Electric compressor

Abstract

To provide an electric compressor which can suppress increase in manufacturing cost.SOLUTION: An electric compressor 1, 1a includes a motor mechanism 5, an inverter circuit 8 driving the motor mechanism 5, a compression mechanism 6 driven by the motor mechanism 5, a holding part 7 holding the motor mechanism 5 and the compression mechanism 6, and one housing 3 constituting an outer shell and accommodating the motor mechanism 5, the holding part 7, the compression mechanism 6, and the inverter circuit 8. The holding part 7 is a body independently separated from the housing 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional electric compressor. The electric compressor includes a stator housing that houses an electric motor, an inverter, and a center casing, a cover fixed to the stator housing, and a rear casing that is provided with a discharge chamber, etc. The stator housing, cover, and rear casing are all made of aluminum, and are joined together to form the housing of the electric compressor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-160262 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The housing of a conventional electric compressor includes components that also serve internal functions, but because this housing is machined from aluminum, high machining precision is required. Furthermore, sealing members such as gaskets are disposed between the stator housing, cover, and rear casing that make up the housing. Furthermore, fastening members are used to fasten the stator housing, cover, and rear casing together. Therefore, conventional electric compressors have a problem of rising manufacturing costs due to the increased number of parts and the resulting increased assembly man-hours.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electric compressor that can suppress an increase in manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an electric compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a motor mechanism, an inverter circuit that drives the motor mechanism, a compression mechanism that is driven by the motor mechanism, a holding portion that holds the motor mechanism and the compression mechanism, and a housing that forms an outer shell and houses the motor mechanism, the holding portion, the compression mechanism, and the inverter circuit, and the holding portion is a separate and independent entity from the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the electric compressor according to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress an increase in manufacturing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electric compressor according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the electric compressor according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the electric compressor according to the embodiment taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the second holding portion and the third holding portion. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing how the mounting legs, the intake port, the discharge port, etc. are attached to the first case. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing how fastening holes and the like are attached to the case body of the second case. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another electric compressor according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The embodiments described below each illustrate a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, and component placement positions shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in independent claims are described as optional components. Furthermore, in all embodiments, the respective contents can be combined.

[0010] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0011] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, expressions such as "approximately uniform," "cylindrical," and "X-axis direction" are used. For example, "approximately uniform," "cylindrical," and "X-axis direction" not only mean completely uniform, completely cylindrical, and completely in the X-axis direction, but also mean substantially uniform, substantially cylindrical, and substantially in the X-axis direction, i.e., including an error of, for example, several percent. Furthermore, "approximately uniform," "cylindrical," and "X-axis direction" mean substantially uniform, cylindrical, and X-axis direction within the range in which the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "approximately," "shaped," and "direction."

[0012] In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the long electric compressor is referred to as the X-axis direction. In addition, in the X-axis direction, the side of the second case of the electric compressor relative to the first case is referred to as the plus side, and the opposite side is referred to as the minus side. This also applies to Figures 2 and subsequent figures.

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Embodiment) First, the configuration of an electric compressor 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electric compressor 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an electric compressor 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the electric compressor 1 according to an embodiment taken along line AA in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second holding portion 72 and a third holding portion 73. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing how mounting legs 9a, an intake port 20a, an exhaust port 20b, etc. are attached to a first case 31. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing how fastening holes 32c, etc. are attached to a case body 32a of a second case 32.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electric compressor 1 is a scroll-type electric compressor. The electric compressor 1 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown) and constitutes a refrigeration circuit of the vehicle. The refrigeration circuit is a refrigeration circuit of a vehicle air conditioner that is composed of the electric compressor 1, an evaporator, an expansion valve, and a condenser.

[0017] The electric compressor 1 includes a housing 3, a holding portion 7, a motor mechanism 5, a compression mechanism 6, and an inverter circuit 8.

[0018] The housing 3 constitutes the outer shell of the electric compressor 1. The housing 3 is a cylindrical metal motor housing that accommodates a motor mechanism 5 that provides power to compress the fluid, a compression mechanism 6 that is driven by the motor mechanism 5, an inverter circuit 8 that drives the motor mechanism 5, and the like.

[0019] A plurality of mounting legs 9a are welded to the outer circumferential surface of the housing 3. The mounting legs 9a are members for mounting the electric compressor 1 to a vehicle facility. For example, the electric compressor 1 can be mounted on the vehicle by fastening the mounting legs 9a to a facility such as a side wall in the engine compartment of the vehicle using brackets and bolts. Being integrated means that the components cannot be separated without destroying them.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the housing 3 has a first case 31, a first cover 34 that covers the opening 33, and a second case 32 that is arranged to cover the opening 33 and the first cover 34 and that houses the inverter circuit 8.

[0021] The first case 31 is a cylindrical body having a bottom and an opening 33. In this embodiment, the first case 31 is a cylindrical body that is long along the X-axis direction. The opening 33 is formed at the end of the first case 31 on the positive side of the X-axis. The opening 33 is covered by a first cover 34. In this embodiment, the first cover 34 is connected along the inner circumferential surface of the opening 33 and covers the opening 33.

