Motor compressor

Abstract

To provide a motor compressor capable of efficiently cooling a heating component.SOLUTION: An inverter housing chamber S2 has: a first housing space S21 in line with a suction chamber S1 via a partition wall 23 in an axial direction of a motor housing 24; and a second housing space S22 positioned on an outer side than an outer periphery 24a of the motor housing 24 when seen from the axial direction of the motor housing 24. The second housing space S22 has an outer periphery housing space S22a in line with the suction chamber S1 via the motor housing 24 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the motor housing 24. A second heat generating component 16b is housed in the outer periphery housing space S22a. A potting material 59 is arranged between the motor housing 24 and the second heat generating component 16b. The potting material 59 is in contact with each of the motor housing 24 and the second heat generating component 16b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric compressor. [Background technology]

[0002] The electric compressor described in Patent Document 1 includes a compression unit that compresses a fluid, an electric motor that drives the compression unit, an inverter that drives the electric motor, and a metal housing that accommodates the compression unit, the electric motor, and the inverter.

[0003] The housing has a cylindrical motor housing, an inverter housing, and a partition wall. The motor housing accommodates the electric motor and defines a suction chamber into which fluid is drawn. The inverter housing defines an inverter accommodating chamber that accommodates the inverter. The partition wall separates the suction chamber and the inverter accommodating chamber in the axial direction of the motor housing. The inverter accommodating chamber has a first accommodating space that is aligned with the suction chamber in the axial direction of the motor housing via the partition wall, and a second accommodating space that is located outside the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing as viewed in the axial direction of the motor housing. The inverter has a first heat-generating component accommodated in the first accommodating space and a second heat-generating component accommodated in the second accommodating space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-172509 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The first heat-generating component is aligned with the suction chamber via the partition wall in the axial direction of the motor housing, and is therefore easily cooled by the fluid drawn into the suction chamber, whereas the second heat-generating component is not aligned with the suction chamber in the axial direction of the motor housing, and is therefore less likely to be cooled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electric compressor for solving the above problems includes a compression section that compresses a fluid, an electric motor that drives the compression section, an inverter that drives the electric motor, a cylindrical motor housing that accommodates the electric motor and defines a suction chamber into which the fluid is drawn, an inverter housing that defines an inverter accommodating chamber that accommodates the inverter, and a metal housing having a partition wall that separates the suction chamber and the inverter accommodating chamber in the axial direction of the motor housing, and the inverter accommodating chamber is defined by a first accommodating chamber that is aligned with the suction chamber in the axial direction of the motor housing via the partition wall. The inverter has a space and a second accommodating space located outside the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing when viewed in the axial direction of the motor housing, and the inverter is an electric compressor having heat-generating components accommodated in the second accommodating space, and the second accommodating space has an outer peripheral accommodating space that is aligned with the suction chamber via the motor housing in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing, the heat-generating components are accommodated in the outer peripheral accommodating space, a heat transfer member is provided between the motor housing and the heat-generating components, and the heat transfer member is in contact with each of the motor housing and the heat-generating components.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the heat-generating component is aligned with the suction chamber via the heat transfer member and the motor housing in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing. This makes it easier for the heat-generating component to be cooled by the fluid drawn into the suction chamber. This allows the heat-generating component to be cooled efficiently.

[0008] Furthermore, the portion of the housing that defines the second housing space is more susceptible to vibration than other portions. According to the above configuration, the portion of the housing that defines the outer peripheral housing space functions as a rib, thereby suppressing vibration of the portion of the housing that defines the second housing space.

[0009] In the above electric compressor, the heat transfer member may be a potting material, the outer peripheral accommodating space may have a filling portion filled with the potting material, and the heat-generating component may be accommodated in the filling portion.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the area of ​​the heat-generating component that is covered by the potting material increases, thereby improving the heat dissipation performance of the heat-generating component. Furthermore, after filling the filling section with potting material, the heat-generating component can be simply placed in the filling section, thereby providing a heat-transfer member between the motor housing and the heat-generating component. Therefore, compared to, for example, providing a heat-transfer member only between the motor housing and the heat-generating component, the heat-transfer member can be provided more easily between the motor housing and the heat-generating component.

[0011] In the above-mentioned electric compressor, the heat transfer member may be a potting material, and the partition surface that separates the outer peripheral accommodating space in the motor housing may be an inclined surface that slopes away from the suction chamber in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing as it moves away from the first accommodating space in the axial direction of the motor housing.

[0012] The heat-generating component is accommodated in the outer peripheral accommodating space as follows: With the housing positioned so that the first accommodating space of the inverter accommodating chamber is positioned vertically above the suction chamber, potting material is applied to the partition surface of the motor housing. The heat-generating component is then accommodated in the outer peripheral accommodating space so that it comes into contact with the applied potting material.

[0013] For this reason, for example, if the partition surface of the motor housing is a surface along the axial direction of the motor housing, the applied potting material may be pushed vertically downward by the heat-generating component, or the applied potting material may drip due to gravity, which may result in the heat transfer member not being provided in the desired position between the motor housing and the heat-generating component.

[0014] In contrast, with the above-described configuration, the partition surface of the motor housing is an inclined surface, which makes it difficult for the applied potting material to be pressed into the heat-generating component and the applied potting material to drip, making it easier to provide the heat transfer member in the desired position between the motor housing and the heat-generating component.

[0015] In the electric compressor, the heat-generating component may be disposed along the inclined surface. According to the above configuration, the potting material is more likely to adhere to the heat-generating component.

[0016] In the above electric compressor, the heat-generating component may include a choke coil having an annular core and first and second coils wound around the core, and the choke coil may be arranged so that an axial end face of the core faces the motor housing via the potting material.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the potting material can easily penetrate into the inside of the core, thereby increasing the cooling effect of the choke coil. In the above-mentioned electric compressor, the heat transfer member may be a potting material, the inverter may have a holder that holds the heat-generating component, the holder may have a pair of restricting portions that sandwich the heat-generating component in the circumferential direction of the motor housing, and the potting material may be located between the pair of restricting portions.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the pair of restricting portions makes it difficult for the potting material provided between the motor housing and the heat-generating component to flow out to both sides in the circumferential direction of the motor housing. In the above electric compressor, a partition surface of the motor housing that defines the outer peripheral accommodating space may be provided with a pair of grooves into which the pair of restricting portions are inserted.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the pair of restricting portions are inserted into the pair of grooves, making it difficult for the potting material to flow out from the gap between the pair of restricting portions and the motor housing. Furthermore, the holder and the heat-generating component can be easily positioned relative to the motor housing.

[0020] In the above electric compressor, the inverter may include, as the heat-generating component, a choke coil having an annular core and first and second coils wound around the core, and the choke coil may be arranged so that the axial direction of the core intersects with the axial direction of the motor housing.

[0021] With this configuration, the area of ​​the choke coil when viewed from the axial direction of the motor housing is smaller than when the choke coil is positioned so that the axial direction of the core coincides with the axial direction of the motor housing. This allows the portion of the housing that defines the second housing space to be smaller in size in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing. This further reduces vibration in the portion of the housing that defines the second housing space.

