Electric Compressor

Abstract

To provide an electric compressor capable of suitably preventing damage to an inverter due to water droplets and suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost.SOLUTION: An electric compressor includes an inverter 7, a power supply section 9, and the like. The power supply section 9 has a first power supply cable 21, a second power supply cable 23, and a power supply connector 25. The power supply connector 25 has a first projecting portion 37. The first projecting portion 37 further has an end surface 37a and a side surface 37b. A first insertion hole 41 and a second insertion hole 43 are formed in the end surface 37a. The side surface 37b cylindrically extends and connects with the end surface 37a. A one-side second projecting portion 45 and another-side second projecting portion 47 are integrally provided on the side surface 37b. The one-side second projecting portion 45 and the other-side second projecting portion 47 extend downward from the surrounding side surface 37b in the gravity direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional electric compressor. This electric compressor includes a compression mechanism, a motor mechanism, an inverter, a housing, and a power supply unit. The compression mechanism compresses and discharges sucked fluid. The motor mechanism drives the compression mechanism. The inverter drives and controls the motor mechanism. The housing accommodates the compression mechanism, the motor mechanism, and the inverter. The power supply unit supplies power to the inverter. Note that the fluid in this document is specifically a refrigerant gas.

[0003] The power supply unit has a cable and a connector. The cable is connected to the inverter and extends outside the housing. The connector is fixed to the housing. The connector has an insertion hole through which the cable passes. A grommet is provided inside the connector, and the cable passes through the grommet.

[0004] In this electric compressor, when power is supplied to the inverter by the power supply unit, the inverter drives and controls the motor mechanism. This activates the compression mechanism and the air conditioner of the vehicle, etc. In addition, in this electric compressor, the cable is inserted into the grommet, so that water droplets such as rainwater are less likely to run down the cable and enter the housing through the insertion hole. In this way, damage to the inverter due to water droplets is prevented in this electric compressor.

[0005] However, there is a need for a more suitable way to prevent damage to the inverter caused by water droplets. Therefore, it is considered to use the water stopper disclosed in Patent Document 2 in the electric compressor of Patent Document 1. That is, the water stopper of Patent Document 2 is attached to the cable outside the connector. This is expected to lead water droplets to the outside of the connector by the water stopper before the water droplets run down the cable and reach the insertion hole. This makes it more difficult for water droplets to enter the housing through the insertion hole, which is thought to more suitably prevent damage to the inverter caused by water droplets. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-163231 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-67069 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the use of the water stop device increases the number of parts of the electric compressor. Also, since the water stop device needs to be attached to the cable, the number of steps required to manufacture the electric compressor increases. For these reasons, the manufacturing cost of such an electric compressor increases.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional situation, and has an object to provide an electric compressor that can effectively prevent damage to an inverter caused by water droplets and suppress an increase in manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The electric compressor of the present invention comprises: a compression mechanism that compresses and discharges an intake fluid; a motor mechanism that drives the compression mechanism; an inverter that drives and controls the motor mechanism; a housing that accommodates the compression mechanism, the motor mechanism, and the inverter therein; A power supply unit that supplies power to the inverter, the power supply unit includes a cable connected to the inverter and extending outside the housing, and a connector fixed to the housing; The connector has a first protrusion protruding toward an outside of the housing, the first protrusion has an end surface having an insertion hole through which the cable is inserted, and a side surface extending in a cylindrical shape and connected to the end surface, A second protrusion is integrally provided on the side surface, the second protrusion extending downward further than the surrounding side surface in a gravity direction, which is a direction of gravity acting on the housing, Water droplets that have traveled along the cable to the insertion hole are guided from the insertion hole through the end face to the second protruding portion. 、 The cable is a pair, The insertion holes are a pair, The second protrusions are a pair, The cables are inserted separately through the insertion holes, Each of the second protrusions is formed in a shape that gradually tapers as it moves downward in the gravity direction from each of the insertion holes, Between the second protruding portions on the side surface, recesses are formed that are recessed from the second protruding portions toward the insertion holes. It is characterized by the above.

