Rolling piston type electric compressor

Abstract

To suppress outflow of lubricating oil to the outside of a compressor by stabilizing an oil level of the lubricating oil.SOLUTION: The intermediate chamber 140 is defined between the oil storage chamber 120 and the discharge chamber 130 in the circumferential direction of the compression mechanism 20, and communicates with the oil storage chamber 120 and the discharge chamber 130. A portion between the oil storage chamber 120 and the intermediate chamber 140 is narrowed by a first protrusion 100 that protrudes from one of the inner peripheral surface 12 and the outer peripheral surface 21 toward the other of the inner peripheral surface 12 and the outer peripheral surface 21 in the radial direction of the axial center C and narrows a distance between the inner peripheral surface 12 and the outer peripheral surface 21 in the radial direction. A portion between intermediate chamber 140 and discharge chamber 130 is narrowed by second protrusion 101 that protrudes from one of inner circumferential surface 12 and outer circumferential surface 21 toward the other of inner circumferential surface 12 and outer circumferential surface 21 in the radial direction to narrow a distance between inner circumferential surface 12 and outer circumferential surface 21 in the radial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 07-217576 (Patent Document 1) is a prior art document that discloses the configuration of a horizontal compressor. The horizontal compressor described in Patent Document 1 includes a casing and a compression element. The casing has an oil reservoir at its bottom. A partition plate facing a gas passage provided above the compression element is disposed at a predetermined interval, and an oil separation passage is formed between the compression element and the partition plate. The oil separation passage is opened at a position away from the gas passage and at a position higher than the maximum oil level height of the oil stored in the oil reservoir, thereby reducing the lifting of oil into the oil separation passage by discharge gas.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 07-229497 (Patent Document 2) is a prior art document that discloses the configuration of a horizontal compressor. The horizontal compressor described in Patent Document 2 includes a casing and a shielding member. The casing has an oil reservoir at its bottom. The shielding member is disposed opposite the opening of the discharge pipe. The shielding member separates oil in the gas and prevents the foamed oil from being lifted by the gas and flowing out of the discharge pipe, even if the oil in the oil reservoir foams.

[0004] A prior art document disclosing the configuration of a horizontal hermetic compressor is Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 01-063793 (Patent Document 3). The horizontal hermetic compressor described in Patent Document 3 comprises a casing and a compression element. The compression element includes a rear head. The outer periphery of the rear head is formed to a size close to the inner circumferential surface of the casing, forming a regulating passage. The regulating passage prevents oil level fluctuations caused by blade operation from being directly transmitted to the oil level on the discharge pipe side.

