Residual voltage control and electric compressor containing the same

Abstract

A residual voltage control device and an electric compressor containing it are disclosed. The present embodiment serves to prevent an electric shock or an accident due to the removal of a high-voltage connector by stably blocking a residual voltage using a plurality of circuits.

Description

Cross-reference to related registration

[0001] The present application claims priority over Korean patent application No. 10-2022-0024398, filed on February 4, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0002] The present embodiment relates to a safe interruption of a residual voltage by disconnecting a high-voltage connector provided in an electric compressor, in particular to a residual voltage control and an electric compressor containing the same. Technical background

[0003] Generally, an air conditioning system is provided for cooling or heating a passenger compartment in a vehicle. Such an air conditioning system includes a compressor configured to compress a gaseous refrigerant at a low temperature and low pressure, supplied by an evaporator, into a gaseous refrigerant at a high temperature and high pressure, supplied by a condenser.

[0004] The compressor used in the vehicle can be divided into a mechanical compressor, which is configured to be driven by a motive force received from a motor, and an electric compressor, which is configured to use a motor driven by electrical power, and in recent times the use of the electric compressor has been increasing as the electrification of vehicles progresses.

[0005] As an example of a compressor, there is a reciprocating compressor, which compresses a coolant according to the reciprocating motion of the pistons, and a rotary compressor, which compresses a coolant while rotating. The reciprocating compressor includes a crank compressor, which transmits a driving force from a power source to a plurality of pistons using a crank; a swashplate compressor, which transmits a driving force from a power source to a rotating shaft fitted with a swashplate; and similar devices, according to the power transmission method from the power source. The rotary compressor includes a vane compressor, which uses a rotating shaft and vanes, and a scroll compressor, which uses a rotating scroll and a fixed scroll.

[0006] In addition, recent developments have focused on an inverter-type compressor capable of changing the motor's operating speed. In this type of electric compressor, the inverter is mounted on an outer circumferential surface or a side surface of the casing.

[0007] A high-voltage connector (or plug) is provided in the electric compressor to allow the electric compressor to be driven at a high applied voltage.

[0008] The high-voltage connector checks whether the high-voltage connector is fastened using a locking feature.

[0009] Specifically, the electric compressor used in a vehicle air conditioning system must limit its power consumption depending on the electrical energy stored in the vehicle, since the compressor operates using the electrical energy stored within the vehicle. Therefore, if a situation arises where electrical usage needs to be restricted, the vehicle air conditioning system reduces the specified revolutions per minute (rpm) to limit the amount of electricity consumed by the electric compressor.

[0010] According to the rules and regulations, the potential of the electric compressor must be 60 V or less for one second if an accident involving the electric vehicle occurs or if repairs are being carried out on it, and a disconnection from a high-voltage power supply occurs.

[0011] To comply with such rules and regulations, prior art allows for the prevention of electric shocks and fires that may result from an accident by interrupting a high-voltage system when a fault occurs in an interlock circuit, either by providing a resistor with a large capacitance at a DC input end to discharge continuously, or by configuring a circuit with a reduced-capacitance capacitor at the DC connection end.

[0012] However, if a power line is opened during high-speed operation, due to the characteristics of the inverter with an inductive load, it takes a certain amount of time for the power level of the high-voltage line to decrease, and an electric shock accident can occur due to the residual voltage while an operator is checking the high-voltage connector for repairs and maintenance, which requires a countermeasure. Revelation: Technical Problem

[0013] The present embodiment aims to provide a residual voltage control capable of enabling a stable operator to carry out inspections and repairs by safely preventing an electric shock accident caused by the residual voltage, which may occur due to a disconnection of the high-voltage connector, and an electric compressor that incorporates the same. Technical solution

[0014] One embodiment is a residual voltage control comprising the following features: a high-voltage connector with a locking mechanism; an inverter section configured to receive power from the high-voltage connector; a motor section electrically connected to the inverter section for control; and voltage controls connected between the high-voltage connector and the inverter section in each different direction to interrupt any residual voltage of the motor section when a disconnection of the high-voltage connector is performed prior to a normal stop signal.

