Electric compressor equipped structure

Abstract

To provide an improved electric compressor loading structure for fixing a coupling body of an electric compressor and a motor unit on loading space.SOLUTION: An electric compressor loading structure comprises a mount bracket (first mount bracket) which is joined to lower side of a vehicle frame through a mounted insulator fixed to the vehicle frame and is provided with a first surface facing to an extending direction (Y direction) of the vehicle frame and a second surface of reverse side of the first surface, a motor unit which is coupled in a plurality of first fastening positions lined up in a vertical direction in the first surface and an electric compressor 26 which is coupled in a plurality of second fastening positions lined up in a vertical direction in the second surface. And then, the second surface which is formed as one part of the mount bracket (the first mount bracket) is provided with a concave part sunken on the first surface side. The electric compressor is coupled on the second surface in posture at which one part of the electric compressor enters into the concave part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an electric vehicle, for example, a power unit (motor unit) called "eAxle" in which devices such as a motor serving as a drive source, an inverter that controls electric power, and a transaxle connected to tires are integrated is fixed to the lower surface side of a mounting space under the hood at the front of the vehicle. Further, on the upper surface side of the mounting space, a control unit (for example, an ESU (Electricity Supply Unit), motor accessories, and the like are fixed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the motor unit fixing structure as described above, when the electric compressor is arranged on the side surface of the motor unit, in consideration of the component mountability between two side members extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, a mount insulator interposed when fixing the motor unit to a frame is often arranged on the upper surface of the motor unit. In this case, the component dimension in the vehicle vertical direction increases, the mounting structure tends to become unstable, and there is a problem that vibration during driving is likely to occur in the motor unit. In addition, as a result of the increased component dimension in the vehicle vertical direction, there is a design problem that it becomes necessary to raise the height of the hood (vehicle hood).

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved electric compressor mounting structure for fixing an electric compressor and motor unit assembly to a mounting space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the electric compressor mounting structure according to the present invention comprises: a mount bracket joined to the lower side of the vehicle frame via a mount insulator fixed to the vehicle frame, having a first surface facing the extending direction of the vehicle frame and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a motor unit fastened at a plurality of first fastening positions arranged vertically on the first surface; and an electric compressor fastened at a plurality of second fastening positions arranged vertically on the second surface, wherein the second surface formed as part of the mount bracket has a recess recessed toward the first surface, and the electric compressor is fastened to the second surface in a position in which a part of the electric compressor fits into the recess. The fastening member for fastening the motor unit to the first surface protrudes from the bottom of the recess toward the first surface and fastens accordingly. .

[0007] This configuration allows for, for example, a reduction in the size of the combined electric compressor and motor unit, improving the reduction in mounting space (in the direction of arrangement of the electric compressor and motor unit and in the vertical direction of the vehicle), and contributing to an improvement in the mounting structure. Furthermore, for example, it is possible to further reduce the size of the electric compressor and motor unit in the arrangement direction, contributing to an improvement in the mounting structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, an improved electric compressor mounting structure can be provided for fixing the combined unit of the electric compressor and motor unit to the mounting space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an illustrative and schematic front view (a view from the front of an electric vehicle) showing the overall structure of the electric compressor according to the embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is an illustrative and schematic side view showing the first mounting bracket of the electric compressor mounting structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an illustrative and schematic side view showing the state in which an electric compressor is fastened to the first mounting bracket of the electric compressor mounting structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exemplary and schematic side view showing the overall configuration of the electric compressor mounting structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an illustrative and schematic side view showing the state in Figure 4 with the electric compressor removed and the fastening position exposed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 is an illustrative and schematic front view showing the overall structure of the electric compressor mounting structure 10 of the present invention.

[0014] In the following diagrams, for convenience, three mutually orthogonal directions are defined. The X direction is along the front-to-back direction of the electric vehicle, the Y direction is along the width direction (left-to-right direction) of the electric vehicle, and the Z direction is along the height direction (up-down direction) of the electric vehicle.

