Electric compressor

Abstract

Electric compressor, which includes the following: a first housing (100) with an outlet chamber (110) into which refrigerant is discharged; and an oil separator (200) which is arranged in the outlet chamber (110) and has a refrigerant inlet hole (202) through which the refrigerant is drawn into the oil separator (200), which is arranged obliquely in the first housing (100), wherein the outlet chamber (110) projects outwards from the first housing (100) in multiple stages and wherein an interior of the outlet chamber (110) is divided into spaces with different volumes and wherein the outlet chamber (110) comprises the following: a first chamber (112) which protrudes partially from the first housing (100) by a predetermined length in a projecting direction; a second chamber (114) which partially projects from a protruding end of the first chamber (112) on one side; and a third chamber (116) which projects directly forward on the other side in the protruding direction, wherein the length by which the second chamber (114) projects in the protruding direction of the first housing (100) is greater than the length by which the first (112) or third (116) chamber projects.

Description

BACKGROUND OF REVELATION Area of ​​Revelation

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electric compressor configured to minimize vibration noise generated when high-pressure refrigerant is discharged into a rear housing with an outlet chamber into which the refrigerant is discharged. Description of the related technique

[0002] Generally, a compressor used in an air conditioner draws in refrigerant that is evaporated by an evaporator, converts it into a high-temperature, high-pressure state that can be easily liquefied, and then transfers it to a condenser. The compressor operates to compress the refrigerant transferred via the evaporator.

[0003] Compressors are classified into reciprocating compressors, in which a drive source performs a reciprocating motion to compress the refrigerant, and rotary compressors, in which a drive source performs a rotary motion to compress the refrigerant. Reciprocating compressors are further classified into crank-type compressors, in which the driving force from a drive source is transmitted through a multitude of pistons using a crank; swashplate compressors, in which the driving force is transmitted through a rotating shaft equipped with a swashplate; and swashplate compressors, which use a swashplate.

[0004] Rotary compressors are classified into two types: vane rotary compressors, which use a rotating shaft and vane, and volute compressors, which use a rotating spiral and a fixed spiral. All rotary compressors, swashplate compressors, and swashplate compressors generate vibrations when high-pressure refrigerant is discharged into a discharge chamber. If these vibrations are generated continuously for more than a predetermined time without damping, a pulsation phenomenon is induced, resulting in vibration noise in a rear housing containing the discharge chamber.

[0005] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 comprises an electric compressor with a rear housing 10 and an outlet chamber 11 into which refrigerant is discharged. Viewed from outside the electric compressor, the rear housing 10 has a flat shape. Therefore, the outlet chamber 11 has a limited volume. Furthermore, as shown in the drawing, an oil separator 20 is arranged obliquely in the rear housing 10.

[0006] However, when high-pressure refrigerant is discharged into the outlet chamber 11 as described above, a vibration noise is generated by vibrations of the rear housing 10, leading to abnormal vibrations in a vehicle or air conditioning system equipped with the electric compressor. Therefore, measures are required to resolve the aforementioned problems.

[0007] Document DE 11 2015 000 175 T5 discloses an electric compressor with a rear housing in which a discharge chamber is formed into which coolant is discharged and an oil separator arranged in the discharge chamber, which has a coolant inlet opening through which coolant is introduced and is arranged to be eccentric to one side of the rear housing.

[0008] Document KR 10 2013 0 011 646 A discloses an electronic compressor comprising a drive unit, a compression unit, an outlet unit and a control unit.

[0009] Document KR 10 2013 0 126 837 A discloses a scroll compressor comprising a main housing unit with an intake port, a drive unit, a rotating spiral with a rotating spiral winding, a scroll compression unit with a stationary spiral with a stationary spiral winding, an outlet housing unit and an outlet opening.

[0010] Document KR 10 2012 0 136 163 A discloses a scroll compressor with a rear casing, a front casing, a valve and an oil separator. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0011] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide an electric compressor in which an outlet chamber of a rear casing has an enlarged internal volume, thereby minimizing vibrations and noise caused by the discharge of refrigerant.

