention, the device is designed with a connection arrangement for supplying electrical energy to the stator, together with an arrangement described above according to the invention for connecting electrical terminals through the housing.

[0045] The connection arrangement is advantageously provided on a first end face of the stator oriented in an axial direction. This axially oriented end face is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The axial direction here refers to the direction of the stator's longitudinal axis, which also corresponds to the longitudinal and rotational axis of the rotor.

[0046] The problem is also solved by a method according to the invention for mounting the arrangement for connecting electrical terminals through a housing, in particular a device for driving a compressor of a vaporous fluid, specifically an electric motor. The method comprises the following steps: - Inserting at least one connector or plug connection into a receiving element designed as a single, integrated unit and one-piece component, and hermetically sealing the connector to the receiving element, - Placing the receiving element with the at least one connector into the housing, wherein the receiving element is arranged against the housing in a hermetically sealed manner via only one sealing element and - Inserting only one fastening element from a volume enclosed by the housing through a through-opening formed in the housing into an opening formed on the inside of the receiving element that is oriented towards the volume enclosed by the housing, and fixing the receiving element to the housing.

[0047] According to a further development of the invention, a receiving sleeve is arranged immovably within the opening, advantageously the receiving sleeve is positively connected to the receiving element, especially cast in during the shaping of the receiving element by injection molding, and the fastening element, preferably designed as a screw or threaded bolt, is inserted into the receiving sleeve, in particular screwed in.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the arrangement for connecting electrical connections with the at least one connector arranged in an axial direction is inserted into the housing through a through-opening formed in the housing.

[0049] Each connector is preferably electrically connected to the circuit board via a free end arranged distal to the receiving element.

[0050] The advantageous embodiment of the invention enables the use of the device for driving a compressor, in particular an electric motor, for compressing a vaporous fluid for a compressor of a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle.

[0051] The arrangement or device according to the invention for driving a compressor of a vaporous fluid with the arrangement has, in summary, several further advantages: - minimal number of components, since, for example, the use of the receiving element eliminates the need for fastening elements and sealing elements compared to prior art arrangements, thereby - minimal installation space, especially inside but also outside the housing, - minimal susceptibility to dirt from the outside or no contamination from the outside into the interior of the housing, - easy assembly of the arrangement and therefore - minimal effort in terms of assembly time, material costs and manufacturing costs.

[0052] Further details, features, and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1: an electrically driven compressor with an electric motor as a device for driving a compression mechanism in a sectional view, Fig. 2: an arrangement for connecting electrical terminals of an electric motor as a device for driving a compressor of a vaporous fluid with separately designed plug connections from the prior art in a side view as well as Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b: a first plug connection of the arrangement for connecting electrical connections from Fig. 2 in a side view, in a top view and in a perspective view, Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b: a second plug connection of electrical terminals of the arrangement made of Fig. 2 in a side view, in a top view and in a perspective view, Fig. 5a to 5e: arrangements according to the invention for connecting electrical terminals of an electric motor in perspective views as well as Fig. 6a to 6d: the arrangement for connecting electrical terminals from the Fig. 5a, Fig. 5c and Fig. 5e in various side views as well as a top view and Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b: Detailed views of the arrangement for connecting electrical terminals from the Fig. 6a to 6d with a sealing element in lateral sectional views, Fig. 7c: a receiving sleeve for receiving a fastening element in individual part representation with an anti-rotation device, Fig. 8a to 8f: the arrangement for connecting electrical terminals from the Fig. 6a to 6d in combination with a compressor housing in a perspective view as well as in perspective detail views, Fig. 9a to 9e: the arrangement for connecting electrical terminals from the Fig. 8a to 8f in the state mounted on the compressor housing in various side views as well as a top view, Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b: Detailed views of the arrangement for connecting electrical terminals in the state mounted on the compressor housing in lateral sectional views as well as Fig. 11a to 11c: the sealing element of the arrangement for plugging electrical connections in a perspective view, a top view and a side view.

[0053] Out of Fig. Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an electrically driven compressor 1 with an electric motor 3 arranged in a housing 2, forming a device for driving a compression mechanism 4. The electric motor 3 is supplied with electrical energy via a switching device 5.