[0010] In the electric compressor of the present invention, the connector has a first protrusion. The first protrusion has an end face and a side face. An insertion hole is formed in the end face, and a cable is inserted through this insertion hole. Meanwhile, a second protrusion is provided on the side face. Here, the second protrusion extends downward in the direction of gravity beyond the side face surrounding it.

[0011] As a result, in this electric compressor, water droplets that have traveled along the cable to the insertion hole are guided from the insertion hole via the end face to the second protruding portion, making it possible to effectively prevent water droplets that have reached the insertion hole via the cable from entering the housing via the insertion hole.

[0012] Here, the second protrusion is integrally formed on the side surface of the first protrusion. Therefore, in this electric compressor, even if the second protrusion is provided on the side surface, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed. In addition, in this electric compressor, the work of providing the second protrusion on the side surface is also unnecessary.

[0013] Therefore, the electric compressor of the present invention can preferably prevent damage to the inverter caused by water droplets, and can suppress an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0014] The cables are paired. R In addition, there are a pair of insertion holes. R Furthermore, the second protrusions are a pair. R In addition, each cable is inserted separately into each insertion hole. R It is preferable that each of the second protrusions is disposed on the side surface at a position directly below each of the insertion holes in the direction of gravity.

[0015] In this case, water droplets that reach each insertion hole along each cable are guided from each insertion hole to each second protrusion via the end face. Here, each second protrusion is disposed on the side surface at a position directly below each insertion hole in the direction of gravity. Therefore, in this electric compressor, water droplets that reach each insertion hole are suitably guided to each second protrusion via the end face.

[0016] each The second protrusion is each The shape is gradually tapered as it moves downward from the insertion hole in the direction of gravity. 。 this For , water droplets each Water droplets tend to gather on the second protruding part. each This makes it easier for the liquid to drip from the lower end of the second protruding portion toward the outside of the first protruding portion.

[0017] In addition, on the end surface, each From the insertion hole each It is preferable that a groove is formed extending toward the second protruding portion, In this case, water droplets that reach each insertion hole can be suitably guided to each second protruding portion.

[0018] each It is preferable that the insertion hole has a tapered portion whose diameter gradually increases from the inside of the housing toward the end face. In this case, each The tapered portion allows water droplets that reach the insertion hole to be suitably guided to the end face and, ultimately, to each of the second protruding portions. Also, since each insertion hole has a tapered portion, in this electric compressor, it is possible to prevent each cable inserted into each insertion hole from being suddenly bent at the end face of the first protruding portion. Effect of the Invention

[0019] The electric compressor of the present invention can suitably prevent damage to the inverter caused by water droplets, and can also suppress an increase in manufacturing costs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the electric compressor of the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the electric compressor of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electric compressor according to the first embodiment, showing a cable and a connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the electric compressor according to the first embodiment, illustrating a cable and a protruding portion. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing the protruding portion of the electric compressor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the electric compressor according to the first embodiment, taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the electric compressor according to the second embodiment, showing a cable and a protruding portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First and second embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The electric compressors of the first and second embodiments are mounted on a vehicle (not shown) and form an air conditioner for the vehicle.

[0022] Example 1 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electric compressor of the first embodiment includes a housing 1, a compression mechanism 3, a motor mechanism 5, an inverter 7, and a power supply unit 9.

[0023] In this embodiment, the front-rear direction and the up-down direction of the electric compressor are defined by solid arrows shown in Fig. 1. Also, in Fig. 2, the up-down direction of the electric compressor is defined in correspondence with Fig. 1, and the left-right direction of the electric compressor is also defined. Then, in Fig. 3 and subsequent figures, the front-rear direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction of the electric compressor are defined in correspondence with Figs. 1 and 2.

[0024] The electric compressor of this embodiment is mounted in the engine room of the vehicle with its upper side facing the upper side of the vehicle. Thus, in this embodiment, the direction from the top to the bottom corresponds to the "gravity direction" in the present invention. In other words, when mounted in the engine room, gravity acts on the electric compressor including the housing 1 in the direction from the top to the bottom of the compressor.