[0012] Other objectives and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood from the following description and will become apparent with reference to the embodiments of the present disclosure. It is obvious to those skilled in the art in the field to which the present disclosure relates that the objectives and advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved by the claimed means and combinations thereof.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electric compressor comprises the following: a first housing 100 with an outlet chamber 110 into which refrigerant is discharged; and an oil separator 200, which is arranged in the outlet chamber 110 and has a refrigerant inlet hole 202 into which the refrigerant is drawn into the oil separator 200, which is arranged obliquely in the first housing 100. The outlet chamber 110 projects outwards from the first housing 100 in multiple stages, and an interior of the outlet chamber 110 is divided into two compartments with different volumes.

[0014] The outlet chamber 110 comprises: a first chamber 112, which partially protrudes from the first housing 100 by a predetermined length in a projecting direction; a second chamber 114, which on one side partially protrudes from a projecting end of the first chamber 112; and a third chamber 116, which on the other side protrudes directly in the projecting direction.

[0015] The length by which the second chamber 114 projects in the protruding direction of the first casing 100 is greater than the length by which the first or third chamber 112 or 116 projects.

[0016] The second chamber 114 can have a volume that is larger than that of the first chamber 112 or the third chamber 116.

[0017] A rib 300 can be provided in the second chamber 114, which extends in the circumferential direction of the first housing 100.

[0018] The rib 300 can have a first rib 310, which is formed in a ring shape in the second chamber 114, and several second ribs 320, which extend radially from the first rib 310.

[0019] A plurality of third ribs 330, which are separated from each other, can be provided in the second chamber 114 along a circumferential direction of the second chamber 114.

[0020] The thickness of the first rib 310 may differ from that of the second rib 320.

[0021] The thickness of the first rib 310 can be greater than that of the second rib 320.

[0022] The oil separator 200 can be arranged eccentrically on one side based on the center of the first housing 100.

[0023] A partition wall 400 can be arranged on one side of the outlet chamber and is intended to divide the interior of the outlet chamber 110 into different areas.

[0024] Communication holes 410 can be formed in the partition wall 400 at various positions.

[0025] The outlet chamber 110 can comprise: a first area S1 with the largest area among a multitude of areas arranged at different positions, a second area S2 with an area comparatively smaller than that of the first area S1, and a third area S3, which is adjacent to the refrigerant inlet hole 202 at a position adjacent to the second area S2.

[0026] The first area S1 can have a semicircular shape, and a reduction in noise is achieved while refrigerant released into the first area S1 diffuses into the first area S1 or moves in a circumferential direction.

[0027] In the outlet chamber 110, the rib 300 can be formed on one side next to the oil separator 200 and the rib 300 may not be formed on the other side of the oil separator 200.

[0028] The electric compressor according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be installed in an air conditioning system for vehicles.

[0029] It is understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present disclosure are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide a further explanation of the claimed disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The above and other tasks, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a diagram representing a rear housing provided in a conventional electric compressor; Fig. 2 is a sectional view representing an electric compressor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is a side view showing a rear housing of the electric compressor according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a diagram that represents an internal structure of the rear housing of the electric compressor according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 is a diagram representing a third rib provided on a rear housing of an electric compressor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 6 is a side view showing different embodiments of an outlet chamber formed in the rear housing; Fig. 7 is a curve showing a noise reduction effect as a function of a volume ratio of the exhaust chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 8 is a curve showing a weight as a function of the volume ratio of the outlet chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EXECUTION FORMS

[0031] Terms or words used below are not to be interpreted as having generally accepted or dictionary meanings, but rather as having meanings and concepts that correspond to the technical spirit of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can adequately define the concepts of the terms in order to describe his disclosure as accurately as possible. Accordingly, the following description and the drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent the complete scope of the present disclosure. It is understood by those skilled in the art that a multitude of equivalents and modifications of the embodiments exist.

[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] In the drawings, the width, length, thickness, etc., of individual elements may be enlarged for simplification. Furthermore, when it is described that one element is positioned "above" or "on" another, one element may be positioned "directly above" or "directly on" the other, or a third element may be positioned between the two elements. Throughout the description, the same reference symbols are used to refer to identical or similar parts.

[0034] An electric compressor according to the embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 is a sectional view showing an electric compressor according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is a side view showing a rear housing of the electric compressor according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of the rear housing of the electric compressor according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] With reference to Fig. 2 to 4, the electric compressor 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that oil contained in the refrigerant can be separated from the refrigerant, and an outlet chamber 110 has an enlarged internal volume to minimize the generation of vibrations or noise in the rear housing 100 due to the discharge of the refrigerant, so that problems due to vibrations or noise can be prevented.