[0054] The electric motor 3 has a stator 6 with a substantially hollow cylindrical core and coils wound on the core, as well as a rotor 7 arranged inside the stator 6. The rotor 7 is set into rotation when electrical energy is supplied to the coils of the stator 6 via a connection arrangement 8. The connection arrangement 8 is formed on an end face of the stator 6 and has a plurality of electrical connections.

[0055] A support element 9 for holding connection terminals with components of electrical connections between the coils of the electric motor 3 and the switching device 5 is arranged on the end face of the stator 6, which is formed with the connection arrangement 8. The connection terminals are formed with electrically conductive, pin-shaped connectors, which electrically connect the connecting leads of the coils to elements of the switching device 5.

[0056] The rotor 7 is arranged coaxially within the stator 6 and is rotatable about an axis of rotation. A drive shaft 10 can be integral with the rotor 7 or designed as a separate element.

[0057] The electric motor 3 and the compression mechanism 4, designed as a scroll compressor with a stationary and an orbiting spiral, are arranged within a volume enclosed by the housing 2. The housing 2 comprises a first housing element for accommodating the electric motor 3 and a second housing element for accommodating the compression mechanism 4, and is preferably made of a metal, in particular aluminum.

[0058] The orbiting spiral of the compression mechanism 4, in which the vaporous fluid, specifically a refrigerant, is compressed, is driven via the drive shaft 10 connected to the rotor 7 of the electric motor 3. According to an embodiment not shown, the compression mechanism can also be designed with a swashplate.

[0059] The switching device 5 for controlling and regulating the operation of the electric motor 3 has a printed circuit board 12 equipped with various switching elements 11 and sockets. Different control circuits and components are electrically connected and mounted on the printed circuit board 12, which are supplied with electrical energy from a power line of an external power source. The sockets serve in particular to accommodate connectors as an electrical connection between the connectors and the printed circuit board 12.

[0060] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a prior art arrangement 20' for connecting an inverter of an electric motor as a device for driving a compressor of a vaporous fluid, with separately and therefore independently designed plug connections 21', 22', in a side view. This is shown from the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b a first plug connection 21' of the arrangement 20' for plugging together from Fig. 2 in a side view, in a top view and in a perspective view, while in the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b a second plug connection 22' of the arrangement 20' for plugging together from Fig. 2 is also shown in a side view, a top view and a perspective view.

[0061] The arrangement 20' for connecting the electrical terminals of the electric motor is designed with the first plug connection 21' for connections for transmitting electrical energy in a low voltage range and the second plug connection 22' for connections for transmitting electrical energy in a high voltage range.

[0062] Each connector 21', 22' has a receiving element 23a', 23b' for receiving connectors 24, 25, wherein the first connector 21' is provided with a first receiving element 23a' for receiving first connectors 24 for transmitting electrical energy in the low-voltage range, and the second connector 22' is provided with a second receiving element 23b' for receiving second connectors 25 for transmitting electrical energy in the high-voltage range. The connectors 24, 25 are each inserted into and passed through a feedthrough 26, 27 in the receiving element 23a', 23b'.

[0063] Each receiving element 23a', 23b' of the plug connections 21', 22' is also formed with a first sealing element 28a', 28b' acting in a radial direction and a second sealing element 28c', 28d' acting in an axial direction.

[0064] The receiving elements 23a', 23b' are each connected to the housing by means of four fastening elements, for example screws. Each screw is arranged to pass through a through-opening 29' formed in the receiving element 23a', 23b'.

[0065] The arrangement 20' thus has the two separately mounted plug connections 21', 22', which in total are formed with at least eight fastening elements, in particular screws, as well as four sealing elements 28a', 28b', 28c', 28d', specifically two radially acting first sealing elements 28a', 28b' and two axially acting second sealing elements 28c', 28d' and thus a plurality of components.

[0066] The radial and axial directions refer to the orientation of connectors 24 and 25, which are essentially parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction of connectors 24 and 25 also corresponds to the axial direction of connectors 21' and 22'. The radial direction is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of connectors 24 and 25 and thus to the axial direction of connectors 21' and 22'.

