US20120257996A1 - Vehicle a/c compressor assembly - Google Patents
Vehicle a/c compressor assembly Download PDFInfo
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- US20120257996A1 US20120257996A1 US13/080,882 US201113080882A US2012257996A1 US 20120257996 A1 US20120257996 A1 US 20120257996A1 US 201113080882 A US201113080882 A US 201113080882A US 2012257996 A1 US2012257996 A1 US 2012257996A1
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- compressor
- motor
- housing
- vehicle
- shaft
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B35/00—Piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids and characterised by the driving means to their working members, or by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors, not otherwise provided for
- F04B35/04—Piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids and characterised by the driving means to their working members, or by combination with, or adaptation to, specific driving engines or motors, not otherwise provided for the means being electric
Definitions
- the disclosure generally relates to vehicle air conditioner compressors. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a vehicle a/c (air conditioning) compressor assembly which is particularly suitable for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in HEVs and battery electric vehicles and in which a high-voltage motor and an a/c compressor from a non-hybrid vehicle are combined as separate units to reduce repair and replacement costs.
- HEVs hybrid electric vehicles
- plug-in HEVs plug-in HEVs
- battery electric vehicles in which a high-voltage motor and an a/c compressor from a non-hybrid vehicle are combined as separate units to reduce repair and replacement costs.
- HEVs hybrid electric vehicles
- plug-in HEVs battery electric vehicles
- AC or DC electric drive motor
- a drive shaft in the housing couples the scroll compressor to the electric drive motor. Therefore, in the event that either the compressor or the drive motor requires replacement, the other component must also be replaced even though that component may still be functional. This drawback renders excessively high the cost of replacement of either component.
- a vehicle a/c compressor assembly which is particularly suitable for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in HEVs and battery electric vehicles and in which a high-voltage motor and an a/c compressor from a non-hybrid vehicle are combined as separate units to reduce repair and replacement costs.
- HEVs hybrid electric vehicles
- plug-in HEVs plug-in HEVs
- battery electric vehicles in which a high-voltage motor and an a/c compressor from a non-hybrid vehicle are combined as separate units to reduce repair and replacement costs.
- the disclosure is generally directed to a vehicle a/c compressor assembly for a hybrid or electric vehicle.
- An illustrative embodiment of the a/c compressor assembly includes a motor housing, an AC motor in the motor housing, a compressor housing and a compressor in the compressor housing.
- the AC motor is drivingly coupled to the compressor exterior to the motor housing and the compressor housing.
- the vehicle a/c compressor assembly for a hybrid or electric vehicle may include a motor housing; an AC motor in the motor housing; a compressor housing; a compressor in the compressor housing; and a drive belt drivingly coupling the compressor to the AC motor exterior to the compressor housing and the motor housing.
- the AC motor may be a 3-phase AC motor powered by an inverter that is part of the assembly.
- the inverter may feed a range of voltages such as 300V DC power, for example and without limitation, to the assembly.
- the vehicle a/c compressor assembly for a hybrid or electric vehicle may include a motor housing; an AC motor in the motor housing; a motor shaft drivingly engaged by the AC motor and extending from the motor housing; a motor pulley carried by the motor shaft; a compressor housing; a compressor in the compressor housing; a compressor shaft drivingly engaging the compressor and extending from the compressor housing; a compressor pulley carried by the compressor shaft; a connecting conduit establishing fluid communication between the motor housing and the compressor housing; and a drive belt drivingly coupling the compressor pulley to the motor pulley exterior to the compressor housing and the motor housing.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the vehicle a/c compressor assembly.
- FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an alternative illustrative embodiment of the a/c compressor assembly.
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another alternative illustrative embodiment of the a/c compressor assembly.
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram of still another alternative illustrative embodiment of the a/c compressor assembly.
- the assembly 100 may include a motor housing 102 .
- An AC motor 103 may be contained in the motor housing 102 .
- the AC motor 103 may be a variable-speed high-voltage AC motor, or a high-powered motor having an operating voltage of about 42V-400V (300V nominal) and a peak of about 4 ⁇ 7 kW.
- a motor shaft 108 may be drivingly engaged by the AC motor 103 .