[0015] The voltage control can include: a first voltage control connected in series between the high-voltage connector and the inverter part; and a second voltage control connected in parallel between the high-voltage connector and the inverter part.

[0016] The first voltage control can be configured to interrupt a voltage applied to the inverter section, preferably when a disconnection of the high-voltage connector is performed.

[0017] The second voltage control can be configured to reduce residual voltage in the motor section through discharge.

[0018] The first voltage control may include: a first switching element configured to interrupt a residual voltage in one direction from the inverter part to the high-voltage connector; and a second switching element arranged in one direction opposite to the first switching element and electrically connected to the first switching element.

[0019] The first switching element may further include: a first ground switch provided for an electrical connection, and the second switching element may further include: a second ground switch provided for an electrical connection.

[0020] The second voltage control may include: a first switch configured to allow an electrical coupling state to change when the high-voltage connector is disconnected; a third switching element electrically connected to the first switch; and a resistive element electrically connected to the third switching element and configured to dissipate a voltage while generating heat through an applied voltage when the first switch is changed to an on state.

[0021] The third switching element may further include: a third ground switch provided for an electrical connection.

[0022] Another embodiment is an electric compressor comprising: a housing; a motor section provided in the housing; a compression section configured to be driven by the motor section; an inverter section coupled to one side of the housing and configured to control operating functions of the motor section; a high-voltage connector with a locking mechanism; and voltage controls connected between the high-voltage connector and the inverter section in each opposite direction to interrupt any residual voltage of the motor section when a disconnection of the high-voltage connector is performed prior to a normal stop signal.

[0023] The voltage control can include: a first voltage control connected in series between the high-voltage connector and the inverter part; and a second voltage control connected in parallel between the high-voltage connector and the inverter part.

[0024] The first voltage control may include: a first switching element configured to interrupt a residual voltage in one direction from the inverter part to the high-voltage connector; and a second switching element arranged in one direction opposite to the first switching element and electrically connected to the first switching element.

[0025] The second voltage control may include: a first switch configured to allow an electrical coupling state to change when the high-voltage connector is disconnected; a third switching element electrically connected to the first switch; and a resistive element electrically connected to the third switching element and configured to dissipate a voltage while generating heat through an applied voltage when the first switch is changed to an on state. Beneficial effect

[0026] The embodiments described in the present disclosure can improve safety by quickly interrupting the residual voltage when the high-voltage connector of the electric compressor is disconnected.

[0027] The present embodiments can facilitate stable inspections and repair work by preventing an electric shock accident of the operator due to residual voltage when the high-voltage connector is disconnected.

[0028] The present embodiments can improve operational reliability by implementing a stable electrical relay through an arrangement of first and second voltage controls. Description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electric compressor according to the present embodiment; Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating an arrangement state of a residual voltage control according to the present embodiment; Fig. Figures 3 and 4 are views illustrating first and second voltage controls when an electric compressor operates normally according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figures 5 and 6 are views illustrating a state that is operated to interrupt a residual voltage after a high-voltage connector provided on the electric compressor according to the present embodiment is disconnected. Mode for the invention

[0029] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and a method for achieving these advantages and features will become apparent with reference to the exemplary embodiments described in detail below, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but will be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided only as examples to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the disclosures and the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the accompanying claims. Identical reference numerals generally denote the same elements throughout the description.

[0030] When a component is described as "connected to" or "coupled with" another component, this includes both cases where a component is directly connected or coupled to another component and cases where another component is inserted between them. When a component is described as "directly connected to" or "directly coupled with" another component, this indicates that no other component is inserted between them. The term "and / or" encompasses each of the aforementioned elements and one, several, or all combinations thereof.

