MOTOR-DRIVEN COMPRESSOR

Abstract

A motor-driven compressor includes a housing defining a motor chamber and an inverter chamber. The housing includes a partition separating the motor chamber from the inverter chamber. A hermetic terminal includes a conductive element extending through a through-hole. The conductive element has a first end electrically connected to an inverter and a second end electrically connected to a connection terminal. The hermetic terminal also includes a support plate attached to the partition while supporting the conductive element and blocking the through-hole. The cluster block includes a conductive element insertion hole through which the second end of the conductive element is inserted. The support plate is attached to the partition while disposed within the motor chamber.An edge of the conductive element insertion hole in the cluster block has a sealing surface that makes surface contact with the carrier plate.

Description

BACKGROUND OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a motor-driven compressor. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Motor-driven compressors consist of a compression unit, a motor, an inverter, and a housing. The compression unit compresses fluid. The motor drives the compression unit. The inverter drives the motor. The housing defines a motor chamber and an inverter chamber. The motor chamber houses the motor. Fluid is drawn into the motor chamber. The inverter chamber houses the inverter. The housing contains a partition that separates the motor chamber from the inverter chamber. The partition has a through-hole.

[0003] The motor-driven compressor includes a hermetic connector and a cluster block. The hermetic connector electrically connects the motor to the inverter and simultaneously creates a seal between the motor chamber and the inverter chamber. The cluster block is located in the motor chamber. The cluster block is insulating. The cluster block accommodates the connector. The connector electrically connects the hermetic connector to the motor cable leading out of the motor.

[0004] JP 2016-211490 discloses an example in which the hermetic terminal includes a conductive element and a support plate / support plate. The conductive element has a first end and a second end and extends through the through-hole of the partition. The first end of the conductive element is electrically connected to the inverter, and the second end of the conductive element is electrically connected to the connection terminal. The support plate supports the conductive element. The support plate is attached to the partition and blocks the through-hole of the partition. In the above-described publication, the support plate is attached to the partition while located in the inverter chamber.

[0005] In such a motor-driven compressor, the pressure of the fluid sucked into the motor chamber acts on the support plate through the through hole. Therefore, the rigidity of the support plate can be increased by increasing the thickness of the support plate so that the support plate can withstand, for example, the pressure of the fluid. In this case, if the support plate is fixed to the partition wall in the inverter chamber, as in the publication described above, the increased thickness of the support plate may cause the support plate to interfere with the inverter. Therefore, to prevent the inverter from interfering with the support plate, additional space must be provided in the inverter chamber for the inverter. This increases the size of the motor-driven compressor. SUMMARY

[0006] This summary is intended to present, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further explained below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the most important or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] A motor-driven compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a compression unit configured to compress fluid, a motor configured to drive the compression unit, an inverter configured to drive the motor, and a housing defining a motor chamber that houses the motor and into which fluid is drawn, and an inverter chamber that houses the inverter. The housing includes a partition wall separating the motor chamber from the inverter chamber. The motor-driven compressor also includes a hermetic terminal that electrically connects the motor to the inverter while forming a seal between the motor chamber and the inverter chamber, a connection terminal that electrically connects the hermetic terminal to a motor line leading out of the motor, and an insulating cluster block located in the motor chamber.The cluster block receives the interconnect terminal. The partition contains a through-hole. The hermetic terminal includes a conductive element that passes through the through-hole. The conductive element has a first end electrically connected to the inverter and a second end electrically connected to the interconnect terminal. The hermetic terminal also includes a support plate attached to the partition, supporting the conductive element and blocking the through-hole. The cluster block includes a conductive element insertion hole through which the second end of the conductive element is inserted. The support plate is attached to the partition while being disposed within the motor chamber. A periphery of the conductive element insertion hole in the cluster block includes a sealing surface that makes surface contact with the support plate.

[0008] Further features and aspects emerge from the following detailed description, the figures and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a motor-driven compressor according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the Fig. 1 shows the motor-driven compressor. Fig. 3 is an exploded view showing the hermetic connector and cluster block of the Fig. 1 shown motor-driven compressor.