[0005] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2-023294 (Patent Document 4) is a prior art document that discloses the configuration of a horizontal rotary compressor. The horizontal rotary compressor described in Patent Document 4 includes a sealed container and a partition member. The partition member is provided in the discharge chamber so as to form a minute gap between the partition member and the inner surface of the sealed container. A restricting piece provided on the partition member suppresses foaming of lubricating oil in the discharge chamber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-217576 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-229497 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 01-063793 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 02-023294 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the compressor configurations described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, when the refrigerant compressed inside the housing comes into contact with the level of the lubricating oil stored at the bottom of the housing, the level of the lubricating oil is likely to become unstable. When the level of the lubricating oil becomes unstable, the lubricating oil that has been stirred up by the high-pressure refrigerant is likely to flow out of the compressor.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a rolling piston type electric compressor that can stabilize the oil level of lubricating oil and prevent the lubricating oil from leaking out of the compressor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A rolling piston type electric compressor according to the present disclosure includes a housing, an electric motor, and a compression mechanism. The electric motor is accommodated in the housing. The compression mechanism is accommodated in the housing and horizontally juxtaposed with the electric motor, compressing and discharging a refrigerant containing lubricating oil drawn in by driving the electric motor. The compression mechanism has a rotating shaft and an outer peripheral surface. The rotating shaft is driven by the electric motor and has an axial center extending in a first direction. The outer peripheral surface extends circumferentially about the axial center. The housing has an inner peripheral surface extending circumferentially. A discharge pressure region in which refrigerant and lubricating oil are present is defined between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface. The discharge pressure region includes an oil reservoir chamber, a discharge chamber, and an intermediate chamber. The oil reservoir chamber is defined vertically below the compression mechanism. The discharge chamber is defined vertically above the compression mechanism. The intermediate chamber is defined between the oil reservoir chamber and the discharge chamber in the circumferential direction of the compression mechanism and is in communication with the oil reservoir chamber and the discharge chamber. The space between the oil storage chamber and the intermediate chamber is narrowed by a first convex portion that protrudes from one of the inner and outer circumferential surfaces toward the other of the inner and outer circumferential surfaces in the radial direction of the axis and narrows the distance between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces in the radial direction.The space between the intermediate chamber and the discharge chamber is narrowed by a second convex portion that protrudes from one of the inner and outer circumferential surfaces toward the other of the inner and outer circumferential surfaces in the radial direction and narrows the distance between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces in the radial direction.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the volume of the discharge chamber is larger than the volume of the intermediate chamber, and the volume of the intermediate chamber is larger than the volume of the oil storage chamber.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shortest distance in the radial direction between the first convex portion and the other of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface that faces the first convex portion is defined as a first distance. The shortest distance in the radial direction between the second convex portion and the other of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface that faces the second convex portion is defined as a second distance. The first distance is shorter than the second distance.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the discharge pressure region is provided around the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, and the intermediate chambers are provided on both sides of the oil storage chamber and on both sides of the discharge chamber in the circumferential direction.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first convex portion and the second convex portion are provided on the inner circumferential surface.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the compressor further includes an oil separator configured to separate lubricating oil mixed in the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism from the refrigerant. The oil separator includes an outlet through which the lubricating oil is discharged. The outlet is in communication with the intermediate chamber.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the compressor further includes an oil separator that separates lubricating oil mixed in the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism from the refrigerant. The oil separator has a refrigerant discharge port that can discharge the compressed refrigerant toward the inner circumferential surface. The discharge chamber is provided with a third protrusion that protrudes radially from the inner circumferential surface toward the outer circumferential surface. The refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant discharge port toward the third protrusion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present disclosure, the oil level of the lubricating oil can be stabilized, and the outflow of the lubricating oil to the outside of the compressor can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a rolling piston type electric compressor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view showing the conduction paths of the refrigerant and lubricating oil in the rolling piston type electric compressor of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a 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] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between a discharge pressure region and an oil separator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 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.

[0019] In the drawings, the direction in which the axis of the rotating shaft extends and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction are designated as the X direction, the vertical direction as the Y direction, and the direction in which the axis of the rotating shaft extends as the Z direction. Also, in the drawings, some components other than those necessary for explanation and the connection structures between components are omitted. Furthermore, for the sake of convenience, cross-sectional areas are not hatched in Figures 3 and 4.

[0020] First, the overall configuration of the rolling piston type electric compressor will be described. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a rolling piston type electric compressor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] The rolling piston type electric compressor 1 can be mounted on, for example, an automobile. The rolling piston type electric compressor 1 is used, for example, in automobile air conditioning. The rolling piston type electric compressor 1 in this embodiment is driven using, for example, carbon dioxide (CO2) as a refrigerant. Because the first direction (Z direction) is the horizontal direction, the rolling piston type electric compressor 1 in this embodiment is a horizontally placed compressor whose horizontal width is greater than its vertical height.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, a rolling piston type electric compressor 1 in this embodiment includes a housing 10, an electric motor 15, and a compression mechanism 20.

[0023] The housing 10 forms the outer shape of the rolling piston type electric compressor 1. The material of the housing 10 is, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0024] The housing 10 is provided with a suction port (not shown) through which the refrigerant is drawn. The suction port penetrates the inner circumferential surface of the housing 10 on the electric motor 15 side. The refrigerant is drawn into the housing 10 from the suction port.

[0025] The housing 10 is provided with a discharge port 11 through which the refrigerant is discharged. The housing 10 has an inner circumferential surface 12. The inner circumferential surface 12 extends in the circumferential direction of an axis C of a rotating shaft 30 that extends in a first direction (Z direction) described below.

[0026] The discharge port 11 penetrates an inner circumferential surface 12 of the housing 10 on the compression mechanism 20 side. The discharge port 11 is provided at the upper part of the housing 10 in the Y direction. The refrigerant compressed in the compression mechanism 20 is discharged from the discharge port 11 to the outside of the housing 10.

[0027] The electric motor 15 is accommodated in the housing 10. The electric motor 15 includes a stator 16 and a rotor 17. The stator 16 is formed by stacking a plurality of electromagnetic steel plates (not shown) in the Z direction. The stator 16 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the housing 10 on the electric motor 15 side. The rotor 17 is formed by stacking a plurality of electromagnetic steel plates (not shown) in the Z direction. The rotor 17 is arranged on the inner circumferential side of the stator 16 with a gap therebetween.

