Compressor

Abstract

A compressor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a compression portion configured to compress a refrigerant, a motor configured to drive the compression portion, a connection terminal configured to be supplied with power to drive the motor, and a power connector detachably coupled to the connection terminal. In addition, the power connector includes a power line configured to supply power to the connection terminal, and a plug into and to which one end of the power line is inserted and fixed. In addition, the plug includes a plug body forming an exterior of the plug, and a cover provided inside the plug body and covering one end of the power line. In addition, one end of the power line and one end of the connection terminal are disposed on an inner side of the cover and configured to be electrically connected to each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure relates to a compressor used in air conditioners, clothes dryers, and the like, and more particularly, to a compressor having an improved structure.[Background Art]

[0002] In general, a compressor is a mechanical device that receives power from a power generating device such as a motor or a turbine, and compresses air, refrigerant, or various other working gases to increase pressure. Compressors are widely used in home appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, clothes dryers, and the like, as well as throughout various industries.

[0003] Compressors include reciprocating compressors, scroll compressors, and rotary compressors. Reciprocating compressors compress a working gas as a piston moves in a straight reciprocating motion inside a cylinder, by allowing a compression space to be formed between the piston and the cylinder for suction and discharge of the working gas. Scroll compressors compress a working gas as a rotating scroll rotates along a fixed scroll, by allowing a compression space to be formed between the rotating scroll and the fixed scroll for suction and discharge of the working gas. Rotary compressors compress a working gas as a rolling piston eccentrically rotates along an inner wall of a cylinder, by allowing a compression space to be formed between the eccentrically rotating rolling piston and the cylinder for suction and discharge of the working gas.

[0004] Scroll compressors and rotary compressors include a motor to generate rotational motion. The motor requires power to operate, which needs to be supplied externally. To this end, a connection terminal may be provided in a compressor case to receive power, and external power may be supplied to the motor through the connection terminal.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a compressor capable of preventing ignition or explosion due to leaked refrigerant and spark generation.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a compressor with a simplified manufacturing process.

[0007] Technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.[Technical Solution]

[0008] A compressor according to the spirit of the present disclosure includes a compression portion configured to compress a refrigerant, a motor configured to drive the compression portion, a connection terminal configured to be supplied with power to drive the motor, and a power connector detachably coupled to the connection terminal. The power connector includes a power line configured to supply power to the connection terminal, and a plug into and to which one end of the power line is inserted and fixed. The plug includes a plug body forming an exterior of the plug, and a cover provided inside the plug body and covering one end of the power line. One end of the power line and one end of the connection terminal are disposed on an inner side of the cover and configured to be electrically connected to each other.

[0009] A compressor according to the spirit of the present disclosure includes a compressor case including a housing and an upper housing cover provided on an upper side of the housing, a connection terminal provided on the upper housing cover, and a power connector detachably coupled to the connection terminal. The power connector includes a power line configured to be electrically connectable with the connection terminal, and a plug into and to which one end of the power line is inserted and fixed. The plug includes a plug body forming an exterior of the plug, and a cover provided inside the plug body and covering one end of the power line. The plug body forms a connection terminal insertion groove recessed inwardly of the plug body such that the connection terminal is inserted.

[0010] A compressor according to the spirit of the present disclosure includes a motor, a connection terminal configured to receive power for driving the motor, and a power connector detachably coupled to the connection terminal. The power connector includes a power line configured to supply power to the motor, and a plug into and to which one end of the power line is inserted and fixed. The plug includes a cover covering one end of the power line, and a terminal disposed inside the cover and supported by the cover. The power line and the connection terminal are configured to be electrically connected via the terminal.[Description of Drawings]

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an upper housing cover of the compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a power supply portion of a compressor separated from a compressor case according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the power supply portion of the compressor separated from the compressor case, viewed from below, according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the interior of the power supply portion of the compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view illustrating some configurations of the power supply portion of the compressor separated according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the internal configurations of the power supply portion of the compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the internal configurations of the power supply portion of the compressor, viewed from below, according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the power supply portion and a mold of the compressor according to an embodiment. [Modes of the Invention]

[0012] Various embodiments of the present document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments.

[0013] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0014] Also, the terms used herein are used to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, the terms "including", "having", and the like are used to specify features, figures, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, figures, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0015] It will be understood that, although the terms "1st", "2nd", "primary", "secondary", and the like., may be used herein to describe various elements, but elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, a first element may be termed as a second element, and a second element may be termed as a first element. The term of "and / or" includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or any one item among a plurality of relevant items.

[0016] Further, as used in the disclosure, the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "side", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", and the like are defined with reference to the drawings, and are not intended to limit the shape and position of each component.

[0017] When a given element is referred to as being "connected to", "coupled to", "supported by" or "in contact with" another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

[0018] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

[0019] In referring to a rotational direction, a clockwise direction may be expressed as a first direction, and a counter-clockwise direction, which is an opposite direction to the first direction, may be expressed as a second direction. While such expressions may be commonly used in describing specific details for carrying out the disclosure, the rotation directions of the components of the present disclosure are not limited by these terms.