[0009] In the figures and the detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The figures may not be to scale, and the relative size, proportions, and representation of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and simplification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] This description provides a comprehensive understanding of the described methods, devices, and / or systems. Modifications and equivalents of the described methods, devices, and / or systems will be obvious to one skilled in the art. The sequences of operating steps are exemplary and may be changed as would be obvious to one skilled in the art, except for operating steps that must necessarily be performed in a particular order. Descriptions of functions and constructions that are well known to one skilled in the art may be omitted.

[0011] Example embodiments may take various forms and are not limited to the described examples. However, the described examples are thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to one skilled in the art.

[0012] In this specification, “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B”.

[0013] A motor-driven compressor according to an embodiment will now be described with reference to Fig. 1 to 3. The motor-driven compressor of the embodiment mentioned here is used, for example, in a vehicle air conditioning system. Overview of the motor-driven compressor

[0014] As in Fig. 1, the motor-driven compressor 10 includes a housing 11. The housing 11 has an outlet housing part 12 and a motor housing part 13. The outlet housing part 12 and the motor housing part 13 are tubular. The motor housing part 13 is connected to the outlet housing part 12. The outlet housing part 12 and the motor housing part 13 are made of metal. The outlet housing part 12 and the motor housing part 13 are made of aluminum, for example. The motor housing part 13 has a plate-shaped end wall 13a and a tubular peripheral wall 13b. The peripheral wall 13b extends from an outer peripheral portion of the end wall 13a.

[0015] The motor-driven compressor 10 has a rotating shaft 14. The rotating shaft 14 is housed in the motor housing part 13. Thus, the rotating shaft 14 is housed in the housing 11. The rotating shaft 14 is rotatably supported by the motor housing part 13.

[0016] The motor-driven compressor 10 includes a compression unit 15 and a motor 16. The compression unit 15 and the motor 16 are housed in the motor housing part 13. Thus, the housing 11 accommodates the compression unit 15 and the motor 16. The compression unit 15 and the motor 16 are arranged in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 14, in which a rotational axis of the rotating shaft 14 runs. The motor 16 is located closer to the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 than the compression unit 15. The space in the motor housing part 13 that is closer to the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 than to the compression unit 15 is a motor chamber S1 that accommodates the motor 16. Thus, the housing 11 defines the motor chamber S1.

[0017] The rotation of the rotating shaft 14 drives the compression unit 15. The compression unit 15 compresses the refrigerant, which is a fluid. The compression unit 15 is, for example, of the scroll type, which has a fixed scroll (not shown) mounted in the motor housing part 13 and an orbiting scroll (not shown) opposite the fixed scroll.

[0018] The motor 16 includes a tubular stator 17 and a tubular rotor 18. The rotor 18 is located on the inside of the stator 17. The rotor 18 is configured to rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 14. The rotor 18 includes a rotor core 18a and permanent magnets 18b. The rotor core 18a is fixed to the rotating shaft 14. The permanent magnets 18b are disposed on the rotor core 18a. The stator 17 surrounds the rotor 18. The stator 17 includes a tubular stator core 17a and a motor coil 19. The motor coil 19 is wound around the stator core 17a. When current is supplied to the motor coil 19, the rotor 18 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 14. The compression unit 15 is driven by the rotation of the rotatable shaft 14. In this way, the motor 16 drives the compression unit 15.

[0019] The housing 11 has an intake port 13h. The intake port 13h is located in a portion of the peripheral wall 13b of the motor housing part 13 closer to the end wall 13a. The intake port 13h draws refrigerant into the motor chamber S1. Thus, refrigerant is drawn into the motor chamber S1. The intake port 13h is connected to a first end of an external refrigerant circuit 20. The housing 11 has an outlet port 12h. The outlet port 12h is formed in the outlet housing part 12. The outlet port 12h is connected to a second end of the external refrigerant circuit 20.

[0020] Refrigerant drawn from the first end of the external refrigerant circuit 20 through the suction port 13h into the engine chamber S1 is compressed by the compression unit 15 when the compression unit 15 is operating. The refrigerant compressed by the compression unit 15 flows through the outlet port 12h to the second end of the external refrigerant circuit 20. The refrigerant that has flowed to the external refrigerant circuit 20 flows through a heat exchanger or an expansion valve of the external refrigerant circuit 20. Then, the refrigerant flows through the suction port 13h and returns to the engine chamber S1. The engine-driven compressor 10 and the external refrigerant circuit 20 constitute a vehicle air conditioning system 21.

