Electric compressor

Abstract

To improve the reliability of an electric compressor. [Solution] When the motor chamber 20 is viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, the area vertically below the fourth line L14 and enclosed by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b in the motor chamber 20 and the fourth line L14 defines a reservoir 56. This restricts suction of liquid refrigerant from the motor chamber 20 into the compression chamber via the suction passage 50, and the liquid refrigerant generated in the motor chamber 20 is stored in the reservoir 56 within the motor chamber 20. This prevents liquid refrigerant generated in the motor chamber 20 from being suctioned into the compression chamber via the suction passage 50. This prevents liquid compression in the compression chamber, thereby preventing the pressure in the compression chamber from becoming abnormally high. This prevents a deterioration in the durability of the compression mechanism.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric compressor. [Background technology]

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

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-301089 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such an electric compressor, the refrigerant in the motor chamber may cool and liquefy when the electric compressor is stopped. When the liquefied refrigerant in the motor chamber is drawn into the compression chamber through the suction passage upon starting the electric compressor, liquid compression may occur in the compression chamber. This liquid compression in the compression chamber may result in an abnormally high pressure in the compression chamber. This may result in a deterioration in the durability of the compression mechanism, thereby reducing the reliability of the electric compressor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An electric compressor that solves the above problem includes a rotating shaft, a motor that rotates the rotating shaft, a compression mechanism that is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft and has a compression chamber that compresses a refrigerant, a motor chamber that houses the motor and into which refrigerant is drawn from the outside, and a housing that rotatably supports the rotating shaft and has a suction passage that draws the refrigerant in the motor chamber into the compression chamber, wherein when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, a first line is a line that passes vertically through the axis of the rotating shaft, a second line is a line that passes through the axis of the rotating shaft and extends at an angle of 30 degrees to one side in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft with respect to the first line, and a third line is a line that passes through the axis of the rotating shaft and extends at an angle of 30 degrees to the other side in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft with respect to the first line, thereby defining the motor chamber. When the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, an area in the motor chamber that is vertically below the fourth line and that is enclosed by the inner surface of the housing and the fourth line serves as a storage section that stores liquid refrigerant while restricting the liquid refrigerant produced by liquefaction of the refrigerant in the motor chamber from being drawn into the compression chamber via the suction passage. The area in the motor chamber that is vertically below the fourth line and that is enclosed by the inner surface of the housing and the fourth line serves as a storage section that stores liquid refrigerant while restricting the liquid refrigerant from being drawn into the compression chamber via the suction passage. The area in the motor chamber is vertically below the fourth line and that is enclosed by the inner surface of the housing and the fourth line when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft. The area in the motor chamber is vertically below the fourth line and that is enclosed by the inner surface of the housing and the fourth line. The area in the motor chamber serves as a storage section that restricts the liquid refrigerant produced by liquefaction of the refrigerant in the motor chamber from being drawn into the compression chamber via the suction passage.

[0006] With this configuration, the liquid refrigerant generated by liquefaction in the motor chamber is stored in the reservoir within the motor chamber while its intake from the motor chamber to the compression chamber via the suction passage is restricted. This prevents the liquid refrigerant generated in the motor chamber from being drawn into the compression chamber via the suction passage. This prevents liquid compression in the compression chamber, thereby preventing the pressure in the compression chamber from becoming abnormally high. This prevents the durability of the compression mechanism from deteriorating. As a result, the reliability of the electric compressor can be improved.

[0007] In the above-described electric compressor, if a fifth line is defined as a line that passes through the axis of the rotating shaft and extends horizontally when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the storage section may be located vertically below the fifth line when the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft and is surrounded by the inner surface of the housing and the fifth line in the motor chamber.

[0008] This configuration makes it easier to store the liquid refrigerant generated by liquefaction of the refrigerant in the motor chamber in the storage portion within the motor chamber, thereby further reducing the likelihood of the liquid refrigerant generated in the motor chamber being drawn into the compression chamber via the suction passage, and thus further reducing the likelihood of liquid compression occurring in the compression chamber.

[0009] In the above-described electric compressor, if a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the housing that defines the motor chamber and that is located vertically above the axis of the rotating shaft intersects with the second line as a third intersection, a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the housing that defines the motor chamber and that is located vertically above the axis of the rotating shaft intersects with the third line as a fourth intersection, and a line that passes through the third intersection and the fourth intersection and extends horizontally as a sixth line, then when the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the area that is vertically below the sixth line and is enclosed by the inner circumferential surface of the housing in the motor chamber and the sixth line may be the storage section.

[0010] This configuration makes it easier to store the liquid refrigerant generated by liquefaction of the refrigerant in the motor chamber in the storage portion within the motor chamber, thereby further reducing the likelihood of the liquid refrigerant generated in the motor chamber being drawn into the compression chamber via the suction passage, and thus further reducing the likelihood of liquid compression occurring in the compression chamber.

[0011] In the electric compressor, the refrigerant may be propane. Generally, refrigerants contain oil. Here, the inventors discovered that when the refrigerant is propane, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil contained therein, the higher the insulating properties of the refrigerant. Therefore, propane was adopted as the refrigerant. As a result, the more liquid refrigerant is stored in the reservoir in the motor chamber, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil contained therein, and therefore the insulating properties of the refrigerant are improved. Therefore, even if liquid refrigerant is stored in the reservoir in the motor chamber, poor insulation between the motor and the housing via the liquid refrigerant can be avoided.

[0012] In the electric compressor, the refrigerant may be carbon dioxide. Generally, refrigerants contain oil. Here, the inventors discovered that when the refrigerant is carbon dioxide, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil contained therein, the higher the insulating properties of the refrigerant. Therefore, carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant. As a result, the more liquid refrigerant is stored in the reservoir in the motor chamber, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil contained therein, and therefore the insulating properties of the refrigerant are improved. Therefore, even if liquid refrigerant is stored in the reservoir in the motor chamber, poor insulation between the motor and the housing via the liquid refrigerant can be avoided.

