compressor for an automotive air conditioning system

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical device (10) comprising a compressor (1) for an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle, the compressor (1) having a housing (11) containing a refrigerant compression mechanism, an electrical connector (13) extending from the housing (11), the electrical connector (13) being configured to allow electrical coupling of a compressor control module (1) with an electrical cable (2) for connecting it to the vehicle's electrical system, the compressor (1) further comprising a protective sleeve (14) for the electrical connector (13), the protective sleeve (14) being fitted onto the electrical connector (13) and inserted into said electrical connector (13), such that the electrical cable (2) and its connecting member (15) extend through said protective sleeve (14). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Compressor for a motor vehicle air conditioning system

[0001] The field of the present invention is devices for protecting the electrical equipment of motor vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to a compressor for use in air conditioning systems for motor vehicles.

[0002] In the prior art, air conditioning systems for motor vehicles are known which comprise a closed air conditioning circuit within which a refrigerant circulates. Successively, following the direction of refrigerant flow, the air conditioning circuit comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator.

[0003] The compressor comprises a casing with a generally cylindrical shape along its natural elongation axis. The casing is provided with an inlet through which the refrigerant is admitted at low pressure into the casing. The refrigerant then flows through the casing from the inlet to a refrigerant compression mechanism. An outlet is connected to the compression mechanism for the discharge of the refrigerant at high pressure from the casing after compression.

[0004] The compression mechanism is driven in rotation by a motor whose operation is regulated by a control module. The motor and the control module are housed inside the casing, at one axial end of the casing. The control module is covered by a cover attached to the casing. As is known, the compressor is powered by an electrical harness from the vehicle's powertrain. In this context, the control module is necessarily electrically connected—at an electrical connector—by an electrical connection device linked to the electrical harness located outside the casing.

[0005] The electrical connector of known compressors protrudes beyond the housing. Furthermore, such compressors are generally located near the front of the motor vehicle. In the event of a frontal collision, known compressors may be impacted. More specifically, the electrical connector of known compressors is generally exposed in a frontal collision, and there is a risk of crushing and / or shearing of the electrical cable connected to the compressor via its electrical connector. Indeed, during such a frontal collision, the rearward movement of the front components impacted by the collision sometimes leads to interference with the electrical connector, since it protrudes from the casing. Following the impact, the electrical cable is sometimes torn off.

[0006] This situation leads to electrical risks that are not desired.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a new compressor in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead to other advantages.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to improve the protection of the compressor according to the invention.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to reduce the risks of tearing and / or shearing of the electrical cable connected to the compressor.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with an electrical device comprising:

[0011] -a case;

[0012] - an electrical connector extending outward from the housing, the electrical connector being configured to allow electrical coupling of a control module with an electrical cable;

[0013] - a protective sleeve for the electrical connector, the protective sleeve being reported on the electrical connector.

[0014] The invention, in its first aspect, thus addresses any type of electrical device whose electrical connector is protected by such a protective sleeve. However, preferably, the electrical device comprises a compressor for an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle, the compressor comprising:

[0015] - the housing containing a refrigerant fluid compression mechanism;

[0016] - a control module housed at one longitudinal end of the casing, the control module being configured to control the operation of the compression mechanism;

[0017] - a cover fixed at the longitudinal end of the housing;

[0018] - the electrical connector extending outward from the housing, the electrical connector being configured to allow electrical coupling of the control module with an electrical cable;

[0019] - the protective sleeve of the electrical connector, the protective sleeve being reported on the electrical connector.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, the housing defines a compartment for the compression mechanism. The housing has a generally cylindrical shape and extends along its own axis of elongation. At one axial end, the housing includes a recess for the control module, the control module being housed inside the housing. The housing is made of a material comprising plastic and / or metallic. The casing is formed monolithically or from an assembly of several parts linked to each other, preferably in a watertight manner.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the cover is a closing cover for the housing at its axial end, on the side of the control module. The cover allows access to or blocks access to the control module. The cover is attached to the housing by any means, and preferably in a watertight manner.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, the control module comprises at least one electronic circuit board housed within the casing. The control module is configured to control the operation of the compressor forming the electrical device according to the first aspect of the invention, and in particular to control its interaction with the vehicle's onboard electrical system. To this end, the control module is electrically coupled to the electrical connector to allow an electrical connection to the onboard electrical system.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, the electrical connector takes the form of an electrical connection element – ​​male or female – enabling mechanical and electrical coupling with the electrical cable used for connection to the vehicle's onboard electrical system. The electrical connector extends outward from the housing, at or near the axial end. The electrical connector extends radially outward from the housing. The electrical connector thus forms a protrusion relative to the compressor housing, forming the electrical device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, the protective sleeve is attached to the compressor housing, and more particularly to the electrical connector. The protective sleeve is configured to cover all or part of the electrical connector. The protective sleeve thus protects the electrical and mechanical interface of the compressor, which forms the electrical device according to the first aspect of the invention, from the electrical cable.