[0067] An interlock connection 30', designed as an electrical interlock, can also be provided between the first connector 21' and the second connector 22' for controlling the transmission of electrical energy in the low-voltage and high-voltage ranges. The interlock connection 30' has at least two electrically conductive connecting lines 31', which are electrically coupled at their ends to the connectors 21' and 22' via separate terminals.

[0068] The interlock connection 30', used as a power line connection, enables the high-voltage area to be switched off as soon as an electrical connection within the high-voltage area is unintentionally interrupted. By interrupting the circuit early, the interlock connection 30' thus fulfills a safety-relevant function of the arrangement 20'.

[0069] After the connectors 21', 22' are mounted, the connecting leads 31' of the interlock connection 30' are routed freely and electrically connected at their ends to the connectors 21', 22' via cable connectors. The connecting leads 31' are then fixed to the housing or the circuit board using a fastening material, in particular an adhesive.

[0070] Therefore, the arrangement 20' with the plug connections 21', 22' and a large number of components with a complex structure requires, among other things, a large installation space and a long assembly time.

[0071] In the Fig. Figures 5a to 5e show perspective views of arrangements 20 according to the invention for connecting electrical terminals of an inverter of an electric motor, while from the Fig. 6a to 6d the arrangement 20 for connecting electrical connections from the Fig. 5a, Fig. 5c and Fig. 5e in various side views as well as a top view and from the Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b Detailed views of arrangement 20 from the Fig. Sections 6a to 6d with a sealing element 28 are shown in lateral sectional views. Fig. Figures 8a to 8f show the arrangement 20 for connecting electrical terminals from the Fig. 6a to 6d in combination with the housing 2 of the compressor in a perspective view, according to Fig. 8a, as well as in perspective detail drawings, according to the Fig. 8b to 8f, while the Fig. 9a to 9e the order 20 from the Fig. Figures 6a to 6d show the components in the state mounted on the housing 2 of the compressor in various side views and a top view.

[0072] The arrangement 20 is designed as an integral component, combining the first connector 21 for transmitting electrical energy in the low-voltage range and the second connector 22, 22a for transmitting electrical energy in the high-voltage range in a common receiving element 23. The first connector 21 and the second connector 22, 22a share a common receiving element 23 for receiving the first connectors 24 and the second connectors 25. The connectors 21, 22, 22a can have different contours projecting from the receiving element 23, particularly on the side facing outwards when mounted on the compressor housing. The difference is determined by comparing the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b clearly shows the contours of the second connectors 22, 22a. While the outer wall of connector 22 after Fig. 5a, which has a substantially rectangular cross-section with uniform and equal radii rounded corners in a plane spanned by the directions y and z, is the shape of the outer wall of the plug connection 22a according to Fig. 5b is circular in the plane spanned by directions y and z. The walls of the plug connections 21, 22, 22a can therefore be designed differently, particularly with regard to their respective cross-sections. In the following, the arrangement 20 is described with the second plug connection 22 according to Fig. 5a described.

[0073] The connectors 24, 25, each in the form of a straight pin, are inserted into and guided through the receiving element 23 within a feedthrough 26, 27. Each connector 24, 25 is fully enclosed within the receiving element 23 of the arrangement 20 by a feedthrough 26, 27, thus creating a hermetically sealed connection to the receiving element 23. Each feedthrough 26, 27 constitutes a component or region of the receiving element 23. The receiving element 23, including the feedthroughs 26, 27, is designed as a single, integrated unit and a one-piece component, specifically as a one-piece injection-molded element. This one-piece design is achieved within a single molding process.

[0074] The receiving element 23 of the plug connections 21, 22 is designed with a sealing element 28 that acts in both the radial and axial directions. This provides, in addition to the connections arranged within the feedthroughs 26, 27 and extending through the housing 2 to the outside towards the inverter or the circuit board 12, according to Fig. 8d, guided connectors 24, 25 also seal the receiving element 23 itself towards the housing 2. The sealing element 28, preferably made of a thermoset, has, in particular according to Fig. 7b, a radially acting first region 28-1 and an axially acting second region 28-2. The sealing element 28 fully encloses the receiving element 23, with the first region 28-1 arranged circumferentially around the receiving element 23 and the second region 28-2 abutting the receiving element 23 in an axial direction.