[0022] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the dimensions of the choke coil in the axial direction of the motor housing are larger than when the choke coil is arranged so that the axial direction of the core coincides with the axial direction of the motor housing. Therefore, the portion of the housing that defines the outer peripheral housing space is enlarged in the axial direction of the motor housing. As described above, the portion of the housing that defines the outer peripheral housing space functions as a rib. Therefore, when the portion of the housing that defines the outer peripheral housing space is enlarged in the axial direction of the motor housing, the effect as a rib is enhanced. Therefore, vibration of the portion of the housing that defines the second housing space can be further suppressed.

[0023] In the above-described electric compressor, the inverter may include a capacitor having a rectangular parallelepiped capacitor body as the heat-generating component, and when the direction in which a pair of capacitor main surfaces, which are the outer surfaces of the capacitor body with the largest area, form a pair is defined as the thickness direction of the capacitor body, the capacitor may be arranged so that the thickness direction intersects with the axial direction of the motor housing.

[0024] With this configuration, the area of ​​the capacitor when viewed from the axial direction of the motor housing is smaller than when the capacitor is positioned so that the thickness direction of the capacitor body coincides with the axial direction of the motor housing. This allows the portion of the housing that defines the second housing space to be smaller in size in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing. This further reduces vibrations in the portion of the housing that defines the second housing space.

[0025] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the dimensions of the capacitor in the axial direction of the motor housing are larger than when the capacitor is arranged so that the thickness direction of the capacitor body coincides with the axial direction of the motor housing. Therefore, the portion of the housing that defines the outer peripheral housing space is enlarged in the axial direction of the motor housing. As described above, the portion of the housing that defines the outer peripheral housing space functions as a rib. Therefore, when the portion of the housing that defines the outer peripheral housing space is enlarged in the axial direction of the motor housing, the effect as a rib is enhanced. Therefore, vibration of the portion of the housing that defines the second housing space can be further suppressed.

[0026] In the above-described electric compressor, the inverter may have a choke coil and a capacitor as the heat-generating components, and the heat transfer member may include a coil heat transfer portion provided between the motor housing and the choke coil and in contact with each of the motor housing and the choke coil, and a capacitor heat transfer portion provided between the motor housing and the capacitor and in contact with each of the motor housing and the capacitor.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the choke coil and the capacitor can be cooled efficiently. Furthermore, with this configuration, the portion of the housing that defines the second accommodating space can be made smaller in the radial direction of the motor housing than when the choke coil and the capacitor are arranged side by side in the radial direction of the motor housing, thereby further suppressing vibrations in the portion of the housing that defines the second accommodating space.

[0028] Furthermore, with the above configuration, compared to when the choke coil and the capacitor are aligned radially around the motor housing, the portion of the housing that defines the outer peripheral housing space is larger in the circumferential direction of the motor housing. As described above, the portion of the housing that defines the outer peripheral housing space functions as a rib. Therefore, when the portion of the housing that defines the outer peripheral housing space is larger in the circumferential direction of the motor housing, the effect of the rib is enhanced. Therefore, vibration of the portion of the housing that defines the second housing space can be further suppressed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present invention, heat-generating components can be cooled efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an electric compressor according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the electric compressor of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the housing body and the inverter. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the coil unit. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electric compressor taken along line 5-5 in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the electric compressor according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electric compressor according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the electric compressor according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of the electric compressor according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for accommodating the second heat-generating component according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] An embodiment of an electric compressor will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The electric compressor of this embodiment is used in a vehicle air conditioner. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric compressor 10 includes a housing 11, a shaft support member 12, a rotating shaft 13, a compression unit 14, an electric motor 15, and an inverter 16. The housing 11 accommodates the shaft support member 12, the rotating shaft 13, the compression unit 14, the electric motor 15, and the inverter 16. The compression unit 14 compresses a refrigerant fluid. The electric motor 15 rotates the rotating shaft 13 to drive the compression unit 14. The inverter 16 drives the electric motor 15.

[0032] <Housing> The housing 11 of this embodiment has a housing main body 20, a first cover 21, and a second cover 22. The housing main body 20, the first cover 21, and the second cover 22 are each made of metal. Therefore, the housing 11 is made of metal. In this embodiment, the housing main body 20, the pivot support member 12, the first cover 21, and the second cover 22 are each made of aluminum.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing body 20 has a plate-shaped partition wall 23, a cylindrical motor housing 24, a cylindrical inverter housing 25, and a plate-shaped closing wall 26.

[0034] The motor housing 24 extends from the outer periphery of the partition wall 23 toward one side in the thickness direction of the partition wall 23. The axial direction of the motor housing 24 coincides with the thickness direction of the partition wall 23. The motor housing 24 is provided with an intake port 11a. The intake port 11a is connected to a first end of an external refrigerant circuit (not shown).

[0035] The inverter housing 25 extends from a portion of the outer periphery of the partition wall 23 toward the other side in the thickness direction of the partition wall 23. In other words, the direction in which the inverter housing 25 extends from the partition wall 23 is opposite the direction in which the motor housing 24 extends from the partition wall 23. The outer shape of the inverter housing 25 is larger than the outer shape of the motor housing 24. The inverter housing 25 has a base portion 27 that is continuous with the outer periphery of the partition wall 23 and an extension portion 28 that is located outward from the outer periphery 24a of the motor housing 24 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24.

[0036] The dimension of the extension portion 28 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24 is larger than the dimension of the base portion 27 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24. The extension portion 28 has a first end portion 28a and a second end portion 28b. The first end portion 28a and the second end portion 28b are each end portions of the extension portion 28 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24. The first end portion 28a of the extension portion 28 is located at the same position as the tip end 27a of the base portion 27 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24. The second end portion 28b of the extension portion 28 is located closer to the motor housing 24 than the partition wall 23 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24. The portion of the extension portion 28 that is located closer to the motor housing 24 than the partition wall 23 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24 is located on the outer periphery of the motor housing 24.

[0037] The blocking wall 26 connects the outer peripheral surface 24a of the motor housing 24 and the second end 28b of the extension portion 28 of the inverter housing 25. The blocking wall 26 is located closer to the motor housing 24 than the partition wall 23 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24.

[0038] A connector 17 is provided on the closing wall 26. The connector 17 extends from the closing wall 26 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24 toward the opposite side to the inverter housing 25. The connector 17 is electrically connected to a power source (not shown) mounted on a vehicle (not shown). The connector 17 is electrically connected to a circuit board 51 (described later) by a wire 17a.

[0039] 1, the shaft support member 12 is disposed within the motor housing 24. The shaft support member 12 has a shaft insertion hole 12a and a communication hole 12b. The inner peripheral surface of the motor housing 24, the partition wall 23, and the shaft support member 12 define a suction chamber S1.

[0040] The partition wall 23 has a boss 29. The boss 29 protrudes from the surface of the partition wall 23 that defines the suction chamber S1. The boss 29 has a recess 29a. The recess 29a is recessed from the center of the tip end surface of the boss 29.

[0041] The outer shape of the first cover 21 corresponds to the outer shape of the inverter housing 25 . 2, the first cover 21 is connected to the inverter housing 25. More specifically, the first cover 21 is connected to the tip end 27a of the base 27 and the first end 28a of the extension 28. The first cover 21 closes the opening of the inverter housing 25.