[0022] The first case 31 and the first cover 34 are integrated by welding. In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral edge of the first cover 34 is welded along the inner peripheral surface of the opening 33 in the first case 31. In other words, the welded portion between the first case 31 and the first cover 34 is located on the inverter circuit 8 side with respect to the compression mechanism 6.

[0023] The second case 32 is provided on the positive side of the X-axis of the first case 31, and is disposed so as to cover the opening 33 of the first case 31. In this embodiment, the second case 32 is connected along the outer peripheral surface of the first case 31 on the opening 33 side, and is disposed so as to cover the opening 33 of the first case 31 and the first cover 34.

[0024] The first case 31 and the second case 32 are integrated by welding. In this embodiment, the second case 32 is welded along the outer peripheral surface of the first case 31 on the opening 33 side. In other words, the welded portion between the first case 31 and the second case 32 is located on the inverter circuit 8 side with respect to the compression mechanism 6.

[0025] The thickness of the first case 31 is approximately uniform, and the thickness of the first cover 34 is also approximately uniform. The thickness of the first case 31 and the thickness of the first cover 34 may be the same thickness. The thickness of the second case 32 may also be approximately uniform. The thickness of the second case 32 may also be the same thickness as the thickness of the first case 31 and the thickness of the first cover 34.

[0026] The first case 31 houses the motor mechanism 5, the holding unit 7, and the compression mechanism 6. Within the first case 31, as will be described later, a first holding portion 71 of the holding unit 7, a second holding portion 72 of the holding unit 7 that holds the compression mechanism 6, and a third holding portion 73 of the holding unit 7 that holds the motor mechanism 5 are arranged in this order along the positive direction of the X axis.

[0027] The first case 31 has a first bottom wall 31a and a first peripheral wall 31b.

[0028] The first bottom wall 31a is located at the end (front end) of the first case 31 on the negative X-axis direction side, and extends along the radial direction of the first case 31 (a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction). The first peripheral wall 31b is connected to the first bottom wall 31a, and extends from the first bottom wall 31a along the positive X-axis direction. The first case 31 defines an accommodation space, by the first bottom wall 31a and the first peripheral wall 31b, that accommodates the motor mechanism 5, the holding unit 7, and the compression mechanism 6.

[0029] The first case 31 has an intake port 20a and an exhaust port 20b which are integrated with each other by welding.

[0030] The intake port 20a is formed in the first peripheral wall 31b and communicates with the motor chamber 73e in the accommodation space. The intake port 20a is connected to an evaporator (not shown) and draws fluid that has passed through the evaporator into the motor chamber 73e. In other words, the motor chamber 73e also serves as a intake chamber.

[0031] The discharge port 20b is formed in the first peripheral wall 31b and communicates with the discharge chamber 71a in the accommodation space. The discharge port 20b is connected to a condenser (not shown).

[0032] A first holding portion 71 of the holding portion 7 is disposed on the side of the first bottom wall 31a of the first case 31. The holding portion 7 is a separate body that is separate from the housing 3. Specifically, the holding portion 7 has a first holding portion 71 made of resin, a second holding portion 72 made of resin, and a third holding portion 73 made of resin.

[0033] The first holding portion 71, the second holding portion 72, and the third holding portion 73 are made of a resin material such as phenol resin or nylon resin. For example, the first holding portion 71, the second holding portion 72, and the third holding portion 73 may all be made of the same material, or may be made of different materials. For example, the first holding portion 71 that forms the discharge chamber 71a may be made of a resin that can withstand high temperatures, the second holding portion 72 that forms the compression mechanism 6 may be made of a strong resin (e.g., phenol resin), and the third holding portion 73 that supports the motor mechanism 5 may be made of a resin that can support the motor mechanism 5 (e.g., nylon resin).

[0034] The first holding portion 71 is disposed on the negative X-axis direction side in the accommodation space of the first case 31, and is supported by the first bottom wall 31a. The first holding portion 71 forms a discharge chamber 71a into which the fluid compressed by the compression mechanism 6 is discharged. In other words, the first holding portion 71 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the compression mechanism 6 and the first bottom wall 31a, and forms the discharge chamber 71a into which the high-pressure fluid compressed by the compression mechanism 6 reaches.

[0035] The discharge chamber 71a faces the compression mechanism 6 and is formed by a recess located on the positive side of the X-axis of the first holding portion 71. The discharge chamber 71a communicates with the discharge port 20b, which opens toward the outer diameter of the first case 31.

[0036] An oil separation chamber 96 is formed in the discharge chamber 71a, and houses an oil separator 95 for recovering oil contained in the high-pressure fluid. The oil separated by the oil separator 95 is stored in the oil separation chamber 96. This oil passes through a filter (not shown) that removes impurities contained in the oil separated by the oil separator 95, and is supplied to sliding portions of the fixed scroll 60, movable scroll 65, and other components of the compression mechanism 6 to lubricate them.

[0037] 3 and 4, the second retaining portion 72 is disposed on the positive side of the X-axis from the first retaining portion 71, and is disposed between the first retaining portion 71 and the third retaining portion 73. In this embodiment, the second retaining portion 72 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the fixed scroll 60 of the compression mechanism 6 and the motor mechanism 5. The second retaining portion 72 is supported by the first peripheral wall 31b of the first case 31.

