Electric compressor

Abstract

To improve oil storage capacity. [Solution] Between the case 10 and the compression mechanism 30, there is an oil storage chamber 4 capable of storing lubricating oil separated from the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism 30. Inside the case 10, there is a discharge chamber 3A that communicates with the discharge path 3 and into which the refrigerant, from which the lubricating oil has been separated from the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism 30, flows. In the discharge path 3, the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out from the discharge chamber 3A is narrowed, so that the pressure in the discharge path 3 is lower than the pressure in the discharge chamber 3A. A bypass path 40 is provided that connects the discharge path 3 and the oil storage chamber 4. The refrigerant in the oil storage chamber 4 flows into the discharge path 3 through the bypass path 40.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric compressor.

Background Art

[0002] As a prior art document that discloses the configuration of an electric compressor, there is Chinese Utility Model Patent No. 218325284 (Patent Document 1). In the electric compressor described in Patent Document 1, lubricating oil mixed in the refrigerant compressed by the compression mechanism (200) is separated in the oil separator (16). The separated lubricating oil is stored in the first chamber (10). The first chamber (10) communicates with the discharge path (11) through which the compressed refrigerant is discharged via a bypass path (12).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the electric compressor described in Patent Document 1, when the refrigerant compressed in the compression mechanism flows into the oil storage chamber of the first chamber (10), the inside of the oil storage chamber becomes high pressure. In this case, it becomes difficult for fluid to flow into the high-pressure space, so it becomes difficult to supply lubricating oil to the oil storage chamber. As a result, the oil storage capacity of the electric compressor may decrease.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electric compressor capable of improving the oil storage capacity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The electric compressor according to this disclosure comprises a case, an electric motor, and a compression mechanism. The case is provided with an intake path and a discharge path. The electric motor is housed in the case. The compression mechanism is housed in the case and is arranged horizontally parallel to the electric motor, and it draws in refrigerant from the intake path, compresses it, and discharges it to the discharge path. Between the case and the compression mechanism is an oil storage chamber capable of storing lubricating oil separated from the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism. Inside the case is a discharge chamber that communicates with the discharge path and into which refrigerant, from which lubricating oil has been separated from the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism, flows. In the discharge path, the flow path of refrigerant flowing out of the discharge chamber is restricted, so that the pressure in the discharge path is lower than the pressure in the discharge chamber. A bypass path is provided that connects the discharge path and the oil storage chamber. The refrigerant in the oil storage chamber flows into the discharge path through the bypass path.

[0007] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the bypass path is comprised of a hole formed in the case.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bypass path is positioned at an angle to the discharge path so that it is located downstream of the refrigerant flowing through the discharge path as it approaches the discharge path.

[0009] An electric compressor in one embodiment of the present disclosure further comprises an oil separator, which separates lubricating oil from the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism. At least a portion of the oil separator is located inside the compression mechanism.

[0010] An oil separator in one embodiment of the present disclosure has a cylindrical shape that extends in the axial direction. The axial direction of the oil separator is aligned with the horizontal direction.

[0011] A compression mechanism in one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a rotating shaft, a piston, vanes, and a cylinder. The rotating shaft is driven by an electric motor. The piston is rotatable eccentrically with respect to the axis of the rotating shaft as the rotating shaft rotates. The vanes contact the piston from below. The cylinder houses the piston and vanes, and a compression chamber is formed between the piston and vanes for compressing a refrigerant. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, oil storage capacity can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an electric compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a compression mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the electric compressor configuration, taken from the direction of the arrow III-III, showing the direction in which the refrigerant flows. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electric compressor configuration, taken from the direction of the IV-IV arrow, showing the flow path through which the refrigerant flows inside the compression mechanism. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electric compressor configuration, taken from the direction of the VV arrow, showing the flow path through which the refrigerant flows inside the compression mechanism. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electric compressor configuration, taken from the direction of the VI-VI arrow, showing the paths through which the refrigerant and lubricating oil flow inside the compression mechanism. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an oil storage chamber according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the bypass path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] 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 may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may not be repeated.

