Electric compressor and method of installing electric compressor

Abstract

Provided is an electric compressor (100) comprising: a lower housing (10) that has an opening (11) formed on an upper side in a vertical direction (VD); an upper housing (20) that seals the opening (11) and forms a sealed space (CS); a compression part (30) that rotates around an axis (Z) and compresses a fluid; a motor (40) that rotationally drives the compression part (30) around the axis (Z); a first vibration damping part (70) that is disposed in contact with both the upper housing (20) and an upper support member (1) disposed above the upper housing (20) and has a first damping member for damping vibrations transmitted from the upper housing (20) to the upper support member (1); and a second vibration damping part (80) that is disposed in contact with both the lower housing (10) and a lower support member (2) disposed below the lower housing (10) and has a second damping member for damping vibrations transmitted from the lower housing (10) to the lower support member (2).

Description

Electric compressor and installation method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric compressor and an installation method for the electric compressor.

[0002] It is known that when a compressor for a vehicle air conditioner is installed on the floor of a vehicle that does not have an engine (internal combustion engine), such as an electric vehicle, a vibration-damping structure is provided to prevent vibrations from the compressor from being transmitted to the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a double vibration-damping structure in which a bracket for mounting the compressor on the floor of the vehicle is divided into a compressor-side bracket and a vehicle-side bracket, and a first vibration-damping rubber is disposed between the compressor-side bracket and the vehicle-side bracket, and a second vibration-damping rubber is disposed between the vehicle-side bracket and the vehicle floor.

[0003] Patent No. 5891971

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, a double vibration-isolating structure is adopted in which the bracket for attaching the compressor to the vehicle floor is divided into two parts, a compressor-side bracket and a vehicle-side bracket, which increases the number of parts required for the vibration-isolating structure and the number of installation steps, thereby increasing manufacturing costs.In addition, with regard to vibrations in the vertical direction perpendicular to the floor, the structure only attenuates vibrations below the compressor, leaving room for improvement in vibration attenuation.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an electric compressor and an installation method for an electric compressor that can improve the vibration-damping performance of an electric compressor installed on the floor of a vehicle, etc.

[0006] An electric compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a lower housing that is cylindrically formed along an axis and that is arranged with the axis aligned vertically, and that has an opening formed on an upper side in the vertical direction and a bottom formed on a lower side in the vertical direction; an upper housing that seals the opening and forms an enclosed space; a compression unit that is arranged above the enclosed space and rotates about the axis to compress a fluid; a motor that is arranged below the enclosed space and rotates the compression unit about the axis; an upper support member that is arranged above the upper housing and a support member that supports the upper housing; The vibration damping device comprises a first vibration damping section that is arranged in contact with both the upper housing and the lower housing and damps vibrations transmitted from the upper housing to the upper support member, and a second vibration damping section that is arranged in contact with both the lower support member arranged below the lower housing and the lower housing and damps vibrations transmitted from the lower housing to the lower support member, and a second horizontal distance from the axis to a second contact position where the second vibration damping section contacts the upper support member is longer than a first horizontal distance from the axis to a first contact position where the first vibration damping section contacts the upper housing.

[0007] In a method for installing an electric compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the electric compressor includes: a lower housing that is cylindrically formed along an axis and that is arranged with the axis aligned in a vertical direction, the lower housing having an opening formed on an upper side in the vertical direction and a bottom formed on a lower side in the vertical direction; an upper housing that seals the opening and forms an enclosed space; a compression unit that is arranged above the enclosed space and rotates about the axis to compress a fluid; a motor that is arranged below the enclosed space and rotates the compression unit about the axis; and an upper support member that is arranged above the upper housing. and a second vibration-damping part that damps vibrations transmitted from the lower housing to a lower support member arranged below the lower housing, and the method includes the steps of installing the second vibration-damping part so as to contact both the lower support member and the lower housing, and installing the first vibration-damping part so as to contact both the upper support member and the upper housing, wherein a first horizontal distance from the axis to a first contact position where the first vibration-damping part contacts the upper housing is longer than a first horizontal distance from the axis to a first contact position where the first vibration-damping part contacts the upper housing.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electric compressor and an installation method for an electric compressor that can improve the vibration isolation performance of an electric compressor that is installed on the floor surface or the like of a vehicle.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing an electric compressor according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a partial enlarged view of a first vibration-isolating section shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a partial enlarged view of a second vibration-isolating section shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a partial enlarged view of a modified example of the first vibration-isolating section shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a partial enlarged view of a modified example of the second vibration-isolating section shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is an end view taken along arrows A-A of the electric compressor shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is an end view taken along arrows B-B of the electric compressor shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a partial enlarged view of a second vibration-isolating section of an electric compressor according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] First Embodiment An electric compressor 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The electric compressor 100 of this embodiment is used, for example, in a vehicle air conditioner. The electric compressor 100 of this embodiment is particularly suitable for use in a vehicle air conditioner for an electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle) that generates driving force by an electric motor without using an internal combustion engine.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing an electric compressor 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a partial enlarged view of a first vibration-isolating part 70 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a partial enlarged view of a second vibration-isolating part 80 shown in Fig. 1.