[0013] In the above electric compressor, the compression mechanism includes a fixed scroll having a fixed base plate, a fixed spiral wall standing from the fixed base plate, and a fixed peripheral wall standing from the fixed base plate and surrounding the fixed spiral wall, and the fixed scroll is fixed to the housing; and an orbiting base plate facing the fixed base plate, and an orbiting scroll having an orbiting spiral wall standing from the orbiting base plate toward the fixed base plate and engaging with the fixed spiral wall, and the orbiting scroll revolves inside the fixed peripheral wall by rotation of the rotary shaft. The compression chamber is defined by the fixed base plate, the fixed spiral wall, the orbiting base plate, and the orbiting spiral wall. The compressor includes a journal housing disposed on the opposite side of the swivel base plate from the fixed base plate and supporting the rotating shaft, and a motor housing having a motor housing end wall and a motor housing peripheral wall extending cylindrically from the motor housing end wall, the journal housing defining the motor chamber together with the motor housing by closing an opening in the motor housing peripheral wall, the journal housing having an intake passage formed at least in the journal housing to communicate the motor chamber with the compression chamber, the intake passage being formed in a position vertically above the reservoir. This configuration is suitable for storing liquid refrigerant produced by liquefaction of refrigerant in the motor chamber in the reservoir within the motor chamber.

[0014] In the electric compressor, the suction passage may include a suction groove formed in the inner circumferential surface of the motor housing peripheral wall and opening at an open end of the motor housing peripheral wall, and a suction port formed in the fixed peripheral wall and configured to draw refrigerant from the suction groove into the compression chamber, the suction groove being formed at a position vertically above the reservoir. This configuration is suitable for storing liquid refrigerant produced by liquefaction of refrigerant in the motor chamber in the reservoir within the motor chamber.

[0015] In the electric compressor, the housing may include a discharge housing defining a discharge chamber into which refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber is discharged, the discharge housing having a discharge housing end wall and a discharge housing peripheral wall extending cylindrically from the discharge housing end wall and surrounding the fixed peripheral wall, the discharge chamber being defined between the discharge housing end wall and the fixed base, the suction passage including an annular passage formed between the fixed peripheral wall and the discharge housing peripheral wall and communicating with the suction port, and a communication hole formed in the support housing and communicating with the suction groove and the annular passage, the communication hole being formed at a position vertically above the reservoir. This configuration is suitable for storing liquid refrigerant produced by liquefaction of refrigerant in the motor chamber in the reservoir within the motor chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, the reliability of the electric compressor can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electric compressor according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electric compressor. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the motor housing. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the support housing. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a graph for explaining the refrigerant. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] An embodiment of an electric compressor will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The electric compressor of this embodiment is used in, for example, a vehicle air conditioner. <Basic configuration of electric compressor> As shown in FIG. 1 , the electric compressor 10 includes a cylindrical housing 11. The housing 11 has a motor housing 12, a support housing 13, and a discharge housing 14. The motor housing 12, the support housing 13, and the discharge housing 14 are made of a metal material. The motor housing 12, the support housing 13, and the discharge housing 14 are made of aluminum, for example. The electric compressor 10 also includes a rotating shaft 15. The rotating shaft 15 is accommodated within the housing 11.

[0019] The motor housing 12 has a plate-shaped motor housing end wall 12a and a cylindrical motor housing peripheral wall 12b. The motor housing peripheral wall 12b extends cylindrically from the outer periphery of the motor housing end wall 12a. The axial direction of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b coincides with the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15.

[0020] The motor housing 12 has a plurality of female threaded holes 12c. Six female threaded holes 12c are formed in the motor housing 12. Each female threaded hole 12c is formed at an open end of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b. The six female threaded holes 12c are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b. For ease of explanation, only one female threaded hole 12c is shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] The motor housing 12 has an intake port 12h. The intake port 12h draws in a refrigerant from the outside. The refrigerant is propane. The intake port 12h is formed in a portion of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b that is located on the motor housing end wall 12a side. The intake port 12h connects the inside and outside of the motor housing 12.

[0022] The motor housing 12 has a cylindrical boss 12d that protrudes from the center of the inner surface of the motor housing end wall 12a. A first end of the rotating shaft 15, which is one axial end of the rotating shaft 15, is inserted into the boss 12d.

[0023] The electric compressor 10 includes a bearing 16. The bearing 16 is, for example, a rolling bearing. The bearing 16 is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the boss portion 12d and the outer peripheral surface of a first end of the rotary shaft 15. The first end of the rotary shaft 15 is rotatably supported by the motor housing 12 via the bearing 16.

[0024] The journal housing 13 has a plate-shaped journal housing end wall 17 and a cylindrical journal housing peripheral wall 18. The journal housing peripheral wall 18 extends cylindrically from the outer periphery of the journal housing end wall 17. The axial direction of the journal housing peripheral wall 18 coincides with the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15.

[0025] The journal housing 13 has an annular flange wall 19. The flange wall 19 extends from an end of the outer peripheral surface of the journal housing peripheral wall 18 opposite the journal housing end wall 17 toward the outside in the radial direction of the rotary shaft 15.

[0026] The journal housing 13 has a circular insertion hole 17a. The insertion hole 17a is formed in the center of the journal housing end wall 17. The insertion hole 17a penetrates the journal housing end wall 17 in the thickness direction of the journal housing end wall 17. The rotary shaft 15 is inserted through the insertion hole 17a. An end face 15e located on the second end side, which is the other end in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, is located inside the journal housing peripheral wall 18.

[0027] The electric compressor 10 includes a bearing 21. The bearing 21 is, for example, a rolling bearing. The bearing 21 is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the support housing peripheral wall 18 and the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 15. The rotating shaft 15 is rotatably supported by the support housing 13 via the bearing 21. Therefore, the support housing 13 rotatably supports the rotating shaft 15. In this way, the housing 11 rotatably supports the rotating shaft 15.

[0028] The journal support housing 13 has a plurality of bolt insertion holes 19a. Six bolt insertion holes 19a are formed in the journal support housing 13. Each bolt insertion hole 19a is formed on the outer periphery of the flange wall 19. The six bolt insertion holes 19a are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the flange wall 19. Each bolt insertion hole 19a penetrates the flange wall 19 in the thickness direction of the flange wall 19. Each bolt insertion hole 19a in the flange wall 19 communicates with a corresponding female threaded hole 12c in the motor housing 12. For ease of explanation, only one bolt insertion hole 19a is shown in FIG. 1.