[0037] Although this embodiment describes the electric compressor being used in a vehicle air conditioning system, it can also be used in an industrial compression unit or a home air conditioning system.

[0038] The electric compressor 1 comprises a front housing 2a, located adjacent to an inlet hole through which refrigerant is drawn into the electric compressor 1, an intermediate housing 2b, and the rear housing 100. The front housing 2a, the intermediate housing 2b, and the rear housing 100 together form the overall structure of the electric compressor 1. A drive unit 3 and a compression unit 5 are installed in the intermediate housing 2b. The drive unit 3 comprises a stator, a rotor, and a rotating shaft 4, which is located in a central section of the rotor.

[0039] The rotational force generated by the drive unit 3 is transferred to the compression unit 5 to compress or expel refrigerant. The compression unit 5 comprises a fixed spiral and a rotating spiral.

[0040] The fixed spiral remains fixed in the electric compressor 1. The rotating spiral is installed so that it rotates eccentrically relative to the fixed spiral and compresses refrigerant during this relative movement.

[0041] The rear housing 100 is located at one end of the intermediate housing 2b. In detail, the rear housing 100 is based on… Fig. 2 is brought into close contact with a right end of the intermediate housing 2b and is optionally detachably attached to the intermediate housing 2b. Refrigerant discharged by the compression unit 5 is discharged at a predetermined pressure through a hole via a back-pressure chamber to the outlet chamber 110. Since the pressure of the refrigerant discharged to the outlet chamber 110 is approximately 30 bar, a noise may be generated.

[0042] The electric compressor 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the rear housing 100 with the outlet chamber 110, into which refrigerant is discharged, and an oil separator 200, which is arranged in the outlet chamber 110 and has a refrigerant inlet hole 202, into which the refrigerant is drawn. The outlet chamber 110 projects outwards from the rear housing 100 in multiple stages, thus increasing the volume of the rear housing 100. Based on the oil separator 200, the interior of the outlet chamber 110 is divided into two compartments with different volumes.

[0043] The outlet chamber 110 comprises the following: a first chamber 112, which projects from the rear housing 100 by a predetermined length in a protruding direction; a second chamber 114, which projects from a protruding end of the first chamber 112 on one side based on the oil separator 200; and a third chamber 116, which projects directly in the protruding direction on the other side based on the oil separator 200.

[0044] The first to third chambers 112, 114 and 116 derive a noise reduction due to an increased volume when refrigerant is discharged. In contrast to the discharge chamber according to the prior art, which has a limited volume, the discharge chamber 110 is configured to have an increased volume at a specific ratio in order to reduce vibration noise caused by refrigerant discharge.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first chamber 112 is arranged adjacent to the second chamber 114 and is shaped such that, based on a central section of the outlet chamber 110, it has a predetermined size on one side. For example, the first chamber 112 projects outwards from the rear housing 100 in a crescent shape.

[0046] When refrigerant is released into the outlet chamber 110, an impact corresponding to the aforementioned pressure range is exerted on the outlet chamber 110. If the volume of the outlet chamber 110 increases in this process, noise can be reduced by a diffusion effect.

[0047] To prevent the stiffness of the rear housing 100 from deteriorating due to noise and vibration generated by the release of refrigerant, the rear housing 100 in the present disclosure is held stably by a rib 300, which will be described later, thereby improving the structural stability.

[0048] The second chamber 114 is located in the central section of the outlet chamber 110, adjacent to the first chamber 112. For example, the second chamber 114 can be located on one side of the oil separator 200. The second chamber 114 has a volume larger than that of the first chamber 112 or the third chamber 116, taking into account that the refrigerant discharge occurs at a position facing the second chamber 114.

[0049] In other words, it is preferred that the second chamber 114 be arranged in the position mentioned above, since the second chamber 114 can diffuse refrigerant, which is discharged radially towards the outlet chamber 110 at the position facing the refrigerant, thereby increasing the noise and vibration reduction effect. Furthermore, it may be preferred to retain the layout shown in the drawings, since the noise reduction effect can be improved without complicating the layout of the rear housing 110.

