Electric compressor

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric compressor capable of improving the reliability of the electric compressor. When the motor chamber (20) is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft (15), a region which is located below the fourth straight line (L14) in the vertical direction and is surrounded by the inner peripheral surface (12e) of the motor housing peripheral wall (12b) and the fourth straight line (L14) in the motor chamber (20) forms a storage part (56). As a result, the liquid refrigerant generated by the liquefaction of the refrigerant in the motor chamber (20) is stored in the storage unit (56) in the motor chamber (20) while the suction of the liquid refrigerant from the motor chamber (20) to the compression chamber via the suction passage (50) is restricted. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant generated in the motor chamber (20) can be prevented from being sucked into the compression chamber through the suction passage (50). Therefore, the generation of liquid compression in the compression chamber can be suppressed, and the pressure in the compression chamber can be suppressed from becoming high abnormally. Therefore, deterioration of durability of the compression mechanism can be suppressed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electric compressors. Background Technology

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an electric compressor includes a rotating shaft, a motor, a compression mechanism, and a housing. The motor rotates the rotating shaft. The compression mechanism is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft. The compression mechanism has a compression chamber for compressing refrigerant. The housing supports the rotating shaft so that it can rotate. The housing has a motor chamber and a suction passage. The motor chamber houses the motor. Refrigerant is drawn into the motor chamber from the outside. The suction passage draws the refrigerant from the motor chamber into the compression chamber.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-301089 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In such electric compressors, the refrigerant in the motor compartment sometimes liquefies due to cooling when the compressor stops. Furthermore, when the liquid refrigerant generated from the liquefaction in the motor compartment is drawn into the compression chamber via the suction passage during the start-up of the electric compressor, liquid compression sometimes occurs in the compression chamber. This liquid compression can cause the pressure in the compression chamber to become abnormally high. Consequently, the durability of the compression mechanism deteriorates, thus reducing the reliability of the electric compressor.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] An electric compressor for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a rotating shaft; a motor that rotates the rotating shaft; a compression mechanism driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft and having a compression chamber for compressing refrigerant; and a housing having a motor chamber for housing the motor and drawing refrigerant in from the outside, and a suction passage for drawing refrigerant from the motor chamber into the compression chamber. The rotating shaft is supported so that it can rotate. When viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, if a straight line passing through the axis of the rotating shaft in the vertical direction is designated as a first straight line, a straight line passing through the axis of the rotating shaft and extending at a 30-degree incline relative to the first straight line in one direction of the circumference of the rotating shaft is designated as a second straight line, and a straight line passing through the axis of the rotating shaft and extending at a 30-degree incline relative to the first straight line in the other direction of the circumference of the rotating shaft is designated as a third straight line, the motor chamber is... The first intersection point is defined as the point on the inner circumferential surface of the housing that is located vertically lower than the axis of rotation and intersects with the second straight line. The second intersection point is defined as the point on the inner circumferential surface of the housing that divides the motor chamber that is located vertically lower than the axis of rotation and intersects with the third straight line. The fourth straight line is defined as the straight line that passes through the first and second intersection points and extends horizontally. When the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis, the area in the motor chamber located vertically lower than the fourth straight line and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the housing and the fourth straight line becomes a storage section. This storage section stores the liquid refrigerant while restricting the intake of liquid refrigerant generated by the liquefaction of the refrigerant in the motor chamber into the compression chamber via the suction passage.

[0010] Therefore, the liquid refrigerant generated by refrigerant liquefaction in the motor chamber is restricted from being drawn into the compression chamber through the suction passage and is stored in the storage section within the motor chamber. Thus, it is possible to prevent the liquid refrigerant generated in the motor chamber from being drawn into the compression chamber through the suction passage. Therefore, it is possible to prevent liquid compression in the compression chamber, thereby preventing the pressure in the compression chamber from abnormally becoming high. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the degradation of the compression mechanism's durability. As a result, the reliability of the electric compressor can be improved.

[0011] In the above-described electric compressor, if a straight line extending horizontally through the axis of the rotating shaft is designated as the fifth straight line when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, then the area in the motor chamber located on the lower side in the vertical direction than the fifth straight line and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the housing and the fifth straight line becomes the storage section.

[0012] Therefore, the liquid refrigerant generated by refrigerant liquefaction in the motor chamber can be more easily stored in the storage section within the motor chamber. Consequently, it is easier to prevent the liquid refrigerant generated in the motor chamber from being drawn into the compression chamber via the suction passage. Therefore, it is easier to suppress liquid compression in the compression chamber.

[0013] In the aforementioned electric compressor, if the intersection of the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the housing that divides the motor chamber, located vertically above the axis of rotation, with the second straight line is designated as the third intersection point, and the intersection of the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the housing that divides the motor chamber, located vertically above the axis of rotation, with the third straight line is designated as the fourth intersection point, and the straight line passing through the third and fourth intersection points and extending horizontally is designated as the sixth straight line, then when the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating axis, the area located vertically below the sixth straight line and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the housing and the sixth straight line in the motor chamber becomes the storage section.

[0014] Therefore, the liquid refrigerant generated by refrigerant liquefaction in the motor chamber can be more easily stored in the storage section within the motor chamber. Consequently, it is easier to prevent the liquid refrigerant generated in the motor chamber from being drawn into the compression chamber via the suction passage. Therefore, it is easier to suppress liquid compression in the compression chamber.

[0015] In the aforementioned electric compressor, the refrigerant may be propane.

[0016] Generally, refrigerants contain oil. Here, the inventors have discovered that when propane is used as the refrigerant, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil it contains, the higher its insulating properties. Therefore, propane was used as the refrigerant. Consequently, the more liquid refrigerant is stored in the storage section within the motor housing, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil it contains, and therefore the higher its insulating properties. Thus, even when liquid refrigerant is stored in the storage section within the motor housing, poor insulation between the motor and the housing via liquid refrigerant can be avoided.

[0017] In the aforementioned electric compressor, the refrigerant may be carbon dioxide.

[0018] Generally, refrigerants contain oil. Here, the inventors have discovered that when the refrigerant is carbon dioxide, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil it contains, the higher its insulating properties. Therefore, carbon dioxide was used as the refrigerant. Consequently, the more liquid refrigerant is stored in the storage section within the motor housing, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil it contains, and therefore the higher its insulating properties. Thus, even when liquid refrigerant is stored in the storage section within the motor housing, poor insulation between the motor and the housing via liquid refrigerant can be avoided.

