MOUNTING BRACKET FOR FIXING AN ELECTRIC COMPRESSOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bracket for fixing an electric compressor in a vehicle according to claim 1.

[0002] In many modern vehicles, such as hybrid and electric cars, the climate control systems not only cool the passenger compartment but also the battery. These climate control systems rely on electric compressors that draw in air or refrigerant, compress it, and then expel it. Such compressors are typically installed in the front of the vehicle. They are usually attached either directly to the combustion engine or the electric drive unit (EDU) by means of a frictional connection, or they are mounted on a support structure or suspension system designed for this purpose and connected to the chassis. For the purposes of this disclosure, all load-bearing structures of the vehicle are referred to as suspension systems, unless otherwise specified in the context.A suspension, therefore, refers to any structure that enables a force-fit attachment of a compressor to the chassis of the vehicle, such as a mounting rod installed in the engine compartment or the engine itself.

[0003] Electric compressors generate vibrations or oscillations when active, primarily in the axial direction and radially perpendicular to the compressor's longitudinal axis. These vibrations can be transmitted to other areas of the vehicle, such as the passenger compartment, via the compressor's positive connection to the vehicle chassis. There, the vibrations and oscillations can be perceived by the driver and considered disruptive. In addition to vibrations, compressors can also reach a noise level during operation, leading to increased overall vehicle noise, particularly in the passenger compartment. The same applies analogously to other vehicle components, whose own vibrations and noise levels can also contribute to passenger comfort.

[0004] In the prior art, one solution might be to enclose the compressor, at least partially, in a housing designed to provide sound insulation. These common housings typically have a hard outer shell with a sound-absorbing material on their inner surface – the side facing the compressor.

[0005] However, a disadvantage of such housings is that they cannot sufficiently prevent the transmission of vibrations from the electric compressor to the chassis and thus also into the passenger compartment, because they only provide acoustic protection.

[0006] Document DE102019131835A1 shows an example of a compressor mounting in a vehicle.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to create a mounting which overcomes the aforementioned problems of the prior art and which, in addition to acoustic absorption, in particular enables the absorption of the vibrations of an electric compressor or a comparable component installed in a vehicle.

[0008] The features of the invention are specified in claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 13.

[0009] According to the invention, the problem is solved by a bracket for fixing an electric compressor in a vehicle, wherein the bracket comprises a housing with a receptacle, the housing being configured to receive the electric compressor in the receptacle. The housing according to the invention also has a fixing means for fixing or mounting the electric compressor to a suspension of the vehicle. Finally, the bracket includes a damping mechanism.

[0010] With a mounting bracket designed in this way, it is possible to mount, hold, support, or fix the electric compressor (or a comparable component) in such a way that a direct, force-fit connection between the compressor and the vehicle—such as via screws, clamps, or rivets—is unnecessary. This prevents the vibrations generated by the electric compressor from being transmitted directly to the vehicle's chassis, as the necessary direct force path between the compressor and the suspension is eliminated. To still secure the compressor in the car, the housing incorporates fixing points for attaching it to the vehicle's suspension. Thus, the electric compressor is not, as is usually the case, directly connected to the chassis, engine, or a comparable load-bearing structure of the vehicle and then enclosed in a housing for sound absorption.Instead, the compressor is completely supported or held by the bracket and is only connected to the other structures of the vehicle indirectly (so to speak) by attaching the bracket to the suspension via the fixing means.

[0011] Simultaneously, the mounting's at least one damping mechanism provides vibration and / or sound absorption. The mounting can, for example, have a first damping mechanism and a second damping mechanism, wherein the first damping mechanism specifically absorbs sound and the second damping mechanism specifically counteracts the transmission of compressor vibrations to the chassis. For instance, the first damping mechanism may comprise a sound-absorbing cover for the housing's mounting, and the second damping mechanism may comprise one or more damping elements arranged between the housing and the vehicle chassis's suspension, thus preventing the transmission of the compressor's own vibrations to the chassis.