[0050] Since the volume of the second chamber 114 is larger than that of the first chamber 112, a space intended for the diffusion of refrigerant during the venting of the refrigerant can be reliably ensured, thereby improving noise reduction.

[0051] The second chamber 114 is partially enclosed circumferentially by the first chamber 112. In this case, the pressure fluctuation due to the discharge of refrigerant is diffused primarily in the first chamber 112 and then additionally in the second chamber 114. Therefore, this structure is advantageous for reducing vibrations and noise.

[0052] The second chamber 114 projects forward in the protruding direction of the rear housing 110 by a length greater than that of the first or third chamber 112 or 116. The length by which the second chamber 114 projects lies within a predetermined length range and varies depending on the specifications of the electric compressor.

[0053] The third chamber 116 is located on the other side of the oil separator 200, as shown in the drawing, and has a smaller volume than the first or second chamber 112 or 114. Given the limited design of the rear housing 100, the third chamber 116 is available within the scope of the rear housing 100 to reduce noise due to refrigerant discharge, and the shape of the third chamber 116 is not limited to that shown in the drawings.

[0054] The rear housing 100 includes the rib 300, which is located in the second chamber 114 and extends circumferentially around the rear housing 100 to minimize the generation of vibrations due to the discharge of refrigerant from the outlet chamber 110.

[0055] The reason why the rib 300 is arranged in the second chamber 114 is that the vibration and noise generation rates are highest at this location due to the fact that refrigerant is released there, and the impact therefore acts directly upon it. Thus, the rib 300 is positioned in this location, thereby reducing the generation of vibrations or noise caused by the refrigerant release, and it also supports and reinforces the second chamber 114.

[0056] The rib 300 comprises a first rib 310, which is formed in a ring shape in the second chamber 114, and several second ribs 320, which extend radially from the first rib 310.

[0057] The first rib 310 has a ring shape. Therefore, if a vibration is applied to the first rib 310, the vibration is partially transferred to the second ribs 320, so that the vibration can be distributed radially across the rear housing 100. Thus, the overall vibration of the rear housing 100 can be dampened.

[0058] The first rib 310 is positioned lower than the refrigerant inlet hole 202. In this case, the second ribs 320 can be spaced away from the refrigerant inlet hole 202, thus preventing vibrations from being transmitted to the refrigerant inlet hole 202 and promoting reliable refrigerant transfer.

[0059] In the case that the first rib 310 is arranged in the position mentioned above, vibrations and noise generated by the second chamber 114, which occupies most of the area of ​​the rear case 100, can be minimized.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the first rib 310 and the second rib 320 can have different thicknesses or the same thickness. If the first and second ribs 310 and 320 have the same thickness, the vibration transmission time and the vibration damping rate can be varied depending on their location. Therefore, suitable thicknesses for the first and second ribs 310 and 320 can be determined through several tests and adjusted depending on the capacity of the electric compressor.

[0061] Furthermore, the first and second ribs 310 and 320 can have the shapes shown in the drawings or can be changed to other shapes. For example, the cross-section of each of the first and second ribs 310 and 320 can have a semicircular, elliptical, or polygonal shape.

[0062] In the case where the second ribs 320 extend from the first rib 310, it is preferred that the angle between the spaced-apart second ribs 320 remains constant. Even if the angles between the second ribs 320 differ from one another, it is preferred that the difference between different angles remains minimized.

[0063] In the case where the second ribs 320 extend in the second chamber 114 in a manner shown in the drawing, the structure in which the second chamber 114 is divided into sections of equal area by the second ribs 320 may be advantageous to reduce vibration due to the release of refrigerant.

[0064] However, due to the layout relationship between the second chamber 114 and the oil separator 200, the length of the second rib 320 extending towards the oil separator 200 is less than the length of the second ribs 320 extending in other directions. The area of ​​a section of the second chamber 114 intersected by the second rib 320 extending towards the oil separator 200 is smaller than that of the other sections.

[0065] The thickness of the first rib 310 can be greater than that of the second rib 320. The thickness of the first rib 310 can be determined by several tests for the reinforcement of the second chamber 114.

[0066] For example, the thickness of the first rib can be increased or decreased at certain positions depending on the degree of vibration generated when refrigerant is discharged into the rear housing 100.

