INVERTER MODULE AND ELECTRIC COMPRESSOR CONTAINING IT

Abstract

One inverter module (100), containing: a high-voltage circuit unit (110) configured to generate an inverter control voltage and a motor drive voltage using a first direct current (DC) voltage; a high-voltage circuit pattern (120) configured to electrically connect the high-voltage circuit unit (110); a low-voltage circuit unit (130) configured to communicate with an external device using a second DC voltage lower than the first DC voltage; and a low-voltage circuit pattern (140) configured to electrically connect the low-voltage circuit unit (130), wherein the high-voltage circuit pattern (120) and the low-voltage circuit pattern (140) are arranged such that they are spaced apart from each other; and wherein the high-voltage circuit unit (110) comprises a first circuit part (111) which is operated by the first DC voltage, a second circuit part (112) which is operated by a third DC voltage which is less than the first DC voltage, and a third circuit part (113) which is operated by a fourth DC voltage which is less than the third DC voltage.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One embodiment relates to an inverter module and an electric compressor that incorporates it. [State of the art]

[0002] An inverter is a power conversion device that can control a motor by receiving alternating current (AC) power, converting it to direct current (DC) power, and then converting the DC power back to AC power for motor control. Inverters are used in various forms throughout industry, for example, in fans, pumps, elevators, transfer systems, and production lines. In a general power conversion principle of a universal inverter for driving a motor, three-phase AC power is received and then converted to DC power by a rectifier circuit. The DC power is stored in a DC link capacitor and then converted back to AC power by the inverter.

[0003] This inverter module can be broadly divided into a high-voltage section and a low-voltage section. The high-voltage section consists of components for powering a primary integrated circuit (IC) and motor operation, while the low-voltage section, operating at approximately 12V, contains communication components for a Controller Area Network (CAN) communication with a vehicle. Power semiconductor switches, predominantly used in the high-voltage section, include insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), and similar devices. The IGBT can operate at voltages of 300V or higher and is suitable for high-efficiency and high-speed power systems.

[0004] The Fig. Figure 1 is a view illustrating an example of an inverter module.

[0005] The one in Fig. The inverter module shown is implemented in a form in which a high-voltage circuit pattern 20, which electrically connects the high-voltage circuit units 12 and 13, and a low-voltage circuit pattern 40, which electrically connects the low-voltage circuit units 31 and 32, intersect. Accordingly, since noise coupling occurs between the high-voltage circuit pattern 20 and the low-voltage circuit pattern 40 due to conducted emission (CE), the problem of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) deterioration can arise.

[0006] Furthermore, as the distance between a low-voltage connector 31 and a low-voltage circuit part 32 increases among the low-voltage circuit units, the problem of deteriorating electromagnetic compatibility may occur.

[0007] Furthermore, since areas that are not electrically connected under the elements 12 that use a 15 [V] voltage and the elements that use a 3.3 [V] voltage are located closer to each other under the high-voltage circuit units, a problem can arise in that noise coupling occurs between the elements 12 that use the 15 [V] voltage and the elements 13 that use the 3.3 [V] voltage, and thus the electromagnetic compatibility deteriorates.

[0008] A technology behind the present invention is disclosed in the published Korean patent application No. KR 10 2015 0 108 165 A (published on September 25, 2015).

[0009] German patent application DE 11 2016 001 383 T5 discloses an energy conversion circuit board on which an energy conversion circuit is mounted that converts a direct current into an alternating current. A low-voltage circuit, to which a low voltage is applied, and a high-voltage circuit, to which a high voltage is applied, are arranged separately in different areas on the same surface of the board.

[0010] Document US 2010 / 0284838A1 discloses an electric compressor for a vehicle air conditioning system with an integrated inverter, which is capable of eliminating malfunctions or the like due to electromagnetic interference and improving reliability. [Revelation][Technical Problem]

[0011] One embodiment is aimed at providing an inverter module that is capable of reducing noise coupling that occurs between a high-voltage part and a low-voltage part thereof.