[0019] In the aforementioned electric compressor, the compression mechanism may include: a fixed scroll member having a fixed base plate, a fixed scroll wall erected from the fixed base plate, and a fixed peripheral wall erected from the fixed base plate and surrounding the fixed scroll wall, and fixed to the housing; and a rotating scroll member having a rotating base plate facing the fixed base plate, and a rotating scroll wall erected from the rotating base plate toward the fixed base plate and engaging with the fixed scroll wall, and the rotating scroll member revolving inside the fixed peripheral wall due to the rotation of the rotating shaft, the compression chamber being composed of the fixed base plate, the fixed scroll wall, and the rotating base plate. The housing, defined by the rotating vortex wall, comprises: a shaft support housing disposed on the side opposite to the fixed base plate relative to the rotating base plate and supporting the rotating shaft; and a motor housing having a motor housing end wall and a motor housing peripheral wall extending cylindrically from the motor housing end wall. The motor housing and the shaft support housing together divide the motor chamber by closing the opening of the motor housing peripheral wall. A suction passage is formed at least in the shaft support housing to communicate between the motor chamber and the compression chamber. The suction passage is formed at a position located vertically upwards than the storage section. This configuration is suitable for storing the liquid refrigerant generated by liquefying the refrigerant in the motor chamber in the storage section within the motor chamber.

[0020] In the aforementioned electric compressor, the suction passage may include: a suction groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the motor housing peripheral wall and opening at an open end of the motor housing peripheral wall; and a suction port formed on the fixed peripheral wall and drawing refrigerant from the suction groove into the compression chamber, wherein the suction groove is formed at a position located vertically upwards from the storage section. This configuration is suitable for storing the liquid refrigerant generated by liquefying the refrigerant in the motor chamber in the storage section within the motor chamber.

[0021] In the aforementioned electric compressor, the housing may have a discharge housing that divides the discharge chamber, into which the refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber is discharged. The discharge housing has a discharge housing end wall and a discharge housing peripheral wall that extends cylindrically from the discharge housing end wall and surrounds the fixed peripheral wall. The discharge chamber is divided between the discharge housing end wall and the fixed base plate. The suction passage includes: an annular passage formed between the fixed peripheral wall and the discharge housing peripheral wall and communicating with the suction port; and a connecting hole formed in the shaft support housing and communicating the suction groove with the annular passage. The connecting hole is formed at a position located vertically upwards from the storage section. This configuration is suitable for storing the liquid refrigerant generated by liquefying the refrigerant in the motor chamber in the storage section within the motor chamber.

[0022] Invention Effects

[0023] According to the present invention, the reliability of electric compressors can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the electric compressor in the implementation method.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an electric compressor.

[0026] Figure 3 This is the front view of the motor housing.

[0027] Figure 4 This is the front view of the shaft support housing.

[0028] Figure 5 It is a coordinate graph used to illustrate refrigerants.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0030] 10…Electric compressor, 11…Housing, 12…Motor housing, 12a…Motor housing end wall, 12b…Motor housing peripheral wall, 12e…Inner peripheral surface, 13…Shaft support housing, 14…Discharge housing, 14a…Discharge housing end wall, 14b…Discharge housing peripheral wall, 15…Rotating shaft, 20…Motor chamber, 22…Motor, 25…Fixed scroll, 25a…Fixed base plate, 25b…Fixed scroll wall, 25c…Fixed peripheral wall, 26…Rotating scroll, 26a…Rotating base plate, 26b… …Rotating vortex wall, 27…Compression chamber, 40…Discharge chamber, 50…Suction passage, 51…Suction groove, 52…Connecting hole, 54…Annular passage, 55…Suction port, 56…Storage section, C1…Compression mechanism, L1…Axis, L11…First straight line, L12…Second straight line, L13…Third straight line, L14…Fourth straight line, L15…Fifth straight line, L16…Sixth straight line, P1…First intersection point, P2…Second intersection point, P3…Third intersection point, P4…Fourth intersection point. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following is based on Figures 1-5 An embodiment of an electric compressor will be described. The electric compressor of this embodiment is used, for example, in a vehicle air conditioning system.

[0032] <Basic Components of an Electric Compressor>

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the electric compressor 10 includes a cylindrical housing 11. The housing 11 includes a motor housing 12, a shaft support housing 13, and a discharge housing 14. The motor housing 12, shaft support housing 13, and discharge housing 14 are made of metal. For example, they are made of aluminum. Additionally, the electric compressor 10 includes a rotating shaft 15. The rotating shaft 15 is housed within the housing 11.

[0034] The motor housing 12 has a plate-shaped motor housing end wall 12a and a cylindrical motor housing peripheral wall 12b. The motor housing peripheral wall 12b extends cylindrically from the outer periphery of the motor housing end wall 12a. The axial direction of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b is aligned with the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15.

[0035] The motor housing 12 has a plurality of internally threaded holes 12c. Six internally threaded holes 12c are formed in the motor housing 12. Each internally threaded hole 12c is formed at the open end of the peripheral wall 12b of the motor housing. The six internally threaded holes 12c are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 12b of the motor housing. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 For ease of explanation, only one internal threaded hole 12c is shown in the figure.

[0036] The motor housing 12 has a suction port 12h. The suction port 12h draws in refrigerant from the outside. The refrigerant is propane. The suction port 12h is formed in the portion of the peripheral wall 12b of the motor housing located on the side of the end wall 12a of the motor housing. The suction port 12h connects the inside and outside of the motor housing 12.

[0037] The motor housing 12 has a cylindrical protrusion 12d. The protrusion 12d protrudes from the center of the inner surface of the motor housing end wall 12a. A first end, which is one end of the axial direction of the rotation shaft 15, is inserted into the protrusion 12d.

[0038] The electric compressor 10 includes a bearing 16. The bearing 16 is, for example, a rolling bearing. The bearing 16 is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion 12d and the outer peripheral surface of the first end of the rotating shaft 15. Furthermore, the first end of the rotating shaft 15 is rotatably supported on the motor housing 12 via the bearing 16.

[0039] The shaft support housing 13 has a plate-shaped shaft support housing end wall 17 and a cylindrical shaft support housing peripheral wall 18. The shaft support housing peripheral wall 18 extends cylindrically from the outer periphery of the shaft support housing end wall 17. The axial direction of the shaft support housing peripheral wall 18 is aligned with the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15.

[0040] The shaft support housing 13 has an annular flange wall 19. The flange wall 19 extends radially outward from the end of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft support housing peripheral wall 18 opposite to the shaft support housing end wall 17 toward the rotating shaft 15.