[0020] Hereinafter, various embodiments of a compressor according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an upper housing cover of the compressor according to an embodiment.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a compressor 1 may include a compression portion 10 configured to compress a refrigerant. The compressor 1 may include a motor 20 configured to drive the compression portion 10. The compressor 1 may include a compressor case 30 accommodating the compression portion 10 and the motor 20 therein.

[0023] The compressor 1 may be configured such that an axial direction of a rotation shaft 23 of the motor 20 is in the direction of gravity. Hereinafter, the axial direction of the rotation shaft 23 may be referred to as an up-and-down direction, and the up-and-down direction may be defined as shown in FIG. 1.

[0024] The compressor case 30 may include a housing 31 disposed at a center of the up-and-down direction. The housing 31 may be provided in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the housing 31 is not limited thereto.

[0025] The compressor case 30 may include an upper housing cover 32 provided on an upper side of the housing 31. The upper housing cover 32 may cover an upper opening of the housing 31. The upper housing cover 32 may be secured to the housing 31.

[0026] The upper housing cover 32 may include a cover body 321. The cover body 321 may be formed in an inverted bowl shape. However, the shape of the cover body 321 is not limited thereto.

[0027] The upper housing cover 32 may include a flat portion 322 disposed on an upper surface of the cover body 321. The upper housing cover 32 may include a protrusion 323 protruding upwardly from the flat portion 322.

[0028] The compressor case 30 may include a lower housing cover 33 provided on a lower side of the housing 31. The lower housing cover 33 may cover a lower opening of the housing 31. The lower housing cover 33 may be secured to the housing 31. The lower housing cover 33 may be formed in a bowl shape. However, the shape of the lower housing cover 33 is not limited thereto.

[0029] The compressor 1 may include a bottom plate 34 provided on a lower side of the compressor case 30. The bottom plate 34 may be configured to allow the compressor case 30 to be stably seated on a bottom surface.

[0030] The compressor 1 may include a discharge pipe 35 that discharges refrigerant gas at a high pressure compressed in the compression portion 10 to an outside of the compressor 1. The discharge pipe 35 may be arranged in the upper housing cover 32.

[0031] The compressor 1 may include a plurality of intake pipes 36 that draw in refrigerant gas from the outside of the compressor 1. The plurality of intake pipes 36 may include a first intake pipe 36a and a second intake pipe 36b. The first intake pipe 36a and the second intake pipe 36b may be arranged on a side surface of the housing 31.

[0032] The compressor 1 may include a connection terminal 37 configured to receive power for driving the motor 20. The connection terminal 37 may be provided on the compressor case 30. For example, the connection terminal 37 may be arranged on the upper housing cover 32. For example, the connection terminal 37 may be disposed on the protrusion 323.

[0033] The connection terminals 37 may be provided in a plurality. The plurality of connection terminals 37 may be supported by a connection terminal support portion 371. Although three connection terminals 37 are shown in the drawings, the number of connection terminals 37 is not limited thereto.

[0034] The compressor 1 may include a fastening member 38 fastened to the compressor case 30. For example, the fastening member 38 may be fastened to the upper housing cover 32. For example, the fastening member 38 may be disposed on the flat portion 322. The fastening member 38 may be configured to fix a plug 52, which will be described later, on the upper housing cover 32. For example, the fastening member 38 may include a bolt.

[0035] The compressor 1 may include a temperature sensor 39 that detects a temperature inside the compressor case 30. The temperature sensor 39 may be provided on the compressor case 30. For example, the temperature sensor 39 may be arranged on the upper housing cover 32. For example, the temperature sensor 39 may be disposed on the flat portion 322.

[0036] The motor 20 accommodated inside the compressor case 30 may be overheated due to reasons, such as insufficient refrigerant circulation. Overheating of the motor 20 may cause overheating of other components accommodated inside the compressor case 30. Thus, sustained overheating of the motor 20 may cause failure of the compressor 1.

[0037] According to the ideas of the present disclosure, the temperature sensor 39 may detect the temperature inside the compressor case 30. When a high temperature inside the compressor case 30 is detected by the temperature sensor 39, the motor 20 may be stopped by a controller 40, which will be described later. This may prevent the compressor 1 from failing.

[0038] The compressor 1 may include the controller 40. The controller 40 may be configured to control power supplied to the motor 20. The controller 40 may be connected to the other end of a power line 51, which will be described later.

[0039] The compressor 1 may include a power connector 50. The power connector 50 may be detachably coupled to the connection terminal 37. The power connector 50 may supply power for driving the motor 20 to the connection terminal 37. Further details of the power connector 50 will be described later.

[0040] The motor 20 may be provided inside the compressor case 30. The motor 20 may be secured to the housing 31. The motor 20 may be press-fitted to an inner circumferential surface of the housing 31.

[0041] The motor 20 may include a stator 21 fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the housing 31, such as in a press-fit manner. The motor 20 may include a rotor 22 configured to rotate on an inner side of the stator 21. The rotation shaft 23 may be fixed to the rotor 22 and may be configured to rotate with the rotation of the rotor 22.

[0042] The stator 21 may include a core 211 and a coil 212 wound around the core 211. The core 211 may be formed by stacking a plurality of electrical steel sheets. The electrical steel sheets may have a substantially annular shape. The core 211 may have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape. The core 211 may be coupled to the housing 31 by press-fitting. Methods for fitting the core 211 into the housing 31 include shrink-fit and press-fit. Typically, press-fitting may be achieved by heating the housing 31 to a certain temperature or higher and pushing the core 211 into the inner side of the housing 31.