[0012] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and intentions and effects that are understood to be those of the solutions and embodiments described below are also included. [Technical solution]

[0013] An inverter module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a high-voltage circuit unit configured to generate an inverter control voltage and a motor drive voltage using a first direct current (DC) voltage; a high-voltage circuit pattern configured to electrically connect the high-voltage circuit unit; a low-voltage circuit unit configured to communicate with an external device using a second DC voltage that is lower than the first DC voltage; and a low-voltage circuit pattern configured to electrically connect the low-voltage circuit unit, wherein the high-voltage circuit pattern and the low-voltage circuit pattern are arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0014] The high-voltage circuit pattern and the low-voltage circuit pattern can be printed on one circuit board, and a region where the high-voltage circuit pattern is printed and a region where the low-voltage circuit pattern is printed can be separated from each other on the circuit board.

[0015] The high-voltage circuit unit contains a first circuit part that is operated by the first DC voltage, a second circuit part that is operated by a third DC voltage that is smaller than the first DC voltage, and a third circuit part that is operated by a fourth DC voltage that is smaller than the third DC voltage.

[0016] The first circuit section may contain a first switched-mode power supply (SMPS) configured to generate the third DC voltage from the first DC voltage, and a variety of circuit elements configured to convert the first DC voltage into the motor drive voltage by means of a switching control.

[0017] The second circuit part may contain a second SMPS configured to generate the fourth DC voltage from the third DC voltage, and a gate driver configured to control the multitude of switching elements from the third DC voltage.

[0018] The first circuit section may contain a processor configured to control the gate driver via the fourth DC voltage and to communicate with the low-voltage circuit unit.

[0019] The first circuit part, the second circuit part, and the third circuit part may be arranged on the high-voltage circuit pattern.

[0020] The first circuit part, the second circuit part, and the third circuit part may be arranged sequentially depending on a current direction during inverter operation.

[0021] A multitude of elements forming the second circuit part may be arranged sequentially along a first direction, and a multitude of elements forming the third circuit part may be arranged sequentially along a second direction forming a predetermined angle with the first direction.

[0022] The multitude of elements that form the third circuit part may be arranged sequentially, so that they are further away from the second circuit part along the second direction.

[0023] An inverter module according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a high-voltage circuit unit configured to generate an inverter control voltage and a motor drive voltage using a first direct current (DC) voltage; a high-voltage circuit pattern configured to electrically connect the high-voltage circuit unit; a low-voltage circuit unit configured to communicate with an external device using a second DC voltage that is lower than the first DC voltage; and a low-voltage circuit pattern configured to electrically connect the low-voltage circuit unit, wherein the high-voltage circuit pattern and the low-voltage circuit pattern are arranged to be spaced apart from each other.The low-voltage circuit unit contains a connection part configured to receive the second DC voltage and a fourth circuit part configured to communicate with the external device through the second DC voltage.

[0024] The connecting part and the fourth circuit part may be arranged in the low-voltage circuit pattern.

[0025] The connecting part and the fourth circuit part may be arranged so that they are far apart, and the high-voltage circuit pattern may be arranged so that it does not cross between the connecting part and the fourth circuit part.

[0026] The inverter module may also contain a transceiver configured to transmit a signal between the high-voltage circuit unit and the low-voltage circuit unit.

[0027] The transceiver may contain an insulating element designed to isolate the high-voltage circuit unit from the low-voltage circuit unit.

[0028] An electric compressor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the inverter module described above. [Beneficial effects]

[0029] According to one embodiment, the electromagnetic compatibility of an inverter module can be improved.

[0030] Several useful advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above and can be understood relatively easily by describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. [Description of the characters] Fig. Figure 1 is a view illustrating an example of an inverter module. Fig. Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of an inverter module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of a high-voltage circuit unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a configuration diagram of a low-voltage circuit unit according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a view illustrating the inverter module according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 is a view to describe a voltage supply flow of the inverter module according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Operating modes of the invention]

[0031] Since the present invention can be modified in various ways and can have different embodiments, certain embodiments are set forth and described in the figures. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments and includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0032] It should also be understood that, although the terms "second," "first," and the like are used herein to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. The terms are used solely to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without altering the scope of the present invention. The term "and / or" includes each individual or combination of a plurality of associated, listed items.

