Structure with an Electric Compressor Mounted

Abstract

To provide an improved electric compressor loading structure where a coupling body of an electric compressor and a motor unit is fixed to a mounting space.SOLUTION: An electric compressor loading structure 10 comprises: a mount bracket (first mount bracket 20) joined through a mount insulator fixed to a vehicle frame 12 to a lower side of the vehicle frame 12 and including a first face 20m1 facing in an extension direction (Y direction) of the vehicle frame 12 and a second face 20m2 opposite to the first face 20m1; a motor unit 24 which is coupled at a plurality of first fastening positions on the first face 20m1 arrayed in a vertical direction (Z direction); and an electric compressor 26 which is coupled at a plurality of second fastening positions 30a, 32a on the second face 20m2 arrayed in the vertical direction. The second fastening positions 30a, 32a arrayed in the vertical direction are arranged sandwiching in the vertical direction (Z direction) an uppermost one of the first fastening positions arrayed in the vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure for mounting an electric compressor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an electric vehicle, a power device (motor unit) called an "e-axle", which integrates devices such as a motor as a drive source, an inverter that controls electric power, and a transaxle connected to tires, is fixed to the lower surface side of a mounting space under the bonnet at the front of the vehicle. Also, a control unit (for example, an ESU (Electricity Supply Unit) and motor accessories) is fixed to the upper surface side of the mounting space.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the fixed structure of the motor unit as described above, when the electric compressor is arranged on the side surface of the motor unit, considering the component mounting property between two side members extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, the mount insulator interposed when fixing the motor unit to the frame is often arranged on the upper surface of the motor unit. In this case, the component dimensions in the vehicle up-down direction increase, the mounting structure tends to become unstable, and there is a problem that vibration during driving is likely to occur in the motor unit. Further, as a result of the increase in the component dimensions in the vehicle up-down direction, there is a problem in terms of design that it becomes necessary to raise the height of the bonnet (vehicle hood).

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved mounting structure for an electric compressor for fixing a combined body of an electric compressor and a motor unit to a mounting space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, an electric compressor mounting structure according to the present invention is joined to the lower side of the vehicle frame via a mount insulator fixed to the vehicle frame, and includes a mount bracket having a first surface facing in the extending direction of the vehicle frame and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a motor unit fastened at a plurality of first fastening positions arranged in the vertical direction on the first surface, and an electric compressor fastened at a plurality of second fastening positions arranged in the vertical direction on the second surface. The second fastening positions arranged in the vertical direction are arranged with the uppermost first fastening position arranged in the vertical direction sandwiched therebetween in the vertical direction.

[0007] According to this configuration, for example, by arranging the second fastening positions arranged in the vertical direction with the uppermost first fastening position arranged in the vertical direction sandwiched therebetween in the vertical direction, it becomes possible to add a part of the rigidity of the electric compressor to the rigidity of the mount bracket that suspends the heavy motor unit. That is, the rigidity of the electric compressor mounting structure is improved, the generation of vibrations and the like is suppressed, and it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the mounting structure.

Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an improved electric compressor mounting structure for fixing a combined body of an electric compressor and a motor unit to a mounting space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] FIG. 1 is an exemplary and schematic front view showing the entirety of an electric compressor mounting structure 10 of the present invention.

[0016] In the following figures, for convenience, three mutually orthogonal directions are defined. The X direction is the direction along the front-rear direction of the electric vehicle, and the Y direction is the direction along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) of the electric vehicle. The Z direction is the direction along the height direction (up-down direction) of the electric vehicle.

[0017] A vehicle frame 12 extending in the Y direction is provided in a part of a mounting space (space under the bonnet) of an electric vehicle (not shown). The vehicle frame 12 is suspended from a pair of side members (not shown) extending in the X direction of the mounting space.

[0018] The electric compressor mounting structure 10 of the present embodiment has a motor unit, an electric compressor 26, etc. suspended and fixed by a pair of mount brackets held via a pair of mount insulators fixed to the lower surface side (-Z direction) of the vehicle frame 12.