[0075] As especially from Fig. As shown in Figure 7b, the arrangement 20 has a spring element 36 that points towards the housing 2 when assembled. During the assembly process, the spring element 36, which is made of metal and electrically contacted with the second connectors 25 of the second connector 22 for transmitting electrical energy in the high-voltage area, is elastically deformed against the housing 2. The spring element 36 electrically connects the second connectors 25 of the second connector 22 to the housing 2, thus improving the shielding of the second connector 22 in the high-voltage area and the circuit board 12 from the first connector 21 in the low-voltage area.

[0076] The receiving element 23 has an inner surface which, in the assembled state of the arrangement 20 on the housing 2, is oriented towards the volume enclosed by the housing 2. The projection 32 is formed on a wall of the receiving element 23 spanning in the y and z directions and is oriented substantially orthogonally to the wall in the x direction.

[0077] The mold 32 has a circular cylindrical shape, in particular a hollow circular cylindrical shape, with an opening 29 for receiving a receiving sleeve 33 or a fastening element 35 for fixing the receiving element 23 to the housing 2 and is connected to the wall of the receiving element 23 at a first end face. The mold 32 and the receiving element 23 are designed as a single, continuous unit and one-piece component, in particular as a one-piece injection-molded part. The opening 29 provided within the mold 32 is a blind bore, which is open at the free second end face of the mold 32, which is distal to the first end face and faces into the volume enclosed by the housing 2.

[0078] The receiving sleeve 33, which is also essentially in the form of a hollow circular cylinder, has an outer diameter that corresponds to the inner diameter of the opening 29. The circular cylindrical projection 32 and the receiving sleeve 33 are coaxial with each other and, in the region of the free second end face of the projection 32, are preferably aligned with their end faces. The receiving sleeve 33 is integrated within the projection 32 in a manner that is immovable, particularly in the axial direction and thus in the x direction.

[0079] The receiving element 23 and the receiving sleeve 33, which is made of metal, are positively connected to each other. The receiving sleeve 33 is embedded in the area of ​​the mold 32 during the injection molding of the receiving element 23.

[0080] The inner surface of the receiving sleeve 33 has an internal thread which corresponds to the external thread of a fastening element 35, in particular a fastening element 35 designed as a screw. The receiving sleeve 33 with the shape 32 of the receiving element 23 and the fastening element 35 form a screw connection for fixing the receiving element 23 to the housing 2.

[0081] In Fig. Figure 7c shows the receiving sleeve 33 for receiving the fastening element 35 in a single-part view with a projection 33a and an axial anti-rotation device 33b.

[0082] The projection 33a is designed as a hollow cylindrical ring with an axially extending groove, which is arranged on the outer surface of the receiving sleeve 33, preferably centrally between the end faces. The outer diameter of the hollow cylindrical projection 33a is larger than the outer diameter of the receiving sleeve 33 in the remaining area, so that the projection 33a extends circumferentially from the outer surface of the receiving sleeve 33, which, together with the projection 33a, corresponds to the inner surface of the opening 29. The projection 33a has a significantly smaller axial dimension than the receiving sleeve 33 and prevents the receiving sleeve 33 from shifting axially within the opening 29.

[0083] The hollow cylindrical projection 33a is open around its entire circumference. A gap of uniform width is formed in the axial direction between the end faces of the projection 33a, which are aligned circumferentially with each other. This gap, forming a groove with a substantially rectangular cross-section extending axially through the projection 33a, constitutes the anti-rotation device 33b of the receiving sleeve 33 in the circumferential direction within the opening 29 of the receiving element 23. According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the anti-rotation device can also be formed by at least two grooves distributed around the circumference or by another type of positive-locking connection.

[0084] The arrangement 20 according to the invention thus comprises a receiving element 23 encompassing the two plug connections 21, 22, which is designed with only one fastening element 35, in particular a screw, and a sealing element 28, specifically a sealing element 28 acting in both the radial and axial directions, and thus with a minimal number of components. The fastening element 35 is inserted from the interior of the housing 2 through the housing 2 into the receiving sleeve 33, so that the receiving element 23 is screwed onto the housing 2 from the inside.

