Electric compressor

Abstract

To provide an electric compressor capable of easily executing potential equalization and assembling housing structures adjacent to each other.SOLUTION: An electric compressor 10 is equipped with a compressing portion 30, an electric motor 40, an inverter 50, a housing 11 having a plurality of metallic housing structures, a first seal member 61 with an insulation property which is provided between a first housing structure 81 and a second housing structure 82, and a metallic potential equalizing member 70 that executes potential equalization of the first housing structure 81 and the second housing structure 82. Of a mating surface of the first housing structure 81, at a part where the first seal member 61 does not exist, a first insertion hole 81p and a second insertion hole 81q are formed. The potential equalizing member 70 has an insertion portion 71 inserted in the first insertion hole 81p and the second insertion hole 81q, and a contacting portion 72 that contacts with both opposing mating surfaces of the first housing structure 81 and the second housing structure 82.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The electric compressor includes a compression unit, an electric motor, an inverter, a housing, and a seal member. The compression unit compresses a fluid. The electric motor drives the compression unit. The inverter drives the electric motor. The housing accommodates the compression unit, the electric motor, and the inverter. The housing includes a plurality of metal housing components. The seal member is provided between adjacent housing components. The seal member has insulating properties. The adjacent housing components have mating surfaces that sandwich the seal member.

[0003] Adjacent housing components are insulated by a sealing member. For this reason, for example, the electric compressor described in Patent Document 1 employs a metal equalizing member that contacts adjacent housing components insulated by the sealing member to equalize the potential of the adjacent housing components. In the electric compressor described in Patent Document 1, opposing insertion holes are formed in portions of the opposing mating surfaces of the adjacent housing components where no sealing member is present. The equalizing members are inserted into the opposing insertion holes. The equalizing members contact the inner circumferential surfaces of the insertion holes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-70741 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When assembling adjacent housing components, it is conceivable to insert one end of the equalizing member into one insertion hole and then insert the other end of the equalizing member into the other insertion hole. Also, when assembling adjacent housing components, it is conceivable to simultaneously insert the equalizing members into opposing insertion holes.

[0006] However, when assembling adjacent housing components, it is necessary to check whether the potential equalizing members are inserted into the insertion holes, which may result in a lot of work being required to assemble the adjacent housing components while equalizing the potentials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electric compressor that solves the above problem includes a compression unit that compresses a fluid, an electric motor that drives the compression unit, an inverter that drives the electric motor, a housing that accommodates the compression unit, the electric motor, and the inverter and has a plurality of metal housing components, an insulating seal member provided between adjacent housing components, and a metal equalizing member that equalizes the potential of the adjacent housing components by contacting both of the adjacent housing components, wherein the adjacent housing components have mating surfaces that sandwich the seal member, and an insertion hole is formed in a portion of the mating surface of either of the adjacent housing components where the seal member is not present, and the equalizing member has an insertion portion that is inserted into the insertion hole and a contact portion that is a plate-shaped portion that extends between the opposing mating surfaces and is in contact with both of the opposing mating surfaces.

[0008] According to the above configuration, when adjacent housing components are assembled, the insertion portion of the potential equalizing member is inserted into the insertion hole formed in one of the housing components. Then, when the adjacent housing components are assembled, the contact portion is naturally sandwiched between the opposing mating surfaces, thereby coming into contact with both mating surfaces. In other words, the adjacent housing components can be assembled while maintaining the potentials equalized, without having to check the position of the potential equalizing member while assembling the adjacent housing components. This makes it easy to equalize the potentials and assemble the adjacent housing components.

[0009] In the above electric compressor, the contact portion may have a spring structure that generates an elastic force in a direction that moves the opposing mating surfaces apart from each other. In the above-mentioned electric compressor, the contact portion may include a first plate portion that is provided continuously with the insertion portion and that contacts the mating surface where the insertion hole is not formed, and a second plate portion that bends relative to the first plate portion to form the spring structure together with the first plate portion and that contacts the mating surface where the insertion hole is formed.

[0010] In the above-mentioned electric compressor, the contact portion may include a first plate portion that is provided continuously with the insertion portion and that contacts the mating surface on which the insertion hole is formed, and a second plate portion that bends relative to the first plate portion to form the spring structure together with the first plate portion and that contacts the mating surface on which the insertion hole is not formed.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the contact portion has a spring structure. Therefore, even if the thickness of the contact portion is not controlled to ensure the interference of the seal member, there is room for the contact portion to be crushed by the opposing mating surfaces of the adjacent housing components until the interference of the seal member is ensured. Therefore, when assembling the adjacent housing components, it is easy to ensure the interference of the seal member.

[0012] Furthermore, the elastic force of the crushed contact portion presses the contact portion against the opposing mating surfaces of the adjacent housing components. Therefore, when assembling the adjacent housing components, the elastic force of the contact portion ensures that the opposing mating surfaces of the adjacent housing components and the contact portion are in contact with each other, even without precise control of the contact state of the contact portion against the mating surfaces. This makes it easy to maintain an equipotential state between the adjacent housing components. Therefore, it is easy to ensure the interference of the seal members when assembling the adjacent housing components, and it is also easy to maintain an equipotential state between the adjacent housing components.

[0013] In the above-mentioned electric compressor, the insertion portion may be formed by bending a thin plate into a cylindrical shape, and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion may be pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole by elastic force while being in surface contact with the inner peripheral surface.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion is in surface contact with the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole, which makes it easier to ensure a sufficient contact area between adjacent housing components and the equalizing member, thereby more reliably equalizing the potential of the adjacent housing components.

[0015] Furthermore, the elastic force of the insertion portion presses the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion against the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole, which prevents the potential equalizing member from falling off from one of the housing components when the adjacent housing components are assembled.

[0016] In the above-mentioned electric compressor, the insertion portion may have a first cylindrical portion having the outer peripheral surface, and a second cylindrical portion integrally formed with the first cylindrical portion and having an outer diameter that gradually decreases with increasing distance from the contact portion in the axial direction of the insertion portion.

[0017] According to the above configuration, when the insertion portion of the electric potential equalizer is inserted into the insertion hole, the second cylindrical portion is guided along the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole. This allows the insertion portion of the electric potential equalizer to be smoothly inserted into the insertion hole. This makes it easy to assemble the electric potential equalizer to one of the housing components.

[0018] In the above electric compressor, the contact portion may be in surface contact with both of the opposing mating surfaces. According to the above configuration, the contact portions are in surface contact with both mating surfaces, which makes it easier to ensure a sufficient contact area between the adjacent housing components and the potential equalizing member, thereby more reliably equalizing the potential of the adjacent housing components. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to this invention, the potential of adjacent housing components can be easily equalized and assembled. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electric compressor. [Figure 2] 2 is a view as seen in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a potential equalizing member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a first potential equalizing member. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a second potential equalizing member. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a potential equalizing member according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of first equalizing members in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a second potential equalizing member in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] [First embodiment] A first embodiment in which the electric compressor is embodied as a scroll type electric compressor will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The electric compressor of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle and used in a vehicle air conditioner.