[0012] The electric compressor 100 of this embodiment is a device that compresses a refrigerant (fluid) drawn through a suction port (not shown) and discharges the compressed refrigerant to the outside through a discharge port (not shown). As shown in Fig. 1, the electric compressor 100 of this embodiment includes a lower housing 10, an upper housing 20, a compression section 30, a motor 40, a first plain bearing 50, a second plain bearing 60, a first vibration-isolating section 70, a second vibration-isolating section 80, and an inverter 90. The electric compressor 100 of this embodiment is installed vertically with an axis Z, which is the rotation axis of the motor 40 and the compression section 30, aligned with a vertical direction VD.

[0013] The lower housing 10 is a member formed in a generally cylindrical shape extending along the axis Z, and is made of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy. The lower housing 10 is disposed relative to the lower support member 2 of the vehicle with the axis Z aligned with the vertical direction VD. The lower housing 10 has an opening 11 formed above the vertical direction VD and a bottom 12 formed below the vertical direction VD. An intake port (not shown) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lower housing 10 near the bottom 12. Refrigerant supplied from the outside is introduced into the lower housing 10 through the intake port. The refrigerant introduced into the lower housing 10 flows along the axis Z from the bottom 12 toward the opening 11.

[0014] The upper housing 20 is a member formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending along the axis Z, and is made of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy. The upper housing 20 is disposed relative to the upper support member 1 of the vehicle with the axis Z aligned with the vertical direction VD. By fastening the upper housing 20 to the lower housing 10 with fastening bolts 21, the upper housing 20 seals the opening 11 of the lower housing 10 and forms an enclosed space CS that houses the compression section 30 and the motor 40.

[0015] The compression unit 30 is a device that is disposed above the sealed space CS and rotates about the axis Z to compress the refrigerant. The compression unit 30 includes a scroll compression mechanism that compresses the refrigerant by causing an orbiting scroll 32, which is combined with a fixed scroll 31, to revolve about the axis Z. The compression unit 30 is sandwiched and fixed between the upper housing 20 and the second plain bearing 60, with the sealed space CS formed by the lower housing 10 and the upper housing 20.

[0016] The compression section 30 draws in and compresses the refrigerant introduced into the lower housing 10 through the suction port, and guides the compressed refrigerant to a discharge port provided in the upper housing 20. The refrigerant guided to the discharge port is supplied to the outside via a pipe (not shown) connected to the discharge port.

[0017] The motor 40 is a device disposed below the sealed space CS and rotates the compression section 30 around the axis Z. The motor 40 includes a stator 41, a rotor 42 disposed on the inner circumferential side of the stator 41, and a drive shaft 43.

[0018] The stator 41 is a member formed in a cylindrical shape along the axis Z, and is constructed by laminating a predetermined number of electromagnetic steel plates that have been punched into an annular shape. The stator 41 has a plurality of teeth (not shown) each having a coil winding (not shown) wound around it. The rotor 42 is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the stator 41 with a predetermined gap provided. The rotor 42 is constructed by laminating a predetermined number of electromagnetic steel plates that have been punched into annular shape.

[0019] The drive shaft 43 is a member connected to the rotor 42 and disposed on the axis Z. The drive shaft 43 is rotatably supported about the axis Z by a first plain bearing 50 on the lower side in the vertical direction VD, and is rotatably supported about the axis Z by a second plain bearing 60 on the upper side in the vertical direction VD. An eccentric shaft 43a is formed at the upper end of the drive shaft 43 and is disposed at a position radially eccentric with respect to the axis Z, perpendicular to the axis Z. The electric compressor 100 rotates the rotor 42 of the motor 40, thereby causing the orbiting scroll 32 attached to the eccentric shaft 43a to revolve around the axis Z.

[0020] 1, the drive shaft 43 is formed with an oil supply hole 43b extending along the axis Z. The oil supply hole 43b supplies lubricating oil supplied to the bottom portion 12 of the lower housing 10 to the first plain bearing 50 and the second plain bearing 60.