[0038] The second holding portion 72 is a cylindrical container with a bottom. The second holding portion 72 holds the compression mechanism 6. Specifically, the first holding portion 71 and the second holding portion 72 hold the compression mechanism 6 so as to sandwich it. The second holding portion 72 has a second bottom wall 72a that forms a back pressure chamber 72e for holding the compression mechanism 6, and a second peripheral wall 72b that rises from the second bottom wall 72a and houses the compression mechanism 6.

[0039] The second bottom wall 72a is located on the positive side of the X-axis with respect to the compression mechanism 6 and extends radially of the housing 3. The second bottom wall 72a is disposed between the motor mechanism 5 and the movable scroll 65 of the compression mechanism 6. A boss 72d is formed on the second bottom wall 72a, protruding toward the motor mechanism 5 to reduce the volume of the motor chamber 73e in which the motor mechanism 5 is disposed. The outer diameter of the boss 72d is smaller than the inner diameter of the coil end of the motor mechanism 5. An insertion hole 72f is formed at the tip of the boss 72d. A second bearing 82 corresponding to the insertion hole 72f and a seal member 84 are provided within the boss 72d. The second bearing 82 supports the drive shaft 50 of the motor mechanism 5. In other words, the second retaining portion 72, which has the boss 72d of the second bottom wall 72a on which the second bearing 82 is provided, retains the motor mechanism 5. The seal member 84 seals the gap between the drive shaft 50 and the inner wall surface of the insertion hole 72f.

[0040] The second peripheral wall 72b is cylindrical. Specifically, the second peripheral wall 72b is connected to the second bottom wall 72a and extends from the second bottom wall 72a in the negative X-axis direction. The second peripheral wall 72b is formed with slits 72c through which fluid that has flowed into the first case 31 from the intake port 20a and passed through the motor chamber 73e flows to the compression mechanism 6. The slits 72c extend from an edge of the second bottom wall 72a in the negative X-axis direction and communicate with the motor chamber 73e and the compression chamber 60a of the compression mechanism 6 held in the second holding portion 72. In this embodiment, the second peripheral wall 72b is formed with a plurality of slits 72c. The plurality of slits 72c are aligned in the circumferential direction of the second peripheral wall 72b.

[0041] The second peripheral wall 72b and the first retaining portion 71 sandwich the fixed scroll 60, and accommodates and retains the movable scroll 65 of the compression mechanism 6.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the compression mechanism 6 held in the second holding portion 72 has a fixed scroll 60 and a movable scroll 65 for forming a compression chamber 60a of the electric compressor 1.

[0043] The fixed scroll 60 is fixed between a first holding portion 71 and a second holding portion 72, and is disposed within the first case 31. The fixed scroll 60 has a fixed base plate 61 and a fixed spiral wall 62.

[0044] The fixed substrate 61 is sandwiched and fixed between a first holding portion 71 and a second holding portion 72. In this embodiment, the fixed substrate 61 is sandwiched and fixed between an end portion of the first holding portion 71 on the positive side of the X-axis and an end portion of the second holding portion 72 on the negative side of the X-axis.

[0045] The fixed base plate 61 is located on the negative side of the fixed scroll 60 in the X-axis direction, and is formed in a disk shape.

[0046] A discharge port 63 is formed in the fixed substrate 61. The discharge port 63 extends along the X-axis direction and connects the compression chamber 60a and the discharge chamber 71a.

[0047] A discharge reed valve 94, which is a valve body for opening and closing the opening of the discharge port 63 on the first holding portion 71 side, is attached to the fixed base plate 61 by a fixing member such as a pin. The fixing member and the discharge reed valve 94 are disposed within the discharge chamber 71a. The discharge reed valve 94 opens and closes the opening of the discharge port 63 on the first holding portion 71 side by elastically deforming. The discharge reed valve 94 has a retainer that adjusts the amount of elastic deformation.

[0048] The fixed spiral wall 62 is a spiral wall that extends upward from the surface of the fixed base plate 61 on the positive side of the X-axis toward the movable scroll 65.

[0049] The movable scroll 65 is disposed between the fixed scroll 60 and the second bottom wall 72a of the second holding portion 72 via the metal plate 88. The movable scroll 65 has a movable base plate 66 and a movable spiral wall 67.

[0050] The movable base plate 66 is located on the X-axis positive side of the movable scroll 65 and is formed in a disk shape. A bushing 85 is rotatably supported on the movable base plate 66 via a first bearing 81. The movable scroll 65 is connected to the drive shaft 50 at a position eccentric from the axis O via the bushing 85 and an eccentric pin 53. The movable spiral wall 67 is a spiral wall that extends upward from the surface of the movable base plate 66 on the X-axis negative side toward the fixed base plate 61. The axis O is approximately parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0051] The fixed scroll 60 and the movable scroll 65 are meshed with each other. That is, the movable spiral wall 67 fits into and meshes with the fixed spiral wall 62. This allows the movable scroll 65 to form a compression chamber 60a that compresses a fluid between itself and the fixed scroll 60. Specifically, the compression chamber 60a is formed by the fixed base plate 61, the fixed spiral wall 62, the movable base plate 66, and the movable spiral wall 67. The compression chamber 60a is in communication with the discharge chamber 71a via the discharge port 63.