[0041] The shaft support housing 13 has a circular through hole 17a. The through hole 17a is formed in the center of the shaft support housing end wall 17. The through hole 17a penetrates the shaft support housing end wall 17 in the thickness direction. A rotating shaft 15 is inserted into the through hole 17a. The end face 15e of the second end side, located on the other side of the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, is located inside the peripheral wall 18 of the shaft support housing.

[0042] The electric compressor 10 includes a bearing 21. The bearing 21 is, for example, a rolling bearing. The bearing 21 is disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the shaft support housing peripheral wall 18 and the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 15. Furthermore, the rotating shaft 15 is rotatably supported on the shaft support housing 13 via the bearing 21. Therefore, the shaft support housing 13 supports the rotating shaft 15 so that it can rotate. Thus, the housing 11 supports the rotating shaft 15 so that it can rotate.

[0043] The shaft support housing 13 has a plurality of bolt insertion holes 19a. Six bolt insertion holes 19a are formed in the shaft support housing 13. Each bolt insertion hole 19a is formed on the outer periphery of the flange wall 19. The six bolt insertion holes 19a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the flange wall 19. Each bolt insertion hole 19a penetrates the flange wall 19 in the thickness direction. Each bolt insertion hole 19a of the flange wall 19 communicates with each internal threaded hole 12c of the motor housing 12. Furthermore, in Figure 1 For ease of explanation, only one bolt insertion hole 19a is shown in the figure.

[0044] The electric compressor 10 includes a motor chamber 20. The motor chamber 20 is defined by a motor housing 12 and a shaft support housing 13. Specifically, the motor chamber 20 is defined by closing the opening of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b by the shaft support housing 13. Therefore, by closing the opening of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b by the shaft support housing 13, the motor housing 12 and the shaft support housing 13 together define the motor chamber 20. Thus, the housing 11 has the motor chamber 20. When the motor chamber 20 is viewed axially from the rotation shaft 15, the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b is the inner circumferential surface of the housing 11 that defines the motor chamber 20. The motor chamber 20 communicates with the suction port 12h. Refrigerant from the suction port 12h is drawn into the motor chamber 20. Therefore, refrigerant is drawn into the motor chamber 20 from the outside. Thus, the motor chamber 20 is a suction pressure region.

[0045] The electric compressor 10 includes a motor 22. The motor 22 is housed in a motor chamber 20. Therefore, the motor chamber 20 houses the motor 22. The motor 22 includes a cylindrical stator 23 and a cylindrical rotor 24. The rotor 24 is disposed inside the stator 23. The rotor 24 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 15. The stator 23 surrounds the rotor 24. The rotor 24 has a rotor core 24a fixed to the rotating shaft 15 and a plurality of permanent magnets (not shown) disposed on the rotor core 24a.

[0046] The stator 23 has a cylindrical stator core 23a and a motor coil 23b. The stator core 23a is fixed to the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b of the motor housing 12. The motor coil 23b is wound around the stator core 23a. Power controlled by a converter (not shown) is supplied to the motor coil 23b, thereby rotating the rotor 24. As a result, the rotating shaft 15 rotates integrally with the rotor 24. Therefore, the motor 22 causes the rotating shaft 15 to rotate.

[0047] The electric compressor 10 includes a compression mechanism C1. The compression mechanism C1 has a fixed scroll member 25 and a rotating scroll member 26. Therefore, the electric compressor 10 includes a fixed scroll member 25 and a rotating scroll member 26. The compression mechanism C1 is a scroll type. The rotating scroll member 26 revolves relative to the fixed scroll member 25 by the rotation of the rotating shaft 15.

[0048] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the fixed vortex member 25 has a fixed base plate 25a, a fixed vortex wall 25b, and a fixed peripheral wall 25c. The fixed base plate 25a is circular. A discharge port 25h is formed in the center of the fixed base plate 25a. The discharge port 25h is circular. The discharge port 25h penetrates the fixed base plate 25a in the thickness direction. The fixed vortex wall 25b rises from the fixed base plate 25a. The fixed peripheral wall 25c rises from the outer periphery of the fixed base plate 25a. The fixed peripheral wall 25c surrounds the fixed vortex wall 25b.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the electric compressor 10 includes a valve mechanism 25v. The valve mechanism 25v is mounted on the end face of the fixed base plate 25a on the side opposite to the fixed vortex wall 25b. The valve mechanism 25v is configured to open and close the discharge port 25h.

[0050] The rotating scroll member 26 has a rotating base plate 26a and a rotating scroll wall 26b. The rotating base plate 26a is circular. The rotating base plate 26a faces the fixed base plate 25a. The rotating scroll wall 26b rises from the rotating base plate 26a toward the fixed base plate 25a. The rotating scroll wall 26b engages with the fixed scroll wall 25b. The rotating scroll member 26 is located inside the fixed peripheral wall 25c. The rotating scroll member 26 revolves within the fixed peripheral wall 25c. The top surface of the fixed scroll wall 25b contacts the rotating base plate 26a.

[0051] The electric compressor 10 includes a compression chamber 27. The compression chamber 27 is divided by a fixed base plate 25a, a fixed scroll wall 25b, a rotating base plate 26a, and a rotating scroll wall 26b. Therefore, the compression chamber 27 is formed between the fixed scroll member 25a and the rotating scroll member 26b. The compression chamber 27 takes in refrigerant from the outside and compresses it. Thus, the compression mechanism C1 has a compression chamber 27.

[0052] The rotating substrate 26a has a cylindrical protrusion 26c. The protrusion 26c protrudes from an end face 26e of the rotating substrate 26a opposite to the fixed substrate 25a toward the inner side of the peripheral wall 18 of the shaft support housing 13. The shaft support housing 13 is disposed relative to the rotating substrate 26a on the side opposite to the fixed substrate 25a. The axial direction of the protrusion 26c is aligned with the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15. Furthermore, the rotating substrate 26a has a plurality of grooves 26d. The plurality of grooves 26d are respectively formed around the protrusion 26c in the end face 26e of the rotating substrate 26a. The plurality of grooves 26d are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 15. Furthermore, in Figure 1For ease of explanation, only one groove 26d is shown in the figure. A ring-shaped member 28 is fitted into each groove 26d. A pin 29 is inserted into each ring member 28. Each pin 29 protrudes from the end face 13e of the rotating scroll member 26 in the shaft support housing 13.