[0021] The first plain bearing 50 is a device that supports the drive shaft 43 rotatably about the axis Z. The first plain bearing 50 has a first bearing holder 51 that is fixed to the lower housing 10, and a first plain bearing member 52 that is attached to the first bearing holder 51. The first plain bearing member 52 is a member that is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to extend along the axis Z.

[0022] The second plain bearing 60 is a device that supports the drive shaft 43 rotatably about the axis Z. The second plain bearing 60 has a second bearing holder 61 that is fixed to the lower housing 10, and a second plain bearing member 62 that is attached to the second bearing holder 61. The second plain bearing member 62 is a member that is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to extend along the axis Z.

[0023] The first vibration-isolating part 70 is a device that attenuates vibrations transmitted from the upper housing 20 to the upper support member 1 fixed to the vehicle. The first vibration-isolating part 70 is disposed in contact with both the upper housing 20 and the upper support member 1 disposed above the upper housing 20.

[0024] 2, the first vibration-isolating part 70 is attached to the top surface 22 of the upper housing 20 and is housed in a recess 23a formed in a metal first holding member 23 that forms part of the upper housing 20. The first fastening bolt 73 is inserted into the through hole 1a formed in the upper support member 1 and the through hole 70a of the first vibration-isolating part 70, and the male thread 73a formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first fastening bolt 73 is fastened to the female thread 23b1 formed in the fastening hole 23b of the first holding member 23, thereby fixing the first vibration-isolating part 70 to the upper support member 1.

[0025] The first vibration-isolating part 70 is made of an elastically deformable material with a damping function, such as a rubber material or a metal cushion. The first vibration-isolating part 70 is housed in the recess 23a so that its outer circumferential surface is in contact with the recess 23a, and damps vibrations transmitted from the upper housing 20 to the upper support member 1.

[0026] The first vibration-isolating part 70 is formed so as to contact the upper support member 1 at a position protruding a first predetermined distance D1 from the upper end of the first holding member 23 when the first holding member 23 is fixed to the upper support member 1. Therefore, a first gap CL1 is formed between the upper end of the first holding member 23 and the lower surface 1b of the upper support member 1. By forming the first gap CL1, the amount of elastic deformation of the first vibration-isolating part 70 along the vertical direction VD is restricted so that the maximum elastic deformation is the first predetermined distance D1.

[0027] The second vibration-isolating part 80 is a device that attenuates vibrations transmitted from the upper housing 20 to the upper support member 1 fixed to the vehicle. The second vibration-isolating part 80 is disposed in contact with both the lower housing 10 and the lower support member 2 disposed below the lower housing 10.

[0028] 3, the second vibration-isolating part 80 is attached to the underside 13 of the lower housing 10 and is housed in a recess 14a formed in a metal second holding member 14 that forms part of the lower housing 10. The second fastening bolt 83 is inserted into the through hole 2a formed in the lower support member 2 and the through hole 80a of the second vibration-isolating part 80, and the male thread 83a formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second fastening bolt 83 is fastened to the female thread 14b1 formed in the fastening hole 14b of the second holding member 14, thereby fixing the second vibration-isolating part 80 to the lower support member 2.

[0029] The second vibration-isolating part 80 is formed of an elastically deformable material with a damping function, such as a rubber material or a metal cushion. The second vibration-isolating part 80 is housed in the recess 14a so that its outer circumferential surface is in contact with the recess 14a, and damps vibrations transmitted from the lower housing 10 to the lower support member 2.

[0030] The second vibration-isolating part 80 is formed so as to contact the lower support member 2 at a position protruding a second predetermined distance D2 from the lower end of the second holding member 14 when the second holding member 14 is fixed to the lower support member 2. Therefore, a second gap CL2 is formed between the upper end of the second holding member 14 and the upper surface 2b of the lower support member 2. By forming the second gap CL2, the amount of elastic deformation of the second vibration-isolating part 80 along the vertical direction VD is restricted so that the maximum elastic deformation is the second predetermined distance D2.

[0031] When the electric compressor 100 vibrates upward in the vertical direction VD, the first vibration-isolating part 70 is compressed, providing a damping effect. When the electric compressor 100 vibrates downward in the vertical direction VD, the second vibration-isolating part 80 is compressed, providing a damping effect. However, if a gap is created between the first vibration-isolating part 70 and the first holding member 23 when the electric compressor 100 vibrates downward in the vertical direction VD, the damping effect of the second vibration-isolating part 80 will work, but the damping effect of the first vibration-isolating part 70 will not work.