[0015] In the drawings, the direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction in which the electric motor and the compression mechanism are arranged is defined as the X direction, the vertical direction is defined as the Y direction, and the horizontal direction in which the electric motor and the compression mechanism are arranged is defined as the Z direction. Also, in the drawings, there are some places where the illustration of the connection structure between each component is omitted. Further, in FIG. 2, for the sake of convenience, the cross-sectional part is not hatched.

[0016] First, the overall configuration of an electric compressor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an electric compressor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the electric compressor 1 can be mounted on, for example, an automobile. The electric compressor 1 is used, for example, for an automobile air conditioner. The electric compressor 1 in the present embodiment is a horizontally placed compressor having a larger width in the horizontal direction (Z direction) compared to the height in the vertical direction (Y direction).

[0018] The electric compressor 1 in the present embodiment includes a case 10, an electric motor 20, and a compression mechanism 30.

[0019] The case 10 constitutes the outer shape of the electric compressor 1. The material of the case 10 is, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0020] The case 10 includes a first case 11 and a second case 12. The first case 11 and the second case 12 are arranged side by side in the Z direction.

[0021] The first case 11 is provided with a case inlet 13 through which refrigerant is drawn in. The case inlet 13 penetrates the inner circumferential surface 15 of the case 10. The second case 12 is provided with a case outlet 14 through which refrigerant is discharged. The case outlet 14 is located in the thicker portion at the top of the case 10.

[0022] Case 10 is provided with an intake path 2 and a discharge path 3. Refrigerant is drawn into the interior of case 10 from the intake path 2. The case intake port 13 constitutes part of the intake path 2. Refrigerant is discharged to the outside of case 10 from the discharge path 3. The case outlet port 14 constitutes part of the discharge path 3. The discharge path 3 is located above case 10 in the vertical direction (Y direction).

[0023] The electric motor 20 is housed in the case 10. In this embodiment, the electric motor 20 is housed in the first case 11.

[0024] The electric motor 20 includes a stator 21 and a rotor 22. The stator 21 is constructed by stacking multiple electromagnetic steel sheets (not shown) in the Z direction. The stator 21 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface 15.

[0025] The rotor 22 is constructed by stacking multiple electromagnetic steel sheets (not shown) in the Z direction. The rotor 22 is positioned on the inner circumference side of the stator 21, with a gap between it and the stator 21.

[0026] The compression mechanism 30 is housed in the case 10. In this embodiment, the compression mechanism 30 is mainly located inside the second case 12. The compression mechanism 30 is arranged in parallel with the electric motor 20 in the horizontal direction (Z direction). The compression mechanism 30 can draw in refrigerant from the intake path 2, compress it, and discharge the compressed refrigerant from the discharge path 3. The materials of the components constituting the compression mechanism 30 are, for example, aluminum alloy or iron alloy.

[0027] The compression mechanism 30 includes a rotating shaft 31, a piston, vanes, a cylinder, and a plate member 35. The piston is rotatable eccentrically with respect to the axis C as the rotating shaft 31 rotates. The vanes contact the piston from below. The cylinder houses the piston and vanes, and a compression chamber is formed between the piston and vanes for compressing the refrigerant. The plate member 35 contacts the cylinder in the Z direction and is in contact with the compression chamber.

[0028] The piston in this embodiment includes a first piston and a second piston that are spaced apart from each other in the Z direction. The vane in this embodiment includes a first vane and a second vane. The cylinder in this embodiment includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder. The compression chamber includes a first compression chamber and a second compression chamber.

[0029] The internal space of the case 10 is divided into multiple spaces by the plate member 35 in the compression mechanism 30. Specifically, the internal space of the case 10 is divided into an intake chamber 2A, a discharge chamber 3A, and an oil storage chamber 4.

[0030] Inhalation chamber 2A is a space that communicates with the inhalation path 2. An electric motor 20 is located in inhalation chamber 2A.

