Rear head with vortex oil separator for compressor and electric compressor with vortex oil separator

Abstract

The present invention provides a rear head equipped with a vortex oil separator for a compressor and an electric compressor equipped with a vortex oil separator. [Solution] An assembly relating to an electric scroll compressor is provided. The electric scroll compressor is configured to compress a refrigerant. The assembly may include a rear head, a refrigerant outlet port, and a vortex oil separator. The rear head defines at least partially a discharge volume. The discharge volume is configured to receive mixed oil and pressurized refrigerant. The rear head includes a slot adjacent to the discharge volume and in fluid communication with the discharge volume. The refrigerant outlet port is coupled to and integral with the rear head and in fluid communication with the slot. The slot in the housing is configured to receive a vortex oil separator. The vortex oil separator is configured to receive mixed oil and refrigerant and separate oil from the compressed refrigerant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric compressor, and more particularly to an electric compressor provided with a vortex oil separator.

[0002] Background Art Compressors have been used for a long time in cooling systems. In particular, in systems designed to provide cooling in certain areas, scroll compressors in which a swash scroll rotates in a circular motion with respect to a fixed scroll to compress a refrigerant are used. For example, such scroll compressors have long been used in the HVAC systems of motor vehicles such as automobiles to provide air conditioning. Such compressors may also be used in reverse in applications that require a heat pump. Generally, these compressors are driven using the rotational motion obtained from an automobile engine.

[0003] With the advent of battery-powered vehicles or electric vehicles, and / or hybrid vehicles that may sometimes be powered solely by a battery, such compressors must be driven or powered by a battery rather than an engine. Such compressors may be referred to as electric compressors.

[0004] In addition to cooling the locomotive's cabin, electric compressors may be used to heat or cool other areas or components of the locomotive. For example, when the battery is being charged, especially during fast charging mode, heat is generated that can damage or degrade the battery and / or other systems, so it may be desirable to heat or cool the electronic systems and the battery or battery housing. Electric compressors may also be used to cool the battery when it is not being charged or used, as heat can damage or degrade the battery. Since electric compressors can operate at various times even when the locomotive is not in operation, such use obviously requires electrical energy from the battery and therefore shortens the battery's operating time. In addition, electric compressors can operate at very high speeds, for example, 2,000 RPM (or more). Such high speeds may generate undesirable levels of noise.

[0005] Oil is used to provide lubrication between the moving parts of an electric compressor. During operation, the oil and refrigerant mix, and some of the oil needs to be separated from the mixture before the refrigerant leaves the compressor. Some compressors use a vortex oil separator to separate the oil from the compressed refrigerant.

[0006] Compressed refrigerant generally flows out of the compressor through the outlet port. Furthermore, the need to use different types of refrigerants requiring narrower outlet ports is increasing. Current compressor vortex oil separators are assembled entirely or partially through the outlet port. The separation efficiency (separating oil from the compressed refrigerant) can, in part, depend on the diameter associated with the vortex oil separator. When a vortex oil separator is introduced into the outlet port, the overall diameter of the outlet port may be too narrow to be efficient.

[0007] A connector coupled to the outlet port allows the outlet port to be connected to an external system, thereby enabling the compressed refrigerant to flow into the external system. In conventional technology, the use of narrow outlet ports (e.g., required for newer types of refrigerants) or narrow connectors (e.g., required for external systems) hinders or makes the assembly of oil separators via or within the outlet port more difficult.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an electric compressor that is highly efficient, low-noise, and has a maximum lifespan. The present invention addresses one or more of the problems identified above.