[0033] When certain components are mentioned as "coupled" or "connected" to other components, these components may be directly coupled or connected to other components, but it should be understood that additional components may exist in between. However, when the predetermined components are mentioned as "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to other components, it should be understood that no additional components exist between the components described above.

[0034] Terms used in this application are used solely to describe specific embodiments and not to limit the present invention. The singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should further be understood that the terms "contains," "containing," "provide," "providing," "have," and / or "having" specify the presence of the aforementioned features, integers, steps, acts, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, acts, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this application, including technical or scientific terms, have meanings that are the same as those of terms generally understood by a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, terms should be understood as defined in commonly used dictionaries and interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technical field, and not as being interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly defined herein.

[0036] The embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures; the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0037] The Fig. Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of an inverter module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] The inverter module according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a device arranged in a vehicle to supply energy to various components, such as a vehicle air conditioning system, but is not limited to this.

[0039] With reference to the figure, an inverter module 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a high-voltage circuit unit 110, a high-voltage circuit pattern 120, a low-voltage circuit unit 130, and a low-voltage circuit pattern 140, and may further include an insulating element 150.

[0040] The high-voltage circuit unit 110 generates an inverter control voltage and a motor drive voltage using an initial DC voltage. Specifically, the high-voltage circuit unit 110 may generate the motor drive voltage and the inverter control voltage using the initial DC voltage supplied by an external power source. Here, the external power source means a power source that supplies energy from outside the inverter module. For example, the external power source may be a battery contained in a vehicle. The high-voltage circuit unit 110 may receive the initial DC voltage and contain a variety of elements for generating the motor drive voltage and the inverter control voltage. The variety of elements may be grouped according to the function of the high-voltage circuit unit 110.Furthermore, the first DC voltage may be a high voltage supplied to inverter module 100. The first DC voltage may be greater than 15 V.

[0041] The high-voltage circuit pattern 120 electrically connects the high-voltage circuit unit 110. Specifically, the high-voltage circuit pattern 120 electrically connects the numerous elements contained within the high-voltage circuit unit 110, enabling the high-voltage circuit unit 110 to perform its function. The high-voltage circuit pattern 120 may be implemented in a form printed on a circuit board.

[0042] The low-voltage circuit unit 130 communicates with an external device using a second DC voltage. Here, the external device may refer to a device located outside the inverter module. For example, the external device may be an on-board diagnostics (OBD) module installed in a vehicle. The low-voltage circuit unit 130 receives the second DC voltage and contains a variety of elements for communicating with the external device. These elements may be grouped according to the function of the low-voltage circuit unit 130. Furthermore, the second DC voltage may refer to a low voltage applied to the inverter module 100. The second DC voltage may be lower than the first DC voltage. The second DC voltage may be 12 V.

[0043] Next, the low-voltage circuit pattern 140 electrically connects the low-voltage circuit unit 130. Specifically, the low-voltage circuit pattern 140 may electrically connect the multiple elements contained in the low-voltage circuit unit 130, enabling the low-voltage circuit unit 130 to perform a function. The low-voltage circuit pattern 140 may be implemented in a form printed on a circuit board.

[0044] Next, a transceiver 150 may transmit a signal between the high-voltage circuit unit 110 and the low-voltage circuit unit 130. In this case, the transceiver 150 may be implemented as an insulating element so that no current flows between the high-voltage circuit unit 110 and the low-voltage circuit unit 130. For example, the transceiver 150 may include a coupler or a photocoupler. Similarly, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the inverter module may prevent coupling noise generated between the high-voltage circuit unit 110 and the low-voltage circuit unit 130.

[0045] The Fig. Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of the high-voltage circuit unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] As in the Fig. Figure 3 shows that the high-voltage circuit unit 110 according to the embodiment of the present invention may comprise a first circuit part 111, a second circuit part 112, and a third circuit part 113. The first circuit part 111, the second circuit part 112, and the third circuit part 113 may be classified according to the magnitude of the applied voltage.