[0032] Similarly, when the electric compressor 100 vibrates upward in the vertical direction VD and a gap is formed between the second vibration-isolating part 80 and the second holding member 14, the damping effect of the first vibration-isolating part 70 works but the damping effect of the second vibration-isolating part 80 does not work. Therefore, the damping effect is enhanced when the first vibration-isolating part 70 is bonded to both the upper support member 1 and the first holding member 23. Similarly, the damping effect is enhanced when the second vibration-isolating part 80 is bonded to both the lower support member 2 and the second holding member 14.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged view showing a modified example of the first vibration-isolating part 70 shown in Fig. 2. The first vibration-isolating part 70 shown in Fig. 4 is bonded with an adhesive to an end plate 71 fixed to the upper support member 1, and is also fixed with an adhesive to an end plate 72 fixed to the first holding member 23. Even when the electric compressor 100 vibrates downward in the vertical direction VD, the first vibration-isolating part 70 shown in Fig. 4 does not create gaps between the first vibration-isolating part 70 and the end plate 71, or between the first vibration-isolating part 70 and the end plate 72. Therefore, when the electric compressor 100 vibrates downward in the vertical direction VD, the first vibration-isolating part 70 can reliably perform its damping effect.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view showing a modified example of the second vibration-isolating part 80 shown in FIG. 5. The second vibration-isolating part 80 shown in FIG. 5 is bonded with an adhesive to an end plate 81 fixed to the lower support member 2, and is also fixed with an adhesive to an end plate 82 fixed to the second holding member 14. The second vibration-isolating part 80 shown in FIG. 5 does not create gaps between the second vibration-isolating part 80 and the end plate 81, or between the second vibration-isolating part 80 and the end plate 82, even when the electric compressor 100 vibrates upward in the vertical direction VD. Therefore, with the second vibration-isolating part 80 shown in FIG. 5, when the electric compressor 100 vibrates upward in the vertical direction VD, the second vibration-isolating part 80 can reliably perform its damping effect.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 , the length in the vertical direction VD from the lower end of the electric compressor 100 (the position where the second vibration-isolating part 80 contacts the lower support member 2) to the center of gravity Pg of the electric compressor 100 is H1, and the length in the vertical direction VD from the upper end of the electric compressor 100 (the position where the first vibration-isolating part 70 contacts the upper support member 1) to the center of gravity Pg of the electric compressor 100 is H2. Because the motor 40 is disposed on the lower side of the sealed space CS, the length H1 is shorter than the length H2. In other words, in the vertical direction VD, the center of gravity Pg of the electric compressor 100 is disposed below the midpoint between the lower and upper ends of the electric compressor 100.

[0036] 1, the distance in the horizontal direction HD from the axis Z to the first contact positions P1a, P1b (P1) where the first vibration-isolating part 70 contacts the upper housing 20 is a first distance L1. Also, the distance in the horizontal direction HD from the axis Z to the second contact positions P2a, P2b (P2) where the second vibration-isolating part 80 contacts the lower housing 10 is a second distance L2.

[0037] The length L3 from the center of gravity Pg to the first vibration-isolating part 70 and the length L3 from the center of gravity Pg to the second vibration-isolating part 80 are the same. This is because by making the length L3 from the center of gravity Pg of the electric compressor 100 to the first contact position P1 and the length L3 from the center of gravity Pg to the second contact position P2 equal, the moment about the center of gravity Pg acting on the first contact position P1 and the moment about the center of gravity Pg acting on the second contact position P2 are made to match, thereby damping vibrations equally on both the upper and lower sides of the electric compressor 100 in the vertical direction VD.

[0038] By constructing the electric compressor 100 in this manner so that the distance from the center of gravity Pg to the first vibration-damping section 70 and the second vibration-damping section 80 is equal, the amount of deformation of the first vibration-damping section 70 and the second vibration-damping section 80 and the damping effect of the first vibration-damping section 70 and the second vibration-damping section 80 due to the deformation can be made equal in response to in-plane rotational vibrations formed by the first vibration-damping section 70 and the second vibration-damping section 80 around the center of gravity Pg.

[0039] The lifespan of the first vibration-isolating section 70 and the second vibration-isolating section 80 is correlated with the amount of deformation during use, and the greater the amount of deformation during use, the shorter the lifespan. By using this configuration, it is possible to equalize the decrease in durability that accompanies deformation of the first vibration-isolating section 70 and the second vibration-isolating section 80, i.e., the lifespan of the damping material. When a damping system is designed with a certain lifespan in mind, this configuration can achieve the maximum damping effect at the minimum cost.

[0040] 1 , in the electric compressor 100 of this embodiment, a first distance L1 in the horizontal direction HD from the axis Z to the first contact position P1 is longer than a second distance L2 in the horizontal direction HD from the axis Z to a second contact position P2 where the second vibration-isolating part 80 comes into contact with the upper support member 1. This is because, while the center of gravity Pg of the electric compressor 100 is located below the midpoint between the lower end and the upper end of the electric compressor 100, the length from the center of gravity Pg to the first vibration-isolating part 70 and the length from the center of gravity Pg to the second vibration-isolating part 80 are both set to the same length L3.