[0031] The discharge chamber 3A is a space that communicates with the discharge path 3. In this embodiment, the discharge chamber 3A is the space between the inner circumferential surface 15 of the case 10 and the rear side plate 170, which will be described later. Refrigerant, from which lubricating oil has been separated from the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism 30, flows into the discharge chamber 3A.

[0032] The oil storage chamber 4 is located between the case 10 and the compression mechanism 30. The oil storage chamber 4 is capable of storing lubricating oil separated from the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism 30. Details of the configuration of the discharge chamber 3A and the oil storage chamber 4 will be described later.

[0033] Next, the details of the compression mechanism 30 will be described. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a compression mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the compression mechanism 30 includes a rotating shaft 31, a first compression section 32, a second compression section 33, a plate member 35, a lid member 36, and a muffler 37. In this embodiment, the plate member 35 has a front side plate 140, a middle side plate 160, and a rear side plate 170.

[0035] The rotating shaft 31 is driven by an electric motor 20. The rotating shaft 31 has an axis C that extends in the horizontal direction (Z direction). However, the axis C of the rotating shaft 31 is not limited to extending in the horizontal direction (Z direction).

[0036] The rotating shaft 31 has a fixed portion 110, a shaft portion 111, and an eccentric shaft portion 112. The fixed portion 110 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the rotor 22. As a result, when the electric motor 20 is driven, the rotating shaft 31 rotates around the axis C in accordance with the rotation of the rotor 22.

[0037] The shaft portion 111 is inserted through the front side plate 140, the cover member 36, the middle side plate 160, the rear side plate 170, and the muffler 37. The eccentric shaft portion 112 is inserted through the first compression section 32 and the second compression section 33.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the first compression section 32 includes a first piston 120, a first vane 122, and a first cylinder 125.

[0039] The first piston 120 is rotatable in an eccentric state with respect to the axis C as the rotation of the rotating shaft 31 rotates. The first piston 120 is fitted into the eccentric shaft portion 112 in a state that allows it to rotate on its own in the circumferential direction in the Z direction.

[0040] The first vane 122 is in contact with the first piston 120 from below in the Y direction. The tip 123 of the first vane 122 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 121 of the first piston 120 from below in the Y direction. The first vane 122 is biased toward the first piston 120 by the elastic member 129. As a result, the first vane 122 is able to move in the Y direction while in contact with the first piston 120 in accordance with the rotation of the first piston 120.

[0041] The first cylinder 125 houses the first piston 120 and the first vane 122. The first piston 120, which rotates eccentrically, slides on the inner circumferential surface 126 of the first cylinder 125. A vane groove 127 is provided so as to be continuous with the inner circumferential surface 126. The vane groove 127 extends in the Y direction. The first vane 122 is housed in the vane groove 127. The side portion 124 of the first vane 122 is provided so as to slide on the vane groove 127.

[0042] The first cylinder 125 has a first compression chamber 38 formed between the first piston 120 and the first vane 122 for compressing the refrigerant.

[0043] Refrigerant is introduced into the first compression chamber 38 from the first intake port 142 provided on the front side plate 140. As the first piston 120 rotates in an eccentric state, the space in the first compression chamber 38 gradually narrows, compressing the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant is discharged from the first discharge port 143 provided on the front side plate 140.

[0044] A lubricating oil supply path is formed in the first cylinder 125. The supply path is a through hole 128 that opens at the bottom of the outer circumferential surface of the first cylinder 125. The lubricating oil is supplied to the first vane 122 through the through hole 128, which is the supply path.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the second compression section 33 includes a second piston 150, a second vane 151, and a second cylinder 152.

[0046] The second piston 150 is positioned on the side opposite to the front side plate 140 in the Z direction, spaced apart from the first piston 120. The second piston 150 is rotatable in an eccentric state with respect to the axis C as the rotation of the rotation shaft 31 rotates. The second piston 150 is fitted into the eccentric shaft portion 112 in a state that allows it to rotate on its own in the circumferential direction in the Z direction.