[0025] Here, the electric compressor is mounted below an engine compartment. More specifically, a battery (not shown) is provided in the engine compartment, and the electric compressor is disposed below the battery in the engine compartment. Note that the position of the electric compressor when mounted on a vehicle can be changed as appropriate.

[0026] 1 and 2, the housing 1 has a compressor housing 11, a motor housing 13, and an inverter box 15. The compressor housing 11, the motor housing 13, and the inverter box 15 are made of an aluminum alloy. The compressor housing 11, the motor housing 13, and the inverter box 15 are arranged in this order in the front-rear direction and assembled together. Although not shown, the compressor housing 11 is formed with a discharge port, and the motor housing 13 is formed with a suction port.

[0027] 1, the inverter box 15 is made up of a front case 17 located on the motor housing 13 side, and a rear case 19 located on the rear side of the front case 17. The front case 17 and the rear case 19 are joined in the front-to-rear direction. As a result, an inverter chamber 15a is formed inside the inverter box 15.

[0028] Further, a communication hole 150 is formed in the front case 17. This communication hole 150 communicates the outside of the front case 17, i.e., the outside of the housing 1, with the inverter chamber 15a. A first power supply cable 21 and a second power supply cable 23, which will be described later, are inserted through the communication hole 150. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a control connector 61 is fixed to the front case 17.

[0029] 1, the compression mechanism 3 is specifically a known scroll type compression mechanism. The compression mechanism 3 is accommodated in a compressor housing 11. As a result, a discharge chamber (not shown) is formed between the compression mechanism 3 and the compressor housing 11.

[0030] The motor mechanism 5 is accommodated in a motor housing 13. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the motor mechanism 5 is composed of a stator, a rotor, and a drive shaft. The motor mechanism 5 is connected to the compression mechanism so as to be capable of transmitting power.

[0031] The inverter 7 is accommodated in an inverter room 15a, i.e., an inverter box 15. Although not shown in detail, the inverter 7 is composed of a circuit board and a plurality of semiconductors and the like provided on the circuit board. The inverter 7 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 9 and the control connector 61.

[0032] 3, the power supply unit 9 has a first power supply cable 21, a second power supply cable 23, and a power supply connector 25. The first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 are examples of the "cable" in the present invention. The power supply connector 25 is an example of the "connector" in the present invention.

[0033] The first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 are separate from each other. One end of each of the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 is electrically connected to the inverter 7 (see FIG. 1). The first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 extend into the engine room, i.e., outside the housing 1, and are electrically connected to a battery provided in the engine room. More specifically, the other end of the first power supply cable 21 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery. The other end of the second power supply cable 23 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the battery.

[0034] 3, the power supply connector 25 has a case 31 and a cap 33. The case 31 is made of resin and is formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The case 31 has a mounting opening 310 and first to fourth mounting holes 311 to 314 formed therein. The mounting opening 310 penetrates the case 31 in the front-rear direction.

[0035] The first mounting hole 311 and the second mounting hole 312 are disposed in the upper part of the case 31 and are located above the mounting opening 310. More specifically, the first mounting hole 311 is disposed at the upper left end of the case 31, and the second mounting hole 312 is disposed at the upper right end of the case 31. The third mounting hole 313 is disposed below the first mounting hole 311. And the fourth mounting hole 314 is disposed below the second mounting hole 312. As a result, the third mounting hole 313 and the fourth mounting hole 314 are disposed in the left-right direction with the mounting opening 310 in between. A bracket (not shown) that holds the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 outside the cap is attached to the third mounting hole 313 and the fourth mounting hole 314.

[0036] The cap 33 is made of resin. The cap 33 has a main body 35 and a first protrusion 37. The cap 33 is fixed to the case 31 by fitting the main body 35 into the mounting opening 310.