[0015] A vehicle frame 12 extending in the Y direction is provided in part of the mounting space (space under the hood) of an electric vehicle (not shown). The vehicle frame 12 is suspended from a pair of side members (not shown) that extend in the X direction of the mounting space.

[0016] In this embodiment, the electric compressor mounting structure 10 suspends and fixes the motor unit, electric compressor 26, etc., by a pair of mounting brackets that are held via a pair of mounting insulators fixed to the lower surface (-Z direction) of the vehicle frame 12.

[0017] Specifically, one of the mount insulators, the first mount insulator 14, is fixed to the lower side (-Z direction) of the vehicle frame 12 by fastening members 16 such as bolts. Similarly, the other mount insulator, the second mount insulator 18, is fixed to the lower side (-Z direction) of the vehicle frame 12 by fastening members 16. The first mount insulator 14 and the second mount insulator 18 are made of an elastic material such as rubber and are each provided with cylindrical retaining holes 14a and 18a that penetrate in the Y direction.

[0018] The connecting arm 20a, formed on the upper end of the first mount bracket 20, is inserted into the retaining hole 14a, for example, in a press-fit state. Similarly, the connecting arm 22a, formed on the upper end of the second mount bracket 22, is inserted into the retaining hole 18a, for example, in a press-fit state. The first mount insulator 14 and the second mount insulator 18 connect the first mount bracket 20 and the second mount bracket 22 via the retaining holes 14a and 18a, thereby suppressing or mitigating the transmission of vibrations of the first mount bracket 20, the second mount bracket 22, and the structure supported by the first mount bracket 20 and the second mount bracket 22 to the vehicle frame 12.

[0019] The first mounting bracket 20 is a roughly plate-shaped member made of, for example, iron, and comprises a connecting arm 20a extending in the +Y direction and a fixing surface that extends along the XZ plane. The second mounting bracket 22 is similar to the first mounting bracket 20 in that it comprises a connecting arm 22a extending in the -Y direction and a fixing surface that extends along the XZ plane, and is a roughly plate-shaped member made of, for example, iron.

[0020] The first mount bracket 20 includes, among the fixing surfaces extending along the X-Z plane, a first surface 20m1 facing one side surface (the surface in the extending direction (-Y direction) of the vehicle frame 12) and a second surface 20m2 facing the opposite side (+Y direction side) of the first surface 20m1. One end face on one side of the motor unit 24 is fastened and fixed to the first surface 20m1 of the first mount bracket 20. On the other hand, the electric compressor 26 is fastened and fixed to the second surface 20m2 of the first mount bracket 20.

[0021] Further, the second mount bracket 22 includes, among the fixing surfaces extending along the X-Z plane, a first surface 22m1 facing one side surface (the surface in the extending direction (-Y direction) of the vehicle frame 12) and a second surface 22m2 facing the opposite side (+Y direction) of the first surface 22m1. The other end face on the other side of the motor unit 24 is fastened and fixed to the second surface 22m2 of the second mount bracket 22. Accordingly, the motor unit 24 is suspended and fixed to the vehicle frame 12 in a state of being sandwiched between the first mount bracket 20 and the second mount bracket 22.

[0022] The motor unit 24 is a so-called "eAxle" power unit in which devices such as a motor, an inverter, and a transaxle are integrated. The motor is mainly a drive source of an electric vehicle, and for example, a type using a permanent magnet can be used. The inverter converts direct current flowing from the battery into alternating current (three-phase alternating current) to drive the motor. In addition, the inverter controls the motor output in response to the accelerator operation of the electric vehicle. The transaxle (power transmission mechanism) includes a transmission that appropriately shifts the rotation of the motor, a differential gear that distributes driving force to the drive shafts 28 connected to the left and right tires, and the like.

[0023] The electric compressor 26 is a device used, for example, to compress and supply air for air conditioning systems installed in electric vehicles, or for thermal management to cool on-board electronic equipment such as batteries that tend to get hot. In this embodiment, the electric compressor 26 is fastened to the side of the motor unit 24 via the first mounting bracket 20. The motor unit 24 and the electric compressor 26 are sometimes referred to as the "combined unit M". Furthermore, as will be described later, by fastening the electric compressor 26 to the first mounting bracket 20, the rigidity of the first mounting bracket 20 can be improved, thereby improving the vibration suppression effect of the entire electric compressor mounting structure 10.