[0047] The second vane 151 is in contact with the second piston 150 from below in the Y direction. The second cylinder 152 houses the second piston 150 and the second vane 151 in a direction intersecting the Z direction. Similar to the first cylinder 125, the second cylinder 152 has a lubricating oil supply path to the second vane 151.

[0048] The second compression section 33 has a second compression chamber 39 formed between the second vane 151 and the second cylinder 152 and the second piston 150, which compresses the refrigerant.

[0049] Refrigerant is introduced into the second compression chamber 39 from the second intake port 162 located on the middle side plate 160. As the second piston 150 rotates eccentrically, the space in the second compression chamber 39 gradually narrows, compressing the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant is discharged from a second discharge port (not shown).

[0050] The front side plate 140 is in contact with the first cylinder 125 from the side where the electric motor 20 is located in the Z direction. The front side plate 140 is in contact with the first compression chamber 38 in the Z direction.

[0051] The front side plate 140 has a first bearing portion 141. The first bearing portion 141 is formed by a through hole that penetrates the front side plate 140 in the Z direction. The first bearing portion 141 supports the shaft portion 111. The shaft portion 111 slides relative to the first bearing portion 141 due to the rotation of the rotating shaft 31.

[0052] The lid member 36 is in contact with the front side plate 140 from the Z direction. The lid member 36 supports the rotating shaft 31 with the front side plate 140 in between.

[0053] The middle side plate 160 is positioned between the first cylinder 125 and the second cylinder 152 in the Z direction and separates the first compression chamber 38 and the second compression chamber 39.

[0054] The rear side plate 170 abuts against the second cylinder 152 from the side opposite to the side where the front side plate 140 is located in the Z direction. The rear side plate 170 is in contact with the second compression chamber 39 in the Z direction. The shaft portion 111 of the rotating shaft 31 slides against the second bearing portion 171 of the rear side plate 170 due to the rotation of the rotating shaft 31.

[0055] The muffler 37 is in contact with the rear side plate 170 from the side opposite to the side where the front side plate 140 is positioned in the horizontal direction (Z direction).

[0056] As described above, the electric compressor 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a rolling piston type electric compressor. In a rolling piston type compressor, it is desirable that the vanes are provided below the case 10 in order to facilitate the supply of lubricating oil stored in the lower part of the case 10 to the vanes, and that the first intake port 142 and the second intake port 162 of the compression mechanism 30 are provided below the case 10 corresponding to the vanes.

[0057] Furthermore, the electric compressor 1 is not limited to a rolling piston type compressor, but may also be a scroll type electric compressor or a vane type electric compressor, etc. Also, the electric compressor 1 is not limited to a configuration in which two compression chambers are formed, but may also be a configuration in which one compression chamber is formed.

[0058] Next, the flow of refrigerant and lubricating oil inside the electric compressor 1 will be described. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the electric compressor in Figure 1, viewed from the direction of the arrow III-III, showing the direction of refrigerant flow. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the electric compressor in Figure 3, viewed from the direction of the arrow IV-IV, showing the flow path of the refrigerant inside the compression mechanism. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the electric compressor in Figure 3, viewed from the direction of the arrow VV, showing the flow path of the refrigerant inside the compression mechanism. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the electric compressor in Figure 3, viewed from the direction of the arrow VI-VI, showing the path of the refrigerant and lubricating oil inside the compression mechanism. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an oil storage chamber according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the compression mechanism 30 is provided with a first space S1, a second space S2, a third space S3, a first path 70, a second path 71, and an oil separation chamber 72 through which the refrigerant flows.

[0060] The first space S1 is the space between the front side plate 140 and the cover member 36. The second space S2 is the space between the muffler 37 and the rear side plate 170. The third space S3 is the space between the front side plate 140 and the cover member 36, separated from the first space S1.

