Electric compressor

Abstract

The present invention provides an electric compressor that enables the packaging and weight of the inverter unit to be reduced by arranging the noise reduction element radially outside the inverter circuit board and integrating the high-voltage connector, noise reduction element, and low-voltage connector onto a support body. [Solution] The present invention includes a housing, a compression unit provided within the housing, a motor unit provided within the housing and driving the compression unit, and an inverter unit coupled to one side of the housing and controlling the motor unit, wherein the inverter unit includes a support body coupled to one side of the housing, and an inverter cover coupled to one side of the support body, and the support body includes a center portion to which a circuit board is attached, and a first accommodating portion extending radially outward from the center portion and having a noise reduction element disposed therein.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric compressor, and more particularly to an electric compressor in which a noise reduction element is disposed radially outside an inverter circuit board, and a high-voltage connector, a noise reduction element, and a low-voltage connector are integrated onto a support body, thereby enabling a smaller package and lighter inverter unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, automobiles are equipped with an air conditioning system for heating and cooling the interior of the vehicle. Such an air conditioning system includes a compressor that compresses low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant drawn from an evaporator into high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant and sends it to a condenser.

[0003] Compressors used in such automobiles include mechanical compressors that are driven by the driving force of the engine and electric compressors that use a motor that is driven electrically. Recently, the use of electric compressors has been increasing as the number of automobiles equipped with electrical equipment has been accelerating.

[0004] On the other hand, compressors are divided into reciprocating types that compress refrigerant by the reciprocating motion of pistons, and rotary types that compress refrigerant by rotary motion. Reciprocating types include crank types that use a crank to transmit power to multiple pistons, and swash plate types that transmit power to a rotating shaft with a swash plate, depending on the method of power transmission. Rotary types include vane rotary types that use a rotating rotary shaft and vanes, and scroll types that use an orbiting scroll and a fixed scroll.

[0005] In addition, there has been active development of inverter-type compressors that can vary the operating speed of the motor. In such inverter-type compressors, the inverter is mounted on the outer periphery or one side of the casing and is electrically connected to the motor inside the casing using terminals and bus bars that penetrate the casing.

[0006] In conventional electric compressors, a noise reduction element for reducing high-frequency noise is disposed on the inverter circuit board. For example, in the electric compressor disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 2020-0115215, a common mode choke coil 34 is mounted on the inverter circuit board 29, which prevents high-frequency noise generated in the vehicle PCU 39 from being transmitted to the compressor inverter circuit 31.

[0007] In this way, since the noise reduction element is disposed on the circuit board 29 and inside the inverter cover member 25, the area of ​​the circuit board 29 becomes larger, and therefore the area and height of the inverter cover member 25 also need to be increased, which makes it difficult to reduce the size and weight of the package of the inverter unit.

[0008] Furthermore, since the connector (27) is provided on the outside of the inverter cover member (25) and protrudes in the direction opposite to the motor, the overall length of the electric compressor also increases. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 2020-0115215 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention aims to provide an electric compressor that allows for a smaller package and lighter inverter unit by arranging a noise reduction element radially outside the inverter circuit board and integrating a high-voltage connector, noise reduction element, and low-voltage connector onto a support body.

[0011] The techniques and problems that the present invention aims to achieve are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a compressor comprising: a housing; a compression unit provided within the housing; a motor unit provided within the housing and driving the compression unit; and an inverter unit coupled to one side of the housing and controlling the motor unit, wherein the inverter unit comprises a support body coupled to one side of the housing and an inverter cover coupled to one side of the support body, and the support body comprises a center portion to which a circuit board is attached, and a first receiving portion extending radially outward from the center portion and having a noise reduction element disposed therein.

[0013] The support body may further include a second receiving portion arranged radially outward of the first receiving portion and juxtaposed therewith, the second receiving portion having a high-voltage connector disposed therein.

[0014] The support body may further include a third receiving portion extending radially outward from the central portion and having a low-voltage connector disposed therein.

[0015] The first receiving portion and the third receiving portion may extend in the same direction from the center portion in parallel to each other.