[0043] The rotor 22 may be formed by stacking a plurality of electrical steel sheets. The electrical steel sheets may have a substantially annular shape. The rotor 22 may have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape. An inner diameter of the rotor 22 may be formed smaller than an outer diameter of the rotation shaft 23, so that the rotation shaft 23 may be press-fitted to the rotor 22. An outer diameter of the rotor 22 may be formed smaller than an inner diameter of the core 211, and there is a gap between the rotor 22 and the stator 21. A balancer 221 on the compression portion side may be disposed on a bottom surface of the rotor 22.

[0044] The rotation shaft 23 may include a shaft body 230 into which the rotor 22 is fitted. The rotation shaft 23 may be installed at a lower portion of the shaft body 230, and may include a first eccentric shaft 231 and a second eccentric shaft 232 having eccentric shaft centers from the shaft center of the shaft body 230. The first eccentric shaft 231 and the second eccentric shaft 232 may be arranged to have a phase difference of 180 degrees in a circumferential direction of the rotation shaft 23.

[0045] The compression portion 10 may include a first cylinder 110 and a second cylinder 120. The compression portion 10 may include a disk-shaped partition 130 that partitions between the first cylinder 110 and the second cylinder 120.

[0046] The compression portion 10 may include a main bearing 140 disposed above the second cylinder 120 to cover the second cylinder 120. The main bearing 140 may rotatably support the rotation shaft 23. The compression portion 10 may include a sub-bearing 150 disposed below the first cylinder 110 to cover the first cylinder 110. The sub-bearing 150 may rotatably support the rotation shaft 23.

[0047] The main bearing 140 may rotatably support a central portion of the shaft body 230. The main bearing 140 may be fixed to the housing 31 by welding or the like.

[0048] The sub-bearing 150 may rotatably support a lower end portion of the shaft body 230. The sub-bearing 150 may be fixed to the main bearing 140 by a fastening member, such as a bolt.

[0049] The compression portion 10 may include a first cover 161 forming, together with the sub-bearing 150, a first discharge chamber 161a. The compression portion 10 may include a second cover 162 forming, together with the main bearing 140, a second discharge chamber 162a. The compression portion 10 may include a first working chamber 11 formed by the first cylinder 110, the partition 130, and the sub-bearing 150. The compression portion 10 may include a second working chamber 12 formed by the second cylinder 120, the partition 130, and the main bearing 140.

[0050] The compression portion 10 may include a first piston 111 into which the first eccentric shaft 231 is fitted and which rotates together with the rotation shaft 23 within the first working chamber 11. The compression portion 10 may include a second piston 121 into which the second eccentric shaft 232 is fitted and which rotates together with the rotation shaft 23 within the second working chamber 12.

[0051] The first cylinder 110 may be provided with a first intake passage 112 passing through in a direction (radial direction) orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation shaft 23, so as to communicate the first working chamber 11 with the outside of the first cylinder 110. In addition, the first cylinder 110 may be provided with a first discharge gas passage 113 passing through in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 23 on an outer side of the first working chamber 11.

[0052] The second cylinder 120 may be provided with a second intake passage 122 passing through in the direction (radial direction) orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation shaft 23, so as to communicate the second working chamber 12 with the outside of the second cylinder 120. In addition, the second cylinder 120 may be provided with a second discharge gas passage 123 passing through in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 23 on an outer side of the second working chamber 12.

[0053] The compression portion 10 may include a communication passage 170 communicating the first intake passage 112 and the second intake passage 122. The communication passage 170 may include an axially oriented through-hole 131 formed in the partition 130. The communication passage 170 may include a first through-hole 114 formed in the first cylinder 110 such that the first intake passage 112 and the through-hole 131 communicate with each other. The communication passage 170 may include a second through-hole 124 formed in the second cylinder 120 such that the second intake passage 122 and the through-hole 131 communicate with each other.

[0054] Hereinafter, an operation method of the compressor 1 according to the ideas of the present disclosure will be discussed.

[0055] According to the ideas of the present disclosure, when the rotation shaft 23 is rotationally driven by the motor 20, the first piston 111 and the second piston 121 may rotate with a phase difference of 180 degrees from each other in response to the rotation of the first eccentric shaft 231 and the second eccentric shaft 232.

[0056] By the eccentric rotation of the first piston 111 and the second piston 121, refrigerant gas supplied through the first intake pipe 36a and the second intake pipe 36b from a refrigeration cycle may be drawn into the first working chamber 11 and the second working chamber 12 through the first intake passage 112 and the second intake passage 122.

[0057] The refrigerant gas drawn into the first working chamber 11 may be compressed by the eccentric rotation of the first piston 111. Thereafter, when the pressure of the refrigerant gas reaches a predetermined discharge pressure, the refrigerant gas may be discharged into the first discharge chamber 161a.

[0058] The refrigerant gas drawn into the second working chamber 12 may be compressed by the eccentric rotation of the second piston 121. Thereafter, when the pressure of the refrigerant gas reaches a predetermined discharge pressure, the refrigerant gas may be discharged into the second discharge chamber 162a.