[0009] Summary of the Invention In a first aspect of the present invention, an assembly relating to an electric scroll compressor is provided. The electric scroll compressor is configured to compress a refrigerant. The assembly may include a rear head, a refrigerant outlet port, and a vortex oil separator. The rear head defines at least partially a discharge volume. The discharge volume is configured to receive mixed oil and pressurized refrigerant. The rear head includes a slot adjacent to the discharge volume and in fluid communication with the discharge volume. The refrigerant outlet port is coupled to and integral with the rear head and is in fluid communication with the slot. The refrigerant outlet port is configured to allow compressed refrigerant to flow out of the electric scroll compressor through the discharge volume. The slot in the rear head housing is configured to receive a vortex oil separator. The vortex oil separator is configured to receive mixed oil and refrigerant, separate the oil from the compressed refrigerant, and allow the compressed refrigerant to flow out of the discharge volume through the refrigerant outlet port. The vortex oil separator has an opening, through which it is configured to receive mixed oil and refrigerant.

[0010] In one embodiment, the rear head includes an integrated oil return path, which is in fluid communication with a slot and configured to receive oil separated from the compressed refrigerant by a vortex oil separator. The integrated oil path may be connected to an oil reservoir configured to receive oil separated from the compressed refrigerant by a vortex oil separator.

[0011] Optionally, a vortex oil separator includes a trough, an internal cavity, and an outlet pipe. The trough has an open end and a bottom. The open end opens to the discharge volume, and the bottom includes an opening. The opening in the bottom is configured to allow the mixed oil and compressed refrigerant to flow into the internal cavity. The outlet pipe has a first end and a second end and is located within the internal cavity. The second end is adjacent to the refrigerant outlet port. The first end of the outlet pipe is configured to receive the compressed refrigerant separated from the oil.

[0012] In one embodiment, the assembly may include a retaining mechanism configured to hold a vortex oil separator in a slot. Optionally, the retaining mechanism may include a groove in a rear head configured to receive the outer edge of the vortex oil separator. The retaining mechanism may include one or more fasteners configured to attach the vortex oil separator to the rear head.

[0013] In a second aspect of the present invention, a housing assembly relating to an electric scroll compressor is provided. The electric scroll compressor is configured to compress a refrigerant. The housing assembly includes a central housing, a rear head, a refrigerant outlet port, and a vortex oil separator. The rear head is coupled to the central housing. The central housing and the rear head define a discharge volume. The discharge volume is configured to receive mixed oil and pressurized refrigerant. The rear head includes a slot adjacent to the discharge volume and in fluid communication with it. The refrigerant outlet port is coupled to the rear head, integral with the rear head, and in fluid communication with the slot. The refrigerant outlet port is configured to allow compressed refrigerant to flow out of the electric scroll compressor through the discharge volume. The slot in the housing is configured to receive a vortex oil separator. The vortex oil separator is configured to receive mixed oil and refrigerant, separate the oil from the compressed refrigerant, and allow the compressed refrigerant to flow out of the electric scroll compressor through the refrigerant outlet port. The vortex oil separator has an opening, through which it is configured to receive mixed oil and refrigerant.

[0014] In one embodiment, the rear head includes an integrated oil return path, which is in fluid communication with a slot and configured to receive oil separated from the compressed refrigerant by a vortex oil separator. The integrated oil path may be connected to an oil reservoir configured to receive oil separated from the compressed refrigerant by a vortex oil separator.

[0015] Optionally, a vortex oil separator includes a trough, an internal cavity, and an outlet pipe. The trough has an open end and a bottom. The open end opens to the discharge volume, and the bottom includes an opening. The opening in the bottom is configured to allow the mixed oil and compressed refrigerant to flow into the internal cavity. The outlet pipe has a first end and a second end and is located within the internal cavity. The second end is adjacent to the refrigerant outlet port. The first end of the outlet pipe is configured to receive the compressed refrigerant separated from the oil.

[0016] In one embodiment, the housing assembly may include a retaining mechanism configured to hold a vortex oil separator in a slot. Optionally, the retaining mechanism may include a groove in a rear head configured to receive the outer edge of the vortex oil separator. The retaining mechanism may include one or more fasteners configured to mount the vortex oil separator to the rear head.