[0053] The electric compressor 10 includes an elastic plate 30. The elastic plate 30 is annular. The outer periphery of the elastic plate 30 is clamped between the open end face of the fixed peripheral wall 25c and the end face 13e of the shaft support housing 13. Furthermore, the elastic plate 30 always exerts a force on the rotating scroll member 26 toward the fixed scroll member 25.

[0054] The electric compressor 10 includes an eccentric shaft 31. The eccentric shaft 31 protrudes from the end face 15e of the rotating shaft 15 at an eccentric position relative to the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 toward the rotating scroll member 26. The eccentric shaft 31 is integrally formed with the rotating shaft 15. The axial direction of the eccentric shaft 31 is aligned with the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15. The eccentric shaft 31 is inserted into the protrusion 26c.

[0055] The electric compressor 10 includes a counterweight 32 and a bushing 33. The bushing 33 is fitted into the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric shaft 31. The counterweight 32 and the bushing 33 are integrally formed. The counterweight 32 is housed within the peripheral wall 18 of the shaft support housing 13. The rotating scroll member 26 is supported on the eccentric shaft 31 via the bushing 33 and rolling bearings 34 in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the eccentric shaft 31.

[0056] The rotation of the rotating shaft 15 is transmitted to the rotating scroll member 26 via the eccentric shaft 31, bushing 33, and rolling bearing 34. As a result, the rotating scroll member 26 rotates. Furthermore, each pin 29 contacts the inner circumferential surface of each ring member 28, thereby preventing the rotating scroll member 26 from rotating independently and allowing only its revolution. Thus, the rotating scroll member 26 revolves with its rotating scroll wall 26b in contact with the fixed scroll wall 25b. As the rotating scroll member 26 revolves, the volume of the compression chamber 27 decreases, thereby compressing the refrigerant within the compression chamber 27. The rotating scroll member 26 revolves inside the fixed circumferential wall 25c as the rotating shaft 15 rotates. The counterweight 32 counteracts the centrifugal force acting on the rotating scroll member 26 during its revolution. This reduces the imbalance of the rotating scroll member 26.

[0057] The discharge housing 14 has a plate-shaped discharge housing end wall 14a and a cylindrical discharge housing peripheral wall 14b. The discharge housing peripheral wall 14b extends cylindrically from the outer periphery of the discharge housing end wall 14a. The axial direction of the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b is aligned with the axial direction of the rotation shaft 15. The discharge housing peripheral wall 14b surrounds the fixed peripheral wall 25c. Therefore, the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b surrounds the fixed scroll member 25. In this way, the fixed scroll member 25 is housed within the housing 11.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the discharge housing 14 has a plurality of bolt through holes 14c. Six bolt through holes 14c are formed in the discharge housing 14. Each bolt through hole 14c is formed to extend axially through the peripheral wall 14b of the discharge housing. Furthermore, in Figure 1 For ease of explanation, only one bolt insertion hole 14c is shown in the figure. Each bolt insertion hole 14c communicates with each bolt insertion hole 19a of the flange wall 19.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, bolts B1, passing through bolt insertion holes 14c, engage with internal threaded holes 12c of motor housing 12 via bolt insertion holes 19a of flange wall 19. Thus, shaft support housing 13 is connected to the motor housing peripheral wall 12b of motor housing 12, and discharge housing 14 is connected to the motor housing peripheral wall 12b of motor housing 12 via flange wall 19 of shaft support housing 13. Motor housing 12, shaft support housing 13, and discharge housing 14 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of rotating shaft 15 in this order. Flange wall 19 of shaft support housing 13 is sandwiched between the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b of discharge housing 14 and the motor housing peripheral wall 12b of motor housing 12.

[0060] The fixed peripheral wall 25c of the fixed scroll member 25 is clamped between the discharge housing end wall 14a and the shaft support housing 13 in the axial direction of the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b by the axial force of each bolt B1. In this way, the fixed scroll member 25 is fixed to the housing 11 by clamping the fixed peripheral wall 25c between the discharge housing end wall 14a and the shaft support housing 13 in the axial direction of the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b by the axial force of the bolts B1.

[0061] The electric compressor 10 includes a discharge chamber 40. The discharge chamber 40 is divided between the discharge housing end wall 14a of the discharge housing 14 and the fixed base plate 25a. Thus, the discharge housing 14 divides the discharge chamber 40 between the discharge housing end wall 14a and the fixed base plate 25a. The refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber 27 is discharged into the discharge chamber 40 via the discharge port 25h. The portion located between the discharge housing end wall 14a and the fixed base plate 25a of the discharge housing 14 and surrounding the discharge chamber 40 is sealed by a sealing gasket 41.

[0062] The discharge housing 14 has a discharge port 14h. The discharge port 14h is formed in the discharge housing end wall 14a of the discharge housing 14. The discharge port 14h communicates with the discharge chamber 40. The discharge port 14h discharges the refrigerant from the discharge chamber 40 to the outside.

[0063] <Inhalation route>

[0064] The housing 11 has a suction passage 50. The suction passage 50 draws refrigerant from the motor chamber 20 into the compression chamber 27. The suction passage 50 includes a suction groove 51, a connecting hole 52, a connecting groove 53, an annular passage 54, and a suction port 55.

[0065] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis 15, a straight line passing through the axis L1 of the rotation axis 15 in the vertical direction is designated as the first straight line L11. When viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis 15, a straight line passing through the axis L1 of the rotation axis 15 and extending at a 30-degree incline relative to the first straight line L11 towards the circumferential direction of the rotation axis 15 is designated as the second straight line L12. When viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis 15, a straight line passing through the axis L1 of the rotation axis 15 and extending at a 30-degree incline relative to the first straight line L11 towards the other circumferential direction of the rotation axis 15 is designated as the third straight line L13.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, when viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the point where the portion of the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b dividing the motor chamber 20, located lower in the vertical direction than the axis L1 of the rotation axis 15, intersects with the second straight line L12 is designated as the first intersection point P1. When viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the point where the portion of the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b dividing the motor chamber 20, located lower in the vertical direction than the axis L1 of the rotation axis 15, intersects with the third straight line L13 is designated as the second intersection point P2. When viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the straight line passing through the first intersection point P1 and the second intersection point P2 and extending horizontally is designated as the fourth straight line L14.

[0067] When viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, a straight line extending horizontally through the axis L1 of the rotation axis 15 is designated as the fifth straight line L15. When viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the point where the portion of the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b dividing the motor chamber 20, located vertically above the axis L1 of the rotation axis 15, intersects with the second straight line L12 is designated as the third intersection point P3. When viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the point where the portion of the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b dividing the motor chamber 20, located vertically above the axis L1 of the rotation axis 15, intersects with the third straight line L13 is designated as the fourth intersection point P4. When viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, a straight line extending horizontally through the third intersection point P3 and the fourth intersection point P4 is designated as the sixth straight line L16.