[0025] Thus, the compressor forming the electrical device according to the first aspect of the invention makes it possible to improve its protection in the event of a frontal impact, by reducing the impact of interference and reducing the risks of tearing and / or shearing of the electrical cable connected to said compressor.

[0026] The electrical device according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0027] - the electrical connector is configured to collaborate with a connecting element complementary to the electrical cable intended to work with the compressor, the component The connecting element is mechanically and electrically coupled to the electrical connector. The electrical connector is either a male or female connector, and the complementary connecting element is respectively female or male. The electrical connector has a cylindrical wall designed to allow mechanical coupling with the complementary connecting element. The protective sleeve extends around the cylindrical wall of the electrical connector. When the protective sleeve is mounted on the electrical connector, it bears radially against the cylindrical wall. The protective sleeve is fitted onto the electrical connector, specifically around its cylindrical wall.

[0028] - the protective sleeve forms a casing for the electrical connector. This This advantageous configuration allows for the protection of the electrical connector. By "sleeving," it is understood that the protective sleeve extends around the electrical connector, such that the electrical connector itself—when the protective sleeve is mounted on the compressor forming the electrical device according to the first aspect of the invention—extends around said electrical connector. Furthermore, when the protective sleeve is mounted on the compressor, an inner wall of the protective sleeve bears radially against the electrical connector. In other words, the protective sleeve is mounted without radial play on the electrical connector.

[0029] - the protective sleeve is made of an elastically deformable material. This This advantageous configuration facilitates the insertion of the protective sleeve onto the electrical connector, preferably by push-fitting. Additionally, or alternatively, this advantageous configuration facilitates the insertion of the electrical cable through the protective sleeve. Furthermore, or alternatively, this advantageous configuration provides better shock absorption and protection for the electrical connector.

[0030] - the protective sleeve is made of a material comprising an elastomer and / or a plastic polymer and / or a rubber;

[0031] - the protective sleeve comprises (i) a cylindrical base configured for (i) a sleeve covering the base of the electrical connector, and (ii) a cylindrical bearing extending from the cylindrical base, the cylindrical bearing covering the electrical connector and extending beyond said electrical connector. The cylindrical base is configured to mate with the base of the electrical connector by engaging complementary shapes. The cylindrical bearing is integral with the cylindrical base. The cylindrical base allows the protective sleeve to be held in contact with the housing at the base of the electrical connector. The cylindrical bearing extends around and beyond the electrical connector, and in particular its cylindrical wall, so as to protect a portion of the electrical cable intended to interact with the connector. electrical. The protective sleeve is pressed into place, at the level of its cylindrical base, onto the base of the electrical connector, by engaging complementary shapes;

[0032] - advantageously, the protective sleeve comprises a component indexing relative to the electrical connector. The indexing element allows for a unique mounting configuration of the protective sleeve. The indexing element also acts as an anti-rotation element for the protective sleeve relative to an elongation axis of the electrical connector. The indexing element is, for example, formed by an asymmetrical conformation of the protective sleeve and the electrical connector, relative to the elongation axis of said electrical connector; for example, the electrical connector has a radial protrusion relative to the elongation axis, and the protective sleeve has a radial opening or groove located opposite the radial protrusion, so that said radial protrusion can extend into the radial opening or groove. Alternatively, the shape of the protective sleeve and the electrical connector may be non-circular, for example polygonal, or even rectangular;

[0033] - the cylindrical base forms a closed contour around the base of the connector electrical. In other words, the cylindrical base of the protective sleeve extends circumferentially around the electrical connector. This advantageous configuration improves the connection between the electrical connector and the protective sleeve, and prevents uncontrolled detachment of the protective sleeve;