[0061] The first path 70 is connected to the first space S1 and the oil separation chamber 72 and consists of a hole that passes through the inside of the compression mechanism 30. The second path 71 is connected to the first space S1 and the second space S2 and consists of a hole that passes through the inside of the compression mechanism 30. The oil separation chamber 72 is connected to the first path 70 and the third space S3 and consists of a hole that passes through the inside of the compression mechanism 30.

[0062] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the electric compressor 1 in this embodiment further includes an oil separator 50. The oil separator 50 separates lubricating oil from the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism 30.

[0063] The oil separator 50 has a cylindrical shape that extends in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the oil separator 50 has a cylindrical portion 51. The axial direction of the oil separator 50 is along the horizontal direction (Z direction). The cylindrical portion 51 is provided facing the direction in which the refrigerant is discharged from the first path 70.

[0064] At least a portion of the oil separator 50 is located inside the compression mechanism 30. A portion of the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 51 is fitted to the rear side plate 170. A portion of the cylindrical portion 51 is located inside the oil separation chamber 72.

[0065] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the refrigerant mixed with the lubricating oil, which has been compressed by the compression mechanism 30 inside the electric compressor 1, is discharged into the discharge chamber 3A while the lubricating oil is separated from the refrigerant.

[0066] In terms of refrigerant flow, first the refrigerant is compressed in the first compression section 32 and the second compression section 33.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4, the refrigerant discharged from the first compression unit 32 is discharged into the first space S1 from the first discharge port 143 (see Figure 2). The refrigerant discharged from the second compression unit 33 is discharged into the second space S2 from the second discharge valve (not shown). The refrigerant in the second space S2 flows to the first space S1 via the second path 71. The refrigerants compressed in the first compression unit 32 and the second compression unit 33 merge in the first space S1 and flow through the first path 70.

[0068] Next, as shown in Figure 5, the refrigerant flows from the first path 70 to the oil separation chamber 72. When the refrigerant mixed with lubricating oil is discharged to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 51, the force of the discharge causes the refrigerant mixed with lubricating oil to circulate between the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 51 and the oil separation chamber 72, and the lubricating oil is separated from the refrigerant by centrifugal force.

[0069] As shown in Figure 6, a portion of the refrigerant from which the lubricating oil has been separated flows through the inside of the cylindrical portion 51 and is discharged into the discharge chamber 3A (see solid arrow in Figure 6). The refrigerant discharged into the discharge chamber 3A flows into the discharge path 3 and is discharged to the outside from the case discharge port 14 (see solid arrow in Figure 3). The remaining portion of the refrigerant from which the lubricating oil has been separated flows through the third space S3 and flows into the oil storage chamber 4 via the through hole 4H provided in the front side plate 140 (see dotted arrow in Figure 6). Since the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism 30 is mainly discharged into the discharge chamber 3A, the amount of refrigerant discharged into the discharge chamber 3A is greater than the amount of the remaining refrigerant flowing into the oil storage chamber 4.

[0070] The lubricating oil separated from the refrigerant flows from the oil separation chamber 72 into the third space S3. The lubricating oil then flows from the third space S3 through the through hole 4H into the oil storage chamber 4 along with the remaining refrigerant (see dotted arrow in Figure 6).

[0071] As shown in Figure 7, lubricating oil L is stored in the oil storage chamber 4. The lubricating oil L is stored in the lower part of the oil storage chamber 4 in the Y direction due to its own weight. As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the oil separator 50 is positioned above in the Z direction. The oil separator 50 is positioned above the rotating shaft 31. This makes it possible to increase the amount of lubricating oil L stored below the oil separator 50 in the oil storage chamber 4.

[0072] The lubricating oil stored in the oil storage chamber 4 is supplied to the inside of the compression mechanism 30. The lubricating oil is supplied to the sliding parts of the compression mechanism 30 through through holes 128 provided in the compression mechanism 30.

[0073] The oil storage chamber 4 is located in the circumferential direction in the horizontal direction (Z direction) of the compression mechanism 30. The oil storage chamber 4 is located below and above the compression mechanism 30 in the vertical direction (Y direction).