[0017] A third aspect of the present invention provides an electric scroll compressor for compressing a refrigerant. The electric scroll compressor comprises a housing, a refrigerant inlet port, a refrigerant outlet port, a drive shaft, a compressor, and a vortex oil separator. The housing defines an intake volume and a discharge volume and includes a slot adjacent to and in fluid communication with the discharge volume. The refrigerant inlet port is coupled to the housing and configured to introduce the refrigerant into the intake volume. The refrigerant outlet port is coupled to the housing, integral with the housing, and in fluid communication with the slot. The refrigerant outlet port is configured to allow the compressed refrigerant to flow out of the electric scroll compressor from the discharge volume. The drive shaft is rotatably coupled to the housing. The compressor is coupled to the drive shaft and has an orifice. The compressor is configured to receive the refrigerant from the intake volume and compress the refrigerant when the drive shaft is rotated. The compressor is configured to discharge the mixed oil and compressed refrigerant through the orifice into the discharge volume. The slot in the housing is configured to receive the vortex oil separator. A vortex oil separator is configured to receive a mixture of oil and refrigerant, separate the oil from the compressed refrigerant, and allow the compressed refrigerant to flow out of the electric scroll compressor through the refrigerant outlet port. The vortex oil separator has an opening through which it is configured to receive a mixture of oil and refrigerant.

[0018] In one embodiment, the electric scroll compressor includes a motor within a housing, and a drive shaft is connected to the motor. The housing may define an inverter cavity. Optionally, the electric scroll compressor may include an inverter module within the inverter cavity, configured to convert DC power to AC power.

[0019] In one embodiment, the compressor includes a stationary scroll and an orbiting scroll. The stationary scroll may be located within and fixed to the housing. The orbiting scroll may be coupled to a drive shaft. The orbiting scroll and the stationary scroll receive refrigerant from the intake volume and form a compression chamber for compressing the refrigerant when the drive shaft is rotated.

[0020] In one embodiment, the electric compressor includes a reed mechanism associated with an orifice, which allows for the controllable discharge of the mixed oil and compressed refrigerant from the compression chamber to the discharge chamber.

[0021] In one embodiment, the rear head includes an integrated oil return path, which is in fluid communication with a slot and configured to receive oil separated from the compressed refrigerant by a vortex oil separator. The integrated oil path may be connected to an oil reservoir configured to receive oil separated from the compressed refrigerant by a vortex oil separator.

[0022] Optionally, a vortex oil separator includes a trough, an internal cavity, and an outlet pipe. The trough has an open end and a bottom. The open end opens to the discharge volume, and the bottom includes an opening. The opening in the bottom is configured to allow the mixed oil and compressed refrigerant to flow into the internal cavity. The outlet pipe has a first end and a second end and is located within the internal cavity. The second end is adjacent to the refrigerant outlet port. The first end of the outlet pipe is configured to receive the compressed refrigerant separated from the oil.

[0023] In one embodiment, the housing assembly may include a retaining mechanism configured to hold a vortex oil separator in a slot. Optionally, the retaining mechanism may include a groove in a rear head configured to receive the outer edge of the vortex oil separator. The retaining mechanism may include one or more fasteners configured to mount the vortex oil separator to the rear head.