[0052] A metal plate 88 is provided between the movable scroll 65 and the second bottom wall 72a. The metal plate 88 is formed of a metal plate. An O-ring 72g is provided between the metal plate 88 and the second bottom wall 72a and is positioned around the back pressure chamber 72e. The movable scroll 65 is biased toward the fixed scroll 60 via the metal plate 88 by the restoring force of the O-ring 72g when it is elastically deformed. The movable scroll 65 abuts against the second bottom wall 72a via the metal plate 88 and the O-ring 72g.

[0053] A back pressure chamber 72e is formed within the boss 72d by the movable base plate 66, the metal plate 88, the second bottom wall 72a, etc. In other words, the back pressure chamber 72e is formed between the second bottom wall 72a and the movable scroll 65 and is located on the back surface of the movable scroll 65. The back pressure chamber 72e is sealed by the O-ring 72g and the metal plate 88. The back pressure chamber 72e can effectively seal the compression chamber 60a by urging the movable scroll 65 toward the fixed scroll 60 by the pressure of the fluid inside.

[0054] The third holding portion 73 is connected to the end of the second holding portion 72 on the positive side of the X-axis, and is disposed on the positive side of the X-axis of the second holding portion 72. In this embodiment, the third holding portion 73 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the motor mechanism 5 connected to the second holding portion 72 and the first cover 34. The third holding portion 73 is supported by the first peripheral wall 31b of the first case 31 and the first cover 34.

[0055] The third holding portion 73 holds the motor mechanism 5. The third holding portion 73 forms a motor chamber 73e for holding the motor mechanism 5.

[0056] The third holding portion 73 is a cylindrical container with a bottom. The third holding portion 73 has a third bottom wall 73a and a third peripheral wall 73b that rises from the third bottom wall 73a and houses the motor mechanism 5.

[0057] The third bottom wall 73a is located on the positive side of the X-axis with respect to the compression mechanism 6, and extends in the radial direction of the housing 3. The third bottom wall 73a is disposed between the motor mechanism 5 and the first cover .

[0058] An insertion hole 73d is formed in the third bottom wall 73a. A third bearing 83 is provided in the insertion hole 73d. The third bearing 83 supports the drive shaft 50 of the motor mechanism 5. In other words, the third holding part 73, which has the third bottom wall 73a on which the third bearing 83 is provided, holds the motor mechanism 5.

[0059] The third bottom wall 73a is formed with a through-hole 73c through which fluid flows within the motor chamber 73e. In this embodiment, the third bottom wall 73a is formed with a plurality of through-holes 73c. ​​The plurality of through-holes 73c are formed around the insertion hole 73d so as to surround the insertion hole 73d.

[0060] The third peripheral wall 73b is cylindrical. Specifically, the third peripheral wall 73b is connected to the third bottom wall 73a and extends from the edge of the third bottom wall 73a in the negative direction of the X-axis. The third peripheral wall 73b accommodates and holds the motor mechanism 5.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the motor mechanism 5 has a drive shaft 50 and a motor drive unit 55 that drives the drive shaft 50.

[0062] The drive shaft 50 has an axis O and is cylindrical in shape extending along the X-axis direction. The drive shaft 50 is disposed from the second bottom wall 72a of the second holding portion 72 to the third bottom wall 73a of the third holding portion 73 and is provided so as to be rotatable around the axis O. The drive shaft 50 has a first shaft portion 51, a second shaft portion 52, and an eccentric pin 53.

[0063] The first shaft portion 51 is located on the positive side of the drive shaft 50 in the X-axis direction. The second shaft portion 52 is located on the negative side of the X-axis relative to the first shaft portion 51. The second shaft portion 52 has a larger diameter than the first shaft portion 51. The eccentric pin 53 is fixed to the second shaft portion 52. The eccentric pin 53 is located on the end face of the second shaft portion 52 on the negative side of the X-axis, at a position eccentric from the axis O. The eccentric pin 53 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the first shaft portion 51, and extends from the end face of the second shaft portion 52 in the negative direction of the X-axis. The second shaft portion 52 and the eccentric pin 53 are inserted into the insertion hole 72f of the boss 72d and enter the boss 72d. The eccentric pin 53 is connected to a bushing 85 inside the boss 72d.

[0064] One end of the drive shaft 50 is rotatably connected to the third holding portion 73. That is, one end of the drive shaft 50 is journaled on a third bearing 83 disposed in an insertion hole 73d of a third bottom wall 73a of the third holding portion 73. The first shaft portion 51 of the drive shaft 50 is journaled on the third bottom wall 73a of the third holding portion 73 via the third bearing 83.

[0065] The other end of the drive shaft 50 is rotatably connected to the second holding portion 72. That is, the other end of the drive shaft 50 is journaled by a second bearing 82 disposed in an insertion hole 72f of the second bottom wall 72a of the second holding portion 72. The second shaft portion 52 of the drive shaft 50 is journaled by the second bottom wall 72a of the second holding portion 72 via the second bearing 82.