[0012] The fixing device for securing or mounting the bracket to the intended vehicle suspension can be, for example, a clamping, riveting, or screwing mechanism. It is also conceivable that the fixing device comprises a bore or recess in the bracket housing, which can be aligned with another bore or opening in the suspension, whereby the bracket can then be fixed to the suspension by means of a bolt or screw.

[0013] Thus, the mounting according to the invention allows not only sound absorption but also the absorption of vibrations or oscillations from the compressor. As a result, driving comfort for the driver is increased.

[0014] It can also be provided that the damping mechanism is designed for acoustic damping of the electric compressor and / or for damping the vibration of the electric compressor and / or for damping the force pad of the electric compressor to the vehicle's suspension. In this way, it can be ensured that both the noise and vibrations of the compressor reaching the passenger compartment are reduced to a minimum. This is advantageous compared to known solutions because, while the compressor housings used there can be used for sound insulation, they cannot be used for vibration isolation, since the electric compressor itself is always force-fitted to the vehicle's load-bearing structure.

[0015] According to the invention, the damping mechanism comprises at least one internal damping element and / or at least one external damping element. In particular, the internal damping element can be arranged at least partially on the inside of the housing within the receptacle, and the internal damping element can, in particular, be a lining of the inside. A lining on the inside of the housing has the advantage that the mount can receive and hold the compressor in a sound- and vibration-absorbing manner. The internal damping element designed as a lining of the receptacle can, for example, be a polyurethane (PU) foam applied completely or partially to the inside of the housing. Instead of or in addition to a PU foam, a pad or cushion made of elastomer can also be provided as the internal damping element.In particular, the internal damping elements, but also the external damping elements, can be bonded to the housing, for example via a suitable adhesive. Furthermore, the housing of the mount can be designed so that it essentially snugly encloses the compressor, resulting in little or no play within the mount.

[0016] In a further development of the mounting, it is preferably provided that the external damping element is arranged on an outer surface of the housing receptacle, wherein, during intended use of the mounting, the external damping element is positioned between the housing and the vehicle's suspension, and in particular, between the fixing element and the vehicle's suspension. Intended use of the mounting is understood to mean the state in which the mounting is installed in a vehicle for the purpose of accommodating an electric compressor. An external damping element can, for example, be an elastomeric ring element or a comparable elastomeric body.In this way, vibrations that may be transmitted from the compressor to the housing despite internal damping agents are additionally absorbed because the direct force path from the housing to the chassis is interrupted by the external damping agent.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the invention, the damping element comprises an absorbing material, wherein the absorbing material is in particular sound-absorbing and / or force-absorbing and / or vibration-absorbing. According to the invention, the at least one absorbing material is an elastomer, a textile, a foam, or a mixture of the aforementioned materials. According to a further development of the mounting according to the invention, the elastomer can also be a rubber. It is particularly conceivable that the textile is a nonwoven fabric. It is also conceivable that the foam is a polyurethane foam (= PU foam). Preferably, the mounting can have at least one internal damping element made of a material that is in particular sound-absorbing (e.g.,nonwoven fabric or PU foam) and that the holder simultaneously has at least one external damping element made of a material that is particularly vibration-absorbing (e.g. elastomer, especially rubber).

[0018] According to the invention, the housing is made of a plastic. In particular, the housing is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic to withstand the forces exerted on the bracket by holding and supporting the electric compressor. At the same time, the housing made of this plastic material is lightweight.

[0019] It can be provided, in particular, that the mounting is designed such that the electric compressor can be fixed to the vehicle's suspension solely via the mounting. This design is preferred and has the advantage that a direct force path from the compressor to the vehicle's suspension can be avoided. Instead, with the mounting according to the invention, it is possible to accommodate and hold the compressor solely within the housing's receptacle – an additional frictional connection of the compressor to the suspension, as previously customary, is no longer necessary. In this way, the disruptive vibrations of the compressor can be decoupled from the passenger compartment, resulting in improved ride comfort. The degree of vibration decoupling is further enhanced by connecting the housing to the suspension via an external damping element.

