An inverter comprising a portion that forms a setback from the first portion of the inverter.

Abstract

To provide a space-saving inverter mounted on an automobile vehicle, particularly an electric or hybrid vehicle.SOLUTION: An inverter includes a power component that converts DC electrical energy into AC electrical energy to power an electric motor 250 that drives a vehicle, and a case 100 that houses the power component of the inverter 200. The case 100 includes a first part 110 that forms a first housing that houses a power component, and a second part 120 that forms a second housing that houses a filter component that filters a DC electrical energy supplied, in particular, from a vehicle battery to the power component. The second part 120 is formed at least partially by a setback 124 with respect to the first part 110 from the outer surface 114 of the case included in the first part 110.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0004]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inverter, and more particularly to an inverter configured to be mounted on a vehicle, especially an electric or hybrid vehicle, of an automobile. The present invention also relates to an assembly including the above inverter and, especially, an electric motor configured to drive a wheel of a vehicle of an automobile.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, technologies related to electric or hybrid vehicles have been rapidly developing. Typically, an electric or hybrid vehicle includes an electric motor that generates a rotational force, an inverter that controls the electric motor, a battery that supplies power to the inverter, and a gearbox that transmits torque from the electric motor to the wheels of the vehicle. It is an object to mount these components on the vehicle in a way that limits the volume of the components in the vehicle. For this purpose, it is known that assemblies in which these components are mounted and integrated with each other are provided for optimizing the space in the vehicle and avoiding cables that cover long distances in the vehicle. However, a simple method of mounting the components to each other cannot guarantee sufficient space saving in the vehicle. The internal configuration of each component, especially the inverter, also affects the volume of the assembly.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Thus, the inverter is required to have an internal configuration that facilitates mounting with other components of an assembly that forms a drive system of a vehicle, especially.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention relates to an inverter configured to be mounted in a vehicle, particularly an automobile. The inverter comprises a power component configured to convert direct current electrical energy to alternating current electrical energy to supply an electric motor configured to drive the vehicle, and a case housing the power component of the inverter, the case comprising a first portion forming a first housing for housing the power component and a second portion forming a second housing for housing a filter component configured to filter the direct current electrical energy supplied to the power component from the vehicle's battery, particularly. The second portion is at least partially formed by a setback from the outer surface of the case, which is included in the first portion, relative to the first portion.

[0005] The second portion extends laterally from the first portion, and in particular perpendicularly to the first portion. In this way, when the inverter is mounted in a vehicle, the space formed between the first and second portions may accommodate other components of the vehicle, in particular the electric motor supplied by the inverter, thereby improving the integration of the components within the vehicle.

[0006] According to the embodiment, the setback forms the outer surface of the case included in the second portion and extends laterally, and in particular perpendicular to the outer surface of the case included in the first portion.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the setback of the second portion includes a first outer connector of the inverter configured to connect the inverter to a DC electrical energy source, in particular to the battery of the vehicle.

[0008] According to the alternative, the first outer connector is located distal to the first portion, and the filter component is located between the distal position and the setback position between the first portion and the second portion.

[0009] According to the alternative, the connector is mounted on the outer surface of the second portion which forms a setback from the outer surface of the first portion.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the second part further comprises a second external connector configured to connect the inverter to a charger, in particular an electric charger configured to charge the battery of the vehicle.

[0011] According to the embodiment, the passage within the case allows communication between the first housing and the second housing.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the second portion includes an opening configured to receive the vehicle's drive shaft when the inverter is mounted on the vehicle, particularly on an axle for driving the vehicle's wheels.

[0013] According to the alternative method, the opening is formed within the setback.

[0014] According to the alternative, the opening is formed in a portion of the second part that is outside the second housing housing the filter component.

[0015] The present invention relates to an assembly further comprising an inverter according to the present invention and an electric motor configured to be driven by the inverter.

[0016] According to the embodiment, the electric motor is at least partially housed in the space formed between the first part and the second part, in particular in the space formed between the outer surface of the first part and the setback.