[0022] <Electric compressor> 1, the electric compressor 10 includes a cylindrical housing 11, a rotating shaft 20, a compression unit 30, an electric motor 40, an inverter 50, a first seal member 61, and a second seal member 62. The rotating shaft 20, the compression unit 30, the electric motor 40, and the inverter 50 are accommodated in the housing 11.

[0023] The housing 11 has a first housing component 81, a second housing component 82, a third housing component 83, a fourth housing component 84, and a fifth housing component 85. The first housing component 81, the second housing component 82, the third housing component 83, the fourth housing component 84, and the fifth housing component 85 are made of, for example, aluminum. The first housing component 81, the second housing component 82, the third housing component 83, the fourth housing component 84, and the fifth housing component 85 are housing components that make up the housing 11. Therefore, the housing 11 has a plurality of metal housing components. The first housing component 81, the second housing component 82, and the third housing component 83 form a motor accommodating chamber S1 and a compression unit accommodating chamber S2. The electric motor 40 is accommodated in the motor accommodating chamber S1. The compression unit 30 is accommodated in the compression unit accommodating chamber S2. The first housing component 81, the second housing component 82, and the third housing component 83 form a suction passage 90 for drawing refrigerant as a fluid into the compression section 30. The fourth housing component 84 and the fifth housing component 85 form an inverter accommodating chamber S3. The inverter 50 is accommodated in the inverter accommodating chamber S3.

[0024] The compression section 30 compresses the refrigerant. The compression section 30 is, for example, a scroll type configured with a fixed scroll and a movable scroll (not shown). A first end 21 of the rotating shaft 20 is connected to the compression section 30. The electric motor 40 rotates the rotating shaft 20. As the rotating shaft 20 rotates, the refrigerant is compressed in the compression section 30. The electric motor 40 drives the compression section 30. The inverter 50 drives the electric motor 40.

[0025] <Each housing component, first seal member, and second seal member> The first housing component 81 has a plate-shaped end wall 81a, a cylindrical peripheral wall 81b, and a plurality of mounting feet 81c. The peripheral wall 81b extends from the outer periphery of the end wall 81a. The axial direction of the peripheral wall 81b coincides with the axial direction of the rotary shaft 20. The mounting feet 81c are locations into which bolts are inserted when mounting the electric compressor 10 to a vehicle body.

[0026] The first housing component 81 has an intake port 81d. The intake port 81d draws in a refrigerant. The intake port 81d is formed in a portion of the peripheral wall 81b that is located on the end wall 81a side. The intake port 81d communicates between the inside and outside of the first housing component 81.

[0027] The first housing component 81 has a cylindrical boss portion 81e. The boss portion 81e protrudes from the center of the inner surface of the end wall 81a. The second end portion 22 of the rotating shaft 20 is inserted into the boss portion 81e. The electric compressor 10 is provided with a bearing 81f. The bearing 81f is, for example, a rolling bearing. The bearing 81f is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the boss portion 81e and the outer circumferential surface of the second end portion 22 of the rotating shaft 20. The second end portion 22 of the rotating shaft 20 is rotatably supported by the first housing component 81 via the bearing 81f.

[0028] The first housing component 81 has an open end surface 81g. The open end surface 81g is an end surface of the peripheral wall 81b that is located on the opposite side to the end wall 81a. The open end surface 81g extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the peripheral wall 81b of the first housing component 81.

[0029] The first housing component 81 has a plurality of female thread grooves 81h. Each female thread groove 81h is formed in the opening end face 81g. For convenience of explanation, only one female thread groove 81h is shown in Figure 1.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first housing component 81 has a groove 81j. The groove 81j forms part of the suction passage 90. The groove 81j is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 81b of the first housing component 81. The groove 81j opens to an opening end surface 81g. The groove 81j has an arcuate surface 81m. The arcuate surface 81m is the surface that is farthest from the rotation shaft 20 among the surfaces that define the groove 81j. Although not shown, a plurality of grooves 81j are provided in the first housing component 81. For convenience of explanation, only one groove 81j is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0031] 2, the groove 81j has an arc shape extending in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 81b of the first housing component 81. The first housing component 81 has an extended wall portion 81k. The extended wall portion 81k extends from the arc surface 81m of the groove 81j toward the inside of the peripheral wall 81b. The extended wall portion 81k is provided on a part of the arc surface 81m.

[0032] 1, the extended wall portion 81k has an axial end surface 81n. The axial end surface 81n is an end surface of the extended wall portion 81k located on the opposite side to the end wall 81a. The axial end surface 81n is flush with the opening end surface 81g.

[0033] The first housing component 81 has a first insertion hole 81p and a second insertion hole 81q. The first insertion hole 81p and the second insertion hole 81q are circular holes. The first insertion hole 81p is formed in an axial end surface 81n of the extended wall portion 81k. The first insertion hole 81p does not penetrate the extended wall portion 81k in the thickness direction. The second insertion hole 81q is formed in the open end surface 81g. The second insertion hole 81q is adjacent to the female thread groove 81h shown in FIG. 1 in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 20. The second insertion hole 81q is located closer to the rotating shaft 20 than the female thread groove 81h shown in FIG. 1. The first insertion hole 81p and the second insertion hole 81q are located symmetrically to each other in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 20.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4, the first insertion hole 81p has an inner circumferential surface 81r and a tapered surface 81s. The inner circumferential surface 81r is a cylindrical surface. The tapered surface 81s is a chamfered portion formed when the first insertion hole 81p is formed. The tapered surface 81s is located at the entrance of the first insertion hole 81p.

[0035] 5, the second insertion hole 81q has an inner circumferential surface 81t and a tapered surface 81u. The inner circumferential surface 81t is a cylindrical surface. The tapered surface 81u is a chamfered portion formed when the second insertion hole 81q is formed. The tapered surface 81u is located at the entrance of the second insertion hole 81q.

[0036] 1, the second housing component 82 has a plate-shaped end wall 82a, a cylindrical peripheral wall 82b, and an annular flange wall 82c. The peripheral wall 82b extends from the outer periphery of the end wall 82a. The axial direction of the peripheral wall 82b coincides with the axial direction of the rotating shaft 20. The flange wall 82c extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the end of the peripheral wall 82b opposite the end wall 82a.

