JP2014001724A - Electric compressor housing equipped with heat dissipating device, and compressor equipped with the housing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the efficiency of heat transmission between a wall and a coolant by integrating a heat dissipating device with a housing together with articles of other shapes provided on the housing, and to suppress the increase of dimensions of a compressor.SOLUTION: A housing 1 is equipped with a wall 2. From the wall, a control device of an electric motor extends. To a second space of a compressor, a first space of the compressor in which a coolant is circulated is defined. A first surface of the wall opposes to the second space configured so as to accept the control device, and on the other hand, a second surface 4 opposes to the first space equipped with heat dissipating means 5. The heat dissipating means has shapes of a plurality of tubular elements 6 departing from the second surface.

Description

  The present invention relates to the technical field of a housing for an electric compressor that constitutes a refrigerant circuit installed in an automobile.

  The refrigerant is normally circulated in the air conditioning circuit by a compressor. In an automobile equipped with an internal combustion engine, this compressor is a mechanical type compressor. The reason is that the rotation of the compressor is actuated by a belt using a pulley connected to the internal combustion engine.

  The number of hybrid vehicles or all electric vehicles is increasing as fossil energy, which is the basis of fuel supplied to internal combustion engines installed in vehicles, has been depleted. A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine coupled to an electric motor, and an all-electric vehicle is a vehicle that is propelled solely by an electric motor.

  Thus, typically, mechanical energy supplied by an internal combustion engine is hardly or not available in the case of an electric vehicle.

  Compressors driven by dedicated electric motors are described in the literature. Patent Document 1 discloses a compressor including an electric motor controlled by a control circuit. This control circuit is attached to the outer surface of the wall of the refrigerant suction passage. Cooling fins are provided on the inner surface of the wall to cool the control device.

  The first drawback of this known solution is that the efficiency of heat transfer between the wall and the refrigerant is limited.

  Another drawback is the volume formed by the cooling fins disclosed in US Pat. The cooling fins inevitably increase the size of the compressor measured on the rotation axis of the compressor.

French patent FR2814783A1 specification

  The object of the present invention is mainly to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks by making the heat dissipating device different structure and in particular by integrating it with the housing together with other shaped objects provided on the housing. is there.

  The subject of the present invention is therefore an electric compressor housing for the refrigerant circuit. The housing includes a wall adapted to define a first space of the compressor, the refrigerant circulates from the second space of the compressor to the first space, and the controller of the electric motor It is installed in 2 spaces. The first surface of the wall faces a second space configured to receive the control device, and the second surface of the wall faces the first space provided with heat dissipation means. . The heat dissipating means is characterized by the shape of a plurality of tubular elements starting from the second surface. The multiple tubular elements allow the refrigerant to circulate along the second surface and between the tubular elements, thereby greatly increasing the heat exchange surface area. In this way, the tubular element acts as a means for disturbing the refrigerant flow, facilitating heat exchange between the housing wall and the refrigerant.

  According to a first feature of the invention, the at least one tubular element is formed by a solid tube of circular cross section made of the same material as the wall. All tubular elements are advantageously produced, for example, with this same specification.

  According to a second feature of the invention, the at least one tubular element extends along an axis perpendicular to the first plane including the second face of the wall. With this arrangement, the refrigerant is advantageous due to the fact that the refrigerant sweeps over the wall in a direction parallel (or substantially parallel) to the plane in which the second surface extends. Is obtained. Thus, the tubular element can be placed perpendicular to the refrigerant flow to increase heat exchange and turbulence generation.

  According to another feature of the invention, the housing comprises a peripheral portion formed by a first portion raised from the second surface of the wall and a second portion raised from the first surface of the wall. Can be provided. The length of the tubular element measured along the vertical axis is shorter than the length of the first part measured from the second surface on the same axis. The tubular element does not extend beyond the outer space of the housing.

  According to yet another feature of the invention, the housing includes a bushing adapted to receive a rolling bearing, the bushing protruding from the second surface of the wall.

  In the above case, the bushing ends at the end on the second plane that is away from the first plane that includes the second plane. According to the configuration of the compressor motor (particularly, the motor shaft), the distance from the first plane can be shorter than the length of the first portion of the peripheral portion. Or conversely, the distance from the first plane in the second plane can be made longer than the length of the first portion of the peripheral portion.

  Advantageously, the length of the at least one tubular element is shorter than the distance from the first plane to the second plane. In this case, the length of the tubular element is measured between the first plane containing the second face and the free end of the tubular element. It should be noted that all tubular elements constituting the heat dissipation means can follow this rule.

  It is also advantageous if the plurality of tubular elements are distributed around the bushing on the second surface.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the wall may be provided with a through hole adapted to receive an electrical connector that couples the control device to an electric motor.