[0068] A suction groove 51 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b of the motor housing 12. The suction groove 51 is formed at the open end of the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b. The suction groove 51 opens at the open end of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b. When the motor housing peripheral wall 12b is viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the suction groove 51 is formed at a position in the motor housing peripheral wall 12b that is vertically higher than the sixth straight line L16. Therefore, when the motor housing peripheral wall 12b is viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the suction groove 51 is formed at a position in the motor housing peripheral wall 12b that is vertically higher than the fifth straight line L15. Therefore, when the motor housing peripheral wall 12b is viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the suction groove 51 is formed at a position in the motor housing peripheral wall 12b that is vertically higher than the fourth straight line L14.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, a connecting hole 52 is formed on the outer periphery of the flange wall 19 of the shaft support housing 13. The connecting hole 52 penetrates the flange wall 19 in the thickness direction. The connecting hole 52 communicates with the suction groove 51. When the shaft support housing 13 is viewed axially from the rotating shaft 15, the connecting hole 52 is formed in the flange wall 19 of the shaft support housing 13 at a position higher in the vertical direction than the sixth straight line L16. Therefore, when the shaft support housing 13 is viewed axially from the rotating shaft 15, the connecting hole 52 is formed in the flange wall 19 of the shaft support housing 13 at a position higher in the vertical direction than the fifth straight line L15. Therefore, when the shaft support housing 13 is viewed axially from the rotating shaft 15, the connecting hole 52 is formed in the flange wall 19 of the shaft support housing 13 at a position higher in the vertical direction than the fourth straight line L14.

[0070] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a connecting groove 53 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b of the discharge housing 14. Figure 1 As shown, the connecting groove 53 is connected to the connecting hole 52.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, when viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the connecting groove 53 is formed in the peripheral wall 14b of the discharge housing, located at a position higher in the vertical direction than the sixth straight line L16. Therefore, when viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the connecting groove 53 is formed in the peripheral wall 14b of the discharge housing, located at a position higher in the vertical direction than the fifth straight line L15. Therefore, when viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the connecting groove 53 is formed in the peripheral wall 14b of the discharge housing, located at a position higher in the vertical direction than the fourth straight line L14.

[0072] An annular passage 54 is formed between the fixed peripheral wall 25c and the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b of the discharge housing 14. The suction groove 51 and the annular passage 54 are connected via a connecting hole 52 and a connecting groove 53. Therefore, the connecting hole 52 connects the suction groove 51 and the annular passage 54.

[0073] Three suction ports 55 are formed in the fixed peripheral wall 25c. Each suction port 55 is formed to penetrate the fixed peripheral wall 25c in the thickness direction. Each suction port 55 communicates with the annular passage 54. Therefore, the annular passage 54 communicates with each suction port 55. Each suction port 55 communicates with the outermost peripheral portion of the compression chamber 27. When the fixed peripheral wall 25c is viewed axially from the rotation shaft 15, each suction port 55 is formed in the fixed peripheral wall 25c at a position higher in the vertical direction than the fourth straight line L14. Thus, the suction passage 50 is formed at least in the shaft support housing 13, thereby communicating the motor chamber 20 with the compression chamber 27.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 is drawn into the compression chamber 27 through the suction groove 51, the connecting hole 52, the connecting groove 53, the annular passage 54, and each suction port 55. Therefore, each suction port 55 draws refrigerant from the suction groove 51 into the compression chamber 27. The refrigerant drawn into the compression chamber 27 is compressed within the compression chamber 27 by the revolution of the rotating scroll member 26. Thus, the compression mechanism C1 is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft 15 and compresses the refrigerant drawn into the compression chamber 27.

[0075] <Storage Department>

[0076] like Figure 3As shown, the electric compressor 10 includes a storage section 56. The storage section 56 is disposed within the motor chamber 20. The storage section 56 stores liquid refrigerant while restricting the intake of liquid refrigerant generated by refrigerant liquefaction within the motor chamber 20 into the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50. When the motor chamber 20 is viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the storage section 56 is located below the vertical direction of the sixth straight line L16 and is the area within the motor chamber 20 surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the sixth straight line L16. Therefore, when the motor chamber 20 is viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the storage section 56 is located below the vertical direction of the fifth straight line L15 and is the area within the motor chamber 20 surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the fifth straight line L15. Therefore, when the motor chamber 20 is viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the area located below the fourth straight line L14 in the vertical direction and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the fourth straight line L14 in the motor chamber 20 becomes the storage section 56. The suction groove 51 is formed at a position located above the storage section 56 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the suction passage 50 is formed at a position located above the storage section 56 in the vertical direction.

[0077] [The Role of the Implementation Method]

[0078] Next, the function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0079] In such an electric compressor 10, the refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 is sometimes cooled and liquefied when the electric compressor 10 stops. At this time, when viewing the motor housing peripheral wall 12b axially from the rotation axis 15, the suction groove 51 is formed in the motor housing peripheral wall 12b at a position higher in the vertical direction than the sixth straight line L16. Thus, when viewing the motor chamber 20 axially from the rotation axis 15, the area located lower in the vertical direction than the sixth straight line L16 and surrounded by the inner peripheral surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the sixth straight line L16 in the motor chamber 20 becomes the storage section 56. As a result, the liquid refrigerant generated by the liquefaction of the refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 is restricted from being drawn into the compression chamber 27 from the motor chamber 20 via the suction passage 50 and is stored in the storage section 56 within the motor chamber 20. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant generated in the motor chamber 20 is prevented from being drawn into the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50. Therefore, liquid compression in the compression chamber 27 is suppressed.

[0080] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the relationship between the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to oil and its volume resistivity. The solid line L100 represents the case where the refrigerant is propane. The solid line L200 represents the case where the refrigerant is Freon. (Example: ...) Figure 5As shown by the solid line L100, when the refrigerant is propane, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the amount of oil it contains, the higher its insulating properties. For example... Figure 5 As shown by the solid line L200, when the refrigerant is Freon, there is a tendency for the refrigerant to have lower insulation properties when the refrigerant has a higher proportion of oil relative to its content.