[0042] The inverter accommodating chamber S2 is defined by the partition wall 23, the blocking wall 26, a portion of the outer peripheral surface 24a of the motor housing 24, the inner peripheral surface of the inverter housing 25, and the inner surface of the first cover 21. The partition wall 23 separates the suction chamber S1 and the inverter accommodating chamber S2 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24.

[0043] The inverter accommodating chamber S2 has a first accommodating space S21 aligned with the suction chamber S1 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24, and a second accommodating space S22 positioned outside the outer surface 24a of the motor housing 24 when viewed in the axial direction of the motor housing 24.

[0044] The second accommodating space S22 has an outer circumferential accommodating space S22a aligned with the suction chamber S1 via the motor housing 24 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24. The outer circumferential accommodating space S22a is defined by the outer circumferential surface 24a of the motor housing 24, a portion of the extension portion 28 that is located closer to the motor housing 24 than the partition wall 23 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24, and the blocking wall 26.

[0045] In the following description, the surface of the outer peripheral surface 24a of the motor housing 24 that defines the outer peripheral accommodation space S22a is referred to as the partition surface 240. As shown in Figure 3, the suction port 11a is aligned with the partition surface 240 of the motor housing 24 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 1, the second cover 22 is connected to the tip end of the motor housing 24. The second cover 22 closes the opening of the motor housing 24. The second cover 22 is provided with a discharge port 11b. The discharge port 11b is connected to a second end of the external refrigerant circuit, which is the end opposite to the first end.

[0047] The electric compressor 10 of this embodiment is mounted on the vehicle in an orientation in which the suction chamber S1 and the first accommodating space S21 of the inverter accommodating chamber S2 are aligned horizontally, but the mounting orientation of the electric compressor 10 relative to the vehicle may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the first accommodating space S21 of the inverter accommodating chamber S2 may be located above or below the second accommodating space S22 in the vertical direction, or may be aligned with the second accommodating space S22 in the horizontal direction.

[0048] The rotating shaft 13 is accommodated in the motor housing 24. The rotating shaft 13 extends along the axial direction of the motor housing 24. A first shaft end of the rotating shaft 13 is inserted into a recess 29a of a boss 29. The first shaft end of the rotating shaft 13 is rotatably supported by the boss 29 via a first bearing 18a. A second shaft end of the rotating shaft 13, located on the opposite side to the first shaft end, is inserted into a shaft insertion hole 12a of the shaft support member 12. The second shaft end of the rotating shaft 13 is rotatably supported by the shaft support member 12 via a second bearing 18b.

[0049] The compression unit 14 is accommodated within the motor housing 24. The compression unit 14 is disposed between the journal member 12 and the second cover 22 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24. The compression unit 14 of this embodiment is of a scroll type. The compression unit 14 has a fixed scroll 14a and a movable scroll 14b. The fixed scroll 14a is fixed to the housing 11 by being sandwiched between the journal member 12 and the second cover 22. The movable scroll 14b is disposed opposite the fixed scroll 14a. A volume-variable compression chamber S3 is defined between the fixed scroll 14a and the movable scroll 14b. The compression chamber S3 communicates with the suction chamber S1 via the communication hole 12b. A discharge chamber S4 is defined by the fixed scroll 14a and the inner surface of the second cover 22. The compression chamber S3 and the discharge chamber S4 are in communication with each other.

[0050] The electric motor 15 is accommodated in the suction chamber S1. That is, the suction chamber S1 also serves as a motor accommodating chamber that accommodates the electric motor 15. The electric motor 15 has a rotor 41 and a stator 42. The rotor 41 has a cylindrical rotor core 41a and a plurality of permanent magnets 41b. The rotor core 41a is fixed to the rotating shaft 13. The plurality of permanent magnets 41b are embedded in the rotor core 41a. The plurality of permanent magnets 41b are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotor core 41a. The stator 42 surrounds the rotor 41. The stator 42 has a cylindrical stator core 42a and a motor coil 42b. The stator core 42a is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the motor housing 24. The motor coil 42b is wound around the stator core 42a.

[0051] When the motor coil 42b is energized, the rotor 41 rotates. The rotary shaft 13 rotates integrally with the rotor 41. When the rotary shaft 13 rotates, the compression section 14 is driven. When the compression section 14 is driven, refrigerant is drawn from the external refrigerant circuit through the suction port 11a into the suction chamber S1. The refrigerant drawn into the suction chamber S1 flows through the communication hole 12b into the compression chamber S3 and is then compressed by the compression section 14. The refrigerant compressed by the compression section 14 is discharged into the discharge chamber S4. The refrigerant discharged into the discharge chamber S4 is discharged from the discharge port 11b into the external refrigerant circuit.

[0052] <Inverter> As shown in Fig. 2, the inverter 16 is accommodated in the inverter accommodation chamber S2. The inverter 16 includes a circuit board 51, an inverter circuit 52, a coil unit 53, and two capacitors 54 (see Fig. 3). The coil unit 53 includes a choke coil 55 and a conductive ring 56. The choke coil 55 and the capacitor 54 form an LC resonant circuit. The inverter circuit 52, the choke coil 55, the conductive ring 56, and the capacitor 54 are heat-generating components that generate heat when the inverter 16 is operating.

[0053] The thickness direction of the circuit board 51 coincides with the axial direction of the motor housing 24. The outer shape of the circuit board 51 is larger than the outer shape of the motor housing 24. The circuit board 51 has a first board portion 51a accommodated in the first accommodating space S21 of the inverter accommodating chamber S2, and a second board portion 51b accommodated in the second accommodating space S22 of the inverter accommodating chamber S2.

[0054] The inverter circuit 52 performs a switching operation to drive the electric motor 15. The inverter circuit 52 is mounted on a circuit board 51. In this embodiment, the inverter circuit 52 is mounted on a first board portion 51a of the circuit board 51. Therefore, the inverter circuit 52 is the first heat-generating component 16a accommodated in the first accommodation space S21 of the inverter accommodation chamber S2.

[0055] <Coil unit> As shown in FIG. 4, the choke coil 55 of the coil unit 53 has a core 60, a first coil 61, and a second coil 62.

[0056] The core 60 is annular. The core 60 is made of a ferromagnetic material. The core 60 is, for example, a ferrite core. The core 60 has a first winding portion 601, a second winding portion 602, and a pair of connecting portions 603. The first winding portion 601 and the second winding portion 602 each extend linearly. The first winding portion 601 and the second winding portion 602 extend parallel to each other. One connecting portion 603 connects one end of the first winding portion 601 to one end of the second winding portion 602, and the other connecting portion 603 connects the other end of the first winding portion 601 to the other end of the second winding portion 602. The core 60 has a pair of core end faces 60a. The pair of core end faces 60a are end faces of the core 60 in the axial direction.

[0057] The first coil 61 is wound around a first winding portion 601 of the core 60. Both ends of the first coil 61 are drawn out from the core 60 as a pair of first lead-out portions 61a. The second coil 62 is wound around a second winding portion 602 of the core 60. Both ends of the second coil 62 are drawn out from the core 60 as a pair of second lead-out portions 62a.