  A flank can be provided on the outer periphery of the wall of the housing. For example, the flank extends in the radial direction from the peripheral edge.

  In this case, the flank can be provided with a first through hole adapted to receive a high voltage power connector and a second through hole adapted to receive an electrical signal connector.

  The present invention is also directed to a compressor in a refrigerant circuit comprising a unit formed by a compression mechanism coupled to an electric motor. In particular, both this unit and the electric motor can be incorporated into the compressor. The compressor also includes a housing having any of the features described above.

  Such a compressor, called an electric compressor, is typically a high voltage power connector housed in a first hole that passes through the flank of the housing, and an electrical signal connector housed in a second hole that passes through the flank. And.

  The compressor according to the present invention comprises a refrigerant input opening as described above, and the refrigerant can circulate between the tubular elements. That is, the refrigerant can sweep the outer surface of the tubular element that extends along the axis of the tubular element. In this case, the refrigerant is also in contact with the second surface of the housing wall.

  One of the main advantages according to the invention is that the heat exchange that takes place between the refrigerant and the wall, in particular because the refrigerant can circulate between a number of tubular elements that are firmly attached to the wall. That means a significant improvement. The large number of tubular elements can cause turbulence in the refrigerant, thereby preventing laminar flow and making the refrigerant turbulent.

  As another advantage, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the involvement of the heat dissipation device in the installation area with respect to the axial direction of the compressor. Since heat exchange is improved, the size of the heat dissipation device is reduced, which makes it easier to integrate the heat dissipation device with the compressor housing.

  Other features, details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description with reference to the drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a housing according to the present invention. It is a perspective view of the electric compressor incorporating the housing by this invention.

  The drawings show the embodiments of the present invention in detail, and the present invention can be understood more clearly by these drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a housing 1 forming a compressor with an electric motor for the refrigerant circuit. The housing 1 according to the invention defines a first space of the electric compressor relative to the second space of the electric compressor.

  The first space of the compressor is bounded by a jacket (especially cylindrical) with an electric motor coupled to the compression mechanism. The second space of the compressor receives an electric motor control device housed in the first space. This control device is, for example, an inverter. The second space is delimited by the housing 1 according to the invention and by the covering over the housing 1. The structure of the compressor will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

  The housing 1 includes a wall 2 positioned between the first space and the second space of the compressor. The wall 2 has a peripheral edge 3 formed on the peripheral edge of the wall 2. The peripheral edge 3 is, for example, a circle and surrounds the wall 2.

  The wall 2 is delimited on one side by a first surface facing the second space in which the control device for the electric motor is accommodated. The wall 2 is also defined by a second surface 4, which is opposite to the first surface of the wall 2. The second surface 4 faces the first space of the compressor. That is, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor circulates in the first space.

  The first surface is configured to accommodate an electric motor control device. The first surface comprises at least one zone in which a control device can be attached. By bringing the control device into contact with the first surface of the wall, heat can be transferred from the control device to the wall 2.

  In the present invention, the heat radiation means 5 is provided on the second surface 4. The function of the heat dissipating means 5 is to transfer the amount of heat generated by the control device to the refrigerant. This heat dissipating means 5 is in the form of a plurality of tubular elements 6 starting from the second face 4.

  These tubular elements are parts made of the same material as the wall 2 and extend along one axis. Therefore, the wall 2 and the tubular element 6 are manufactured in the same manufacturing process. The axis along which the tubular element 6 extends is preferably perpendicular to the plane in which the second surface 4 is contained. Hereinafter, this plane is referred to as a first plane.

  The cross section of one tubular element 6 cut along a plane parallel to the first plane of the second surface 4 is about 0.05% to 0.5% of the total surface area of the second surface 4. Because of this ratio to one, a large number of tubular elements 6 can be placed on the second surface 4, thereby limiting the length of the tubular elements and the heat exchange surface area. An increase can be guaranteed. Therefore, an appropriate value can be held for the installation area in the axial direction of the compressor. This proportion is preferably 0.14%.

  According to an exemplary embodiment, the tubular element 6 is formed by a solid tube having a circular cross section and is made of the same material as the wall. Obviously, the present invention includes the case where the center is hollow, and the cross section of the tube may be any shape, for example, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, or an oval.

  The wall 2, more specifically the second surface 4, extends in the first plane. The second surface 4 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the compressor, through which the compressor drive shaft located between the electric motor and the compression mechanism passes. The peripheral edge portion 3 is circular and is perpendicular to the first plane. Thus, the peripheral edge 3 is around the wall 2 and extends beyond the first plane. Thereby, the first cavity defined by the first surface and the first portion 7 of the peripheral edge 3, and the second cavity defined by the second surface 4 and the second portion 8 of the peripheral edge 3. Can be formed.