[0029] The electric compressor 10 has a motor chamber 20. The motor chamber 20 is defined by the motor housing 12 and the support housing 13. Specifically, the motor chamber 20 is defined by closing an opening in the motor housing peripheral wall 12b with the support housing 13. Therefore, the motor housing 12 defines the motor chamber 20 together with the support housing 13 by closing an opening in the motor housing peripheral wall 12b with the support housing 13. In this manner, the housing 11 has the motor chamber 20. When the motor chamber 20 is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b is the inner circumferential surface of the housing 11 that defines the motor chamber 20. The motor chamber 20 is in communication with the suction port 12h. Refrigerant is drawn into the motor chamber 20 from the suction port 12h. Therefore, refrigerant is drawn into the motor chamber 20 from the outside. In this manner, the motor chamber 20 is a suction pressure region.

[0030] The electric compressor 10 includes a motor 22. The motor 22 is housed in a motor chamber 20. Therefore, the motor chamber 20 houses the motor 22. The motor 22 includes a cylindrical stator 23 and a cylindrical rotor 24. The rotor 24 is disposed inside the stator 23. The rotor 24 rotates integrally with the rotary shaft 15. The stator 23 surrounds the rotor 24. The rotor 24 includes a rotor core 24a fixed to the rotary shaft 15 and a plurality of permanent magnets (not shown) provided in the rotor core 24a.

[0031] The stator 23 has a cylindrical stator core 23a and a motor coil 23b. The stator core 23a is fixed to the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b of the motor housing 12. The motor coil 23b is wound around the stator core 23a. The rotor 24 rotates when power controlled by an inverter (not shown) is supplied to the motor coil 23b. This causes the rotating shaft 15 to rotate integrally with the rotor 24. Therefore, the motor 22 rotates the rotating shaft 15.

[0032] The electric compressor 10 includes a compression mechanism C1. The compression mechanism C1 has a fixed scroll 25 and an orbiting scroll 26. Therefore, the electric compressor 10 includes the fixed scroll 25 and the orbiting scroll 26. The compression mechanism C1 is of a scroll type. The orbiting scroll 26 revolves around the fixed scroll 25 as the rotating shaft 15 rotates.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fixed scroll 25 has a fixed base plate 25a, a fixed spiral wall 25b, and a fixed peripheral wall 25c. The fixed base plate 25a is disk-shaped. A discharge port 25h is formed in the center of the fixed base plate 25a. The discharge port 25h is a circular hole. The discharge port 25h penetrates the fixed base plate 25a in the thickness direction of the fixed base plate 25a. The fixed spiral wall 25b stands upright from the fixed base plate 25a. The fixed peripheral wall 25c stands upright from the outer periphery of the fixed base plate 25a. The fixed peripheral wall 25c surrounds the fixed spiral wall 25b.

[0034] 1, the electric compressor 10 includes a valve mechanism 25v. The valve mechanism 25v is attached to the end face of the fixed base plate 25a opposite to the fixed spiral wall 25b. The valve mechanism 25v is configured to be able to open and close the discharge port 25h.

[0035] The orbiting scroll 26 has an orbiting base plate 26a and an orbiting spiral wall 26b. The orbiting base plate 26a is disk-shaped. The orbiting base plate 26a faces the fixed base plate 25a. The orbiting spiral wall 26b stands up from the orbiting base plate 26a toward the fixed base plate 25a. The orbiting spiral wall 26b meshes with the fixed spiral wall 25b. The orbiting scroll 26 is located inside the fixed peripheral wall 25c. The orbiting scroll 26 revolves inside the fixed peripheral wall 25c. The tip surface of the fixed spiral wall 25b contacts the orbiting base plate 26a. The tip surface of the orbiting spiral wall 26b contacts the fixed base plate 25a.

[0036] The electric compressor 10 has a compression chamber 27. The compression chamber 27 is defined by a fixed base plate 25a, a fixed spiral wall 25b, an orbiting base plate 26a, and an orbiting spiral wall 26b. Therefore, the compression chamber 27 is defined between the fixed scroll 25 and the orbiting scroll 26. The compression chamber 27 takes in and compresses refrigerant from the outside. In this way, the compression mechanism C1 has the compression chamber 27.

[0037] The swivel base plate 26a has a cylindrical boss portion 26c. The boss portion 26c protrudes from an end face 26e of the swivel base plate 26a opposite the fixed base plate 25a toward the inside of the support housing peripheral wall 18 of the support housing 13. The support housing 13 is disposed on the opposite side of the swivel base plate 26a from the fixed base plate 25a. The axial direction of the boss portion 26c coincides with the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15. The swivel base plate 26a also has a plurality of grooves 26d. The plurality of grooves 26d are formed around the boss portion 26c on the end face 26e of the swivel base plate 26a. The plurality of grooves 26d are disposed at predetermined intervals around the rotating shaft 15. Note that for ease of explanation, only one groove portion 26d is shown in FIG. 1. An annular ring member 28 is fitted into each groove 26d. A pin 29 is inserted into each ring member 28. Each pin 29 is provided to protrude from the end face 13 e of the support housing 13 on the orbiting scroll 26 side.

[0038] The electric compressor 10 includes an elastic plate 30. The elastic plate 30 is annular. The outer periphery of the elastic plate 30 is sandwiched between the open end face of the fixed peripheral wall 25c and the end face 13e of the journal housing 13. The elastic plate 30 constantly biases the orbiting scroll 26 toward the fixed scroll 25.

[0039] The electric compressor 10 includes an eccentric shaft 31. The eccentric shaft 31 protrudes toward the orbiting scroll 26 from a position on the end face 15e of the rotary shaft 15 that is eccentric with respect to the axis L1 of the rotary shaft 15. The eccentric shaft 31 is formed integrally with the rotary shaft 15. The axial direction of the eccentric shaft 31 coincides with the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15. The eccentric shaft 31 is inserted into the boss portion 26c.

[0040] The electric compressor 10 includes a balance weight 32 and a bushing 33. The bushing 33 is fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric shaft 31. The balance weight 32 is integrated with the bushing 33. The balance weight 32 is formed integrally with the bushing 33. The balance weight 32 is housed within the support housing peripheral wall 18 of the support housing 13. The orbiting scroll 26 is supported by the eccentric shaft 31 via the bushing 33 and a rolling bearing 34 so as to be rotatable relative to the eccentric shaft 31.

