COMPRESSOR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

Abstract

A compressor for a motor vehicle includes a compressor housing delimiting a compressor interior with respect to the environment. The compressor housing has a first housing part with a first end face and a second housing part with a second end face. The first and second housing parts are fastened to one another with the formation of an overlapping region between the end faces in longitudinal direction, which extends from an end facing the compressor interior to an end facing the environment. An elastically compressible or compressed seal device is arranged in the overlapping region, which extends at least up to or beyond the end of the overlapping region facing the environment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102015003858.3, filed Mar. 26, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure pertains to compressors for motor vehicles and more particularly to a compressor housing defining a compressor interior with respect to the environment.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Compressors for motor vehicles are generally known for use in air conditioning systems of a motor vehicle. Moreover compressors are known for the charging of the internal combustion engine. Within air conditioning systems, in particular compressors in the form of so-called scroll compressors have proved to be of value, which operate according to the displacement body principle. Scroll compressors have two spirals nested into one another within a compressor interior. In one form, one spiral is constructed so as to be stationary, and the other spiral is moved via an eccentric drive on a circular path. The spirals are arranged in the compressor interior of a compressor housing. The compressor housing delimits the compressor interior with respect to the environment. Whilst a compressor medium, such as for example a coolant for the air conditioning system or an oil, is situated in the compressor interior, an environmental medium, therefore for example air, is situated in the environment. In the environment also other environmental media, such as for example engine oil, solvent, vehicle wax, water or fuel, are to be found, which can arrive onto the exterior of the compressor housing. The known compressor housings generally have a first housing part with a first end face and a second housing part with a second end face. The two housing parts are fastened to one another with the formation of an overlapping region between the end faces, facing one another, in longitudinal direction. The housing parts are generally screwed to one another. In the overlapping region, an elastically compressible or compressed seal device in the form of a sealing ring is arranged. The sealing ring is arranged in a groove in at least one of the end faces facing one another. Here, the sealing ring is arranged within the overlapping region such that it is spaced apart from an end of the overlapping region facing the environment. The end faces of the housing parts in the region between the sealing ring on the one hand and the end of the overlapping region facing the environment on the other hand are supported directly against one another in longitudinal direction. The sealing ring is to prevent here on the one hand the escape of the compressor medium from the compressor interior into the environment and on the other hand a penetrating of an environmental medium from the environment into the compressor interior.

[0004] The known compressors or scroll compressors have proved to be of value, the latter in particular in so far as that via at least one of the two housing parts also the target position of one of the spirals within the scroll compressor can be established with respect to the longitudinal direction, by said spiral resting on the respective housing part in longitudinal direction. However, it has been found that a reliable sealing of the compressor interior with respect to the environment is not always guaranteed to the desirable extent after a lengthy period of use of the compressor within the motor vehicle.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a compressor for a motor vehicle having a compressor interior which even after a lengthy period of use within a motor vehicle is still reliably sealed with respect to the environment of the compressor. The compressor housing includes a first housing part with a first end face and a second housing part with a second end face, which are fastened to one another with the formation of an overlapping region between the end faces in longitudinal direction. An elastically compressible or compressed seal device is arranged in the overlapping region.

[0006] In particular, an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a compressor for a motor vehicle. The compressor is preferably a compressor for the air conditioning system of a motor vehicle. The compressor medium arranged in the compressor interior could be, for example, a coolant or oil. It is, moreover, preferred if the compressor is constructed as a so-called scroll compressor. The compressor has a compressor housing which delimits the compressor interior with respect to the environment and vice versa. The compressor housing has a first housing part with a first end face and a second housing part with a second end face. The two end faces point in longitudinal directions opposed to one another, wherein the two housing parts are fastened to one another with the formation of an overlapping region between the end faces in longitudinal direction. The end faces are constructed here preferably respectively in a ring shape or circular ring shape, so that a ring-shaped or circular ring-shaped overlapping region is produced. The overlapping region extends here from an end facing the compressor interior to an end facing the environment, i.e. preferably from a radially inner end or edge facing the compressor interior to a radially outer end or edge facing the environment. In the overlapping region, an elastically compressible or compressed seal device is arranged, which can be formed for example by a ring-shaped or annular disc-shaped seal or flat seal. In contrast to known solutions, the seal device is not, however, arranged in the overlapping region such that it is spaced apart from the end of the overlapping region facing the environment. The elastically compressible or compressed seal device extends, rather, at least up to or beyond the end of the overlapping region facing the environment.