[0020] Advantageously, according to one embodiment, the housing can be provided that it at least partially encloses or encases the electric compressor when the electric compressor is received in the housing's receptacle. According to a further development of the mounting according to the invention, the housing can be provided that it encloses the electric compressor in such a way that it substantially covers at least 60% of the electric compressor's surface when the electric compressor is received in the housing's receptacle. In this way, the housing of the mounting itself can act as a structural component that connects the electric compressor to the vehicle in a stable and reliable manner. At the same time, the maximum possible enclosure of the compressor by the housing ensures maximum sound absorption. Preferably, only a portion of the compressor remains "free," i.e.,not encased by the housing of the bracket, on which connections to other mechanical or electrical vehicle parts are located (such as inputs / outputs for cables, hoses, etc.).

[0021] It is also conceivable that the housing comprises at least two housing segments. Ideally, the housing comprises exactly two housing segments. In this way, the largest possible enclosure of the electric compressor can be achieved with the fewest possible components. In particular, a further development is possible in which the housing comprises a first housing segment and a second housing segment, wherein the first and second housing segments are preferably connected to each other in such a way that they form the housing's mounting. For example, the two housing segments could be pivotally or hingedly connected to each other at one section. This would make it particularly easy to mount the housing on the compressor. A subsequent complete connection of the housing segments could be achieved, for example, by bonding them with an adhesive or by frictional connection using a clamping or screw mechanism.

[0022] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a bracket according to a preferred embodiment in intended use; Fig. 2a a perspective view of a bracket according to a preferred embodiment; Fig. 2b a side view of the bracket according to Fig. 2a ; Fig. 2c a front view of the bracket according to Fig. 2a ; Fig. 2 your view of the underside of the bracket according to Fig. 2a ; Fig. 2e a view of the top of the bracket according to Fig. 2a ; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a first housing segment of a holder according to a preferred embodiment; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a second housing segment of a holder according to a preferred embodiment.

[0023] In the figures, identical or corresponding elements are designated with the same reference numerals and are therefore not described again unless expedient. Features already described are not described again to avoid repetition and are applicable to all elements with the same or corresponding reference numerals, unless explicitly excluded. The disclosures contained in the entire description are transferable analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the directly described and illustrated figure and must be applied analogously to any new position.Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

[0024] The Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a bracket 1 according to a preferred embodiment, wherein the bracket 1 is positioned according to Fig. 1 in its intended use, i.e., the bracket 1 is installed in a vehicle for the purpose of holding an electric compressor. To secure the bracket 1 in the vehicle, the bracket 1 is preferably fixed or attached to a suspension 5. As shown in Fig. 1 As shown by way of example, the suspension can be a mounting rod installed in the vehicle's engine compartment. However, it is also conceivable to fix the bracket 1 directly to the engine or to the vehicle's electric drive unit (EDU).

[0025] The in Fig. 2a-e The bracket shown (1) differs from the bracket shown (1) according to Fig. 1 merely in that the bracket 1 is in the Fig. 2a-e is not attached to a suspension point 5.

[0026] The bracket made of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2a-e The housing 2 comprises a housing with a receptacle 3. The housing 2 is designed to accommodate an electric compressor or a comparable vehicle component in the receptacle 5 formed by the housing 2. Simultaneously, the housing 2 has fixing means 4 for fixing or mounting the bracket 1 to the suspension 5 of the vehicle. The fixing means 4 can, in particular, be a screw or bolt system comprising recesses in the housing 2 of the bracket 1 and screws or bolts (not shown), wherein the screws or bolts pass through the recesses. 11The housing 2 of the bracket 1 is guided and screwed or inserted into corresponding openings in the suspension 5. The fixing element 4 thus ensures that the bracket 2 is fixed stably, securely, and reliably to the suspension 3 and can therefore be installed in the vehicle. In this way, the electric compressor is not connected directly to the chassis or engine of the vehicle as usual and then surrounded by a housing 2 for sound absorption, but is completely contained and held by the bracket 1 and is therefore only indirectly connected to the other structures of the vehicle by the fixing element 4 of the bracket 1, which is attached to the suspension 3.