[0059] The refrigerant gas may be alternately compressed in the first working chamber 11 and the second working chamber 12. Thereafter, the refrigerant gas may be discharged into the compressor case 30 through the first discharge chamber 161a and the second discharge chamber 162a. Finally, the refrigerant gas may be discharged into the refrigeration cycle through the discharge pipe 35.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a power supply portion of the compressor separated from a compressor case according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the power supply portion of the compressor separated from the compressor case, viewed from below, according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the interior of the power supply portion of the compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view illustrating some configurations of the power supply portion of the compressor separated according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the internal configurations of the power supply portion of the compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the internal configurations of the power supply portion of the compressor, viewed from below, according to an embodiment.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 9, the power connector 50 may include a power line 51 configured to supply power to the connection terminal 37. The power connector 50 may include a plug 52 into which one end 51a of the power line 51 is inserted and secured.

[0062] The one end 51a of the power line 51 may be connected to the plug 52. The other end of the power line may be connected to the controller 40.

[0063] The power line 51 may be configured to be electrically connectable with the connection terminal 37. When the power connector 50 is coupled with the connection terminal 37, the power line 51 may be electrically connected with the connection terminal 37.

[0064] The power line 51 may be configured to transmit power from the controller 40 to the connection terminal 37. When the power line 51 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 37, the power line 51 may transmit power to the connection terminal 37. The motor 20 (see FIG. 2) may be driven by the power delivered to the connection terminal 37 from the power line 51.

[0065] The power line 51 may be provided in a plurality. The number of power lines 51 may correspond to the number of connection terminals 37. Although three power lines 51 are shown in the drawings, the number of power lines 51 is not limited thereto.

[0066] The plug 52 may be detachably coupled to the connection terminal 37. The coupling of the plug 52 with the connection terminal 37 may refer to coupling of the power connector 50 with the connection terminal 37.

[0067] When the plug 52 is coupled to the connection terminal 37, the plug 52 may be disposed on the compressor case 30. For example, the plug 52 may be disposed on the upper housing cover 32. For example, at least a portion of the plug 52 may be disposed on the flat portion 322. For example, another portion of the plug 52 may be disposed on the protrusion 323. When the plug 52 is coupled to the connection terminal 37, the power line 51 and the connection terminal 37 may be electrically connected.

[0068] The plug 52 may include a plug body 521 forming an exterior of the plug 52. The plug 52 may include a cover 522 covering one end 51a of the power line 51. The plug 52 may include a terminal 523 disposed on an inner side of the cover 522. The plug 52 may include a bush 524 passing through the plug body 521 in the up-and-down direction.

[0069] The plug body 521 may form the exterior of the plug 52. The plug body 521 may include a non-conductive material. For example, the plug body 521 may include a rubber material. The plug body 521 may be integrally injection molded with other components of the plug 52. This will be discussed in more detail later.

[0070] The plug body 521 may include a plug body hole 5211 in which the fastening member 38 is disposed. The bush 524 may be disposed in the plug body hole 5211. Further details related to the fastening member 38 and the bush 524 will be described later.

[0071] The plug body 521 may form a protrusion seating groove 5212 recessed inwardly of the plug body 521 such that the protrusion 323 is seated. The protrusion seating groove 5212 may be provided in a lower portion of the plug body 521. The shape of the protrusion seating groove 5212 may correspond to the shape of the protrusion 323. Such a configuration may facilitate coupling the plug 52 to the connection terminal 37.

[0072] The plug body 521 may form a connection terminal insertion groove 5213 recessed inwardly of the plug body 521 such that the connection terminal 37 is inserted. The connection terminal insertion groove 5213 may be disposed on an upper side of the protrusion seating groove 5212. The shape of the connection terminal insertion groove 5213 may correspond to the shape of the connection terminal 37. Such a configuration may facilitate coupling the plug 52 to the connection terminal 37 may be facilitated.

[0073] The protrusion seating groove 5212 and the connection terminal insertion groove 5213 may facilitate coupling the plug 52 to the connection terminal 37. In addition, since the shape of the protrusion seating groove 5212 corresponds to the shape of the protrusion 323 and the shape of the connection terminal insertion groove 5213 corresponds to the shape of the connection terminal 37, the plug 52 and the connection terminal 37 may be more reliably coupled. With such a configuration, poor contact between the power line 51 and the connection terminal 37 may be prevented.

[0074] The connection terminal insertion grooves 5213 may be provided in a plurality. The number of connection terminal insertion grooves 5213 may correspond to the number of connection terminals 37. Although three connection terminal insertion grooves 5213 are shown in the drawings, the number of connection terminal insertion grooves 5213 is not limited thereto.

[0075] The plug body 521 may form a temperature sensor seating groove 5214 recessed inwardly of the plug body 521 such that the temperature sensor 39 is seated. The temperature sensor seating groove 5214 may be provided in the lower portion of the plug body 521. The shape of the temperature sensor seating groove 5214 may correspond to the shape of the temperature sensor 39. When the temperature sensor 39 is seated in the temperature sensor seating groove 5214, the plug body 521 may press the temperature sensor 39 downwardly to fix the temperature sensor 39 to the upper housing cover 32. With such a configuration, the temperature sensor 39 may be prevented from detaching from the upper housing cover 32.