[0074] Because the oil storage chamber 4 is positioned below the compression mechanism 30 in the vertical direction (Y direction), lubricating oil is easily supplied to the vanes located below in the Y direction through the through holes 128. In this embodiment, there are two compression sections, and it is easy to supply lubricating oil to the vanes of both of these compression sections.

[0075] Because the oil storage chamber 4 is positioned above the compression mechanism 30 in the vertical direction (Y direction), the bypass path 40, which will be described later, can be made shorter when it is provided above in the Y direction.

[0076] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the oil storage chamber 4 in this embodiment is formed by being surrounded by the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder, the plate member 35, and the inner circumferential surface of the case 10. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate structure to constitute the oil storage chamber 4.

[0077] Next, the bypass route 40 will be described. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the bypass route according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] As shown in Figure 8, the electric compressor 1 in this embodiment is provided with a bypass path 40. The bypass path 40 is located above the case 10 in the vertical direction (Y direction). The bypass path 40 connects the discharge path 3 and the oil storage chamber 4.

[0079] The bypass path 40 is composed of holes formed in the case 10. The bypass path 40 is positioned diagonally to the discharge path 3 so that it is located downstream of the refrigerant flowing through the discharge path 3 as it approaches the discharge path 3.

[0080] The bypass path 40 is configured in a straight shape. However, the bypass path 40 may also be configured in a curved shape.

[0081] The bypass path 40 has a smaller cross-sectional area on the discharge path 3 side than on the oil storage chamber 4 side. This allows the flow velocity of the refrigerant on the discharge path 3 side of the bypass path 40 to be increased, thereby suppressing the inflow of refrigerant from the discharge path 3 side into the bypass path 40. The cross-sectional area of ​​the bypass path 40 may be approximately constant.

[0082] Generally, when the cross-sectional area of ​​a fluid flow path decreases, the Venturi effect causes the fluid velocity to increase and the pressure to decrease in the area with the smaller flow path cross-sectional area. In this embodiment, the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out of the discharge chamber 3A is narrowed in the discharge path 3. That is, the flow path cross-sectional area A1 of the discharge path 3 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area A2 of the discharge chamber 3A. As a result, the pressure in the discharge path 3 is lower than the pressure in the discharge chamber 3A.

[0083] On the other hand, the oil storage chamber 4 receives compressed refrigerant along with lubricating oil, resulting in a pressure approximately equivalent to that of the discharge chamber 3A. Furthermore, if compressed refrigerant from the compression chamber of the compression mechanism 30 leaks out of the cylinder into the oil storage chamber 4 as blow-by gas, the pressure inside the oil storage chamber 4 may become higher than that of the discharge chamber 3A.

[0084] Let's assume that the discharge chamber 3A is not provided. In this case, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flowing into the discharge path 3 does not change, so the Venturi effect does not occur in the discharge path 3, and the pressure inside the discharge path 3 does not change. As a result, a pressure difference is less likely to occur between the discharge path 3 and the oil storage chamber 4, making it difficult for the refrigerant in the oil storage chamber 4 to flow into the discharge path 3 through the bypass path 40. This results in a high-pressure state inside the oil storage chamber 4, making it difficult for lubricating oil to flow into the oil storage chamber 4. Consequently, lubricating oil is more likely to leak out of the electric compressor 1, resulting in a shortage of lubricating oil inside the electric compressor 1.

[0085] On the other hand, in this embodiment, as described above, by providing the discharge chamber 3A, the pressure in the discharge path 3 is lower than the pressure in the discharge chamber 3A. Therefore, based on the pressure relationship between the discharge path 3, the discharge chamber 3A, and the oil storage chamber 4, the pressure in the discharge path 3 becomes lower than the pressure in the oil storage chamber 4. As a result, the refrigerant in the oil storage chamber 4 flows into the discharge path 3 through the bypass path 40 (in the direction of the arrow in Figure 8). Consequently, the pressure in the oil storage chamber 4 decreases, making it easier for lubricating oil to flow into the oil storage chamber 4.