[0066] In this way, the drive shaft 50 is rotatable around the axis O within the first case 31.

[0067] The motor driving unit 55 is housed in the motor chamber 73e and applies a rotational force that rotates the drive shaft 50 about the axis O. The motor driving unit 55 has a stator 55a and a rotor 55b.

[0068] The stator 55a is held on the inner circumferential surface of the third circumferential wall 73b in the motor chamber 73e. The stator 55a is electrically connected to the inverter circuit 8, which is disposed on the positive side of the X-axis of the first case 31.

[0069] The stator 55a has a stator core and coil ends. The stator core is formed in a cylindrical shape. A coil is wound around the stator core. The coil ends are annular and protrude forward and backward in the axial direction from the stator core. The coil ends are formed by a portion of the coil. Here, as described above, the outer diameter of the boss 72d is smaller than the inner diameter of the coil ends, so interference between the coil ends and the boss 72d is avoided.

[0070] The rotor 55b is disposed inside the cylindrical stator 55a and is fixed to the first shaft portion 51 of the drive shaft 50. The rotor 55b rotates inside the stator 55a, thereby rotating the drive shaft 50 around the axis O.

[0071] The second case 32 accommodates an inverter circuit 8 that supplies power for driving and controlling the motor driving unit 55. The inverter circuit 8 is grounded to the second case 32.

[0072] The second case 32 has a case body 32a and a second cover 32b attached to the case body 32a.

[0073] The case body 32a is provided on the positive side of the X-axis of the first case 31, and is disposed so as to surround the opening 33 of the first case 31. In this embodiment, the case body 32a is connected along the outer peripheral surface of the first case 31 on the opening 33 side, and is disposed so as to cover the opening 33 of the first case 31 and the first cover 34.

[0074] The first case 31 and the case body 32a are integrated by welding. In this embodiment, the case body 32a is welded along the outer peripheral surface of the first case 31 on the opening 33 side.

[0075] Fastening holes 32c are welded to the case body 32a to attach the second cover 32b to the case body 32a with fastening members such as screws or bolts.

[0076] In this electric compressor 1, the inverter circuit 8 controls the motor drive unit 55, causing the drive shaft 50 to rotate around the axis O. This causes the movable scroll 65 to orbit, causing the movable base plate 66 to slide on the tip of the fixed spiral wall 62, and causing the fixed spiral wall 62 and the movable spiral wall 67 to slide against each other. The rotation of the movable scroll 65 is restricted by the rotation-preventing pin, allowing only revolution. As the movable scroll 65 orbits, fluid in the motor chamber 73e is drawn into the compression chamber 60a via the suction passage. The compression chamber 60a then compresses the fluid inside while reducing its volume as the movable scroll 65 orbits. The compressed fluid flows from the discharge port 63 of the fixed base plate 61 to the discharge chamber 71a and is discharged from the discharge port 20b to the refrigeration circuit.

[0077] 5 shows how the components that form the multiple mounting legs 9a, the suction ports 20a, and the discharge ports 20b are welded to the first bottom wall 31a and the first peripheral wall 31b of the first case 31 and integrally attached thereto. In this embodiment, the multiple mounting legs 9a, the suction ports 20a, and the discharge ports 20b can be installed in desired locations. Note that the attachment positions of the multiple mounting legs 9a, the suction ports 20a, and the discharge ports 20b shown in FIG. 5 are merely examples and are not limited to this embodiment.

[0078] 6 shows how the respective members that become the multiple fastening holes 32c are welded to the case body 32a of the second case 32 and attached integrally. In this embodiment, the multiple fastening holes 32c can be provided in desired locations. Note that the attachment positions of the multiple fastening holes 32c shown in FIG. 6 are one example and are not limited to this embodiment.

[0079] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the electric compressor 1 according to this embodiment may have the following configuration.

[0080] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another electric compressor 1a according to the embodiment.

[0081] For example, the first peripheral wall 31b of the first case 31 may have a large diameter portion 131 in which the opening 33 is formed, and a small diameter portion 132 having a smaller diameter than the large diameter portion 131.

[0082] The large diameter portion 131 is formed on the positive X-axis direction side of the first case 31, and defines an opening 33. The small diameter portion 132 is formed on the negative X-axis direction side of the first case 31 with respect to the large diameter portion 131. Specifically, the small diameter portion 132 extends along the positive X-axis direction from the first bottom wall 31a. The large diameter portion 131 extends further along the positive X-axis direction from the edge of the small diameter portion 132 on the positive X-axis direction side. The large diameter portion 131 defines the opening 33 at its edge on the positive X-axis direction side.

[0083] The large diameter portion 131 and the first cover 34 are integrated by welding. In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral edge portion of the first cover 34 is welded along the inner peripheral surface of the opening 33 in the first case 31. In other words, the welded portion between the large diameter portion 131 and the first cover 34 is located on the inverter circuit 8 side with respect to the compression mechanism 6.