- the motor shaft 108 may extend from the motor housing 102 through a shaft opening (not shown).
- a compressor housing 112 may be generally adjacent and spaced-apart with respect to the motor housing 102 .
- the compressor housing 112 may have a housing inlet 113 and a housing outlet 114 .
- a compressor 115 may be contained in the compressor housing 112 .
- the compressor 115 may be a conventional, mechanically-driven (via FEAD belt) automotive a/c compressor.
- a compressor shaft 117 may drivingly engage the compressor 115 .
- the compressor shaft 117 may extend from the compressor housing 112 through a shaft opening (not shown).
- the compressor shaft 117 may be disposed in generally aligned or registering relationship with respect to the motor shaft 108 .
- a shaft coupler 109 may couple the motor shaft 108 of the AC motor 103 to the compressor shaft 117 of the compressor 115 exterior to and generally between the motor housing 102 and the compressor housing 112 .
- the assembly 100 may be mounted to an engine (not shown), frame or other structural element of an HEV or electric vehicle.
- the AC motor 103 drives the compressor 115 through the motor shaft 108 , the shaft coupler 109 and the compressor shaft 117 .
- Refrigerant 116 which contains thermal energy resulting from the heat exchange process in the vehicle a/c system is distributed through the housing inlet 113 , the compressor 115 and the housing outlet 114 , respectively.
- the compressor 115 compresses the refrigerant 116 , which leaves the compressor housing 112 through the housing outlet 114 to perform the heat exchange functions of the vehicle a/c system typically in the conventional manner.
- a start-up strategy for the AC motor 103 may be needed to detect a locked-up compressor 115 or to detect a refrigerant slugging event and slowly bring the compressor 115 up to speed.
- the motor shaft 108 can be uncoupled from the compressor shaft 117 at the shaft coupler 109 .
- the AC motor 103 can be discarded with the motor housing 102 .
- the AC motor 103 can be recycled or repaired for subsequent installation and operation in the same or a different system 100 .
- the motor shaft 108 of a replacement AC motor 103 inside a motor housing 102 can be coupled to the compressor shaft 117 at the shaft coupler 109 for continued operation of the system 100 .
- the compressor shaft 117 can be uncoupled from the motor shaft 108 at the shaft coupler 109 .
- the compressor 115 can be discarded with the compressor housing 112 .
- the compressor 115 may be recycled or repaired for subsequent installation and operation in the same or a different system 100 .
- the compressor shaft 117 of a replacement compressor 115 inside a compressor housing 112 can be coupled to the motor shaft 108 at the shaft coupler 109 for continued operation of the system 100 .
- the AC motor 103 and the compressor 115 can be each selectively replaced independently of the other in the system 100 . This may provide substantial savings in maintenance costs to an owner or operator of the vehicle in which the system 100 is installed.
- an alternative illustrative embodiment of the vehicle a/c compressor assembly is generally indicated by reference numeral 100 a .
- the assembly 100 a may have a design which is similar to that of the assembly 100 which was heretofore described with respect to FIG. 1 .
- a connecting conduit 122 may connect the housing inlet 113 of the compressor housing 112 to the motor housing 102 .
- At least one cooling plate 123 may be provided inside the motor housing 102 . Accordingly, operation of the assembly 100 a may be as was heretofore described with respect to the assembly 100 in FIG.
- refrigerant 116 may be distributed from the A/C system suction line (not shown) to the motor housing inlet 110 and the connecting conduit 122 , respectively, into the compressor housing 115 .
- the cooling plate 123 uses the refrigerant 116 to cool the electrical components of the AC motor 103 .
- the refrigerant 116 is discharged from the compressor housing 112 through a refrigerant outlet 114 .
- the system 200 may include a motor housing 202 which may contain an AC motor 203 .
- the AC motor 203 may be a high-voltage AC motor, or a high-powered motor having an operating voltage of about 42V-400V and a peak of about 4 ⁇ 7 kW.
- the AC motor 203 may drivingly engage a motor shaft 208 which extends from the motor housing 202 through a shaft opening (not shown).
- a motor pulley 204 may be drivingly engaged by the motor shaft 208 outside the motor housing 202 .