[0034] - the cylindrical bearing surface has a notch that extends axially, so that that said cylindrical bearing surface is delimited by an open contour, in other words, the cylindrical bearing surface forms, in a plane perpendicular to an axial elongation of said cylindrical bearing surface, a peripheral contour in the shape of a "C". This advantageous configuration allows deformation of the protective sleeve at the level of its cylindrical bearing surface, in order to facilitate the engagement of the electrical cable through the notch when it is inserted into the cylindrical bearing surface. In other words, this advantageous configuration facilitates the installation of the protective sleeve on the compressor forming the electrical device according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0035] - the notch extends from the cylindrical base to a free end of the cylindrical bearing surface. Preferably, the notch extends parallel or substantially parallel to the elongation axis of the electrical connector. The notch is preferably straight;

[0036] - the notch is delimited by two lateral walls located opposite each other and located at a distance from each other;

[0037] - the lateral walls delimiting the notch are parallel to each other or, Preferably, intersecting. Advantageously, the lateral walls form between them an angle of between 60° and 120°, preferably equal to or substantially equal to 90°. This advantageous configuration makes it easier to insert the electrical cable into the protective sleeve;

[0038] - the side walls extend radially with respect to the cylindrical span. In other words, relative to the collar of the protective sleeve, the side walls extend in projection from said collar and in a radial direction relative to an elongation axis of the cylindrical bearing surface;

[0039] - the side walls extend from the collar of the cylindrical bearing surface to a wall of the cylindrical base;

[0040] - the protective sleeve includes a ledge that extends around the periphery of the span cylindrical, the sidewalk extending radially outward from the cylindrical bearing surface. The sidewalk extends from the cylindrical bearing surface and in a plane perpendicular to the elongation axis of the electrical connector. The sidewalk reinforces the protective sleeve, prevents it from tearing, and absorbs shock resulting from interference with nearby mechanical parts;

[0041] - the sidewalk is located at the level of a part of the proximal cylindrical span of the cylindrical base;

[0042] - the protective sleeve comprises, on at least one lateral face, a plurality of fins separated from each other by grooves. The fins and grooves extend linearly and parallel to each other;

[0043] - the fins and the grooves extend to the level of the peripheral sidewalk.

[0044] According to a second aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed comprising an electrical device conforming to the first aspect of the invention or to any one of its improvements, an electrical cable comprising a connection element at one of its ends being electrically and mechanically coupled to the electrical connector of the compressor, the connection element of the electrical cable being sheathed in the protective sleeve of the electrical device.

[0045] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features set out here.

[0046] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0047] [Fig. 1] illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of the compressor forming the electrical device according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0048] [Fig.2] illustrates a detailed view of the electrical connector of the compressor shown on the [Fig.l];

[0049] [Fig.3] illustrates a perspective view of an air conditioning installation of a motor vehicle comprising such a compressor.

[0050] Of course, the features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0051] In particular, all the variants and embodiments described are combinable with each other if there is no technical obstacle to this combination.

[0052] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0053] With reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, the invention addresses an electrical device 10 of the type of a compressor 1 for an air conditioning system 4 of a motor vehicle, the compressor 1 comprising:

[0054] - a housing 11 containing a refrigerant fluid compression mechanism;

[0055] - a control module housed at one longitudinal end of the casing 11, the control module being configured to control the operation of the compression mechanism;

[0056] - a cover 12 fixed at the longitudinal end of the housing 11;

[0057] - an electrical connector 13 extending outward from the housing 11, the connector electrical 13 being configured to allow electrical coupling of the control module with an electrical cable 2;

[0058] - a protective sleeve 14 for the electrical connector 13, the protective sleeve 14 being reported on the electrical connector 13.

[0059] The housing 11 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends along its natural elongation axis 01. At one axial end, the housing 11 has a recess for the control module 112. The housing 11 is closed at its axial end by the closing cover 12, which provides access to the control module. In front of the recess for the control module 112, relative to the natural elongation axis 01, the housing 11 has a recess for the compressor 1.

[0060] On the side of the housing for the control module 112, the housing 11 has a radial protrusion forming a radial bearing surface 113 integrating the electrical connector 13. The radial bearing surface 113 extends preferentially vertically above the housing for the control module 112.

[0061] The electrical connector 13 is configured to mechanically and electrically couple with a connecting member 15 of an electrical cable 2 allowing the compressor 1 to be connected to an on-board network of the motor vehicle on which said compressor 1 is intended to be mounted.