[0037] The second housing component 82 has a circular through-hole 82d. The through-hole 82d is formed in the center of the end wall 82a. The through-hole 82d penetrates the end wall 82a in the thickness direction. The rotary shaft 20 is inserted through the through-hole 82d. The first end 21 of the rotary shaft 20 is located inside the peripheral wall 82b. The electric compressor 10 includes a bearing 82e. The bearing 82e is, for example, a rolling bearing. The bearing 82e is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 82b and the outer circumferential surface of the first end 21 of the rotary shaft 20. The first end 21 of the rotary shaft 20 is rotatably supported by the second housing component 82 via the bearing 82e. The rotary shaft 20 is rotatably supported by the housing 11.

[0038] The flange wall 82c has a first surface 82f and a second surface 82g. The first surface 82f and the second surface 82g are flat surfaces located in the thickness direction of the flange wall 82c. The first surface 82f is the surface of the flange wall 82c facing the end wall 82a. The second surface 82g is the surface of the flange wall 82c located on the opposite side from the end wall 82a.

[0039] The second housing component 82 has a plurality of bolt insertion holes 82h. Each bolt insertion hole 82h is formed in the flange wall 82c. Each bolt insertion hole 82h penetrates the flange wall 82c in the thickness direction. For convenience of explanation, only one bolt insertion hole 82h is shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] The second housing component 82 has a plurality of communication holes 82j. Each communication hole 82j forms a part of the suction passage 90. Each communication hole 82j penetrates the flange wall 82c in the thickness direction. For convenience of explanation, only one communication hole 82j is shown in FIG. 1. The communication hole 82j shown in FIG. 1 and the bolt insertion hole 82h shown in FIG. 1 are provided at positions symmetrical to each other in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication hole 82j has an arc shape extending in the circumferential direction of the flange wall 82c of the second housing component 82.

[0041] 1, the peripheral wall 81b and the extended wall portion 81k of the first housing component 81 and the flange wall 82c of the second housing component 82 are abutted against each other via the first seal member 61. The first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 are adjacent housing components. Each female thread groove 81h in the first housing component 81 faces each bolt insertion hole 82h in the second housing component 82. Each groove 81j in the first housing component 81 faces each communication hole 82j in the second housing component 82.

[0042] 2, when the grooves 81j and the communication holes 82j are opposed to each other, a portion of the extended wall portion 81k is disposed to face a portion of one of the communication holes 82j. The extended wall portion 81k is provided so that one communication hole 82j and one of the grooves 81j opposed to the communication hole 82j communicate with each other.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first seal member 61 is a gasket. The first seal member 61 is an insulating seal member. The first seal member 61 is provided between the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82. The first seal member 61 is provided, in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 20, between an opening end face 81g and an axial end face 81n of the first housing component 81 and a first surface 82f of the second housing component 82. The opening end face 81g, the axial end face 81n, and the first surface 82f form mating surfaces that sandwich the first seal member 61. The first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 have mating surfaces that sandwich the first seal member 61.

[0044] The first seal member 61 is provided around the entire circumference of the open end face 81g of the first housing component 81 at a portion that is outermost in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 20. The first seal member 61 is provided radially outward of the rotating shaft 20 with respect to each groove 81j of the first housing component 81. The first seal member 61 does not cover each groove 81j. The first seal member 61 does not cover the shaft end face 81n. The shaft end face 81n is a portion of the mating surface of the first housing component 81 where the first seal member 61 is not present. The first seal member 61 does not cover the first insertion hole 81p. The first seal member 61 does not cover the second insertion hole 81q. The first insertion hole 81p and the second insertion hole 81q are insertion holes formed in portions of the mating surface of the first housing component 81 where the first seal member 61 is not present. The first seal member 61 has a plurality of bolt insertion holes 61a. Each bolt insertion hole 61a communicates with a corresponding female screw groove 81h. For convenience of explanation, only one bolt insertion hole 61a is shown in Fig. 1.

[0045] The first seal member 61 is provided around the entire circumference of the first surface 82f of the second housing component 82 at the outermost portion in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 20. The first seal member 61 is provided further outward in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 20 than the communicating holes 82j of the second housing component 82. The first seal member 61 does not cover the communicating holes 82j. The bolt insertion holes 61a of the first seal member 61 communicate with the bolt insertion holes 82h. The first seal member 61 does not cover the bolt insertion holes 82h.

[0046] The motor accommodating chamber S1 is formed by butting the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 together with the first seal member 61 interposed therebetween. The motor accommodating chamber S1 is defined by the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82. The motor accommodating chamber S1 communicates with the suction port 81d. Refrigerant is drawn into the motor accommodating chamber S1 from the suction port 81d.

[0047] The third housing component 83 has a plate-shaped end wall 83a, a cylindrical peripheral wall 83b, and a plurality of mounting feet 83c. The peripheral wall 83b extends from the outer periphery of the end wall 83a. The axial direction of the peripheral wall 83b coincides with the axial direction of the rotary shaft 20. The peripheral wall 83b surrounds the compression section 30. The mounting feet 83c are locations into which bolts are inserted when mounting the electric compressor 10 to a vehicle body.

[0048] The third housing component 83 has a discharge chamber-forming recess 83d. The discharge chamber-forming recess 83d is formed by recessing a portion of the end wall 83a in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 20 so as to move it away from the compression section 30. A discharge chamber S4 is formed by being partitioned by the discharge chamber-forming recess 83d and the compression section 30. The discharge chamber S4 is partitioned by the discharge chamber-forming recess 83d and a fixed scroll (not shown).

[0049] The third housing component 83 has an open end surface 83e. The open end surface 83e is an end surface of the peripheral wall 83b that is located on the opposite side to the end wall 83a. The open end surface 83e extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the peripheral wall 83b of the third housing component 83.

[0050] The third housing component 83 has a plurality of bolt insertion holes 83f. Each bolt insertion hole 83f is formed in the open end face 83e. For convenience of explanation, only one bolt insertion hole 83f is shown in Figure 1.

[0051] The third housing component 83 has a plurality of grooves 83g. Each groove 83g forms a part of the suction passage 90. Each groove 83g is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 83b of the third housing component 83. Each groove 83g opens to the opening end surface 83e. For convenience of explanation, only one groove 83g is shown in FIG. 1.

[0052] The flange wall 82c of the second housing component 82 and the peripheral wall 83b of the third housing component 83 are butted against each other with the second seal member 62 interposed therebetween. The bolt insertion holes 82h in the second housing component 82 face the bolt insertion holes 83f in the third housing component 83. The communication holes 82j in the second housing component 82 face the grooves 83g in the third housing component 83.

[0053] The second seal member 62 is a gasket. The second seal member 62 has insulating properties. The second seal member 62 is provided between the second housing component 82 and the third housing component 83. The second seal member 62 is provided between a second surface 82g of the second housing component 82 and an opening end surface 83e of the third housing component 83.