[0085] The arrangement 20, which combines the first connector 21 for transmitting electrical energy and communication signals in the low-voltage range and the second connector 22 for transmitting electrical energy in the high-voltage range in a common receiving element 23, is inserted into the housing 2 during assembly, with the connectors 24, 25 arranged axially x-oriented, leading in the direction of movement 38. The arrangement 20 is thereby, in particular according to the Fig. 8d and Fig. 8e, with the sealing element 28 and the connectors 24, 25 leading, is passed through a through-opening 37 formed in the housing 2. Insertion slots 39, designed as sockets, are provided on the circuit board 12 to receive the connectors 24, 25.

[0086] During the assembly of the arrangement 20, each connector 24, 25 is inserted with its free end arranged distal to the receiving element 23 in the direction of movement 38 into an insertion slot 39 provided on the circuit board 12 and thus an electrical connection of the connector 24, 25 with the circuit board 12 or the components arranged on the circuit board 12 is established.

[0087] Each insertion slot 39 is designed to receive a connector 24, 25 and has a hollow cylindrical wall extending in the axial direction or direction of movement 38, which projects from the circuit board 12. The wall of each insertion slot 39 is therefore designed with an end face oriented axially towards the receiving element 23 to receive a connector 24, 25.

[0088] Between the first plug connection 21 and the second plug connection 22, in particular according to the embodiment of the arrangement 20 according to Fig. 5d, for controlling the transmission of electrical energy in the low-voltage and high-voltage ranges, an interlock connection 30, designed as an electrical interlock and comprising busbars, is provided. The busbars, arranged in pairs, are positioned within the mounting element 23 when assembled. The ends of each busbar are configured for electrical contact with the respective connectors 24, 25. The busbars of the interlock connection 30 can preferably be designed as stamped and formed sheet metal.

[0089] The receiving element 23 can have recesses on a side oriented towards the connectors 24, 25 and thus into the volume enclosed by the housing 2, which correspond to the shapes of the busbars. This allows the individual busbars of the interlock connection 30 to be integrated within the recesses formed in the receiving element 23. The busbars can be inserted into the recesses of the receiving element 23 and secured.

[0090] By inserting the busbars into the recesses of the receiving element 23, in particular by clipping them into the desired position, the busbars can simultaneously be brought into electrical contact with the respective connectors 24, 25 and thus electrically conductive connections can be established between the corresponding connectors 24, 25 and the plug connections 21, 22 can be electrically coupled.

[0091] The busbars of the interlock connection 30 can be pre-assembled within the receiving element 23. The assembly 20 can then be placed into the housing 2 of the compressor.

[0092] As especially from Fig. As shown in Figure 5d, the first connectors 24 of the first plug connection 21, starting from the inside of the receiving element 23, are enclosed in their entirety in the axial direction by a stabilizing element 34. The stabilizing element 34, which extends in the x direction and is designed in a hollow cylindrical shape, has a substantially rectangular cross-section. The stabilizing element 34 is connected to the receiving element 23 at a first end face and is open at a second end face oriented distal to the first end face. At diagonally opposite corners of the substantially rectangular cross-section, the stabilizing element 34 has guide elements 34a, which are designed as straight pins and project beyond the second, open end face of the stabilizing element 34.

[0093] In the assembled state of arrangement 20 according to Fig. At point 8f, the stabilizing element 34 rests with its second end face against the circuit board 12. The guide elements 34a projecting from the second end face of the stabilizing element 34 are each guided through an opening provided in the circuit board 12.

[0094] The stabilizing means 34 and in particular the guide elements 34a serve during the assembly of the arrangement 20 according to Fig. 8e to facilitate the insertion of the second connectors 25 with the free ends arranged distal to the receiving element 23 into the insertion slots 39 provided on the circuit board 12.

[0095] In the Fig. 10a and Fig. Figure 10b shows detailed side sectional views of the arrangement 20 for connecting electrical terminals in the state mounted on the housing 2 of the compressor, while from the Fig. Figures 11a to 11c show the sealing element 28 of the arrangement 20 for connecting electrical terminals in a perspective view, a top view and a side view.