[0017] According to the alternative means, the openings of the electric motor and the openings of the inverter face each other in the space formed between the first part and the second part so as to enable a leak-proof passage for the electrical connection between the inverter and the electric motor.

[0018] According to a particular alternative means, the opening of the case including the stator of the electric motor and the opening of the case of the inverter face each other in the space formed between the first part and the second part so as to enable a leak-proof passage for the electrical connection between the inverter and the electric motor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] By reading the following description which shows non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention can be well understood and other details, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clear. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 represents an example of an inverter according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a partial view of the inverter. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows an example of a filter component of the inverter. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows another view of the inverter. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows an example of an assembly including the inverter. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows another view of the inverter. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 represents an alternative means of the inverter.

[0020] Note that the drawings show the present invention in a detailed way for implementing the present invention, and the above drawings can clearly help to more clearly define the present invention as necessary.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] The exemplary inverter 200 includes a case 100 that houses the components of the inverter 200. The case 100 has a first portion 110 that forms a first housing for housing the power components of the inverter 200, and a second portion 120 that forms a second housing 122 for housing the filter component 125 of the inverter 200. The second portion 120 of the case 100 is at least partially formed by a setback 124 from the outer surface 114 of the case 100 included in the first portion 110. The second portion 120 thus extends from the first portion 110 in a direction along the lateral direction or perpendicular to the first portion 110. In this way, the case 100 defines the range of the space between the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 that can receive other components of the vehicle or other components of an assembly configured to drive the vehicle when the inverter is mounted thereon. In particular, the setback 124 forms the outer surface of the case 100, and this outer surface is included in the second portion 120 of the case 100.

[0022] In particular, the case 100 has an outer wall 102 that defines a housing for receiving components. The edges of these outer walls 102 particularly define openings that allow components to be introduced into the housing. These openings may then be closed by a cover 104 that faces the edges of the wall 102. In particular, the outer wall 102 of the first portion 110 defines a first housing for receiving the power components of the inverter 200. The cover 104 then closes the first housing. In particular, the outer wall 102 extends from the setback 124 and defines a second housing 122 that receives the filter component 125 of the inverter 200. The cover 104 closes the housing 122 of the second portion 120 facing the edges of these outer walls 102 of the second portion 120.

[0023] The power components are housed in the first housing of the inverter 200. The power components are configured to convert DC electrical energy into AC electrical energy, which is then supplied by the inverter 200 to an electric motor. These power components include semiconductor components such as diodes and / or transistors through which the electrical energy supplied to the electric motor passes. The first housing may also contain other components, such as a control unit configured to control the electronic power components. Such a control unit could be, for example, an electronic board with a control circuit, or a DC link capacitor connected to the input of a power component receiving DC electrical energy.

[0024] The filter component 125 is configured to filter the DC electrical energy supplied to the power component. The filter component 125 has one or more electrical connection bars 126 configured to conduct current between the input of an inverter 200 connected to a DC source and the input of the power component. The electrical connection bars 126 have electrical conductors with, for example, electrically insulating covers except for the faces of the electrical terminals of the electrical connection bars 126. The filter component 125 may further include a core 127 and a capacitor 128.

[0025] The setback 124 includes a first outer connector 123 for connecting the inverter 200 to a DC electrical energy source, in particular the vehicle's battery. This first outer connector 123 may be located on another outer surface of the second part 120, for example, on the outer wall 102 or cover 104 of the second part 120. The first outer connector 123 may be located distal to the first part 110. The filter component 125 extends between this distal location and the setback location between the first part 110 and the second part 120. The first outer connector 123 is thus located away from the first part 110. In this way, the connection to the battery is hardly affected by the volume of the first part 110.

[0026] The second part 120 may further include a second outside connector 129 configured to connect an inverter 200 to an electric charger. Such an electric charger is, in particular, mounted in a vehicle and configured to charge the vehicle's battery from an external electrical network. The electric battery is further configured to supply power to the inverter 200 through a first outside connector 123 and a filter component 125. The second outside connector 129 forms an electrical connection between the electrical connection bar 126 of the filter component 125 and the charger. Thanks to the second outside connector 129, the charger is connected to the battery through the second outside connector 129, the electrical connection bar 126, and the first outside connector 123.