[0024] These features and advantages of the present invention, as well as other features and advantages, will be more readily understood by considering them in conjunction with the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of an electric compressor according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] The rear head of an electric compressor according to an embodiment of the present invention or a perspective view of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] A front view of the rear head and the vortex oil separator of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] A perspective view of the rear head and the vortex oil separator of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] A front view of the rear head of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] A perspective view of the rear head of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] A disassembled cross-sectional view of the rear head and the vortex oil separator of FIG. 3. [Figure 8] A cross-sectional view of the rear head and the vortex oil separator of FIG. 3. [Figure 9] A top view of the vortex oil separator of FIG. 3. [Figure 10] A top view of the vortex oil separator of FIG. 3. [Figure 11] A perspective view of the vortex oil separator of FIG. 3. [Figure 12] Another perspective view of the vortex oil separator of FIG. 3. [Figure 13] Yet another perspective view of the vortex oil separator of FIG. 3. [Figure 14] A perspective view of the rear head and the vortex oil separator according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Mode for Carrying Out the Invention <( Referring to the drawings, in operation, the present invention relates to a vortex oil separator 50 associated with a housing assembly 52 of an electric compressor 10, such as an electric scroll compressor. In the illustrated embodiment, the electric compressor 10 is intended to operate in the orientation shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] Referring particularly to Figure 1, the electric compressor 10 has an outer housing 12. The electric compressor 10 is particularly suitable for powered vehicles such as automobiles (not shown). The electric compressor 10 can be used as a cooling device or heating pump for heating and / or cooling different aspects of a vehicle. For example, the electric compressor 10 can be used as part of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in an electric vehicle (not shown) to cool or heat the passenger compartment. In addition, the electric compressor 10 can be used to heat or cool the passenger compartment, onboard electronics, and / or the battery used to power the vehicle when the vehicle is not in operation, such as during a charging cycle. The electric compressor 10 can also be used when the vehicle is not in operation and the battery is not being charged to maintain battery life or minimize degradation.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the electric compressor 10 is a scroll compressor that acts to rapidly and efficiently compress a refrigerant for use in various systems of powered vehicles, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. Referring particularly to Figure 1, the electric compressor 10 includes an inverter unit 14, a motor unit 16, and a compressor (or compression assembly) 18 housed in an outer housing 12. The outer housing 12 includes an inverter back cover 20, an inverter housing 22 and a central housing 24 (these may be integrated), and a rear head 28 (sometimes called a discharge head). The central housing 24 houses the motor unit 16 and the compressor 18.

[0029] In one embodiment, the inverter back cover 20, inverter housing 22, central housing 24, and rear head 28 are made of machined aluminum. The electric compressor 10 can be mounted, for example, inside the body of a powered vehicle via a number of mounting points (not shown).

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the inverter back cover 20 and the inverter housing 22 form an inverter cavity 30. The inverter back cover 20 is attached to the inverter housing 22 by a number of bolts 32. An inverter gasket 42 positioned between the inverter back cover 20 and the inverter housing 22 prevents moisture, dust, and other contaminants from entering the inverter cavity 30.

[0031] The inverter module 72 is mounted within the inverter cavity 30 formed by the inverter back cover 20 and the inverter housing 22. The inverter module 72 may include an inverter circuit (not shown) mounted on a printed circuit board (not shown) attached to the inverter housing 22. The inverter circuit converts direct current (DC) power received from outside the electric compressor 10 into three-phase alternating current (AC) power and supplies it to the motor 54 (see below). Furthermore, the inverter circuit can also control the rotational speed of the electric compressor 10. The inverter circuit is supplied with a high-voltage DC current via a high-voltage connector (not shown). A low-voltage DC current for driving the inverter circuit, as well as control signals for controlling the operation of the inverter circuit and the motor unit 16, may be supplied via a low-voltage connector (not shown).

[0032] The central housing 24 forms a motor cavity 56. The motor section 16 includes a motor 54 located within the motor cavity 56. Referring particularly to Figure 1, in the illustrated embodiment, the motor 54 is a three-phase AC motor having a stator 58. The stator 58 has a substantially hollow cylindrical shape with six individual coils (two for each phase). The stator 58 is housed within the motor housing 22, mounted to the motor housing 22, and remains stationary relative to the motor housing 22.

[0033] The motor 54 is located within the stator 58 and includes a rotor 60 positioned centrally relative to the stator. The rotor 60 has a substantially hollow cylindrical shape and is located within the stator 56.