[0086] Furthermore, the bypass path 40 may be provided with a throttling member that allows the cross-sectional area of ​​the bypass path 40 to be freely adjusted. The throttling member may be, for example, a cylindrical member.

[0087] In an electric compressor 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a bypass path 40 is provided that connects the oil storage chamber 4 with a discharge path 3, which has a lower pressure than the oil storage chamber 4. This allows the high-pressure refrigerant in the oil storage chamber 4 to flow into the discharge path 3 through the bypass path 40. As a result, the pressure in the oil storage chamber 4 can be reduced, making it easier for lubricating oil to flow into the oil storage chamber 4 and improving the oil storage capacity.

[0088] In an electric compressor 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of components of the electric compressor 1 can be reduced by configuring the bypass path 40 with a hole formed in the case 10, without using piping or the like in the configuration of the bypass path 40.

[0089] In an electric compressor 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bypass path 40 is positioned diagonally to the discharge path 3 so that as it approaches the discharge path 3, it is located downstream of the refrigerant flowing through the discharge path 3. As a result, the refrigerant flowing from the oil storage chamber 4 toward the discharge path 3 through the bypass path 40 flows without opposing the flow of refrigerant in the discharge path 3, making it easier for the refrigerant to flow through the bypass path 40.

[0090] In the electric compressor 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing the oil separator 50 inside the compression mechanism 30, the configuration in which the oil separator 50 is placed inside the case 10 can be miniaturized compared to the case in which the oil separator 50 is placed outside the compression mechanism 30, thereby making the electric compressor 1 itself smaller, and thus the bypass path 40 can be made shorter. As a result, the bypass path 40 can be made simpler in its configuration.

[0091] In an electric compressor 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the axial direction of the oil separator 50 is arranged along a direction intersecting the horizontal direction (Y direction), the size of the compression mechanism 30 may increase in the direction intersecting the horizontal direction (Z direction) depending on the axial length of the oil separator 50. However, because the axial direction of the oil separator 50 is along the horizontal direction (Z direction), the compression mechanism 30 can be constructed without depending on the size of the oil separator 50. As a result, a miniaturized compression mechanism 30 can be constructed in the direction intersecting the horizontal direction.

[0092] In an electric compressor 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sliding gap of a rolling piston type compressor tends to be smaller compared to a scroll compressor and the like, making it difficult for the pressure in the oil reservoir chamber 4 to escape to other components. This can lead to high pressure in the oil reservoir chamber 4, potentially making it difficult for lubricating oil to flow into the oil reservoir chamber 4. However, by providing a bypass path 40 to lower the pressure in the oil reservoir chamber 4, it is possible to make it easier for lubricating oil to flow into the oil reservoir chamber 4. This improves the oil storage capacity of the rolling piston type compressor.

[0093] [Note] This embodiment includes the following disclosures.

[0094] [Configuration 1] Cases in which an inhalation route and an discharge route are provided, The electric motor housed in the aforementioned case, The case is housed in the aforementioned case and is arranged horizontally alongside the electric motor, and comprises a compression mechanism that draws in refrigerant drawn in from the intake path, compresses it, and discharges it to the discharge path. Between the case and the compression mechanism, there is an oil storage chamber in which lubricating oil separated from the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism can be stored. Inside the case, there is a discharge chamber that communicates with the discharge path and into which refrigerant, from which lubricating oil has been separated from the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism, flows. In the discharge path, the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out of the discharge chamber is narrowed, so that the pressure in the discharge path is lower than the pressure in the discharge chamber. A bypass path is provided that connects the discharge path and the oil storage chamber. An electric compressor through which the refrigerant in the oil storage chamber flows into the discharge path via the bypass path.

[0095] [Configuration 2] The electric compressor according to configuration 1, wherein the bypass path is formed by a hole in the case.