[0007] It has been found that the compressor housing, even after a long lifetime of the compressor still has a very high impermeability, so that the compressor interior is permanently sealed reliably with respect to the environment and vice versa. Whereas in known compressors, environmental media such as engine oil, solvent, vehicle wax, water or fuel can arrive into the region between the sealing ring on the one hand and the end of the overlapping region facing the environment on the other hand, where it promotes a chemical reaction with the end faces of the housing parts, which ultimately leads to an infiltration of the sealing ring, this is prevented in the compressor according to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above in that the seal device extends at least up to or beyond the end of the overlapping region facing the environment. This has, moreover, the advantage that the end faces facing one another can have a greater roughness and need to be manufactured less precisely, especially since the overlapping region is in any case protected with respect to a penetration of environmental medium by the seal device, which extends up to or beyond the end of the overlapping region facing the environment. In other words, the manufacture of the housing parts, consequently of the compressor housing and of the entire compressor, is also simplified.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the compressor according to the present disclosure, the first end face and the second end face have respectively a support surface section in the overlapping region, wherein the first and second housing part are able to be supported or are supported directly on one another in a support region via the support surface sections which are associated with one another. This embodiment has the advantage that the two housing parts are able to be exactly positioned in longitudinal direction relative to one another, which on the one hand brings about a predetermined compression path for the elastically compressible or compressed seal device with a reliable seal entailed therewith, and on the other hand renders advantageous a use of the compressor housing also for scroll compressors, in which a spiral of the scroll compressor, by fastening of the first housing part on the second housing part, is held in its target position with respect to the longitudinal direction and/or the spiral is able to be supported or is supported on the first or second housing part, if applicable directly, in longitudinal direction. Consequently, in such a case of application also an exact positioning of the spiral of the scroll compressor is possible.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment of the compressor according to the present disclosure, the previously mentioned support region in which the support surface sections of the two end faces are able to be supported or are supported directly on one another, is arranged between the seal device on the one hand and the end of the overlapping region facing the compressor interior on the other hand, in order to ensure on the one hand a reliable and permanent seal by the seal device and on the other hand a reliable support of the two housing parts on one another.

[0010] In a further advantageous embodiment of the compressor according to the present disclosure, the first housing part and the second housing part have respectively a flange section for the formation of the first and second end face, in order to enable a simple fastening of the two housing parts to one another via the flange section and to provide the corresponding end faces.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment of the compressor according to the present disclosure, the flange sections have respectively at least one fastening opening, via which the flange sections are able to be fastened or are fastened to one another. Thus, the fastening opening can be constructed for example respectively as a through-opening, wherein for example a screwed connection can be guided through the fastening openings, aligned with one another in longitudinal direction, in the flange sections. However, it is likewise possible to provide a through-opening on the one flange section, whilst the fastening opening is configured in the other flange section as a depression with a thread, so that here also a corresponding screwed connection is possible. If fastening openings in the form of through-openings are provided in the flange sections, and then it is, moreover, preferred if one of the fastening openings configured as a through-opening is provided with an internal thread.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment of the compressor according to the present disclosure, the support region, in which the previously mentioned support surface sections are able to be supported or are supported directly on one another, is arranged in the region of the previously mentioned fastening openings. Also in this embodiment the elastically compressible or compressed seal device can extend up to or beyond an end of the overlapping region facing the environment, wherein here correspondingly an end of the overlapping region facing the environment faces the fastening openings or respectively adjoins thereto. Environmental medium, which was to arrive into the fastening openings, is also thereby reliably prevented from penetrating into the section of the overlapping region relevant for sealing.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the compressor according to the present disclosure, the seal device has a carrier element and at least one sealing element arranged on the carrier element, which seal element faces the end faces on the housing parts. Hereby, a particularly stable seal device can be created. For this purpose, the carrier element is preferably constructed so as to be harder and/or firmer than the at least one sealing element, wherein it has also proved to be advantageous if the carrier element is constructed as a metallic carrier element. The at least one sealing element, on the other hand, can be formed from a more elastic or softer material, such as for example a rubber.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the compressor according to the present disclosure, the seal device is constructed in a ring shape and/or in a ring disc shape. In this embodiment, it is, moreover, preferred if both the carrier element and also the at least one sealing element is constructed in a ring shape and/or in a ring disc shape, in order to bring about via the carrier element a particularly great dimensional stability of the seal device and, via the sealing element, a particularly good sealing of the compressor interior.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the compressor according to the present disclosure, the seal device has a first sealing section, which is associated with the end of the overlapping region facing the compressor interior, and a second sealing section, which is associated with the end of the overlapping region facing the environment. It can also be stated that the first sealing section faces the compressor interior, whereas the second sealing section faces the environment or respectively faces away from the compressor interior.