[0062] In order to protect the electrical connector 13, the electrical connection member 15 and a part of the electrical cable 2 located on the side of said connection member 15, the protective sleeve 14 forms an overmolding of the electrical connector 13 of the compressor 1 according to the invention.

[0063] The protective sleeve 14 is formed of an elastically deformable material in order to facilitate the insertion of the protective sleeve 14 onto the electrical connector 13, and / or the engagement of the electrical cable 2 through the protective sleeve 14. More particularly, the protective sleeve 14 is formed of a material comprising an elastomer and / or a plastic polymer and / or a rubber;

[0064] The protective sleeve 14 is attached to the housing 11 of the compressor 1, at the radial bearing surface 113 supporting the electrical connector 13. The protective sleeve 14 thus protects the electrical and mechanical interface of the compressor 1 with the electrical cable 2 to which it is attached.

[0065] The protective sleeve 14 is placed on the electrical connector 13 of the compressor 1 before the electrical connection of the electrical cable 2. The protective sleeve 14 is fitted onto the radial bearing surface 113, around the electrical connector 13, by insertion and engagement of complementary shapes. Thus, the protective sleeve 14 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape in order to accommodate the electrical connector 13.

[0066] Once the protective sleeve 14 is installed, the electrical cable 2 is connected - at its connection element 15 - to the electrical connector 13 of the compressor 1. For this purpose, the electrical cable 2 is passed through the protective sleeve 14 in order to achieve such an electrical and mechanical coupling.

[0067] Alternatively, the protective sleeve 14 can also be mounted first on the electrical cable 2, then the electrical cable 2 is connected - at its connection member 15 - to the electrical connector 13 of the compressor 1; and finally the protective sleeve 14 is fitted onto the radial bearing surface 113 of the electrical connector 13 in order to achieve a mechanical coupling between said electrical connector 13 and the protective sleeve 14.

[0068] Advantageously, as seen in FIGURES 1 and 2, the electrical cable 2 is not in contact with the protective sleeve 14, so that there is a non-zero radial clearance between the electrical cable 2 and a distal end of the protective sleeve 14.

[0069] With reference to [Fig. 2], the protective sleeve 14 will now be described in more detail. The protective sleeve 14 comprises:

[0070] - a cylindrical base 141 configured to sleeve a connector base electrical 13. The cylindrical base 141 is configured to mate with the base of the electrical connector 13 by engaging complementary shapes. The cylindrical base 141 allows the protective sleeve 14 to be held in contact with the housing 11, at the level of the base of the electrical connector 13; and

[0071] - a cylindrical bearing 142 which projects outwards from the cylindrical base 141, The cylindrical bearing surface 142 covers the electrical connector 13 and extends beyond said electrical connector 13. The cylindrical bearing surface 142 is integral with the cylindrical base 141. The cylindrical bearing surface 142 extends around and beyond the electrical connector 13, and in particular its cylindrical wall, so as to protect a part of the electrical cable 2 intended to collaborate with the electrical connector 13.

[0072] The protective sleeve 14 is press-fitted, at the level of its cylindrical base 141, onto the base of the electrical connector 13, by engagement of complementary shapes.

[0073] The cylindrical base 141 forms a closed contour around the base of the electrical connector 13: the cylindrical base 141 extends circumferentially around the electrical connector 13. The height of the base, measured relative to an elongation of the radial bearing surface 113 of the housing 11, is greater than 30 mm, and preferably between 35 mm and 45 mm. This advantageous configuration ensures a secure fit of the mounting interface on the electrical connector 13.

[0074] The thickness of the cylindrical base 141, measured perpendicular to an elongation of the radial bearing surface 113 of the housing 11, is on the order of a few millimeters, preferably between 2.5 mm and 4.5 mm. This advantageous configuration ensures sufficient strength of the mounting interface on the electrical connector 13 and improved resistance to pull-out.

[0075] The cylindrical bearing surface 142 has a notch 143 extending axially, such that said cylindrical bearing surface 142 is delimited by an open contour. The notch 143 extends along an axis parallel to an elongation of the radial bearing surface 113 of the housing 11. The notch 143 extends from the cylindrical base 141 to a free end of the cylindrical bearing surface 142, forming a circular flange 145. The notch 143 extends in a straight line. The notch 143 is delimited by two lateral walls 144 situated opposite each other and at a distance from each other. As can be seen in [Fig.2], the walls are secant to each other, and preferably perpendicular, in order to allow deformation of the protective sleeve 14 at the level of its cylindrical bearing surface 142 when the electrical cable 2 is engaged through the notch 143.

