Fluid compression device

Abstract

A fluid compression device, said device comprising a housing defining first and second compartments (14, 16), said second compartment (16) housing one or more heat-generating components (20) configured for controlling the compression of the fluid in the first compartment (14), said housing comprising a partition (12) separating the first and second compartments (14, 16), said device further comprising, between said partition (12) and said heat-generating component(s) (18), a layer of material having heat conduction properties superior to the heat conduction properties of the housing (6), said layer of material being in the form of one or more plates (30). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Fluid compression device

[0001] The invention relates to a device for compressing a fluid, in particular a refrigerant. It is intended, for example, for applications in thermoregulation systems, particularly in the automotive sector. Online model composition

[0002] In this field, compression devices comprising a housing defining a main compartment for an electric motor and compression elements driven by the motor are known. The housing also includes another compartment housing a motor control system. This control system includes a power module equipped with electronic switches for regulating the motor's supply current. Such a power module generates significant heat, which must be dissipated to prevent excessive heating of the control system and limit the risk of failure of the compression devices.

[0003] For this purpose, it is known to circulate the refrigerant to be compressed in the main housing in contact with a partition separating said main housing from the housing in which said control system is located. The heat released by said control system can thus be transferred to the refrigerant by conduction through said partition.

[0004] However, with the increasing power of compressors and their control system, the amount of heat to be dissipated increases and there remains a need to strengthen the cooling of said control systems.

[0005]

[0006] The invention aims to overcome at least in part the previous drawbacks and proposes for this purpose a fluid compression device, said device comprising a housing defining first and second compartments, said second compartment housing one or more heat-generating components, configured for controlling the compression of the fluid in the first compartment, said housing comprising a partition separating the first and second compartments, said device further comprising, between said partition and said heat-generating component(s), a layer of material having heat conduction properties superior to the heat conduction properties of the housing, said layer of material being in the form of one or more plates.

[0007] Thanks to the use of the material chosen for the plate(s), heat conduction between the first housing and the heat-generating components is enhanced compared to a material thickness consisting solely of the partition, for the same total thickness. Furthermore, the plate construction said layer of material reinforces the pressure resistance of the housing. Thus, according to the invention, a decrease in pressure resistance due to a possible reduction in the thickness of the partition compared to the thicknesses encountered in the prior art is thereby compensated by the plate(s) while locally reinforcing the thermal conductivity of the housing between the heat-generating components and the fluid.

[0008] According to various additional features of the invention, which may be taken together or separately and which constitute so many embodiments of the invention:

[0009] - the casing is made of aluminium and / or aluminium alloy,

[0010] - the said plate(s) are made of copper and / or copper alloy,

[0011] - said device has electrical insulation properties from said [electrode](electrode). plates,

[0012] - said electrical insulation properties are integrated into said plate(s),

[0013] - said partition has a thickness of between 3 and 6 mm, in particular between 4 and 5 mm, specifically approximately 4.5 mm,

[0014] - said plate and / or said plates 30, taken together, have a thickness between 1 and 4 mm, in particular between 1.5 and 3 mm, in particular approximately 2.3 mm,

[0015] - the said plate(s) are fixed to said housing,

[0016] - the said plate(s) are held in place by sandwiching between the said plate(s) heat-generating components and said partition,

[0017] - said device has a thermal interface layer between said partition and the said plate(s) and / or between the said plate(s) and the said heat-generating component(s),

[0018] - said partition has a projecting shape towards the second dwelling, the or said heat-generating components being located opposite said protruding shape,

[0019] - said protruding shape has a flattened apex, said plate(s) being in with regard to said summit,

[0020] - said partition has heat dissipation fins on the side of the first accommodation,

[0021] - said fins are located near and / or opposite said protruding shape.

[0022] - the heat-generating component(s) include a power module,

[0023] - said power module includes electronic switches and / or diodes,

[0024] - said device comprises a printed circuit board,

[0025] - the said heat-generating component(s) are fixed to said card,

[0026] - said device includes means for fixing the power module to said housing,

[0027] - the said plate(s) have openings for the passage of said fastening elements,

[0028] - said partition includes raised material thicknesses with bores to accommodate said fastening components.

[0029] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent in the course of the detailed explanatory description that follows, of at least one embodiment of the invention given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, among which:

[0030] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in cross-sectional view, a compression device to which the invention applies;

[0031] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates in perspective a compression device according to the invention during one of its assembly stages;

[0032] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates in cross-section a part, identified as D in [Fig.2], of said compression device, during a later assembly step;

[0033] [Fig.4] illustrates in more detail in cross-sectional view said part D;

[0034] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates in perspective the compression device of the [Fig.2] according to an initial assembly step;

[0035] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates in perspective the compression device of [Fig.2] according to an assembly step subsequent to that of figures 3 and 4.