[0047] First, the first circuit section 111 may implement a predetermined function using the first DC voltage as an input voltage. The first circuit section 111 may generate a motor drive voltage and a third DC voltage from the first DC voltage. For this purpose, the first circuit section 111 may include a first switched-mode power supply (SMPS) and a variety of switching elements.

[0048] In particular, the first SMPS generates the third DC voltage, which is smaller than the first DC voltage, by means of the first DC voltage. In this case, the first SMPS might be a circuit containing a switching transistor or the like. The first SMPS might generate the third DC voltage by means of the first DC voltage by controlling the on-off time ratio of a semiconductor switching transistor. Here, the third DC voltage might be a voltage of 15 V. The generated third DC voltage is applied to the second circuit part 112.

[0049] The multiple switching elements then convert the initial DC voltage into the motor drive voltage through switching control. In this case, the motor receiving the drive voltage might be a three-phase motor. Similarly, the motor drive voltage might be a three-phase AC voltage. The multiple switching elements might be implemented as at least one insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) and one metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). For example, the multiple switching elements might be implemented as six switching elements. If the multiple switching elements are implemented as six switching elements, the initial DC voltage is converted into the motor drive voltage because one of the three switching elements connected to a high side is switched on, and one of the three switching elements connected to a low side is switched on.In this case, if the switches on the same phase are simultaneously switched on, since no voltage is applied to the motor, the switches located in other phases may be switched on. As above, the multitude of switching elements may be repeatedly switched on and off according to a predetermined rule to generate the motor drive voltage.

[0050] The second circuit section 112 may implement a predefined function using the third DC voltage as an input voltage. The second circuit section 112 may generate a fourth DC voltage and control a switching element of the first circuit section 111. For this purpose, the second circuit section 112 may include a second SMPS and a gate driver.

[0051] In particular, the second SMPS generates the fourth DC voltage, which is lower than the third DC voltage, by means of the third DC voltage. In this case, the second SMPS may be a circuit containing a switching transistor and the like, and may generate the fourth DC voltage by means of the third DC voltage by driving a ratio of the ON-OFF time of a semiconductor switching transistor. Here, the fourth DC voltage may be a voltage of 3.3 V. The generated fourth DC voltage is applied to the third circuit component 113.

[0052] The gate driver then controls a plurality of switching elements via the third DC voltage. The gate driver may include a first gate driver, which includes the plurality of switching elements connected to a high side, and a second gate driver, which includes the plurality of switching elements connected to a low side. The first gate driver and the second gate driver may generate a gate control signal via the third DC voltage and transmit the gate control signal to the plurality of switching elements contained in the first circuit part 111. Accordingly, an ON-OFF actuation of the plurality of switching elements may be controlled according to the gate control signal.

[0053] The third circuit section 113 may implement a predefined function using the fourth DC voltage as an input voltage. The third circuit section 113 may control the gate driver contained in the second circuit section 112 and communicate with the low-voltage circuit unit 130. For this purpose, the third circuit section 113 may contain a processor.

[0054] The processor may control the gate driver via the fourth DC voltage and communicate with the low-voltage circuit unit 130. The processor may be a digital signal processor (DSP) implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) chip.

[0055] The Fig. Figure 4 is a configuration diagram of the low-voltage circuit unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] The low-voltage circuit unit 130 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a connecting part 131 and a fourth circuit part 132.

[0057] The connector 131 receives the second DC voltage. The connector 131 may be connected via a cable to an external power source that supplies the second DC voltage.

[0058] The fourth circuit section 132 communicates with an external device via the second DC voltage. Furthermore, the fourth circuit section 132 may communicate with the high-voltage circuit unit 110. Specifically, the fourth circuit section 132 may communicate with the processor contained in the third circuit section 113. For this purpose, the fourth circuit section 132 may include a communication element. For example, the fourth circuit section 132 may include a communication element such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) communication device or a communication microcomputer.