[0041] The rotation of the rotating shaft 15 is transmitted to the orbiting scroll 26 via the eccentric shaft 31, the bushing 33, and the rolling bearing 34. This causes the orbiting scroll 26 to rotate on its axis. Contact between each pin 29 and the inner circumferential surface of each ring member 28 prevents the orbiting scroll 26 from rotating on its axis, allowing only the orbiting scroll 26 to revolve. This causes the orbiting scroll 26 to revolve while the orbiting spiral wall 26b is in contact with the fixed spiral wall 25b. As the orbiting scroll 26 revolves, the volume of the compression chamber 27 decreases, compressing the refrigerant in the compression chamber 27. As the rotating shaft 15 rotates, the orbiting scroll 26 revolves inside the fixed circumferential wall 25c. The balance weight 32 offsets the centrifugal force acting on the orbiting scroll 26 as it revolves. This reduces the amount of imbalance in the orbiting scroll 26.

[0042] The discharge housing 14 has a plate-shaped discharge housing end wall 14a and a cylindrical discharge housing peripheral wall 14b. The discharge housing peripheral wall 14b extends cylindrically from the outer periphery of the discharge housing end wall 14a. The axial direction of the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b coincides with the axial direction of the rotation shaft 15. The discharge housing peripheral wall 14b surrounds the fixed peripheral wall 25c. Therefore, the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b surrounds the fixed scroll 25. In this manner, the fixed scroll 25 is accommodated within the housing 11.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the discharge housing 14 has a plurality of bolt insertion holes 14c. Six bolt insertion holes 14c are formed in the discharge housing 14. Each bolt insertion hole 14c is formed to extend through the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b in the axial direction of the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b. For convenience of explanation, only one bolt insertion hole 14c is shown in Figure 1. Each bolt insertion hole 14c is in communication with a corresponding bolt insertion hole 19a in the flange wall 19.

[0044] 1, bolts B1 passing through each bolt insertion hole 14c pass through each bolt insertion hole 19a in the flange wall 19 and are threaded into each female threaded hole 12c of the motor housing 12. As a result, the journal support housing 13 is connected to the motor housing peripheral wall 12b of the motor housing 12, and the discharge housing 14 is connected to the motor housing peripheral wall 12b of the motor housing 12 via the flange wall 19 of the journal support housing 13. The motor housing 12, journal support housing 13, and discharge housing 14 are arranged in this order in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15. The flange wall 19 of the journal support housing 13 is sandwiched between the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b of the discharge housing 14 and the motor housing peripheral wall 12b of the motor housing 12.

[0045] The fixed peripheral wall 25c of the fixed scroll 25 is sandwiched between the discharge housing end wall 14a of the discharge housing 14 and the support housing 13 in the axial direction of the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b due to the axial force of each bolt B1. In this way, the fixed scroll 25 is fixed to the housing 11 by the fixed peripheral wall 25c being sandwiched between the discharge housing end wall 14a of the discharge housing 14 and the support housing 13 in the axial direction of the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b due to the axial force of the bolt B1.

[0046] The electric compressor 10 has a discharge chamber 40. The discharge chamber 40 is defined between the discharge housing end wall 14a of the discharge housing 14 and the fixed base plate 25a. In this way, the discharge housing 14 defines the discharge chamber 40 between the discharge housing end wall 14a and the fixed base plate 25a. Refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber 27 is discharged into the discharge chamber 40 through the discharge port 25h. The area between the discharge housing end wall 14a of the discharge housing 14 and the fixed base plate 25a, as well as around the discharge chamber 40, is sealed by a gasket 41.

[0047] The discharge housing 14 has a discharge port 14h. The discharge port 14h is formed in a discharge housing end wall 14a of the discharge housing 14. The discharge port 14h communicates with the discharge chamber 40. The discharge port 14h discharges the refrigerant in the discharge chamber 40 to the outside.

[0048] <Suction passage> The housing 11 has a suction passage 50. The suction passage 50 draws refrigerant from the motor chamber 20 into the compression chamber 27. The suction passage 50 includes a suction groove 51, a communication hole 52, a communication groove 53, an annular passage 54, and a suction port 55.

[0049] 3 and 4, when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, a line that passes vertically through the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 is defined as a first line L11. When viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, a line that passes through the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and extends at an angle of 30 degrees to one side in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 15 with respect to the first line L11 is defined as a second line L12. When viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, a line that passes through the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and extends at an angle of 30 degrees to the other side in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 15 with respect to the first line L11 is defined as a third line L13.

[0050] 3, when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, a first intersection point P1 is defined as a location on the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b that defines the motor chamber 20 that is vertically lower than the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and where the first intersection point P1 intersects with the second line L12. When viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, a second intersection point P2 is defined as a location on the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b that defines the motor chamber 20 that is vertically lower than the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and where the second intersection point P2 intersects with the third line L13. When viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, a straight line that passes through the first intersection point P1 and the second intersection point P2 and extends horizontally is defined as a fourth line L14.

[0051] When viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, a line that passes through the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and extends horizontally is referred to as a fifth line L15. When viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, a third intersection P3 is located at a position on the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b that defines the motor chamber 20, vertically above the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15, and where the line intersects with the second line L12. When viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, a fourth intersection P4 is located at a position on the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b that defines the motor chamber 20, vertically above the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15, and where the line intersects with the third line L13. When viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, a sixth line L16 is located at a position on the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b that defines the motor chamber 20, vertically above the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15.

[0052] One suction groove 51 is formed in the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b of the motor housing 12. The suction groove 51 is formed at an open end of the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b. The suction groove 51 opens to the open end of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b. When the motor housing peripheral wall 12b is viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, the suction groove 51 is formed in a portion of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b that is vertically above the sixth line L16. Therefore, when the motor housing peripheral wall 12b is viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, the suction groove 51 is formed in a portion of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b that is vertically above the fifth line L15. Therefore, when the motor housing peripheral wall 12b is viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, the suction groove 51 is formed in a portion of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b that is vertically above the fourth line L14.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4 , one communication hole 52 is formed in the outer periphery of the flange wall 19 of the journal support housing 13. The communication hole 52 penetrates the flange wall 19 in the thickness direction of the flange wall 19. The communication hole 52 is in communication with the suction groove 51. When the journal support housing 13 is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, the communication hole 52 is formed in a portion of the flange wall 19 of the journal support housing 13 that is positioned vertically above the sixth line L16. Therefore, when the journal support housing 13 is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, the communication hole 52 is formed in a portion of the flange wall 19 of the journal support housing 13 that is positioned vertically above the fifth line L15. Therefore, when the journal support housing 13 is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, the communication hole 52 is formed in a portion of the flange wall 19 of the journal support housing 13 that is positioned vertically above the fourth line L14.