[0034] The drive shaft 70 is coupled to the rotor 60 and rotates with it. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive shaft 70 is press-fitted into the central opening 60A of the rotor 60. The drive shaft 70 has a first end 70A and a second end 70B. The inverter housing 22 includes a first drive shaft support member 22A located on the motor side of the inverter housing 22. A first ball bearing 62, located within the opening formed by the first drive shaft support member 22A, supports the first end of the drive shaft 70, allowing it to rotate. The central housing 24 includes a second drive shaft support member 24A. A second ball bearing 64, located within the opening formed by the second drive shaft support member 24A, allows the second end 70B of the drive shaft 70 to rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second ball bearings 62 and 64 are press-fitted into the openings formed by the first drive shaft support member 22A of the inverter housing 22 and the second drive shaft support member 24A of the central housing 24, respectively.

[0035] As described above, the electric compressor 10 is a scroll compressor. The compressor 18 includes a fixed scroll 26 and an orbiting scroll 66. The orbiting scroll 66 is fixed to the second end 70B of the drive shaft 70. The rotor 60 rotates together with the drive shaft 70 to drive the motion of the orbiting scroll 66 under the control of the inverter module 72.

[0036] The drive shaft 70 has a central axis 70C around which the rotor 60 and the drive shaft 70 rotate. The orbiting scroll 66 moves around the central axis 70C in an eccentric orbit, i.e., circular motion, but the orientation of the orbiting scroll 66 remains constant relative to the fixed scroll 26. The center of the orbiting scroll 66 is located along the offset axis (not shown) of the drive shaft 70.

[0037] Generally, the mixed refrigerant and oil flow (at low pressure) into the electric compressor 10 through the refrigerant inlet port 34 (see, for example, Figure 1), are compressed by the compressor 18, and then flow out of the electric compressor 10 (at high pressure) through the refrigerant outlet port 36. The refrigerant follows a refrigerant path through the electric compressor 10. The refrigerant enters the refrigerant inlet port and enters the suction volume 74 formed between the motor side of the inverter housing 22 adjacent to the refrigerant inlet port and the central housing 24. The refrigerant is then drawn in through the motor section 16 and enters the compressed suction volume formed between the inner wall of the fixed scroll 26 and the orbiting scroll 66.

[0038] The fixed scroll 26 is mounted within the central housing 24. The refrigerant enters the compressor 18 from the compression intake volume. The fixed scroll 26 and the orbiting scroll 66 form a compression chamber 40 into which the low-pressure or unpressurized (saturated pressure) refrigerant enters from the compressor 18. When the orbiting scroll 66 moves and the compression chamber 40 becomes closable, the volume of the compression chamber is reduced, pressurizing the refrigerant. At any point in the cycle, one or more compression chambers 40 are at different stages of the compression cycle. During the compressor 10 cycle, the refrigerant is transported toward the center of the compression chamber 40.

[0039] Returning to Figure 1, the rear head 28 forms a discharge volume 44. The discharge volume 44 communicates with the refrigerant outlet port 36. The pressurized refrigerant exits the compressor 18 through one or more orifices 48. The release of the pressurized refrigerant is controlled by a reed mechanism 68.

[0040] Referring to Figures 2 to 13, the vortex oil separator 50 is positioned within the discharge volume or adjacent to the discharge volume 44. The vortex oil separator 50 and the housing 12, or in one embodiment, the rear head 28, form a housing assembly 52.

[0041] Referring particularly to Figure 1, the rear head 28 defines at least partially the discharge volume 44. As described above, the discharge volume 44 is configured to receive the mixed oil and pressurized refrigerant from the discharge chamber 40 of the compressor 18. As shown in Figures 2, 7, and 8, the rear head 28 includes a slot 76 that is in fluid communication adjacent to the discharge volume 44 and the refrigerant outlet port 36. The slot 76 is configured to receive a vortex oil separator 50. The vortex oil separator 50 may be made of plastic material or metal, or may be formed by an injection molding process, a stamping process, or other suitable process. The material or forming process may affect the shape or contour of the different components of the vortex oil separator 50.