- a compressor housing 212 may be generally adjacent to the motor housing 202 .
- the compressor housing 212 may have a housing inlet 213 and a housing outlet 214 .
- a compressor 215 may be contained in the compressor housing 212 .
- the compressor 215 may be a conventional, mechanically-driven (via FEAD belt) automotive a/c compressor.
- a compressor shaft 217 may drivingly engage the compressor 215 .
- the compressor shaft 217 may extend from the compressor housing 212 through a shaft opening (not shown).
- the compressor shaft 217 may be disposed in generally parallel relationship with respect to the motor shaft 208 .
- a compressor pulley 205 may drivingly engage the compressor shaft 217 outside the compressor housing 212 .
- a drive belt 206 may be trained around the motor pulley 204 and the compressor pulley 205 .
- the drive belt 206 may be a FEAD (Front End Accessory Drive) style belt.
- a drive belt tensioner 207 may engage the drive belt 206 to selectively tension the drive belt 206 between the motor pulley 204 and the compressor pulley 205 .
- the motor housing 202 and the compressor housing 212 may be mounted to an engine (not shown), frame or other structural element of an HEV or electric vehicle.
- the drive belt 206 transmits rotation from the motor pulley 204 to the compression pulley 205 and the compressor pulley 205 drives the compressor 215 through the compressor shaft 217 .
- Refrigerant 216 which contains thermal energy resulting from the heat exchange process in the vehicle a/c system is distributed through the housing inlet 213 , the compressor 215 and the housing outlet 214 , respectively.
- the compressor 215 compresses the refrigerant 216 , which leaves the compressor 215 through the housing outlet 214 to perform the heat exchange functions of the vehicle a/c system typically in the conventional manner.
- a start-up strategy for the AC motor 203 may be needed to detect a locked-up compressor 215 or to detect a refrigerant slugging event and slowly bring the compressor 115 up to speed.
- the motor pulley 204 can be uncoupled from the compressor pulley 205 by removal of the drive belt 206 .
- the motor housing 202 can be detached from the engine or other structural element of the vehicle and the AC motor 203 discarded with the motor housing 202 .
- the AC motor 203 can be recycled or repaired for subsequent installation and operation in the same or a different system 200 .
- a motor housing 202 which contains a replacement AC motor 203 can be attached to the engine or other structural element of the vehicle.
- the motor shaft 208 of the replacement AC motor 203 can be coupled to the compressor pulley 205 on the compressor shaft 217 by replacing the drive belt 206 on the motor pulley 204 of the replacement AC motor 203 and the compressor pulley 205 for continued operation of the system 200 .
- the compressor pulley 205 can be uncoupled from the motor pulley 204 by removal of the drive belt 206 .
- the compressor 215 can be discarded with the compressor housing 212 .
- the compressor 215 may be recycled or repaired for subsequent installation and operation in the same or a different system 200 .
- a compressor housing 212 which contains a replacement compressor 215 can be attached to the engine or other structural element of the vehicle.
- the compressor pulley 205 on the compressor shaft 217 of the replacement compressor 215 can be coupled to the motor pulley 204 on the motor shaft 208 of the AC motor 203 by replacing the drive belt 206 on the motor pulley 204 and the compressor pulley 205 for continued operation of the system 200 .
- the AC motor 203 and the compressor 215 can be each selectively replaced independently of the other in the system 200 to provide substantial savings in maintenance costs to an owner or operator of the vehicle in which the system 200 is installed.
- the motor housing 202 of the system 200 may be mounted to an engine (not illustrated) of the HEV or electric vehicle in place of an alternator (not shown) or power steering pump (not shown).
- the compressor housing 212 of the system 200 may be mounted to the engine generally adjacent to the motor housing 202 .
- This application may eliminate the clutch and coil (not shown) and use the direct drive provided by the motor pulley 204 , the drive belt 206 and the compressor pulley 205 to save cost and weight over the typically increased cost and weight of the non-hybrid a/c compressor 215 relative to a hybrid vehicle a/c compressor.