[0016] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the compressor according to the present disclosure, the first and second sealing section of the seal device are manufactured from different materials. This is advantageous in so far as the seal device is matched particularly well to its respective function, namely on the one hand the holding back of the compressor medium by the first sealing section, and on the other hand the holding back of the environmental medium from the environment, without the sealing device in the respective sealing section being attacked too intensively by the respective medium, which could lead to a restriction in function of the sealing device. It is preferred here if the first sealing section has a greater resistance, in particular chemical resistance, with respect to the compression medium in the compressor interior, if applicable an oil or coolant for the air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, than the second sealing section. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred if the second sealing section has a greater resistance, in particular chemical resistance, with respect to the environmental medium, if applicable engine oil, solvent, vehicle wax, water or fuel, than the first sealing section, in order to ensure a long-lasting sealing effect by the seal device.

[0017] In an embodiment of the compressor according to the present disclosure, the first section of the seal device at least in the elastically relaxed state is constructed in longitudinal direction thicker than the second section, in order to match it better to its function, namely the holding back of the compression medium within the compressor interior. Thus, the first section, owing to its greater thickness in longitudinal direction can be compressed for example over a greater compression path than the second section. Alternatively or additionally, the first section extends into a depression, preferably a groove, in one of the end faces, in order to further increase the sealing effect of the seal device. Alternatively or additionally, the first section of the seal device in this embodiment is able to be compressed or is compressed elastically over a greater compression path than the second section, which has proved to be advantageous with regard to the function of holding back the compression medium in the compressor interior.

[0018] In order to simplify the installation and the structure of the compressor, the first section of the seal device, in a further advantageous embodiment of the compressor according to the present disclosure, is constructed in one piece or cohesively with the second section of the seal device.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of the compressor according to the present disclosure, which represents an alternative to the previously described embodiment, the first section of the seal device is constructed separately from the second section of the seal device, in order to simplify the production of the seal device itself, in so far as for example different materials come into use for the first and second section of the seal device. Here, it is preferred if the two sealing sections of the seal device, which are constructed separately from one another, are arranged spaced apart from one another in the overlapping region, in order to create here accordingly a seal free space lying between.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the compressor according to the present disclosure, the first housing part and the second housing part engage into one another at least partially in longitudinal direction, achieving transverse surfaces of the first and second housing part facing one another in transverse direction. Hereby, firstly the two housing parts are able to be positioned relative to one another particularly simply during the assembly. Moreover, in this embodiment it is preferred if between the transverse surfaces a second seal device is arranged, which supplements the previously mentioned seal device and consequently contributes to an improved impermeability of the compressor housing as a whole. It is preferred here if the second seal device is arranged in a depression, preferably a circumferential groove, in one of the transverse surfaces, in order to ensure a reliable positioning of the second seal device before, during and after the introduction of the one housing part into the other housing part.