[0042] As shown in the figure, slot 76 is located within the discharge volume 44, i.e., within the compressor 10 on the compressed refrigerant side. Thus, slot 76 is configured to receive the vortex oil separator 50 through the discharge volume 44. This allows the vortex oil separator 50 to be assembled into or inserted into the compressor 10 via the inside of the compressor 10 rather than through the outlet port 36.

[0043] As shown in the figure, the refrigerant outlet port 36 is coupled to and integrated with the rear head 28, and is in fluid communication with the slot 76 and the vortex oil separator 50. As will be described in more detail below, the vortex oil separator 50 receives the mixed oil and compressed refrigerant and separates the oil from the compressed refrigerant. The refrigerant outlet port 36 allows the compressed refrigerant to flow out of the discharge volume 44 of the electric scroll compressor 10 and then out of the electric compressor 10 through the refrigerant outlet port 36. The separated oil remains in the compressor 10 and is returned to the moving parts of the compressor 10 for lubrication. The vortex oil separator 50 is configured to maximize the amount of oil retained in the compressor 10 in order to minimize or avoid the discharge of oil from the compressor 10.

[0044] The rear head 28 may include an integrated oil return path 78 that is in fluid communication with the slot 76. The integrated oil return path 78 may be fluidly coupled to an oil reservoir 38 formed internally by the housing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the oil reservoir 38 may be formed at least partially by the central housing 24 and is configured to receive oil separated from the compressed refrigerant by a vortex oil separator. The oil return path 78 may have a transition portion 79 to accommodate a diameter difference between the oil return path 78 and a corresponding opening on the side of the vortex oil separator 50.

[0045] As shown in the figure, the vortex oil separator 50 may include a trough 80. The trough 80 may have an open end 82 and a bottom surface 84 (which may be curved, flat, or of any other shape). The open end 82 is adjacent to and opens into the discharge volume 44. Mixed oil and compressed refrigerant enter the trough from the discharge volume 44 through the open end 82. The bottom surface 84 may include at least one opening 86. As shown in the figure, the opening 86 may be adjacent to one side of the bottom surface 84, or it may be located closer.

[0046] (In Figures 7 and 8) Below the bottom surface 84, the vortex oil separator 50 includes an internal cavity 88 and an outlet pipe 90 located within the internal cavity 88. As shown, the outlet pipe 90 has a first end 92 and a second end 94. The second end 94 of the outlet pipe 90 is adjacent to the refrigerant outlet port 36 and opens into the refrigerant outlet port 36. The first end 92 of the outlet pipe 90 is located within the internal cavity 88 of the vortex oil separator 50 and opens into the internal cavity 88.

[0047] During operation, the mixed oil and compressed refrigerant enter the internal cavity 88 of the vortex oil separator 50 through the opening 86 and strike the curved outer surface of the outlet pipe 90. Due to the shape of the vortex oil separator 50, the mixed oil and compressed refrigerant are guided around the outlet pipe 90 in the direction of arrow 104 (see Figures 7 and 8). Note that the vortex oil separator 50 can be configured to guide the mixed oil and compressed refrigerant in opposite directions. The mixed oil and refrigerant collide with the inner surfaces of the internal cavity 88 and the outlet pipe 90, and as a result of these forces and gravity, the oil separates from the compressed refrigerant. The separated oil and compressed refrigerant flow out of the vortex oil separator 50 through the oil path 78 and the outlet port 36, respectively.

[0048] The vortex oil separator 50 is separated from the refrigerant outlet port 36, meaning it is neither inside nor part of the refrigerant outlet port 36. Therefore, the vortex oil separator 50 does not affect the inner diameter of the refrigerant outlet port 36 and / or obstruct the flow of compressed refrigerant from the compressor 10. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the outlet pipe 90 may be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the refrigerant outlet port 36. In other embodiments, the inner diameter of the outlet pipe 90 may be smaller or larger than the inner diameter of the refrigerant outlet port 36.