[0096] In the assembled state of the arrangement 20, the receiving element 23 is positioned to completely close the through-opening 37 of the housing 2. The feedthroughs 26 of the first connectors 24 and the feedthroughs 27 of the second connectors 25 project into the volume enclosed by the housing 2.

[0097] The free end face of the recess 32 of the receiving element 23 preferably rests flat against the housing 2. In a support area for the recess 32, arranged at a distance in the x direction from the plane of the through-opening 37, the housing 2 has a through-opening 40 extending in the x direction for the passage of the fastening element 35. The support area is connected, in particular, to the wall of the housing 2 that surrounds the through-opening 37 by means of web-like connections.

[0098] The fastening element 35 is screwed into the receiving sleeve 33, located in the recess 32 of the receiving element 23, from the inside of the housing 2 through the through-opening 40, thus connecting the receiving element 23 to the housing 2, specifically by screwing it in place. An anti-rotation element 41, designed as a retaining ring, is arranged between the fastening element 35 and the housing 2, preventing the fastening element 35 from loosening.

[0099] As especially from Fig.As shown in Figure 10b, in the assembled state of the arrangement 20, the sealing element 28 rests on the housing 2 of the compressor with its first region 28-1 in a radial direction within the through-opening 37 between a circumferential surface of a wall of the housing 2 surrounding the through-opening 37, also referred to as the radial sealing surface of the housing 2, and the receiving element 23, while the sealing element 28 with its second region 28-2 is arranged in an axial direction or in direction x and thus in the direction of movement 38 completely around the through-opening 37 between the receiving element 23 and an end face of the wall of the housing 2 surrounding the through-opening 37, also referred to as the axial sealing surface of the housing 2.

[0100] The first radially acting and essentially hollow-cylindrical section 28 of the sealing element 28 rests against the receiving element 23 with an inner surface and has extensions on an outer surface formed as sealing lips 28-1a, which are elastically deformed against the radial sealing surface of the housing 2 when the arrangement 20 is mounted on the compressor housing 2. The sealing element 28 is preferably designed with three or four circumferentially extending and closed sealing lips 28-1a.

[0101] During the assembly of the arrangement 20 on the housing 2 of the compressor, the second axially acting area 28-2 of the sealing element 28 is elastically deformed outwards in a radial direction between a chamfer formed on the receiving element 23 and the axial sealing surface of the housing 2.

[0102] Furthermore, the annular-disc-shaped second region 28-2 of the sealing element 28 has, on both sides in the axial direction, a circumferentially extending, bead-like, and closed thickening 28-2a with the same diameters and the same axes of symmetry, so that the thickenings 28-2a are arranged opposite each other. A first thickening 28-2a of the sealing element 28 rests against the receiving element 23, and a second thickening 28-2a of the sealing element 28 rests against the axial sealing surface of the housing 2.

[0103] Both the elastic deformation of the second area 28-2 of the sealing element 28 at the chamfer formed on the receiving element 23 and in the area of ​​the thickenings 28-2a, and the elastic deformation of the sealing lips 28-1a of the first area 28-1 of the sealing element 28 serve to further increase the tightness in the axial and radial directions.

[0104] The housing 2 is hermetically sealed due to the design of the arrangement 20 with the sealing element 28. Reference symbol list 1 compressor 2 cases 3 Electric motor 4. Compression mechanism 5 Switching device 6 Stator with stator core 7 Rotor 8 Connection arrangement 9 Support element 10 Drive shaft 11 Switching element 12 circuit boards 20, 20' arrangement 21, 21' first low-voltage plug connection 22, 22a, 22' second connector high voltage 23 Mounting element Plug connections 21, 22 23a' first receiving element first plug connection 21' 23b' second receiving element second connector 22' 24 first connectors first plug connection 21, 21' 25 second connectors second connector 22, 22' 26 Implementation of first connectors 24 27 Implementation of second connector 25 28 Sealing element, receiving element, plug connections 21, 22 28-1 first area sealing element 28 28-1a Sealing lip 28-2 second area sealing element 28 28-2a Thickening 28a' first sealing element first receiving element 23a' 28b' first sealing element second receiving element 23b' 28c' second sealing element first receiving element 23a' 28d' second sealing element second receiving element 23b' 29' Passage opening 29 Opening 30, 30' Interlock connection 31' connecting cable 32 Shaping of receiving element 23 33 Mounting sleeve 33a Overhang 33b Anti-rotation device 34 Stabilizing agents 34a Guide element 35 Fastening element 36 spring element 37 Through opening housing 2 38 Direction of movement 39 Inlet shaft 40 Through opening Fastening element Housing 2 41 Anti-rotation element x, y, z direction