[0028] The compression mechanism 20 is accommodated in the housing 10. The compression mechanism 20 is arranged in parallel with the electric motor 15 in the horizontal direction (Z direction). The compression mechanism 20 compresses and discharges a refrigerant containing lubricating oil that is drawn in by the driving of the electric motor 15. The members constituting the compression mechanism 20 are made of a material such as an aluminum alloy or an iron alloy, for example.

[0029] The compression mechanism 20 has an outer peripheral surface 21. The outer peripheral surface 21 extends in the circumferential direction of the axis C. A discharge pressure region 2 is defined between the inner peripheral surface 12 of the housing 10 and the outer peripheral surface 21 of the compression mechanism 20. A refrigerant and a lubricant are present in the discharge pressure region 2. The compression mechanism 20 discharges the refrigerant compressed to the discharge pressure region 2 and containing the lubricant.

[0030] The compression mechanism 20 includes a rotary shaft 30 , a first compression section 40 , a second compression section 50 , a front side plate 60 , a cover member 61 , a middle side plate 62 , a rear side plate 63 , and a muffler 64 .

[0031] The rotating shaft 30 is driven by the electric motor 15. The rotating shaft 30 has an axis C extending in a first direction (Z direction in this embodiment). The rotating shaft 30 penetrates the components of the compression mechanism 20 other than the rotating shaft 30 in the first direction (Z direction). Note that the direction in which the axis C of the rotating shaft 30 extends is not limited to the horizontal direction, and may be in a direction inclined from the horizontal direction.

[0032] The rotating shaft 30 has a fixed portion 31, a shaft portion 32, and an eccentric shaft portion 33. The fixed portion 31 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the rotor 17. As a result, when the electric motor 15 is driven, the rotating shaft 30 rotates about the axis C in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 17.

[0033] The shaft portion 32 is inserted through the front side plate 60, the cover member 61, the middle side plate 62, the rear side plate 63, the front side plate 60, and the muffler 64. The eccentric shaft portion 33 is inserted through the first compression section 40 and the second compression section 50.

[0034] The first compression section 40 includes a first piston 41 , a first vane 42 , and a first cylinder 43 .

[0035] The first piston 41 is rotatable in an eccentric state with respect to the axis C in accordance with the rotation of the rotary shaft 30. The first piston 41 is fitted onto the eccentric shaft portion 33 of the rotary shaft 30.

[0036] The first vane 42 is in contact with the first piston 41 in a direction (Y direction) intersecting the first direction. The first vane 42 is movable in the Y direction while in contact with the first piston 41 in accordance with the rotation of the first piston 41.

[0037] The first cylinder 43 accommodates a first piston 41 and a first vane 42. The first piston 41 slides on the inner circumferential surface of the first cylinder 43, rotating in an eccentric state.

[0038] An oil passage 45 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first cylinder 43. The oil passage 45 penetrates to the inside of the first cylinder 43 in the vertical direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction.

[0039] A first compression chamber for compressing a refrigerant is formed in the first cylinder 43 between the first piston 41 and the first vane 42. The refrigerant is introduced into the first compression chamber through a first suction port (not shown). As the first piston 41 rotates in an eccentric state, the space in the first compression chamber gradually narrows, compressing the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant is discharged from a first discharge valve (not shown).

[0040] The second compression section 50 has a second piston 51, a second vane 52, and a second cylinder 53. In the second compression section 50, similar to the configuration of the first compression section 40, the second piston 51 and the second vane 52 are driven inside the second cylinder 53 as the rotary shaft 30 rotates.

[0041] A second compression chamber for compressing a refrigerant is formed in the second cylinder 53 between the second piston 51 and the second vane 52. The refrigerant is introduced into the second compression chamber through a second intake port (not shown). As the second piston 51 rotates eccentrically, the space in the second compression chamber gradually narrows, compressing the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant is discharged from the second discharge valve 69.

[0042] The front side plate 60 abuts against the first cylinder 43 in the first direction (Z direction). The front side plate 60 contacts the first compression chamber in the first direction (Z direction). The shaft portion of the rotary shaft 30 slides relative to the bearing portion of the front side plate 60 as the rotary shaft 30 rotates.