[0067] Although not shown, the thickness of the second rib 320 can be increased at a position where the vibration intensity increases comparatively, and decreased at a position where the vibration intensity decreases comparatively. In this way, the generation of vibrations can be minimized by changing the thickness of the second rib 320 depending on its position in the rear housing 100, in other words, depending on the degree of vibration at each position.

[0068] In the second chamber 114 according to the present embodiment, a fourth rib 340 extends from the first rib 310 towards the oil separator 200. Due to the arrangement of the rear housing 100, the fourth rib 340 extends a certain length in the drawing, but the extension length of the fourth rib 340 can be increased.

[0069] The fourth rib 340 is arranged below the refrigerant inlet hole 202. The reason the fourth rib 340 is located below the refrigerant inlet hole 202 is that it is preferred that there be no separate obstruction in the flow path to ensure reliable movement of the refrigerant to the refrigerant inlet hole 202.

[0070] In the outlet chamber 110, the ribs 300 are provided on one side next to the oil separator 200, and the ribs 300 are not provided on the other side of the oil separator 200.

[0071] For structural reinforcement, the ribs 300 are arranged in the manner mentioned above, taking into account the arrangement of the rear housing 100 and the spatial limitations.

[0072] With reference to Fig. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, several spaced-apart third ribs 330 are provided along a circumferential direction within the second chamber 114. The third ribs 330 are arranged in a form shown in the drawing to increase the stiffness of the central section of the rear housing 100.

[0073] The multitude of third ribs 330 are spaced at regular intervals from each other and the shape of each third rib 330 can be changed in various ways that differ from the shape shown in the drawing.

[0074] The rear housing 100 can have a circular plate shape. Several mounting holes are formed around the circumference of the rear housing 100, allowing it to be bolted to the intermediate housing 2b. The outlet chamber 110 is formed in a separate area within the rear housing 100 and sealed by a sealing element (not shown) to prevent refrigerant from escaping the outlet chamber 110, even when the refrigerant is discharged into the outlet chamber 110 under high pressure.

[0075] In the rear housing 100, the oil separator 200 is arranged in the outlet chamber 110 and has the refrigerant inlet hole 202 through which the refrigerant flowing into the outlet chamber 110 is drawn into the oil separator 200. The oil separator 200 can be arranged in an eccentric position on one side of the rear housing 100. Although the illustration shows two refrigerant inlet holes in a central part of the oil separator 200 based on its longitudinal orientation, the number of refrigerant inlet holes can be changed.

[0076] The oil separator 200 can be arranged at an angle in the rear housing 100 and protrude into the outlet chamber 110, which is intersected by the sealing element.

[0077] The oil separator 200 can have a hollow structure. Oil present in the refrigerant drawn into the refrigerant inlet hole 202 is comparatively heavy. Due to a difference in specific gravity, the oil, being comparatively heavier, moves to a lower section in the oil separator 200, while the refrigerant moves to an upper section.

[0078] A partition 400 according to the embodiment penetrates the oil separator 200 and divides the inner area of ​​the outlet chamber 110 into several areas. The communication holes 410 are formed in the partition 400 at different positions, so that the times required for the refrigerant drawn into the refrigerant inlet hole 202 to travel to the communication holes 410 differ.

[0079] The communication holes 410 are formed in the partition 400, and refrigerant flows through the communication holes 410. In the outlet chamber 110, a phase difference is created due to a difference in the times during which refrigerant is drawn into the communication holes 410. This reduces the pulsation noise.

[0080] In order to reliably separate the oil from the refrigerant that is drawn into the refrigerant inlet hole 202 using a different specific gravity, it is preferred that the refrigerant inlet hole 202 is arranged on an upper section of the oil separator 200 based on the longitudinal direction of the oil separator 200.

[0081] The reason for this lies in the fact that, while refrigerant moves downwards along the longitudinal direction of the oil separator 200, oil can be reliably separated from the refrigerant and pure gas phase refrigerant can be collected relatively easily.

[0082] The partition wall 400 is machined by a cutting process to achieve the shape shown in the drawing. The communication hole 410 is formed by a primary hole-making process using a drill and an additional machining process.

[0083] The electric compressor 1 further includes a filter unit 30, which is configured to filter oil separated from the refrigerant by the oil separator 200. The filter unit 30 is designed to filter out foreign substances from the oil separated from the refrigerant by the oil separator 200. The filter unit 30 comprises a filter body with a mesh shape and a filter frame in which the filter body is seated.