[0041] Here, the arrangement of the plurality of first vibration-isolating parts 70 and the plurality of second vibration-isolating parts 80 in the circumferential direction CD about the axis Z will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 is an end view of the electric compressor 100 shown in Fig. 1, taken along the line A-A. Fig. 7 is an end view of the electric compressor 100 shown in Fig. 1, taken along the line B-B.

[0042] 6, the first vibration-isolating parts 70 are arranged at four first contact positions P1a, P1b, P1c, and P1d at equal intervals of 90 degrees along the circumferential direction CD about the axis Z. Note that the first vibration-isolating parts 70 may also be arranged at multiple positions at intervals of any other angle (60 degrees, 120 degrees, etc.) along the circumferential direction CD about the axis Z.

[0043] 7, the second vibration isolating parts 80 are arranged at four second contact positions P2a, P2b, P2c, and P2d at equal intervals of 90 degrees along the circumferential direction CD about the axis Z. Note that the second vibration isolating parts 80 may also be arranged at multiple positions at intervals of any other angle (60 degrees, 120 degrees, etc.) along the circumferential direction CD about the axis Z.

[0044] Here, an installation method for installing the electric compressor 100 on the lower support member 2 and the upper support member 1, each of which is fixed to a vehicle, will be described. First, the electric compressor 100 is placed so that the axis Z on which the drive shaft 43 is located coincides with the vertical direction VD, and the second vibration-isolating part 80 is in contact with the vicinity of the through-hole 2a of the lower support member 2. The worker inserts the second fastening bolt 83 into the through-hole 2a, inserts it into the through-hole 80a of the second vibration-isolating part 80, and fastens it to the fastening hole 14b formed in the second holding member 14. This installs the second vibration-isolating part 80 so that it contacts both the lower support member 2 and the lower housing 10.

[0045] Second, the worker inserts the first fastening bolt 73 into the through hole 1a, then into the through hole 70a of the first vibration-isolating part 70, and fastens it into the fastening hole 23b formed in the first holding member 23. This installs the first vibration-isolating part 70 so that it contacts both the upper support member 1 and the upper housing 20. Through the above steps, the electric compressor 100 is installed relative to the lower support member 2 and the upper support member 1.

[0046] The operation and effects of the electric compressor 100 of this embodiment described above will be described. According to the electric compressor 100 of this embodiment, the opening 11 of the lower housing 10 is sealed by the upper housing 20, forming a sealed space CS. The compression unit 30 is disposed above the sealed space CS, and the motor 40 is disposed below the sealed space CS. The first vibration-isolating unit 70 is disposed in contact with both the upper housing 20 and the upper support member 1 disposed above the upper housing 20, and the second vibration-isolating unit 80 is disposed in contact with both the lower housing 10 and the lower support member 2 disposed below the lower housing 10.

[0047] According to the electric compressor 100 of this embodiment, the upper housing 20 is supported on the upper support member 1 via the first vibration-isolating portion 70, and the lower housing 10 is supported on the upper support member 1 via the second vibration-isolating portion 80. Vibrations transmitted from the upper housing 20 to the upper support member 1 are damped by the first vibration-isolating portion 70, and vibrations transmitted from the lower housing 10 to the lower support member 2 are damped by the second vibration-isolating portion 80. According to the electric compressor 100 of this embodiment, since the electric compressor 100 is supported by support members on both the upper and lower sides in the vertical direction VD and vibrations transmitted to the support members are damped, it is possible to improve the vibration-isolating performance of the electric compressor 100 that is installed on the lower support member 2, which is the floor surface of a vehicle or the like.

[0048] In the electric compressor 100 in which the motor 40 is disposed on the lower side along the vertical direction VD and the compression unit 30 is disposed on the upper side, the center of gravity Pg is located below the center position in the vertical direction VD. In the electric compressor 100 of this embodiment, the second distance L2 in the horizontal direction HD from the axis Z to the second contact position P2 where the second vibration-isolating unit 80 contacts the lower housing 10 is longer than the first distance L1 in the horizontal direction HD from the axis Z to the first contact position P1 where the first vibration-isolating unit 70 contacts the upper housing 20. This prevents the moment about the center of gravity Pg acting on the second contact position P2 from being excessively larger than the moment about the center of gravity Pg acting on the first contact position P1, compared to when these distances are the same. This ensures that vibrations can be reliably damped on both the upper and lower sides of the electric compressor 100 in the vertical direction VD.