[0096] [Configuration 3] The electric compressor according to configuration 1 or configuration 2, wherein the bypass path is provided at an angle to the discharge path so that it is located downstream of the refrigerant flowing through the discharge path as it approaches the discharge path.

[0097] [Structure 4] The system further includes an oil separator for separating lubricating oil from the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism, An electric compressor according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the oil separator is located inside the compression mechanism.

[0098] [Composition 5] The oil separator has a cylindrical shape that extends in the axial direction, The electric compressor according to configuration 4, wherein the axial direction of the oil separator is aligned with the horizontal direction.

[0099] [Composition 6] The compression mechanism is The rotating shaft driven by the aforementioned electric motor, A piston that can rotate eccentrically with respect to the axis of the rotating shaft in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft, A vane that contacts the piston from below, An electric compressor according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, comprising a cylinder housing the piston and the vane, with a compression chamber formed between the piston and the vane for compressing a refrigerant.

[0100] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and do not constitute a limiting interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalence to the claims are included. In the description of the embodiments above, combinatorial configurations may be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1 Electric compressor, 2 Intake path, 2A Intake chamber, 3 Discharge path, 3A Discharge chamber, 4 Oil storage chamber, 4H, 128 Through hole, 10 Case, 11 First case, 12 Second case, 13 Case inlet, 14 Case outlet, 15, 126 Inner surface, 20 Electric motor, 21 Stator, 22 Rotor, 30 Compression mechanism, 31 Rotating shaft, 32 First compression section, 33 Second compression section, 35 Plate member, 36 Cover member, 37 Muffler, 38 First compression chamber, 39 Second compression chamber, 40 Bypass path, 50 Oil separator, 51 Cylindrical section, 70 First path, 71 Second path, 72 Oil separation chamber, 110 Fixed section, 111 Shaft section, 112 Eccentric shaft section, 120 First piston, 121 Outer surface, 122 First vane, 123 tip, 124 side, 125 first cylinder, 127 vane groove, 129 elastic member, 140 front side plate, 141 first bearing section, 142 first intake port, 143 first discharge port, 150 second piston, 151 second vane, 152 second cylinder, 160 middle side plate, 162 second intake port, 170 rear side plate, 171 second bearing section, A1, A2 flow path cross-sectional area, C axis, L lubricating oil, S1 first space, S2 second space, S3 third space.

Claims

1. Cases in which an inhalation route and an discharge route are provided, The electric motor housed in the aforementioned case, The case is housed in the aforementioned case and is arranged horizontally alongside the electric motor, and comprises a compression mechanism that draws in refrigerant drawn in from the intake path, compresses it, and discharges it to the discharge path. Between the case and the compression mechanism, there is an oil storage chamber in which lubricating oil separated from the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism can be stored. Inside the case, there is a discharge chamber that communicates with the discharge path and into which refrigerant, from which lubricating oil has been separated from the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism, flows. In the discharge path, the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out of the discharge chamber is narrowed, so that the pressure in the discharge path is lower than the pressure in the discharge chamber. A bypass path is provided that connects the discharge path and the oil storage chamber. An electric compressor through which the refrigerant in the oil storage chamber flows into the discharge path via the bypass path.

2. The electric compressor according to claim 1, wherein the bypass path is formed by a hole formed in the case.

3. The electric compressor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bypass path is provided at an angle to the discharge path such that, as it approaches the discharge path, it is located downstream of the refrigerant flowing through the discharge path.

4. The system further includes an oil separator for separating lubricating oil from the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism, The electric compressor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the oil separator is located inside the compression mechanism.

5. The oil separator has a cylindrical shape that extends in the axial direction, The electric compressor according to claim 4, wherein the axial direction of the oil separator is aligned with the horizontal direction.

6. The compression mechanism is The rotating shaft driven by the aforementioned electric motor, A piston that can rotate eccentrically with respect to the axis of the rotating shaft in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft, A vane that contacts the piston from below, An electric compressor according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a cylinder housing the piston and the vane, wherein a compression chamber for compressing a refrigerant is formed between the piston and the vane.

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