[0024] The electric compressor mounting structure 10, configured as described above, needs to fit into the limited mounting space of an electric vehicle, for example, under the front hood. Furthermore, there are cases where it is desirable to lower the height of the hood in order to improve the aesthetic appeal of the electric vehicle. In other words, if the size of the electric compressor mounting structure 10, which is composed of various components, can be reduced, design flexibility will be increased, and cost reduction and improved aesthetics will also be possible. The following describes the features of the electric compressor mounting structure 10, which incorporates innovations to achieve this size reduction.

[0025] First, in order to achieve a size reduction in the Z direction, in the electric compressor mounting structure 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the first mount insulator 14 and the second mount insulator 18 are fixed to the lower side of the vehicle frame 12, and the motor unit 24 is suspended and supported by being sandwiched from the left and right direction (Y direction). Furthermore, the first mount insulator 14 and the second mount insulator 18 are arranged to overlap the upper region S of the combined body M (motor unit 24) in the Y direction. In other words, the structure for fixing the combined body M to the vehicle frame 12 is positioned below the vehicle frame 12. To put it another way, the size reduction in the Z direction of the electric compressor mounting structure 10 is achieved by not positioning the first mount insulator 14 and the second mount insulator 18 above the vehicle frame 12, or by not having any part of them protrude to the upper side of the vehicle frame 12. Furthermore, by arranging the first mount insulator 14 and the second mount insulator 18 and the upper region S of the combined body M (motor unit 24) to overlap in the Y direction, it is possible to contribute to a size reduction in the -Z direction in the region below the vehicle frame 12 compared to when they do not overlap.

[0026] Figure 2 is an exemplary and schematic side view showing the first mounting bracket 20 of the electric compressor mounting structure 10. Figure 3 is an exemplary and schematic side view showing the electric compressor 26 fastened to the first mounting bracket 20 of the electric compressor mounting structure 10. As shown in Figure 1, the motor unit 24 is fastened to the first surface 20m1 side, and the electric compressor 26 is fastened to the second surface 20m2 side.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, a recess 20b is formed in a part of the second surface 20m2 of the first mounting bracket 20, which is recessed toward the first surface 20m1 when viewed from the side. As shown in Figure 3, the electric compressor 26 is a part with a roughly cylindrical body, and a part of the electric compressor 26 (a part of the side surface (curved surface) of the cylinder) is positioned so that it fits into the recess 20b, and is fastened to the second surface 20m2 with multiple fastening members 30 (lower side in the Z direction) and fastening members 32 (upper side in the Z direction), such as bolts. In this respect as well, compared to the case where the first mounting bracket 20 does not have a recess 20b, it is possible to contribute to a size reduction in the Y direction when the electric compressor 26 is fastened to the first mounting bracket 20.

[0028] As described in the explanation of Figure 1, the first mount bracket 20 is fastened to the motor unit 24 by fastening members 34 (lower side in the Z direction) and fastening member 36 (upper side in the Z direction), such as bolts. In this case, the lower fastening member 34 for fastening the motor unit 24 to the first surface 20m1 is inserted from the second surface 20m2 side, and the bolt head 34h is located at the bottom 20c of the recess 20b, with the threaded portion 34s protruding toward the first surface 20m1 side, thus fastening. By arranging the bolt head 34h of the fastening member 34 within the recess 20b in this way, it becomes unnecessary to provide space for the bolt head 34h in the Y direction, which also contributes to size reduction in the Y direction. Furthermore, by arranging the fastening member 34 within the recess 20b, interference avoidance between the fastening member 34 and the electric compressor 26 can be easily achieved, which also contributes to improving the degree of freedom in selecting the fastening position of the motor unit 24.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the electric compressor 26 is positioned directly below the first mount insulator 14, and the drive shaft 28 is positioned below the electric compressor 26. In this case, compared to the case where the electric compressor 26 is not positioned directly below the first mount insulator 14, it is possible to reduce the space required in the Y direction. In other words, this also contributes to reducing the size in the Y direction. Although not shown in the figure, an ESU (Electricity Supply unit) is positioned on the upper surface (or above) of the vehicle frame 12. The ESU is a device that, for example, connects the battery and motor unit 24 of an electric vehicle to distribute power.