[0043] The front side plate 60 abuts against the housing 10 from the first direction (Z direction). The front side plate 60 abuts against the housing 10 so as to close the discharge pressure region 2.

[0044] The cover member 61 abuts against the front side plate 60 from the first direction (Z direction). The outer periphery of the cover member 61 is sandwiched between the housing 10 in the first direction (Z direction). The cover member 61 is connected to the housing 10 at its outer periphery by bolts or the like (not shown). This fixes the compression mechanism 20 to the housing 10.

[0045] The middle side plate 62 is disposed between the first cylinder 43 and the second cylinder 53 in the first direction (Z direction), and separates the first compression chamber and the second compression chamber.

[0046] The rear side plate 63 abuts against the second cylinder 53 from the side opposite to the side where the front side plate 60 is disposed in the first direction (Z direction). The rear side plate 63 contacts the second compression chamber in the first direction (Z direction). The shaft portion of the rotary shaft 30 slides against the bearing portion of the rear side plate 63 as the rotary shaft 30 rotates.

[0047] Muffler 64 abuts against rear side plate 63 from the side opposite to the side where front side plate 60 is arranged in the first direction (Z direction). Refrigerant discharged from second discharge valve 69 flows through the internal space of muffler 64.

[0048] Next, we will explain the paths of the refrigerant and lubricating oil in the rolling piston type electric compressor 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the paths of the refrigerant and lubricating oil in the rolling piston type electric compressor of Fig. 1.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge path formed inside the compression mechanism 20 is made up of a first discharge path 3, a second discharge path 4, and a third discharge path 5.

[0050] The first discharge path 3 is a path through which the refrigerant discharged from the first compression section 40 flows. The refrigerant discharged from the first compression section 40 flows from the first discharge valve through a first space S1 (see FIG. 1) between the front side plate 60 and the cover member 61.

[0051] The second discharge path 4 is a path through which the refrigerant discharged from the second compression section 50 flows. The refrigerant discharged from the second compression section 50 flows from the second discharge valve 69 through the second space S2 (see FIG. 1) of the muffler 64. After flowing through the second space S2, the discharged refrigerant passes through the through-hole 22 (see FIG. 1) and then flows into the first space S1.

[0052] The third discharge path 5 is formed by through holes provided inside the components of the compression mechanism 20. The refrigerant that has flowed through the first discharge path 3 and the second discharge path 4 joins together in the third discharge path 5.

[0053] The rolling piston type electric compressor 1 in this embodiment further includes an oil separator 65. The oil separator 65 separates lubricating oil mixed in the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism 20 from the refrigerant. The oil separator 65 in this embodiment is integrated with the muffler 64.

[0054] The oil separator 65 is provided with a circulation hole 66 extending along the Y direction. The circulation hole 66 communicates with the third discharge path 5. A high-pressure refrigerant containing lubricating oil is introduced into the circulation hole 66 from the third discharge path 5.

[0055] The flow hole 66 includes a refrigerant discharge port 67 and a discharge port 68. The refrigerant discharge port 67 is provided above the flow hole 66 in the Y direction. The refrigerant discharge port 67 is capable of discharging compressed refrigerant toward the inner circumferential surface 12. The discharge port 68 is provided below the flow hole 66 in the Y direction. The lubricating oil is discharged from the discharge port 68.

[0056] When refrigerant mixed with lubricating oil is introduced into the flow holes 66 of the oil separator 65, the refrigerant mixed with lubricating oil flows around the flow holes 66 due to the force of discharge, and the lubricating oil is separated from the refrigerant by centrifugal force. The refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant discharge port 67 to above the discharge pressure region 2. Meanwhile, the lubricating oil is discharged from the discharge port 68 to below the discharge pressure region 2.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rolling piston type electric compressor of FIG. 1 as viewed from the direction of the arrows along line III-III.

[0058] 3, an O-ring 13 is provided on an end surface in the Z direction of the housing 10. The O-ring 13 surrounds the discharge pressure region 2.

[0059] The discharge pressure region 2 is provided all around the circumference of the axis C. The discharge pressure region 2 has an oil reservoir chamber 120, a discharge chamber 130, and an intermediate chamber 140.