[0076] The plug 52 may include the cover 522 provided on an inner side of the plug body 521. The cover 522 may cover one end 51a of the power line 51. The cover 522 may cover one end 37a of the connection terminal 37. One end 51a of the power line and one end 37a of the connection terminal may be disposed on the inner side of the cover 522 and configured to be electrically connected.

[0077] The cover 522 may include an upper cover 5221 disposed on an upper side of the power line 51. The cover 522 may include a lower cover 5222 disposed on a lower side of the power line 51. One end 51a of the power line may be disposed between the upper cover 5221 and the lower cover 5222. The upper cover 5221 may be provided in a flat shape. The lower cover 5222 may be provided in a flat shape.

[0078] The cover 522 may include an upper support protrusion 5221a protruding upwardly from the upper cover 5221. The cover 522 may include a lower support protrusion 5222a protruding downwardly from the lower cover 5222. The upper support protrusion 5221a and the lower support protrusion 5222a may be provided such that the upper cover 5221 and the lower cover 5222 are supported by a mold 70, which will be described later.

[0079] A plurality of upper support protrusions 5221a may be provided. The plurality of upper support protrusions 5221a may be arranged along a rim of the upper cover 5221. While five upper support protrusions 5221a are shown in the drawings, the number of upper support protrusions 5221a is not limited thereto.

[0080] A plurality of lower support protrusions 5222a may be provided. The plurality of lower support protrusions 5222a may be arranged along a rim of the lower cover 5222. While four lower support protrusions 5222a are shown in the drawings, the number of lower support protrusions 5222a is not limited thereto.

[0081] The cover 522 may include a coupling protrusion 5221b protruding downwardly from the upper cover 5221. The cover 522 may include a coupling protrusion insertion groove 5222b provided for insertion of the coupling protrusion 5221b. The coupling protrusion insertion groove 5222b may be disposed on an upper surface of the lower cover 5222.

[0082] A plurality of coupling protrusions 5221b may be provided. The plurality of coupling protrusions 5221b may be arranged along a rim of the upper cover 5221. While six coupling protrusions 5221b are shown in the drawings, the number of coupling protrusions 5221b is not limited thereto.

[0083] A plurality of coupling protrusion insertion grooves 5222b may be provided. The plurality of coupling protrusion insertion grooves 5222b may be arranged along a rim of the lower cover 5222. The number of coupling protrusion insertion grooves 5222b may correspond to the number of coupling protrusions 5221b. While six coupling protrusion insertion grooves 5222b are shown in the drawings, the number of coupling protrusion insertion grooves 5222b is not limited thereto.

[0084] The cover 522 may cover a terminal 523, which will be described later. The terminal 523 may be disposed on the inner side of the cover 522 and supported by the cover 522.

[0085] The cover 522 may include an upper terminal coupling portion 5221c configured to support an upper portion of the terminal 523. The upper terminal coupling portion 5221c may be disposed on a lower surface of the upper cover 5221. The upper terminal coupling portion 5221c may form an upper terminal coupling groove 5221ca provided for insertion of an upper portion of the terminal 523.

[0086] The cover 522 may include a lower terminal coupling portion 5222c configured to support a lower portion of the terminal 523. The lower terminal coupling portion 5222c may be disposed on an upper surface of the lower cover 5222. The lower terminal coupling portion 5222c may form a lower terminal coupling groove 5222ca provided for insertion of a lower portion of the terminal 523.

[0087] The cover 522 may include an upper power line support portion 5221d and a lower power line support portion 5222d configured to support the power line 51.

[0088] The upper power line support portion 5221d may support an upper portion of the power line 51. The upper power line support portion 5221d may extend downwardly from one end of the upper cover 5221 toward the power line 51.

[0089] The upper power line support portion 5221d may include an upper power line support groove 5221da configured to support the upper portion of the power line 51. The upper power line support groove 5221da may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the upper portion of the power line 51. For example, the upper power line support groove 5221da may have a semicircular shape.

[0090] The lower power line support portion 5222d may support a lower portion of the power line 51. The lower power line support portion 5222d may extend upwardly from one end of the lower cover 5222 toward the power line 51.

[0091] The lower power line support portion 5222d may include a lower power line support groove 5222da configured to support the lower portion of the power line 51. The lower power line support groove 5222da may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the lower portion of the power line 51. For example, the lower power line support groove 5222da may have a semicircular shape.

[0092] The upper power line support groove 5221da and the lower power line support groove 5222da may each be provided in a plurality. The number of upper power line support grooves 5221da may correspond to the number of power lines 51. While three upper power line support grooves 5221da are shown in the drawings, the number of upper power line support grooves 5221da is not limited thereto. The number of lower power line support grooves 5222da may correspond to the number of power lines 51. While three lower power line support grooves 5222da are shown in the drawings, the number of lower power line support grooves 5222da is not limited thereto.

[0093] The cover 522 may include a lower cover hole 5222e provided on the lower cover 5222. The lower cover hole 5222e may be provided to allow the connection terminal 37 to pass therethrough. The lower cover hole 5222e may overlap with a portion of the connection terminal insertion groove 5213.