[0016] The inverter cover may cover the center portion and the first receiving portion.

[0017] The support body may further include a metallic electromagnetic wave shielding member surrounding the support body.

[0018] Sealing members may be disposed between the inverter cover and the support body, and between the support body and the housing, respectively.

[0019] A speed rivet may be installed through the circuit board and the support body, and a bolt may be installed through the speed rivet to the housing.

[0020] A fastening member may be installed through the inverter cover and the support body to the housing.

[0021] An intelligent power module (IPM) connected to the circuit board may be in contact with the housing.

[0022] A protrusion may be provided on one side of the housing, protruding toward the support body so that the intelligent power module (IPM) can come into contact with the protrusion.

[0023] The high voltage connector may be connected to the noise reduction element through a first bus bar, and the noise reduction element may be connected to the circuit board through a second bus bar.

[0024] The noise reduction elements may be welded to the first bus bar and the second bus bar, respectively.

[0025] The noise reduction element may be a common mode choke (CM choke). [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, since the noise reduction element is disposed radially outward of the circuit board and does not protrude axially from the support body, the size of the circuit board can be reduced, and the length of the inverter cover can also be reduced, thereby achieving the effects of reducing the size, weight, and cost of the inverter package, increasing design flexibility, and reducing the overall length of the electric compressor.

[0027] Furthermore, since the high voltage connector and the low voltage connector are integrally formed in the support body, separate bolts and processing are not required, which reduces the number of parts and weight, resulting in cost reduction and increased productivity.

[0028] Furthermore, even if the support body is made of plastic material to reduce costs and weight, electromagnetic wave shielding can be achieved by using an electromagnetic wave shielding member.

[0029] In addition, the intelligent power module (IPM) is in direct contact with the housing, improving heat dissipation performance.

[0030] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, but should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description of the present invention or the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electric compressor according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a part of the electric compressor of FIG. 1 in an exploded state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another side of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the support body in FIG. 1 in a separated state. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating a partial configuration of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the coupling relationship between a circuit board and a support body. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of an intelligent power module (IPM) and a front housing. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the electric compressor of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined in consideration of their functions in the present invention, and may vary depending on the intentions or practices of users or operators. The following examples do not limit the scope of the present invention, but are merely illustrative examples of the elements presented in the claims of the present invention.

[0033] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the description will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but that other components may also be included, unless otherwise specified.

[0034] First, the configuration of an electric compressor (1) according to the present invention will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.

[0035] The electric compressor of the present invention mainly comprises a housing (10), a motor section, a compression section, an inverter section (20), and a terminal unit for electrically connecting the motor section and the inverter section (20).

[0036] The housing (10) forms the exterior of the electric compressor (1) and in this embodiment is made up of a front housing (12) and a rear housing (14).

[0037] The motor section is provided in the front housing 12 and provides power for the compression section to compress the refrigerant. Although not shown, the motor section may include a rotor coupled to a rotating shaft rotatably installed at the center of the front housing 12, and a stator fixed to the front housing 12 and positioned radially outward of the rotor. The stator may also include a stator core and a coil wound around the stator core.

[0038] The compression unit is provided in the rear housing 14 and may include an orbiting scroll (not shown) connected to a rotary shaft via an eccentric bushing, and a fixed scroll (not shown) fixed between the front housing 12 and the rear housing 14 to form a compression chamber in which the refrigerant is compressed together with the orbiting scroll. As such, the compression unit is connected to the motor unit via the rotary shaft, so that the rotational force generated by the motor unit can be transmitted to the orbiting scroll of the compression unit via the rotary shaft. However, this is not a limitation, and other types of compression units may be used.

[0039] The inverter unit 20 is coupled to one side of the housing 10, opposite the compressor unit relative to the motor unit. The inverter unit 20 is electrically connected to the motor unit and applies power to the motor unit and controls its operation using power and control signals transmitted from an external source. Specifically, the stator generates an electromagnetic field using the power applied from the inverter unit 20, and the rotor rotates due to the electromagnetic field generated by the stator, generating a rotational force for driving the compressor unit.