[0027] With the electric compressor now held by bracket 1, the compressor is securely installed in the vehicle. This prevents a direct transmission of vibrations or oscillations from the compressor to the vehicle's basic structure, because there is no direct force path between the compressor and the vehicle's suspension 5.

[0028] To further minimize the degree of vibration transmission from the compressor to the vehicle's load-bearing structures, the bracket 1 can include a damping mechanism 6. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2a-e As shown, this mechanism can comprise 6 different damping elements 7, 8. The damping mechanism 6 of the bracket 1 provides simple vibration absorption. Furthermore, the bracket 1 shown is also suitable for absorbing sound, i.e., noise emitted by the compressor during operation. For this purpose, the bracket 1 can, for example, have a first damping element 7 and a second damping element 8, wherein the first damping element 7 absorbs sound in particular, and wherein the second damping element 8 dampens the transmission of vibrations from the compressor to the chassis. Unlike in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2a-e As shown, the first damping element 7 can, for example, also comprise a sound-absorbing full lining of the inside 9 of the receptacle 3 of the housing 2, wherein the lining can in particular be a PU foam.

[0029] As in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 2a-e As shown, the first damping element 7 is an internal damping element 7. According to the figures, the internal damping element 7 is arranged at least partially on an inner surface 9 of the housing 2 in the receptacle 3, wherein the internal damping element 7 is designed as a cushion or "pad" comprising an elastomeric material. The internal damping element 7 is bonded to the inner surface 9 of the housing 2, for example, by means of an adhesive. The external damping element 8 is arranged on an outer surface 10 of the receptacle 3 of the housing 2. When the holder 1 is used as intended, the external damping element 8 is arranged between the housing 2 and the suspension 5 of the vehicle, specifically between the fixing element 4 and the suspension 5 of the vehicle. The external damping element 4 shown is an elastomeric element.In this way, vibrations that may be transmitted from the compressor to the housing despite internal damping agents are additionally absorbed because the direct force path from the housing to the chassis is interrupted by the external damping agent.

[0030] A combination of various internal or external damping elements 7, 8 is conceivable. The internal damping element 7 can, for example, serve to acoustically dampen the electric compressor, while the external damping element 8 is designed to dampen the vibration of the electric compressor and / or to interrupt the force pad of the electric compressor for the vehicle suspension. In this way, it can be ensured that both the noise and vibrations of the compressor reaching the passenger compartment are reduced to a minimum.

[0031] The damping agents used 7,8 should include at least one absorbent material.

[0032] Preferred materials should be, in particular, sound-absorbing and / or force-absorbing and / or vibration-absorbing. Materials according to the invention are elastomers such as rubber, textiles such as nonwovens, foams such as polyurethane foam, or a mixture of the aforementioned. Especially the internal damping elements 7, designed as absorbent pads, according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2a-e and the external damping means 8 are preferably made of rubber.

[0033] The bracket 1 also includes a housing 2 made of plastic. The housing 2 is preferably made of a fiber-reinforced plastic in order to withstand the forces that can act on the bracket 1 when it holds and accommodates the electric compressor. At the same time, the housing 2, made of a plastic material, has a low weight.

[0034] As in Fig. 1 As shown, the housing 2 forms an almost complete enclosure for the electric compressor when the electric compressor is installed in the recess 3 of the housing 2. This effectively shields the compressor in all three spatial directions, allowing sound waves generated during compressor operation to be efficiently absorbed by the housing 2 with the damping mechanism 6. Preferably, the housing 2 encloses the electric compressor in such a way that it covers substantially over 80% of the surface of the electric compressor when the electric compressor is installed in the recess 3 of the housing 2. According to the figure shown in Fig. 1 In the example shown, only a small section of the compressor is intended to remain "free," i.e., not enclosed by the housing 2 of the bracket 1. This section may be necessary, for example, for connections to other mechanical or electrical vehicle components (such as inputs / outputs for cables, hoses, etc.).