[0027] As can be seen in Figure 2, the passage 115 is located within the case 100, forming a passage between the first housing and the second housing 122. In this way, the connection between the filter component 125 and the power component is formed within the case 100. In particular, this passage 115 is located within the inner wall of the case 100, which is common to both the first housing and the second housing 122.

[0028] The setback 124 has an opening 121 configured to receive the vehicle's drive shaft, in particular when the inverter 200 is mounted on the vehicle. For example, the opening 121 receives the drive shaft coming from the gearbox. In this way, the inverter 200 may be integrated into the vehicle's drive system, thereby improving the miniaturization of the vehicle. Furthermore, the case 100 of the inverter 200 contributes to the support of the drive shaft. The opening 121 may also be located elsewhere on the second part 120, for example, on a projection of the cover 104 of the second part 120 or on a projection extending from the setback 124. In particular, the opening 121 is outside the second housing 122. The opening 121 does not appear inside the second housing 122, thereby avoiding the problem of sealing the second housing 122.

[0029] The inverter 200 may, in conjunction with the electric motor 250, form an assembly 300 schematically shown in Figure 5. The electric motor 250 is housed in the space formed between the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 of the case 100 of the inverter 200.

[0030] In particular, as shown in Figure 6, the inverter 200 has an opening 112 in the space formed between the first part 110 and the second part 120 that faces the corresponding opening of the electric motor 250, thus forming a passage for electrical connection between the inverter 200 and the electric motor 250. The opening 112 of the inverter 200 is included in particular in the first part 110, and more specifically, in the outer surface 114 of the first part 110 from which the setback 124 extends. In this way, the integration of the inverter 200 and the electric motor 250 within the assembly 300 is improved. In particular, the corresponding opening of the electric motor 250 is included in the outer wall of the case 255 of the electric motor 250. Such a case 255 has the stator and rotor of the electric motor 250.

[0031] Alternatively, the inverter 200 has a circuit for cooling the power components. To achieve this goal, the cooling circuit is contained, in particular, within the first section 110. For example, as shown in Figure 7, a tube 130 may extend to the opposite side of the second section 120 to replace the channels and coolant of the cooling circuit. In particular, the tube 130 extends to the opposite side of the outer surface of the second section 120, opposite the setback 124. In particular, the tube 130 has a first end 131 connected to the cooling circuit and a second end 132 located on the opposite side of the edge of the second section 120. In particular, the second end 132 of the tube 130, the first outer connector 123, and the second outer connector 129 are located on or opposite the outer edge of the second section 120 to facilitate connections between the inverter 200 and other elements.

[0032] Assembly 300 is mounted in a vehicle, in particular for driving the vehicle from the vehicle's battery, which is connected to the first outer connector 123 of the inverter 200. In particular, assembly 300 is mounted together with the vehicle's gearbox, and the drive shaft of the gearbox may enter the opening 121 of the second portion 120 of the case 100 of the inverter 200.

Claims

1. An assembly (300) configured to be mounted on an automobile vehicle, Electric motor (250) and, A power component configured to convert DC electrical energy into AC electrical energy to supply to the electric motor (250) configured to drive the vehicle, The inverter (200) comprises a case (100) that houses the power components of the inverter, The aforementioned case (100) is, A first portion (110) that forms a first housing for housing the power component, A second portion (120) forms a second housing (122) that houses a filter component (125) configured to filter the DC electrical energy supplied to the power component, Equipped with, The second portion (120) extends perpendicularly to the first portion (110) and is at least partially formed by a setback (124). The setback (124) is part of the outer surface of the second portion (120) and extends laterally perpendicular to the outer surface (114) of the case included in the first portion (110). The setback (124) of the second portion (120) comprises an assembly (300) including a first outer connector (123) of the inverter (200) configured to connect the inverter (200) to a DC electrical energy source.