[0054] The second seal member 62 is provided around the entire circumference of the second surface 82g of the second housing component 82 at the outermost portion in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 20. The second seal member 62 is provided further outward in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 20 than the communication holes 82j of the second housing component 82. The second seal member 62 does not cover the communication holes 82j. The second seal member 62 has a plurality of bolt insertion holes 62a. Each bolt insertion hole 62a communicates with a corresponding bolt insertion hole 82h. For convenience of explanation, only one bolt insertion hole 62a is shown in FIG. 1.

[0055] The second seal member 62 is provided around the entire circumference of the open end face 83e of the third housing component 83 at the outermost portion in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 20. The second seal member 62 is provided further outward in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 20 than the grooves 83g of the third housing component 83. The second seal member 62 does not cover the grooves 83g. The bolt insertion holes 62a of the second seal member 62 communicate with the bolt insertion holes 83f. The second seal member 62 does not cover the bolt insertion holes 83f.

[0056] The compression section accommodating chamber S2 is formed by butting the second housing component 82 and the third housing component 83 together via the second seal member 62. The compression section accommodating chamber S2 is partitioned by the second housing component 82 and the third housing component 83. By butting the first housing component 81, the second housing component 82, and the third housing component 83 together in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 20, an intake passage 90 is formed by each groove 81j, each communication hole 82j, and each groove 83g.

[0057] With the first housing component 81, the second housing component 82, and the third housing component 83 butted against each other in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 20, the bolt B1 is inserted into each of the bolt insertion holes 83f, 62a, 82h, and 61a. The inner diameter of each of the bolt insertion holes 83f, 62a, 82h, and 61a is larger than the diameter of the bolt B1. The tip of the bolt B1 is threaded into each of the female thread grooves 81h of the first housing component 81. The bolt B1 contacts the first housing component 81 and the third housing component 83, but does not contact the second housing component 82. The fastening force of the bolt B1 compresses the first seal member 61 and the second seal member 62. The first seal member 61 seals between the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82. The second seal member 62 seals between the second housing component 82 and the third housing component 83. The refrigerant drawn into the motor housing chamber S1 is introduced into the compression section housing chamber S2 through the suction passage 90. At this time, the first seal member 61 and the second seal member 62 prevent the refrigerant passing through the suction passage 90 from leaking to the outside of the housing 11. After the compression section 30 compresses the refrigerant introduced into the compression section housing chamber S2, the compression section 30 discharges the compressed refrigerant toward the discharge chamber S4.

[0058] The fourth housing component 84 has a plate-shaped end wall 84a, a cylindrical circumferential wall 84b, and an open end surface 84c. The circumferential wall 84b extends from the outer periphery of the end wall 84a. The open end surface 84c is an end surface of the circumferential wall 84b located on the opposite side from the end wall 84a. The open end surface 84c extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the circumferential wall 84b of the fourth housing component 84. The end wall 84a of the fourth housing component 84 abuts against the end wall 81a of the first housing component 81 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 20. An insulating gasket (not shown) is provided between the first housing component 81 and the fourth housing component 84.

[0059] The fifth housing component 85 abuts against the open end surface 84c of the peripheral wall 84b of the fourth housing component 84. The housing 11 of this embodiment is formed by overlapping all of the housing components in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 20. The inverter accommodating chamber S3 is formed by abutting the fourth housing component 84 and the fifth housing component 85. The inverter accommodating chamber S3 is partitioned by the fourth housing component 84 and the fifth housing component 85. An insulating gasket (not shown) is provided between the fourth housing component 84 and the fifth housing component 85. The fourth housing component 84 and the fifth housing component 85 are fixed together by bolts (not shown). The fifth housing component 85 and the first housing component 81 are fixed together by bolts (not shown). The bolts are arranged so as not to come into contact with the fourth housing component 84.

[0060] <Potential equalization material> The electric compressor 10 includes two potential equalizing members 70. Each potential equalizing member 70 is a metal member that equalizes the potential of the first housing member 81 and the second housing member 82 by being in contact with both the first housing member 81 and the second housing member 82. The potential equalizing member 70 is made of brass, for example. The potential equalizing member 70 may also be made of copper, for example.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3 , each potential equalizer 70 is formed from a single thin plate. Each potential equalizer 70 has a cylindrical insertion portion 71 and a disk-shaped contact portion 72. The insertion portion 71 is formed by curving a thin plate into a cylindrical shape. The contact portion 72 extends from a first axial end of the insertion portion 71 toward the radially outer side of the insertion portion 71. A gap G is formed in each potential equalizer 70. The gap G extends from a second axial end of the insertion portion 71 to the outer edge of the contact portion 72. The outer diameter of the insertion portion 71 in the radial direction of the insertion portion 71 decreases as the spacing of the gap G in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 71 decreases. The insertion portion 71 has a spring structure that is elastically deformable in the radial direction of the insertion portion 71.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the insertion portion 71 of each electric potential equalizing member 70 is inserted into the first insertion hole 81p and the second insertion hole 81q. The insertion portion 71 has a first cylindrical portion 71a and a second cylindrical portion 71b. The contact portion 72 is continuous with the first cylindrical portion 71a. The first cylindrical portion 71a has an outer peripheral surface 711a. The insertion portion 71 has an outer peripheral surface 711a. The outer peripheral surface 711a of the insertion portion 71 is a cylindrical surface with a constant outer diameter in the axial direction of the insertion portion 71. The outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface 711a of the insertion portion 71 is larger than the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface 81r of the first insertion hole 81p and the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface 81t of the second insertion hole 81q before the insertion portion 71 is inserted into the first insertion hole 81p or the second insertion hole 81q. 3 becomes smaller in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 71. Therefore, the elastic force of the insertion portion 71 causes the outer peripheral surface 711a of the insertion portion 71 to be pressed against the inner peripheral surface 81r of the first insertion hole 81p and the inner peripheral surface 81t of the second insertion hole 81q while being in surface contact with them.

[0063] The second cylindrical portion 71b is provided on the opposite side of the first cylindrical portion 71a from the contact portion 72. The second cylindrical portion 71b is formed integrally with the first cylindrical portion 71a. The second cylindrical portion 71b has a conical surface 711b. The conical surface 711b is the outer surface of the second cylindrical portion 71b. The conical surface 711b is continuous with the outer peripheral surface 711a of the first cylindrical portion 71a. The conical surface 711b is an inclined surface whose outer diameter gradually decreases as it becomes more distant from the contact portion 72 in the axial direction of the insertion portion 71. The outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 71b gradually decreases as it becomes more distant from the contact portion 72 in the axial direction of the insertion portion 71.

[0064] The potential equalizer 70 having the insertion portion 71 inserted into the first insertion hole 81p is referred to as a first potential equalizer 701. The potential equalizer 70 having the insertion portion 71 inserted into the second insertion hole 81q is referred to as a second potential equalizer 702.