[0021] The motor-driven compressor 10 includes an inverter cover 22. The inverter cover 22 is a part of the housing 11. Thus, the housing 11 includes an inverter cover 22. The inverter cover 22 has a tubular shape with one closed end. The inverter cover 22 has an open end connected to the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13. The end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 and the inverter cover 22 form an inverter chamber 23. Thus, the housing 11 defines the inverter chamber 23. The end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 serves as a partition wall separating the motor chamber S1 from the inverter chamber 23.

[0022] The motor-driven compressor 10 includes an inverter 24. The inverter 24 is housed in the inverter chamber 23. Thus, the inverter chamber 23 accommodates the inverter 24. The inverter 24 drives the motor 16. The compression unit 15, the motor 16, and the inverter 24 are arranged in this order in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 14. Motor cable

[0023] The motor-driven compressor 10 includes motor leads 25. The motor leads 25 are drawn from the motor coil 19 of the motor 16. Specifically, three motor leads 25 are drawn from the portion of the motor coil 19 located closer to the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13, corresponding to the U, V, and W phases of the motor coil 19. Each motor lead 25 is an electrical wire forming part of the motor coil 19. The electrical wire is drawn from the motor coil 19 and coated with an insulating film. through hole

[0024] As in Fig. 2, the end wall 13a of the motor housing member 13 has a through hole 26. The through hole 26 extends through the end wall 13a of the motor housing member 13 in the thickness direction of the end wall 13a. The through hole 26 is formed in the end wall 13a of the motor housing member 13 at a location off the center of the end wall 13a of the motor housing member 13 in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 14. A first end of the through hole 26 opens in a first surface of the end wall 13a of the motor housing member 13. A second end of the through hole 26 opens in a second surface of the end wall 13a of the motor housing member 13. The first surface of the end wall 13a faces the motor chamber S1. The second surface of the end wall 13a faces the inverter chamber 23. The first surface of the end wall 13a may be referred to as the partition wall counter surface 35, which will be described later. Hermetic connection

[0025] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the motor-driven compressor 10 includes a hermetic connector 30. The hermetic connector 30 electrically connects the motor 16 to the inverter 24, while forming a seal between the motor chamber S1 and the inverter chamber 23.

[0026] The hermetic terminal 30 includes a conductive element 31, a support plate 32, and a gasket 33. The hermetic terminal 30 includes three conductive elements 31 corresponding to the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase of the motor coil 19. Each conductive element 31 is a cylindrical metal pin extending straight. The conductive element 31 has a first end and a second end. The conductive element 31 passes through the through-hole 26. The conductive elements 31 are parallel to each other. The first end of the conductive element 31 protrudes through the through-hole 26 into the inverter chamber 23. The first end of the conductive element 31 is electrically connected to the inverter 24. The second end of the conductive element 31 protrudes through the through-hole 26 into the motor chamber S1.

[0027] The support plate 32 is in the shape of a flat plate. The support plate 32 is made of metal. Each conductive element 31 extends through the support plate 32 in the direction of the thickness of the support plate 32. An insulating glass element 34 is located between each conductive element 31 and the support plate 32. Each glass element 34 insulates between the corresponding conductive element 31 and the support plate 32. The support plate 32 supports each conductive element 31, with the conductive element 31 being insulated from the support plate 32 by the corresponding glass element 34.

[0028] The support plate 32 is attached to the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 while being located in the motor chamber S1. The support plate 32 is attached to the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13, while the through hole 26 is closed. The end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 has the partition wall counter surface 35, which is opposite to the support plate 32. The partition wall counter surface 35 is flat. The through hole 26 opens into the partition wall counter surface 35. The support plate 32 has a plate counter surface 36, which is opposite to the partition wall counter surface 35. The plate counter surface 36 is flat. The support plate 32 is located on the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13, with the plate counter surface 36 aligned along the partition wall counter surface 35.

[0029] The seal 33 is in the shape of a flat plate. The seal 33 is made of elastically deformable rubber. The seal 33 is located between the partition wall mating surface 35 and the plate mating surface 36. The seal 33 is in close contact with the partition wall mating surface 35 and the plate mating surface 36. The seal 33 provides a seal between the partition wall mating surface 35 and the plate mating surface 36.