[0084] The installation position of the filter unit 30 in the outlet chamber 110 can be changed depending on the position of the oil separator 200 in order to filter oil separated from the refrigerant before the oil, which is drained through an oil drain hole (not shown) formed in the lower section of the oil separator 200, is supplied to the drive unit 3 of the electric compressor 1.

[0085] As shown in one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the case where the oil separator 200 is arranged in an eccentric position on one side of the rear housing 100, the filter unit 30 is also arranged on the right side of the oil separator 200, corresponding to that one side, as shown in the drawing.

[0086] Since the electric compressor 1 is installed in an air conditioning system for a vehicle according to the present embodiment, the transmission of vibrations or noise into the passenger compartment of the vehicle can be minimized and quiet driving conditions can be maintained.

[0087] The outlet chamber 110 comprises the following: a first area S1 with the largest area among a multitude of areas arranged at different positions by the oil separator 200, a second area S2 with an area comparatively smaller than that of the first area S1, and a third area S3, which is located adjacent to the refrigerant inlet hole 202 at a position adjacent to the second area S2.

[0088] The first to third sections, S1 to S3, are located within the same area but are subdivided based on the oil separator 200 in a manner shown in the drawing. The noise reduction effect can be achieved primarily in the first and second sections, S1 and S2. The third section, S3, can serve to reduce the noise generated while refrigerant is drawn into the refrigerant inlet hole 202. The third section, S3, can also provide an auxiliary noise reduction function in conjunction with the first and second sections, S1 and S2.

[0089] The first area S1 can have a semicircular shape. As refrigerant released into the first area S1 diffuses or moves circumferentially, a reduction in noise is achieved.

[0090] Referring to Fig. 6, a volume ratio of the outlet chamber 110 according to the present embodiment can be dependent on an internal volume V1 with a predetermined size and an outlet capacity (cm³). 3 ) of refrigerant being discharged into outlet chamber 110.

[0091] The volume ratio of the outlet chamber 110 can, for example, be a value obtained by dividing the internal volume V1 of the outlet chamber 110 by the refrigerant outlet capacity (cm³). 3 ) is obtained. The volume ratio of the outlet chamber 110 ranges from 2.0 to 3.2.

[0092] The rear housing provided in the electric compressor can be of various types, including type A to type E. The rear housing 100 of type A corresponds to the type in which the overhang rate of the outlet chamber 110 is very low.

[0093] In the rear housing 100 of type B, the exhaust chamber 110 is provided and projects forward by a length corresponding to "e1". In the rear housing 100 of type C, the exhaust chamber 110 projects forward by a length corresponding to "e2". In the rear housing 100 of type D, the exhaust chamber 110 projects forward by a length corresponding to "e3". In the rear housing 100 of type E, the exhaust chamber 110 projects forward by a length corresponding to "e4".

[0094] In all rear housings 100 of types A to E, the internal volume and refrigerant discharge capacity differ. The refrigerant discharge capacity is constant, but the internal volumes of the rear housings 100 vary.

[0095] For example, the internal volume of the rear housing of type A 100 is 61 cm³. 3 , which is the smallest volume. The internal volume of the rear housing 100 of type D is 117 cm³. 3, which has the largest volume. The weights of the rear housings of types A to E differ from one another. The weight of the rear housing 100 of type A is 462 g, which is the lightest. The weight of the rear housing 100 of type D is the heaviest.

[0096] Depending on the length of the outlet chamber 110 projecting outwards from the rear housing 100, the volume ratio of the outlet chamber 110 ranges from 2.0 to 3.2. The rear housing can be designed to maximize the noise reduction performance depending on the volume ratio.

[0097] If the volume ratio of the exhaust chamber 110 to the rear casing 100 is less than 2.0, excessive noise may be generated. If the volume ratio exceeds 3.2, the noise increases. Therefore, it is preferred that the volume ratio of the rear casing 100 falls within the aforementioned volume ratio range.

[0098] Referring to Fig. 7, the volume ratio of the outlet chamber 110 according to the present embodiment can be dependent on an internal volume V1 of a predetermined size and an outlet capacity (cm³). 3 ) of refrigerant being discharged into outlet chamber 110.