[0049] According to the electric compressor 100 of this embodiment, by making the distance from the center of gravity Pg of the electric compressor 100 to the first contact position P1 equal to the distance from the center of gravity Pg to the second contact position P2, the moment around the center of gravity Pg acting on the first contact position P1 and the moment around the center of gravity Pg acting on the second contact position P2 are made to match, and vibrations can be damped evenly on both the upper and lower sides of the vertical direction VD of the electric compressor 100.

[0050] According to the electric compressor 100 of this embodiment, the first vibration-damping section 70 and the second vibration-damping section 80 are arranged at multiple locations spaced apart along the circumferential direction CD around the axis Z, thereby making it possible to appropriately damp vibrations along the circumferential direction CD around the axis Z and vibrations along the radial direction perpendicular to the axis Z.

[0051] According to the electric compressor 100 of this embodiment, by vertically orienting the motor 40 so that the drive shaft 43 is disposed on the axis Z, lubricating oil is more likely to accumulate in the bottom 12 of the lower housing 10. By appropriately supplying lubricating oil to the first plain bearing 50 and the second plain bearing 60, wear of the first plain bearing 50 and the second plain bearing 60 can be prevented, and low noise can be achieved by supporting the drive shaft 43 with the first plain bearing 50 and the second plain bearing 60.

[0052] Second Embodiment Next, an electric compressor 100 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The electric compressor 100 according to this embodiment is similar to the electric compressor 100 according to the first embodiment, except where specifically described below, and therefore further description will be omitted. Figure 8 is a partial enlarged view of a second vibration-isolating part 80A of the electric compressor 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] In the electric compressor 100 of the first embodiment, the second vibration-isolating part 80 is disposed so as to contact the upper surface 2b of the lower support member 2. In contrast, the second vibration-isolating part 80A of the electric compressor 100 of the present embodiment is disposed so as to contact the lower surface 13 of the lower housing 10.

[0054] 8, the second holding member 14 of the electric compressor 100 of this embodiment is attached to the upper surface 2b of the lower support member 2. The second fastening bolt 83 is inserted into the through hole 10a formed in the lower housing 10 and the through hole 80Aa of the second vibration-isolating part 80A, and the male thread 83a formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second fastening bolt 83 is fastened to the female thread 14b1 formed in the fastening hole 14b, thereby fixing the second vibration-isolating part 80 to the lower housing 10.

[0055] The second vibration-isolating part 80A is formed so that, when fixed to the lower housing 10, it contacts the lower housing 10 at a position protruding a third predetermined distance D3 from the upper end of the second holding member 14. Therefore, a third gap CL3 is formed between the upper end of the second holding member 14 and the lower surface 13 of the lower housing 10. By forming the third gap CL3, the amount of elastic deformation of the second vibration-isolating part 80A in the vertical direction VD is restricted so that its maximum elastic deformation is the third predetermined distance D3.

[0056] The electric compressor and the installation method of the electric compressor according to the present embodiment described above can be understood, for example, as follows. An electric compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a lower housing (10) that is cylindrically formed along an axis (Z) and that is arranged with the axis aligned with a vertical direction (VD), and that has an opening formed on an upper side in the vertical direction and a bottom formed on a lower side in the vertical direction; an upper housing (20) that seals the opening to form an enclosed space (CS); a compression section (30) that is arranged on the upper side of the enclosed space and rotates around the axis to compress a fluid; a motor (40) that is arranged on the lower side of the enclosed space and drives the compression section to rotate around the axis; a first vibration-damping section (70) that is arranged in contact with both an upper support member (1) arranged above the upper housing and the upper housing and that damps vibrations transmitted from the upper housing to the upper support member; and a second vibration-damping section (80) that is arranged in contact with both a lower support member (2) arranged below the lower housing and the lower housing and that damps vibrations transmitted from the lower housing to the lower support member.

[0057] In an electric compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure, an opening of a lower housing is sealed by an upper housing to form a sealed space. A compression unit is disposed above the sealed space, and a motor is disposed below the sealed space. A first vibration-isolating unit is disposed in contact with both the upper housing and an upper support member disposed above the upper housing, and a second vibration-isolating unit is disposed in contact with both the lower housing and a lower support member disposed below the lower housing.

[0058] In an electric compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the upper housing is supported on the upper support member via a first vibration-isolating portion, and the lower housing is supported on the upper support member via a second vibration-isolating portion. Vibrations transmitted from the upper housing to the upper support member are attenuated by the first vibration-isolating portion, and vibrations transmitted from the lower housing to the lower support member are attenuated by the second vibration-isolating portion. With the electric compressor according to the present disclosure, the electric compressor is supported by the support members on both the upper and lower sides in the vertical direction, and vibrations transmitted to the support members are attenuated, thereby improving the vibration-isolating performance of the electric compressor installed on the lower support member, which is the floor of a vehicle or the like.