[0065] 4, a portion of the contact portion 72 of the first equalizing member 701 faces the communication hole 82j of the second housing member 82. The portion of the contact portion 72 of the first equalizing member 701 that does not face the communication hole 82j of the second housing member 82 extends between the first surface 82f of the second housing member 82 and the axial end surface 81n of the first housing member 81. The portion of the contact portion 72 of the first equalizing member 701 that does not face the communication hole 82j of the second housing member 82 is in contact with both the first surface 82f and the axial end surface 81n.

[0066] 5, the contact portion 72 of the second equalizing member 702 extends between the first surface 82f of the second housing member 82 and the opening end surface 81g of the first housing member 81. The contact portion 72 of the second equalizing member 702 is in contact with both the first surface 82f and the opening end surface 81g.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the contact portion 72 of the potential equalizing member 70 is a portion that extends between the opposing mating surfaces of the adjacent housing components and contacts both of the opposing mating surfaces.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 3, the contact portion 72 of the potential equalizing member 70 has a first plate portion 721 and a second plate portion 722. The first plate portion 721 is provided continuous with the insertion portion 71. The first plate portion 721 is disk-shaped. The first plate portion 721 is flat. The first plate portion 721 extends from a first axial end of the insertion portion 71 toward the radially outer side of the insertion portion 71. The second plate portion 722 is continuous with the outer edge of the first plate portion 721.

[0069] The second plate portion 722 has a conical plate portion 722a and a disk portion 722b. The conical plate portion 722a is continuous with the first plate portion 721. The conical plate portion 722a extends radially outward from the insertion portion 71 from the outer edge of the first plate portion 721 toward a second axial end of the insertion portion 71. The conical plate portion 722a is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the insertion portion 71. The conical plate portion 722a is bent relative to the first plate portion 721. The conical plate portion 722a, together with the first plate portion 721, forms a spring structure that is elastically deformable in the axial direction of the insertion portion 71. The second plate portion 722 is bent relative to the first plate portion 721, thereby forming a spring structure together with the first plate portion 721.

[0070] The disc portion 722b is continuous with the conical plate portion 722a. The disc portion 722b is flat. The disc portion 722b extends from the outer edge of the conical plate portion 722a toward the radially outer side of the insertion portion 71. The disc portion 722b extends in the same direction as the first plate portion 721. The disc portion 722b is bent with respect to the conical plate portion 722a. The disc portion 722b, together with the conical plate portion 722a, forms a spring structure that is elastically deformable in the axial direction of the insertion portion 71. The second plate portion 722 has a spring structure that is elastically deformable independently in the axial direction of the insertion portion 71.

[0071] 4, at the contact portion 72 of the first equalizing member 701, a portion of the first plate portion 721 is in surface contact with the first surface 82f of the second housing component 82. At the contact portion 72 of the first equalizing member 701, the disk portion 722b of the second plate portion 722 is in surface contact with the axial end surface 81n of the first housing component 81. The disk portion 722b of the second plate portion 722 is in surface contact with the axial end surface 81n at a position away from the tapered surface 81s of the first insertion hole 81p in the radial direction of the insertion portion 71.

[0072] 5, at the contact portion 72 of the second equalizing member 702, the first plate portion 721 is in surface contact with the first surface 82f of the second housing component 82. At the contact portion 72 of the second equalizing member 702, the disk portion 722b of the second plate portion 722 is in surface contact with the opening end surface 81g of the first housing component 81. The disk portion 722b of the second plate portion 722 is in surface contact with the opening end surface 81g at a position away from the tapered surface 81u of the second insertion hole 81q in the radial direction of the insertion portion 71.

[0073] 4 and 5, the spring structure formed by the first plate portion 721 and the second plate portion 722, and the spring structure of the second plate portion 722, are compressed in the axial direction of the insertion portion 71 by the fastening force of the bolt B1 shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, the first plate portion 721 is pressed against the first surface 82f of the second housing component 82 by the elastic force of the contact portion 72. The first plate portion 721 comes into contact with a mating surface of the adjacent housing component where no insertion hole is formed.

[0074] The second plate portion 722 is pressed against the opening end surface 81g and the shaft end surface 81n of the first housing component 81 by the elastic force of the contact portion 72. The second plate portion 722 comes into contact with the mating surfaces of the adjacent housing components where the insertion holes are formed.

[0075] The contact portion 72 of the potential equalizing member 70 has a spring structure that generates an elastic force in a direction that separates the opposing mating surfaces of adjacent housing components. The contact portion 72 of this embodiment is in surface contact with both of the opposing mating surfaces of the adjacent housing components. Note that the contact area of ​​the potential equalizing member 70 with the first housing component 81 and the contact area with the second housing component 82 are set to a size that ensures reliable potential equalization between the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82.

[0076] [Operation of this embodiment] The operation of this embodiment will be described. When mounting the electric compressor 10 on a vehicle, the mounting feet 81c of the first housing member 81 and the mounting feet 83c of the third housing member 83 are attached to the vehicle body with bolts, thereby mounting the electric compressor 10 to the vehicle body. The first housing member 81 and the third housing member 83 are electrically connected to the vehicle body. That is, the first housing member 81 and the third housing member 83 are grounded via the vehicle body. Furthermore, the first housing member 81, the fourth housing member 84, and the fifth housing member 85 are electrically connected by the above-mentioned plurality of bolts (not shown). Therefore, the fourth housing member 84 and the fifth housing member 85 are also grounded.

[0077] In the electric compressor 10 in which the potential equalizing member 70 is omitted, the second housing member 82 is insulated from the first housing member 81 and the third housing member 83 by the first seal member 61 and the second seal member 62. Furthermore, the first housing member 81 and the third housing member 83 are electrically connected by the bolt B1, while the second housing member 82 does not come into contact with the bolt B1. As a result, of the first housing member 81, the second housing member 82, the third housing member 83, the fourth housing member 84, and the fifth housing member 85, only the second housing member 82 is not grounded. Therefore, there is a risk that the potential of the second housing member 82 will be higher than the potentials of the first housing member 81, the third housing member 83, the fourth housing member 84, and the fifth housing member 85. In this regard, in this embodiment, the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 are electrically connected by the potential equalizing member 70. Therefore, the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 are made to have the same potential.

[0078] In the electric compressor 10 of this embodiment, it is assumed that the first housing body 81 and the second housing body 82 are being assembled. In this case, the insertion portion 71 of the first electric potential equalizing member 701 is inserted into the first insertion hole 81p, and the insertion portion 71 of the second electric potential equalizing member 702 is inserted into the second insertion hole 81q. Then, when the first housing body 81 and the second housing body 82 are assembled, the contact portion 72 is naturally sandwiched between the mating surfaces that face each other, and comes into contact with both mating surfaces. In other words, the first housing body 81 and the second housing body 82 can be assembled while maintaining electric potential equalization, without having to check the position of the electric potential equalizing member 70 while assembling the first housing body 81 and the second housing body 82.