[0054] 1 and 2, one communication groove 53 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of discharge housing peripheral wall 14b of discharge housing 14. As shown in FIG.

[0055] 2, the communication groove 53 is formed in a portion of the discharge housing circumferential wall 14b that is positioned vertically above the sixth line L16 when the discharge housing circumferential wall 14b is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15. Therefore, the communication groove 53 is formed in a portion of the discharge housing circumferential wall 14b that is positioned vertically above the fifth line L15 when the discharge housing circumferential wall 14b is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15. Therefore, the communication groove 53 is formed in a portion of the discharge housing circumferential wall 14b that is positioned vertically above the fourth line L14 when the discharge housing circumferential wall 14b is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15.

[0056] The annular passage 54 is formed between the fixed peripheral wall 25c and the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b of the discharge housing 14. The suction groove 51 and the annular passage 54 communicate with each other via the communication hole 52 and the communication groove 53. Therefore, the communication hole 52 communicates the suction groove 51 with the annular passage 54.

[0057] Three suction ports 55 are formed in the fixed peripheral wall 25c. Each suction port 55 is formed to penetrate the fixed peripheral wall 25c in the thickness direction of the fixed peripheral wall 25c. Each suction port 55 is connected to the annular passage 54. Therefore, the annular passage 54 is connected to each suction port 55. Each suction port 55 is connected to the outermost peripheral portion of the compression chamber 27. When the fixed peripheral wall 25c is viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, each suction port 55 is formed in a portion of the fixed peripheral wall 25c that is located vertically above the fourth straight line L14. In this way, the suction passages 50 are formed in at least the journal housing 13, thereby connecting the motor chamber 20 and the compression chamber 27.

[0058] 1 , the refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 passes through the suction groove 51, the communication hole 52, the communication groove 53, the annular passage 54, and each suction port 55, and is drawn into the compression chamber 27. Therefore, each suction port 55 draws the refrigerant from the suction groove 51 into the compression chamber 27. The refrigerant drawn into the compression chamber 27 is compressed in the compression chamber 27 by the orbital motion of the orbiting scroll 26. In this way, the compression mechanism C1 is driven by the rotation of the rotary shaft 15, and compresses the refrigerant drawn into the compression chamber 27.

[0059] <Storage section> As shown in FIG. 3 , the electric compressor 10 includes a reservoir 56. The reservoir 56 is provided in the motor chamber 20. The reservoir 56 stores the liquid refrigerant, which is generated when the refrigerant liquefies in the motor chamber 20, while restricting the liquid refrigerant from being drawn from the motor chamber 20 into the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50. When the motor chamber 20 is viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, the reservoir 56 is located vertically below the sixth line L16 and is surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12 e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12 b in the motor chamber 20 and the sixth line L16. Therefore, when the motor chamber 20 is viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, the reservoir 56 is located vertically below the fifth line L15 and is surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12 e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12 b in the motor chamber 20 and the fifth line L15. Therefore, when the motor chamber 20 is viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, the area vertically below the fourth line L14 and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b in the motor chamber 20 and the fourth line L14 forms the reservoir 56. The suction groove 51 is formed in a portion positioned vertically above the reservoir 56. Therefore, the suction passage 50 is formed in a portion positioned vertically above the reservoir 56.

[0060] [Operation of the embodiment] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the electric compressor 10, the refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 may be cooled and liquefied when the electric compressor 10 is stopped. In this case, the suction groove 51 is formed in a portion of the motor housing circumferential wall 12b that is vertically above the sixth line L16 when the motor housing circumferential wall 12b is viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15. As a result, when the motor chamber 20 is viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, the area vertically below the sixth line L16 and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing circumferential wall 12b and the sixth line L16 in the motor chamber 20 forms a reservoir 56. As a result, the liquid refrigerant generated when the refrigerant liquefies in the motor chamber 20 is stored in the reservoir 56 within the motor chamber 20 while its suction from the motor chamber 20 to the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50 is restricted. This prevents the liquid refrigerant generated in the motor chamber 20 from being drawn into the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50. Therefore, the occurrence of liquid compression in the compression chamber 27 is suppressed.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the specific gravity of a refrigerant relative to oil and volume resistivity. Solid line L100 represents the case where the refrigerant is propane. Solid line L200 represents the case where the refrigerant is chlorofluorocarbon. As shown by solid line L100 in FIG. 5, when the refrigerant is propane, the greater the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil contained in the refrigerant, the higher the insulating properties of the refrigerant. As shown by solid line L200 in FIG. 5, when the refrigerant is chlorofluorocarbon, the greater the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil contained in the refrigerant, the lower the insulating properties of the refrigerant tend to be.

[0062] As described above, the inventors discovered that when the refrigerant is propane, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil contained therein, the higher the insulating properties of the refrigerant. Therefore, the more liquid refrigerant is stored in the reservoir 56 within the motor chamber 20, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil contained therein, and therefore the higher the insulating properties of the refrigerant. Therefore, even if liquid refrigerant is stored in the reservoir 56 within the motor chamber 20, poor insulation between the motor 22 and the housing 11 through the liquid refrigerant is avoided. Note that even when the refrigerant is chlorofluorocarbon, it is possible to ensure the insulating properties of the refrigerant by adjusting the amount of oil contained in the refrigerant to create a region where the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil is low.