[0035] It is also advantageous if the housing 2 fits as closely as possible to the surface of the compressor, i.e., if the compressor is arranged in the receptacle 5 of the bracket by force and / or form fit. In this way, the housing 2 of the bracket 1 itself can act as a load-bearing component, connecting the electric compressor to the vehicle in a stable and reliable manner.

[0036] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 As shown, the housing 2 can comprise at least two housing segments 12, 13. In particular, it is provided that the housing 2 comprises exactly two housing segments 12, 13, namely a first housing segment 12 and a second housing segment 13. Such a design makes it possible to achieve the largest possible enclosure of the electric compressor with only a few components. The first housing segment 12 and the second housing segment 13 can be connected to each other in such a way that they form the receptacle of the housing 2. The two housing segments 12, 13 can preferably be connected by force-fit or material-fit and thus stably fix the compressor in the receptacle 3 when the compressor is received in the holder 1.

[0037] The invention is not limited to one of the embodiments described above, but can be modified in a variety of ways within the scope of protection of the claims. Bezugszeichenliste

[0038] 1 Bracket 2 Housing 3 Receptacle 4 Fixing element 5 Suspension 6 Damping mechanism 7 Internal damping element 8 External damping element 9 Inside 10 Outside 11 Recess 12 First housing segment 13 Second housing segment

Claims

1. A mounting (1) for fixing an electric compressor in a vehicle, comprising a housing (2) with a receptacle (3), wherein the housing (2) is configured to accommodate the electric compressor in the receptacle (3), wherein the housing (2) comprises a fixing means (4) for fixing the electric compressor to a suspension (5) of the vehicle, wherein the mounting (1) comprises at least one damping mechanism (6), and wherein the damping mechanism (6) comprises at least one internal damping means (7) and at least one external damping means (8) and comprises an absorbent material, wherein the at least one absorbent material is an elastomer, a textile fabric, a foam or a mixture of the aforementioned, characterised in that the housing (2) is made of a plastic.

2. Mounting (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the damping mechanism (6) is designed for acoustic damping of the electric compressor and / or for damping of the vibration of the electric compressor and / or for damping of the force pad of the electric compressor relative to the suspension (5) of the vehicle.

3. Mounting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one internal damping means (7) is arranged at least in sections on an inner surface (9) of the housing (2) within the receptacle (3), wherein the internal damping mechanism (6) is, in particular, a lining of the inner surface (9).

4. Mounting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the external damping means (8) is arranged on an outer surface (10) of the receptacle (3) of the housing (2), wherein, during intended use of the mounting (1), the external damping means (8) is arranged between the housing (2) and the vehicle's suspension (5), wherein, during intended use of the mounting (1), the external damping means (8) is arranged in particular between the fixing means (4) and the vehicle's suspension (5).

5. Mounting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the absorbent material is sound-absorbing and / or force-absorbing and / or vibration-absorbing.

6. Mounting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the elastomer is a rubber.

7. Mounting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the textile fabric is a non-woven fabric.

8. Mounting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the foam is a polyurethane foam.

9. Mounting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mounting (1) is designed such that the electric compressor can be fixed to the vehicle's suspension (5) exclusively via the mounting (1).

10. Mounting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the housing (2) at least partially encloses the electric compressor when the electric compressor is received in the receptacle (3) of the housing (2).

11. Mounting (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the housing (2) encloses the electric compressor such that the housing (2) essentially covers at least 60% of a surface of the electric compressor when the electric compressor is received in the receptacle (3) of the housing (2).

12. Mounting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the housing (2) comprises at least two housing segments.

13. Mounting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the housing (2) comprises a first housing segment and a second housing segment, wherein the first housing segment and the second housing segment are connected to one another in such a way that they form the receptacle (3) of the housing (2).