[0030] The gasket 33 has a hole 33a. The hole 33a extends through the gasket 33 in the thickness direction of the gasket 33. The hole 33a has the same shape as the through hole 26. The hole 33a is connected to the through hole 26. The gasket 33 has two holes 33b. Each hole 33b extends through the gasket 33 in the thickness direction of the gasket 33. The two holes 33b are located on opposite sides of the hole 33a of the gasket 33. Each hole 33b is circular.

[0031] The end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 has two wall holes 37. The two wall holes 37 are located on opposite sides of the through hole 26 in the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13. Each wall hole 37 is circular. Each wall hole 37 opens into the partition wall mating surface 35. Each wall hole 37 is connected to the corresponding hole 33b of the seal 33. The hole 37 has the same diameter as the hole 33b.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 has two screw insertion holes 38. Each screw insertion hole 38 is connected to the end of the corresponding wall hole 37 opposite the partition wall mating surface 35. Each screw insertion hole 38 opens into the second surface of the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13. Each screw insertion hole 38 is circular. The screw insertion hole 38 has a smaller diameter than the wall hole 37.

[0033] The support plate 32 has two plate holes 39. Each plate hole 39 extends through the support plate 32 in the direction of the thickness of the support plate 32. The two plate holes 39 are located on opposite sides of the three conductive elements 31 of the support plate 32. Each plate hole 39 is circular. Each plate hole 39 is connected to the corresponding hole 33b of the gasket 33. Each plate hole 39 is connected to the corresponding wall hole 37 through the corresponding hole 33b. The plate hole 39 has the same diameter as the hole 33b and the wall hole 37.

[0034] The hermetic connector 30 includes two nuts 40. Each nut 40 includes a nut tube portion 41 and a nut flange portion 42. The nut tube portion 41 is cylindrical. The inside of the nut tube portion 41 defines an internally threaded hole. The outer diameter of the nut tube portion 41 is slightly smaller than the diameters of the wall hole 37, the hole 33b, and the plate hole 39. The nut tube portion 41 can be inserted sequentially through the plate hole 39, the hole 33b, and the wall hole 37. Thus, the nut tube portion 41 is inserted through the wall hole 37. In addition, the nut tube portion 41 is inserted through the plate hole 39.

[0035] The nut flange portion 42 protrudes annularly from the nut pipe portion 41 in the radial direction of the nut pipe portion 41. The nut flange portion 42 protrudes from a part of the outer peripheral surface of the nut pipe portion 41 that is located at the end of the nut pipe portion 41 in the axial direction. Each nut 40 is arranged on the support plate 32, with the nut pipe portion 41 inserted through the corresponding plate hole 39 and the corresponding wall hole 37, and the nut flange portion 42 engaging the edge of the corresponding plate hole 39.

[0036] The hermetic connector 30 has two screws 43. Each screw 43 can be screwed to the nut pipe section 41 of the nut 40. Each screw 43 is integrated with a washer 43a. Each screw 43 is screwed to the nut pipe section 41 from the inverter chamber 23 through the corresponding screw insertion hole 38. Each screw 43 fixes the support plate 32 to the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 via the nut flange section 42 through a clamping force of the screw 43 that occurs when the screw 43 is screwed to the nut pipe section 41 from the inverter chamber 23. Cluster block

[0037] The motor-driven compressor 10 includes a cluster block 50. The cluster block 50 is located in the motor chamber S1. The cluster block 50 is insulating. The cluster block 50 is made of resin. The cluster block 50 accommodates three connection terminals 51. Each connection terminal 51 electrically connects the hermetic terminal 30 to the motor line 25. Thus, the cluster block 50 is located in the motor chamber S1 and houses the connection terminal 51, which electrically connects the hermetic terminal 30 to the motor line 25.

[0038] The cluster block 50 includes a block body 52 and a block plate 53. The block body 52 has the shape of a substantially rectangular box. The block plate 53 has the shape of a flat plate. The block body 52 protrudes from a first surface of the block plate 53.

[0039] Three connection chambers 54 are defined in the block body 52. Each connection chamber 54 accommodates the corresponding connection port 51. As shown in Fig. 3, the block body 52 has three motor wire insertion holes 55. Each motor wire insertion hole 55 is connected to the corresponding terminal chamber 54. Each motor wire insertion hole 55 is configured to receive the corresponding motor wire 25. Each motor wire 25 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 51 in the terminal chamber 54 through the corresponding motor wire insertion hole 55.