[0037] 6, the main body 35 has a storage chamber 35a formed therein. The storage chamber 35a is recessed from the rear end of the main body 35 toward the front. The main body 35 fits into the mounting opening 310, so that the storage chamber 35a is located inside the case 31. A grommet 27 is provided in the storage chamber 35a as a sealing member. The grommet 27 is made of synthetic rubber. The grommet 27 may be made of other materials.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the first protrusion 37 is integrally formed at the center of the main body 35 and protrudes forward from the main body 35 in a generally elliptical shape. The first protrusion 37 has an end face 37a and a side face 37b. The end face 37a is located at the front end of the first protrusion 37, i.e., the frontmost end of the cap 33. The end face 37a is formed in a flat shape. A first insertion hole 41 and a second insertion hole 43 are respectively formed in the end face 37a. The first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 are examples of the "insertion hole" in the present invention.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 5, the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 are disposed apart in the left-right direction, and each extends from the end face 37a into the first protruding portion 37. As shown in Fig. 4, the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 are formed to have a larger diameter than the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23, respectively. This allows the first insertion hole 41 to pass through the first power supply cable 21, and the second insertion hole 43 to pass through the second power supply cable 23. In other words, the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 are separately inserted into the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43.

[0040] The first insertion hole 41 has a first straight portion 41a and a first tapered portion 41b, and the second insertion hole 43 has a second straight portion 43a and a second tapered portion 43b. The first tapered portion 41b and the second tapered portion 43b are an example of the "tapered portion" in the present invention.

[0041] The first straight portion 41a and the second straight portion 43a each extend linearly in the front-rear direction inside the first protruding portion 37. As shown in Fig. 6, the first straight portion 41a is connected to the accommodation chamber 35a at its rear end. Although not shown, the second straight portion 43a is also connected to the accommodation chamber 35a at its rear end, similar to the first straight portion 41a. As a result, the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 are in communication with the accommodation chamber 35a.

[0042] 4, the first tapered portion 41b is connected to the front end of the first straight portion 41a, and the second tapered portion 43b is connected to the front end of the second straight portion 43a. As a result, the first tapered portion 41b constitutes the front portion of the first insertion hole 41, and the second tapered portion 43b constitutes the front portion of the second insertion hole 43. In addition, the first tapered portion 41b and the second tapered portion 43b each have a front end connected to the end face 37a.

[0043] 6, the first tapered portion 41b gradually increases in diameter from the first straight portion 41a toward the end face 37a. Similarly, the second tapered portion 43b gradually increases in diameter from the second straight portion 43a toward the end face 37a. In other words, the first tapered portion 41b and the second tapered portion 43b are connected to the end face 37a at the point where they have the largest diameter.

[0044] 4, the side surface 37b is located between the end surface 37a and the main body 35, and extends cylindrically in the front-rear direction. The side surface 37b is connected to the end surface 37a at its front end, and is connected to the main body 35 at its rear end. In this way, the side surface 37b connects the end surface 37a and the main body 35.

[0045] The side surface 37b is integrally provided with a one-side second protruding portion 45 and an other-side second protruding portion 47. The one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47 are an example of the "second protruding portion" in the present invention.

[0046] The one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47 are provided on the side surface 37b, separated from each other in the left-right direction. Specifically, the one-side second protrusion 45 is provided on the side surface 37b at a position directly below the first insertion hole 41. On the other hand, the other-side second protrusion 47 is provided on the side surface 37b at a position directly below the second insertion hole 43. That is, the one-side second protrusion 45 is located directly below the first insertion hole 41 in the direction of gravity, and the other-side second protrusion 47 is located directly below the second insertion hole 43 in the direction of gravity. Here, since the end surface 37a and the side surface 37b are integral with each other, the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47 are provided on the side surface 37b, and are integral with the lower part of the end surface 37a and are continuous with the end surface 37a.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 5, the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47 are formed in the same shape. Specifically, the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47 extend downward from the side surface 37b and the end surface 37a. In this case, the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47 extend downward further than the side surface 37b around them. As a result, the lower ends of the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47 are located at the lowest position in the first protrusion 37 including the side wall 37b.