[0076] The protective sleeve 14 includes a sidewall extending around the periphery of the cylindrical bearing surface 142. The sidewall extends radially outward from the cylindrical bearing surface 142. It extends from the cylindrical bearing surface 142 in a plane perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the electrical connector 13. The sidewall reinforces the protective sleeve 14, prevents tearing, and absorbs shock resulting from interference with nearby mechanical parts. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sidewall is located at a portion of the cylindrical bearing surface 142 proximal to the cylindrical base 141. In other words, the sidewall is located at an interface between the cylindrical base 141 and the cylindrical bearing surface 142 of the protective sleeve 14.

[0077] The protective sleeve 14 comprises, on at least one lateral face, a plurality of fins 147 separated from each other by grooves. The fins 147 and the grooves extend linearly and parallel to each other. The fins 147 and the grooves extend at the level of the peripheral pavement 146.

[0078] With reference to [Fig. 3], the invention relates to an air conditioning system 4 for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, the system 4 being located near the front of the motor vehicle and near a radiator 3 of said front. Thus, the compressor 1 conforming to the first aspect of the invention, equipped with a protective sleeve 14 as described above, improves its protection in the event of a frontal impact and denting of certain parts located near the radiator 3 of the front, by reducing the impact of interference and reducing the risks of tearing and / or shearing of the electrical cable 2 connected to said compressor 1.

[0079] In summary, the invention relates to an electrical device 10 of the type of a compressor 1 for an air conditioning system 4 of a motor vehicle, the compressor 1 comprising a housing 11 housing a refrigerant fluid compression mechanism, an electrical connector 13 extending outward from the housing 11, the electrical connector 13 being configured to allow electrical coupling of a control module of the compressor 1 with an electrical cable 2 used to connect it to an on-board network of the motor vehicle, the compressor 1 further comprising a protective sleeve 14 of the electrical connector 13, the protective sleeve 14 being attached to the electrical connector 13 and fitted onto said electrical connector 13, so that the electrical cable 2 and its connection member 15 extend through said protective sleeve 14.

[0080] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another according to various combinations are possible, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable.

Claims

Demands

1. An electrical device (10) comprising a compressor (1) for an air conditioning system (4) of a motor vehicle, the compressor (1) comprising: - a housing (11) containing a refrigerant compression mechanism; - a control module located at one longitudinal end of the housing (11), the control module being configured to control the operation of the compression mechanism; - a cover (12) fixed to the longitudinal end of the housing (11); - an electrical connector (13) extending from the housing (11), the electrical connector (13) being configured to allow electrical coupling of the control module with an electrical cable (2); - a protective sleeve (14) for the electrical connector (13), the protective sleeve (14) being attached to the electrical connector (13);characterized in that the protective sleeve (14) comprises: - a cylindrical base (141) configured to cover a base of the electrical connector (13); - a cylindrical bearing surface (142) which extends projecting from the cylindrical base (141), the cylindrical bearing surface (142) covering the electrical connector (13) and extending beyond said electrical connector (13); and in that the cylindrical bearing surface (142) comprises a notch (143) which extends axially, so that said cylindrical bearing surface (142) is delimited by an open contour.

2. Electrical device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the protective sleeve (14) is formed of a material comprising an elastomer and / or a plastic polymer and / or a rubber.

3. Electrical device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cylindrical base (141) forms a closed contour around the base of the electrical connector (13).

4. An electrical device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the notch (143) extends from the base cylindrical (141) up to a free end of the cylindrical span (142).

5. Electrical device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective sleeve (14) has a sidewalk extending around the periphery of the cylindrical bearing (142), the sidewalk extending radially outward from the cylindrical bearing (142).

6. Electrical device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective sleeve (14) comprises, on at least one lateral face, a plurality of fins (147) separated from each other by grooves.

7. Motor vehicle comprising an electrical device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, an electrical cable (2) comprising a connecting member (15) at one of its ends being electrically and mechanically coupled to the electrical connector (13), the connecting member (15) of the electrical cable (2) being sheathed in the protective sleeve (14).

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