- the clutch and coil may be left in place and used as an escape mechanism to disconnect the drive in the event that the a/c compressor 215 seizes, preventing a snapped or damaged drive belt 206 in the event that the electric motor is still running.
- the motor housing 302 may have a motor housing inlet 320 and a motor housing outlet 321 .
- the motor housing inlet 320 may be disposed in fluid communication with the supply of refrigerant 316 .
- a connecting conduit 322 may connect the motor housing outlet 321 of the motor housing 302 to the housing inlet 313 of the compressor housing 312 .
- at least one cooling plate 323 may be disposed inside the motor housing 302 to cool the electronics of the AC motor 303 .
- refrigerant 316 may flow through the motor housing 302 , the connecting conduit 322 , the housing inlet 313 and the compressor 315 .
- the compressor 315 compresses the refrigerant 316 , which leaves the compressor 315 through the housing outlet 314 to perform the heat exchange functions of the vehicle a/c system typically in the conventional manner.
- the refrigerant 316 cools the AC motor 303 .
- coolant (not shown) may be supplied to the AC motor 303 from a low-temperature radiator circuit (not shown).
- the AC motor 303 may be rated to meet the maximum load torque of the compressor 303 , especially if a larger-displacement compressor 315 is used.
- Motor/compressor combinations which are suitable for the system 300 may include a variable speed AC motor 303 and a fixed displacement compressor 315 , a fixed speed AC motor 303 and a variable displacement compressor 315 and a variable speed AC motor 303 and a variable displacement compressor 303 .
- a variable speed AC motor 303 may have a series of speeds defined, which may be a large number or a small number (such as 160 or 6 speeds, for example).
- Another aspect of matching the AC motor 303 to the compressor 315 may include setting the range of cooling capacity (both minimum and maximum levels) which is needed.
Abstract
A vehicle a/c compressor assembly for a hybrid or electric vehicle includes an electric motor housing, an AC electric motor in the electric motor housing, a compressor housing and a compressor in the compressor housing. The AC electric motor is drivingly coupled to the compressor exterior to the motor housing and the compressor housing.
Description
- The disclosure generally relates to vehicle air conditioner compressors. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a vehicle a/c (air conditioning) compressor assembly which is particularly suitable for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in HEVs and battery electric vehicles and in which a high-voltage motor and an a/c compressor from a non-hybrid vehicle are combined as separate units to reduce repair and replacement costs.
- The air conditioning systems of conventional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in HEVs and battery electric vehicles utilize a small displacement scroll compressor and an electric drive motor (AC or DC) which are contained in a common housing. A drive shaft in the housing couples the scroll compressor to the electric drive motor. Therefore, in the event that either the compressor or the drive motor requires replacement, the other component must also be replaced even though that component may still be functional. This drawback renders excessively high the cost of replacement of either component.
- Accordingly, a vehicle a/c compressor assembly is needed which is particularly suitable for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in HEVs and battery electric vehicles and in which a high-voltage motor and an a/c compressor from a non-hybrid vehicle are combined as separate units to reduce repair and replacement costs.
- The disclosure is generally directed to a vehicle a/c compressor assembly for a hybrid or electric vehicle. An illustrative embodiment of the a/c compressor assembly includes a motor housing, an AC motor in the motor housing, a compressor housing and a compressor in the compressor housing. The AC motor is drivingly coupled to the compressor exterior to the motor housing and the compressor housing.
- In some embodiments, the vehicle a/c compressor assembly for a hybrid or electric vehicle may include a motor housing; an AC motor in the motor housing; a compressor housing; a compressor in the compressor housing; and a drive belt drivingly coupling the compressor to the AC motor exterior to the compressor housing and the motor housing. The AC motor may be a 3-phase AC motor powered by an inverter that is part of the assembly. The inverter may feed a range of voltages such as 300V DC power, for example and without limitation, to the assembly.
- In some embodiments, the vehicle a/c compressor assembly for a hybrid or electric vehicle may include a motor housing; an AC motor in the motor housing; a motor shaft drivingly engaged by the AC motor and extending from the motor housing; a motor pulley carried by the motor shaft; a compressor housing; a compressor in the compressor housing; a compressor shaft drivingly engaging the compressor and extending from the compressor housing; a compressor pulley carried by the compressor shaft; a connecting conduit establishing fluid communication between the motor housing and the compressor housing; and a drive belt drivingly coupling the compressor pulley to the motor pulley exterior to the compressor housing and the motor housing.