[0030] Thus, the electric compressor mounting structure 10 of this embodiment allows for size reduction in the Z direction (vertical direction) and the Y direction (vehicle width direction), improving the freedom of layout design when mounted on an electric vehicle. Furthermore, the size reduction alleviates space constraints and contributes to improved aesthetics. In particular, it improves the freedom of mounting the electric compressor mounting structure 10 on light-type electric vehicles where mounting space is severely limited.

[0031] Incidentally, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first mount bracket 20 has a connecting arm 20a inserted into the holding hole 14a of the first mount insulator 14, and the motor unit 24, which is a heavy component, is suspended and fixed at a first fastening position using fastening members 34, 36, etc. In this case, the first mount bracket 20 may swing (vibrate) in the Y direction due to vibrations caused by, for example, the meshing of gears during the operation of the transaxle that constitutes the motor unit 24. Therefore, the electric compressor mounting structure 10 of this embodiment realizes a structure that reduces or suppresses the swing (vibration) of the first mount bracket 20 in the Y direction by using the rigidity of the electric compressor 26.

[0032] Figure 4 is an illustrative and schematic side view showing the overall configuration of the electric compressor mounting structure 10. Figure 5 is an illustrative and schematic side view showing the electric compressor 26 removed from Figure 4, exposing the electric compressor fastening position.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, the first mount bracket 20 of this embodiment fastens the motor unit 24 with two lower fastening members 34 (bolts) in the Z direction and two upper fastening members 36 (bolts) in the Z direction. In other words, the motor unit 24 is fastened at multiple first fastening positions 34a, 36a (insertion through-hole positions for the lower fastening members 34 and insertion through-hole positions for the two upper fastening members 36) arranged vertically (Z direction) when viewed from the first surface 20m1 (see Figure 2) of the first mount bracket 20. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the first mount bracket 20 fastens the electric compressor 26 with two lower fastening members 30 (bolts) in the Z direction and two upper fastening members 32 (bolts) in the Z direction. In other words, as shown in Figure 5, the electric compressor 26 is fastened at multiple second fastening positions 30a, 32a (insertion through-hole positions for the lower fastening member 30 and insertion through-hole positions for the two upper fastening members 32) that are arranged vertically (Z direction) when viewed from the second surface 20m2 of the first mount bracket 20.

[0034] In this case, the second fastening positions 30a and 32a, which are aligned vertically (Z-direction), are positioned to sandwich the uppermost first fastening position 36a, which is also aligned vertically (Z-direction), in the vertical direction (Z-direction). In other words, in the +Z direction of the first mount bracket 20, the fastening position of the electric compressor 26 is set at a higher position than the fastening position of the motor unit 24. As a result, the rigidity of the first mount bracket 20 at a position higher in the +Z direction than the fastening position of the motor unit 24 is improved by fastening the electric compressor 26. As a result, it is possible to suppress or reduce the oscillation (vibration) of the first mount bracket 20 in response to vibrations of the motor unit 24. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the second fastening position 32a is set at a position slightly higher in the +Z direction than the uppermost first fastening position 36a. The further the second fastening position 32a is from the first fastening position 36a in the +Z direction, the greater the effect of improving rigidity, but it is desirable to place it at an appropriate position considering interference with other parts and the size of the entire electric compressor mounting structure 10 in the Z direction.