Claims

[1] Arrangement (20) for connecting electrical connections through a housing (2), in particular a device for driving a compressor (1), comprising at least one plug connection (21, 22, 22a) with at least one connector (24, 25) for transmitting electrical energy and a receiving element (23) for receiving the at least one connector (24, 25), wherein the receiving element (23) is designed to be fixable to the housing (2) and has an opening (29) on an inner side oriented towards a volume enclosed by the housing (2) for receiving a fastening element (35) for fixing the receiving element (23) to the housing (2),wherein the opening (29) extends from the inside into the receiving element (23) and terminates in the receiving element (23), and the fastening element (35) is arranged to be inserted from the volume enclosed by the housing (2) through a through-opening (40) formed in the housing (2) into the opening (29). [2] Arrangement (20) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the receiving element (23) has on the inside a projection (32) extending into the volume enclosed by the housing (2) with the opening (29) for receiving the fastening element (35). [3] Arrangement (20) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the shaping (32) has a circular cylindrical shape or the shape of a truncated hollow cone with the opening (29) oriented in the axial direction, wherein the shaping (32) is connected at a first end face to a wall of the receiving element (23) such that the opening (29) is closed. [4] Arrangement (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that a receiving sleeve (33) for receiving the fastening element (35) is arranged within the opening (29). [5] Arrangement (20) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the receiving sleeve (33) essentially has the form of a hollow cylinder, wherein an outer shape of the receiving sleeve (33) corresponds in dimensions and shape to an inner shape of the opening (29). [6] Arrangement (20) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the receiving sleeve (33) essentially has the shape of a hollow circular cylinder, wherein an outer diameter of the receiving sleeve (33) corresponds to an inner diameter of the circular cylindrical opening (29). [7] Arrangement (20) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by , that the receiving sleeve (33) is arranged immovably within the opening (29). [8] Arrangement (20) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by, that the receiving sleeve (33) has a projection (33a) designed as a hollow cylindrical circular ring, wherein an outer diameter of the projection (33a) is larger than an outer diameter of the receiving sleeve (33) in areas deviating from the projection (33a), so that the projection (33a) extends circumferentially from an outer lateral surface of the receiving sleeve (33), which together with the projection (33a) is designed to correspond with the inner surface of the opening (29). [9] Arrangement (20) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the projection (33a) on an outer surface is formed with an axially extending groove as an anti-rotation device (33b) of the receiving sleeve (33) in the circumferential direction within the opening (29) of the receiving element (23). [10] Arrangement (20) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized by, that an inner surface of the receiving sleeve (33) has an internal thread which corresponds to an external thread of a fastening element (35) designed as a screw or threaded bolt. [11] Arrangement (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that a sealing element (28) acting in a radial direction and an axial direction is formed, which fully encloses the receiving element (23) in the radial direction and is arranged in the radial direction and the axial direction between the housing (2) and the receiving element (23). [12] Arrangement (20) according to claim 11, characterized by, that the sealing element (28) has a first region (28-1) acting in a radial direction and a second region (28-2) acting in an axial direction, wherein the sealing element (28) is arranged with the first region (28-1) to fully enclose the receiving element (23) in a circumferential direction and with the second region (28-2) to abut the receiving element (23) in an axial direction. [13] Arrangement (20) according to claim 12, characterized by, that the sealing element (28) with the first region (28-1) is arranged radially within a through-opening (37) of the housing (2) between a lateral surface of a wall of the housing (2) enclosing the through-opening (37) and the receiving element (23), and that the sealing element (28) with the second region (28-2) is arranged axially completely around the through-opening (37) between the receiving element (23) and an end face of the wall of the housing (2) enclosing the through-opening (37). [14] Arrangement (20) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by , that the first area (28-1) of the sealing element (28) is essentially hollow cylindrical and is arranged with an inner lateral surface adjacent to the receiving element (23). [15] Arrangement (20) according to claim 14, characterized by, that the first area (28-1) of the