[0059] In an electric compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second horizontal distance (L2) from the axis to the second contact position (P2) where the second vibration-damping portion contacts the upper support member may be longer than the first horizontal distance (L1) from the axis to the first contact position (P1) where the first vibration-damping portion contacts the upper housing.

[0060] In an electric compressor in which a motor is disposed on the lower side and a compression unit is disposed on the upper side along the vertical direction, the center of gravity is located below the vertical center position. In the electric compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure, by making the second distance longer than the first distance, it is possible to prevent the moment around the center of gravity acting on the second contact position from being excessively larger than the moment around the center of gravity acting on the first contact position, compared to when the second distance and the first distance are the same, and it is possible to reliably damp vibrations on both the upper and lower sides of the electric compressor in the vertical direction.

[0061] In the electric compressor according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a distance from a center of gravity (Pg) of the electric compressor to the first contact position may be equal to a distance from the center of gravity to the second contact position.

[0062] With the electric compressor of this configuration, by making the distance from the center of gravity of the electric compressor to the first contact position equal to the distance from the center of gravity to the second contact position, the moment around the center of gravity acting on the first contact position and the moment around the center of gravity acting on the second contact position are made to match, and vibrations can be damped evenly on both the upper and lower sides of the electric compressor in the vertical direction.

[0063] In an electric compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first vibration-damping parts may be arranged at multiple locations spaced apart along a circumferential direction (CD) around the axis, and the second vibration-damping parts may be arranged at multiple locations spaced apart along the circumferential direction.

[0064] According to the electric compressor of this configuration, by arranging the first vibration-damping section and the second vibration-damping section at multiple locations spaced apart along the circumferential direction around the axis, it is possible to appropriately damp vibrations along the circumferential direction around the axis and vibrations along the radial direction perpendicular to the axis.

[0065] In an electric compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the motor may have a stator (41) formed in a cylindrical shape along the axis, a rotor (42) arranged on the inner periphery of the stator, and a drive shaft (43) connected to the rotor and arranged on the axis, and may be configured to include a plain bearing (50, 60) that supports the drive shaft rotatably around the axis.

[0066] In this electric compressor, the motor is vertically oriented so that the drive shaft is aligned with the axis, which makes it easier for lubricating oil to accumulate at the bottom of the lower housing. By appropriately supplying lubricating oil to the plain bearing, wear on the plain bearing can be prevented, and by supporting the drive shaft with the plain bearing, noise can be reduced.

[0067] In an electric compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the drive shaft may be supported by a first plain bearing arranged on the lower side in the vertical direction and a second plain bearing arranged on the lower side in the vertical direction, and the drive shaft may be configured to have an oil supply hole formed therein for supplying lubricating oil to the first plain bearing and the second plain bearing.

[0068] In the electric compressor having this configuration, lubricating oil stored on the lower side of the lower housing is supplied to both the first plain bearing and the second plain bearing through the oil supply hole, thereby preventing wear on the first plain bearing and the second plain bearing and supporting the drive shaft with the first plain bearing and the second plain bearing, thereby achieving low noise.

[0069] In a method for installing an electric compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the electric compressor includes a lower housing that is cylindrically formed along an axis and arranged with the axis aligned vertically, the lower housing having an opening formed on an upper side in the vertical direction and a bottom formed on a lower side in the vertical direction; an upper housing that seals the opening to form an enclosed space; a compression unit that is arranged above the enclosed space and rotates around the axis to compress a fluid; a motor that is arranged below the enclosed space and rotates the compression unit around the axis; a first vibration-damping unit that damps vibrations transmitted from the upper housing to an upper support member that is arranged above the upper housing; and a second vibration-damping unit that damps vibrations transmitted from the lower housing to a lower support member that is arranged below the lower housing, and the method includes the steps of: installing the second vibration-damping unit so as to contact both the lower support member and the lower housing; and installing the first vibration-damping unit so as to contact both the upper support member and the upper housing.

[0070] According to a method for installing an electric compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a first vibration-damping part is arranged in contact with both an upper support member arranged above the upper housing and the upper housing, and a second vibration-damping part is arranged in contact with both a lower support member arranged below the lower housing and the lower housing.