  The plurality of tubular elements 6 are, for example, completely accommodated in this second space. The tubular elements 6 are distributed on the second surface 4 and, for example, form a plurality of rows orthogonal to each other.

  The tubular element 6 is defined by its length or the length extending in the second cavity. This length is measured between the first plane containing the second face 4 and the free end of the tubular element 6. The length of the tubular element 6 is preferably shorter than the length of the second part 8 of the peripheral edge 3. The length of this second part 8 is measured in a direction perpendicular to the first plane between the first plane and the edge 9 terminating this second part.

  A bushing 10 is formed on the wall 2. The bushing 10 is adapted to receive a rolling bearing. Such a bushing 10 is formed by a circular pipe portion made of the same material as the wall 2. The bushing 10 is installed in the center of the housing 1 and is configured to accommodate a rolling bearing. The rolling bearing holds the end of the drive shaft that connects the electric motor to the compression mechanism of the electric compressor.

  The outer surface 11 of the bushing 10 is connected to the second surface 4 by a peripheral fillet 12. The bushing 10 is terminated by an end 13 on the opposite side of this peripheral fillet. The end 13 is in contact with a second plane that is clearly distinguished from the first plane. Desirably, all of the bushing 10 is housed in the second cavity. In other words, the distance between the second plane and the first plane is shorter than the distance between the first plane and the edge 9 forming the edge of the second portion 8 of the peripheral edge 3. . However, the distance between the second plane and the first plane may be longer than the distance between the edge 9 forming the edge of the second portion 8 of the peripheral edge 3. The position of the second plane relative to the second portion 8 of the peripheral edge 3 depends on the configuration of the drive shaft.

  In a typical embodiment, the length of the tubular element 6 is shorter than the distance between the end 13 of the bushing 10 and the first plane in which the second surface 4 is included.

  The tubular elements 6 are preferably distributed on the second surface 4 around the bushing 10 and located around the fillet 12.

  The housing 1 can also include a screwing block 14, and in this embodiment, includes five screwing blocks 14. The screwing block 14 is in contact with the second portion 8 of the peripheral edge 3 and is attached to be separated from each other by the same angle. These screwing blocks 14 extend in a direction perpendicular to the first plane including the second surface 4, and extend beyond the edge 9. That is, it extends beyond the second portion 8 of the peripheral edge 3.

  Fastening blocks 15 are formed in the row of heat dissipating means 5 and this function is to accommodate the means for fixing the control device to the first surface. These fastening blocks 15 extend into the second cavity in a direction perpendicular to the first plane. The length of these fastening blocks 15 is longer than the length of the tubular element 6 but shorter than the distance between the first plane in which the second face 4 extends and the edge 9. However, the fastening block 15 may have any other structure. In practice, the length of the fastening block 15 depends on the fastening means used on the first surface and on the wall 2.

  Through the wall 2, for example, an opening 16 with a circular cross section is formed. The opening 16 penetrates from one side of the wall 2 to the other side. The opening 16 is arranged to accommodate an electrical connector that electrically couples the control device to the electric motor of the compressor. This opening 16 is bordered by a groove 17 formed in the second surface 4 and houses a device for sealing between the electrical connector and the wall 2. In addition, two through holes are formed around the opening 16 so that screws for fixing the electrical connector to the wall 2 can be fitted into the through holes.

  The housing 1 can also include a flank 18 formed on the outer periphery of the wall 2. The flank 18 starts from the peripheral edge 3 and extends from the housing 1 radially outward. It is advantageous if the first cavity containing the control device of the electric motor can be bordered by this flank 18, and a part of this control device is inside the first cavity surrounded by the flank 18. It extends to a part.

  In order to supply power to the compressor, the housing 1 can be provided with a first through hole 19 that penetrates the wall forming the flank 18. The through hole has, for example, a circular cross section and can accommodate a high voltage power connector. The flank 18 can also be provided with a second through-hole 20 whose cross section is, for example, square or rectangular. The second through-hole 20 is configured to accommodate an electrical signal connector and is used to supply compressor monitoring, control, and / or diagnostic information.

  As regards the housing 1 comprising the wall 2 provided with a plurality of tubular elements 6, as described above in detail, the materials used to manufacture this housing 1 are, for example, aluminum or magnesium alloys can do. If this housing 1 is manufactured by casting, it is advantageous.