[0048] Moreover, the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47 are gradually tapered as they move downward from the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43, and further from the end face 37a. As a result, the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47 are substantially triangular in shape tapering from the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 side toward the lower end side. In other words, the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47 are substantially triangular in shape gradually narrowing in the left-right direction from the base side connected to the side face 37b and the end face 37a toward the tip side. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the length in the front-rear direction of the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47 is equal to the length in the front-rear direction of the side face 37b. Therefore, the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47 are connected to the main body 35 at their rear ends.

[0049] In the power supply unit 9, the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 are inserted into the power supply connector 25 with one end of each connected to the inverter 7. That is, the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 are inserted into the grommet 27 while entering the case 31. The first power supply cable 21 is inserted into the first insertion hole 41 and extends from the end face 37a of the first protrusion 37 to the outside of the first protrusion 37. Similarly, the second power supply cable 23 is inserted into the second insertion hole 43 and extends from the end face 37a of the first protrusion 37 to the outside of the first protrusion 37.

[0050] In addition, the power supply connector 25 has a first fastening bolt 71 and a second fastening bolt 73 inserted into the first mounting hole 311 and the second mounting hole 312 of the case 31, respectively (see Figure 2).Then, the case 31, and ultimately the power supply connector 25, are fastened to the front case 17 by these first fastening bolts 71 and second fastening bolts 73.

[0051] As a result, in the power supply unit 9, the power supply connector 25 is fixed to the inverter box 15 and, in turn, to the housing 1. The first protrusion 37 is in a state of protruding forward from the housing 1. Furthermore, the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 communicate with the inverter chamber 15a, i.e., the housing 1, via the accommodation chamber 35a and the communication hole 150. The first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 are in a state of extending from the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 toward the outside of the housing 1. Note that, in a state in which the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 are inserted into the power supply connector 25 in advance, each one end side of the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 may be connected to the inverter 7. The power supply connector 25 may also be fixed to the front case 17 by another method.

[0052] The other ends of the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 are connected to a battery in the engine room of the vehicle. Here, this electric compressor is disposed below the battery in the engine room. Therefore, the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 extend upward from the housing 1 and are connected to the battery. Thus, in this electric compressor, the inverter 7 and the battery are electrically connected by the power supply unit 9.

[0053] In addition, in this electric compressor, one end of a control cable (not shown) is connected to the control connector 61. The other end of the control cable is connected to a control device (not shown) of the vehicle. As a result, in this electric compressor, the inverter 7 and the control device are electrically connected to each other.

[0054] In the electric compressor configured as above, power is supplied from the battery to the inverter 7 through the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23. A control signal is sent from the control device to the inverter 7 through a control cable connected to the control connector 61. In this way, the inverter 7 controls the operation of the motor mechanism 5 while supplying power to the motor mechanism 5. This causes the motor mechanism 5 to drive the compression mechanism 3. Therefore, the compression mechanism 3 sucks in and compresses the refrigerant gas that has flowed into the motor housing 13 from the suction port, and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas into the discharge chamber. The refrigerant gas discharged into the discharge chamber is discharged to the outside of the housing 1 from a discharge port formed in the compressor housing 11.

[0055] Incidentally, in this electric compressor, the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 extend outside the housing 1 and are connected to the battery. For this reason, water droplets 100 (see FIG. 6 ) that have entered the engine compartment may adhere to the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23. Then, the water droplets 100 that have adhered to the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 may flow along the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 toward the first protruding portion 37 and further toward the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43.

[0056] In particular, the electric compressor is disposed below the battery in the engine room, and the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 extend upward from the housing 1 and are connected to the battery. Therefore, the water droplets 100 attached to the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 tend to flow toward the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 by gravity while running down the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23. In addition to rainwater, examples of the water droplets 100 include washing water during car washing and muddy water during driving. In addition, the water droplets 100 may contain impurities such as lubricating oil in the engine room and mud on the road, in addition to salt in the air.

[0057] Here, the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 communicate with the inside of the inverter chamber 15a, and the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 are connected to the inverter 7. For this reason, if water droplets 100 reach the inside of the inverter chamber 15a from the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 and adhere to the inverter 7, there is a concern that the inverter 7 may be short-circuited, corroded, or the like.