2. The first outer connector (123) is located distal to the first portion (110), The assembly (300) according to claim 1, wherein the filter component (125) is located between the distal position and the setback position (124) between the first portion (110) and the second portion (120).

3. An assembly (300) configured to be mounted on a vehicle of an automobile, Electric motor (250) and, A power component configured to convert DC electrical energy into AC electrical energy to supply to the electric motor (250) configured to drive the vehicle, The inverter (200) comprises a case (100) that houses the power components of the inverter, The aforementioned case (100) is, A first portion (110) that forms a first housing for housing the power component, A second portion (120) forms a second housing (122) that houses a filter component (125) configured to filter the DC electrical energy supplied to the power component, Equipped with, The second portion (120) extends perpendicularly to the first portion (110) and is at least partially formed by a setback (124). The setback (124) is part of the outer surface of the second portion (120) and extends laterally perpendicular to the outer surface (114) of the case included in the first portion (110). The assembly (300) further comprises a second outer connector (129) configured to connect the inverter (200) to an electric charger, the second portion (120).

4. An assembly (300) configured to be mounted on a vehicle of an automobile, Electric motor (250) and, A power component configured to convert DC electrical energy into AC electrical energy to supply to the electric motor (250) configured to drive the vehicle, The inverter (200) comprises a case (100) that houses the power components of the inverter, The aforementioned case (100) is, A first portion (110) that forms a first housing for housing the power component, A second portion (120) forms a second housing (122) that houses a filter component (125) configured to filter the DC electrical energy supplied to the power component, Equipped with, The second portion (120) extends perpendicularly to the first portion (110) and is at least partially formed by a setback (124). The setback (124) is part of the outer surface of the second portion (120) and extends laterally perpendicular to the outer surface (114) of the case included in the first portion (110). The passage (115) within the case (100) is an assembly (300) that enables communication between the first housing and the second housing (122).

5. An assembly (300) configured to be mounted on a vehicle of an automobile, Electric motor (250) and, A power component configured to convert DC electrical energy into AC electrical energy to supply to the electric motor (250) configured to drive the vehicle, The inverter (200) comprises a case (100) that houses the power components of the inverter, The aforementioned case (100) is, A first portion (110) that forms a first housing for housing the power component, A second portion (120) forms a second housing (122) that houses a filter component (125) configured to filter the DC electrical energy supplied to the power component, Equipped with, The second portion (120) extends perpendicularly to the first portion (110) and is at least partially formed by a setback (124). The setback (124) is part of the outer surface of the second portion (120) and extends laterally perpendicular to the outer surface (114) of the case included in the first portion (110). The second portion (120) is an assembly (300) comprising an opening (121) configured for receiving the vehicle's drive shaft, the inverter (200).

6. The assembly (300) according to claim 5, wherein the opening (121) is formed within the setback (124).

7. The assembly (300) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the opening (121) is formed in part of the second portion (120) which is outside the second housing (122) that houses the filter component (125).

8. An assembly (300) configured to be mounted on a vehicle of an automobile, Electric motor (250) and, A power component configured to convert DC electrical energy into AC electrical energy to supply to the electric motor (250) configured to drive the vehicle, The inverter (200) comprises a case (100) that houses the power components of the inverter, The aforementioned case (100) is, A first portion (110) that forms a first housing for housing the power component, A second portion (120) forms a second housing (122) that houses a filter component (125) configured to filter the DC electrical energy supplied to the power component, Equipped with, The second portion (120) extends perpendicularly to the first portion (110) and is at least partially formed by a setback (124). The setback (124) is part of the outer surface of the second portion (120) and extends laterally perpendicular to the outer surface (114) of the case included in the first portion (110). The electric motor (250) is at least partially housed in the space formed between the first portion (110) and the second portion (120), and in the space formed between the outer surface (114) of the first portion (110) and the setback (124). The opening for the electric motor (250) and the opening (112) for the inverter (200) face each other in the space formed between the first portion (110) and the second portion (120) of the assembly (300), so as to allow a leak-proof passage for an electrical connection between the inverter (200) and the electric motor (250).

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