[0036] It should first be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third", ... are used only to distinguish the components concerned from each other and do not imply any order or possible importance of said components.

[0037] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the invention relates to a fluid compression device. It will find applications, for example, in a motor vehicle for compressing a refrigerant fluid in a thermoregulation system for areas of the vehicle, such as a vehicle passenger compartment, and / or for vehicle components, such as an electrical energy storage device, an electric motor for the vehicle and / or an electronic control device for said electric motor.

[0038] Said fluid comprises, for example, a refrigerant and a lubricating fluid. Said refrigerant is composed, in particular, of a hydrofluorocarbon, such as that known as R-134a. Alternatively, it is, in particular, the fluid known as R1234yf or carbon dioxide, also known as R744.

[0039] Said device comprises a housing 6 defining first and second compartments 14, 16. Said housing further comprises a partition 12 separating the first and second compartments 14, 16. The housing, including said partition 12, is preferably made of aluminium and / or aluminium alloy. It is, for example, cast and / or forged.

[0040] Said second housing 16 accommodates one or more heat-generating components, not illustrated in this figure, configured for controlling the compression of the fluid in the first housing 14. An example of such heat-generating components will be detailed later.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, said device comprises a control system 10, located in said second housing 16. Said control system 10 advantageously integrates said heat-generating component(s). Said device, more particularly said control system 10, comprises a printed circuit board 8. Said heat-generating component(s) are fixed and / or electrically connected to said board 8.

[0042] In the first housing 14, said device includes here a compressor 2 of said fluid and an electric motor 4 for driving said compressor 2. Said or said heat-generating component(s) are intended for controlling the motor 4 in particular by means of said control system 10.

[0043] Advantageously, said housing 6 is configured so that said fluid passes through said first housing 14, allowing cooling of said control system 10, or at least of said heat-generating component(s).

[0044] In more detail, here, said housing 6 is configured so that said fluid passing through said first housing 14 is in contact with said partition 12, in particular before passing through said motor 8. In this way, by heat exchange through said partition 12, said fluid cools said control system 10, at least said heat-generating component(s).

[0045] Said device has, for example, an inlet 22 of said fluid in said first housing 14, in particular located near said partition 12, and / or an outlet 24 of said fluid, in particular located at an opposite longitudinal end of said first housing 14. The fluid thus enters the first housing 14 through said inlet 22, at low pressure, passes over the partition 22, passes axially through said motor 4 and then through said compressor 2 to exit, at high pressure, through said outlet 24.

[0046] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the device here comprises a single heat-generating component, designated 18. The heat-generating component 18 is shown here in position on the housing 6, before fixing and before the printed circuit board is put in place.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, said heat-generating component 18 forms a power module 20, that is to say, here, a module intended to supply said motor 4 with alternating electric currents, also called power currents, from a direct current and control currents. For this purpose, said module of Power 20 includes, for example, electronic switches and / or diodes. These switches are formed, in particular, of insulated-gate bipolar transistors or IGBTs (insulated-gate bipolar transistor).

[0048] The power module 20 here takes the form of a resin block. The resin block encases active components, defining in particular the switch(es), as well as electrical conductors connected, on the one hand, to the said active components and, on the other hand, to connection terminals of the module 20. The resin block defines the external faces of the power module 20. The heat emitted by the heat-generating component 18 is dissipated by at least one of the faces, namely here a first large face of the power module 20 opposite a second large face 26, which is visible.

[0049] As illustrated in [Fig.3], according to the invention, said device comprises, between said partition 12 and said heat-generating component(s) 18, a layer 28 of material having heat conduction properties superior to the heat conduction properties of the housing 6. In addition, said layer of material 28 is in the form of one or more plates 30.

[0050] Thanks to the use of the material chosen for the plate(s) 30, heat conduction between the first housing 14 and the heat-generating component(s) 18 is enhanced compared to a material layer consisting solely of the partition 12, for the same total thickness. Furthermore, the plate-like composition of said material layer 28 increases the compressive strength of the partition 12 compared to a material layer consisting solely of a paste-like material.

[0051] The said plate(s) 30 are preferably made of copper and / or copper alloy. In the illustrated embodiment, only one said plate 30 is provided.

[0052] Advantageously, the device has a thermal interface layer 32 between the partition 12 and the plate 28 and / or between the plate 28 and the heat-generating component 18, more particularly its first large face, designated 34 in this figure. The thermal interface layer is formed, for example, of a paste-like material. By virtue of its viscosity, such a thermal interface layer has the advantage of being able to fill any surface defects in the partition 12, the plate 30 and / or the power module 20.