[0058] In this regard, in this electric compressor, even if water droplets 100 flow along the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 into the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43, the water droplets 100 are unlikely to penetrate into the inverter chamber 15a from the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43.

[0059] That is, in this electric compressor, the water droplets 100 that flow along the first power supply cable 21 to the first insertion hole 41 reach a gap between the first power supply cable 21 and the first power supply cable 21 inside the first insertion hole 41. Similarly, the water droplets 100 that flow along the second power supply cable 23 to the second insertion hole 43 reach a gap between the second power supply cable 23 and the second power supply cable 23 inside the second insertion hole 43.

[0060] Here, in this electric compressor, an accommodation chamber 35a is formed in the main body 35 of the cap 33, and a grommet 27 is provided in this accommodation chamber 35a. The first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 are inserted through the grommet 27. As a result, the grommet 27 is located behind the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43, and seals the gap between the inner wall of the accommodation chamber 35a and the grommet 27, the gap between the grommet 27 and the first insertion hole 41, and the gap between the grommet 27 and the second insertion hole 43.

[0061] Therefore, the water droplets 100 that reach the inside of the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 are unlikely to flow rearward through the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43. As a result, the water droplets 100 in the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 flow out to the end face 37a of the first protruding portion 37 via the first tapered portion 41b and the second tapered portion 43b.

[0062] Then, the water droplets 100 flowing out to the end face 37a flow downward on the end face 37a due to gravity acting on the first protrusion 37 and, by extension, the housing 1. Here, the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47 are provided on the side surface 37b of the first protrusion 37, and the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47 extend downward from the end face 37a. Therefore, the water droplets 100 flowing downward on the end face 37a are guided to the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47. Then, the water droplets 100 guided to the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47 flow toward the lower ends of the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47 due to gravity acting on the housing 1.

[0063] In this way, the one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47 guide the water droplets 100 from their lower ends to the outside of the first protruding portion 37, and ultimately to the outside of the housing 1. In other words, the one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47 cause the water droplets 100 to drip from their respective lower ends toward the outside of the housing 1.

[0064] In this manner, in this electric compressor, even if the water droplets 100 reach the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 through the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23, the one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47 can guide the water droplets 100 to the outside of the housing 1. In addition, since the one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47 guide the water droplets 100 to the outside of the housing 1, in this electric compressor, the water droplets 100 that flow out from the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 to the end face 37a are prevented from flowing back into the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 due to vibrations during vehicle travel, etc.

[0065] As a result, in this electric compressor, even if water droplets 100 reach the inside of the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 through the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23, the water droplets 100 are unlikely to enter the inverter box 15 through the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43. Therefore, in this electric compressor, short circuits, corrosion, etc. of the inverter 7 due to the water droplets 100 are unlikely to occur.

[0066] Furthermore, some of the water droplets 100 running down the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 may fall from the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 onto the end face 37a before reaching the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 due to vibrations while the vehicle is traveling, etc. Furthermore, in this electric compressor, the water droplets 100 may also adhere directly to the end face 37a without passing through the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23.

[0067] However, in this electric compressor, such water droplets 100 are also guided to the one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47 via the end face 37a, and are further guided from the one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47 to the outside of the housing 1. For this reason, in this electric compressor, in addition to the water droplets 100 that have fallen from the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 to the end face 37a before reaching the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43, the water droplets 100 that have adhered to the end face 37a without passing through the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 are also unlikely to enter the inverter box 15 through the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43.

[0068] The one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47 are integrally formed on the side surface 37b of the first protruding portion 37. Therefore, in this electric compressor, even if the one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47 are provided, an increase in the number of parts of the power supply connector 25 is suppressed. In addition, in this electric compressor, by forming the one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47 integrally on the side surface 37b, the work of providing the one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47 on the side surface 37b is also unnecessary.

[0069] Therefore, the electric compressor of the first embodiment can suitably prevent the inverter 7 from being damaged by the water droplets 100, and can also suppress an increase in the manufacturing cost.