[0079] [Effects of this embodiment] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1-1) When assembling the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82, the insertion portion 71 of the first potential equalizing member 701 is inserted into the first insertion hole 81p, and the insertion portion 71 of the second potential equalizing member 702 is inserted into the second insertion hole 81q. Then, when the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 are assembled, the contact portion 72 is naturally sandwiched between the mating surfaces facing each other, thereby coming into contact with both mating surfaces. In other words, the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 can be assembled while maintaining the potential equalization, without having to check the position of the potential equalizing member 70 while assembling the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82. Therefore, the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 can be easily equalized and assembled.

[0080] (1-2) Assume that the contact portion 72 of the potential equalizing member 70 is flat. In this case, it is necessary to control the thickness of the contact portion 72 so as to ensure the interference of the first seal member 61. For this reason, it takes time and effort to ensure the interference of the first seal member 61 when assembling the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82.

[0081] In this embodiment, the contact portion 72 has a spring structure. Therefore, even without managing the thickness of the contact portion 72, there is room for the contact portion 72 to be crushed by the opposing mating surfaces of the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 until the interference of the first seal member 61 is ensured. Therefore, when assembling the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82, it is easy to ensure the interference of the first seal member 61.

[0082] Furthermore, the elastic force of the crushed contact portion 72 presses the contact portion 72 against the opposing mating surfaces of the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82. Therefore, when assembling the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82, the elastic force of the contact portion 72 ensures that the opposing mating surfaces of the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 are in contact with the contact portion 72, even without precise control of the contact state of the contact portion 72 against the mating surfaces. This makes it easy to maintain the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 in an equipotential state. This makes it easy to ensure the interference of the first seal member 61 when assembling the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82, while also making it easier to maintain the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 in an equipotential state.

[0083] (1-3) The outer peripheral surface 711a of the insertion portion 71 is in surface contact with the inner peripheral surface 81r of the first insertion hole 81p and the inner peripheral surface 81t of the second insertion hole 81q. This makes it easy to ensure a sufficient contact area between the first housing member 81 and the second housing member 82 and the potential equalizing member 70. This makes it possible to more reliably equalize the potential of the first housing member 81 and the second housing member 82.

[0084] Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface 711a of the insertion portion 71 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface 81r of the first insertion hole 81p and the inner peripheral surface 81t of the second insertion hole 81q by the elastic force of the insertion portion 71. This makes it possible to prevent the potential equalizing member 70 from falling off from the first housing component 81 when assembling the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82.

[0085] (1-4) When the insertion portion 71 of the electric potential equalizer 70 is inserted into the first insertion hole 81p and the second insertion hole 81q, the second cylindrical portion 71b is guided along the inner circumferential surface 81r of the first insertion hole 81p and the inner circumferential surface 81t of the second insertion hole 81q. This allows the insertion portion 71 of the electric potential equalizer 70 to be smoothly inserted into the first insertion hole 81p and the second insertion hole 81q. This makes it easy to assemble the electric potential equalizer 70 into the first housing member 81.

[0086] (1-5) The contact portion 72 comes into surface contact with both opposing mating surfaces of the first housing member 81 and the second housing member 82, which makes it easier to ensure a sufficient contact area between the first housing member 81 and the second housing member 82 and the potential equalizing member 70. Therefore, the potential equalization of the first housing member 81 and the second housing member 82 can be more reliably achieved.

[0087] (1-6) Assume that the opening end face 81g is widened when arranging the first equalizing member 701, and the first equalizing member 701 is arranged at the opening end face 81g. In this case, widening the opening end face 81g thickens the peripheral wall 81b of the first housing component 81. This increases the size of the first housing component 81, which may result in an increase in the size of the electric compressor 10.

[0088] In this regard, the extended wall portion 81k extends from the arc surface 81m of the groove 81j toward the inside of the peripheral wall 81b and is provided so as not to block the flow of refrigerant flowing from the groove 81j toward the communication hole 82j. The first equalizing member 701 is provided on the extended wall portion 81k. This allows the first equalizing member 701 to be disposed without changing the thickness of the peripheral wall 81b of the first housing component 81 and does not interfere with the suction of refrigerant by the compression unit 30. Therefore, the first equalizing member 701 can be appropriately disposed without increasing the size of the electric compressor 10 and without interfering with the compression of refrigerant by the electric compressor 10.

[0089] (1-7) The first and second equalizing members 701 and 702 are provided at symmetrical positions in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 20. Therefore, the elastic force of each of the contact portions 72 of the first and second equalizing members 701 and 702 acts at symmetrical positions between the opposing mating surfaces of the first and second housing components 81 and 82. This prevents the interference of the first seal member 61 from becoming locally small. This allows the seal between the first and second housing components 81 and 82 to be maintained in an optimal manner.

[0090] (1-8) For example, assume that a third insertion hole facing the first insertion hole 81p is formed in the flange wall 82c of the second housing component 82, and a cylindrical equalizing member is inserted into the first insertion hole 81p and the third insertion hole. In this case, the positions of the first insertion hole 81p and the third insertion hole may be misaligned due to manufacturing errors. As a result, when the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 are assembled while the equalizing member is inserted into the first insertion hole 81p and the third insertion hole, the axis of the first housing component 81 may not coincide with the axis of the second housing component 82. In other words, the housing 11 cannot be centered.

[0091] In this regard, in the present embodiment, the contact portion 72 extends between the opposing mating surfaces of the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82. Therefore, the centering of the housing 11 can be performed without interfering with the potential equalization of the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 by the potential equalization member 70. Because the potential equalization member 70 does not affect the centering of the housing 11, the centering of the housing 11 is possible while the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 are being equalized in potential.

[0092] (1-9) In the first electric potential equalizing member 701, the disk portion 722b of the second plate portion 722 is in surface contact with the axial end surface 81n at a position away from the tapered surface 81s of the first insertion hole 81p in the radial direction of the insertion portion 71. In addition, in the second electric potential equalizing member 702, the disk portion 722b of the second plate portion 722 is in surface contact with the opening end surface 81g at a position away from the tapered surface 81u of the second insertion hole 81q in the radial direction of the insertion portion 71. In other words, the contact portion 72 is in contact with the mating surface of the first housing member 81 without riding on the tapered surfaces 81s, 81u. Therefore, the contact area of ​​the contact portion 72 with the first housing member 81 is not reduced.

[0093] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of an electric compressor will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8. The main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the configuration of the contact portion 72 has been changed. This difference will be described in detail, and the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail again.