[0058] As indicated by the two-dot chain line in Figure 4, the conductive ring 56 is annular. The conductive ring 56 is made of a conductive material, such as copper or aluminum. The conductive ring 56 has a pair of first plate portions 56a and a pair of second plate portions 56b.

[0059] The pair of first plate portions 56a and the pair of second plate portions 56b are each shaped like a rectangular flat plate. The pair of first plate portions 56a face each other. One of the pair of first plate portions 56a has a through hole 56h formed in one of the pair of first plate portions 56a. One of the second plate portions 56b connects one end of the pair of first plate portions 56a to each other, and the other second plate portion 56b connects the other end of the pair of first plate portions 56a to each other. The pair of second plate portions 56b face each other. The direction in which the pair of first plate portions 56a face each other is perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of second plate portions 56b face each other.

[0060] A portion of the choke coil 55 is disposed inside the conductive ring 56. The axial direction of the core 60 and the axial direction of the conductive ring 56 are perpendicular to each other. The first winding portion 601 and the second winding portion 602 of the core 60, the portion of the first coil 61 wound around the first winding portion 601, and the portion of the second coil 62 wound around the second winding portion 602 are located inside the conductive ring 56. The pair of first plate portions 56a of the conductive ring 56 are disposed to sandwich the choke coil 55 in the axial direction of the core 60. The pair of second plate portions 56b of the conductive ring 56 are disposed to sandwich the choke coil 55 in the direction in which the first coil 61 and the second coil 62 are arranged.

[0061] When a normal mode current flows through the first coil 61 and the second coil 62, magnetic flux leaks from the core 60. An induced current flows through the conductive ring 56 so as to generate magnetic flux that resists changes in the leakage magnetic flux leaking from the core 60. The induced current flowing through the conductive ring 56 is then converted into thermal energy, thereby reducing normal mode noise.

[0062] 2, the coil unit 53 is mounted on the circuit board 51. The pair of first lead-out portions 61a and the pair of second lead-out portions 62a of the choke coil 55 are electrically connected to the circuit board 51. In this embodiment, the coil unit 53 is mounted on the second board portion 51b of the circuit board 51. Therefore, the coil unit 53 is the second heat-generating component 16b housed in the second housing space S22 of the inverter housing chamber S2. In detail, the choke coil 55 and the conductive ring 56 that constitute the coil unit 53 are each the second heat-generating component 16b.

[0063] A portion of the coil unit 53 is accommodated in the outer peripheral accommodation space S22a of the second accommodation space S22. Therefore, a portion of the coil unit 53 is aligned with the suction chamber S1 via the motor housing 24 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24. In this embodiment, the axial direction of the core 60 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24. Of the pair of core end faces 60a, one core end face 60a faces a partition surface 240 of the motor housing 24 via a potting material 59, which will be described later. Of the pair of first plate portions 56a of the conductive ring 56, the first plate portion 56a having the through hole 56h formed therein is positioned between the motor housing 24 and the choke coil 55.

[0064] <Capacitor> As shown in FIG. 3, each capacitor 54 has a capacitor body 57 and multiple leads 58. The capacitor body 57 of this embodiment has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The capacitor body 57 has a pair of capacitor main surfaces 57a. The capacitor main surface 57a is the outer surface with the largest area among the six outer surfaces of the capacitor body 57. The direction in which the pair of capacitor main surfaces 57a form a pair is defined as the thickness direction of the capacitor body 57.

[0065] Each capacitor 54 is mounted on the circuit board 51. The leads 58 of each capacitor 54 are electrically connected to the circuit board 51. In this embodiment, each capacitor 54 is mounted on the second board portion 51b of the circuit board 51. Therefore, the capacitor 54 is the second heat-generating component 16b housed in the second housing space S22 of the inverter housing chamber S2. The two capacitors 54 are arranged to sandwich the choke coil 55. In other words, the choke coil 55 is located between the two capacitors 54.

[0066] 3 and 5, a portion of the capacitor 54 is accommodated in the outer peripheral accommodation space S22a of the second accommodation space S22. Therefore, a portion of the capacitor 54 is aligned with the suction chamber S1 via the motor housing 24 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24. In this embodiment, the thickness direction of the capacitor body 57 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24. One of the pair of capacitor main surfaces 57a faces a partition surface 240 of the motor housing 24 via a potting material 59, which will be described later.

[0067] <Potting material (heat transfer material)> 2 and 5, in the outer peripheral accommodation space S22a, a potting material 59 serving as a heat transfer member is provided between the outer peripheral surface 24a of the motor housing 24 and the second heat-generating component 16b. The potting material 59 is in contact with both the motor housing 24 and the second heat-generating component 16b. Note that the potting material 59 is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 5 , the potting material 59 of this embodiment includes a coil heat transfer portion 59a and a capacitor heat transfer portion 59b. The coil heat transfer portion 59a is disposed between the motor housing 24 and the choke coil 55 of the coil unit 53. The coil heat transfer portion 59a is in contact with both the outer peripheral surface 24a of the motor housing 24 and the choke coil 55. The coil heat transfer portion 59a is also disposed between the motor housing 24 and the conductive ring 56 of the coil unit 53. The coil heat transfer portion 59a is in contact with both the outer peripheral surface 24a of the motor housing 24 and one of the first plate portions 56a of the conductive ring 56. The capacitor heat transfer portion 59b is disposed between the motor housing 24 and the capacitor 54. The capacitor heat transfer portion 59b is in contact with both the outer peripheral surface 24a of the motor housing 24 and one of the capacitor main surfaces 57a of the capacitor 54.

[0069] [Operation of this embodiment] The operation of this embodiment will be described. The inverter accommodating chamber S2 has a first accommodating space S21 aligned with the suction chamber S1 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24, and a second accommodating space S22 positioned outside the outer peripheral surface 24a of the motor housing 24 as seen in the axial direction of the motor housing 24. The inverter 16 has a choke coil 55, a conductive ring 56, and a capacitor 54 as second heat-generating components 16b accommodated in the second accommodating space S22.

[0070] In this embodiment, the second housing space S22 has an outer peripheral housing space S22a that is aligned with the suction chamber S1 via the motor housing 24 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24. The choke coil 55, the conductive ring 56, and the capacitor 54 are housed in the outer peripheral housing space S22a. A potting material 59 is provided between the motor housing 24 and the choke coil 55, the conductive ring 56, and the capacitor 54. The potting material 59 is in contact with each of the motor housing 24, the choke coil 55, the conductive ring 56, and the capacitor 54.

[0071] With this configuration, the choke coil 55, conductive ring 56, and capacitor 54 are aligned with the suction chamber S1 via the potting material 59 and the motor housing 24 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24. Therefore, heat from the choke coil 55, conductive ring 56, and capacitor 54 is transferred to the motor housing 24 via the potting material 59. The motor housing 24 defines the suction chamber S1. Therefore, the motor housing 24 is cooled by the refrigerant drawn into the suction chamber S1. That is, the choke coil 55, conductive ring 56, and capacitor 54 are cooled by the refrigerant in the suction chamber S1 via the potting material 59 and the motor housing 24.