[0040] In this case, the motor unit and the inverter unit 20 may be electrically connected by a terminal unit. Since a three-phase motor is used in this embodiment, three connecting pins and three terminals 30 may be provided to respectively connect to the three phases in order to supply three-phase power from the inverter unit 20 to the motor unit. The three connecting pins are respectively connected to the three-phase coils of the stator and protrude through the front housing 12 to the inside of the inverter unit 20. Each of the connecting pins protruding into the inside of the inverter unit 20 penetrates the circuit board 200 of the inverter unit and is electrically connected to the circuit board 200 through each terminal 30. To this end, through holes 12a, 102, 202 for the connecting pins to pass through may be formed in one side of the front housing 12, the support body 100, and the circuit board 200, respectively.

[0041] The inverter unit 20 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 5. The inverter unit 20 may include a support body 100, a circuit board 200, an inverter cover 300, a noise reduction element 400, a high-voltage connector 500, a low-voltage connector 600, and an electromagnetic wave shielding member 700.

[0042] The support body 100 is disposed on one side of the front housing 12, and a circuit board 200, to which a switching element is connected, is mounted on the support body 100. In this embodiment, the support body 100 includes a circular center portion 120 on which the circuit board 200 is mounted. The support body 100 may be formed of a plastic material to reduce costs and weight. In this case, a metal electromagnetic wave shielding member 700 is provided surrounding the support body 100 so that electromagnetic wave shielding is possible even though the support body 100 is made of a plastic material. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic wave shielding member 700 may be provided along the inner periphery of the support body 100.

[0043] The support body 100 and the circuit board 200 are provided with fastening holes 104, 204 for fastening the support body 100 and the circuit board 200, respectively. As shown in Fig. 6, a speed rivet 820 can be installed by penetrating both the support body 100 and the circuit board 200. Here, since the support body 100 is made of a plastic material and is not grounded, a bolt 840 can be installed through the speed rivet 820 to the front housing 12 for grounding.

[0044] In addition, a slot for a switching element may be formed in the center 120 of the support body 100. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 7, in this embodiment, the intelligent power module (IPM 220) connected to the circuit board 200 can contact the front housing 12 through the slot 106. To this end, one side of the front housing 12 is provided with a protrusion 12b that protrudes toward the support body 100 so that the intelligent power module 220 can contact it. In this way, the intelligent power module 220 can directly contact the front housing 12, thereby improving heat dissipation performance. The intelligent power module 220 can be directly fastened to the front housing 12 using bolts without using a carrier.

[0045] In the present invention, the noise reduction element 400 is installed on the support body 100 and disposed radially outward of the circuit board 200. To this end, the support body 100 includes a first receiving portion 140 extending radially outward from the center portion 120 and having the noise reduction element 400 disposed therein. The center portion 120 and the first receiving portion 140 may be integrally formed. In this manner, the noise reduction element 400 is disposed radially outward of the circuit board 200 and does not protrude axially from the support body 100, thereby enabling the electric compressor to be compact. The noise reduction element 400 may, for example, be a common mode choke (CM choke).

[0046] The support body 100 further includes a second receiving portion 160, which is disposed radially outward of the first receiving portion 140 and has a high-voltage connector 500 disposed therein. Here, the second receiving portion 160 may be a housing for the high-voltage connector. By disposing the high-voltage connector 500 radially outward of the noise reduction element 400, the high-voltage connector 500 and the noise reduction element 400 can be easily connected and configured more compactly. As shown in FIG. 5, the high-voltage connector 500 is electrically connected to the noise reduction element 400 through a first bus bar 520, and the noise reduction element 400 is electrically connected to the circuit board 200 through a second bus bar 420. The noise reduction element (400) can be easily integrated into the support body (100) by being welded to the first bus bar (520) and the second bus bar (420), respectively.