[0021] As already previously indicated, in a further embodiment of the compressor according to the present disclosure the compressor is constructed as a scroll compressor.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment of the compressor, constructed as a scroll compressor, a spiral of the scroll compressor is held in its target position with respect to the longitudinal direction by fastening the first housing part on the second housing part. Alternatively or additionally, the said spiral is able to be supported or is supported in longitudinal direction, if applicable directly, on the first or second housing part. The other spiral, on the other hand, can be supported indirectly or directly on the other housing part. Consequently, in this embodiment, an exact positioning of the two spirals of the scroll compressor in longitudinal direction relative to one another is brought about in an advantageous and simple manner by the fastening of the two housing parts to one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the compressor according to the present disclosure in sectional illustration;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a cross-section taken at A shown in FIG. 1 in a first variant embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken at A in FIG. 1 in a second variant embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-section taken at A in FIG. 1 in a third variant embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-section taken at A of FIG. 1 in a fourth variant embodiment; and

[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross-section taken at A in FIG. 1 in the first variant embodiment, wherein the view is displaced in circumferential direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a compressor 2 for a motor vehicle, which can be designed for example as a compressor 2 for the air conditioning system of a motor vehicle. In the figures, the longitudinal directions 4, 6, opposed to one another, the transverse directions 8, 10 and the circumferential directions 12, 14, opposed to one another, of the compressor 2 are indicated by means of corresponding arrows, wherein in FIG. 1 in addition a longitudinal axis 16 of the compressor 2 is indicated, extending in the longitudinal directions 4, 6.

[0032] The compressor 2 has a compressor housing 18, which delimits a compressor interior 20 with respect to an environment 22. The compressor housing 18 includes first housing part 24 and a second housing part 26. The first housing part 24 is thus fastened in longitudinal direction 4 on the second housing part 26. In the compressor interior 20 of the compressor 2, which is constructed as a scroll compressor, a first spiral 28 and a second spiral 30--engaging into the first spiral 28. The second spiral 30 is rotatable in a manner known per se via a shaft 32 leading into the compressor housing 18, whereas the first spiral 28 is constructed so as to be stationary. The first spiral 28 is able to be supported or is supported in longitudinal direction 6 on the first housing part 24, here directly, so that the first spiral 28 is held in its target position with respect to the longitudinal direction 6 by fastening the first housing part 24 on the second housing part 26. The second spiral 30, on the other hand, is supported in longitudinal direction 4 on the second housing part 26, wherein this can take place--in the sense of a tolerance compensation--for example with interposition of a spacer (not illustrated). Consequently, the second spiral 30 is likewise held in its target position with respect to the longitudinal direction 4 by fastening of the first housing part 24 on the second housing part 26, by the second spiral 30 being able to be supported or being supported in longitudinal direction 4 on the second housing part 26, indirectly or directly.

[0033] Further features of the compressor 2 are explained below with the aid of the first variant embodiments according to FIGS. 2-6.

[0034] With reference to FIG. 2, the first housing part 24 has a projection 34 protruding in longitudinal direction 4 and circumferential in circumferential direction 12, 14, and a flange section 36, following the protruding projection 34 in longitudinal direction 6, which flange section is constructed so as to be protruding in transverse direction 8, 10 and also circumferential in circumferential direction 12, 14. The second housing part 26 also has a flange section 38, associated with the flange section 36, which is also constructed circumferentially in circumferential direction 12, 14. As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the first housing part 24 or respectively its protruding projection 34 dips in longitudinal direction 4 into the second housing part 26, so that one can also speak of an engaging of the two housing parts 24, 26 into one another. Here, the transverse surface 40 of the protruding projection 34 faces the transverse surface 42 in transverse direction 8, 10.

[0035] Moreover, the first housing part 24 has a first end face 44, circumferential in a ring shape in circumferential direction 12, 14, on the flange section 36, which points in longitudinal direction 4 and consequently faces the second housing part 26, whereas the housing part 26 or respectively its flange section 38 has a second end face 46, likewise circumferential in a ring shape in circumferential direction 12, 14, which faces the first housing part 24 in longitudinal direction 6. In the installation state, the first end face 44 therefore faces the second end face 46, wherein the two end faces 44, 46, viewed in longitudinal direction 4, 6, overlap one another in an overlapping region 48. The overlapping region 48 extends in transverse direction 8, 10 from an end 50 facing the compressor interior 20 to an end 52 facing the environment 22.