[0081] Thus, the inventors discovered that when the refrigerant is propane, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil it contains, the higher its insulating properties. Therefore, the more liquid refrigerant is stored in the storage section 56 within the motor chamber 20, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil it contains, and thus the higher its insulating properties. Therefore, even when liquid refrigerant is stored in the storage section 56 within the motor chamber 20, poor insulation between the motor 22 and the housing 11 via the liquid refrigerant can be avoided. Furthermore, even when the refrigerant is Freon, the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil can be adjusted to create a region where the refrigerant has a low specific gravity, thereby ensuring the insulating properties of the refrigerant.

[0082] [Effects of the Implementation Method]

[0083] The following effects can be obtained from the above embodiments.

[0084] (1) When the motor chamber 20 is viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the area located lower in the vertical direction than the fourth straight line L14 and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the fourth straight line L14 in the motor chamber 20 becomes the storage section 56. Thus, the liquid refrigerant generated by refrigerant liquefaction in the motor chamber 20 is restricted from being drawn into the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50 and stored in the storage section 56 within the motor chamber 20. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the liquid refrigerant generated in the motor chamber 20 from being drawn into the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50. Therefore, it is possible to suppress liquid compression in the compression chamber 27, and thus it is possible to prevent the pressure in the compression chamber 27 from becoming abnormally high. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the durability of the compression mechanism C1. As a result, the reliability of the electric compressor 10 can be improved.

[0085] (2) When the motor chamber 20 is viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the area located lower in the vertical direction than the fifth straight line L15 and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the fifth straight line L15 in the motor chamber 20 becomes the storage section 56. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant generated by refrigerant liquefaction within the motor chamber 20 can be more easily stored in the storage section 56 within the motor chamber 20. Therefore, it is easier to suppress the liquid refrigerant generated within the motor chamber 20 from being drawn into the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50. Therefore, it is easier to suppress liquid compression in the compression chamber 27.

[0086] (3) When the motor chamber 20 is viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the area located lower in the vertical direction than the sixth straight line L16 and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the sixth straight line L16 in the motor chamber 20 becomes the storage section 56. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant generated by refrigerant liquefaction in the motor chamber 20 can be more easily stored in the storage section 56 within the motor chamber 20. Therefore, it is easier to suppress the liquid refrigerant generated in the motor chamber 20 from being drawn into the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50. Therefore, it is easier to suppress liquid compression in the compression chamber 27.

[0087] (4) Generally, refrigerants contain oil. Here, the inventors have discovered that when the refrigerant is propane, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil it contains, the higher its insulating properties. Therefore, propane was used as the refrigerant. Consequently, the more liquid refrigerant is stored in the storage section 56 within the motor chamber 20, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil it contains, and therefore the higher its insulating properties. Thus, even when liquid refrigerant is stored in the storage section 56 within the motor chamber 20, poor insulation between the motor 22 and the housing 11 via the liquid refrigerant can be avoided.

[0088] (5) The intake passage 50 is formed at a position located on the upper side in the vertical direction than the storage section 56. This configuration is suitable for storing the liquid refrigerant generated by liquefying the refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 in the storage section 56 within the motor chamber 20.

[0089] (6) The suction groove 51 is formed at a position that is higher in the vertical direction than the storage section 56. This configuration is suitable for storing the liquid refrigerant generated by liquefying the refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 in the storage section 56.

[0090] (7) The connecting hole 52 is formed at a position higher in the vertical direction than the storage section 56. This configuration is suitable for storing the liquid refrigerant generated by liquefying the refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 in the storage section 56.

[0091] [Example of Change]

[0092] Furthermore, the above embodiments can be implemented by modification as follows. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0093] In one embodiment, when viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, a throttling passage communicating with the annular passage 54 may be formed in a portion of the shaft support housing 13 located lower in the vertical direction than the fourth straight line L14. In this case, the throttling passage is configured to restrict the flow of liquid refrigerant generated by refrigerant liquefaction within the motor chamber 20. Furthermore, the throttling passage allows the flow of refrigerant after the liquid refrigerant has vaporized.

[0094] In one embodiment, when the motor housing peripheral wall 12b is viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the suction groove 51 may also be formed in the portion of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b located between the fifth straight line L15 and the sixth straight line L16. In this case, when the shaft support housing 13 is viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the connecting hole 52 may also be formed in the portion of the shaft support housing 13 located between the fifth straight line L15 and the sixth straight line L16. Even in this case, when the motor chamber 20 is viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the area located lower in the vertical direction than the fifth straight line L15 and surrounded by the inner peripheral surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the fifth straight line L15 in the motor chamber 20 also becomes the storage section 56.

[0095] In one embodiment, when viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the suction groove 51 may also be formed in the motor housing peripheral wall 12b at the portion located between the fourth straight line L14 and the fifth straight line L15. In this case, when viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the connecting hole 52 may also be formed in the shaft support housing 13 at the portion located between the fourth straight line L14 and the fifth straight line L15. Even in this case, when viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the area located lower in the vertical direction than the fourth straight line L14 and surrounded by the inner peripheral surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the fourth straight line L14 in the motor housing 20 also becomes the storage section 56. In summary, when viewing the motor chamber 20 from the axial direction of the rotation axis 15, the area located below the fourth straight line L14 in the vertical direction and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the fourth straight line L14 in the motor chamber 20 can be designated as the storage section 56.

[0096] In one embodiment, when viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the suction groove 51 may be formed at a position located lower in the vertical direction than the fourth straight line L14. In this case, when viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the connecting hole 52 needs to be formed in the shaft support housing 13 at a position located upper in the vertical direction than the fourth straight line L14. Thus, when viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the area located lower in the vertical direction than the fourth straight line L14 and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the fourth straight line L14 in the motor chamber 20 becomes the storage section 56. Therefore, while restricting the intake of liquid refrigerant generated by refrigerant liquefaction in the motor chamber 20 from the motor chamber 20 to the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50, it is possible to store the liquid refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 in the storage section 56.

[0097] In one embodiment, when viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the suction groove 51 may be formed at a position located lower in the vertical direction than the fourth straight line L14. Alternatively, when viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the connecting hole 52 may be formed in the shaft support housing 13 at a position lower in the vertical direction than the fourth straight line L14. In this case, for example, when viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the fixed peripheral wall 25c may need to be formed at a position located upper in the vertical direction than the fourth straight line L14. Thus, when viewed axially from the rotation axis 15, the area located lower in the vertical direction than the fourth straight line L14 and surrounded by the inner peripheral surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the fourth straight line L14 in the motor chamber 20 becomes the storage section 56. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant generated by the liquefaction of the refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 can be restricted from being drawn from the motor chamber 20 into the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50 while being stored in the storage section 56 within the motor chamber 20.