[0094] The lower cover hole 5222e may be disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the lower terminal coupling groove 5222ca, which will be described later. When the plug 52 is coupled to the connection terminal 37, the connection terminal 37 may penetrate the lower cover hole 5222e, and one end 37a of the connection terminal 37 may be disposed in the lower terminal coupling groove 5222ca.

[0095] The lower cover hole 5222e may be disposed at a position corresponding to the position of a terminal hole 5232, which will be described later. When the plug 52 is coupled to the connection terminal 37, the connection terminal 37 may penetrate the terminal hole 5232, and one end 37a of the connection terminal 37 may be disposed in the terminal hole 5232.

[0096] A plurality of lower cover holes 5222e may be provided. The number of lower cover holes 5222e may correspond to the number of connection terminals 37. While three lower cover holes 5222e are shown in the drawings, the number of lower cover holes 5222e is not limited thereto.

[0097] The plug 52 may include the terminal 523 disposed on the inner side of the cover 522. The terminal 523 may be disposed between the upper cover 5221 and the lower cover 5222. The terminal may be secured by the upper terminal coupling portion 5221c and the lower terminal coupling portion 5222c. The terminal may be fixed by being inserted into a space formed by the upper terminal coupling groove 5221ca and the lower terminal coupling groove 5222ca. The terminal 523 may include an electrically conductive material.

[0098] The terminal 523 may be coupled to one end 51a of the power line 51. The terminal 523 may be coupled to one end 37a of the connection terminal 37. The power line 51 and the connection terminal 37 may be configured to be electrically connected via the terminal 523.

[0099] The terminal 523 may include a power line coupling portion 5231 to which one end 51a of the power line 51 is coupled. The power line coupling portion 5231 may support one end 51a of the power line 51.

[0100] The terminal 523 may include the terminal hole 5232 provided for insertion of one end 37a of the connection terminal 37. The terminal hole 5232 may overlap with a portion of the connection terminal insertion groove 5213. When the plug 52 is coupled to the connection terminal 37, one end 37a of the connection terminal 37 may be inserted into the terminal hole 5232. When one end 37a of the connection terminal 37 is inserted into the terminal hole 5232, the power line 51 and the connection terminal 37 may be electrically connected.

[0101] The terminal hole 5232 may communicate with the lower cover hole 5222e. With such a configuration, when the plug 52 is coupled to the connection terminal 37, the connection terminal 37 may penetrate the lower cover hole 5222e, and one end 37a of the connection terminal 37 may be inserted into the terminal hole 5232.

[0102] A plurality of terminals 523 may be provided. The plurality of terminals 523 may be disposed spaced apart from each other. The number of terminals 523 may correspond to the number of power lines 51. While three terminals 523 are shown in the drawings, the number of terminals 523 is not limited thereto.

[0103] According to the ideas of the present disclosure, the plurality of connection terminals 37 may be provided. Correspondingly, the power lines 51, the connection terminal insertion grooves 5213, and the terminals 523 may each be provided in a plurality.

[0104] According to the ideas of the present disclosure, all of the plurality of power lines 51 may be coupled to the plug 52. Thus, by coupling the plug 52 to the plurality of connection terminals 37, the plurality of power lines 51 may be simultaneously connected to the plurality of connection terminals 37. This may allow the manufacturing process of the compressor 1 to be automated and simplified.

[0105] The plug 52 may include the bush 524 passing through the plug body 521 in the up-and-down direction. The bush 524 may be disposed in the plug body hole 5211. The bush 524 may include a hollow cylindrical bush head 5241. The bush 524 may include a bush body 5242 extending downwardly from a lower surface of the bush head 5241. A diameter of the bush head 5241 may be larger than a diameter of the bush body 5242. A height of the bush head 5241 may be smaller than a height of the bush body 5242.

[0106] The bush 524 may include a bush hole 5243 formed in a central portion of the bush 524. The bush hole 5243 may be formed on an inner side of the bush head 5241 and the bush body 5242. The bush hole 5243 may be provided for insertion of the fastening member 38. When the fastening member 38 is inserted into the bush hole 5243, one end of the fastening member 38 may be disposed on an upper side of the bush head 5241.

[0107] When the plug 52 is coupled to the connection terminal 37, the fastening member 38 may be inserted into the bush hole 5243. In this case, one end of the fastening member 38 may be disposed on an upper side of the bush head 5241. When a fixing member 60 is coupled to one end of the fastening member 38, the plug 52 may be fixed to the upper housing cover 32 in a state of being coupled to the connection terminal 37. The fixing member 60 may include a nut.

[0108] The bush 524 may include a material having higher rigidity than the material of the plug body 521. For example, the bush 524 may include a stainless steel material. With such a configuration, when the plug 52 is fixed to the upper housing cover 32, the plug body 521 may be prevented from being damaged by the pressure of the fixing member 60.

[0109] In the following, the process by which the plug 52 is injection molded in the mold 70 will be discussed.

[0110] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the power supply portion and the mold of the compressor according to an embodiment.

[0111] One end 51a of the power line 51, the cover 522, the terminal 523, and the bush 524 may each be inserted into the mold 70 forming the plug 52 and injection molded together with the plug body 521.

[0112] The cover 522 may be supported by the mold 70 by the upper support protrusions 5221a and the lower support protrusions 5222a. The terminal 523 may be disposed on the inner side of the cover 522 and may be supported by the cover 522. The one end 51a of the power line 51 may be coupled to the terminal 523. The bush 524 may be disposed on one side of the cover 522. Thereafter, through a molding operation, the plug body 521 may be integrally injection molded together with the one end 51a of the power line 51, the cover 522, the terminal 523, and the bush 524.

[0113] According to the ideas of the present disclosure, the airtightness of the plug 52 may be improved through the insert injection molding method as described above. This may minimize the exposure of one end 51a of the power line 51 to the outside of the plug 52. In addition, when the plug 52 is coupled to the connection terminal 37, the exposure of the connection terminal 37 to the outside of the plug 52 may be minimized.

[0114] In the process of electrically connecting the power line 51 and the connection terminal 37, sparks may be generated by a high voltage current. In the event that such sparks is generated when some of the refrigerant circulating in the compressor 1 is leaked, an ignition or explosion may occur.

[0115] According to the ideas of the present disclosure, contact between leaked refrigerant and the connection terminal 37 and the power line 51 may be blocked through the airtight structure of the plug 52. This may prevent ignition or explosion due to spark generation.

[0116] The compressor 1 according to the spirit of the present disclosure may include the compression portion 10 configured to compress refrigerant, the motor 20 configured to drive the compression portion 10, the connection terminal 37 configured to be supplied with power to drive the motor 20, and the power connector 50 detachably coupled to the connection terminal 37. The power connector 50 may include the power line 51 configured to supply power to the connection terminal 37, and the plug 52 into and to which one end 51a of the power line 51 is inserted and fixed. The plug 52 may include the plug body 521 forming an exterior of the plug 52, and the cover 522 provided inside the plug body 521 and covering one end 51a of the power line 51. One end 51a of the power line 51 and one end 37a of the connection terminal 37 may be disposed on an inner side of the cover 522 and configured to be electrically connected to each other.

[0117] The cover 522 may include the upper cover 5221 disposed on an upper side of the power line 51, and the lower cover 5222 disposed on a lower side of the power line 51.

[0118] The cover 522 may be inserted into the mold 70 forming the plug 52 and injection molded together with the plug body 521.

[0119] The cover 522 may further include the upper support protrusion 5221a protruding upwardly from the upper cover 5221, and the lower support protrusion 5222a protruding downwardly from the lower cover 5222. During injection molding with the cover 522 inserted into the mold 70, the cover 522 may be configured to be supported by the mold 70 by the upper support protrusion 5221a and the lower support protrusion 5222a.

[0120] The cover 522 may further include the coupling protrusion 5221b protruding downwardly from the upper cover 5221, and the coupling protrusion insertion groove 5222b into which the coupling protrusion 5221b is inserted, the coupling protrusion insertion groove 5222b disposed on an upper surface of the lower cover 5222.

[0121] The plug 52 may further include the terminal 523 disposed between the upper cover 5221 and the lower cover 5222. The power line 51 and the connection terminal 37 may be configured to be electrically connected via the terminal 523.

[0122] The terminal 523 may include the power line coupling portion 5231 to which one end 51a of the power line 51 is coupled, and the terminal hole 5232 into which one end 37a of the connection terminal 37 is inserted.

[0123] The cover 522 may further include the upper terminal coupling portion 5221c disposed on a lower surface of the upper cover 5221 and configured to support an upper portion of the terminal 523, and the lower terminal coupling portion 5222c disposed on an upper surface of the lower cover 5222 and configured to support a lower portion of the terminal 523.

[0124] The compressor 1 may further include the compressor case 30 accommodating the compression portion 10 and the motor 20 therein. The compressor case 30 may include a housing and the upper housing cover 32 provided on an upper side of the housing. The plug 52 may be disposed on the upper housing cover 32.

[0125] The compressor 1 may further include the fastening member 38 fastened to the upper housing cover 32 and configured to fix the plug 52 to the upper housing cover 32.

[0126] The plug body 521 may further include the plug body hole 5211 in which the fastening member 38 is disposed.

[0127] The plug 52 may further include the bush 524 disposed in the plug body hole 5211. The bush 524 may include the bush hole 5243 into which the fastening member 38 is inserted.

[0128] The upper housing cover 32 may include the protrusion 323 in which the connection terminal 37 is disposed. The plug body 521 may form the protrusion seating groove 5212 recessed inwardly of the plug body 521 such that the protrusion 323 is seated.

[0129] The compressor 1 may further include a temperature sensor 39 configured to detect a temperature inside the compressor case 30. The temperature sensor 39 may be disposed on the upper housing cover 32.

[0130] The plug body 521 may form the temperature sensor seating groove 5214 recessed inwardly of the plug body 521 such that the temperature sensor 39 is seated.

[0131] The compressor 1 according to the spirit of the present disclosure may include the compressor case 30 comprising the housing 31 and the upper housing cover 32 provided on an upper side of the housing 31, the connection terminal 37 provided on the upper housing cover 32, and the power connector 50 detachably coupled to the connection terminal 37. The power connector 50 may include the power line 51 configured to be electrically connectable with the connection terminal 37, and the plug 52 into and to which one end 51a of the power line 51 is inserted and fixed. The plug 52 may include the plug body 521 forming an exterior of the plug 52, and the cover 522 provided inside the plug body 521 and covering one end 51a of the power line 51. The plug body 521 may form the connection terminal insertion groove 5213 recessed inwardly of the plug body 521 such that the connection terminal 37 is inserted.

[0132] The cover 522 may include the upper cover 5221 disposed on an upper side of the power line 51, the lower cover 5222 disposed on a lower side of the power line 51, and the lower cover hole 5222e formed on the lower cover 5222 and configured to allow the connection terminal 37 to pass therethrough.

[0133] The plug 52 may further include the terminal 523 disposed between the upper cover 5221 and the lower cover 5222. The terminal 523 may include the terminal hole 5232 provided for insertion of one end 37a of the connection terminal 37. The terminal hole 5232 may be in communication with the lower cover hole 5222e.

[0134] The terminal 523 may further include the power line coupling portion 5231 to which one end 51a of the power line 51 is coupled. The power line 51 and the connection terminal 37 may be configured to be electrically connected via the terminal 523.

[0135] The compressor 1 according to the spirit of the present disclosure may include the motor 20, the connection terminal 37 configured to receive power for driving the motor 20, and the power connector 50 detachably coupled to the connection terminal 37. The power connector 50 may include the power line 51 configured to supply power to the motor 20, and the plug 52 into and to which one end 51a of the power line 51 is inserted and fixed. The plug 52 may include the cover 522 covering one end 51a of the power line 51, and the terminal 523 disposed inside the cover 522 and supported by the cover 522. The power line 51 and the connection terminal 37 may be configured to be electrically connected via the terminal 523.

[0136] According to the spirit of the present disclosure, the airtight structure of the plug may prevent contact between leaked refrigerant and the connection terminal and power line, thereby preventing ignition or explosion due to sparking.

[0137] According to the spirit of the present disclosure, by coupling the plug to the connection terminal, the plurality of power lines may be simultaneously connected to the connection terminal, thereby simplifying the compressor manufacturing process.

[0138] The effects to be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0139] While the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by those of skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A compressor comprising: a compression portion configured to compress a refrigerant; a motor configured to drive the compression portion; a connection terminal configured to be supplied with power to drive the motor; and a power connector detachably coupled to the connection terminal; wherein the power connector comprises: a power line configured to supply power to the connection terminal, and a plug into which one end of the power line is inserted and fixed, wherein the plug comprises: a plug body forming an exterior of the plug, and a cover provided inside the plug body and covering the one end of the power line, wherein the one end of the power line and one end of the connection terminal are disposed on an inner side of the cover and configured to be electrically connected to each other.

2. The compressor of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises: an upper cover disposed on an upper side of the power line, and a lower cover disposed on a lower side of the power line.

3. The compressor of claim 2, wherein the cover is inserted into a mold forming the plug and injection molded together with the plug body.

4. The compressor of claim 3, wherein the cover further comprises: an upper support protrusion protruding upwardly from the upper cover, and a lower support protrusion protruding downwardly from the lower cover, wherein, during injection molding with the cover inserted into the mold, the cover is configured to be supported by the mold by the upper support protrusion and the lower support protrusion.

5. The compressor of claim 2, wherein the cover further comprises: a coupling protrusion protruding downwardly from the upper cover, and a coupling protrusion insertion groove into which the coupling protrusion is inserted, the coupling protrusion insertion groove disposed on an upper surface of the lower cover.

6. The compressor of claim 2, wherein the plug further comprises a terminal disposed between the upper cover and the lower cover, and the power line and the connection terminal are configured to be electrically connected via the terminal.

7. The compressor of claim 6, wherein the terminal comprises: a power line coupling portion to which the one end of the power line is coupled, and a terminal hole into which the one end of the connection terminal is inserted.

8. The compressor of claim 6, wherein the cover further comprises: an upper terminal coupling portion disposed on a lower surface of the upper cover and configured to support an upper portion of the terminal, and a lower terminal coupling portion disposed on an upper surface of the lower cover and configured to support a lower portion of the terminal.

9. The compressor of claim 1, further comprising a compressor case accommodating the compression portion and the motor therein, wherein the compressor case comprises a housing and an upper housing cover provided on an upper side of the housing, and the plug is disposed on the upper housing cover.

10. The compressor of claim 9, further comprising a fastening member fastened to the upper housing cover and configured to fix the plug to the upper housing cover.

11. The compressor of claim 10, wherein the plug body comprises a plug body hole in which the fastening member is disposed.

12. The compressor of claim 11, wherein the plug further comprises a bush disposed in the plug body hole, and the bush comprises a bush hole into which the fastening member is inserted.

13. The compressor of claim 9, wherein the upper housing cover comprises a protrusion in which the connection terminal is disposed, and the plug body forms a protrusion seating groove recessed inwardly of the plug body such that the protrusion is seated.

14. The compressor of claim 9, further comprising a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature inside the compressor case, and wherein the temperature sensor is disposed on the upper housing cover.

15. The compressor of claim 14, wherein the plug body forms a temperature sensor seating groove recessed inwardly of the plug body such that the temperature sensor is seated.

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