[0036] In the overlapping region 48, an elastically compressible, here already elastically compressed, seal device 54 is arranged. The seal device 54 was compressed here between the end faces 44, 46, facing one another, in longitudinal direction 4, 6 during the installation or respectively fastening of the first housing part 24 on the second housing part 26. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the seal device 54 extends here up to and even a little beyond the end 52 of the overlapping region 48, facing the environment 22. In the reverse direction, the seal device 54 extends in the illustrated variant embodiment according to FIG. 2 up to and even beyond the end 50 of the overlapping region 48 facing the compressor interior 20.

[0037] The seal device 54 is constructed here in a ring shape, here in the shape of a ring disc, so that the seal device 54, like the end faces 44, 46, facing one another, is constructed circumferentially in circumferential direction 12, 14, more precisely circumferentially in a closed manner. Here, the seal device 54 is composed substantially of a carrier element 56 and of at least one sealing element 58 arranged on the carrier element 56. Both the carrier element 56 and also the at least one sealing element 58 are constructed in a ring shape and/or in the shape of a ring disc. The at least one sealing element 58 completely surrounds the carrier element 56 in the illustrated embodiment, wherein the sealing element 58 faces the second end face 46 in longitudinal direction 4 and faces the first end face 44 in longitudinal direction 6 and is supported thereon. The carrier element 56 is constructed here so as to be harder and/or firmer than the at least one sealing element 58. Here, it has proved to be advantageous if the carrier element 56 is constructed as a metallic carrier element 56, consequently as a metallic ring or as a metallic ring disc. A rubber or a similarly elastic material for example comes into consideration here as material for the sealing element 58.

[0038] As can be seen in addition from FIG. 2, the compressor 2 has, in addition to the seal device 54, a further seal device, designated below as second seal device 60. The second seal device 60 is arranged in transverse direction 8, 10 between the transverse surfaces 40, 42, facing one another, achieving a sealing effect with respect to the compressor interior 20. Here, the second seal device 60 is arranged in a depression 62 in at least one of the two transverse surfaces 40, 42. In the illustrated variant embodiment, the depression 62 is provided in the transverse surface 40 of the protruding projection 34 of the first housing part 24. Irrespective of where the depression 62 is arranged, the latter preferably extends circumferentially in circumferential direction 12, 14, wherein the depression 62 is preferably constructed as a groove or respectively a circumferential groove. The second seal device 60 is also preferably arranged spaced apart from the seal device 54, so that a seal free space 64 is formed between the two seal devices 54 and 60. Furthermore, it is preferred if--as illustrated in FIG. 2--the second seal device 60 is formed by a simple sealing ring, however it is basically also possible to construct the second seal device 60 in a more complex manner.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows a second variant embodiment, which corresponds substantially to the variant embodiment according to FIG. 2, so that only the differences are entered into below, the same reference numbers are used for identical or similar parts and the preceding description otherwise applies accordingly.

[0040] In the second variant embodiment, the seal device 54 does not extend up to the end 50 of the overlapping region 48 facing the compressor interior 20, but rather terminates in transverse direction 8, 10 in front of the said end 50. Thus, the first end face 44 has in the overlapping region 48 a first support surface section 66, whilst the second end face 46 in the overlapping region 48 has a second support surface section 68. The first support surface section 66 pointing in longitudinal direction 4, and the second support surface section 68, pointed in longitudinal direction 6, are supported directly on one another in longitudinal direction 4, 6 in a support region 70. Consequently, the two housing parts 24, 26 are able to be supported, or are supported, on one another in longitudinal direction 4, 6 via the said support surface sections 66, 68, wherein the said support region 70 is in turn constructed circumferentially in circumferential direction 12, 14, so that one can also speak of a ring-shaped support region 70. Here, the support region 70 in the second variant embodiment is arranged between the seal device 54 on the one hand and on the other hand the end 50 of the overlapping region 48, facing the compressor interior 20. The already previously mentioned seal free space 64 again adjoins the support region 70.