[0099] As shown in the curve, which shows the noise on the Y-axis as a function of the refrigerant volume ratio on the X-axis, the noise generated by the rear casing is minimized when the volume ratio is 3.1.

[0100] Therefore, if a rear housing with this volume ratio is selected and applied to the electric compressor, the effect of reducing noise generated by the release of refrigerant can be maximized.

[0101] Referring to Fig.8 Regarding the noise as a function of the refrigerant discharge capacity according to the weight of the rear casing, it is understood that a rear casing with a volume ratio in the range of 3.0 to 3.15 has an excellent effect on reducing the noise generated by the discharge of refrigerant. If the volume ratio of the outlet chamber 110 of the rear casing is greater than 3.15 or 3.2, the noise is more likely to increase. Therefore, it is most preferred that the volume ratio of the outlet chamber 110 of the rear casing falls within the aforementioned volume ratio range.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the length by which the outlet chamber 110 projects outwards from the rear housing 100 is in the range of 14 mm to 30 mm. Within this range, the effect of reducing the noise generated by the release of refrigerant is very good.

[0103] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electric compressor which has a structure capable of minimizing vibrations and noise generated by the discharge of refrigerant, which is the working fluid of the electric compressor, and of preventing the occurrence of problems due to pulsation pressure, thereby making it possible to operate a target structure equipped with the electric compressor quietly.

[0104] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the overall structural strength of the rear housing can be optimized by improving the structure of the rear housing so that the outlet chamber can be enlarged in volume and structurally reinforced.

[0105] While the present disclosure has been described in relation to the specific embodiments, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as defined in the following claims.

Claims

[1] Electric compressor comprising: a first housing (100) having an outlet chamber (110) into which refrigerant is discharged; and an oil separator (200) arranged in the outlet chamber (110) and having a refrigerant inlet hole (202) through which the refrigerant is sucked into the oil separator (200) arranged obliquely in the first housing (100), wherein the outlet chamber (110) protrudes outwardly from the first housing (100) in several stages and wherein an interior of the outlet chamber (110) is divided into spaces with different volumes and wherein the outlet chamber (110) comprises: a first chamber (112) partially protruding from the first housing (100) by a predetermined length in a protruding direction; a second chamber (114) partially projecting from a projecting end of the first chamber (112) on one side; and a third chamber (116) projecting directly in the projecting direction on the other side, wherein the length by which the second chamber (114) protrudes in the protruding direction of the first housing (100) is greater than the length by which the first (112) or third (116) chamber protrudes. [2] The electric compressor of claim 1, wherein the second chamber (114) has a volume greater than a volume of the first chamber (112) or the third chamber (116). [3] An electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein a rib (300) extending in the circumferential direction of the first housing (100) is provided in the second chamber (114). [4] An electric compressor according to claim 3, wherein the rib (300) comprises: a first rib (310) formed annularly in the second chamber (114); and a plurality of second ribs (320) extending radially from the first rib (310). [5] An electric compressor according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of third separate ribs (330) are provided in the second chamber (114) along a circumferential direction of the second chamber (114). [6] The electric compressor according to claim 4, wherein a thickness of the first rib (310) is different from a thickness of the second rib (320). [7] The electric compressor according to claim 4, wherein a thickness of the first rib (310) is greater than a thickness of the second rib (320). [8] An electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the oil separator (200) is arranged eccentrically on one side relative to a center of the first housing (100). [9] An electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein a partition wall (400) is arranged on one side of the discharge chamber (110) and is provided to divide the interior of the discharge chamber (110) into different areas. [10] An electric compressor according to claim 9, wherein communication holes (410) are formed in the partition wall (400) at different positions. [11] An electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the discharge chamber (110) comprises: a first region (S1) having a largest area among a plurality of regions arranged at different positions; a second region (S2) having an area that is comparatively smaller than an area of ​​the first region (S1); and a third surface (S3) disposed adjacent to the refrigerant inlet hole (202) at a position adjacent to the second region (S2). [12] An electric compressor according to claim 11, wherein the first region (S1) has a semicircular shape so that while refrigerant discharged into the first region (S1) diffuses into the first region (S1) or is moved circumferentially, noise reduction is achieved. [13] An electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein in the discharge chamber (110), a rib (300) is formed on one side adjacent to the oil separator (200), and the rib (300) is not formed on the other side of the oil separator (200).

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