[0072] [Effects of this embodiment] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1-1) The second housing space S22 has an outer peripheral housing space S22a that is aligned with the suction chamber S1 via the motor housing 24 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24. The second heat-generating component 16b is housed in the outer peripheral housing space S22a. A potting material 59 is provided between the motor housing 24 and the second heat-generating component 16b. The potting material 59 is in contact with both the motor housing 24 and the second heat-generating component 16b.

[0073] According to the above configuration, the second heat-generating component 16b is aligned with the suction chamber S1 via the potting material 59 and the motor housing 24 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24. This makes it easier for the second heat-generating component 16b to be cooled by the refrigerant drawn into the suction chamber S1. This allows the second heat-generating component 16b to be cooled efficiently.

[0074] Furthermore, the portion of the housing 11 that defines the second housing space S22 is more susceptible to vibration than other portions. According to the above configuration, the portion of the housing 11 that defines the outer peripheral housing space S22a functions as a rib, thereby suppressing vibration of the portion of the housing 11 that defines the second housing space S22.

[0075] (1-2) The inverter 16 has a choke coil 55 as the second heat-generating component 16b. The choke coil 55 has an annular core 60, and a first coil 61 and a second coil 62 wound around the core 60. The choke coil 55 is disposed such that the axial direction of the core 60 intersects with the axial direction of the motor housing 24.

[0076] With the above configuration, the area of ​​the choke coil 55 when viewed in the axial direction of the motor housing 24 is smaller than when the choke coil 55 is arranged so that the axial direction of the core 60 coincides with the axial direction of the motor housing 24. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the portion of the housing 11 that defines the second accommodating space S22 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24. This makes it possible to further suppress vibrations in the portion of the housing 11 that defines the second accommodating space S22.

[0077] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the dimension of the choke coil 55 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24 is larger than when the choke coil 55 is arranged so that the axial direction of the core 60 coincides with the axial direction of the motor housing 24. As a result, the portion of the housing 11 that defines the outer peripheral accommodating space S22a is enlarged in the axial direction of the motor housing 24. As described above, the portion of the housing 11 that defines the outer peripheral accommodating space S22a functions as a rib. Therefore, when the portion of the housing 11 that defines the outer peripheral accommodating space S22a is enlarged in the axial direction of the motor housing 24, the effect as a rib is enhanced. Therefore, vibration of the portion of the housing 11 that defines the second accommodating space S22 can be further suppressed.

[0078] (1-3) The inverter 16 has a capacitor 54 as the second heat-generating component 16b. The capacitor 54 has a rectangular parallelepiped capacitor body 57. The capacitor 54 is disposed so that the thickness direction of the capacitor body 57 intersects with the axial direction of the motor housing 24.

[0079] With the above configuration, the area of ​​capacitor 54 when viewed in the axial direction of motor housing 24 is smaller than when capacitor 54 is arranged so that the thickness direction of capacitor body 57 coincides with the axial direction of motor housing 24. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the portion of housing 11 that defines second accommodating space S22 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of motor housing 24. This makes it possible to further suppress vibrations in the portion of housing 11 that defines second accommodating space S22.

[0080] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the dimension of the capacitor 54 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24 is larger than when the capacitor 54 is arranged so that the thickness direction of the capacitor body 57 coincides with the axial direction of the motor housing 24. As a result, the portion of the housing 11 that defines the outer periphery accommodating space S22a is larger in the axial direction of the motor housing 24. Therefore, vibrations in the portion of the housing 11 that defines the second accommodating space S22 can be further suppressed.

[0081] (1-4) The inverter 16 has a choke coil 55 and a capacitor 54 as second heat-generating components 16b. The potting material 59 includes a coil heat transfer portion 59a and a capacitor heat transfer portion 59b. The coil heat transfer portion 59a is provided between the motor housing 24 and the choke coil 55 and is in contact with both the motor housing 24 and the choke coil 55. The capacitor heat transfer portion 59b is provided between the motor housing 24 and the capacitor 54 and is in contact with both the motor housing 24 and the capacitor 54.

[0082] According to the above configuration, the choke coil 55 and the capacitor 54 can be cooled efficiently. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the portion of the housing 11 that defines the second accommodating space S22 can be made smaller in the radial direction of the motor housing 24 than when the choke coil 55 and the capacitor 54 are arranged side by side in the radial direction of the motor housing 24. This makes it possible to further suppress vibrations in the portion of the housing 11 that defines the second accommodating space S22.

[0083] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the portion of the housing 11 that defines the outer peripheral accommodating space S22a is larger in the circumferential direction of the motor housing 24 than when the choke coil 55 and the capacitor 54 are aligned radially of the motor housing 24. This increases the effect of the portion of the housing 11 that defines the outer peripheral accommodating space S22a as a rib, thereby further suppressing vibrations in the portion of the housing 11 that defines the second accommodating space S22.

[0084] (1-5) The suction port 11a is aligned with the partition surface 240 of the motor housing 24 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24. As a result, the suction port 11a is positioned closer to the outer peripheral accommodation space S22a, i.e., closer to the second heat-generating component 16b, than when the suction port 11a is not aligned with the partition surface 240 of the motor housing 24 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24. Because the temperature of the refrigerant in the suction chamber S1 is lowest near the suction port 11a, the cooling effect of the refrigerant on the second heat-generating component 16b can be increased.

[0085] (1-6) The choke coil 55 is arranged such that one of the pair of core end faces 60a of the core 60 faces the motor housing 24 via the potting material 59. This allows a larger cooling area for the choke coil 55, allowing the choke coil 55 to be cooled more efficiently.

[0086] (1-7) The capacitor 54 is disposed such that one of the pair of capacitor main surfaces 57a faces the motor housing 24 via the potting material 59. This allows the cooling area of ​​the capacitor 54 to be increased, thereby enabling the capacitor 54 to be cooled more efficiently.

[0087] (1-8) The heat transfer member is a potting material 59. Therefore, the heat transfer member not only transfers the heat of the second heat-generating component 16b to the motor housing 24, but also fixes the second heat-generating component 16b to the motor housing 24.

[0088] (1-9) The inverter 16 has the conductive ring 56 as the second heat-generating component 16b. Therefore, the conductive ring 56 can be cooled efficiently. (1-10) The potting material 59 is provided only between the motor housing 24 and the second heat-generating component 16b. Therefore, the amount of potting material 59 used can be reduced compared to the case where the potting material 59 is provided so as to cover almost the entire second heat-generating component 16b as in the second embodiment described below.

[0089] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of an electric compressor will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. Detailed descriptions of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. In the following description, a case where second heat-generating component 16b is a coil unit 53 will be described as an example, but second heat-generating component 16b is not limited to coil unit 53.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 6 , the blocking wall 26 has an upright wall 30 extending from a surface defining the inverter accommodating chamber S2. The upright wall 30 has a first wall portion 31 and a pair of second wall portions 32. Note that FIG. 6 shows only one of the pair of second wall portions 32. The first wall portion 31 is disposed radially outward of the coil unit 53 in the motor housing 24. In other words, the coil unit 53 is located radially between the motor housing 24 and the first wall portion 31. The pair of second wall portions 32 connect the first wall portion 31 and the motor housing 24 in the radial direction of the motor housing 24. The outer peripheral accommodating space S22a has a filling portion 33 defined by the motor housing 24, the blocking wall 26, and the upright wall 30. The filling portion 33 is filled with a potting material 59.