[0059] The Fig. Figure 5 is a view illustrating the inverter module according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] With regard to the Fig. 5. The high-voltage circuit pattern 120 and the low-voltage circuit pattern 140 may be printed on a circuit board. A region of the high-voltage circuit pattern 120 and a region of the low-voltage circuit pattern 140, printed on the circuit board, are arranged such that they are spaced apart and separated from each other. This means that the high-voltage circuit pattern 120 and the low-voltage circuit pattern 140 may not be electrically connected to each other.

[0061] The first circuit part 111, the second circuit part 112, and the third circuit part 113 contained in the high-voltage circuit unit 110 are arranged on the high-voltage circuit pattern 120. Accordingly, the first circuit part 111, the second circuit part 112, and the third circuit part 118 may be electrically connected by the high-voltage circuit pattern 120.

[0062] The connecting part 131 and the fourth circuit part 132 contained in the low-voltage circuit unit 130 are arranged on the low-voltage circuit pattern 140. Accordingly, the connecting part 131 and the fourth circuit part 132 may be electrically connected by the low-voltage circuit pattern 140.

[0063] The arrangement structure of the high-voltage circuit unit 110 is examined in particular.

[0064] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the first circuit part 111, the second circuit part 112, and the third circuit part 113 are arranged so that they are spaced apart from one another. In this case, the separation distance may vary depending on the size of a circuit board 101, and so on. The first circuit part 111 may be located adjacent to the second circuit part 112, and the second circuit part 112 may be located adjacent to the third circuit part 113. The first circuit part 111 may be electrically connected to the second circuit part 112, and the second circuit part 112 may be electrically connected to the third circuit part 113. This electrical connection may be implemented by the high-voltage circuit pattern 120.

[0065] The multitude of elements that form the second circuit part 112 may be arranged sequentially along a first direction. That is, the second SMPS and the gate driver of the second circuit part 112 may be arranged sequentially along the first direction. Since the elements contained in the second circuit part 112 are arranged sequentially along the first direction, the second circuit part 112 may have a shape that extends in the first direction. Accordingly, the first direction may be a longitudinal direction of the second circuit part 112, as shown in the Fig. 5.

[0066] The multitude of elements that form the third circuit part 113 may be arranged sequentially along a second direction. That is, the processor of the third circuit part 113 and other elements to which the fourth DC voltage is applied may be arranged sequentially along the second direction. Since the elements contained in the third circuit part 113 are arranged sequentially along the second direction, the third circuit part 113 may have a shape that extends in the second direction. Accordingly, the second direction may be a longitudinal direction of the circuit part 113 shown in the Fig. 5.

[0067] The first direction and the second direction may form a predetermined angle with each other. For example, as in the Fig. Figure 5 shows that the first direction and the second direction form an angle of 90 degrees with each other. However, the above is an example and the present invention is not limited to it. The predetermined angle may be designed based on the structure of the inverter module such that one end of the second circuit part 112 and one end of the third circuit part 113 are as far apart as possible. For example, a lower end of the second circuit part 112 and a left-hand end of the third circuit part 113 may be electrically connected so that the third DC voltage can be transmitted.The multitude of elements forming the third circuit part 113 are arranged from the left end to the right end, i.e., along the second direction, and the multitude of sequentially arranged elements may be positioned to be far removed from the second circuit part 112 from the left end to the right end. Accordingly, any noise coupling occurring between the second circuit part 112 and the third circuit part 113, i.e., coupling noise, may be minimized.

[0068] Furthermore, the connecting part 131 is arranged such that it is adjacent to and spaced apart from one side of the fourth circuit part 132. In this case, a separation distance may be specified taking into account the size of the circuit board 101.

[0069] The arrangement structure of the low-voltage circuit unit 130 is being examined in detail.

[0070] Fig. Figure 6 is a view to describe a voltage supply flow of the inverter module according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] In the Fig. The arrow shown in Figure 6 indicates a direction of current flow.