[0060] The oil reservoir 120 is defined vertically below the compression mechanism 20. The oil reservoir 120 is an area where lubricating oil is present. The oil reservoir 120 is connected to the oil passage 45 of the first compression section 40. The lubricating oil can be supplied from the oil reservoir 120 to the inside of the first cylinder 43 through the oil passage 45. The lubricating oil can also be supplied from the oil reservoir 120 to the inside of the second cylinder 53 through an oil passage (not shown) provided in the second cylinder 53.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first cylinder 43 and the second cylinder 53 have downwardly extending portions, which makes it easier for the lubricating oil to penetrate the outer circumferential surfaces of the first cylinder 43 and the second cylinder 53 compared to when the first cylinder 43 and the second cylinder 53 are round.

[0062] The discharge chamber 130 is defined vertically above the compression mechanism 20. The discharge chamber 130 is a region where the refrigerant is mainly present. In this embodiment, the discharge chamber 130 occupies approximately the upper half of the discharge pressure region 2.

[0063] The intermediate chamber 140 is defined between the oil reservoir chamber 120 and the discharge chamber 130 in the circumferential direction of the compression mechanism 20. The intermediate chamber 140 is an area where the refrigerant and the lubricating oil are present. The intermediate chamber 140 is in communication with the oil reservoir chamber 120 and the discharge chamber 130.

[0064] Intermediate chambers 140 are provided on both sides of oil reservoir chamber 120 and on both sides of discharge chamber 130 in the circumferential direction of compression mechanism 20. In the present embodiment, intermediate chamber 140 has a first intermediate chamber 141 and a second intermediate chamber 142. On one side in the X direction, first intermediate chamber 141 is provided between oil reservoir chamber 120 and discharge chamber 130. On the other side in the X direction, second intermediate chamber 142 is provided between oil reservoir chamber 120 and discharge chamber 130.

[0065] The volume of the discharge chamber 130 is larger than the volume of the intermediate chamber 140. In this embodiment, the volume of the discharge chamber 130 is larger than the combined volume of the first intermediate chamber 141 and the second intermediate chamber 142.

[0066] The volume of intermediate chamber 140 is larger than the volume of oil reservoir chamber 120. In this embodiment, the volumes of first intermediate chamber 141 and second intermediate chamber 142 are each larger than the volume of oil reservoir chamber 120.

[0067] A first protrusion 100 is provided between the oil reservoir chamber 120 and the intermediate chamber 140. In this embodiment, a pair of first protrusions 100 are provided on the left and right of the axis C in the X direction.

[0068] The first protrusion 100 protrudes from one of the inner circumferential surface 12 of the housing 10 and the outer circumferential surface 21 of the compression mechanism 20 in the radial direction of the axis C toward the other of the inner circumferential surface 12 and the outer circumferential surface 21. In the present embodiment, the first protrusion 100 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface 12 toward the outer circumferential surface 21 in the radial direction of the axis C.

[0069] The first convex portion 100 narrows the distance between the inner circumferential surface 12 and the outer circumferential surface 21 in the radial direction of the axis C. As a result, the first convex portion 100 narrows the space between the oil storage chamber 120 and the intermediate chamber 140. A first throttle passage 150 that connects the oil storage chamber 120 and the intermediate chamber 140 is formed on the inner periphery of the first convex portion 100 between the inner circumferential surface 12 and the outer circumferential surface 21.

[0070] A second protrusion 101 is provided between the intermediate chamber 140 and the discharge chamber 130. In this embodiment, a pair of second protrusions 101 are provided on the left and right of the axis C in the X direction.

[0071] The second convex portion 101 protrudes from one of the inner circumferential surface 12 and the outer circumferential surface 21 toward the other of the inner circumferential surface 12 and the outer circumferential surface 21 in the radial direction of the axis C. In this embodiment, the second convex portion 101 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface 12 toward the outer circumferential surface 21 in the radial direction of the axis C.

[0072] The second convex portion 101 narrows the distance between the inner circumferential surface 12 and the outer circumferential surface 21 in the radial direction. As a result, the second convex portion 101 restricts the space between the intermediate chamber 140 and the discharge chamber 130. A second throttle passage 151 that connects the intermediate chamber 140 and the discharge chamber 130 is formed on the inner periphery of the second convex portion 101 between the inner circumferential surface 12 and the outer circumferential surface 21.

[0073] The first convex portion 100 and the second convex portion 101 are provided on the inner circumferential surface 12. The first convex portion 100 and the second convex portion 101 are formed by making the shape of the inner circumferential surface 12 itself convex. Note that the first convex portion 100 and the second convex portion 101 may be formed by fixing a member having a convex shape to the inner circumferential surface as a separate member constituting the first convex portion and the second convex portion.