- The disclosure will now be made, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the vehicle a/c compressor assembly. -
FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an alternative illustrative embodiment of the a/c compressor assembly. -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another alternative illustrative embodiment of the a/c compressor assembly. -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of still another alternative illustrative embodiment of the a/c compressor assembly. - The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.
- Referring initially to
FIG. 1 , an illustrative embodiment of the vehicle a/c compressor assembly, hereinafter assembly, is generally indicated byreference numeral 100. Theassembly 100 may include amotor housing 102. AnAC motor 103 may be contained in themotor housing 102. In some embodiments, theAC motor 103 may be a variable-speed high-voltage AC motor, or a high-powered motor having an operating voltage of about 42V-400V (300V nominal) and a peak of about 4˜7 kW. Amotor shaft 108 may be drivingly engaged by theAC motor 103. Themotor shaft 108 may extend from themotor housing 102 through a shaft opening (not shown). - A
compressor housing 112 may be generally adjacent and spaced-apart with respect to themotor housing 102. Thecompressor housing 112 may have ahousing inlet 113 and ahousing outlet 114. Acompressor 115 may be contained in thecompressor housing 112. In some embodiments, thecompressor 115 may be a conventional, mechanically-driven (via FEAD belt) automotive a/c compressor. Acompressor shaft 117 may drivingly engage thecompressor 115. Thecompressor shaft 117 may extend from thecompressor housing 112 through a shaft opening (not shown). Thecompressor shaft 117 may be disposed in generally aligned or registering relationship with respect to themotor shaft 108. Ashaft coupler 109 may couple themotor shaft 108 of theAC motor 103 to thecompressor shaft 117 of thecompressor 115 exterior to and generally between themotor housing 102 and thecompressor housing 112. - The
assembly 100 may be mounted to an engine (not shown), frame or other structural element of an HEV or electric vehicle. In operation of theassembly 100, theAC motor 103 drives thecompressor 115 through themotor shaft 108, theshaft coupler 109 and thecompressor shaft 117.Refrigerant 116 which contains thermal energy resulting from the heat exchange process in the vehicle a/c system is distributed through thehousing inlet 113, thecompressor 115 and thehousing outlet 114, respectively. Thecompressor 115 compresses therefrigerant 116, which leaves thecompressor housing 112 through thehousing outlet 114 to perform the heat exchange functions of the vehicle a/c system typically in the conventional manner. A start-up strategy for theAC motor 103 may be needed to detect a locked-upcompressor 115 or to detect a refrigerant slugging event and slowly bring thecompressor 115 up to speed. - In the event that the
AC motor 103 of thesystem 100 requires replacement, such as may be required after a prolonged period of operation of theassembly 100, themotor shaft 108 can be uncoupled from thecompressor shaft 117 at theshaft coupler 109. TheAC motor 103 can be discarded with themotor housing 102. Alternatively, theAC motor 103 can be recycled or repaired for subsequent installation and operation in the same or adifferent system 100. Themotor shaft 108 of areplacement AC motor 103 inside amotor housing 102 can be coupled to thecompressor shaft 117 at theshaft coupler 109 for continued operation of thesystem 100. - In the event that the
compressor 115 of thesystem 100 requires replacement, thecompressor shaft 117 can be uncoupled from themotor shaft 108 at theshaft coupler 109. Thecompressor 115 can be discarded with thecompressor housing 112. Alternatively, thecompressor 115 may be recycled or repaired for subsequent installation and operation in the same or adifferent system 100. Thecompressor shaft 117 of areplacement compressor 115 inside acompressor housing 112 can be coupled to themotor shaft 108 at theshaft coupler 109 for continued operation of thesystem 100. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theAC motor 103 and thecompressor 115 can be each selectively replaced independently of the other in thesystem 100. This may provide substantial savings in maintenance costs to an owner or operator of the vehicle in which thesystem 100 is installed. - Referring next to