[0035] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, the electric compressor mounting structure 10 according to this embodiment is joined to the lower side of the vehicle frame 12 via mount insulators (first mount insulator 14, second mount insulator 18) fixed to the vehicle frame 12, and comprises a mount bracket (first mount bracket 20) having a first surface 20m1 facing the extending direction (Y direction) of the vehicle frame 12 and a second surface 20m2 on the opposite side of the first surface 20m1, a motor unit 24 fastened at a plurality of first fastening positions 34a, 36a arranged in the vertical direction (Z direction) on the first surface 20m1, and an electric compressor 26 fastened at a plurality of second fastening positions 30a, 32a arranged in the vertical direction on the second surface 20m2. The second fastening positions 30a, 32a arranged in the vertical direction are positioned so as to sandwich the uppermost first fastening position 36a arranged in the vertical direction (Z direction). In this way, by arranging the second fastening positions 30a and 32a, which are aligned in the vertical direction (Z direction), with the uppermost first fastening position 36a, which is also aligned in the vertical direction, in a vertical direction, it becomes possible to add a portion of the rigidity of the electric compressor 26 to the rigidity of the first mount bracket 20 that suspends the heavy motor unit 24. In other words, the rigidity of the region of the first mount bracket 20 above the fastening position of the motor unit 24 in the +Z direction can be improved, and the oscillation (vibration) of the first mount bracket 20 in response to vibrations of the motor unit 24 can be reduced or suppressed. As a result, the overall rigidity of the electric compressor mounting structure 10 is improved, the occurrence of vibrations is suppressed, and the mounting structure can be improved.

[0036] Furthermore, the electric compressor mounting structure 10 according to this embodiment is joined to the lower side of the vehicle frame 12 via mount insulators (first mount insulator 14, second mount insulator 18) fixed to the vehicle frame 12, and includes a mount bracket (first mount bracket 20) having a first surface 20m1 facing the extending direction (Y direction) of the vehicle frame 12 and a second surface 20m2 on the opposite side of the first surface 20m1, a motor unit 24 fastened at a plurality of first fastening positions 34a, 36a arranged in the vertical direction (Z direction) on the first surface 20m1, and an electric compressor 26 fastened at a plurality of second fastening positions 30a, 32a arranged in the vertical direction on the second surface 20m2. The second surface 20m2 has a recess 20b recessed toward the first surface 20m1 side, and the electric compressor 26 is fastened to the second surface 20m2 in a position in which a part of the electric compressor 26 fits into the recess 20b. According to this, for example, it becomes possible to reduce the size of the combined unit M of the electric compressor 26 and the motor unit 24, improving the effect of reducing mounting space (in the direction of arrangement of the electric compressor 26 and the motor unit 24 and in the vertical direction of the vehicle) (size reduction), and contributing to the improvement of the mounting structure.

[0037] Furthermore, in the electric compressor mounting structure 10 of this embodiment, the fastening member 34 that fastens the motor unit 24 to the first surface 20m1 may protrude from the bottom 20c of the recess 20b toward the first surface 20m1 for fastening. This can further improve the size reduction in the arrangement direction (Y direction) of the electric compressor 26 and the motor unit 24, for example, and contribute to the improvement of the mounting structure.

[0038] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Moreover, this embodiment is included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 10 Electric Compressor Equipped Structure 12 Vehicle Frames 14. First Mount Insulator 14a Retaining hole 16, 30, 32, 34, 36 Fastening members 18. Second Mount Insulator 20. First mounting bracket 20b recess 20m1 1st side 20m2 2nd side 22. Second mounting bracket 24 Motor Units 26 Electric Compressor 28 Drive shaft 30a,32a 2nd fastening position 34a,36a 1st fastening position M conjugate

Claims

[Claim 1] A mounting bracket is joined to the lower side of the vehicle frame via a mounting insulator fixed to the vehicle frame, and has a first surface facing the extending direction of the vehicle frame and a second surface opposite to the first surface, A motor unit fastened at a plurality of first fastening positions arranged vertically on the first surface, An electric compressor fastened at a plurality of second fastening positions arranged vertically on the second surface, Equipped with, The second surface, which is formed as part of the mounting bracket, has a recess that is recessed on the first surface side, The electric compressor is fastened to the second surface in a position in which a part of the electric compressor fits into the recess. The fastening member for fastening the motor unit to the first surface protrudes from the bottom of the recess toward the first surface and fastens accordingly. Features an electric compressor.

Images