[0072] With regard to the Fig. 6. When an energy storage element 111-1 of the high-voltage switching unit 110 receives the first DC voltage from the external energy source, the first DC voltage is applied to each of the first SMPS 111-2 and a switching element 111-3. The switching element 111-3 generates the motor drive voltage through the switching control and supplies the generated motor drive voltage to the motor. Accordingly, the switching element 111-3 may be connected to the motor. Furthermore, the first SMPS 111-2 converts the first DC voltage into the third DC voltage and supplies the third DC voltage to the second circuit part 112. Similarly, the second circuit part 112 generates the fourth DC voltage from the third DC voltage and supplies the fourth DC voltage to the third circuit part 113. Additionally, the connecting part 131 of the low-voltage circuit unit 130 receives the second DC voltage and then supplies the second DC voltage to the fourth circuit part 132.This means that the first circuit part 111, the second circuit part 112 and the third circuit part 113 may be arranged sequentially depending on a current direction during inverter operation.

[0073] Considering the current direction shown in the Fig. 6. According to the DC power supply, since the high-voltage circuit pattern 120, in which the high-voltage circuit unit 110 is arranged, and the low-voltage circuit pattern 140, in which the low-voltage circuit unit 130 is arranged, do not overlap, it can be seen that current flows through the high-voltage circuit unit 110 and the low-voltage circuit unit 130 do not overlap. Accordingly, the coupling noise generated between the current flowing through the low-voltage circuit unit 130 and the current flowing through the high-voltage circuit unit 110 may be significantly reduced.

[0074] Furthermore, it can be seen that one side through which current flows and the other side opposite it are arranged between the second circuit part 112 and the third circuit part 113 such that they are large apart. Accordingly, the coupling noise generated between the second circuit part 112 and the third circuit part 113 may be significantly reduced.

[0075] Furthermore, since the connecting part 131 and the fourth circuit part 132 are arranged next to each other, the coupling noise generated by current movement may be significantly reduced.

[0076] Meanwhile, the inverter module according to the embodiment of the present invention may be provided in an electric compressor. The electric compressor contains the inverter module according to the embodiment of the present invention and may include a housing, a drive motor, and a compression element. The electric compressor supplies energy to the drive motor through the inverter module according to the embodiment of the present invention; the drive motor transfers a rotary drive force to the compression element, and the compression element compresses a refrigerant by the rotary drive force.

[0077] The housing forms the outer surface of the electric compressor. A space within the housing, in which a component may be mounted, may be formed. For example, the housing may be implemented in a cylindrical shape with a through-hole in its center, but is not limited to this. The drive motor may be located on one side of the inside of the housing, and the compression component may be located on the other side of the inside of the housing.

[0078] The drive motor generates a rotary driving force. The drive motor may contain a stator and a rotor. A rotating shaft may be coupled to the rotor. The stator is a type of electromagnet and may be firmly installed in the housing by press fitting. The stator may consist of, but is not limited to, a stator core and a bundle of coils wound around the stator core. The rotor is installed on an inner surface of the stator, coaxial with the stator. The rotating shaft may be installed to rotate in conjunction with the rotor.

[0079] The compression unit compresses the coolant by receiving the rotational driving force from the drive motor. The compression unit may contain a fixed spiral and a rotating spiral. The rotating spiral gradually compresses a coolant compression chamber formed between the fixed spiral and the rotating spiral while rotating with the rotor in a state where it is coupled to a portion of the rotating shaft. That is, the coolant introduced into the compression chamber is compressed by the relative rotation between the fixed spiral and the rotating spiral.

[0080] Although the embodiments described above are mainly described with reference to the embodiments of the present invention, the above are merely exemplary, and it should be understood that a person skilled in the art can implement a wide variety of modifications and applications within the principle of the embodiments. For example, elements specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified. Furthermore, differences relating to modifications and changes should be understood as those contained within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. [List of reference symbols] 100 Inverter module 110 High-voltage circuit unit 111 first circuit part 111-1 Energy storage element 111-2 SMPS 111-3 Switching element 112 second circuit part 113 third circuit part 120 high-voltage circuit patterns 130 Low-voltage circuit unit 131 Connecting part 132 fourth circuit part 140 Low-voltage circuit patterns 150 insulating element