[0091] The coil unit 53 is housed in the filling section 33. The potting material 59 is provided not only between the motor housing 24 and the coil unit 53, but also between the closing wall 26 and the coil unit 53 and between the standing wall 30 and the coil unit 53. In other words, almost the entire coil unit 53 is covered with the potting material 59. The potting material 59 is in contact with each of the motor housing 24, the closing wall 26, the standing wall 30, and the coil unit 53.

[0092] The coil unit 53 is accommodated in the outer peripheral accommodating space S22a as follows: With the housing 11 positioned such that the first accommodating space S21 of the inverter accommodating chamber S2 is positioned vertically above the suction chamber S1, the filling portion 33 is filled with liquid potting material 59. Then, the coil unit 53 is accommodated in the filling portion 33 filled with the potting material 59. Thereafter, the potting material 59 hardens.

[0093] [Effects of this embodiment] The effects of this embodiment will be described below: In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1-1) to (1-9) of the first embodiment.

[0094] (2-1) The outer peripheral housing space S22a has a filling portion 33 filled with a potting material 59. The filling portion 33 houses the second heat-generating component 16b. According to the above configuration, the area of ​​the second heat-generating component 16b covered by the potting material 59 increases, thereby improving the heat dissipation performance of the second heat-generating component 16b.

[0095] Furthermore, after filling the filling portion 33 with the potting material 59, the potting material 59 can be provided between the motor housing 24 and the second heat-generating component 16b simply by accommodating the second heat-generating component 16b in the filling portion 33. Therefore, compared to the first embodiment in which the potting material 59 is provided only between the motor housing 24 and the second heat-generating component 16b, the potting material 59 can be easily provided between the motor housing 24 and the second heat-generating component 16b.

[0096] [Third embodiment] A third embodiment of an electric compressor will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. Detailed descriptions of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. In the following description, a case where second heat-generating component 16b is choke coil 55 will be described as an example, but second heat-generating component 16b is not limited to choke coil 55.

[0097] 7, the partition surface 240 of the motor housing 24 is an inclined surface that inclines away from the suction chamber S1 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24 as it moves away from the first accommodating space S21 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24. The choke coil 55 is disposed so that one core end face 60a is aligned with the inclined partition surface 240. That is, the pair of core end faces 60a of the core 60 are inclined away from the suction chamber S1 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24 as it moves away from the first accommodating space S21 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24.

[0098] In this embodiment, the potting material 59 is provided not only between the motor housing 24 and the choke coil 55, but also between the blocking wall 26 and the choke coil 55. The potting material 59 provided between the blocking wall 26 and the choke coil 55 is in contact with both the blocking wall 26 and the choke coil 55.

[0099] The choke coil 55 is accommodated in the outer circumferential accommodating space S22a as follows. With the housing 11 positioned such that the first accommodating space S21 of the inverter accommodating chamber S2 is positioned vertically above the suction chamber S1, a liquid potting material 59 is applied to the partition surface 240 of the motor housing 24. The liquid potting material 59 is also applied to the surface of the blocking wall 26 that defines the outer circumferential accommodating space S22a. The choke coil 55 is then accommodated in the outer circumferential accommodating space S22a along the partition surface 240 so as to come into contact with the potting material 59 applied to the partition surface 240. When the choke coil 55 is accommodated in the outer circumferential accommodating space S22a, the potting material 59 applied to the surface of the blocking wall 26 that defines the outer circumferential accommodating space S22a adheres to the choke coil 55. The potting material 59 then hardens.

[0100] [Effects of this embodiment] The effects of this embodiment will be described below: In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1-1) to (1-8) of the first embodiment.

[0101] (3-1) For example, if the partition surface 240 of the motor housing 24 is a surface that extends along the axial direction of the motor housing 24, when the choke coil 55 is accommodated in the outer peripheral accommodation space S22a, the applied potting material 59 may be pushed vertically downward by the choke coil 55, or the applied potting material 59 may drip due to gravity. In this case, the potting material 59 may not be provided in the desired position between the motor housing 24 and the choke coil 55.

[0102] In contrast, in this embodiment, the partition surface 240 of the motor housing 24 is an inclined surface that slopes away from the suction chamber S1 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24 as it moves away from the first accommodating space S21 in the axial direction of the motor housing 24. Therefore, when the choke coil 55 is accommodated in the outer peripheral accommodating space S22a, the applied potting material 59 is less likely to be pushed in by the choke coil 55 and the applied potting material 59 is less likely to drip. This makes it easier to provide the potting material 59 at a desired position between the motor housing 24 and the choke coil 55.

[0103] (3-2) The choke coil 55 is disposed along the inclined partition surface 240. This configuration makes it easier for the potting material 59 to adhere to the choke coil 55.

[0104] (3-3) The inverter 16 has a choke coil 55 as the second heat-generating component 16b. The choke coil 55 has an annular core 60 and a first coil 61 and a second coil 62 wound around the core 60. The choke coil 55 is disposed so that a core end surface 60a faces the motor housing 24 via a potting material 59. This configuration allows the potting material 59 to easily enter the inside of the core 60, thereby increasing the cooling effect of the choke coil 55.

[0105] (3-4) The potting material 59 is disposed between the motor housing 24 and the second heat-generating component 16b and between the blocking wall 26 and the second heat-generating component 16b. Therefore, compared to the first embodiment in which the potting material 59 is disposed only between the motor housing 24 and the second heat-generating component 16b, the heat dissipation performance of the second heat-generating component 16b is improved. Furthermore, compared to the second embodiment in which the potting material 59 is disposed so as to cover substantially the entire second heat-generating component 16b, the amount of potting material 59 used can be reduced.

[0106] [Fourth embodiment] A fourth embodiment of an electric compressor will be described below with reference to Figures 8 to 10. Detailed description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted. In the following description, a case where second heat-generating component 16b is coil unit 53 will be described as an example, but second heat-generating component 16b is not limited to coil unit 53.

[0107] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the inverter 16 has a holder 70 that holds the coil unit 53. The holder 70 in this embodiment is made of resin. The holder 70 in this embodiment has a pair of restricting portions 71 and a connecting portion 72 that connects the pair of restricting portions 71. The pair of restricting portions 71 and the connecting portion 72 are each flat plate-shaped. The pair of restricting portions 71 sandwich the coil unit 53 in the circumferential direction of the motor housing 24. The connecting portion 72 is located outside the coil unit 53 in the radial direction of the motor housing 24. In other words, the coil unit 53 is located between the motor housing 24 and the connecting portion 72 in the radial direction of the motor housing 24.

[0108] A pair of grooves 240a is provided on the partition surface 240 of the motor housing 24. The pair of grooves 240a extends parallel to the axial direction of the motor housing 24. The distance between the pair of grooves 240a is approximately the same as the distance between the pair of restricting portions 71. The ends of the pair of restricting portions 71 are inserted into the pair of grooves 240a.