FIG. 1A , an alternative illustrative embodiment of the vehicle a/c compressor assembly is generally indicated byreference numeral 100 a. Theassembly 100 a may have a design which is similar to that of theassembly 100 which was heretofore described with respect toFIG. 1 . In theassembly 100 a, a connectingconduit 122 may connect thehousing inlet 113 of thecompressor housing 112 to themotor housing 102. At least onecooling plate 123 may be provided inside themotor housing 102. Accordingly, operation of theassembly 100 a may be as was heretofore described with respect to theassembly 100 inFIG. 1 except in theassembly 100 a,refrigerant 116 may be distributed from the A/C system suction line (not shown) to themotor housing inlet 110 and the connectingconduit 122, respectively, into thecompressor housing 115. As it flows through themotor housing 102, thecooling plate 123 uses the refrigerant 116 to cool the electrical components of theAC motor 103. The refrigerant 116 is discharged from thecompressor housing 112 through arefrigerant outlet 114. - Referring next to
FIG. 2 , another alternative illustrative embodiment of the vehicle a/c compressor assembly is generally indicated byreference numeral 200. The elements of thesystem 200 which correspond to the same elements of thesystem 100 are designated by the same numerals in the 200 series rather than the 100 series. Thesystem 200 may include amotor housing 202 which may contain anAC motor 203. In some embodiments, theAC motor 203 may be a high-voltage AC motor, or a high-powered motor having an operating voltage of about 42V-400V and a peak of about 4˜7 kW. TheAC motor 203 may drivingly engage amotor shaft 208 which extends from themotor housing 202 through a shaft opening (not shown). Amotor pulley 204 may be drivingly engaged by themotor shaft 208 outside themotor housing 202. - A
compressor housing 212 may be generally adjacent to themotor housing 202. Thecompressor housing 212 may have ahousing inlet 213 and ahousing outlet 214. Acompressor 215 may be contained in thecompressor housing 212. In some embodiments, thecompressor 215 may be a conventional, mechanically-driven (via FEAD belt) automotive a/c compressor. Acompressor shaft 217 may drivingly engage thecompressor 215. Thecompressor shaft 217 may extend from thecompressor housing 212 through a shaft opening (not shown). - The
compressor shaft 217 may be disposed in generally parallel relationship with respect to themotor shaft 208. Acompressor pulley 205 may drivingly engage thecompressor shaft 217 outside thecompressor housing 212. Adrive belt 206 may be trained around themotor pulley 204 and thecompressor pulley 205. Thedrive belt 206 may be a FEAD (Front End Accessory Drive) style belt. In some embodiments, adrive belt tensioner 207 may engage thedrive belt 206 to selectively tension thedrive belt 206 between themotor pulley 204 and thecompressor pulley 205. - The
motor housing 202 and thecompressor housing 212 may be mounted to an engine (not shown), frame or other structural element of an HEV or electric vehicle. In operation of theassembly 200, responsive to operation of theAC motor 203, thedrive belt 206 transmits rotation from themotor pulley 204 to thecompression pulley 205 and thecompressor pulley 205 drives thecompressor 215 through thecompressor shaft 217.Refrigerant 216 which contains thermal energy resulting from the heat exchange process in the vehicle a/c system is distributed through thehousing inlet 213, thecompressor 215 and thehousing outlet 214, respectively. Thecompressor 215 compresses the refrigerant 216, which leaves thecompressor 215 through thehousing outlet 214 to perform the heat exchange functions of the vehicle a/c system typically in the conventional manner. A start-up strategy for theAC motor 203 may be needed to detect a locked-upcompressor 215 or to detect a refrigerant slugging event and slowly bring thecompressor 115 up to speed. - In the event that the
AC motor 203 requires replacement, themotor pulley 204 can be uncoupled from thecompressor pulley 205 by removal of thedrive belt 206. Themotor housing 202 can be detached from the engine or other structural element of the vehicle and theAC motor 203 discarded with themotor housing 202. Alternatively, theAC motor 203 can be recycled or repaired for subsequent installation and operation in the same or adifferent system 200. Amotor housing 202 which contains areplacement AC motor 203 can be attached to the engine or other structural element of the vehicle. Themotor shaft 208 of thereplacement AC motor 203 can be coupled to thecompressor pulley 205 on thecompressor shaft 217 by replacing thedrive belt 206 on themotor pulley 204 of thereplacement AC motor 203 and thecompressor pulley 205 for continued operation of thesystem 200. - In the event that the