[0040] As in Fig.2, the block plate 53 has three insertion holes for the conductive element 56. Thus, the cluster block 50 has the insertion hole for the conductive element 56. Each insertion hole for the conductive element 56 opens into a second surface of the block plate 53, which is opposite to the block body 52. Each insertion hole for the conductive element 56 is connected to the corresponding terminal chamber 54. Each insertion hole for the conductive element 56 is configured to receive the second end of the corresponding conductive element 31. The second end of each conductive element 31 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 51 in the terminal chamber 54 via the corresponding insertion hole for the conductive element 56. Thus, the second end of the conductive element 31 is inserted through the insertion hole for the conductive element 56.The conductive element 31 extends through the through-hole 26, with the first end electrically connected to the inverter 24 and the second end electrically connected to the connection terminal 51. Power from the inverter 24 is supplied to the motor 16 via the conductive element 31, the connection terminal 51, and the motor line 25. This drives the motor 16. Sealing surface

[0041] A second surface of the block plate 53 is flat. The second surface of the block plate 53 is configured to make surface contact with the support plate 32. The edge of each conductive element 56 insertion hole in the second surface of the block plate 53 is a sealing surface 57 that makes surface contact with the support plate 32. Thus, the edge of the conductive element 56 insertion hole in the surface of the cluster block 50 opposite the support plate 32 has the sealing surface 57 that makes surface contact with the support plate 32. Recording section

[0042] The block plate 53 has two receiving portions 58. Thus, the cluster block 50 has the receiving portions 58. Each receiving portion 58 is located in the second surface of the block plate 53. The two receiving portions 58 are arranged on opposite sides of the three insertion holes for the conductive element 56. Each receiving portion 58 is a recess that has the shape of a circular hole in plan view. The diameter of each receiving portion 58 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the nut flange portion 42 of the corresponding nut 40. Each receiving portion 58 receives the nut flange portion 42 of the corresponding nut 40. Annular sealing section

[0043] The block plate 53 has an outer peripheral wall 59. The outer peripheral wall 59 protrudes in a tubular shape from an outer peripheral portion of the second surface of the block plate 53. The cluster block 50 is located on the carrier plate 32, with the outer peripheral wall 59 surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the carrier plate 32. The inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 59 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the carrier plate 32. Thus, the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 59 is an annular sealing portion 60 that forms a seal between the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 59 and the outer peripheral surface of the carrier plate 32 by surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the carrier plate 32. Thus, the cluster block 50 has the annular sealing portion 60. How the embodiment works

[0044] The operation of the embodiment mentioned here will now be described.

[0045] The edge of each conductive element insertion hole 56 in the cluster block 50 has the sealing surface 57 in contact with the surface of the support plate 32. This limits the intrusion of foreign matter into the cluster block 50 through the gap between the conductive element insertion hole 56 and the conductive element 31. In addition, the annular sealing portion 60 also limits situations in which foreign matter penetrates the cluster block 50 through the gap between the conductive element insertion hole 56 and the conductive element 31. Advantages of the embodiment

[0046] The embodiment described above provides the following advantages.

[0047] (1) The support plate 32 is fixed to the end wall 13a while being located in the motor chamber S1, which receives the refrigerant pressure. Since part of the support plate 32 is supported by the end wall 13a, the support plate 32 is less likely to be affected by the refrigerant pressure. According to this fact, the need to increase the rigidity of the support plate 32 is eliminated by increasing the thickness of the support plate 32 so that the support plate 32 can withstand the refrigerant pressure. This eliminates the need to provide additional space for the inverter 24 in the inverter chamber 23, so that the inverter 24 does not collide with the support plate 32. This avoids an increase in the size of the motor-driven compressor 10.

[0048] In addition, the edge of each conductive element insertion hole 56 in the cluster block 50 has a sealing surface 57 in contact with the surface of the support plate 32. This reduces the likelihood of foreign matter entering the cluster block 50 through the gap between the conductive element insertion hole 56 and the conductive element 31. Thus, the edge of the conductive element insertion hole 56 in the cluster block 50 serves as the sealing surface 57 in surface contact with the support plate 32 fixed to the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 while being disposed in the motor chamber S1. Accordingly, the sealing performance of the cluster block 50, which is commonly used in the motor chamber S1, is improved.For example, in a configuration where a sealing member is provided between the conductive member insertion hole 56 and the conductive member 31, the need to maximize the length of the sealing member (i.e., the length of the conductive member insertion hole 56) is eliminated to improve the sealing performance of the sealing member. Therefore, the size of the motor-driven compressor 10 is reduced.