  FIG. 2 shows a housing 1 according to the invention mounted on an electric compressor 21 having an integrated electric motor. The electric compressor comprises a first housing 22 that houses a compression mechanism, which is advantageously of the piston, paddle or swirl type. Between the first housing 22 and the housing 1 according to the invention there is a central housing 23 which houses an electric motor. Therefore, the electric motor and the compression mechanism form one unit of the electric compressor 21. Therefore, this unit is accommodated inside the first housing 22 and the central housing 23.

  A device 31 for fixing the electric compressor 21 to the automobile is present on the outer periphery of the first housing 22. The central housing 23 is also provided with two fixing devices 31 formed on the outer surface of the central housing 23.

  The housing 1 according to the present invention is firmly attached to an end 30 on the side opposite to the first housing 22 at the end of the central housing 23. The first cavity defined by the first portion 7 of the peripheral edge 3 and the flank 18 is closed by a cover 24 and is firmly attached to the housing 1 by a plurality of safety attachment means. Therefore, the first housing 22, the central housing 23, and the housing 1 are arranged in the longitudinal direction 27 of the electric compressor 21.

  The electric compressor 21 includes a high-voltage power connector (indicated here by 25) housed in a first through hole that penetrates the flank 18 of the housing 1. Although not shown in this figure, the electrical signal connector is accommodated in the second through hole penetrating the flank 18.

  The first housing 22 also includes an output opening 28, and the refrigerant exits the electric compressor 21 through the output opening 28 after being compressed by the compression mechanism.

  A refrigerant input opening 29 is provided on the central housing 23 in the vicinity of the end 30 (desirably near the pole). The input opening 29 extends in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 27 of the electric compressor 21. By determining the position of the input opening 29 in this way, the tubular elements forming the heat radiating means can be swept along the end portions and the outer periphery thereof by the refrigerant input to the electric compressor 21. Guaranteed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing 2 Wall 3 Peripheral part 4 2nd surface 5 Heat radiation means 6 Tubular element 7 1st part 8 2nd part 9 Edge 10 Bushing 11 Outer surface 12 Peripheral fillet 13 End part 14 Screwing block 15 Fastening block 16 Through opening 17 groove 18 flank 19 first through hole 20 second through hole 21 electric compressor 22 first housing 23 central housing 24 cover 25 high voltage power connector 27 longitudinal direction 28 output opening 29 input opening 30 one of the central housings End 31 fixing device

Claims (14)

A housing (1) of the electric compressor (21) for the refrigerant circuit,
A wall (2) defining a first space of the compressor with respect to a second space of the compressor;
A refrigerant circulates in the first space, and an electric motor control device is installed in the second space,
The first surface of the wall (2) faces the second space configured to receive the controller, and the second surface (4) of the wall (2) In the housing (1) facing the first space comprising:
The heat dissipation means (5) is in the form of a plurality of tubular elements (6) starting from the second face (4).   2. A housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one tubular element (6) is formed by a solid tube of circular cross section made of the same material as the wall (2).   3. Housing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one tubular element (6) extends along an axis perpendicular to the first plane in which the second face (4) is contained. A peripheral portion formed by a first portion (8) floating from the second surface (4) of the wall and a second portion (7) floating from the first surface of the wall. (3)
4. The length of the tubular element (6) measured on the vertical axis is shorter than the length of the first part (8) measured on this same axis. housing.   5. A housing according to claim 4, characterized in that a bushing (10) adapted to receive a rolling bearing is raised from the second surface (4) of the wall.   The bushing (10) is terminated by an end (13) in contact with the second plane, the second plane being separated by a distance shorter than the length of the first part (8) of the peripheral part (3). 6. Housing according to claim 5, characterized in that it is remote from the first plane in which two faces (4) are included.   The housing according to claim 6, characterized in that the length of at least one tubular element (6) is shorter than the distance between the first plane and the second plane.   The plurality of tubular elements (6) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that they are distributed around the bushing (10) on the second surface (4). housing.   6. The wall (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a through-opening (16) adapted to receive an electrical connector coupling the control device to the electric motor. The housing according to claim 1.   10. Housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises flank (18) formed on the outer periphery of the wall (2).   The flank (18) comprises a first through hole (19) configured to receive a high voltage power connector and a second through hole (20) configured to receive an electrical signal connector. The housing according to claim 10, wherein   A refrigerant circuit compressor (21) comprising a unit formed by a compression mechanism coupled to an electric motor, comprising a housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Features compressor.   A high-voltage power connector (25) mounted in a first through hole (19) that passes through the flank (18) of the housing (1), and a second through hole (20 that passes through the flank (18)) The compressor according to claim 12, further comprising an electrical signal connector mounted in the housing.   A refrigerant input opening (29) arranged above the compressor (21), characterized in that the refrigerant circulates between the tubular elements (6). The compressor according to 12 or 13.

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