[0019] Specifically, the first mount insulator 14, which is one of the mount insulators, is fixed to the lower surface side (-Z direction) of the vehicle frame 12 by a fastening member 16 such as a bolt. Similarly, the second mount insulator 18, which is the other mount insulator, is fixed to the lower surface side (-Z direction) of the vehicle frame 12 by the fastening member 16. The first mount insulator 14 and the second mount insulator 18 are formed of an elastic member such as rubber, and are provided with, for example, cylindrical holding holes 14a and 18a that penetrate in the Y direction.

[0020] A connecting arm 20a formed at the upper end of the first mount bracket 20 is inserted into the holding hole 14a, for example, in a press-fitted state. Similarly, a connecting arm 22a formed at the upper end of the second mount bracket 22 is inserted into the holding hole 18a, for example, in a press-fitted state. The first mount insulator 14 and the second mount insulator 18 connect the first mount bracket 20 and the second mount bracket 22 through the holding holes 14a and 18a, thereby suppressing or reducing the transmission of vibrations of the structure supported by the first mount bracket 20, the second mount bracket 22, and between the first mount bracket 20 and the second mount bracket 22 to the vehicle frame 12 side.

[0021] The first mount bracket 20 is a substantially plate-shaped member formed of, for example, a steel material, and includes a connecting arm 20a extending in the +Y direction and a fixing surface extending along the X-Z plane. Also, the second mount bracket 22 is a substantially plate-shaped member formed of, for example, a steel material, and is similar in that it includes a connecting arm 22a extending in the -Y direction and a fixing surface extending along the X-Z plane, although its detailed shape is different from that of the first mount bracket 20.

[0022] The first mounting bracket 20 includes a first surface 20m1 facing one side surface (the surface in the extending direction (-Y direction) of the vehicle frame 12) among the fixing surfaces extending along the X-Z plane, and a second surface 20m2 facing the opposite side (+Y direction side) of the first surface 20m1. One end surface of the motor unit 24 is fastened and fixed to the first surface 20m1 of the first mounting bracket 20. On the other hand, the electric compressor 26 is fastened and fixed to the second surface 20m2 of the first mounting bracket 20.

[0023] Also, the second mounting bracket 22 includes a first surface 22m1 facing one side surface (the surface in the extending direction (-Y direction) of the vehicle frame 12) among the fixing surfaces extending along the X-Z plane, and a second surface 22m2 facing the opposite side (+Y direction) of the first surface 22m1. The other end surface of the motor unit 24 is fastened and fixed to the second surface 22m2 of the second mounting bracket 22. Therefore, the motor unit 24 is suspended and fixed to the vehicle frame 12 in a state of being sandwiched between the first mounting bracket 20 and the second mounting bracket 22.

[0024] The motor unit 24 is a power device called a so-called "e-axle" that integrates devices such as a motor, an inverter, and a transaxle. The motor is mainly a drive source of an electric vehicle, and for example, a type using a permanent magnet can be used. The inverter converts the direct current flowing from the battery into an alternating current (three-phase alternating current) to drive the motor. Also, the inverter controls the motor output according to the accelerator operation of the electric vehicle. The transaxle (power transmission mechanism) includes a transmission that appropriately shifts the rotation of the motor, and a differential gear that distributes the driving force to the drive shafts 28 connected to the left and right tires.

[0025] The electric compressor 26 is a device that is used, for example, to compress and deliver air for an air conditioner mounted on an electric vehicle, or to be used in thermal management for cooling in-vehicle electronic devices such as batteries that are prone to getting hot. In the case of this embodiment, the electric compressor 26 is fastened to the side surface of the motor unit 24 via the first mounting bracket 20. Note that, in some cases, an integrated unit of the motor unit 24 and the electric compressor 26 may be referred to as a "combined body M". Also, as will be described later, by fastening the electric compressor 26 to the first mounting bracket 20, the rigidity of the first mounting bracket 20 can be improved, and the vibration suppression effect of the entire electric compressor mounting structure 10 can be enhanced.