[0084] The second case 32 is provided on the positive side of the X-axis of the large diameter portion 131, and is arranged so as to cover the opening 33 of the large diameter portion 131. In this embodiment, the second case 32 is connected along the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 131 on the opening 33 side, and is arranged so as to cover the opening 33 of the large diameter portion 131 and the first cover 34.

[0085] The large diameter portion 131 and the second case 32 are integrated by welding. In the present embodiment, the second case 32 is welded along the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 131 on the opening 33 side. In other words, the welded portion between the large diameter portion 131 and the second case 32 is located on the inverter circuit 8 side with respect to the compression mechanism 6.

[0086] Because large diameter portion 131 is larger than small diameter portion 132, an annular gap S is formed between the welded portion of large diameter portion 131 and first cover 34 and third retaining portion 73, and between the welded portion of large diameter portion 131 and second case 32 and third retaining portion 73. In other words, third retaining portion 73 is separated from the welded portion of large diameter portion 131 and first cover 34 and the welded portion of large diameter portion 131 and second case 32 so as not to come into contact with them.

[0087] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the electric compressors 1, 1a according to this embodiment will be described.

[0088] As described above, the electric compressor 1, 1a of Technology 1 in this embodiment includes a motor mechanism 5, an inverter circuit 8 that drives the motor mechanism 5, a compression mechanism 6 that is driven by the motor mechanism 5, a holding portion 7 that holds the motor mechanism 5 and the compression mechanism 6, and a housing 3 that forms an outer shell and houses the motor mechanism 5, the holding portion 7, the compression mechanism 6, and the inverter circuit 8, and the holding portion 7 is a separate, independent entity from the housing 3.

[0089] This allows the motor mechanism 5, holding unit 7, compression mechanism 6, and inverter circuit 8 to be housed in one housing 3. Therefore, compared to the prior art where a housing is constructed by fastening multiple members together, this embodiment does not require the provision of fastening members for fastening multiple members together, sealing members for sealing gaps between multiple members, etc.

[0090] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0091] Furthermore, the electric compressors 1, 1a of Technology 2 in this embodiment are the electric compressors 1, 1a described in Technology 1. In this case, the holding portion 7 includes a first holding portion 71, and the first holding portion 71 forms a discharge chamber 71a from which the fluid compressed by the compression mechanism 6 is discharged.

[0092] As a result, in this embodiment, the first retaining portion 71 can be manufactured more easily than in the case where a housing having the function of the first retaining portion is manufactured using a metal member, and the electric compressor 1, 1a can be made lighter.

[0093] Furthermore, the electric compressors 1, 1a of Technology 3 in this embodiment are the electric compressors 1, 1a described in Technology 2. In this case, the holding portion 7 includes a second holding portion 72, and the first holding portion 71 and the second holding portion 72 hold the compression mechanism 6 so as to sandwich it therebetween. The second holding portion 72 holds the compression mechanism 6 and the motor mechanism 5 and forms a back pressure chamber 72e for holding the compression mechanism 6.

[0094] As a result, in this embodiment, the second retaining portion 72 can be manufactured more easily than in the case where a housing having the function of the second retaining portion is manufactured using a metal member, and the electric compressor 1, 1a can be made lighter.

[0095] The electric compressors 1, 1a according to Technology 4 of the present embodiment are the electric compressors 1, 1a described in Technology 3. In this case, the holding portion 7 includes a third holding portion 73, which is connected to the second holding portion 72, holds the motor mechanism 5, and forms a motor chamber 73e for holding the motor mechanism 5.

[0096] As a result, in this embodiment, the third retaining portion 73 can be manufactured more easily than in the case where a housing having the function of the third retaining portion is manufactured using a metal member, and the electric compressor 1, 1a can be made lighter.

[0097] The electric compressors 1, 1a according to the present embodiment of Technology 5 are the electric compressors 1, 1a described in Technology 4. In this case, the third holding portion 73 is a cylindrical container having a bottom wall, and a through-hole 73c is formed in the bottom wall (third bottom wall 73a) of the third holding portion 73 to allow fluid to flow through the motor chamber 73e.

[0098] This allows the fluid drawn in through the intake port 20a to be guided into the motor chamber 73e, which is expected to cool the motor chamber 73e. Furthermore, since the third bottom wall 73a has a plurality of through-holes 73c formed therein, it is possible to prevent the third holding portion 73 from becoming too heavy.

[0099] The electric compressor 1, 1a according to Technology 6 in this embodiment is the electric compressor 1, 1a according to Technology 4 or 5. In this case, the motor mechanism 5 has a drive shaft 50 and a motor drive unit 55 that drives the drive shaft 50, one end of the drive shaft 50 is rotatably connected to the third holder 73, and the other end of the drive shaft 50 is rotatably connected to the second holder 72.

[0100] As a result, similar to the case where a drive shaft is rotatably supported using a metal member in the prior art, the third holding portion 73 and the second holding portion 72 of the present embodiment can also rotatably support the drive shaft 50. Therefore, the present embodiment can reduce the weight of the electric compressors 1, 1a compared to the prior art while providing the same functions as the prior art.