[0094] <Contact part of potential equalization member> As shown in Fig. 6, in the contact portion 72 of the potential equalizing member 70, the conical plate portion 722a of the second plate portion 722 extends radially outward from the outer edge of the first plate portion 721 as it moves away from the first axial end of the insertion portion 71. The conical plate portion 722a is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the insertion portion 71. The conical plate portion 722a is bent relative to the first plate portion 721. The conical plate portion 722a, together with the first plate portion 721, forms a spring structure that is elastically deformable in the axial direction of the insertion portion 71. The second plate portion 722 is bent relative to the first plate portion 721, thereby forming a spring structure together with the first plate portion 721.

[0095] 7, at the contact portion 72 of the first equalizing member 701, the first plate portion 721 is in surface contact with the axial end surface 81n of the first housing member 81. At the contact portion 72 of the first equalizing member 701, a portion of the disk portion 722b of the second plate portion 722 is in surface contact with the first surface 82f of the second housing member 82.

[0096] 8, at the contact portion 72 of the second equalizing member 702, the first plate portion 721 is in surface contact with the opening end surface 81g of the first housing member 81. At the contact portion 72 of the second equalizing member 702, the disk portion 722b of the second plate portion 722 is in surface contact with the first surface 82f of the second housing member 82.

[0097] 7 and 8, the spring structure formed by the first plate portion 721 and the second plate portion 722, and the spring structure of the second plate portion 722, are compressed in the axial direction of the insertion portion 71 by the fastening force of the bolt B1 shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, the first plate portion 721 is pressed against the axial end face 81n and the opening end face 81g of the first housing component 81 by the elastic force of the contact portion 72.

[0098] The first plate portion 721 comes into contact with a mating surface of the adjacent housing component where the insertion hole is formed. The second plate portion 722 is pressed against the first surface 82f of the second housing component 82 by the elastic force of the contact portion 72. The second plate portion 722 comes into contact with a mating surface of the adjacent housing component where the insertion hole is not formed.

[0099] The contact portion 72 of the potential equalizing member 70 has a spring structure that generates an elastic force in a direction that separates the opposing mating surfaces of the adjacent housing components. The contact portion 72 of this embodiment comes into surface contact with both of the opposing mating surfaces of the adjacent housing components.

[0100] [Actions and Effects of This Embodiment] This embodiment has the same functions as the first embodiment and can also obtain the same effects as those (1-1) to (1-8) described above.

[0101] [Example of change] The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0102] The contact portion 72 of the potential equalizing member 70 may have a configuration in which a wave shape is periodically repeated in the radial direction of the insertion portion 71. Even in this modification, the contact portion 72 is crushed between the opposing mating surfaces of the first housing member 81 and the second housing member 82 by the fastening force of the bolt B1. At this time, the width of each wave shape in the contact portion 72 expands in the radial direction of the insertion portion 71. The contact portion 72 may have a spring structure that is elastically deformable in the radial direction of the insertion portion 71. The contact portion 72 of the potential equalizing member 70 does not have to be in surface contact with the opposing mating surfaces of the first housing member 81 and the second housing member 82. When this modification is adopted, the contact area of ​​the contact portion 72 with the opposing mating surfaces of the first housing member 81 and the second housing member 82 is large enough to equalize the potential of the first housing member 81 and the second housing member 82.

[0103] The second plate portion 722 does not have to have a spring structure by itself. The second plate portion 722 of the contact portion 72 may be formed by a conical plate portion 722a, without the disc portion 722b. The contact portion 72 may be flat. Both surfaces in the thickness direction of the contact portion 72 may be in surface contact with the opposing mating surfaces of the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82.

[0104] The contact portion 72 does not have to be disk-shaped. The contact portion 72 may be plate-shaped as long as it extends between the opposing mating surfaces of the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82. The shape of the contact portion 72 can be appropriately changed so that the contact area of ​​the contact portion 72 with the opposing mating surfaces of the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 is large enough to equipotentially equilibrate the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82.

[0105] The insertion portion 71 of the potential equalizing member 70 may be formed only by the first cylindrical portion 71a, without the second cylindrical portion 71b. The outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface 711a of the insertion portion 71 may be equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface 81r of the first insertion hole 81p and the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface 81t of the second insertion hole 81q before the insertion portion 71 is inserted into the first insertion hole 81p and the second insertion hole 81q. In such a case, the shape of the contact portion 72 is appropriately changed so that the contact area of ​​the contact portion 72 with the opposing mating surfaces of the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82 is large enough to equalize the potential of the first housing component 81 and the second housing component 82.

[0106] In the potential equalizing member 70, the gap G may be omitted. The potential equalizing member 70 does not have to be formed from a single thin plate. For example, the potential equalizing member 70 may be formed from a solid cylindrical insertion portion 71 and a contact portion 72. In this case, only the contact portion 72 needs to be formed from a thin plate. The gap G formed in the contact portion 72 may be omitted. The insertion portion 71 may be press-fitted into the first insertion hole 81p and the second insertion hole 81q, or may be loose-fitted.

[0107] The inner circumferential surface 81r of the first insertion hole 81p and the inner circumferential surface 81t of the second insertion hole 81q do not have to be cylindrical. For example, they may be rectangular cylindrical surfaces. The shapes of the inner circumferential surface 81r of the first insertion hole 81p and the inner circumferential surface 81t of the second insertion hole 81q may be modified as appropriate. In such a modification, if it is desired to increase the contact area between the insertion portion 71 and the inner circumferential surfaces 81r, 81t, it is preferable to match the shape of the insertion portion 71 to the shape of the inner circumferential surfaces 81r, 81t.

[0108] The first insertion hole 81p and the second insertion hole 81q may be omitted from the mating surface of the first housing component 81 and may be formed in the mating surface of the second housing component 82. In this case, the first surface 82f of the second housing component 82 is the mating surface in which the insertion holes are formed, and the opening end surface 81g and the axial end surface 81n of the first housing component 81 are mating surfaces in which the insertion holes are not formed.

[0109] The first insertion hole 81p and the second insertion hole 81q do not have to be positioned symmetrically to each other in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 20. In other words, the first equalizing member 701 and the second equalizing member 702 do not have to be positioned symmetrically to each other in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 20.

[0110] Either the first insertion hole 81p or the second insertion hole 81q may be omitted. That is, either the first equalizing member 701 or the second equalizing member 702 may be omitted. When the first insertion hole 81p is omitted, the extended wall portion 81k may also be omitted. However, when either the first equalizing member 701 or the second equalizing member 702 is omitted, the contact area between the remaining equalizing member 70 and the first housing member 81 and the second housing member 82 must be ensured so that the remaining equalizing member 70 equalizes the potentials of the first housing member 81 and the second housing member 82.

[0111] The number of electric potential equalizers 70 may be three or more. In this case, in addition to the first insertion holes 81p and the second insertion holes 81q, new insertion holes into which the insertion portions 71 of the electric potential equalizers 70 are inserted are added.