[0026] The electric compressor mounting structure 10 configured as described above needs to be housed in a limited mounting space, for example, under the hood at the front of the electric vehicle. Also, for the purpose of improving the design quality of the electric vehicle, there may be a case where it is desired to lower the height of the hood. That is, if the size of the electric compressor mounting structure 10 composed of various devices can be reduced, the design freedom can be improved, and it can also contribute to cost reduction, improvement of design quality, etc. Hereinafter, the features of the electric compressor mounting structure 10 that have been devised to achieve size reduction will be described.

[0027] First, in order to reduce the size in the Z direction, in the electric compressor mounting structure 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the first mount insulator 14 and the second mount insulator 18 are fixed to the lower surface side of the vehicle frame 12, and the motor unit 24 is suspended and supported in a state of being sandwiched from the left - right direction (Y direction). Further, the first mount insulator 14 and the second mount insulator 18 are arranged so as to overlap with the upper region S of the combined body M (motor unit 24) in the Y direction. That is, the structure for fixing the combined body M to the vehicle frame 12 is arranged below the vehicle frame 12. In other words, by not arranging the first mount insulator 14 and the second mount insulator 18 above the vehicle frame 12 or preventing a part from protruding to the upper surface side of the vehicle frame 12, the size reduction in the Z direction of the electric compressor mounting structure 10 is achieved. Furthermore, by arranging the first mount insulator 14 and the second mount insulator 18 so as to overlap with the upper region S of the combined body M (motor unit 24) in the Y direction, it is possible to contribute to the size reduction in the - Z direction in the region below the vehicle frame 12 more than in the case of not overlapping.

[0028] FIG. 2 is an exemplary and schematic side view showing the first mount bracket 20 of the electric compressor mounting structure 10. FIG. 3 is an exemplary and schematic side view showing a state in which the electric compressor 26 is fastened to the first mount bracket 20 of the electric compressor mounting structure 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the motor unit 24 is fastened to the first surface 20m1 side, and the electric compressor 26 is fastened to the second surface 20m2 side.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, a recess 20b that is recessed toward the first surface 20m1 in a side view is formed in a part of the second surface 20m2 of the first mounting bracket 20. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the electric compressor 26 has a main body portion that is a substantially cylindrical component, and a part of the electric compressor 26 (a part of the side surface (curved surface) of the cylinder) is arranged in a posture of entering the recess 20b, and is fastened to the second surface 20m2 by fastening members 30 (lower side in the Z direction), such as a plurality of bolts, and a fastening member 32 (upper side in the Z direction). Also in this regard, compared with the case where the first mounting bracket 20 does not include the recess 20b, it is possible to contribute to a reduction in the size in the Y direction when the electric compressor 26 is fastened to the first mounting bracket 20.

[0030] As described above in the description of FIG. 1, the first mounting bracket 20 is fastened by a fastening member 34 (lower side in the Z direction), such as a bolt, and a fastening member 36 (upper side in the Z direction) to the motor unit 24. In this case, the lower fastening member 34 for fastening the motor unit 24 to the first surface 20m1 is inserted from the second surface 20m2 side, the bolt head 34h exists at the bottom 20c of the recess 20b, and the threaded portion 34s protrudes toward the first surface 20m1 side and is fastened. In this way, by arranging the bolt head 34h of the fastening member 34 inside the recess 20b, it becomes unnecessary to provide a space for the bolt head 34h in the Y direction, and also in this regard, it is possible to contribute to a reduction in the size in the Y direction. Further, by arranging the fastening member 34 inside the recess 20b, it becomes possible to easily avoid interference between the fastening member 34 and the electric compressor 26, and it is also possible to contribute to an improvement in the degree of freedom in selecting the fastening position of the motor unit 24.

[0031] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the electric compressor 26 is disposed directly below the first mount insulator 14, and a drive shaft 28 is further disposed below the electric compressor 26. In this case, compared with the case where the electric compressor 26 is not disposed directly below the first mount insulator 14, it is possible to reduce the arrangement space in the Y direction. That is, also in this respect, it is possible to contribute to the size reduction in the Y direction. Although not shown, an ESU (Electricity Supply unit) is disposed on the upper surface (or above) of the vehicle frame 12. The ESU is, for example, a device that connects a battery of an electric vehicle and the motor unit 24 to distribute electric power.