[0063] [Effects of the embodiment] The above embodiment can provide the following effects. (1) When the motor chamber 20 is viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, the area of ​​the motor chamber 20 that is vertically below the fourth line L14 and that is surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the fourth line L14 defines the reservoir 56. This restricts the liquid refrigerant generated by liquefaction in the motor chamber 20 from being drawn into the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50, and the liquid refrigerant is thereby stored in the reservoir 56 within the motor chamber 20. This prevents the liquid refrigerant generated in the motor chamber 20 from being drawn into the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50. This prevents liquid compression in the compression chamber 27, thereby preventing the pressure in the compression chamber 27 from becoming abnormally high. This prevents the durability of the compression mechanism C1 from deteriorating. As a result, the reliability of the electric compressor 10 is improved.

[0064] (2) When the motor chamber 20 is viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, the area vertically below the fifth line L15 and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b in the motor chamber 20 and the fifth line L15 forms the reservoir 56. This makes it easier to store liquid refrigerant produced by liquefaction of the refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 in the reservoir 56 within the motor chamber 20. This makes it easier to prevent the liquid refrigerant produced in the motor chamber 20 from being drawn into the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50. This makes it easier to prevent liquid compression in the compression chamber 27.

[0065] (3) When the motor chamber 20 is viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, the area vertically below the sixth line L16 and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b in the motor chamber 20 and the sixth line L16 forms the reservoir 56. This makes it easier to store liquid refrigerant produced by liquefaction of the refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 in the reservoir 56 within the motor chamber 20. This makes it easier to prevent the liquid refrigerant produced in the motor chamber 20 from being drawn into the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50. This makes it easier to prevent liquid compression in the compression chamber 27.

[0066] (4) Generally, refrigerants contain oil. Here, the inventors discovered that when the refrigerant is propane, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil contained therein, the higher the insulating properties of the refrigerant. Therefore, propane was adopted as the refrigerant. As a result, the more liquid refrigerant is stored in the reservoir 56 within the motor chamber 20, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil contained therein, and therefore the higher the insulating properties of the refrigerant. Therefore, even if liquid refrigerant is stored in the reservoir 56 within the motor chamber 20, poor insulation between the motor 22 and the housing 11 via the liquid refrigerant can be avoided.

[0067] (5) The suction passage 50 is formed at a location vertically above the reservoir 56. This configuration is suitable for storing the liquid refrigerant, which is generated when the refrigerant liquefies in the motor chamber 20, in the reservoir 56 within the motor chamber 20.

[0068] (6) The suction groove 51 is formed at a location vertically above the reservoir 56. This configuration is suitable for storing the liquid refrigerant, which is generated when the refrigerant liquefies in the motor chamber 20, in the reservoir 56 within the motor chamber 20.

[0069] (7) The communication hole 52 is formed at a location vertically above the reservoir 56. This configuration is suitable for storing the liquid refrigerant, which is generated when the refrigerant liquefies in the motor chamber 20, in the reservoir 56 within the motor chamber 20.

[0070] [Example of change] The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0071] In the above embodiment, a throttle passage communicating with the annular passage 54 may be formed in a portion of the journal support housing 13 that is located vertically below the fourth line L14 when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15. In this case, the throttle passage has a cross-sectional area that restricts the flow of liquid refrigerant that is generated when the refrigerant is liquefied in the motor chamber 20. The throttle passage allows the flow of refrigerant after the liquid refrigerant has evaporated.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the suction groove 51 may also be formed in a portion of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b between the fifth line L15 and the sixth line L16 when the motor housing peripheral wall 12b is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15. In this case, the communication hole 52 may also be formed in a portion of the journal housing 13 between the fifth line L15 and the sixth line L16 when the journal housing 13 is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15. Even in this case, when the motor chamber 20 is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, the area vertically below the fifth line L15 and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the fifth line L15 in the motor chamber 20 forms the reservoir 56.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the suction groove 51 may also be formed in a portion of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b that is located between the fourth line L14 and the fifth line L15 when the motor housing peripheral wall 12b is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15. In this case, the communication hole 52 may also be formed in a portion of the journal housing 13 that is located between the fourth line L14 and the fifth line L15 when the journal housing 13 is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15. Even in this case, when the motor chamber 20 is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, the area that is vertically below the fourth line L14 and that is surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the fourth line L14 in the motor chamber 20 forms the reservoir 56. In short, when the motor chamber 20 is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, the storage section 56 should be located vertically below the fourth straight line L14 and be the area surrounded by the inner surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b in the motor chamber 20 and the fourth straight line L14.

[0074] In the embodiment, the suction groove 51 may be formed in a portion vertically below the fourth line L14 when the motor housing peripheral wall 12b is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15. In this case, the communication hole 52 needs to be formed in a portion of the journal support housing 13 vertically above the fourth line L14 when the journal support housing 13 is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15. With this, when the motor chamber 20 is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15, the area vertically below the fourth line L14 and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the fourth line L14 in the motor chamber 20 becomes the storage portion 56. Therefore, liquid refrigerant generated by liquefaction of refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 can be stored in the storage portion 56 within the motor chamber 20 while restricting suction of liquid refrigerant from the motor chamber 20 to the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the suction groove 51 may be formed in a portion vertically below the fourth line L14 when the motor housing peripheral wall 12b is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15. In this case, the communication hole 52 may be formed in a portion vertically below the fourth line L14 on the journal housing 13 when the journal housing 13 is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15. In this case, for example, the suction port 55 needs to be formed in a portion vertically above the fourth line L14 on the fixed peripheral wall 25c when the fixed peripheral wall 25c is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15. In this case, the reservoir 56 is defined as a region vertically below the fourth line L14 and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b and the fourth line L14 in the motor chamber 20 when the motor chamber 20 is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant produced by liquefaction of the refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 can be stored in the storage section 56 in the motor chamber 20 while restricting suction from the motor chamber 20 to the compression chamber 27 via the suction passage 50.

[0076] In the embodiment, the bolt insertion holes 19a do not have to be formed on the outer periphery of the flange wall 19 of the journal support housing 13. Furthermore, the flange wall 19 does not have to be sandwiched between the discharge housing peripheral wall 14b of the discharge housing 14 and the motor housing peripheral wall 12b of the motor housing 12. In this case, for example, the flange wall 19 may be press-fitted into the inner periphery of the motor housing peripheral wall 12b of the motor housing 12. Therefore, the journal support housing 13 does not have to be fastened to the motor housing 12 by the bolts B1. In this case, the journal support housing 13 does not have to have the communication holes 52. Furthermore, the suction groove 51 is directly connected to the communication groove 53.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the suction groove 51 does not have to be formed. In this case, the inner circumferential surface 12e of the motor housing circumferential wall 12b may be expanded in diameter as a whole and connected to the flange wall 19 of the journal housing 13.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the suction port 55 may be a groove formed in the inner circumferential surface of the fixed circumferential wall 25 c and may be directly connected to the communication hole 52 . In the above-described embodiment, the number of suction ports 55 is not particularly limited.