[0041] A third variant embodiment is described below with reference to FIG. 4, which corresponds substantially to the variant embodiments according to FIGS. 2 and 3, so that only the differences are entered into below, the same reference numbers are used for identical or similar parts and the preceding description otherwise applies accordingly.

[0042] In the third variant embodiment according to FIG. 4, the seal device 54 has a first sealing section 72, which is associated with or faces the end 50 of the overlapping region 48 facing the compressor interior 20, and a second sealing section 74, which is associated with the end 52 of the overlapping region 48 facing the environment 22. As can be additionally seen from FIG. 4, the first sealing section 72 and the second sealing section 74 are constructed in one piece with one another or cohesively.

[0043] The first sealing section 72, at least in the elastically relaxed state, is constructed in longitudinal direction 4, 6 thicker than the second sealing section 74. In the illustrated variant embodiment, the first sealing section 72 extends, moreover, in longitudinal direction 4, 6 into a depression 76 in one of the end faces 44, 46, here in longitudinal direction 6 into a depression 76 in the first end face 44. Irrespective of the arrangement of the depression 76, the latter is preferably constructed circumferentially in circumferential direction 12, 14. The same applies for the first and second sealing section 72, 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the depression 76 is constructed such that the first sealing section 72, on fastening of the first housing part 24 on the second housing part 26, is ultimately compressed over a greater compression path in longitudinal direction 4, 6 than the second sealing section 74.

[0044] Basically, the first and second sealing section 72, 74 can be manufactured from the same material. However, it is preferred if the first and second sealing section 72, 74 are manufactured from different materials. Here, the first sealing section 72 is to have a greater resistance, in particular chemical resistance, with respect to the compressor medium in the compressor interior 20 than the second sealing section 74. As already previously indicated, the compressor medium in the compressor interior 20 is preferably an oil or coolant for the air conditioning system of the motor vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, it is, moreover, preferred if the second sealing section 74 has a greater resistance, in particular chemical resistance, with respect to the environmental medium in the environment 22 than the first sealing section 72. Included here in the environmental media within the environment 22 are, for example, engine oil, solvent, vehicle wax, water or fuel, such as for example petrol or diesel.

[0045] In addition, it is pointed out that in the preceding variant embodiments according to FIGS. 2 and 3 a corresponding division into first and second sealing section 72, 74 can also be provided, wherein in the first two variant embodiments according to FIGS. 2 and 3 a depression 76, as can be seen in FIG. 4, was dispensed with.

[0046] Owing to the previously described special design of the two sealing sections 72 and 74 of the seal device 54, a second seal device 60 can be dispensed with, as is shown in FIG. 4, so that the structure and the assembly of the compressor 2 is distinctly simplified, without having to be concerned here about a restriction to the impermeability of the compressor interior 20.

[0047] FIG. 5 shows a fourth variant embodiment, which corresponds substantially to the variant embodiment according to FIG. 4, so that only the differences are entered into below, the same reference numbers are used for identical or similar parts and the preceding description otherwise applies accordingly.

[0048] As can be seen from FIG. 5, the seal device 54 in the fourth variant embodiment is constructed such that the first sealing section 72 is constructed separately from the second sealing section 74, wherein the first sealing section 72 is, moreover, arranged spaced apart from the second sealing section 74 in the overlapping region 48, so that an intermediate seal free space 78 exists between the first sealing section 72 and the second sealing section 74.

[0049] A fifth variant embodiment is described below with reference to FIG. 6, which corresponds substantially to the variant embodiment according to FIG. 2, wherein the cross-section is offset in circumferential direction 12 or 14. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the flange sections 36, 38 have projections 80, 82 protruding at least partially in transverse direction 8, 10, which are arranged aligned with one another in longitudinal direction 4, 6. In the protruding projections 80, 82 respectively fastening openings 84, 86 are provided, which in the assembly state are arranged aligned with one another in longitudinal direction 4, 6, wherein the fastening openings 84, 86 in the illustrated embodiment are constructed as continuous through-openings in longitudinal direction 4, 6. Although not illustrated, an internal thread is to be provided at least in one of the fastening openings 84, 86 which are associated with one another, however basically such an internal thread can also be dispensed with. The fastening openings 84, 86 serve for the fastening of the flange sections 36, 38 to one another, by for example a screwed connection being guided through.