[0101] The electric compressor 1, 1a according to Technical Example 7 of the present embodiment is the electric compressor 1, 1a described in Technical Example 6. In this case, the second holding portion 72 is a cylindrical container with a bottom, and has a bottom wall (second bottom wall 72a) that forms a back pressure chamber 72e for holding the compression mechanism 6, and a peripheral wall (second peripheral wall 72b) that rises from the bottom wall (second bottom wall 72a) and houses the compression mechanism 6. The other end of the drive shaft 50 is rotatably connected to the bottom wall (second bottom wall 72a), and a slit 72c is formed in the peripheral wall (second peripheral wall 72b) to allow fluid to flow to the compression mechanism 6.

[0102] This allows the fluid that has been drawn in through intake port 20a and passed through motor chamber 73e to be guided through slits 72c to compression chamber 60a of compression mechanism 6. Furthermore, since multiple slits 72c are formed in second bottom wall 72a, it is possible to prevent second retaining portion 72 from becoming heavy.

[0103] The electric compressor 1, 1a according to Technical Example 8 of the present embodiment is the electric compressor 1, 1a according to any one of Technical Examples 1 to 7. In this case, the housing 3 houses the motor mechanism 5, the holding portion 7, and the compression mechanism 6, and has a cylindrical first case 31 with a bottom and an opening 33, and a first cover 34 that covers the opening 33, and the thickness of the first case 31 is generally uniform, and the thickness of the first cover 34 is also generally uniform.

[0104] This allows the first case 31 and the first cover 34 to be manufactured by pressing the workpiece. For example, compared to manufacturing the first case and the first cover by a casting method such as aluminum die casting, in this embodiment, the first case 31 and the first cover 34 can be manufactured more easily, and an increase in manufacturing costs can be suppressed.

[0105] The electric compressor 1, 1a according to a ninth aspect of the present embodiment is the electric compressor 1, 1a according to any one of the first to eighth aspects. In this case, the housing 3 includes a first case 31 having a bottomed cylindrical shape and an opening 33, and accommodating the motor mechanism 5, the holding portion 7, and the compression mechanism 6, a first cover 34 covering the opening 33, and a second case 32 arranged to cover the opening 33 and the first cover 34 and accommodating the inverter circuit 8, and the first case 31 and the first cover 34 are integrated by welding, and the first case 31 and the second case 32 are integrated by welding.

[0106] This allows the first case 31 and the second case 32 to be integrated together so as to fill the gap between them. Therefore, compared to the conventional technology in which a housing is constructed by fastening multiple components, this embodiment does not require fastening members for fastening multiple components together, sealing members for sealing gaps between multiple components, etc. This makes it possible to prevent manufacturing costs from rising.

[0107] Furthermore, the electric compressor 1a of Technology 10 in this embodiment is the electric compressor 1a described in Technology 9. In this case, the retaining portion 7 includes a third retaining portion 73, the first case 31 has a large diameter portion 131 in which the opening 33 is formed and a small diameter portion 132 that is smaller in diameter than the large diameter portion 131, the large diameter portion 131 and the first cover 34 are integrated by welding, the large diameter portion 131 and the second case 32 are integrated by welding, and an annular gap S is formed between the welded portion of the large diameter portion 131 and the first cover 34 and the third retaining portion 73, and between the welded portion of the large diameter portion 131 and the second case 32 and the third retaining portion 73.

[0108] This makes it possible to suppress the effects of heat on the third retaining portion 73 when welding the large diameter portion 131 and the first cover 34, and to suppress the effects of heat on the third retaining portion 73 when welding the large diameter portion 131 and the second case 32.

[0109] The electric compressor 1, 1a according to Technical Example 11 of the present embodiment is the electric compressor 1, 1a according to Technical Example 9 or 10. In this case, the second case 32 has a case body 32a and a second cover 32b attached to the case body 32a, and fastening holes 32c for attaching the second cover 32b to the case body 32a by fastening members are integrated into the case body 32a by welding.

[0110] This allows the fastening hole 32c to be attached to a desired location on the case body 32a, thereby preventing a decrease in the degree of freedom in the location where the fastening hole 32c is to be installed on the case body 32a.

[0111] The electric compressor 1, 1a of Technology 12 in this embodiment is the electric compressor 1, 1a described in any one of Technologies 1 to 11. In this case, the housing 3 is integrated with mounting legs 9a for mounting the electric compressor 1, 1a to equipment, an intake port 20a for drawing in fluid, and an outlet port 20b for discharging compressed fluid by welding.

[0112] This allows the mounting legs 9a, the suction port 20a, and the discharge port 20b to be attached to desired locations on the housing 3. This prevents a decrease in the degree of freedom in the locations where the mounting legs 9a, the suction port 20a, and the discharge port 20b are to be installed on the housing 3.

[0113] The electric compressor 1, 1a according to Technical Solution 13 of the present embodiment is the electric compressor 1, 1a according to any one of Technical Solutions 9 to 11. In this case, the housing 3 is formed with an intake port 20a for drawing in a fluid, and the welded portion between the first case 31 and the first cover 34 and the welded portion between the first case 31 and the second case 32 are located on the intake port 20a side relative to the compression mechanism 6.