[0079] In the embodiment, the suction port 55 may be formed in a portion of the fixed peripheral wall 25c that is located vertically below the fourth straight line L14 when the fixed peripheral wall 25c is viewed in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 15.

[0080] In an embodiment, the refrigerant may be carbon dioxide. Even when the refrigerant is carbon dioxide, the insulating properties of the refrigerant increase as the specific gravity of the refrigerant increases relative to the oil contained in the refrigerant, as shown by the solid line L100 in FIG.

[0081] As described above, the inventors discovered that when the refrigerant is carbon dioxide, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil contained therein, the higher the insulating properties of the refrigerant. Therefore, carbon dioxide was adopted as the refrigerant. As a result, the more liquid refrigerant is stored in the reservoir 56 within the motor chamber 20, the higher the specific gravity of the refrigerant relative to the oil contained therein, and therefore the higher the insulating properties of the refrigerant. Therefore, even if liquid refrigerant is stored in the reservoir 56 within the motor chamber 20, poor insulation between the motor 22 and the housing 11 via the liquid refrigerant can be avoided.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the refrigerant may be, for example, chlorofluorocarbon, and the type of refrigerant is not particularly limited. In the above-described embodiment, the compression mechanism C1 is not limited to a scroll type, and may be, for example, a piston type, a vane type, a rotary type, or the like.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the electric compressor 10 is used in a vehicle air conditioning system, but the application of the electric compressor 10 is not limited thereto. The electric compressor 10 may be used in any application as long as it compresses a refrigerant.

[0084] [Note] The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modifications will be described below. <Appendix 1> A rotation axis; a motor that rotates the rotary shaft; a compression mechanism that is driven by rotation of the rotary shaft and has a compression chamber that compresses a refrigerant; a motor chamber that accommodates the motor and into which a refrigerant is drawn from the outside, and a housing that has a suction passage that draws the refrigerant in the motor chamber into the compression chamber and rotatably supports the rotary shaft, When viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, a straight line that passes through the axis of the rotating shaft in a vertical direction is defined as a first straight line, a straight line that passes through the axis of the rotating shaft and extends at an angle of 30 degrees to one side in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft with respect to the first straight line is defined as a second straight line, a straight line that passes through the axis of the rotating shaft and extends at an angle of 30 degrees to the other side in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft with respect to the first straight line is defined as a third straight line, a first intersection is an intersection between the second line and the inner circumferential surface of the housing that defines the motor chamber and located vertically below the axis of the rotating shaft, a second intersection is an intersection between the third line and the inner circumferential surface of the housing that defines the motor chamber and located vertically below the axis of the rotating shaft, and a fourth straight line that passes through the first intersection and the second intersection and extends horizontally. the motor chamber being located vertically below the fourth line when viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft and surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the housing in the motor chamber and the fourth line, serves as a storage section that stores liquid refrigerant produced when the refrigerant liquefies in the motor chamber while restricting the liquid refrigerant from being drawn from the motor chamber to the compression chamber via the suction passage.

[0085] <Appendix 2> When viewed from the axial direction of the rotation shaft, if a straight line that passes through the axis of the rotation shaft and extends horizontally is defined as a fifth straight line, The electric compressor described in <Appendix 1>, characterized in that, when the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, an area that is vertically below the fifth line and is surrounded by the inner surface of the housing and the fifth line in the motor chamber forms the storage section.

[0086] <Appendix 3> A third intersection is a point on the inner circumferential surface of the housing that defines the motor chamber, the point being located vertically above the axis of the rotating shaft, where the point intersects with the second line; a fourth intersection is a point on the inner circumferential surface of the housing that defines the motor chamber, the point being located vertically above the axis of the rotating shaft, where the point intersects with the third line; and a sixth line is a line that passes through the third intersection and the fourth intersection and extends horizontally. The electric compressor according to <Appendix 1> or <Appendix 2>, characterized in that, when the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft, an area that is vertically below the sixth line and that is surrounded by an inner circumferential surface of the housing and the sixth line in the motor chamber forms the storage section.

[0087] <Appendix 4> The electric compressor according to any one of <Appendix 1> to <Appendix 3>, wherein the refrigerant is propane.

[0088] <Appendix 5> The electric compressor according to any one of <Appendix 1> to <Appendix 3>, wherein the refrigerant is carbon dioxide.

[0089] <Appendix 6> The compression mechanism includes: a fixed scroll having a fixed base plate, a fixed spiral wall standing from the fixed base plate, and a fixed peripheral wall standing from the fixed base plate and surrounding the fixed spiral wall, the fixed scroll being fixed to the housing; a rotating base plate facing the fixed base plate, and an orbiting scroll standing from the orbiting base plate toward the fixed base plate, having an orbiting spiral wall that engages with the fixed spiral wall, and revolving inside the fixed peripheral wall by rotation of the rotation shaft, the compression chamber is defined by the fixed base plate, the fixed spiral wall, the rotating base plate, and the rotating spiral wall, The housing includes: a support housing that is disposed on the opposite side of the swivel base plate from the fixed base plate and supports the rotation shaft; a motor housing having a motor housing end wall and a motor housing peripheral wall extending cylindrically from the motor housing end wall, the motor housing defining the motor chamber together with the journal housing by closing an opening of the motor housing peripheral wall with the journal housing; the intake passage is formed in at least the journal housing to communicate the motor chamber with the compression chamber; The electric compressor according to any one of <Appendix 1> to <Appendix 5>, wherein the suction passage is formed in a location positioned vertically above the storage portion.

[0090] <Appendix 7> The suction passage is an intake groove formed on an inner circumferential surface of the motor housing peripheral wall and opening at an open end of the motor housing peripheral wall; a suction port formed in the fixed peripheral wall and configured to draw the refrigerant from the suction groove into the compression chamber, The electric compressor according to <Appendix 6>, wherein the suction groove is formed in a position vertically above the storage portion.