[0031] The terms used in this description are provided to describe specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting. In this description, the expression of a singular form includes the expression of a plural form unless expressly stated otherwise in the context.It is intended that the terms “have” or “include” used in the present description and such properties, numbers, steps, modes of operation, components, parts or any combination thereof mentioned in the description, and that they are not intended to exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of at least one other property, at least one other number, at least one other step, at least one other mode of operation, at least one other component, at least one other part or any combination thereof.

[0032] Although the terms "first," "second," and the like are used to describe different components, these components are not limited by these expressions. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from the others.

[0033] With reference to the attached drawings, a configuration of the electric compressor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electric compressor according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating an arrangement state of a residual voltage control according to the present embodiment, Fig. Figures 3 and 4 are views illustrating first and second voltage controls when an electric compressor operates normally according to the present embodiment, and Fig. Figures 5 and 6 are views illustrating a state operated to interrupt residual voltage after a high-voltage connector provided on an electric compressor according to the present embodiment is disconnected.

[0034] With reference to Fig. According to the present embodiment, the electric compressor comprises a housing 100, a motor part 200, a compression part 300 and an inverter part 400, as shown in sections 1 to 6.

[0035] In addition, the motor part 200 and the inverter part 400 are configured to be electrically operated by a user terminal unit 500.

[0036] The housing 100 forms the overall appearance of the electric compressor and, in the present embodiment, consists of a front housing 110 and a rear housing 120.

[0037] The motor section 200 is located in the front housing 110 and provides power to the compression section 200 to compress the coolant. The motor section 200 comprises a rotor 240, which is coupled to a pivot shaft 220 that is rotatably mounted in the center of the front housing 110, and a stator 260, which is attached to the front housing 110 and located on a radial outer surface of the rotor 240. The stator 260 comprises a stator core 262 and a coil 264 wound on the stator core 262.

[0038] The compression part 300 is provided in the rear housing 120 and comprises a circumferential spiral 320, which is coupled to the axis of rotation 220 by an eccentric bushing, and a fixed spiral 340, which is attached between the front housing 110 and the rear housing 120 and together with the circumferential spiral 320 forms a compression chamber in which compression of the coolant is carried out.

[0039] Thus, a rotational force generated in the motor part 200 can be provided to the rotating spiral 320 of the compression part by the axis of rotation 220, since the compression part 200 is connected to the motor part 200 by the axis of rotation 220.

[0040] The inverter unit 400 is located on the outside of the housing 100 and is coupled to the compression unit 300 on the base of the motor unit 200 on one side opposite it. The inverter unit 400 is electrically connected to the motor unit 200 and supplies power to it, controlling its functions through externally supplied power and control signals.

[0041] More precisely, the stator 260 forms an electromagnetic field through power applied by the inverter part 400, and a torque to operate the compression part 300 is generated when the rotor 240 rotates through the electromagnetic field formed by the stator 260.

[0042] The inverter part 400 includes a printed circuit board (not illustrated) on which switching elements (not illustrated) are provided, and an inverter housing 460 is included which is coupled to the housing 100 and configured to accommodate the printed circuit board.

[0043] The electric compressor facilitates stable cooling by controlling the speed of the motor part 200 according to a required cooling quantity depending on a temperature set by the operator via the inverter part 400.

[0044] The present embodiment aims to stably interrupt an electrical circuit between the high-voltage compressor 600 and the inverter part 400, so that a voltage equal to or greater than 60 V is no longer present in the high-voltage connector 600 by a rotation of the motor part 200 if a disconnection of the high-voltage connector 600 occurs in a state in which a fault has occurred in the interlocking circuit of the motor part 200, or a stop command is not entered into the electric compressor.

[0045] With this configuration, the present embodiment can enable stable inspections and repair work by preventing an electric shock accident of the operator due to residual voltage if the high-voltage connector of the electric compressor is disconnected.