[0070] In particular, in this electric compressor, the grommet 27 not only blocks water, making it easier for water droplets 100 in the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 to flow out to the end face 37a, but the grommet 27 itself also effectively prevents the water droplets 100 in the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 from flowing rearward.

[0071] As described above, the water droplets 100 in the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 are guided to the one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47 via the end face 37a, so that in this electric compressor, the water droplets 100 are less likely to accumulate in the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43. As a result, in this electric compressor, contact between the grommet 27 and the water droplets 100 for a long period of time is prevented, and deterioration of the grommet 27 due to salt contained in the water droplets 100 is also preferably prevented.

[0072] In addition, in this electric compressor, the one-side second protruding portion 45 is provided at a position directly below the first insertion hole 41 in the direction of gravity, and the other-side second protruding portion 47 is provided at a position directly below the second insertion hole in the direction of gravity. Therefore, in this electric compressor, water droplets 100 flowing out from the first insertion hole 41 to the end face 37a flow from the end face 37a toward the one-side second protruding portion 45, and water droplets 100 flowing out from the second insertion hole 43 to the end face 37a flow from the end face 37a toward the other-side second protruding portion 47. As a result, in this electric compressor, the water droplets 100 that have reached the first insertion hole 41 and the water droplets 100 that have reached the second insertion hole 43 can be suitably guided to the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47, and the water droplets 100 can be suitably guided to the outside of the housing 1 by the one-side second protrusion 45 and the other-side second protrusion 47.

[0073] Furthermore, the one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47 are formed in a generally triangular shape that gradually tapers as it moves downward away from the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43, respectively. Therefore, in this electric compressor, water droplets 100 flowing downward along the end face 37a tend to collect at the one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47. Also, in this electric compressor, water droplets 100 tend to drip from the lower ends of the one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47 toward the outside of the housing 1.

[0074] Further, the first insertion hole 41 has a first tapered portion 41b, and the second insertion hole 43 has a second tapered portion 43b. The first tapered portion 41b and the second tapered portion 43b are gradually enlarged in diameter toward the end face 37a. As a result, in this electric compressor, water droplets 100 in the first insertion hole 41 are easily allowed to flow out to the end face 37a through the first tapered portion 41b, and water droplets 100 in the second insertion hole 43 are easily allowed to flow out to the end face 37a through the second tapered portion 43b. In other words, in this electric compressor, the water droplets 100 that reach the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 can be suitably circulated toward the end face 37a, and further toward the one-side second protruding portion 45 and the other-side second protruding portion 47 by the first tapered portion 41b and the second tapered portion 43b. In this regard, too, in this electric compressor, water droplets 100 are less likely to enter inverter box 15 through first insertion hole 41 and second insertion hole 43.

[0075] Furthermore, in this electric compressor, the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 inserted into the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43, respectively, are prevented from being suddenly bent upward from the first protrusion 37 by the first tapered portion 41b and the second tapered portion 43b. Therefore, in this electric compressor, breakage of the first power supply cable 21 and the second power supply cable 23 can also be suitably prevented.

[0076] Example 2 7, in the electric compressor of the second embodiment, a first groove 51 and a second groove 53 are integrally formed in an end surface 37a of a first protruding portion 37. The first groove 51 and the second groove 53 are an example of the "groove" according to the present invention.

[0077] The first groove 51 and the second groove 53 have the same shape and are recessed in the end face 37a. The first groove 51 is located below the first insertion hole 41 on the end face 37a and extends in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the second groove 53 is located below the first insertion hole 41 on the end face 37a and extends in the vertical direction. More specifically, the first groove 51 has an upper end connected to the first insertion hole 41 through the first tapered portion 41b and extends downward toward the one-side second protruding portion 45. The second groove 53 has an upper end connected to the second insertion hole 43 through the second tapered portion 43b and extends downward toward the other-side second protruding portion 47. Other configurations of this electric compressor are similar to those of the electric compressor of the first embodiment, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations is omitted.