[0047] The support body 100 further includes a third receiving portion 180 extending radially outward from the center portion 120 and housing a low-voltage connector 600 therein. The third receiving portion 180 may be a housing for the low-voltage connector. Since the low-voltage connector 600 does not protrude axially from the support body 100, the electric compressor can be compact. In this embodiment, the first receiving portion 140 and the third receiving portion 180 extend parallel to each other in the same direction from the center portion 120. As shown in FIG. 5, the low-voltage connector 600 is directly and electrically connected to the circuit board 200.

[0048] The inverter cover 300 is coupled to one side of the support body 100, and in this embodiment, it covers the center portion 120 and the first receiving portion 140 of the support body. That is, the high-voltage connector 500 and the low-voltage connector 600 are not disposed inside the inverter cover 300. The fastening member 860 is installed through the inverter cover 300 and the support body 100 to the front housing 12, so that the inverter cover 300 and the support body 100 can be coupled to one side of the front housing 12.

[0049] At this time, sealing members 900 are respectively disposed between the inverter cover 300 and the support body 100, and between the support body 100 and the front housing 12. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8, the inverter cover 300 and the front housing 12 each have a circular protrusion formed on the side facing the support body 100, and the circular protrusion is coupled to the inner surface of the support body 100, so that an O-ring is provided as a sealing member 900 between the contacting surfaces.

[0050] According to the present invention, the noise reduction element 400 is disposed radially outward of the circuit board 200 and does not protrude axially from the support body 100, thereby enabling a reduction in the size of the circuit board 200 and the length of the inverter cover 300. This results in a smaller package, lighter weight, lower costs, and increased design flexibility for the inverter unit 20, and also reduces the overall length of the electric compressor 1.

[0051] In addition, since the high voltage connector (500) and the low voltage connector (600) are integrally configured in the support body (100), separate bolts and processing are not required, which reduces the number of parts and weight, resulting in cost savings and increased productivity.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and explanations described above, and various modifications can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications are within the scope of protection of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0053] The present invention relates to an electric compressor in which the noise reduction element is arranged radially outside the inverter circuit board, and the high-voltage connector, noise reduction element, and low-voltage connector are integrated onto a support body, thereby enabling the inverter unit to be packaged more compactly and lighter.

Claims

1. the compressor includes a housing, a compressor provided within the housing, a motor provided within the housing and configured to drive the compressor, and an inverter coupled to one side of the housing and configured to control the motor, the inverter including a support body coupled to one side of the housing and an inverter cover coupled to one side of the support body, the support body including a center portion on which a circuit board is seated, and a first receiving portion extending radially outward from the center portion and configured to receive the noise reduction element therein so that the noise reduction element does not protrude from the support body in an axial direction, the support body further includes a second housing portion arranged radially outward of the first housing portion and juxtaposed therewith, the second housing portion having a high-voltage connector disposed therein; The support body is made of a plastic material, The support body further includes a metallic electromagnetic wave shielding member surrounding the support body. the high-voltage connector is connected to the noise reduction element through a first bus bar, and the noise reduction element is connected to the circuit board through a second bus bar; the noise reduction elements are welded to the first bus bar and the second bus bar, respectively; The electric compressor is characterized in that the high-voltage connector, the noise reduction element, and the circuit board are integrated into the support body.

2. 2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the support body further includes a third receiving portion extending radially outward from the central portion and having a low-voltage connector disposed therein.

3. The electric compressor according to claim 2, wherein the first accommodating portion and the third accommodating portion extend in the same direction from the center portion in parallel to each other.

4. The electric compressor according to claim 1 , wherein the inverter cover covers the central portion and the first accommodating portion.

5. 2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein sealing members are disposed between the inverter cover and the support body, and between the support body and the housing.

6. 2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein a speed rivet is installed through the circuit board and the support body, and a bolt is installed through the speed rivet to the housing.

7. 2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein a fastening member is installed through the inverter cover and the support body to the housing.

8. 2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein an intelligent power module (IPM) connected to the circuit board is in contact with the housing.

9. 9. The electric compressor of claim 8, wherein one side of the housing has a protrusion protruding toward the support body so that the intelligent power module (IPM) can come into contact with the protrusion.

10. 2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the noise reduction element is a common mode choke.

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