[0046] In this embodiment, voltage controls 700 are connected between the high-voltage connector 600 and the inverter part 400 in each different direction to interrupt any residual voltage of the motor part 200 when the high-voltage connector 600 is disconnected before a normal stop signal.

[0047] The voltage controls 700 comprise a first voltage control 710, which is connected in series between the high voltage connector 600 and the inverter part 400, and a second voltage control 720, which is connected in parallel between the high voltage connector 600 and the inverter part 400.

[0048] Since the first voltage control 710 is connected in series between the high-voltage connector 600 and the inverter part 400 in the present embodiment, the present embodiment can separate the high-voltage connector 600 and the inverter part 400 from each other in an electrically stable manner by immediately interrupting a continuous voltage to the high-voltage connector 600 due to the residual rotation of the motor part 200.

[0049] The first voltage control 710 comprises a first switching element 712, which is provided to interrupt the residual voltage in one direction from the inverter part 400 to the high-voltage connector 600, and a second switching element 714, which is arranged in one direction opposite to an arrangement direction of the first switching element 712 and is electrically connected to the first switching element 712.

[0050] In the first switching element 712, for example, a bipolar transistor with an insulated gate electrode (IGBT or Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) is used, and the IGBT is capable of performing high-voltage circuitry and can be used stably in the high-voltage range.

[0051] In addition, a first ground switch 712a is provided in the first switching element 712 for electrical connection and a second ground switch 714a is provided in the second switching element 714 for electrical connection.

[0052] When the electric compressor is operating normally, the first and second ground switches 712a and 714a in the first and second switching elements 712 and 714 are grounded in an on state, and when the interlock is released in a state where a normal stop command is not entered, the ground state changes to an off state and a Fig. The illustrated state 5 is maintained.

[0053] When the locking mechanism of the high-voltage connector 600 is disconnected, the first voltage control 710 preferably interrupts the voltage applied to the inverter part 400 to prevent an electric shock accident to the operator.

[0054] The first switching element 712 is arranged in a reverse direction instead of in a forward direction from the high-voltage connector 600 to the inverter part 400, thereby stably interrupting the voltage.

[0055] In addition, the second switching element 714 is arranged in a forward direction from the high-voltage connector 600 to the inverter part 400 and the voltage can be applied to the inverter part 400 by passing through the second switching element 714 if a ground state is maintained by switching on the first ground switch 712a during normal operation of the electric compressor.

[0056] During normal operation of the electric compressor, the voltage can be applied stably if a ground state is maintained by switching on the second ground switch 714a.

[0057] The present embodiment implements circuits of the first switching element 712 and the second switching element 714, and the first and second ground switches 712a and 714a are changed to an off state as soon as the disconnection of the interlock occurs, thereby interrupting the voltage due to the disconnection of the high-voltage connector 600.

[0058] According to the present embodiment, the motor part 200 is rotated at a specific speed due to the interlocking of the high-voltage connector 600, thereby maintaining the residual voltage. Since the residual voltage can be discharged by the second voltage control 720 in this case, the residual voltage can change to 0 V after a certain period of time.

[0059] The second voltage control 720 comprises a first switch 722, whose electrical coupling state is changed if a disconnection of the high-voltage connector is performed, a third switch 724, which is electrically connected to the first switch 722, and a resistor part 726, which is electrically connected to the third switching element 724 and is configured to consume a voltage while generating heat by an applied voltage when the first switch 722 is changed to an on state.

[0060] In addition, a third ground switch 724a is provided in the third switching element 724 for electrical connection and therefore an electrical connection or disconnection can be carried out.

[0061] The first switch 722 is operated to prevent the electric compressor from switching off during normal operation (see Fig. 4) to be in an ON state, and is changed to an OFF state due to a disconnection when the lock is released (see Fig. 6).

[0062] Depending on the ground state according to the switching on or off of the third ground switch 724a, the third switching element 724 can apply the voltage to the inverter part 400 or can apply the voltage in the reverse direction.