[0032] As described above, in the electric compressor mounting structure 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size in the Z direction (vertical direction) and the Y direction (vehicle width direction), and the degree of freedom in layout design when mounting on an electric vehicle is improved. Further, the space constraint can be relaxed by the size reduction, which can also contribute to the improvement of the design property. In particular, the degree of freedom when mounting the electric compressor mounting structure 10 on a light type electric vehicle with severe mounting space restrictions is improved.

[0033] By the way, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first mount bracket 20 of the present embodiment suspends and fixes the motor unit 24, which is a heavy component, at a first fastening position using fastening members 34, 36, etc. with the connecting arm 20a inserted into the holding hole 14a of the first mount insulator 14. In this case, due to vibrations such as gear meshing during the operation of, for example, a transaxle that constitutes the motor unit 24, the first mount bracket 20 may swing (vibrate) in the Y direction. Therefore, the electric compressor mounting structure 10 of the present embodiment realizes a structure that reduces or suppresses the swing (vibration) of the first mount bracket 20 in the Y direction by using the rigidity of the electric compressor 26.

[0034] FIG. 4 is an exemplary and schematic side view showing the overall configuration of the electric compressor mounting structure 10. Further, FIG. 5 is an exemplary and schematic side view showing a state in which the electric compressor 26 is removed in FIG. 4 to expose the electric compressor fastening position.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the first mounting bracket 20 of the present embodiment fastens the motor unit 24 with two fastening members 34 (bolts) on the lower side in the Z direction and two fastening members 36 (bolts) on the upper side in the Z direction. That is, the motor unit 24 is fastened at a plurality of first fastening positions 34a, 36a (insertion through-hole positions for the lower fastening member 34 and insertion through-hole positions for the two upper fastening members 36) arranged in the vertical direction (Z direction) as viewed from the first surface 20m1 (see FIG. 2) of the first mounting bracket 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the first mounting bracket 20 fastens the electric compressor 26 with two fastening members 30 (bolts) on the lower side in the Z direction and two fastening members 32 (bolts) on the upper side in the Z direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the electric compressor 26 is fastened at a plurality of second fastening positions 30a, 32a (insertion through-hole positions for the lower fastening member 30 and insertion through-hole positions for the two upper fastening members 32) arranged in the vertical direction (Z direction) as viewed from the second surface 20m2 of the first mounting bracket 20.

[0036] In this case, the second fastening positions 30a and 32a arranged in the vertical direction (Z direction) are arranged so as to sandwich the uppermost first fastening position 36a arranged in the vertical direction (Z direction). That is, in the +Z direction of the first mount bracket 20, the fastening position of the electric compressor 26 is set at a position higher than the fastening position of the motor unit 24. As a result, the rigidity of the first mount bracket 20 at a position higher than the fastening position of the motor unit 24 in the +Z direction is improved by fastening the electric compressor 26. As a result, it is possible to contribute to suppressing or reducing the swaying (vibration) of the first mount bracket 20 with respect to the vibration of the motor unit 24. In the case of the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the second fastening position 32a is set at a position slightly higher than the uppermost first fastening position 36a in the +Z direction. The effect of improving the rigidity increases as the second fastening position 32a is farther from the first fastening position 36a in the +Z direction, but it is desirable to arrange it at an appropriate position in consideration of interference with other components and the Z-direction size of the entire electric compressor mounting structure 10.