[0071] According to a method for installing an electric compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the upper housing is supported on an upper support member via a first vibration-isolating portion, and the lower housing is supported on the upper support member via a second vibration-isolating portion. Vibrations transmitted from the upper housing to the upper support member are attenuated by the first vibration-isolating portion, and vibrations transmitted from the lower housing to the lower support member are attenuated by the second vibration-isolating portion. According to the method for installing an electric compressor according to the present disclosure, the electric compressor is supported by support members on both the upper and lower sides in the vertical direction, and vibrations transmitted to the support members are attenuated, thereby improving the vibration-isolating performance of the electric compressor installed on a lower support member, such as a vehicle floor.

[0072] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Upper support member 2 Lower support member 10 Lower housing 11 Opening 12 Bottom 13 Lower surface 20 Upper housing 21 Fastening bolt 22 Upper surface 23 First holding member 30 Compression portion 31 Fixed scroll 32 Orbiting scroll 40 Motor 41 Stator 42 Rotor 43 Drive shaft 43a Eccentric shaft 43b Oil supply hole 50 First plain bearing 51 First bearing holding portion 52 First plain bearing member 60 Second plain bearing 61 Second bearing holding portion 62 Second plain bearing member 70 First vibration-isolating portion 71, 72 End plate 73 First fastening bolt 73a Male thread 80, 80A Second vibration-isolating portion 81, 82 End plate 83 Second fastening bolt 90 Inverter 100 Electric compressor CD Circumferential direction CL1 First gap CL2 Second gap CL3 Third gap CS Sealed space D1 First predetermined distance D2 Second predetermined distance D3 Third predetermined distance HD Horizontal direction L1 First distance L2 Second distance P1, P1a First contact position P2, P2a Second contact position Pg Center of gravity position VD Vertical direction Z Axis

Claims

1. An electric compressor comprising: a lower housing formed in a cylindrical shape along an axis, arranged with the axis aligned vertically, and having an opening formed on an upper side in the vertical direction and a bottom formed on a lower side in the vertical direction; an upper housing sealing the opening to form an enclosed space; a compression unit arranged on the upper side of the enclosed space and rotating about the axis to compress a fluid; a motor arranged on the lower side of the enclosed space and rotating the compression unit about the axis; a first vibration-damping unit arranged in contact with both an upper support member arranged above the upper housing and the upper housing, and damping vibrations transmitted from the upper housing to the upper support member; and a second vibration-damping unit arranged in contact with both a lower support member arranged below the lower housing and the lower housing, and damping vibrations transmitted from the lower housing to the lower support member.

2. An electric compressor as described in claim 1, wherein a second horizontal distance from the axis to a second contact position where the second vibration-damping portion contacts the upper support member is longer than a first horizontal distance from the axis to a first contact position where the first vibration-damping portion contacts the upper housing.

3. The electric compressor according to claim 2, wherein the distance from the center of gravity of the electric compressor to the first contact position is equal to the distance from the center of gravity to the second contact position.

4. An electric compressor as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first vibration-damping parts are arranged at multiple locations spaced apart along the circumferential direction around the axis, and the second vibration-damping parts are arranged at multiple locations spaced apart along the circumferential direction.

5. An electric compressor according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the motor has a stator formed in a cylindrical shape along the axis, a rotor arranged on the inner periphery of the stator, and a drive shaft connected to the rotor and arranged on the axis, and is provided with a plain bearing that supports the drive shaft rotatably around the axis.

6. An electric compressor according to claim 5, wherein the drive shaft is supported by a first plain bearing arranged on the lower side in the vertical direction and a second plain bearing arranged on the lower side in the vertical direction, and the drive shaft is formed with an oil supply hole for supplying lubricating oil to the first plain bearing and the second plain bearing.

7. An electric compressor as set forth in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first vibration-isolating section is bonded to both the upper support member and the upper housing with an adhesive, and the second vibration-isolating section is bonded to both the lower support member and the lower housing with an adhesive.

8. A method for installing an electric compressor, wherein the electric compressor comprises: a lower housing formed in a cylindrical shape along an axis, and arranged with the axis aligned vertically, the lower housing having an opening formed on an upper side in the vertical direction and a bottom formed on a lower side in the vertical direction; an upper housing sealing the opening to form an enclosed space; a compression unit arranged on the upper side of the enclosed space and rotating about the axis to compress a fluid; a motor arranged on the lower side of the enclosed space and driving the compression unit to rotate about the axis; a first vibration-isolating unit that attenuates vibrations transmitted from the upper housing to an upper support member arranged above the upper housing; and a second vibration-isolating unit that attenuates vibrations transmitted from the lower housing to a lower support member arranged below the lower housing, the method comprising the steps of: installing the second vibration-isolating unit so as to contact both the lower support member and the lower housing; and installing the first vibration-isolating unit so as to contact both the upper support member and the upper housing.

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