[0063] Since the resistor part 726 is formed with a plurality of individual resistors connected in series, the resistor part 726 serves to reduce the residual voltage of the motor part 200 by discharging it through heat generation of the resistor when the locking mechanism is released.

[0064] The 726 resistor section can be configured so that the individual resistors have the same resistance value or different resistance values, and can be able to generate heat stably through the residual voltage.

[0065] Therefore, if the high-voltage connector 600 is disconnected, a stable inspection by the operator can be made possible by interrupting the voltage.

[0066] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that various variations and modifications are possible by adding, changing, deleting, etc., elements without deviating from the scope of protection and the essence of the invention. Furthermore, it is intended that such variations or modifications are included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Industrial applicability

[0067] The present embodiments can be installed in the electric compressor with the high-voltage connector to enable stable use and inspection. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] KR 10-2022-0024398

[0001]

Claims

[1] A residual voltage control system having the following features: a high-voltage connector with a locking mechanism; an inverter part configured to receive power from the high-voltage connector; a motor part electrically connected to the inverter part to be controlled; and Voltage controls connected between the high voltage connector and the inverter part in each different direction to interrupt a residual voltage of the motor part when a disconnection of the high voltage connector is carried out before a normal stop signal. [2] The residual voltage controller according to claim 1, wherein the voltage controller comprises: a first voltage control connected in series between the high-voltage connector and the inverter part; and a second voltage control connected in parallel between the high-voltage connector and the inverter part. [3] The residual voltage controller according to claim 2, wherein the first voltage controller is configured to preferably interrupt a voltage applied to the inverter part when a disconnection of the high-voltage connector is performed. [4] The residual voltage controller according to claim 2, wherein the second voltage controller is configured to reduce a residual voltage of the motor part by discharging. [5] The residual voltage controller according to claim 2, wherein the first voltage controller comprises: a first switching element configured to interrupt a residual voltage in a direction from the inverter part to the high-voltage connector; and a second switching element arranged in a direction opposite to the first switching element and electrically connected to the first switching element. [6] The residual voltage controller according to claim 5, wherein the first switching element further comprises: a first ground switch provided for electrical connection, and wherein the second switching element further comprises: a second ground switch provided for electrical connection. [7] The residual voltage controller according to claim 2, wherein the second voltage controller comprises: a first switch configured to allow an electrical coupling state to change when a separation of the high-voltage connector is performed; a third switching element electrically connected to the first switch; and a resistance part electrically connected to the third switching element and configured to consume a voltage while performing heat generation by an applied voltage when the first switch is changed to an on state. [8] The residual voltage controller according to claim 7, wherein the third switching element further comprises: a third ground switch provided for electrical connection. [9] An electric compressor having: a housing; a motor part provided in the housing; a compression part configured to be driven by the motor part; an inverter part coupled to one side of the housing and configured to control operating functions of the motor part; a high-voltage connector with a locking mechanism; and Voltage controls connected between the high voltage connector and the inverter part in each different direction to interrupt a residual voltage of the motor part when a disconnection of the high voltage connector is carried out before a normal stop signal. [10] The electric compressor according to claim 9, wherein the voltage control comprises: a first voltage control connected in series between the high-voltage connector and the inverter part; and a second voltage control connected in parallel between the high-voltage connector and the inverter part. [11] The electric compressor according to claim 9, wherein the first voltage control comprises: a first switching element configured to interrupt a residual voltage in a direction from the inverter part to the high-voltage connector; and a second switching element arranged in a direction opposite to the first switching element and electrically connected to the first switching element. [12] The electric compressor according to claim 9, wherein the second voltage control comprises: a first switch configured to allow an electrical coupling state to change when a separation of the high-voltage connector is performed; a third switching element electrically connected to the first switch; and a resistance part electrically connected to the third switching element and configured to consume a voltage while performing heat generation by an applied voltage when the first switch is changed to an on state.

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