[0098] In this embodiment, the bolt insertion hole 19a may not be formed on the outer periphery of the flange wall 19 of the shaft support housing 13. Furthermore, the flange wall 19 may not be sandwiched between the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b of the discharge housing 14 and the motor housing peripheral wall 12b of the motor housing 12. In this case, for example, the flange wall 19 may be pressed into the inner peripheral surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b of the motor housing 12. Therefore, the shaft support housing 13 may not be fastened to the motor housing 12 using bolts B1. In this case, the connecting hole 52 is not formed in the shaft support housing 13. Furthermore, the suction groove 51 and the connecting groove 53 are directly connected.

[0099] In some embodiments, the suction groove 51 may not be formed. In this case, the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b may be enlarged as a whole and connected to the flange wall 19 of the shaft support housing 13.

[0100] In one embodiment, the suction port 55 may also be a groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fixed peripheral wall 25c and directly connected to the connecting hole 52.

[0101] In this embodiment, the number of suction ports 55 is not particularly limited.

[0102] In one embodiment, the suction port 55 may be formed in the fixed peripheral wall 25c at a position lower in the vertical direction than the fourth straight line L14 when viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis 15.

[0103] In this embodiment, the refrigerant can also be carbon dioxide. Thus, even when the refrigerant is carbon dioxide, it is as follows: Figure 5 As shown by the solid line L100, the greater the proportion of refrigerant relative to the oil contained in the refrigerant, the higher the insulation performance of the refrigerant.

[0104] Thus, the inventors discovered that when the refrigerant is carbon dioxide, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil it contains, the higher its insulating properties. Therefore, carbon dioxide was used as the refrigerant. Consequently, the more liquid refrigerant is stored in the storage section 56 within the motor chamber 20, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil it contains, and therefore the higher its insulating properties. Thus, even when liquid refrigerant is stored in the storage section 56 within the motor chamber 20, poor insulation between the motor 22 and the housing 11 via the liquid refrigerant can be avoided.

[0105] In this embodiment, the refrigerant may be, for example, Freon, and there is no particular limitation on the type of refrigerant.

[0106] In the implementation, the compression mechanism C1 is not limited to the scroll type, but can also be a piston type, a blade type, a rotary type, etc.

[0107] In this embodiment, the electric compressor 10 is used in a vehicle air conditioning system, but it is not limited thereto. In short, the electric compressor 10 can be any configuration that compresses refrigerant, and its application can be appropriately modified.

[0108] [Postscript]

[0109] The technical ideas that can be grasped from the above-described embodiments and variations are described below.

[0110] <Postscript 1>

[0111] An electric compressor, comprising:

[0112] Rotation axis;

[0113] A motor that rotates the rotating shaft;

[0114] A compression mechanism, driven by rotation of the rotating shaft and having a compression chamber for compressing refrigerant; and

[0115] The housing has a motor chamber for housing the motor and drawing refrigerant from the outside, and a suction passage for drawing refrigerant from the motor chamber into the compression chamber, and supports the rotating shaft for rotation.

[0116] Its features are,

[0117] When viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, if a straight line passing through the axis of the rotating shaft in the vertical direction is designated as the first straight line, a straight line passing through the axis of the rotating shaft and extending at a 30-degree incline relative to the first straight line towards the circumference of the rotating shaft is designated as the second straight line, a straight line passing through the axis of the rotating shaft and extending at a 30-degree incline relative to the first straight line towards the other circumference of the rotating shaft is designated as the third straight line, the point where the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the housing dividing the motor chamber is located lower in the vertical direction than the axis of the rotating shaft and intersects with the second straight line is designated as the first intersection point, the point where the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the housing dividing the motor chamber is located lower in the vertical direction than the axis of the rotating shaft and intersects with the third straight line is designated as the second intersection point, and a straight line passing through the first and second intersection points and extending horizontally is designated as the fourth straight line.

[0118] When the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis, the area located below the fourth straight line in the vertical direction and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the housing and the fourth straight line in the motor chamber becomes a storage section that stores the liquid refrigerant while restricting the intake of the liquid refrigerant generated by the liquefaction of the refrigerant in the motor chamber from the motor chamber through the suction passage into the compression chamber.

[0119] <Appendix 2>

[0120] The electric compressor according to Appendix 1 is characterized in that,

[0121] When viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis, if a straight line passing through the axis of the rotation axis and extending horizontally is designated as the fifth straight line,

[0122] When the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis, the area located on the lower side of the vertical direction than the fifth straight line, and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the housing and the fifth straight line, becomes the storage section.

[0123] <Appendix 3>

[0124] The electric compressor according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2 is characterized in that,

[0125] If the point on the inner circumferential surface of the housing that divides the motor chamber, located vertically above the axis of rotation, intersects with the second straight line, and is designated as the third intersection point, and the point on the inner circumferential surface of the housing that divides the motor chamber, located vertically above the axis of rotation, intersects with the third straight line, and is designated as the fourth intersection point, and the straight line passing through the third and fourth intersection points and extending horizontally is designated as the sixth straight line, then...

[0126] When the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the area located below the vertical direction of the sixth straight line and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the housing and the sixth straight line in the motor chamber becomes the storage section.

[0127] <Appendix 4>

[0128] The electric compressor according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3 is characterized in that,

[0129] The refrigerant is propane.

[0130] <Appendix 5>

[0131] The electric compressor according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3 is characterized in that,

[0132] The refrigerant is carbon dioxide.

[0133] <Appendix 6>

[0134] The electric compressor according to any one of Appendix <1> to <Appendix <5> is characterized in that,

[0135] The compression mechanism has:

[0136] A fixed vortex component, the fixed vortex component having a fixed base plate, a fixed vortex wall erected from the fixed base plate, and a fixed peripheral wall erected from the fixed base plate and surrounding the fixed vortex wall, and fixed to the housing; and

[0137] A rotating scroll member has a rotating base plate facing the fixed base plate, and a rotating scroll wall that rises from the rotating base plate toward the fixed base plate and engages with the fixed scroll wall. The rotating scroll member revolves inside the fixed scroll wall by the rotation of the rotating shaft.

[0138] The compression chamber is divided by the fixed base plate, the fixed vortex wall, the rotating base plate, and the rotating vortex wall.