[0037] (Operation and Effect of this Embodiment) As described above, the electric compressor mounting structure 10 according to the present embodiment is joined to the lower side of the vehicle frame 12 via mount insulators (the first mount insulator 14 and the second mount insulator 18) fixed to the vehicle frame 12, and includes a mount bracket (the first mount bracket 20) having a first surface 20m1 facing the extending direction (Y direction) of the vehicle frame 12 and a second surface 20m2 on the opposite side of the first surface 20m1, a motor unit 24 fastened at a plurality of first fastening positions 34a, 36a arranged in the vertical direction (Z direction) on the first surface 20m1, and an electric compressor 26 fastened at a plurality of second fastening positions 30a, 32a arranged in the vertical direction on the second surface 20m2. The second fastening positions 30a, 32a arranged in the vertical direction are arranged with the uppermost first fastening position 36a arranged in the vertical direction sandwiched therebetween in the vertical direction (Z direction). In this way, by arranging the second fastening positions 30a, 32a arranged in the vertical direction (Z direction) with the uppermost first fastening position 36a arranged in the vertical direction sandwiched therebetween in the vertical direction, it becomes possible to add a part of the rigidity of the electric compressor 26 to the rigidity of the first mount bracket 20 that suspends the motor unit 24 which is a heavy object. That is, the rigidity of the region above the fastening position of the motor unit 24 of the first mount bracket 20 in the +Z direction can be improved, and the first mount bracket 20 can be reduced or suppressed from swinging (vibrating) with respect to the vibration of the motor unit 24. As a result, the overall rigidity of the electric compressor mounting structure 10 is improved, the occurrence of vibrations and the like is suppressed, and it can contribute to the improvement of the mounting structure.

[0038] Further, the electric compressor mounting structure 10 according to the present embodiment is joined to the lower side of the vehicle frame 12 via mount insulators (the first mount insulator 14 and the second mount insulator 18) fixed to the vehicle frame 12, and includes a mount bracket (the first mount bracket 20) having a first surface 20m1 facing the extending direction (Y direction) of the vehicle frame 12 and a second surface 20m2 on the opposite side of the first surface 20m1, a motor unit 24 fastened at a plurality of first fastening positions 34a and 36a arranged in the vertical direction (Z direction) on the first surface 20m1, and an electric compressor 26 fastened at a plurality of second fastening positions 30a and 32a arranged in the vertical direction on the second surface 20m2. And the second surface 20m2 is provided with a recess 20b recessed toward the first surface 20m1 side, and the electric compressor 26 is fastened to the second surface 20m2 in a posture where a part of the electric compressor 26 enters the recess 20b. According to this, for example, it becomes possible to reduce the size of the combined body M of the electric compressor 26 and the motor unit 24, the reduction effect (size reduction) of the mounting space (the arrangement direction of the electric compressor 26 and the motor unit 24 and the vehicle vertical direction) is improved, and it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the mounting structure.

[0039] Further, in the electric compressor mounting structure 10 of the present embodiment, the fastening member 34 that fastens the motor unit 24 to the first surface 20m1 may protrude from the bottom of the recess 20b toward the first surface 20m1 side and be fastened. According to this, for example, the size reduction in the arrangement direction (Y direction) of the electric compressor 26 and the motor unit 24 can be further improved, and it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the mounting structure.

[0040] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the above-described embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms. Also, various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. Further, this embodiment is included in the scope and gist of the invention, and is included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0041] 10 Electric compressor mounting structure 12 Vehicle frame 14 First mount insulator 14a Holding hole 16, 30, 32, 34, 36 Fastening member 18 Second mount insulator 20 First mount bracket 20b Recess 20m1 First surface 20m2 Second surface 22 Second mount bracket 24 Motor unit 26 Electric compressor 28 Drive shaft 30a, 32a Second fastening position 34a, 36a First fastening position M Combined body

Claims

【Claim 1】 A mount bracket that is joined to the lower side of the vehicle frame via a mount insulator fixed to the vehicle frame, and includes a first surface facing in the extending direction of the vehicle frame and a second surface opposite to the first surface, A motor unit fastened at a plurality of first fastening positions arranged in the vertical direction on the first surface, An electric compressor fastened at a plurality of second fastening positions arranged in the vertical direction on the second surface, Comprising, The second fastening positions arranged in the vertical direction are arranged with the uppermost one of the first fastening positions arranged in the vertical direction sandwiched therebetween. An electric compressor mounting structure.

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