[0049] The assembly 52 may further include a retaining mechanism 96 configured to hold the vortex oil separator 50 within the slot 76. In one embodiment, the retaining mechanism 96 may include several fasteners 98 and associated openings 102 within the vortex oil separator 50 to secure it to the rear head 26. In another embodiment, the retaining mechanism 96 includes a groove 100 (see Figure 14) within the rear head 28 for receiving the outer edge of the vortex oil separator 50.

[0050] The above invention is described in accordance with the relevant legal standards, and therefore the description is illustrative and not limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiments may be obvious to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An assembly relating to an electric scroll compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, A rear head that defines at least partially a discharge volume, wherein the discharge volume is configured to receive a mixture of oil and pressurized refrigerant, and the rear head includes a slot adjacent to the discharge volume and in fluid communication with the discharge volume, A refrigerant outlet port coupled to the rear head, integral with the rear head, and in fluid communication with the slot, configured to allow compressed refrigerant to flow out of the discharge volume from the electric scroll compressor, A vortex oil separator, wherein the slot of the rear head is configured to receive the vortex oil separator through the discharge volume, to receive the mixed oil and refrigerant, to separate the oil from the compressed refrigerant, and the compressed refrigerant is configured to flow out of the discharge volume through the refrigerant outlet port, and includes an opening, through which the mixed oil and refrigerant is received; An assembly comprising:

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rear head includes an integrated oil return path, the integrated oil path is in fluid communication with the slot and is configured to receive oil separated from the compressed refrigerant by the vortex oil separator.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the integrated oil path is connected to an oil reservoir configured to receive the oil separated from the compressed refrigerant by the vortex oil separator.

4. The aforementioned vortex-type oil separator is A trough having an open end and a bottom surface, wherein the open end is open to the discharge volume, and the bottom surface includes the opening, An internal cavity, wherein the opening in the bottom surface is configured to allow the mixed oil and compressed refrigerant to flow into the internal cavity, An outlet pipe having a first end and a second end, disposed within the internal cavity, wherein the second end is adjacent to the refrigerant outlet port, and the first end of the outlet pipe is configured to receive compressed refrigerant separated from the oil. The assembly according to claim 2, including the assembly described in claim 2.

5. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a holding mechanism configured to hold the vortex oil separator within the slot.

6. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein the retaining mechanism includes a groove in the rear head configured to receive the outer edge of the vortex oil separator.

7. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein the holding mechanism includes one or more fasteners configured to attach the vortex oil separator to the rear head.

8. A housing assembly relating to an electric scroll compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, The central housing and A rear head coupled to the central housing, wherein the central housing and the rear head define a discharge volume, the discharge volume is configured to receive a mixture of oil and pressurized refrigerant, and the rear head includes a slot adjacent to the discharge volume and in fluid communication with the discharge volume, A refrigerant outlet port coupled to the rear head, integral with the rear head, and in fluid communication with the slot, configured to allow compressed refrigerant to flow out of the discharge volume from the electric scroll compressor, A vortex oil separator, wherein the slot of the rear head is configured to receive the vortex oil separator through the discharge volume, to receive the mixed oil and refrigerant, to separate the oil from the compressed refrigerant, and the compressed refrigerant is configured to flow out of the discharge volume through the refrigerant outlet port, and includes an opening, through which the mixed oil and refrigerant is received; A housing assembly equipped with the following features.

9. The housing assembly according to claim 8, wherein the rear head includes an integrated oil return path, the integrated oil path is in fluid communication with the slot and is configured to receive oil separated from the compressed refrigerant by the vortex oil separator.

10. The housing assembly according to claim 9, wherein the central housing connects to the integrated oil path and at least partially defines an oil reservoir configured to receive the oil separated from the compressed refrigerant by the vortex oil separator.