compressor 215 requires replacement, thecompressor pulley 205 can be uncoupled from themotor pulley 204 by removal of thedrive belt 206. Thecompressor 215 can be discarded with thecompressor housing 212. Alternatively, thecompressor 215 may be recycled or repaired for subsequent installation and operation in the same or adifferent system 200. Acompressor housing 212 which contains areplacement compressor 215 can be attached to the engine or other structural element of the vehicle. Thecompressor pulley 205 on thecompressor shaft 217 of thereplacement compressor 215 can be coupled to themotor pulley 204 on themotor shaft 208 of theAC motor 203 by replacing thedrive belt 206 on themotor pulley 204 and thecompressor pulley 205 for continued operation of thesystem 200. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theAC motor 203 and thecompressor 215 can be each selectively replaced independently of the other in thesystem 200 to provide substantial savings in maintenance costs to an owner or operator of the vehicle in which thesystem 200 is installed. - In some applications, the
motor housing 202 of thesystem 200 may be mounted to an engine (not illustrated) of the HEV or electric vehicle in place of an alternator (not shown) or power steering pump (not shown). Thecompressor housing 212 of thesystem 200 may be mounted to the engine generally adjacent to themotor housing 202. This application may eliminate the clutch and coil (not shown) and use the direct drive provided by themotor pulley 204, thedrive belt 206 and thecompressor pulley 205 to save cost and weight over the typically increased cost and weight of the non-hybrid a/c compressor 215 relative to a hybrid vehicle a/c compressor. In other applications, the clutch and coil may be left in place and used as an escape mechanism to disconnect the drive in the event that the a/c compressor 215 seizes, preventing a snapped or damageddrive belt 206 in the event that the electric motor is still running. - Referring next to
FIG. 3 , another alternative illustrative embodiment of the vehicle a/c compressor assembly is generally indicated byreference numeral 300. Theassembly 300 may have a design which is similar to thesystem 200 which was heretofore described with respect toFIG. 2 . The elements of thesystem 300 which correspond to the same elements of thesystem 200 are designated by the same numerals in the 300 series rather than the 200 series. In thesystem 300, themotor housing 302 may have amotor housing inlet 320 and amotor housing outlet 321. Themotor housing inlet 320 may be disposed in fluid communication with the supply ofrefrigerant 316. A connectingconduit 322 may connect themotor housing outlet 321 of themotor housing 302 to thehousing inlet 313 of thecompressor housing 312. In some embodiments, at least onecooling plate 323 may be disposed inside themotor housing 302 to cool the electronics of theAC motor 303. - In operation of the
system 300, which may be generally as was heretofore described with respect to operation of thesystem 200 inFIG. 2 , refrigerant 316 may flow through themotor housing 302, the connectingconduit 322, thehousing inlet 313 and thecompressor 315. Thecompressor 315 compresses the refrigerant 316, which leaves thecompressor 315 through thehousing outlet 314 to perform the heat exchange functions of the vehicle a/c system typically in the conventional manner. As it flows through themotor housing 302, the refrigerant 316 cools theAC motor 303. In some alternative embodiments, coolant (not shown) may be supplied to theAC motor 303 from a low-temperature radiator circuit (not shown). - In the
system 300, theAC motor 303 may be rated to meet the maximum load torque of thecompressor 303, especially if a larger-displacement compressor 315 is used. Motor/compressor combinations which are suitable for thesystem 300 may include a variablespeed AC motor 303 and a fixeddisplacement compressor 315, a fixedspeed AC motor 303 and avariable displacement compressor 315 and a variablespeed AC motor 303 and avariable displacement compressor 303. A variablespeed AC motor 303 may have a series of speeds defined, which may be a large number or a small number (such as 160 or 6 speeds, for example). Another aspect of matching theAC motor 303 to thecompressor 315 may include setting the range of cooling capacity (both minimum and maximum levels) which is needed. - Although the embodiments of this disclosure have been described with respect to certain exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the specific embodiments are for purposes of illustration and not limitation, as other variations will occur to those of skill in the art.