[0112] While the potential equalizing member 70 was provided between the opposing mating surfaces of the first housing member 81 and the second housing member 82, this is not limiting. For example, the potential equalizing member 70 may be provided between the opposing mating surfaces of the second housing member 82 and the third housing member 83. The second housing member 82 and the third housing member 83 are adjacent housing members. The opening end surface 83e of the third housing member 83 is the mating surface of the third housing member 83. The second surface 82g of the second housing member 82 is the mating surface of the second housing member 82. The second seal member 62 is an insulating seal member provided between the second housing member 82 and the third housing member 83. An insertion hole is formed in a portion of the mating surface of either the second housing member 82 or the third housing member 83 where the second seal member 62 is not present, and the insertion portion 71 of the potential equalizing member 70 is inserted into the insertion hole. The contact portion 72 of the potential equalizing member 70 extends between the opening end face 83e and the second surface 82g and contacts both the opening end face 83e and the second surface 82g. As in this modified example, the potential equalizing member 70 may be disposed between the first housing member 81 and the fourth housing member 84. Alternatively, the potential equalizing member 70 may be disposed between the fourth housing member 84 and the fifth housing member 85.

[0113] In the present embodiment, the housing 11 is formed by stacking all of the housing components in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 20, but this is not limiting. For example, the electric compressor 10 may be configured such that the fourth housing component 84 and the fifth housing component 85 are disposed adjacent to the first housing component 81 in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 20.

[0114] The compression section 30 is not limited to a scroll type, and may be, for example, a piston type or a vane type. Although the electric compressor 10 has been described as being used in a vehicle air conditioner, the use of the electric compressor 10 is not limited thereto. The electric compressor 10 may be used in any application as long as it compresses a refrigerant.

[0115] The electric compressor 10 may be mounted on a fuel cell vehicle, and the compression unit 30 may compress air as a fluid to be supplied to the fuel cell. [Note] The technical ideas that can be understood from the embodiments and modified examples will be described.

[0116] [1] An electric compressor comprising: a compression unit that compresses a fluid; an electric motor that drives the compression unit; an inverter that drives the electric motor; a housing that accommodates the compression unit, the electric motor, and the inverter and has a plurality of metal housing components; an insulating seal member provided between adjacent housing components; and a metal equalizing member that equalizes the potential of the adjacent housing components by contacting both of the adjacent housing components, wherein the adjacent housing components have mating surfaces that sandwich the seal member, and an insertion hole is formed in a portion of the mating surface of either of the adjacent housing components where the seal member is not present, and the equalizing member has an insertion portion that is inserted into the insertion hole and a contact portion that is a plate-shaped portion that extends between the opposing mating surfaces and is in contact with both of the opposing mating surfaces.

[0117] [2] The electric compressor according to [1], wherein the contact portion has a spring structure that generates an elastic force in a direction that separates the opposing mating surfaces. [3] The electric compressor described in [2], wherein the contact portion has a first plate portion that is provided continuously with the insertion portion and that contacts the mating surface where the insertion hole is not formed, and a second plate portion that bends relative to the first plate portion to form the spring structure together with the first plate portion and that contacts the mating surface where the insertion hole is formed.

[0118] [4] The electric compressor described in [2], wherein the contact portion has a first plate portion that is provided continuously with the insertion portion and that contacts the mating surface on which the insertion hole is formed, and a second plate portion that bends relative to the first plate portion to form the spring structure together with the first plate portion and that contacts the mating surface on which the insertion hole is not formed.

[0119] [5] An electric compressor according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the insertion portion is formed by bending a thin plate into a cylindrical shape, and the outer surface of the insertion portion is pressed against the inner surface of the insertion hole in surface contact by elastic force.

[0120] [6] The electric compressor described in [5], wherein the insertion portion has a first cylindrical portion having the outer circumferential surface, and a second cylindrical portion integrally formed with the first cylindrical portion and having an outer diameter that gradually decreases as it moves away from the contact portion in the axial direction of the insertion portion.

[0121] [7] The electric compressor according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the contact portion is in surface contact with both of the opposing mating surfaces. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 10...electric compressor, 11...housing, 30...compression section, 40...electric motor, 50...inverter, 61...first sealing member as sealing member, 70...potential equalization member, 71...insertion section, 71a...first cylindrical section, 71b...second cylindrical section, 72...contact section, 81...first housing component, 81g...opening end surface as mating surface, 81n...shaft end surface as mating surface, 81p...first insertion hole as insertion hole, 81q...second insertion hole as insertion hole, 81r...inner surface of first insertion hole, 81t...inner surface of second insertion hole, 82...second housing component, 82f...first surface as mating surface, 83...third housing component, 84...fourth housing component, 85...fifth housing component, 711a...outer surface of insertion section, 721...first plate section, 722...second plate section.

Claims

1. a compression section that compresses the fluid; an electric motor that drives the compression unit; an inverter that drives the electric motor; a housing that houses the compression unit, the electric motor, and the inverter and has a plurality of metal housing components; an insulating seal member provided between adjacent housing components; a metal potential equalizing member that is in contact with both of the adjacent housing components to equalize the potential of the adjacent housing components, The adjacent housing components have mating surfaces that sandwich the seal member, An insertion hole is formed in a portion of the mating surface of either of the adjacent housing components where the seal member is not present, The potential equalizing member is an insertion portion to be inserted into the insertion hole; a contact portion that is a plate-shaped portion extending between the opposing mating surfaces and that comes into contact with both of the opposing mating surfaces.

2. The electric compressor according to claim 1 , wherein the contact portion has a spring structure that generates an elastic force in a direction that moves the opposing mating surfaces apart from each other.

3. The contact portion is a first plate portion provided continuously with the insertion portion and in contact with the mating surface where the insertion hole is not formed; 3. The electric compressor according to claim 2, further comprising: a second plate portion that is bent relative to the first plate portion to form the spring structure together with the first plate portion and that comes into contact with the mating surface in which the insertion hole is formed.

4. The contact portion is a first plate portion provided continuously with the insertion portion and in contact with the mating surface on which the insertion hole is formed; 3. The electric compressor according to claim 2, further comprising: a second plate portion that is bent relative to the first plate portion to form the spring structure together with the first plate portion and that comes into contact with the mating surface where the insertion hole is not formed.

5. The insertion portion is formed by bending a thin plate into a cylindrical shape, The electric compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion is pressed against an inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole by elastic force while being in surface contact with the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole.

6. The insertion portion is a first cylindrical portion having the outer circumferential surface; The electric compressor according to claim 5 , further comprising: a second cylindrical portion integrally formed with the first cylindrical portion, the second cylindrical portion having an outer diameter that gradually decreases with increasing distance from the contact portion in the axial direction of the insertion portion.

7. The electric compressor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact portion is in surface contact with both of the opposing mating surfaces.

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