[0139] The housing has:

[0140] A shaft support housing, disposed on the side opposite to the fixed base plate relative to the rotating base plate, and supporting the rotating shaft; and

[0141] A motor housing having a motor housing end wall and a motor housing peripheral wall extending cylindrically from the motor housing end wall, and the motor housing and the shaft support housing together dividing the motor chamber by closing the opening of the motor housing peripheral wall by the shaft support housing.

[0142] The intake passage is formed at least in the shaft support housing to connect the motor chamber and the compression chamber.

[0143] The inhalation passage is formed at a position located on the upper side in the vertical direction than the storage section.

[0144] <Appendix 7>

[0145] The electric compressor according to Appendix 6 is characterized in that,

[0146] The inhalation pathway includes:

[0147] A suction groove, the suction groove being formed on the inner circumferential surface of the motor housing peripheral wall and opening at an open end of the motor housing peripheral wall; and

[0148] A suction port is formed on the fixed peripheral wall and draws refrigerant from the suction slot into the compression chamber.

[0149] The suction groove is formed at a position located on the upper side in the vertical direction than the storage section.

[0150] <Appendix 8>

[0151] The electric compressor according to Appendix 7 is characterized in that,

[0152] The housing has a discharge chamber that divides the refrigerant into a discharge chamber, into which the refrigerant, compressed in the compression chamber, is discharged.

[0153] The discharge housing has a discharge housing end wall and a discharge housing peripheral wall that extends cylindrically from the discharge housing end wall and surrounds the fixed peripheral wall.

[0154] The discharge chamber is divided between the end wall of the discharge housing and the fixed base plate.

[0155] The inhalation pathway includes:

[0156] An annular passage, formed between the fixed peripheral wall and the peripheral wall of the discharge housing and communicating with the suction port; and

[0157] A connecting hole is formed in the shaft support housing and connects the suction groove to the annular passage. The connecting hole is formed at a position located on the upper side in the vertical direction than the storage section.

Claims

1. An electric compressor, comprising: Rotation axis; A motor that rotates the rotating shaft; A compression mechanism, driven by rotation of the rotating shaft and having a compression chamber for compressing refrigerant; and The housing has a motor chamber for housing the motor and drawing refrigerant from the outside, and a suction passage for drawing refrigerant from the motor chamber into the compression chamber, and supports the rotating shaft for rotation. Its features are, When viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, if a straight line passing through the axis of the rotating shaft in the vertical direction is designated as the first straight line, a straight line passing through the axis of the rotating shaft and extending at a 30-degree incline relative to the first straight line towards the circumference of the rotating shaft is designated as the second straight line, a straight line passing through the axis of the rotating shaft and extending at a 30-degree incline relative to the first straight line towards the other circumference of the rotating shaft is designated as the third straight line, the point where the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the housing dividing the motor chamber is located lower in the vertical direction than the axis of the rotating shaft and intersects with the second straight line is designated as the first intersection point, the point where the portion of the inner circumferential surface of the housing dividing the motor chamber is located lower in the vertical direction than the axis of the rotating shaft and intersects with the third straight line is designated as the second intersection point, and a straight line passing through the first and second intersection points and extending horizontally is designated as the fourth straight line. When the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis, the area located below the fourth straight line in the vertical direction and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the housing and the fourth straight line in the motor chamber becomes a storage section that stores the liquid refrigerant while restricting the intake of the liquid refrigerant generated by the liquefaction of the refrigerant in the motor chamber from the motor chamber through the suction passage into the compression chamber.

2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis, if a straight line passing through the axis of the rotation axis and extending horizontally is designated as the fifth straight line, When the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotation axis, the area located on the lower side of the vertical direction than the fifth straight line, and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the housing and the fifth straight line, becomes the storage section.

3. The electric compressor according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the point on the inner circumferential surface of the housing that divides the motor chamber, located vertically above the axis of rotation, intersects with the second straight line, and is designated as the third intersection point, and the point on the inner circumferential surface of the housing that divides the motor chamber, located vertically above the axis of rotation, intersects with the third straight line, and is designated as the fourth intersection point, and the straight line passing through the third and fourth intersection points and extending horizontally is designated as the sixth straight line, then... When the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the area located below the vertical direction of the sixth straight line and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the housing and the sixth straight line in the motor chamber becomes the storage section.

4. The electric compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The refrigerant is propane.

5. The electric compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The refrigerant is carbon dioxide.

6. The electric compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The compression mechanism has: A fixed vortex component has a fixed base plate, a fixed vortex wall erected from the fixed base plate, and a fixed peripheral wall erected from the fixed base plate and surrounding the fixed vortex wall, and is fixed to the housing. as well as A rotating scroll member has a rotating base plate facing the fixed base plate, and a rotating scroll wall that rises from the rotating base plate toward the fixed base plate and engages with the fixed scroll wall. The rotating scroll member revolves inside the fixed scroll wall by the rotation of the rotating shaft. The compression chamber is divided by the fixed base plate, the fixed vortex wall, the rotating base plate, and the rotating vortex wall. The housing has: A shaft support housing, which is disposed on the side opposite to the fixed base plate relative to the rotating base plate, and supports the rotating shaft; as well as A motor housing having a motor housing end wall and a motor housing peripheral wall extending cylindrically from the motor housing end wall, and the motor housing and the shaft support housing together dividing the motor chamber by closing the opening of the motor housing peripheral wall by the shaft support housing. The intake passage is formed at least in the shaft support housing to connect the motor chamber and the compression chamber. The inhalation passage is formed at a position located on the upper side in the vertical direction than the storage section.

7. The electric compressor according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inhalation pathway includes: A suction groove, the suction groove being formed on the inner circumferential surface of the motor housing peripheral wall and opening at an open end of the motor housing peripheral wall; and A suction port is formed on the fixed peripheral wall and draws refrigerant from the suction slot into the compression chamber. The suction groove is formed at a position located on the upper side in the vertical direction than the storage section.

8. The electric compressor according to claim 7, characterized in that, The housing has a discharge chamber that divides the refrigerant into a discharge chamber, into which the refrigerant, compressed in the compression chamber, is discharged. The discharge housing has a discharge housing end wall and a discharge housing peripheral wall that extends cylindrically from the discharge housing end wall and surrounds the fixed peripheral wall. The discharge chamber is divided between the end wall of the discharge housing and the fixed base plate. The inhalation pathway includes: An annular passage, formed between the fixed peripheral wall and the peripheral wall of the discharge housing and communicating with the suction port; and A connecting hole is formed in the shaft support housing and connects the suction groove to the annular passage. The connecting hole is formed at a position located on the upper side of the storage section in the vertical direction.

Images