[0114] For example, the temperature tends to be higher on the discharge side than on the intake side due to compression of the fluid. In this embodiment, the first cover 34 can be positioned on either the positive or negative side of the X-axis, providing a high degree of freedom. However, if the welded points are positioned on the intake side, the sudden temperature difference between when the air conditioning system in the vehicle cabin is in use and when it is not is likely to cause thermal shock to the welded points. Since the air conditioning system is repeatedly turned on and off, it is likely that the welded points will be subjected to thermal shock multiple times. This raises concerns about early deterioration of the welded points.

[0115] Therefore, in this embodiment, the welded points are located on the intake port 20a side where there is little thermal change, so the welded points are less susceptible to the temperature difference between when the air conditioning system in the vehicle cabin is in use and when it is not, which is expected to suppress deterioration of the welded points.

[0116] (Other variations, etc.) While the electric compressor according to the present disclosure has been described based on the above-described embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, modifications that are conceivable by those skilled in the art may also be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0117] Furthermore, all of the numbers used above are examples for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the numbers shown as examples.

[0118] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope that does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0119] The present disclosure can be used in air conditioning systems for vehicles and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1, 1a electric compressor 3. Housing 5 Motor mechanism 6 Compression mechanism 7 Holding part 8 Inverter circuit 9a Mounting feet 20a intake port 20b Discharge port 31 Case 1 32 Case 2 32a Case body 32b 2nd cover 32c Fastening hole 33 Opening 34 First Cover 50 drive shaft 55 Motor drive unit 71 1st holding part 71a Discharge chamber 72 Second holding part 72a Second bottom wall (bottom wall of second holding portion) 72b Second peripheral wall (peripheral wall of second holding portion) 72c slit 72e Back pressure chamber 73 Third holding part 73a Third bottom wall (bottom wall of third holding portion) 73c through hole (through hole of third holding portion) 131 Large diameter section 132 Small diameter section S Annular void

Claims

1. a motor mechanism; an inverter circuit that drives the motor mechanism; a compression mechanism driven by the motor mechanism; a holding portion that holds the motor mechanism and the compression mechanism; a housing that forms an outer shell and accommodates the motor mechanism, the holding portion, the compression mechanism, and the inverter circuit, The holding portion is a separate body that is independent from the housing. Electric compressor.

2. the holding portion includes a first holding portion, The first holding portion forms a discharge chamber into which the fluid compressed by the compression mechanism is discharged. The electric compressor according to claim 1 .

3. the holding portion includes a second holding portion, the first holding portion and the second holding portion hold the compression mechanism so as to sandwich the compression mechanism therebetween, The second holding portion is a compression mechanism and a motor mechanism; A back pressure chamber is formed to hold the compression mechanism. The electric compressor according to claim 2 .

4. the holding portion includes a third holding portion, The third holding portion is connected to the second holding portion, A motor chamber is formed to hold the motor mechanism. The electric compressor according to claim 3 .

5. the third holding portion is a cylindrical container having a bottom wall, The bottom wall of the third holding portion is formed with a through hole through which fluid flows inside the motor chamber. The electric compressor according to claim 4.

6. the motor mechanism includes a drive shaft and a motor drive unit that drives the drive shaft; One end of the drive shaft is rotatably connected to the third holding portion, The other end of the drive shaft is rotatably connected to the second holding portion. The electric compressor according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The second holding portion is It is a cylindrical container with a bottom, a bottom wall that forms the back pressure chamber for holding the compression mechanism; and a peripheral wall that rises from the bottom wall and houses the compression mechanism, The other end of the drive shaft is rotatably connected to the bottom wall, The peripheral wall is formed with a slit for allowing fluid to flow to the compression mechanism. The electric compressor according to claim 6.

8. the housing includes a first case having a bottom and a cylindrical shape with an opening, the first case housing the motor mechanism, the holding portion, and the compression mechanism, and a first cover covering the opening; The thickness of the first case is substantially uniform, The thickness of the first cover is also substantially uniform. The electric compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. the housing includes a first case having a bottomed cylindrical shape and an opening, the first case housing the motor mechanism, the holding portion, and the compression mechanism, a first cover covering the opening, and a second case housing the inverter circuit, the second case being disposed to cover the opening and the first cover; the first case and the first cover are integrated by welding, The first case and the second case are integrated by welding. The electric compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. the holding portion includes a third holding portion, the first case has a large diameter portion in which the opening is formed and a small diameter portion having a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion, the large diameter portion and the first cover are integrated by welding, the large diameter portion and the second case are integrated by welding, An annular gap is formed between the third holding portion and the welding point between the large diameter portion and the first cover, and between the third holding portion and the welding point between the large diameter portion and the second case. The electric compressor according to claim 9.

11. the second case has a case body and a second cover attached to the case body, The case body is integrally formed with fastening holes by welding for attaching the second cover to the case body with fastening members. The electric compressor according to claim 9.

12. The housing is integrally welded with mounting legs for mounting the electric compressor to equipment, an intake port for drawing in compressed fluid, and an outlet port for discharging fluid. The electric compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

13. The housing is formed with an intake port for sucking in a fluid, The welding point between the first case and the first cover and the welding point between the first case and the second case are located on the intake port side of the compression mechanism. The electric compressor according to claim 9.

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