[0091] <Appendix 8> The housing includes a discharge housing that defines a discharge chamber from which the refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber is discharged, the discharge housing has a discharge housing end wall and a discharge housing peripheral wall that extends cylindrically from the discharge housing end wall and surrounds the fixed peripheral wall, the discharge chamber is defined between the discharge housing end wall and the fixed base plate, The suction passage is an annular passage formed between the fixed peripheral wall and the discharge housing peripheral wall and communicating with the suction port; a communication hole formed in the support housing and communicating the suction groove with the annular passage, The electric compressor according to <Appendix 7>, wherein the communication hole is formed in a position vertically above the storage portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10...electric compressor, 11...housing, 12...motor housing, 12a...motor housing end wall, 12b...motor housing peripheral wall, 12e...inner peripheral surface, 13...support housing, 14...discharge housing, 14a...discharge housing end wall, 14b...discharge housing peripheral wall, 15...rotating shaft, 20...motor chamber, 22...motor, 25...fixed scroll, 25a...fixed base plate, 25b...fixed scroll wall, 25c...fixed peripheral wall, 26...orbiting scroll Roll, 26a...rotating base plate, 26b...rotating spiral wall, 27...compression chamber, 40...discharge chamber, 50...suction passage, 51...suction groove, 52...communicating hole, 54...annular passage, 55...suction port, 56...storage section, C1...compression mechanism, L1...axis, L11...first straight line, L12...second straight line, L13...third straight line, L14...fourth straight line, L15...fifth straight line, L16...sixth straight line, P1...first intersection, P2...second intersection, P3...third intersection, P4...fourth intersection.

Claims

1. A rotation axis; a motor that rotates the rotary shaft; a compression mechanism that is driven by rotation of the rotary shaft and has a compression chamber that compresses a refrigerant; a motor chamber that accommodates the motor and into which a refrigerant is drawn from the outside, and a housing that has a suction passage that draws the refrigerant in the motor chamber into the compression chamber and rotatably supports the rotary shaft, When viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, a straight line that passes vertically through the axis of the rotating shaft is defined as a first straight line; a straight line that passes through the axis of the rotating shaft and extends at an angle of 30 degrees to one side in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft with respect to the first straight line is defined as a second straight line; a straight line that passes through the axis of the rotating shaft and extends at an angle of 30 degrees to the other side in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft with respect to the first straight line is defined as a third straight line; a first intersection is an intersection between the second line and the inner circumferential surface of the housing that defines the motor chamber, which is located vertically below the axis of the rotating shaft; a second intersection is an intersection between the third line and the inner circumferential surface of the housing that defines the motor chamber, which is located vertically below the axis of the rotating shaft; and a fourth straight line that passes through the first intersection and the second intersection and extends horizontally. a storage section that stores liquid refrigerant produced by liquefaction of the refrigerant in the motor chamber while restricting the liquid refrigerant from being drawn from the motor chamber to the compression chamber via the suction passage, the storage section being located vertically below the fourth line when the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft and that is enclosed by the inner peripheral surface of the housing in the motor chamber and the fourth line.

2. When viewed from the axial direction of the rotation shaft, if a straight line that passes through the axis of the rotation shaft and extends horizontally is defined as a fifth straight line, 2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein, when the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the storage section is located vertically below the fifth line and is surrounded by the inner surface of the housing and the fifth line in the motor chamber.

3. A third intersection is a point on the inner peripheral surface of the housing that defines the motor chamber, the point being located vertically above the axis of the rotating shaft, where the point intersects with the second line; a fourth intersection is a point on the inner peripheral surface of the housing that defines the motor chamber, the point being located vertically above the axis of the rotating shaft, where the point intersects with the third line; and a sixth line is a line that passes through the third intersection and the fourth intersection and extends horizontally.

3. The electric compressor according to claim 2, wherein, when the motor chamber is viewed from the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the storage section is located vertically below the sixth line and is surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the housing and the sixth line in the motor chamber.

4. 4. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant is propane.

5. 4. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant is carbon dioxide.

6. The compression mechanism includes: a fixed scroll having a fixed base plate, a fixed spiral wall standing from the fixed base plate, and a fixed peripheral wall standing from the fixed base plate and surrounding the fixed spiral wall, the fixed scroll being fixed to the housing; a rotating base plate facing the fixed base plate, and an orbiting scroll standing from the orbiting base plate toward the fixed base plate, having an orbiting spiral wall that engages with the fixed spiral wall, and revolving inside the fixed peripheral wall by rotation of the rotation shaft, the compression chamber is defined by the fixed base plate, the fixed spiral wall, the rotating base plate, and the rotating spiral wall, The housing includes: a support housing that is disposed on the opposite side of the swivel base plate from the fixed base plate and supports the rotation shaft; a motor housing having a motor housing end wall and a motor housing peripheral wall extending cylindrically from the motor housing end wall, the motor housing defining the motor chamber together with the journal housing by closing an opening in the motor housing peripheral wall with the journal housing; the intake passage is formed in at least the journal housing to communicate the motor chamber with the compression chamber; 4. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the suction passage is formed at a location vertically above the storage portion.

7. The suction passage is an intake groove formed on an inner circumferential surface of the motor housing peripheral wall and opening at an opening end of the motor housing peripheral wall; a suction port formed in the fixed peripheral wall and configured to draw the refrigerant from the suction groove into the compression chamber, 7. The electric compressor according to claim 6, wherein the suction groove is formed at a position located vertically above the reservoir portion.

8. The housing includes a discharge housing defining a discharge chamber from which the refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber is discharged, the discharge housing has a discharge housing end wall and a discharge housing peripheral wall that extends cylindrically from the discharge housing end wall and surrounds the fixed peripheral wall, the discharge chamber is defined between the discharge housing end wall and the fixed base plate, The suction passage is an annular passage formed between the fixed peripheral wall and the discharge housing peripheral wall and communicating with the suction port; a communication hole formed in the support housing and communicating the suction groove with the annular passage, The electric compressor according to claim 7, wherein the communication hole is formed at a position located vertically above the storage portion.

Images