[0109] The potting material 59 provided between the motor housing 24 and the choke coil 55 is located between a pair of restricting portions 71. The potting material 59 is also disposed between the blocking wall 26 and the choke coil 55. The potting material 59 provided between the blocking wall 26 and the choke coil 55 is in contact with both the blocking wall 26 and the choke coil 55.

[0110] The coil unit 53 is accommodated in the outer circumferential accommodating space S22a as follows. As shown in FIG. 10 , the housing 11 is positioned such that the first accommodation space S21 of the inverter accommodation chamber S2 is positioned vertically above the suction chamber S1. The coil unit 53 is pre-positioned between the pair of restricting portions 71 of the holder 70. A liquid potting material 59 is applied to the pair of restricting portions 71 and the coil unit 53 between the pair of restricting portions 71. The liquid potting material 59 is also applied to the surface of the blocking wall 26 that defines the outer peripheral accommodation space S22a. The coil unit 53 is then accommodated in the outer peripheral accommodation space S22a together with the holder 70. At this time, the ends of the pair of restricting portions 71 of the holder 70 are inserted into the pair of grooves 240a. The potting material 59 provided between the pair of restricting portions 71 adheres to the partition surface 240 of the motor housing 24. Furthermore, when the coil unit 53 and the holder 70 are accommodated in the outer circumferential accommodation space S22a, the potting material 59 applied to the surface of the blocking wall 26 that defines the outer circumferential accommodation space S22a adheres to the coil unit 53. Thereafter, the potting material 59 hardens.

[0111] [Effects of this embodiment] The effects of this embodiment will be described below: In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1-1) to (1-9) of the first embodiment and the effect (3-4) of the third embodiment.

[0112] (4-1) The inverter 16 has a holder 70 that holds the coil unit 53. The holder 70 has a pair of restricting portions 71 that sandwich the coil unit 53 in the circumferential direction of the motor housing 24. The potting material 59 is positioned between the pair of restricting portions 71. According to this configuration, the pair of restricting portions 71 make it difficult for the potting material 59 arranged between the motor housing 24 and the coil unit 53 to flow out to both sides in the circumferential direction of the motor housing 24.

[0113] (4-2) The partition surface 240 of the motor housing 24 is provided with a pair of grooves 240a into which the pair of restricting portions 71 are inserted. According to this configuration, the pair of restricting portions 71 are inserted into the pair of grooves 240a, so that the potting material 59 is less likely to flow out from the gap between the pair of restricting portions 71 and the motor housing 24.

[0114] Furthermore, the holder 70 and the coil unit 53 can be easily positioned relative to the motor housing 24 . [Example of change] The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0115] The configuration of the housing 11 may be changed as appropriate. For example, in the above embodiment, the partition wall 23, the motor housing 24, the inverter housing 25, and the blocking wall 26 are integrally formed as the housing main body 20, but they do not have to be integrally formed.

[0116] The heat transfer member is not limited to the potting material 59. The heat transfer member may be, for example, another member such as a heat dissipation sheet. The second heat-generating component 16b includes the coil unit 53 and the capacitor 54. However, the second heat-generating component 16b may include only one of the coil unit 53 and the capacitor 54.

[0117] The second heat-generating component 16 b may be a component other than the choke coil 55 , the conductive ring 56 , and the capacitor 54 . In the first, second, and fourth embodiments, the inverter 16 does not necessarily have to include the conductive ring 56 .

[0118] In the third embodiment, the inverter 16 may include a conductive ring 56 . In the first embodiment, the potting material 59 may be provided in a location other than between the motor housing 24 and the second heat-generating component 16b. For example, the potting material 59 may be provided between the closing wall 26 and the second heat-generating component 16b.

[0119] In the second embodiment, the entire outer circumferential housing space S22a may be the filling portion 33. In this case, the standing wall 30 is not necessary. In the second embodiment, the filled portion 33 may accommodate the coil unit 53 and the capacitor 54 together.

[0120] In the third and fourth embodiments, the potting material 59 does not necessarily have to be provided between the blocking wall 26 and the coil unit 53 as long as it is provided between the motor housing 24 and the coil unit 53 .

[0121] In the third embodiment, the second heat-generating component 16b does not have to be disposed along the inclined partition surface 240. The choke coil 55, which is the second heat-generating component 16b, may be disposed such that the pair of core end faces 60a of the core 60 are aligned in the axial direction of the motor housing 24, for example.

[0122] In the fourth embodiment, the material of the holder 70 is not limited to resin and may be changed as appropriate. In the fourth embodiment, the shape of the holder 70 may be changed as appropriate as long as the holder 70 has the pair of restriction portions 71. The connection portion 72 may be located between the coil unit 53 and the blocking wall 26, for example.

[0123] In the fourth embodiment, the pair of grooves 240a does not have to be provided on the outer peripheral surface 24a of the motor housing 24. In this case, the effect (4-1) of the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

[0124] In the first, second, and fourth embodiments, the choke coil 55 is disposed so that the axial direction of the core 60 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24, but this is not limiting.

[0125] As an example, as in the third embodiment, the choke coil 55 may be disposed so that the axial direction of the core 60 intersects with the axial direction of the motor housing 24. In this case, the same effect as the effect (1-2) of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0126] As another example, the choke coil 55 may be disposed so that the axial direction of the core 60 coincides with the axial direction of the motor housing 24 . The choke coil 55 may be arranged so that the axial direction of the core 60 intersects with the axial direction of the motor housing 24 and so that part of the outer circumferential surface of the core 60 faces the motor housing 24 via the potting material 59. In this case, the same effect as the effect (1-2) of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0127] In the first embodiment, the capacitor 54 is disposed so that the thickness direction of the capacitor body 57 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing 24. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As an example, the capacitor 54 may be disposed so that the thickness direction of the capacitor body 57 intersects with the axial direction of the motor housing 24. In this case, the same effects as those (1-3) of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0128] As another example, the capacitor 54 may be disposed so that the thickness direction of the capacitor body 57 coincides with the axial direction of the motor housing 24 . The capacitor 54 may be disposed such that the thickness direction of the capacitor body 57 intersects with the axial direction of the motor housing 24, and the surface connecting the pair of capacitor main surfaces 57a faces the motor housing 24 via the potting material 59. In this case, the same effects as those (1-3) of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0129] The choke coil 55 and the capacitor 54 may be arranged side by side in the radial direction of the motor housing 24. In this case, the potting material 59 is provided between the motor housing 24 and the choke coil 55 or the capacitor 54 that are located on the inner side in the radial direction of the motor housing 24.

[0130] Specifically, when the choke coil 55 is located radially inward of the capacitor 54 in the motor housing 24, the potting material 59 has a coil heat transfer portion 59a provided between the choke coil 55 and the motor housing 24. When the capacitor 54 is located radially inward of the choke coil 55 in the motor housing 24, the potting material 59 has a capacitor heat transfer portion 59b provided between the capacitor 54 and the motor housing 24.

[0131] The compression unit 14 is not limited to a scroll type. For example, the compression unit 14 may be a piston type or a vane type. The electric compressor 10 may be used for purposes other than vehicle air conditioning systems. For example, the electric compressor 10 may be installed in a fuel cell vehicle. The electric compressor 10 is used to compress air, which serves as a fluid to be supplied to a fuel cell, using the compression unit 14.