11. The aforementioned vortex-type oil separator is A trough having an open end and a bottom surface, wherein the open end opens to the discharge volume and the bottom surface includes the opening, An internal cavity, wherein the opening in the bottom surface is configured to allow the mixed oil and compressed refrigerant to flow into the internal cavity, An outlet pipe having a first end and a second end and disposed within the internal cavity, wherein the second end is adjacent to the refrigerant outlet port, and the first end of the outlet pipe is configured to receive compressed refrigerant separated from the oil, The housing assembly according to claim 8, including the above.

12. The housing assembly according to claim 8, further comprising a holding mechanism configured to hold the vortex oil separator within the slot.

13. The housing assembly according to claim 12, wherein the holding mechanism includes a groove in the rear head for receiving the outer edge of the vortex oil separator.

14. The housing assembly according to claim 12, wherein the holding mechanism includes one or more fasteners configured to attach the vortex oil separator to the rear head.

15. An electric scroll compressor for compressing a refrigerant, A housing for defining an intake volume and a discharge volume, the housing including a slot adjacent to the discharge volume and in fluid communication with the discharge volume, A refrigerant inlet port is coupled to the housing and configured to introduce the refrigerant into the suction volume, A refrigerant outlet port coupled to the housing, integral with the housing, and in fluid communication with the slot, configured to allow compressed refrigerant to flow out of the discharge volume from the electric scroll compressor, A drive shaft rotatably coupled to the housing, A compressor connected to the drive shaft and having an orifice, configured to receive the refrigerant from the intake volume, compress the refrigerant when the drive shaft rotates, and discharge the mixed oil and compressed refrigerant into the discharge volume through the orifice, A vortex oil separator, wherein the slot of the rear head is configured to receive the vortex oil separator through the discharge volume, to receive the mixed oil and refrigerant, to separate the oil from the compressed refrigerant, and the compressed refrigerant is configured to flow out of the discharge volume through the refrigerant outlet port, and includes an opening, through which the mixed oil and refrigerant is received; An electric scroll compressor equipped with the following features.

16. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 15, further comprising a motor within the housing, wherein the drive shaft is connected to the motor.

17. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 16, wherein the housing defines an inverter cavity and further includes an inverter module configured to convert DC power to AC power within the inverter cavity.

18. The compression device is A fixed scroll located within the housing and fixed to the housing, A revolving scroll coupled to the drive shaft, which receives the refrigerant from the intake volume and forms a compression chamber for compressing the refrigerant as the drive shaft rotates, The electric scroll compressor according to claim 17, including the following:

19. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 18, comprising a reed mechanism associated with the orifice, for controllably discharging a mixture of oil and compressed refrigerant from the compression chamber to the discharge chamber.

20. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 15, wherein the rear head includes an integrated oil return path, the integrated oil path is in fluid communication with the slot and is configured to receive oil separated from the compressed refrigerant by the vortex oil separator.

21. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 20, wherein the housing defines an oil reservoir connected to the integrated oil path and configured to receive the oil separated from the compressed refrigerant by the vortex oil separator.

22. The aforementioned vortex-type oil separator is A trough having an open end and a bottom surface, wherein the open end opens to the discharge volume and the bottom surface includes the opening, An internal cavity, wherein the opening in the bottom surface is configured to allow the mixed oil and compressed refrigerant to flow into the internal cavity, An outlet pipe having a first end and a second end, disposed within the internal cavity, wherein the second end is adjacent to the refrigerant outlet port, and the first end of the outlet pipe is configured to receive compressed refrigerant separated from the oil, The electric scroll compressor according to claim 21, including the following:

23. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 15, further comprising a holding mechanism for holding the vortex oil separator within the slot.

24. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 23, wherein the holding mechanism includes a groove in the rear head for receiving the outer edge of the vortex oil separator.

25. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 23, wherein the holding mechanism includes one or more fasteners configured to attach the vortex oil separator to the housing.

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