Claims (20)
1. A vehicle a/c compressor assembly for a hybrid or electric vehicle, comprising:
an electric motor housing;
an AC electric motor in the electric motor housing;
a compressor housing;
a compressor in the compressor housing; and
the AC motor drivingly coupled to the compressor exterior to the electric motor housing and the compressor housing.
2. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 1 further comprising a motor shaft drivingly engaged by the AC motor and a compressor shaft drivingly engaging the compressor, the motor shaft drivingly engaging the compressor shaft outside the electric motor housing and the compressor housing.
3. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 2 wherein the compressor shaft is disposed in alignment with the motor shaft.
4. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 3 further comprising a shaft coupler coupling the motor shaft and the compressor shaft.
5. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 1 wherein the AC electric motor is a fixed speed motor.
6. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 1 wherein the AC electric motor is a variable speed AC motor.
7. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 1 wherein the compressor is a fixed displacement compressor.
8. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 1 wherein the compressor is a variable displacement compressor.
9. A vehicle a/c compressor assembly for a hybrid or electric vehicle, comprising:
an electric motor housing;
an AC electric motor in the electric motor housing;
a compressor housing;
a compressor in the compressor housing; and
a drive belt drivingly coupling the compressor to the AC electric motor exterior to the compressor housing and the electric motor housing.
10. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 9 further comprising a drive belt tensioner engaging the drive belt.
11. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 9 further comprising a motor shaft drivingly engaged by the AC electric motor, a motor pulley carried by the motor shaft, a compressor shaft drivingly engaging the compressor and a compressor pulley carried by the compressor shaft, and wherein the drive belt drivingly engages the motor pulley and the compressor pulley outside the motor housing and the compressor housing.
12. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 11 wherein the compressor shaft is disposed in generally parallel relationship to the motor shaft.
13. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 9 wherein the AC electric motor is a fixed speed motor.
14. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 9 wherein the AC electric motor is a variable speed AC motor.
15. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 9 wherein the compressor is a fixed displacement compressor.
16. The vehicle AC compressor assembly of claim 9 wherein the compressor is a variable displacement compressor.
17. A vehicle a/c compressor assembly for a hybrid or electric vehicle, comprising:
an electric motor housing;
an AC electric motor in the electric motor housing;
an electric motor shaft drivingly engaged by the AC motor and extending from the electric motor housing;
an electric motor pulley carried by the electric motor shaft;
a compressor housing;
a compressor in the compressor housing;
a compressor shaft drivingly engaging the compressor and extending from the compressor housing;
a compressor pulley carried by the compressor shaft;
a connecting conduit establishing fluid communication between the electric motor housing and the compressor housing; and
a drive belt drivingly coupling the compressor pulley to the motor pulley exterior to the compressor housing and the motor housing.
18. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 17 wherein the compressor is a variable displacement compressor.
19. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 17 wherein the AC electric motor is a variable speed AC motor.
20. The vehicle a/c compressor assembly of claim 17 wherein the compressor is a fixed displacement compressor.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/080,882 US20120257996A1 (en) | 2011-04-06 | 2011-04-06 | Vehicle a/c compressor assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/080,882 US20120257996A1 (en) | 2011-04-06 | 2011-04-06 | Vehicle a/c compressor assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20120257996A1 true US20120257996A1 (en) | 2012-10-11 |
Family
ID=46966260
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/080,882 Abandoned US20120257996A1 (en) | 2011-04-06 | 2011-04-06 | Vehicle a/c compressor assembly |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US20120257996A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150361983A1 (en) * | 2013-01-22 | 2015-12-17 | Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. | Compressor bearing and unloader assembly |
US11002276B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2021-05-11 | Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. | Compressor having bushing |
US11015598B2 (en) | 2018-04-11 | 2021-05-25 | Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. | Compressor having bushing |
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Owner name: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SMITH, MARK G.;REEL/FRAME:026082/0678 Effective date: 20110405 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |