Rolling piston type electric compressor

Abstract

To provide a rolling piston type electric compressor having high reliability.SOLUTION: In a rolling piston type electric compressor, a supply passage is formed which diverges from a discharge passage, is separated from an oil separator, and can supply lubrication oil to a vane. A pressure of refrigerant discharged to a discharge pressure area 3A is applied to an outer peripheral surface of a cylinder. Holes 128, 157 extending in a direction intersecting with a first direction and communicating with a vane are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder. In the holes 128, 157, an elastic member biasing the vane toward a piston is arranged. The holes 128, 157 are closed by seal members 200, 201, and the insides of the holes 128, 157 are isolated from the discharge pressure area 3A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rolling piston type electric compressor. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2005-105985 (Patent Document 1) is a prior art document that discloses a horizontal rotary compressor. The horizontal rotary compressor described in Patent Document 1 is provided with an elastic member. The elastic member urges a vane toward a roller that rotates eccentrically within a cylinder. The cylinder is provided with a space for arranging the elastic member so that the space is connected to the vane. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-105985 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the horizontal rotary compressor described in Patent Document 1, when the pressure of the compressed refrigerant is applied to the space in the cylinder where the elastic member is disposed, the lubricating oil around the vanes may leak out of the cylinder, reducing the lubrication of the vanes and potentially reducing the reliability of the rolling piston type electric compressor.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a rolling piston type electric compressor that is highly reliable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A rolling piston type electric compressor according to the present disclosure includes a case, an electric motor, a compression mechanism, and an oil separator. The case has a suction path and a discharge path. The electric motor is housed in the case. The compression mechanism is housed in the case and is arranged horizontally alongside the electric motor. The compression mechanism draws in refrigerant that has been drawn in through the suction path and passed through the electric motor, compresses it, and discharges it to the discharge path. The oil separator is provided on the discharge path and separates lubricating oil mixed in the refrigerant from the refrigerant. The compression mechanism includes a rotating shaft, a piston, vanes, a cylinder, and a plate member. The rotating shaft is driven by the electric motor and has an axis extending in a first direction. The piston is rotatable eccentrically with respect to the axis as the rotating shaft rotates. The vane abuts against the piston in a direction intersecting the first direction. The cylinder houses the piston and vane, and a compression chamber that compresses the refrigerant is formed between the piston and the vane. The plate member abuts against the cylinder in the first direction and contacts the compression chamber. A supply path is formed that branches off from the discharge path and can supply lubricating oil separated from the oil separator to the vane. The plate member separates a suction pressure region and a discharge pressure region. The suction pressure region contains refrigerant drawn into the interior of the case. The discharge pressure region contains refrigerant discharged from the compression chamber between the inner peripheral surface of the case and the outer peripheral surface of the compression mechanism. The outer peripheral surface of the cylinder is subjected to the pressure of the refrigerant discharged in the discharge pressure region. The outer peripheral surface of the cylinder is provided with a hole that extends in a direction intersecting the first direction and leads to the vane. An elastic member is disposed in the hole to bias the vane toward the piston. The hole is closed by a sealing member, so that the interior of the hole is isolated from the discharge pressure region.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the elastic member is fixed to the sealing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a highly reliable rolling piston type electric compressor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view illustrating a configuration of a rolling piston type electric compressor according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a front view of the rolling piston type electric compressor of FIG. 1, as viewed from the direction of the arrow II. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rolling piston type electric compressor of FIG. 1, seen from the direction of the arrows along line III-III. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rolling piston type electric compressor of FIG. 3, seen from the direction of the arrows along line IV-IV. [Figure 5] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a path through which a refrigerant is compressed in a rolling piston electric compressor according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rolling piston type electric compressor of FIG. 1, seen from the direction of the arrows along line VI-VI. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a lubricating oil supply path in the rolling piston electric compressor according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rolling piston type electric compressor of FIG. 1, as viewed from the direction of the arrows along the line VIII-VIII. [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a sealing member included in a rolling piston type electric compressor according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a rolling piston type electric compressor according to a comparative example. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the periphery of a cylinder included in a rolling piston type electric compressor according to a comparative example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a rolling piston type electric compressor according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference characters, and description thereof may not be repeated.

[0011] In the drawings, the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the axis of the rotating shaft extends and the vertical direction is designated as the X direction, the vertical direction is designated as the Y direction, and the direction in which the axis of the rotating shaft extends is designated as the Z direction. Also, in the drawings, some parts, such as the connection structure between components, are omitted. Furthermore, for the sake of convenience, cross-sectional portions are not hatched in Figures 4 and 10.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) First, the overall configuration of a rolling piston type electric compressor will be described. Fig. 1 is a top view showing the configuration of a rolling piston type electric compressor according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a front view of the configuration of the rolling piston type electric compressor of Fig. 1, as seen from the direction of the arrows along line II. Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the configuration of the rolling piston type electric compressor of Fig. 1, as seen from the direction of the arrows along line III-III.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, rolling piston type electric compressor 1 can be mounted on, for example, an automobile. Rolling piston type electric compressor 1 is used, for example, in automobile air conditioning. Rolling piston type electric compressor 1 in this embodiment is driven using, for example, carbon dioxide (CO2) as a refrigerant.

[0014] The rolling piston type electric compressor 1 in this embodiment includes a case 10, a compression mechanism 20, an electric motor 30, and an oil separator 40.

[0015] The case 10 forms the outer shape of the rolling piston type electric compressor 1. The material of the case 10 is, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0016] The case 10 includes a first case 11 and a second case 12. The first case 11 and the second case 12 are aligned in a first direction (Z direction).

[0017] The first case 11 is provided with an intake port 13 through which a refrigerant (not shown) is drawn in. The intake port 13 penetrates an inner peripheral surface 15. The second case 12 is provided with a discharge port 14 through which the refrigerant is discharged. The discharge port 14 is located in a thick portion at the end of the case 10 in the first direction (Z direction).

[0018] Case 10 is provided with suction path 2 and discharge path 3. Refrigerant is drawn into case 10 through suction path 2. Suction port 13 constitutes part of suction path 2. Refrigerant is discharged to the outside of case 10 through discharge path 3. Discharge port 14 constitutes part of discharge path 3.

[0019] The compression mechanism 20 is housed in the case 10. In the present embodiment, the compression mechanism 20 is mainly disposed inside the second case 12. The compression mechanism 20 is arranged horizontally alongside the electric motor 30. The compression mechanism 20 is capable of drawing in and compressing the refrigerant that has been drawn in through the suction path 2 and passed through the electric motor 30, and discharging the compressed refrigerant from the discharge path 3. The members constituting the compression mechanism 20 are made of a material such as an aluminum alloy or an iron alloy, for example.

[0020] The compression mechanism 20 includes a rotary shaft 21, a piston, a vane, a cylinder, and a plate member 25. The piston is rotatable eccentrically with respect to an axis C as the rotary shaft 21 rotates. The vane abuts against the piston in a direction intersecting the first direction. The cylinder houses the piston and the vane, and a compression chamber that compresses the refrigerant is formed between the piston and the vane. The plate member 25 abuts against the cylinder in the first direction and is in contact with the compression chamber.

[0021] The piston in this embodiment includes a first piston and a second piston spaced apart from each other in a first direction. The vane in this embodiment includes a first vane and a second vane. The cylinder in this embodiment includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder. The compression chamber includes a first compression chamber and a second compression chamber.

[0022] The electric motor 30 is housed in a case 10. In this embodiment, the electric motor 30 is housed in a first case 11.

[0023] The electric motor 30 includes a stator 31 and a rotor 32. The stator 31 is formed by stacking a plurality of electromagnetic steel plates (not shown) in the Z direction. The stator 31 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface 15 of the first case 11. The rotor 32 is formed by stacking a plurality of electromagnetic steel plates (not shown) in the Z direction. The rotor 32 is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the stator 31 with a gap therebetween.

[0024] The oil separator 40 is provided on the discharge path 3. The oil separator 40 is provided on the discharge path 3 adjacent to the discharge port 14. The refrigerant contains lubricating oil (not shown) to maintain the sliding properties of the compression mechanism 20. The oil separator 40 separates the lubricating oil mixed in the refrigerant from the refrigerant.

[0025] Next, a detailed description will be given of the compression mechanism 20. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rolling piston type electric compressor of Fig. 3, as viewed from the direction of the arrows along line IV-IV.

[0026] 3 and 4, the compression mechanism 20 includes a rotary shaft 21, a first compression section 22, a second compression section 23, and a plate member 25. In the present embodiment, the plate member 25 has a front side plate 140, a middle side plate 160, and a rear side plate 190.

[0027] The rotating shaft 21 is driven by an electric motor 30. The rotating shaft 21 has an axis C extending in a first direction (Z direction). Since the first direction (Z direction) is horizontal, the rolling piston type electric compressor 1 in this embodiment is a horizontally placed compressor whose horizontal width is greater than its vertical height. Note that the axis C of the rotating shaft 21 is not limited to a configuration extending horizontally.

[0028] The rotating shaft 21 has a fixed portion 110 , a first shaft portion 111 , a second shaft portion 112 , a third shaft portion 113 , a first eccentric shaft portion 114 , and a second eccentric shaft portion 115 .

[0029] The fixed portion 110 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface 33 of the rotor 32. As a result, when the electric motor 30 is driven, the rotation of the rotor 32 causes the rotation shaft 21 to rotate about the axis C.

[0030] The first shaft 111 is inserted through the front side plate 140. The second shaft 112 is inserted through the rear side plate 190. The third shaft 113 is inserted through the middle side plate 160.

[0031] Each of the first eccentric shaft portion 114 and the second eccentric shaft portion 115 is eccentric in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (Z direction) with respect to the axis C of the rotating shaft 21. The first eccentric shaft portion 114 is inserted through the first compression portion 22. The second eccentric shaft portion 115 is inserted through the second compression portion 23.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the first compression section 22 has a first piston 120 , a first vane 122 , and a first cylinder 125 .

[0033] The first piston 120 is rotatable in an eccentric state with respect to the axis C in accordance with the rotation of the rotary shaft 21. The first piston 120 is fitted to the first eccentric shaft portion 114 in a state in which it can rotate around its own axis in the circumferential direction in the first direction (Z direction).

[0034] The first vane 122 abuts against the first piston 120 in a direction (Y direction) intersecting the first direction. A tip end 123 of the first vane 122 abuts against the outer circumferential surface 121 of the first piston 120 in the direction (Y direction) intersecting the first direction. The first vane 122 is movable in the Y direction while abutting against the first piston 120 in accordance with the rotation of the first piston 120.

[0035] The first cylinder 125 accommodates the first piston 120 and the first vane 122. The first piston 120, which rotates eccentrically, slides on an inner circumferential surface 126 of the first cylinder 125. A vane groove 127 is provided so as to be continuous with the inner circumferential surface 126. The vane groove 127 extends in the Y direction. The first vane 122 is accommodated in the vane groove 127. The side surface 124 of the first vane 122 is provided so as to slide in the vane groove 127.

[0036] In the first cylinder 125, a first compression chamber 26 is formed between the first piston 120 and the first vane 122, in which the refrigerant is compressed.

[0037] Refrigerant is introduced into first compression chamber 26 through first suction port 143, which will be described later. As first piston 120 rotates in an eccentric state, the space in first compression chamber 26 gradually narrows, compressing the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant is discharged from first discharge port 164, which will be described later.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the second compression section 23 includes a second piston 150 , a second vane 151 , and a second cylinder 152 .

[0039] The second piston 150 is disposed at a distance from the first piston 120 on the side opposite to the side on which the front side plate 140 is disposed in the first direction (Z direction). The second piston 150 is rotatable in an eccentric state with respect to the axis C in conjunction with the rotation of the rotary shaft 21. The second piston 150 is fitted to the second eccentric shaft portion 115 in a state in which it can rotate around its own axis in the circumferential direction in the first direction (Z direction).

[0040] The second vane 151 abuts against the second piston 150 in a direction (Y direction) intersecting the first direction. The second cylinder 152 accommodates the second piston 150 and the second vane 151 in a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0041] In second compression section 23, second vane 151, second cylinder 152, and second piston 150 form second compression chamber 27 for compressing refrigerant.

[0042] Refrigerant is introduced into second compression chamber 27 through second suction port 180, which will be described later. As second piston 150 rotates in an eccentric state, the space in second compression chamber 27 gradually narrows, compressing the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant is discharged through second discharge port 192, which will be described later.

[0043] The front side plate 140 abuts against the first cylinder 125 in the first direction (Z direction). In this embodiment, the front side plate 140 abuts against the first cylinder 125 from the side where the electric motor 30 is disposed. The front side plate 140 abuts against the first compression chamber 26 in the first direction (Z direction).

[0044] The front side plate 140 has an outer periphery 141 and a first bearing portion 142. The outer periphery 141 is a portion that is sandwiched between the first case 11 and the second case 12 in the first direction (Z direction). The front side plate 140 is connected to the first case 11 and the second case 12 at the outer periphery 141 by bolts or the like. The first bearing portion 142 is formed by a through hole that penetrates the front side plate 140 in the first direction (Z direction). The first bearing portion 142 supports the first shaft portion 111. The first shaft portion 111 slides relative to the first bearing portion 142 as the rotating shaft 21 rotates.

[0045] An oil reservoir 28 is disposed in the front side plate 140. The oil reservoir 28 is capable of storing lubricating oil. Details of the oil reservoir 28 will be described later.

[0046] The middle side plate 160 is disposed between the first cylinder 125 and the second cylinder 152 in the first direction (Z direction), and separates the first compression chamber 26 and the second compression chamber 27 from each other.

[0047] The middle side plate 160 has a first member 161 and a second member 178 .

[0048] The first member 161 has a disk shape extending in a direction intersecting the first direction. The first member 161 abuts against the first cylinder 125 in the first direction (Z direction). The third shaft portion 113 of the rotating shaft 21 is inserted into an inner circumferential surface 162 of the first member 161. The third shaft portion 113 slides relative to the inner circumferential surface 162 as the rotating shaft 21 rotates.

[0049] The second member 178 has a disk shape extending in a direction intersecting the first direction. The second member 178 abuts against the second cylinder 152 and the first member 161 in the first direction (Z direction). The third shaft portion 113 of the rotating shaft 21 is inserted into an inner circumferential surface 179 of the second member 178. The third shaft portion 113 slides relative to the inner circumferential surface 179 as the rotating shaft 21 rotates.

[0050] The rear side plate 190 abuts against the second cylinder 152 from the side opposite to the side on which the front side plate 140 is disposed in the first direction (Z direction). ... compression chamber 27 in the first direction (Z direction). The rear side plate 190 is disposed opposite the front side plate 140 in the first direction (Z direction), with the first compression chamber 26 and the second compression chamber 27 sandwiched therebetween.

[0051] The rear side plate 190 has a second bearing portion 191. The second bearing portion 191 is configured as a through-hole that penetrates the rear side plate 190 in the first direction (Z direction). The second bearing portion 191 supports the second shaft portion 112. The second shaft portion 112 slides relative to the second bearing portion 191 as the rotary shaft 21 rotates.

[0052] Next, a description will be given of the refrigerant path in the rolling piston electric compressor 1. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the path through which the refrigerant is compressed in the rolling piston electric compressor according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of convenience, Fig. 5 shows only the components necessary for the explanation, and omits other components (such as through holes for supplying lubricating oil).

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, the suction path 2 and the discharge path 3 through which the refrigerant passes are provided to pass through the front side plate 140, the first cylinder 125, the middle side plate 160, the second cylinder 152, and the rear side plate 190.

[0054] A first intake port 143 is provided in the front side plate 140. The first intake port 143 penetrates the front side plate 140 in a first direction (Z direction). The first intake port 143 has an elongated hole shape in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (Z direction).

[0055] The first cylinder 125 is provided with a communication hole 132. The communication hole 132 passes through the first cylinder 125 in the first direction (Z direction).

[0056] A communication hole 170 is provided in the first member 161 of the middle side plate 160. The communication hole 170 penetrates the first member 161 in the first direction (Z direction).

[0057] The first member 161 is provided with a first discharge port 164. The first discharge port 164 penetrates the first member 161 in the first direction (Z direction). A first groove 163 is provided in the end face of the first member 161 on the side that abuts against the second member 178. The first groove 163 is recessed in the first direction (Z direction). The first discharge port 164 is connected to the bottom of the first groove 163. The first discharge port 164 communicates with the first compression chamber 26. The first discharge port 164 discharges the refrigerant compressed between the first member 161 and the second member 178. In this embodiment, the refrigerant compressed is discharged into the internal space of the first groove 163.

[0058] A discharge valve 165 is provided in the first discharge port 164. The first discharge port 164 is opened and closed by the discharge valve 165. A gap 169 communicating with the first groove 163 is provided in an outer peripheral surface 168 of the first member 161. The refrigerant discharged from the first discharge port 164 can be discharged from the gap 169 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (Z direction).

[0059] A second intake port 180 is provided in the second member 178 of the middle side plate 160. The second intake port 180 penetrates the second member 178 in the first direction (Z direction).

[0060] A second discharge port 192 is provided in the rear side plate 190. The second discharge port 192 penetrates the rear side plate 190 in the first direction (Z direction). The second discharge port 192 is opened and closed by a discharge valve 193.

[0061] The suction path 2 is composed of a path through which the refrigerant flows from the suction port 13 of the case 10 to the first suction port 143, and a path through which the refrigerant flows from the first suction port 143 in the compression mechanism 20 to the first compression chamber 26 and the second compression chamber 27.

[0062] The discharge path 3 is composed of a path through which the refrigerant flows from the first compression chamber 26 in the compression mechanism 20 to the first discharge port 164, a path through which the refrigerant flows from the second compression chamber 27 to the second discharge port 192, and a path through which the refrigerant flows from the first discharge port 164 and the second discharge port 192 to the oil separator 40.

[0063] The suction path 2 includes a first suction path 4 and a second suction path 5. The discharge path 3 includes a first discharge path 6 and a second discharge path .

[0064] The first suction path 4 is a path that introduces the refrigerant into the first compression chamber 26. The first suction path 4 introduces the refrigerant that has flowed into the inside of the case 10 from the suction port 13 into the first compression chamber 26 via the first suction port 143.

[0065] The first discharge path 6 is a path that discharges the refrigerant compressed in the first compression chamber 26. The first discharge path 6 passes through a first discharge port 164 and a gap 169 and is connected to a first communication hole 16 of the case 10, which will be described later. The first discharge path 6 connects the first compression chamber 26 and the oil separator 40.

[0066] The second suction path 5 is a path that introduces the refrigerant into the second compression chamber 27. The second suction path 5 branches off from the first suction path 4 at the first suction port 143. The second suction path 5 introduces the refrigerant into the second compression chamber 27 via the first suction port 143, the communication holes 132 and 170, and the second suction port 180.

[0067] The second discharge path 7 is a path that discharges the refrigerant compressed in the second compression chamber 27. The second discharge path 7 passes through the second discharge port 192 and is connected to the first communication hole 16 of the case 10. The second discharge path 7 connects the second compression chamber 27 and the oil separator 40.

[0068] The above-described suction path 2 and discharge path 3 create a pressure difference in the refrigerant inside the case 10. As shown in Fig. 3, a suction pressure region 2A is defined in part of the interior of the case 10, where the refrigerant drawn into the case 10 exists. Also, a discharge pressure region 3A is defined in part of the interior of the case 10, where the refrigerant discharged from the compression chamber between the inner circumferential surface 15 of the case 10 and the outer circumferential surface of the compression mechanism 20 exists.

[0069] The suction pressure region 2A is an internal space of the case 10 that includes a path through which the refrigerant flows from the suction port 13 of the case 10 to the first suction port 143 of the front side plate 140. The suction pressure region 2A communicates with the suction path 2.

[0070] The discharge pressure region 3A is a space between the inner circumferential surface 15 of the case 10 and the outer circumferential surface of the compression mechanism 20. The discharge pressure region 3A includes a part of the path through which the refrigerant flows from the first discharge port 164 and the second discharge port 192 to the oil separator 40. The discharge pressure region 3A is in communication with the discharge path 3.

[0071] Plate member 25 separates suction pressure region 2A from discharge pressure region 3A. In this embodiment, front side plate 140 separates suction pressure region 2A from discharge pressure region 3A so that they are aligned in the first direction (Z direction). Front side plate 140 is configured to withstand the pressure of discharge pressure region 3A. Therefore, front side plate 140 is thicker than rear side plate 190 in the first direction (Z direction).

[0072] Specifically, the front side plate 140 has a thickness T1 in a portion other than the outer circumferential portion 141 and the first bearing portion 142. The thickness T1 is the thickness between one end face and the other end face of the front side plate 140 at a position aligned with the cylinder in the first direction (Z direction). The rear side plate 190 has a thickness T2 in a portion other than the second bearing portion 191. The thickness T2 is the minimum thickness of the rear side plate 190. The thickness T1 of the front side plate 140 is greater than the thickness T2 of the rear side plate 190.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rolling piston type electric compressor of FIG. 1, seen from the direction of the arrows along line VI-VI.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 6, a first communication hole 16 and an inner diameter portion 19 are provided in a thick portion of the case 10. The first communication hole 16 connects the discharge pressure region 3A with the inner diameter portion 19. The inner diameter portion 19 extends along the Y direction. The inner diameter portion 19 constitutes a part of the discharge path 3.

[0075] The oil separator 40 is in communication with the discharge pressure region 3A via the first communication hole 16 and the inner diameter portion 19. The oil separator 40 has a cylindrical portion 41. The cylindrical portion 41 is disposed inside the inner diameter portion 19. The cylindrical portion 41 is disposed opposite the direction in which the refrigerant is discharged from the first communication hole 16.

[0076] When the refrigerant mixed with lubricating oil is discharged onto the outer peripheral surface of cylindrical portion 41, the momentum of the discharge causes the refrigerant mixed with lubricating oil to circulate between the outer peripheral surface of cylindrical portion 41 and inner diameter portion 19, and the lubricating oil is centrifuged from the refrigerant. The refrigerant is discharged from discharge port 14 to the outside of rolling piston type electric compressor 1. Meanwhile, the lubricating oil moves downward in the Y direction (direction DR1 in FIG. 6) along inner diameter portion 19.

[0077] Next, the lubricating oil supply path in the rolling piston electric compressor 1 will be described. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the lubricating oil supply path in the rolling piston electric compressor according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the configuration of the rolling piston electric compressor in Fig. 1, as viewed from the direction of the arrows VIII-VIII. For convenience, Fig. 7 shows only the configuration necessary for explanation, and omits the depiction of other configurations (such as the suction path or the discharge path).

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lubricating oil supply path 8 through which the lubricating oil separated from the oil separator 40 flows is formed to pass through the case 10 and the compression mechanism 20.

[0079] The lubricating oil supply path 8 includes a first supply path 50 and a second supply path 60. The first supply path 50 branches off from the discharge path 3. The first supply path 50 can supply the lubricating oil separated from the oil separator 40 to the oil reservoir 28. The second supply path 60 can supply the lubricating oil from the oil reservoir 28 to a sliding position of the compression mechanism 20.

[0080] 8, a second communication hole 17 communicating with the inner diameter portion 19 is provided in the case 10. The second communication hole 17 extends in the first direction (Z direction).

[0081] 7 and 8, a first oil supply hole 196 is provided in rear side plate 190. First oil supply hole 196 penetrates rear side plate 190 in a first direction (Z direction). Similar to first oil supply hole 196, first oil supply holes 153, 181, 171, 133, and 144 are provided in second cylinder 152, second member 178, first member 161, first cylinder 125, and front side plate 140.

[0082] The first supply path 50 is made up of the second communication hole 17 and the first oil supply holes 196, 153, 181, 171, 133, and 144. The first supply path 50 supplies the lubricating oil separated by the oil separator 40 to the oil reservoir 28 (in the direction DR2 in FIG. 8).

[0083] The first supply path 50 directly connects the second communication hole 17 of the case 10 with the first oil supply holes 196, 153, 181, 171, 133, and 144 of the compression mechanism 20. There is no need to provide a dedicated part for supplying lubricating oil in the path that supplies lubricating oil to the oil reservoir 28. This makes it possible to configure a less expensive rolling piston type electric compressor 1 compared to a case in which a dedicated part for supplying lubricating oil is separately provided.

[0084] 3, 7, and 8, plate member 25 is provided with a recess that serves as oil reservoir 28 capable of storing lubricating oil. In the present embodiment, oil reservoir 28 is the interior of recess 149 provided in front side plate 140.

[0085] 7, the front side plate 140 is provided with communication holes 145 and 146. The communication holes 145 and 146 communicate with the oil reservoir chamber .

[0086] Lubricating oil is supplied from oil reservoir chamber 28 to sliding portions of compression mechanism 20 via communication holes 145, 146, first throttle portion 145A, and second throttle portion 146A.

[0087] Specifically, there are provided a first passage 147, a second passage 197, a third passage 173, fourth passages 174 and 183, and fifth passages 136 and 156. Second oil feed holes 134, 172, 182, and 154 and third oil feed holes 135, 175, 184, and 155 are provided in each component of the compression mechanism 20 so that these passages communicate with the oil reservoir 28.

[0088] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the system is configured so that lubricating oil can be supplied to the sliding area between the first bearing portion 142 and the first shaft portion 111 via the communication hole 145, the first throttle portion 145A, and the first path 147.

[0089] Lubricating oil can be supplied to the sliding portion between the second bearing portion 191 and the second shaft portion 112 via the communication hole 146, the second throttle portion 146A, the second oil supply holes 134, 172, 182, 154 and the second path 197.

[0090] Lubricating oil is supplied between the first member 161 and the second member 178 and the third shaft portion 113 via the third path 173 of the middle side plate 160 .

[0091] Lubricating oil is supplied between the middle side plate 160 and the end face of the first piston 120 that contacts the middle side plate 160 via a fourth path 174 of the middle side plate 160. Lubricating oil is also supplied between the middle side plate 160 and the end face of the second piston 150 that contacts the middle side plate 160 via a fourth path 183 of the middle side plate 160.

[0092] Lubricating oil can be supplied between the first vane 122 and the vane groove 127 of the first cylinder 125 via the fifth path 136. Furthermore, lubricating oil can be supplied between the second vane 151 and the vane groove of the second cylinder 152 via the fifth path 156. As with the fifth path 136, the fifth path 156 can also supply lubricating oil uniformly to the position where the second vane 151 and the second cylinder 152 slide.

[0093] In the rolling piston type electric compressor 1, a supply path is formed that branches off from the discharge path 3 and is capable of supplying the lubricating oil separated in the oil separator 40 to the vanes. Of the above-mentioned lubricating oil supply paths, the fifth paths 136 and 156 are the supply paths.

[0094] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a sealing member included in the rolling piston electric compressor according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] 4 and 9, the pressure of the refrigerant discharged in the discharge pressure region 3A acts on the outer peripheral surfaces of the cylinders. In the present embodiment, the pressure of the refrigerant discharged in the discharge pressure region 3A acts on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first cylinder 125 and the second cylinder 152.

[0096] The outer circumferential surface of the cylinder is provided with a hole that extends in a direction intersecting the first direction and communicates with the vane. The outer circumferential surface of first cylinder 125 is provided with a through-hole 128 as the hole. Through-hole 128 penetrates to first vane 122 in a vertical direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction. The outer circumferential surface of second cylinder 152 is provided with a through-hole 157 as the hole. Through-hole 157 is provided along the Y direction. Through-hole 157 penetrates to second vane 151 in the vertical direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction.

[0097] An elastic member that urges the vane toward the piston is disposed in the hole. In this embodiment, a first elastic member 129 that urges first vane 122 toward first piston 120 is provided in through hole 128. A second elastic member 158 that urges second vane 151 toward second piston 150 is provided in through hole 157.

[0098] The holes are closed by sealing members. The rolling piston type electric compressor 1 in this embodiment includes a first sealing member 200 and a second sealing member 201. The through hole 128 is closed by the first sealing member 200. The first sealing member 200 is fitted into the through hole 128 by, for example, press-fitting. The through hole 157 is closed by the second sealing member 201. The second sealing member 201 is fitted into the through hole 157 by, for example, press-fitting.

[0099] The first sealing member 200 and the second sealing member 201 are made of metal such as an aluminum alloy or an iron alloy, etc. The first sealing member 200 and the second sealing member 201 have substantially the same shape.

[0100] The holes are closed with sealing members, and therefore the interiors of the holes are isolated from the discharge pressure region 3A. In the present embodiment, the through hole 128 is closed with a first sealing member 200, and therefore the interiors of the through hole 128 are isolated from the discharge pressure region 3A. The through hole 157 is closed with a second sealing member 201, and therefore the interiors of the through hole 157 are isolated from the discharge pressure region 3A.

[0101] The elastic members are fixed to the sealing member. In the present embodiment, the first elastic member 129 is fixed to the first sealing member 200. The second elastic member 158 is fixed to the second sealing member 201. Note that the first elastic member 129 and the second elastic member 158 may not be fixed to the sealing member, but may be fixed to a fixing portion or the like provided elsewhere.

[0102] Here, a rolling piston type electric compressor according to a comparative example will be described. The rolling piston type electric compressor according to the comparative example differs from rolling piston type electric compressor 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure in that a sealing member is not provided, and therefore, description of the same configuration as rolling piston type electric compressor 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will not be repeated.

[0103] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a rolling piston type electric compressor according to a comparative example. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the periphery of a cylinder provided in the rolling piston type electric compressor according to the comparative example. Note that, for convenience, elastic members are omitted from Fig. 11.

[0104] 10 and 11, in the rolling piston type electric compressor 9 according to the comparative example, the discharge pressure region 3A communicates with the through-hole 128 of the first cylinder 125. The discharge pressure region 3A also communicates with the through-hole 157 of the second cylinder 152.

[0105] A plate-shaped member 130 and a fastening member 131 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first cylinder 125. The plate-shaped member 130 is disposed with a gap from the through-hole 128. The plate-shaped member 130 supports the first elastic member 129. The fastening member 131 fixes the plate-shaped member 130 to the first cylinder 125. The second cylinder 152 according to the comparative example is also provided with the same plate-shaped member and fastening member as the first cylinder 125.

[0106] Pressure in the discharge pressure region 3A is applied to the vane through the through-holes 128 and 157 (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 11). Although lubricating oil is supplied to the vane, high pressure is applied from the discharge pressure region 3A. This may cause the lubricating oil to flow out from the periphery of the vane through the through-holes 128 and 157. This may result in a decrease in the lubrication of the vane.

[0107] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the through holes 128 and 157 are closed with sealing members, which prevents the high pressure from the discharge pressure region 3A from being applied to the vane through the through holes, thereby preventing the lubricating oil around the vane from leaking out of the cylinder through the through holes.

[0108] In the rolling piston type electric compressor 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, by closing the through-holes provided in the cylinder with a sealing member, it is possible to prevent lubricating oil from leaking out from around the vanes communicating with the through-holes, thereby ensuring the lubrication of the vanes. As a result, it is possible to provide a rolling piston type electric compressor 1 with high reliability.

[0109] In the rolling piston type electric compressor 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic member that biases the vane is fixed by a sealing member, so that no dedicated part is required for fixing the elastic member. Therefore, an inexpensive rolling piston type electric compressor 1 can be provided without increasing the number of parts.

[0110] In rolling piston type electric compressor 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, through hole 128 provided in first cylinder 125 is closed by first sealing member 200, and through hole 157 provided in second cylinder 152 is closed by second sealing member 201. This makes it possible to prevent lubricating oil from leaking to the outside from around first vane 122 and around second vane 151, which communicate with the through holes, thereby ensuring the lubrication of first vane 122 and second vane 151. As a result, even in a configuration with two compression chambers, first sealing member 200 and second sealing member 201 have substantially the same shape, so that an inexpensive and reliable rolling piston type electric compressor 1 can be provided without increasing the number of parts.

[0111] (Embodiment 2) The following describes a rolling piston type electric compressor according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. The rolling piston type electric compressor according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure differs from rolling piston type electric compressor 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure in the configuration of the oil reservoir and the sealing member, and therefore, description of the configuration that is the same as that of rolling piston type electric compressor 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will not be repeated.

[0112] 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a rolling piston type electric compressor according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, in which elastic members are omitted for the sake of simplicity.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 12, in the rolling piston type electric compressor 1A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, an oil storage chamber 28A is formed that is surrounded by the case 10, the first cylinder 125, the front side plate 140A, and the middle side plate 160A.

[0114] Specifically, the first member 161A abuts against the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface 15 of the case 10 in the XY plane perpendicular to the first direction (Z direction). An oil reservoir chamber 28A is formed in a space sandwiched between the case 10, the first cylinder 125, the front side plate 140A, and the first member 161A.

[0115] The second cylinder 152 is provided in the discharge pressure region 3 A. A second sealing member 201 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second cylinder.

[0116] Through hole 128 constitutes a part of a lubricating oil supply path. Lubricating oil is supplied from oil reservoir chamber 28 to the lower end side of first vane 122 through through hole 128. No sealing member is provided in through hole 128.

[0117] In the rolling piston type electric compressor 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, when the oil reservoir 28A is provided on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the compression mechanism 20A, if the through-hole can communicate with the oil reservoir, no sealing member is provided and the through-hole serves as a lubricating oil supply path. Furthermore, if the through-hole is located in the discharge pressure region 3A, the through-hole can be blocked with the second sealing member 201 to prevent the high pressure of the compressed refrigerant from being applied to the through-hole. This allows sealing members to be provided only in locations where high pressure is applied to the through-hole, ensuring the lubrication of the vanes. As a result, a highly reliable rolling piston type electric compressor 1A can be provided.

[0118] The rolling piston electric compressor according to the present disclosure may include a two-stage compression mechanism in which refrigerant compressed by a first compression section is supplied to a second compression section for further compression. The rolling piston electric compressor according to the present disclosure may also include a single compression section including a piston, a vane, and a cylinder. When the rolling piston electric compressor includes a single compression section, the middle side plate may not be provided.

[0119] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be interpreted solely by the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims are included. In the description of the above-described embodiments, combinable configurations may be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1, 1A, 9 Rolling piston type electric compressor, 2 Suction path, 2A Suction pressure region, 3 Discharge path, 3A Discharge pressure region, 4 First suction path, 5 Second suction path, 6 First discharge path, 7 Second discharge path, 8 Lubricating oil supply path, 10 Case, 11 First case, 12 Second case, 13 Suction port, 14 Discharge port, 15 Inner peripheral surface, 16 First communication hole, 17 Second communication hole, 19 Inner diameter portion, 20, 20A Compression mechanism, 21 Rotating shaft, 22 First compression section, 23 Second compression section, 25 Plate member, 26 First compression chamber, 27 Second compression chamber, 28, 28A Oil reservoir, 30 Electric motor, 31 Stator, 32 Rotor, 33 Inner peripheral surface, 40 Oil separator, 41 Cylindrical portion, 50 First supply path, 60 Second supply path, 110 Fixed portion, 111: First shaft portion, 112: Second shaft portion, 113: Third shaft portion, 114: First eccentric shaft portion, 115: Second eccentric shaft portion, 120: First piston, 121, 168: Outer peripheral surface, 122: First vane, 123: Tip portion, 124: Side portion, 125: First cylinder, 126, 162, 179: Inner peripheral surface, 127: Vane groove, 128, 157: Through hole, 129: First elastic member, 130: Plate-shaped member, 131: Fastening member, 132, 170: Communication hole, 133, 144, 153, 171, 181, 196: First oil supply hole, 134, 154, 172, 182: Second oil supply hole, 135, 155, 175, 184: Third oil supply hole, 136, 156 Fifth passage, 140, 140A Front side plate, 141 Outer periphery, 142 First bearing portion, 143 First intake port, 145, 146 Communication hole, 145A First throttle portion, 146A Second throttle portion, 147 First passage, 148 Cover portion, 149 Recess, 150 Second piston, 151 Second vane, 152 Second cylinder, 158 Second elastic member, 160, 160A Middle side plate, 161, 161A First member, 163 First groove, 164 First discharge port, 165, 193 Discharge valve, 169 Gap, 173 Third passage, 174, 183 Fourth passage, 178 Second member, 180 Second intake port, 190 Rear side plate, 191 Second bearing portion, 192 Second discharge port, 197 Second passage, 200 First sealing member, 201 Second sealing member, C axis center.

Claims

1. a case provided with an intake path and a discharge path; an electric motor housed in the case; a compression mechanism that is housed in the case and arranged horizontally alongside the electric motor, and that draws in refrigerant that has been drawn through the suction path and passed through the electric motor, compresses the refrigerant, and discharges the refrigerant to the discharge path; an oil separator provided on the discharge path to separate lubricating oil mixed in the refrigerant from the refrigerant; The compression mechanism includes: a rotating shaft driven by the electric motor and having an axis extending in a first direction; a piston that is rotatable in an eccentric state with respect to the axis as the rotary shaft rotates; a vane that abuts against the piston in a direction intersecting the first direction; a cylinder that accommodates the piston and the vane, and defines a compression chamber between the piston and the vane for compressing a refrigerant; a plate member that abuts against the cylinder in the first direction and that contacts the compression chamber, a supply path is formed that branches off from the discharge path and is capable of supplying the lubricating oil separated by the oil separator to the vane, the plate member partitions the inside of the case into a suction pressure region where the sucked refrigerant exists and a discharge pressure region between an inner circumferential surface of the case and an outer circumferential surface of the compression mechanism where the refrigerant is discharged from the compression chamber, The pressure of the refrigerant discharged in the discharge pressure region is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder, a hole extending in a direction intersecting the first direction and communicating with the vane is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the cylinder; an elastic member is disposed in the hole to bias the vane toward the piston; the hole is closed by a sealing member, thereby isolating the inside of the hole from the discharge pressure region.

2. 2. The rolling piston type electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is fixed to the sealing member.

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