[0132] [Note] The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. <Appendix 1> an inverter housing that defines an inverter accommodating chamber for accommodating the inverter; and a metal housing having a partition wall that separates the suction chamber and the inverter accommodating chamber in the axial direction of the motor housing, wherein the inverter accommodating chamber has a first accommodating space aligned with the suction chamber in the axial direction of the motor housing via the partition wall, and a second accommodating space positioned outward from an outer peripheral surface of the motor housing as viewed in the axial direction of the motor housing, and the inverter has a heat-generating component accommodated in the second accommodating space, wherein the second accommodating space has an outer peripheral accommodating space aligned with the suction chamber via the motor housing in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing, the heat-generating component is accommodated in the outer peripheral accommodating space, and a heat-transfer member is provided between the motor housing and the heat-generating component, the heat-transfer member being in contact with the motor housing and the heat-generating component, respectively.

[0133] <Appendix 2> 2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer member is a potting material, the outer peripheral accommodating space has a filling portion filled with the potting material, and the heat-generating component is accommodated in the filling portion.

[0134] <Appendix 3> The electric compressor according to Appendix 1, wherein the heat transfer member is a potting material, and a partition surface that defines the outer peripheral accommodating space in the motor housing is an inclined surface that inclines so as to move away from the suction chamber in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing as it moves away from the first accommodating space in the axial direction of the motor housing.

[0135] <Appendix 4> 4. The electric compressor according to claim 3, wherein the heat-generating component is disposed along the inclined surface. <Appendix 5> The electric compressor according to Appendix 4, wherein the heat-generating component includes a choke coil having an annular core and a first coil and a second coil wound around the core, and the choke coil is arranged so that an axial end face of the core faces the motor housing via the potting material.

[0136] <Appendix 6> 2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer member is a potting material, the inverter has a holder that holds the heat-generating component, the holder has a pair of restricting portions that sandwich the heat-generating component in the circumferential direction of the motor housing, and the potting material is located between the pair of restricting portions.

[0137] <Appendix 7> 7. The electric compressor according to claim 6, wherein a partition surface of the motor housing that partitions the outer peripheral accommodating space is provided with a pair of grooves into which the pair of restricting portions are inserted.

[0138] <Appendix 8> The electric compressor according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein the inverter includes, as the heat-generating component, a choke coil having an annular core and first and second coils wound around the core, and the choke coil is arranged so that the axial direction of the core intersects with the axial direction of the motor housing.

[0139] <Appendix 9> The electric compressor according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, wherein the inverter includes a capacitor having a rectangular parallelepiped capacitor body as the heat-generating component, and when a direction in which a pair of capacitor main surfaces, which are the outer surfaces of the capacitor body with the largest area, form a pair is defined as a thickness direction of the capacitor body, the thickness direction of the capacitor is arranged so that the thickness direction intersects with an axial direction of the motor housing.

[0140] <Appendix 10> 10. The electric compressor according to any one of appendices 1 to 9, wherein the inverter has a choke coil and a capacitor as the heat-generating components, and the heat transfer member includes a coil heat transfer portion provided between the motor housing and the choke coil and in contact with each of the motor housing and the choke coil, and a capacitor heat transfer portion provided between the motor housing and the capacitor and in contact with each of the motor housing and the capacitor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 10...electric compressor, 11...housing, 14...compression section, 15...electric motor, 16...inverter, 16b...second heat-generating component as heat-generating component, 23...partition wall, 24...motor housing, 24a...outer surface, 25...inverter housing, 33...filling section, 54...capacitor, 55...choke coil, 57...capacitor body, 57a...capacitor main surface, 59...potting material as heat transfer member, 59a...coil heat transfer section, 59b...capacitor heat transfer section, 60...core, 61...first coil, 62...second coil, 70...holder, 71...regulating section, 240...partition surface, 240a...groove, S1...suction chamber, S2...inverter accommodating chamber, S21...first accommodating space, S22...second accommodating space, S22a...outer accommodating space.

Claims

1. a compression section that compresses the fluid; an electric motor that drives the compression unit; an inverter that drives the electric motor; a metallic housing including: a cylindrical motor housing that accommodates the electric motor and defines a suction chamber into which the fluid is drawn; an inverter housing that defines an inverter accommodating chamber that accommodates the inverter; and a partition wall that separates the suction chamber from the inverter accommodating chamber in an axial direction of the motor housing; Equipped with the inverter accommodating chamber includes a first accommodating space aligned with the suction chamber via the partition wall in the axial direction of the motor housing, and a second accommodating space positioned outward from an outer peripheral surface of the motor housing as viewed in the axial direction of the motor housing, the inverter is an electric compressor having a heat-generating component accommodated in the second accommodation space, the second accommodating space has an outer peripheral accommodating space aligned with the suction chamber via the motor housing in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing, The heat generating component is accommodated in the outer circumferential accommodation space, a heat transfer member is provided between the motor housing and the heat-generating component; The heat transfer member is in contact with both the motor housing and the heat generating component.

2. the heat transfer member is a potting material, the outer peripheral accommodation space has a filling portion filled with the potting material, The electric compressor according to claim 1 , wherein the heat-generating component is accommodated in a filling section.

3. the heat transfer member is a potting material, 2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the partition surface defining the outer peripheral accommodating space in the motor housing is an inclined surface that inclines so as to move away from the suction chamber in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor housing as it moves away from the first accommodating space in the axial direction of the motor housing.

4. The electric compressor according to claim 3 , wherein the heat-generating component is disposed along the inclined surface.

5. the heat generating component includes a choke coil having an annular core and a first coil and a second coil wound around the core, 5. The electric compressor according to claim 4, wherein the choke coil is disposed such that an axial end face of the core faces the motor housing via the potting material.

6. the heat transfer member is a potting material, the inverter has a holder that holds the heat-generating component, the holder has a pair of restricting portions that sandwich the heat-generating component in the circumferential direction of the motor housing, The electric compressor according to claim 1 , wherein the potting material is positioned between the pair of restricting portions.

7. 7. The electric compressor according to claim 6, wherein a pair of grooves into which the pair of restricting portions are inserted are provided on a partition surface of the motor housing that defines the outer peripheral accommodation space.

8. the inverter includes, as the heat-generating component, a choke coil having an annular core and a first coil and a second coil wound around the core, 2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the choke coil is disposed so that the axial direction of the core intersects with the axial direction of the motor housing.

9. the inverter includes a capacitor having a rectangular parallelepiped capacitor body as the heat-generating component, When the direction in which a pair of capacitor main surfaces, which are the outer surfaces of the capacitor body with the largest areas, form a pair is defined as the thickness direction of the capacitor body, The electric compressor according to claim 1 , wherein the capacitor is disposed so that the thickness direction intersects with the axial direction of the motor housing.

10. the inverter has a choke coil and a capacitor as the heat-generating components, The heat transfer member is a coil heat transfer portion provided between the motor housing and the choke coil and in contact with the motor housing and the choke coil; a capacitor heat transfer portion provided between the motor housing and the capacitor and in contact with both the motor housing and the capacitor; The electric compressor according to claim 1 , comprising:

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