sealing element (28) has extensions formed as sealing lips (28-1a) on an outer surface which are elastically deformed against the surface of the housing wall (2) surrounding the through-opening (37). [16] Arrangement (20) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized by , that the second area (28-2) of the sealing element (28) has the form of an annular disk, which is arranged orthogonally to the first sealing area (28-1) and is connected to the first sealing area (28-1). [17] Arrangement (20) according to claim 16, characterized by , that the second area (28-2) of the sealing element (28) has a circumferentially extending and closed thickening (28-2a) on both sides in the axial direction. [18] Arrangement (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by, that a first connector (21) with first connectors (24) and a second connector (22, 22a) with second connectors (25) are designed for transmitting electrical energy in independent transmission areas, wherein the receiving element (23) with the first connectors (24) of the first connector (21) and the second connectors (25) of the second connector (22, 22a) is designed as an integral and connected unit and a one-piece component. [19] Arrangement (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized by , that at least one connector (24, 25) is designed in the form of a straight pin. [20] Arrangement (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized by , that each connector (24, 25) is arranged within a feedthrough (26, 27) formed in the receiving element (23). [21] Arrangement (20) according to claim 20, characterized by, that each connector (24, 25) within the feedthrough (26, 27) is fully enclosed by the receiving element (23) and arranged hermetically sealed to the receiving element (23). [22] Arrangement (20) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized by , that the receiving element (23) with the feedthroughs (26, 27) is designed as a coherent unit and one-piece component. [23] Arrangement (20) according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized by , that the first connector (21) is formed with two first connectors (24). [24] Arrangement (20) according to any one of claims 18 to 23, characterized by , that the second connector (22, 22a) is formed with three second connectors (25). [25] Arrangement (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized by, that the at least one connector (24, 25) is formed, starting from the inside of the receiving element (23), enclosed in an axial direction by a stabilizing means (34) which has a hollow cylindrical shape with an open end face and at least one pin-shaped guide element (34a), wherein the guide element (34a) is formed as a straight pin protruding from the open end face and is arranged to be guided through an opening formed in a printed circuit board (12). [26] Device for driving a compressor (1) of a vaporous fluid, in particular an electric motor (3), comprising a housing (2) as well as a stator (6) and a rotor (7) which are arranged extending along a common longitudinal axis, characterized by, that a connection arrangement (8) for supplying electrical energy to the stator (6) is configured with an arrangement (20) for connecting electrical terminals through the housing (2) according to one of claims 1 to 25. [27] Method for mounting an arrangement (20) for connecting electrical terminals through a housing (2) according to claim 26, comprising the following steps: - Inserting at least one connector (24, 25) or at least one plug connection (21, 22, 22a) into a receiving element (23) designed as a connected unit and one-piece component, and hermetically sealing the connector (24, 25) with the receiving element (23), - Place the receiving element (23) with the at least one connector (24, 25) into the housing (2), wherein the receiving element (23) is arranged in a hermetically sealing manner against the housing (2) via a sealing element (28) and - Inserting a fastening element (35) from a volume enclosed by the housing (2) through a through-opening (40) formed in the housing (2) into an opening (29) formed on the inside of the receiving element (23) which is oriented towards the volume enclosed by the housing (2) and fixing the receiving element (23) to the housing (2). [28] Method according to claim 27, characterized by , that a receiving sleeve (33) is arranged immovably within the opening (29) and the fastening element (35) is inserted into the receiving sleeve (33). [29] Method according to claim 27 or 28, characterized by , that the arrangement (20) with the at least one connector (24, 25) arranged in an axial direction is inserted into the housing (2) through a through-opening (37) formed in the housing (2). [30] Method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, characterized by, that the at least one connector (24, 25) with a free end arranged distal to the receiving element (23) is electrically connected to a printed circuit board (12). [31] Use of a device for driving a compressor, in particular an electric motor, for compressing a vaporous fluid, according to claim 26 for a compressor of a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle.

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