[0074] The third protrusions 102 protrude radially from the inner circumferential surface 12 toward the outer circumferential surface 21 into the discharge chamber 130. In this embodiment, a pair of third protrusions 102 are provided on the left and right of the axis C in the X direction.

[0075] The pair of third protrusions 102 sandwich the discharge port 11 in the circumferential direction. By providing the third protrusions 102 on both sides of the discharge port 11 in the circumferential direction, the flow of gas that hits one of the third protrusions 102 and is separated is blocked by the other third protrusion 102, making it easier for the refrigerant to flow into the discharge port 11.

[0076] The first convex portion may be provided on the housing 10, and the second convex portion may be provided on the compression mechanism 20. The first convex portion may be provided on the compression mechanism 20, and the second convex portion may be provided on the housing 10. The first convex portion 100, the second convex portion 101, and the third convex portion 102 may not only extend radially, but also protrude at an angle relative to the radial direction.

[0077] The shortest distance in the radial direction between the first protrusion 100 and the other of the inner circumferential surface 12 and the outer circumferential surface 21 that faces the first protrusion 100 is defined as the first distance. In this embodiment, the shortest distance in the radial direction between the first protrusion 100 and the outer circumferential surface 21 is defined as the first distance D1. Furthermore, the shortest distance in the radial direction between the second protrusion 101 and the other of the inner circumferential surface 12 and the outer circumferential surface 21 that faces the second protrusion 101 is defined as the second distance D2. In this embodiment, the first distance D1 is shorter than the second distance D2.

[0078] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the discharge pressure region and the oil separator 65. In FIG.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 4, the flow holes 66 of the oil separator are arranged in the discharge pressure region 2 along the Y direction.

[0080] The refrigerant discharge port 67 of the oil separator 65 is capable of discharging compressed refrigerant toward the inner circumferential surface 12. The refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant discharge port 67 toward the third convex portion 102. When the discharged refrigerant collides with the third convex portion 102, the flow of the refrigerant is divided into a first flow F1 and a second flow F2 in the circumferential direction.

[0081] The first flow F1 flows further upward in the Y direction from the third convex portion 102. Refrigerant that is lighter than the lubricating oil tends to flow in the first flow F1. The second flow F2 flows downward in the Y direction from the third convex portion 102. Lubricating oil that is heavier than the refrigerant tends to flow in the second flow F2. This allows the refrigerant and lubricating oil to be separated even if the refrigerant discharged from the refrigerant discharge port 67 contains lubricating oil.

[0082] The discharge port 68 of the oil separator 65 is in communication with the intermediate chamber 140. This makes it difficult for the pressure of the lubricating oil discharged from the discharge port 68 to affect the oil level of the lubricating oil in the oil storage chamber 120. The discharge port 68 discharges in the Z direction along the axis C. Therefore, by dividing the oil storage chamber 120 and the intermediate chamber 140 in the circumferential direction in the first direction (Z direction) along the axis C, the lubricating oil discharged from the discharge port 68 is unlikely to hit the oil level of the lubricating oil in the oil storage chamber 120, and the oil level of the lubricating oil in the oil storage chamber 120 is stable.

[0083] In a rolling piston type electric compressor 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a discharge pressure region 2 provided between a housing 10 and a compression mechanism 20 is divided into a discharge chamber 130, an intermediate chamber 140, and an oil reservoir chamber 120, which are all in communication with each other, and first convex portions 100 and second convex portions 101 are provided in the circumferential direction of an axis C so as to narrow each adjacent chamber. This creates a discharge chamber 130 with a strong flow of discharged refrigerant, an intermediate chamber 140 with an intermediate flow rate, and an oil reservoir chamber 120 with a gentle flow. This stabilizes the oil level of the lubricating oil in the oil reservoir chamber 120, making it possible to prevent the lubricating oil from leaking outside the machine.

[0084] In the rolling piston type electric compressor 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by making the volume of the discharge chamber 130 larger than the volume of the intermediate chamber 140, it is possible to reduce the influence of discharge pulsation caused by the compressed refrigerant in the discharge pressure region 2. By making the volume of the intermediate chamber 140 larger than the volume of the oil reservoir chamber 120, it is possible to make it easier for the oil surface in the oil reservoir chamber 120 to be immersed in the oil passage 45, and therefore it is possible to continuously supply lubricating oil to the inside of the compression mechanism 20.