Claims

[1] An inverter module (100) comprising: a high-voltage circuit unit (110) configured to generate an inverter control voltage and a motor drive voltage using a first direct current (DC) voltage; a high-voltage circuit pattern (120) configured to electrically connect the high-voltage circuit unit (110); a low-voltage circuit unit (130) configured to communicate with an external device using a second DC voltage lower than the first DC voltage; and a low-voltage circuit pattern (140) configured to electrically connect the low-voltage circuit unit (130), wherein the high-voltage circuit pattern (120) and the low-voltage circuit pattern (140) are arranged such that they are spaced apart from each other; and wherein the high-voltage circuit unit (110) comprises a first circuit part (111) which is operated by the first DC voltage, a second circuit part (112) which is operated by a third DC voltage which is less than the first DC voltage, and a third circuit part (113) which is operated by a fourth DC voltage which is less than the third DC voltage. [2] The inverter module (100) of claim 1, wherein: the high-voltage circuit pattern (120) and the low-voltage circuit pattern (140) are printed on a circuit board; and a region in which the voltage circuit pattern (120) is printed and a region in which the low voltage circuit pattern (140) is printed are separated from each other on the circuit board. [3] The inverter module (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the third circuit part (113) comprises a first switched-mode power supply (SMPS) configured to generate the third DC voltage from the first DC voltage, and a plurality of circuit elements configured to convert the first DC voltage into the motor drive voltage by means of a switching control. [4] The inverter module (100) of claim 3, wherein the second circuit part (112) includes a second SMPS configured to generate the fourth DC voltage from the third DC voltage and a gate driver configured to control the plurality of switching elements from the third DC voltage. [5] The inverter module (100) of claim 4, wherein the first circuit part (111) includes a processor configured to control the gate driver by means of the fourth DC voltage and to communicate with the low voltage circuit unit (130). [6] The inverter module (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first circuit part (111), the second circuit part (112), and the third circuit part (113) are arranged on the high-voltage circuit pattern (120). [7] The inverter module (100) of claim 6, wherein the first circuit part (111), the second circuit part (112), and the third circuit part (113) are arranged sequentially depending on a current direction during inverter operation. [8] The inverter module (100) of claim 7, wherein a plurality of elements forming the second circuit part (112) are arranged sequentially along a first direction; and a plurality of elements forming the third circuit part (113) are arranged sequentially along a second direction which forms a predetermined angle with the first direction. [9] The inverter module (100) of claim 8, wherein the plurality of elements forming the third circuit part (113) are arranged sequentially such that they are further away from the second circuit part (112) along the second direction. [10] An inverter module (100) comprising: a high-voltage circuit unit (110) configured to generate an inverter control voltage and a motor drive voltage using a first direct current (DC) voltage; a high-voltage circuit pattern (120) configured to electrically connect the high-voltage circuit unit (110); a low-voltage circuit unit (130) configured to communicate with an external device using a second DC voltage lower than the first DC voltage; and a low-voltage circuit pattern (140) configured to electrically connect the low-voltage circuit unit (130), wherein the high-voltage circuit pattern (120) and the low-voltage circuit pattern (140) are arranged such that they are spaced apart from each other; wherein the low-voltage circuit unit (130) includes a connecting part (131) configured to receive the second DC voltage and a fourth circuit part (132) configured to communicate with the external device through the second DC voltage. [11] The inverter module (100) of claim 10, wherein the connecting part (131) and the fourth circuit part (132) are arranged in the low-voltage circuit pattern (140). [12] The inverter module (100) of claim 10, wherein the connecting part (131) and the fourth circuit part (132) are arranged such that they are separated from each other; and the high-voltage circuit pattern (120) is arranged such that it does not cross between the connecting part (131) and the fourth circuit part (132). [13] The inverter module (10) of claim 10, further comprising a transmitter receiver (150) configured to transmit a signal between the high-voltage circuit unit (110) and the low-voltage circuit unit (130). [14] The inverter module (100) of claim 13, wherein the transceiver (150) includes an insulating element configured to isolate the high-voltage circuit unit (110) from the low-voltage circuit unit (130). [15] An electric compressor comprising the inverter module (100) of any one of claims 1 to 14.

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