[0049] (2) The hermetic joint 30 includes the gasket 33 in the shape of a flat plate located between the partition wall mating surface 35 and the plate mating surface 36. In this configuration, the support plate 32 is pressed against the partition wall mating surface 35 by the pressure of the refrigerant. As a result, the gasket 33 is optimally compressed between the partition wall mating surface 35 and the plate mating surface 36. This improves the sealing performance between the partition wall mating surface 35 and the plate mating surface 36 with the gasket 33. According to the hermetic joint 30, the motor 16 can be electrically connected to the inverter 24, while also forming a seal between the motor chamber S1 and the inverter chamber 23. This increases the reliability of the motor-driven compressor 10.

[0050] (3) The support plate 32 is fixed to the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 using the screw 43, and each nut tube portion 41 is inserted through the corresponding plate hole 39 and the corresponding wall hole 37. Thus, when the support plate 32 is fixed to the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 using the screw 43, the nut tube portion 41 reduces the likelihood of the support plate 32 and the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 being displaced relative to each other. Accordingly, the positional accuracy between the support plate 32 and the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 is more easily ensured. This makes it easier to determine the position of the conductive element 31 relative to the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 at the desired location.

[0051] (4) The cluster block 50 has the receiving portion 58, which receives the corresponding nut flange portion 42. Thus, the configuration in which the cluster block 50 has the receiving portion 58 that receives the nut flange portion 42 optimally avoids interference between the cluster block 50 and the nut flange portion 42.

[0052] (5) The cluster block 50 includes the annular sealing portion 60, which provides a seal between the cluster block 50 and the support plate 32 by surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the support plate 32. In this configuration, the annular sealing portion 60 also limits situations where foreign matter penetrates into the cluster block 50 through the gap between the cluster block 50 and the support plate 32.

[0053] The annular sealing portion 60 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the support plate 32. Thus, the cluster block 50 is brought closer to the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 by an amount in which the annular sealing portion 60 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the support plate 32. This allows the cluster block 50 to be arranged in the motor chamber S1 as close as possible to the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13. Accordingly, the size of the motor-driven compressor 10 is further reduced. This improves the sealing performance of the cluster block 50 while further reducing the size of the motor-driven compressor 10. Variations

[0054] The above-described embodiment may be modified as follows. The above-described embodiment and the following modifications may be combined if the combined modifications remain technically compatible with each other.

[0055] In the embodiment, the cluster block 50 does not have the annular sealing portion 60.

[0056] In the embodiment, the receiving portion 58 that receives the nut flange portion 42 may be arranged, for example, in the support plate 32. In this case, the receiving portion 58 is a circular recess that is connected to the plate hole 39 and is larger than the plate hole 39.

[0057] In the embodiment, the receiving portion 58 is not limited to a recess and may, for example, be a hole extending through the block plate 53 in the thickness direction of the block plate 53. That is, the receiving portion 58 only needs to receive the nut flange portion 42.

[0058] In the embodiment, the cluster block 50 may be integrally molded with a resin part that is a part of the motor 16. Examples of the resin part include a resin cover that acts as an insulator between the motor coil 19 and the housing 11.

[0059] In the embodiment, the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 may, for example, have an internally threaded hole. In this case, the support plate 32 can be attached to the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 by screwing a screw through the plate hole 39 from the motor chamber S1 into the internally threaded hole.

[0060] In the embodiment, for example, the closed end of the inverter cover 22 may be connected to the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13, and the open end of the inverter cover 22 may be closed by a lid part separated from the motor housing part 13. The inverter chamber 23 may be defined by the inverter cover 22 and the lid part. In this case, the end wall 13a of the motor housing part 13 and the bottom wall of the inverter cover 22 serve as a partition wall separating the motor chamber S1 from the inverter chamber 23.

[0061] In the embodiment, for example, in the motor-driven compressor 10, the inverter 24 may be located outside the housing 11 in the radial direction of the shaft 14. That is, the compression unit 15, the motor 16, and the inverter 24 do not need to be arranged in this order in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 14.