[0085] In the rolling piston type electric compressor 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by making the first distance D1 at the first convex portion 100 shorter than the second distance D2 at the second convex portion 101, the cross-sectional area around the first convex portion 100 communicating with the oil reservoir 120 can be made smaller than the cross-sectional area around the second convex portion 101, and the effect of the pressure of the refrigerant discharged to the discharge pressure region 2 can be reduced closer to the oil reservoir 120. This makes it possible to stabilize the oil level of the lubricating oil in the oil reservoir 120.

[0086] In a rolling piston type electric compressor 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing intermediate chambers 140 circumferentially on both sides of the oil storage chamber 120 and on both sides of the discharge chamber 130, the number of points at which lubricating oil is supplied to the oil storage chamber 120 is increased, making it easier to circulate the lubricating oil back into the oil storage chamber 120.

[0087] In a rolling piston type electric compressor 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the compression mechanism 20 can be made primarily of an iron alloy, and the housing 10 can be made of an aluminum alloy. The first convex portion 100 and the second convex portion 101 are provided on the housing 10, which is primarily made of aluminum, which is lighter than iron. This allows the first convex portion 100 and the second convex portion 101 to be primarily made of aluminum, thereby reducing the weight of the compressor compared to when the first convex portion 100 and the second convex portion 101 are primarily made of iron. Furthermore, providing the housing 10 with the first convex portion 100 and the second convex portion 101 makes it easier to simplify the shape of the outer circumferential surface 21 of the compression mechanism 20, which makes it easier for lubricating oil that collides with the third convex portion 102 and is separated in the discharge pressure region 2 to flow from the discharge chamber 130 toward the oil reservoir chamber 120.

[0088] In the rolling piston type electric compressor 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the discharge port 68 is connected to the intermediate chamber 140, which prevents high-pressure lubricating oil from hitting the oil level in the oil storage chamber 120, thereby stabilizing the oil level of the lubricating oil in the oil storage chamber 120.

[0089] In the rolling piston type electric compressor 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, even if lubricating oil remains in the refrigerant due to oil separation in the oil separator 65, the refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant discharge port 67 toward the third convex portion 102, thereby enabling the lubricating oil to be efficiently separated from the refrigerant by collision separation.

[0090] 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.

[0091] [Note] The present embodiment includes the following disclosure.

[0092] [Configuration 1] Housing and an electric motor accommodated in the housing; a compression mechanism that is accommodated in the housing and arranged horizontally alongside the electric motor, and that compresses and discharges a refrigerant containing lubricating oil that is drawn in by driving the electric motor, The compression mechanism includes: a rotating shaft driven by the electric motor and having an axis extending in a first direction; an outer circumferential surface extending in a circumferential direction of the axis, The housing has an inner circumferential surface extending in the circumferential direction, The compression mechanism has an outer circumferential surface extending in the circumferential direction, a discharge pressure region in which the refrigerant and the lubricating oil exist is defined between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface; The discharge pressure region is an oil storage chamber defined vertically below the compression mechanism; a discharge chamber defined vertically above the compression mechanism; an intermediate chamber that is partitioned between the oil reservoir chamber and the discharge chamber in the circumferential direction of the compression mechanism and that communicates with the oil reservoir chamber and the discharge chamber; a first protrusion protruding from one of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface toward the other of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface in a radial direction of the axis to narrow a distance between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface in the radial direction, a second protrusion that protrudes from one of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface toward the other of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface in the radial direction and narrows the distance between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface in the radial direction;

[0093] [Configuration 2] The volume of the discharge chamber is larger than the volume of the intermediate chamber, 2. The rolling piston type electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the volume of the intermediate chamber is larger than the volume of the oil storage chamber.

[0094] [Configuration 3] a first distance is a shortest distance in the radial direction between the first convex portion and the other of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface that faces the first convex portion, When the shortest distance in the radial direction between the second convex portion and the other of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface that faces the second convex portion is defined as a second distance, 3. The rolling piston type electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the first distance is shorter than the second distance.

[0095] [Configuration 4] the discharge pressure region is provided over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, 4. The rolling piston type electric compressor according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the intermediate chambers are provided on both sides of the oil storage chamber and on both sides of the discharge chamber in the circumferential direction.