[0050] As can be seen from FIG. 6, the seal device 54 in the region of the protruding projections 80, 82 of the flange sections 36, 38 does not extend up to an outermost end 88 of the now greater overlapping region 48 in this region, but rather only up to the end 52 facing the environment 22--here, the interior of the fastening openings 84, 86. The previously mentioned support region 70, in which the first and second housing part 24, 26 are supported directly on one another via the support surface sections 66, 68 is, however, arranged in the region of the fastening openings 84, 86, more precisely in the region of the protruding projections 80, 82 of the flange sections 36, 38.

[0051] In addition, it is pointed out that the embodiments with regard to FIG. 6 can apply in a corresponding manner to the embodiments according to FIGS. 3 to 5, in so far as the flange sections 36, 38 mentioned therein likewise have at least one protruding projection 80, 82, wherein the support region 70 mentioned with reference to FIG. 6 can supplement, preferably, however, replace, the support region 70 described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0052] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1-11. (canceled)

12. A compressor for a motor vehicle comprising: a compressor housing defining a compressor interior and having a first housing part with a first end face and a second housing part with a second end face, wherein the first and second housing parts are fastened to one another to form an overlapping region between the end faces in a longitudinal direction, which extends from an end facing the compressor interior to an end facing an environment; and an elastically compressible seal device arranged in the overlapping region, which extends at least up to or beyond the end of the overlapping region facing the environment.

13. The compressor according to claim 12, further comprising a support surface section in the overlapping region in at least one of the first and second end faces, wherein the first and second housing part are configured to be supported directly on one another in a support region.

14. The compressor according to claim 13, wherein the support region is arranged between the seal device on the one hand and the end facing the compressor interior of the overlapping region on the other hand.

15. The compressor according to claim 12, wherein the first and second housing parts respectively have a flange section for the formation of the first and second end face, wherein the flange sections have respectively at least one fastening opening for fastening the flange sections on one another.

16. The compressor according to claim 15, wherein the support region is arranged in the region of the fastening openings.

17. The compressor according to claim 12, wherein the seal device comprises a carrier element and at least one sealing element arranged on the carrier element, wherein the sealing element faces the end faces and the carrier element is constructed so as to be harder than the at least one sealing element.

18. The compressor according to claim 17, wherein the carrier element is constructed as a metallic carrier element (56).

19. The compressor according to claim 12, wherein the seal device is configured in a ring shape.

20. The compressor according to claim 12, wherein the seal device comprises a first sealing section, which is associated with the end of the overlapping region facing the compressor interior, and a second sealing section, which is associated with the end of the overlapping region facing the environment.

21. The compressor according to claim 20, wherein the first and second sealing section are manufactured from different materials such that the first sealing section has a greater resistance with respect to the compressor medium in the compressor interior than the second sealing section, and the second sealing section has a greater resistance with respect to the environmental medium than the first sealing section.

22. The compressor according to claim 20, wherein the first sealing section of the seal device at least in the elastically relaxed state is constructed in longitudinal direction thicker than the second sealing section and the first sealing section extends into a depression in one of the end faces and compressible elastically over a greater compression path than the second sealing section.

23. The compressor according to claim 20, wherein the first sealing section of the seal device is constructed in one piece with the second sealing section of the seal device.

24. The compressor according to claim 20, wherein the first sealing section of the seal device is constructed separately from the second sealing section of the seal device and is arranged spaced apart therefrom.

25. The compressor according to claim 12, wherein the first housing part and the second housing part engage into one another at least partially in longitudinal direction, achieving transverse surfaces, facing one another in transverse direction, of the first and second housing part, wherein a second seal device is arranged between the transverse surfaces in a depression in one of the transverse surfaces.

26. The compressor according to claim 12, wherein the compressor comprises a scroll compressor having a spiral which is held in a target position with respect to the longitudinal direction by fastening the first housing part on the second housing part.

27. The compressor according to claim 12, wherein the compressor comprises a scroll compressor having a spiral which is supported directly on at least one of the first and second housing parts in longitudinal direction.

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