[0078] In this electric compressor, the water droplets 100 flowing out from the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 to the end face 37a flow through the first groove 51 and the second groove 53. As a result, the first groove 51 guides the water droplets 100 toward the one-side second protruding portion 45, and the second groove 53 guides the water droplets 100 toward the other-side second protruding portion 47. In this manner, in this electric compressor, the water droplets 100 in the first insertion hole 41 can be suitably guided to the one-side second protruding portion 45, and the water droplets 100 in the second insertion hole 43 can be suitably guided to the other-side second protruding portion 47. As a result, in this electric compressor, the water droplets 100 in the first insertion hole 41 and the second insertion hole 43 are less likely to infiltrate into the inverter chamber 15a.

[0079] In addition, since the first groove 51 and the second groove 53 are integrally formed on the end face 37a, this electric compressor also suppresses an increase in the number of parts of the power feed connector 25. Furthermore, this electric compressor does not require the work of forming the first groove 51 and the second groove 53 on the end face 37a. Other functions of this electric compressor are similar to those of the electric compressor of the first embodiment.

[0080] In the above, the present invention has been described based on Examples 1 and 2. However, the present invention is not limited to the above Examples 1 and 2, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0083] Furthermore, in the electric compressor of the first embodiment, the communication hole 150 may be formed in the rear case 19, and the power supply connector 25 may be fixed to the rear case 19. The same applies to the electric compressor of the second embodiment.

[0084] As the compression mechanism 3, a vane type compression mechanism, a swash plate type compression mechanism, or a centrifugal type compression mechanism may be used.

[0085] Furthermore, the compression mechanism 3 may take in and discharge fluids other than the refrigerant gas, such as air or hydrogen to be pumped to a fuel cell, etc. In other words, the compression mechanism 3 may be used for a fuel cell vehicle. [Industrial Applicability]

[0086] The present invention can be used in electrically-driven devices such as vehicle electric compressors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1. Housing 3...Compression mechanism 5. Motor mechanism 7…Inverter 9…Power supply section 21...First power supply cable (cable) 23...Second power supply cable (cable) 25…Power supply connector (connector) 37...first protrusion 37a...end face 37b…side 41...First insertion hole 41b...First tapered portion (tapered portion) 43...Second insertion hole 43b...Second tapered portion (tapered portion) 45…Second protrusion on one side (second protrusion) 47…Second protrusion on the other side (second protrusion) 51…First groove (groove) 53…Second groove (groove)

Claims

1. A compression mechanism that compresses and discharges the sucked fluid; a motor mechanism that drives the compression mechanism; an inverter that drives and controls the motor mechanism; a housing that accommodates the compression mechanism, the motor mechanism, and the inverter therein; A power supply unit that supplies power to the inverter, the power supply unit includes a cable connected to the inverter and extending outside the housing, and a connector fixed to the housing; The connector has a first protrusion protruding toward an outside of the housing, the first protrusion has an end surface in which an insertion hole through which the cable is inserted is formed, and a side surface extending in a cylindrical shape and connected to the end surface, A second protrusion is integrally provided on the side surface, the second protrusion extending downward further than the surrounding side surface in a gravity direction that is a direction of gravity acting on the housing, Water droplets that have traveled along the cable to the insertion hole are guided from the insertion hole through the end face to the second protruding portion, The cable is a pair, The insertion holes are a pair, The second protrusions are a pair, The cables are inserted separately through the insertion holes, Each of the second protrusions is formed in a shape that gradually tapers as it moves downward in the gravity direction from each of the insertion holes, a recess formed between the second protruding portions on the side surface, the recess recessed from each of the second protruding portions toward each of the insertion holes.

2. An electric compressor as described in claim 1, wherein each of the second protrusions is respectively positioned on the side surface at a location directly below each of the insertion holes in the direction of gravity.

3. 3. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the end surface is formed with a groove extending from each of the insertion holes toward each of the second protruding portions.

4. 4. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein each of the insertion holes has a tapered portion that gradually increases in diameter from an inner side of the housing toward the end face.

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