[0053] Said plate 30 is fixed, for example, to said housing 6. For this purpose, here, it is held in place by being sandwiched between said heat-generating component 18 and said partition 12.

[0054] More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, said device includes fasteners 36 for attaching the power module 20 to said housing 6. These fasteners 36 are formed, in particular, of screws and / or nuts. The power module 20 has openings 38 for the passage of said fasteners 36. The plate 30 has openings 40 for the passage of the fasteners 36, which are an extension of the openings 38. The partition 12 is provided with bores 41 allowing the fasteners 36 to engage in the partition 12. The bores 41 are located in an extension of the openings 38 and the ports 40. The fasteners 36 thus allow the power module 20 to be held on the partition 12 by clamping the plate 30 between the power module 20 and the partition 12.

[0055] Said fastening members 36 are here located at two longitudinally opposite sides of said power module 20.

[0056] As illustrated in [Fig. 4], said partition 12 has, for example, a thickness el of between 3 and 6 mm, in particular between 4 and 5 mm, in particular approximately 4.5 mm. This partition thickness is understood as a dimension of the partition between the first and second housings 14, 16 at a distance from any point overthicknesses formed, for example, by possible bosses and / or fins. Such a thickness el is shown in [Fig. 4], at the location of said power module 20.

[0057] Said plate and / or said plates 30, taken together, have, for example, a thickness e2 between 1 and 4 mm, in particular between 1.5 and 3 mm, in particular of about 2.3 mm.

[0058] Said partition 12 has here a projecting shape 42 in the direction of the second housing 16. Said heat-generating component 18 is located opposite said projecting shape 18.

[0059] As can be seen more clearly in [Fig. 5], which shows said bare housing 6, said protruding shape 42 has a flattened apex 44. After assembly, said plate 18 is opposite said apex 44. Said apex 44, said plate 18 and / or said first large face 34 of the power module 20 have substantially the same surface area so that their contours stack together and coincide.

[0060] Referring again to [Fig.4], we can see that the thickness "el" of the partition 12 specified above corresponds to a thickness at the level of said summit 44.

[0061] In addition, some at least of the terminals of said power module 20 are distinguished in this figure. They are identified as 21.

[0062] Advantageously, said partition 12 has heat dissipation fins 46 on the side of the first housing 14. Said fins 46 are located, for example, near and / or opposite said projecting shape 42. They extend substantially perpendicularly to said apex 44.

[0063] The said partition 12 further includes here overthicknesses of material in the form of a boss 48 provided with bores 41 intended to accommodate the said fixing members 36.

[0064] Said device further includes herein washers 50 intended to cooperate with said fastening members 36 by being located between heads 52 of said members of fixing 36 and said power module 20. Said washers 50 are, for example, cup-shaped.

[0065] As illustrated in [Fig.6], where said card 8 is seen mounted in said second housing 16 above said power module 20, recesses 54 are provided in said card 8 to allow access to said washers 50 and / or said fixing members 36.

Claims

Demands

1. Fluid compression device, said device comprising a housing (6) defining first and second housings (14, 16), said second housing (16) housing one or more heat-generating components (18), configured for controlling the compression of the fluid in the first housing (14), said housing (6) comprising a partition (12) separating the first and second housings (14, 16), said device further comprising, between said partition (12) and said heat-generating component(s) (18), a layer of material (28) having heat conduction properties superior to the heat conduction properties of the housing (6), said layer of material (28) being in the form of one or more plates (30).

2. Device according to the preceding claim in which said plate(s) (30) are made of copper and / or copper alloy and / or said housing (6) is made of aluminum and / or aluminum alloy.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said partition (12) has a thickness of between 3 and 6 mm, in particular between 4 and 5 mm, in particular about 4.5 mm.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said plate and / or said plates (30), taken together, have a thickness of between 1 and 4 mm, in particular between 1.5 and 3 mm, in particular about 2.3 mm.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims in which said plate(s) (30) are fixed to said housing (6) by being held in place by being sandwiched between said heat-generating component(s) (18) and said partition (12).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims having a thermal interface layer (32) between said partition (12) and said plate(s) (30) and / or between said plate(s) (30) and said heat-generating component(s) (18).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said partition (12) has a projecting shape (42) in the direction of the second housing (16), the heat-generating component(s) (18) being located opposite said projecting shape (42).

8. Device according to the preceding claim in which said protruding form (42) has a flattened apex (44), said plate(s) (30) being opposite said apex (44).

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the heat-generating component(s) (18) comprise a power module (20).

10. Device according to the preceding claim in which said device comprises attachment elements (36) for the power module (20) on said housing (6), said plate(s) (30) having openings (40) for the passage of said attachment elements (36).

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