[0062] In the embodiment, the compression unit 15 is not limited to a scroll type. Instead, the compression unit 15 may be, for example, a piston type, a vane type, or a rotary type.

[0063] In the embodiment, the motor-driven compressor 10 is intended for use with the vehicle air conditioning system 21. Alternatively, the motor-driven compressor 10 may be installed, for example, in a fuel cell electric vehicle and, with the compression unit 15, compress air supplied to the fuel cell as fluid.

[0064] Various changes in form and details may be made to the above examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples are for the purpose of description and not limitation. The descriptions of features in each example are deemed to be applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may be achieved by performing sequences in a different order and / or by combining components differently and / or by substituting or supplementing other components or equivalents thereof in a described system, architecture, device, or circuit. The scope of the disclosure is not defined by the detailed description, but by the claims and equivalents thereof. All variations within the scope of the claims and equivalents thereof incorporate the disclosure. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2016-211490

[0004]

Claims

[1] Motor-driven compressor (10), comprising: a compression unit (15) configured to compress a fluid; a motor (16) configured to drive the compression unit (15); an inverter (24) configured to drive the motor (16); a housing (11) defining a motor chamber (S1) which accommodates the motor (16) and into which fluid is sucked, and an inverter chamber (23) which accommodates the inverter (24), the housing (11) having a partition wall (13a) separating the motor chamber (S1) from the inverter chamber (23); a hermetic connector (30) electrically connecting the motor (16) to the inverter (24) while forming a seal between the motor chamber (S1) and the inverter chamber (23); a connecting terminal (51) electrically connecting the hermetic terminal (30) to a motor cable (25) leading out of the motor (16); and an insulating cluster block (50) located in the motor chamber (S1), the cluster block (50) receiving the connection terminal (51), wherein the partition wall (13a) has a through hole (26), the hermetic connection (30) has: a conductive element (31) extending through the through-hole (26), the conductive element (31) having a first end electrically connected to the inverter (24) and a second end electrically connected to the connection terminal (51); and a support plate (32) fixed to the partition wall (13a) while supporting the conductive element (31) and blocking the through hole (26), the cluster block (50) has an insertion hole for the conductive element (56) through which the second end of the conductive element (31) is inserted, the support plate (32) is fixed to the partition wall (13a) while being arranged in the motor chamber (S1), and an edge of the insertion hole for the conductive element (56) in the cluster block (50) has a sealing surface (57) which makes surface contact with the carrier plate (32). [2] Motor-driven compressor (10) according to claim 1, wherein the partition wall (13a) has a partition wall counter surface (35) which is opposite the carrier plate (32), the support plate (32) has a plate counter surface (36) which is opposite the partition wall counter surface (35), and the hermetic connector (30) further comprises a gasket (33) having a shape of a flat plate, the gasket being located between the partition wall counter surface (35) and the plate counter surface (36). [3] Motor-driven compressor (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hermetic connection (30) has: a nut (40) having a nut pipe portion (41) and a nut flange portion (42) projecting annularly outwardly from the nut pipe portion (41) in a radial direction of the nut pipe portion (41); and a screw (43) arranged to be threadably engaged with the nut pipe section (41), the partition wall (13a) also has a wall hole (37) through which the mother pipe section (41) is inserted, the support plate (32) further comprises a plate hole (39) through which the mother pipe section (41) is inserted, the plate hole (39) being connected to the wall hole (37), the nut (40) is arranged on the support plate (32), wherein the nut tube portion (41) is inserted through the plate hole (39) and the wall hole (37) and the nut flange portion (42) is engaged with an edge of the plate hole (39), and the screw (43) fastens the support plate (32) to the partition wall (13a) via the nut flange portion (42) by a clamping force of the screw (43) which occurs when the screw (43) is in threaded engagement with the nut pipe portion (41) from the inverter chamber (23). [4] The motor-driven compressor (10) of claim 3, wherein the cluster block (50) further includes a receiving portion (58) that receives the nut flange portion (42). [5] The motor-driven compressor (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cluster block (50) further comprises an annular sealing portion (60) configured to provide a seal between the cluster block (50) and the support plate (32) by surrounding an outer peripheral surface of the support plate (32).

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