[0096] [Configuration 5] 5. The rolling piston type electric compressor according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the first convex portion and the second convex portion are provided on the inner circumferential surface.

[0097] [Configuration 6] an oil separator that separates the lubricating oil mixed in the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism from the refrigerant; The oil separator includes an outlet through which the lubricating oil is discharged, 6. The rolling piston type electric compressor according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the discharge port is in communication with the intermediate chamber.

[0098] [Configuration 7] an oil separator that separates the lubricating oil mixed in the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism from the refrigerant; the oil separator has a refrigerant discharge port capable of discharging the compressed refrigerant toward the inner circumferential surface, The discharge chamber is provided with a third protrusion that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface toward the outer circumferential surface in the radial direction, 6. The rolling piston type electric compressor according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant discharge port toward the third convex portion.

[0099] 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]

[0100] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 rolling piston type electric compressor, 2 discharge pressure area, 3 first discharge path, 4 second discharge path, 5 third discharge path, 10 housing, 11 discharge port, 12 inner peripheral surface, 13 O-ring, 15 electric motor, 16 stator, 17 rotor, 20 compression mechanism, 21 outer peripheral surface, 22 through hole, 30 rotating shaft, 31 fixed portion, 40 first compression section, 41 first piston, 42 first vane, 43 first cylinder, 45 oil passage, 50 second compression section, 51 second piston, 52 second vane, 53 second cylinder, 60 front side plate, 61 cover member, 62 middle side plate, 63 rear side plate, 64 muffler, 65 oil separator, 66 flow hole, 67 refrigerant discharge port, 68 discharge port, 69 second discharge valve, 100 first protrusion, 101 Second convex portion, 102 third convex portion, 120 oil storage chamber, 130 discharge chamber, 140 intermediate chamber, 141 first intermediate chamber, 142 second intermediate chamber, 150 first throttle passage, 151 second throttle passage, C axis, D1 first distance, D2 second distance, F1 first flow, F2 second flow, S1 first space, S2 second space.

Claims

1. Housing and an electric motor accommodated in the housing; a compression mechanism that is accommodated in the housing and arranged horizontally alongside the electric motor, and that compresses and discharges a refrigerant containing lubricating oil that is drawn in by driving the electric motor, The compression mechanism includes: a rotating shaft driven by the electric motor and having an axis extending in a first direction; an outer circumferential surface extending in a circumferential direction of the axis, The housing has an inner circumferential surface extending in the circumferential direction, a discharge pressure region in which the refrigerant and the lubricating oil exist is defined between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface; The discharge pressure region is an oil storage chamber defined vertically below the compression mechanism; a discharge chamber defined vertically above the compression mechanism; an intermediate chamber that is partitioned between the oil reservoir chamber and the discharge chamber in the circumferential direction of the compression mechanism and that communicates with the oil reservoir chamber and the discharge chamber; a first protrusion protruding from one of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface toward the other of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface in a radial direction of the axis to narrow a distance between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface in the radial direction, a second protrusion protruding from one of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface toward the other of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface in the radial direction to narrow the distance between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface in the radial direction;

2. The volume of the discharge chamber is larger than the volume of the intermediate chamber, 2. The rolling piston type electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein a volume of the intermediate chamber is larger than a volume of the oil reservoir chamber.

3. a first distance is a shortest distance in the radial direction between the first convex portion and the other of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface that faces the first convex portion, When the shortest distance in the radial direction between the second convex portion and the other of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface facing the second convex portion is defined as a second distance, 3. The rolling piston type electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the first distance is shorter than the second distance.

4. the discharge pressure region is provided over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, 3. The rolling piston type electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate chambers are provided on both sides of the oil storage chamber and on both sides of the discharge chamber in the circumferential direction.

5. 3. The rolling piston type electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the first convex portion and the second convex portion are provided on the inner circumferential surface.

6. an oil separator that separates the lubricating oil mixed in the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism from the refrigerant; The oil separator includes an outlet through which the lubricating oil is discharged, 3. The rolling piston type electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the discharge port is in communication with the intermediate chamber.

7. an oil separator that separates the lubricating oil mixed in the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism from the refrigerant; the oil separator has a refrigerant discharge port capable of discharging the compressed refrigerant toward the inner circumferential surface, a third protrusion protruding from the inner circumferential surface toward the outer circumferential surface in the radial direction is provided in the discharge chamber, 3. The rolling piston type electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant discharge port toward the third convex portion.

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