Compressor and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

This compressor comprises: a compression mechanism that compresses a refrigerant; an electric motor that includes a winding and drives the compression mechanism; and a sealed container that houses the compression mechanism and the electric motor. The compressor uses, as a refrigerant, a combustible refrigerant in which an odorant is mixed, and a refrigerator oil for lubricating sliding parts of the compression mechanism is stored in the sealed container. The compressor further includes: a heating device that heats the inside of the sealed container; and a control device that controls the heating device. The control device causes the heating device to perform heating when the compressor is started, and stops the heating performed by the heating device when a temperature inside the sealed container becomes higher than a temperature at which the odorant is separated from the refrigerator oil in which the odorant mixed with the refrigerant is dissolved.

Description

Compressor and refrigeration cycle device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a compressor and a refrigeration cycle device.

[0002] Conventionally, compressors that prevent refrigerant stagnation in cold weather are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a three-phase electric compressor that uses a temperature detection means and an outdoor air temperature sensor to detect the outdoor air temperature (or the compressor case temperature) of the three-phase electric compressor when an air conditioner equipped with an inverter device is stopped, and then varies the time (or voltage) for which current is supplied from the inverter device to the motor windings in accordance with these temperatures, thereby maintaining the temperature (or case temperature) of the three-phase electric compressor when stopped at a substantially constant value regardless of the outdoor air temperature (or case temperature). In this way, Patent Document 1 prevents refrigerant stagnation in cold weather.

[0003] In recent years, the use of flammable refrigerants such as R290 (propane) with a low GWP has been considered for such compressors. GWP stands for Global Warming Potential, and is a value that indicates the value of a gas being compared, assuming that carbon dioxide is 1.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-167504

[0005] In the technical field of compressors, when a flammable refrigerant is used as the refrigerant, mixing an odorant into the refrigerant has been considered so that a person can recognize a refrigerant leak from the compressor to the outside. However, if the odorant mixed into the refrigerant dissolves in the refrigerant oil, the amount of odorant mixed in the refrigerant decreases. If the refrigerant is discharged with a low amount of odorant mixed in the refrigerant, it becomes difficult for a person to recognize a refrigerant leak from the compressor. Therefore, it is important to separate the odorant from the refrigerant oil in which the odorant is dissolved within the compressor.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a compressor and a refrigeration cycle device that use a flammable refrigerant as the refrigerant and that can suitably separate an odorant from refrigeration oil in which the odorant is dissolved.

[0007] The compressor according to the present disclosure comprises a compression mechanism that compresses a refrigerant, an electric motor having a winding and driving the compression mechanism, and a sealed container that houses the compression mechanism and the electric motor, wherein a flammable refrigerant mixed with an odorant is used as the refrigerant, and refrigeration oil that lubricates the sliding parts of the compression mechanism is stored inside the sealed container, and the compressor comprises a heating device that heats the inside of the sealed container, and a control device that controls the heating device, wherein the control device heats the heating device when the compressor is started, and stops heating the heating device when the temperature inside the sealed container becomes higher than the temperature at which the odorant mixed with the refrigerant separates from the refrigeration oil in which the odorant is dissolved.

[0008] A refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure includes the above-described compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, pressure reducer, and indoor heat exchanger.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, in a compressor using a flammable refrigerant mixed with an odorant as the refrigerant, a control device heats a heating device when the compressor starts, and stops heating when the temperature inside the sealed container becomes higher than the temperature at which the odorant mixed with the refrigerant separates from the refrigerating machine oil in which the odorant is dissolved. Therefore, the odorant can be suitably separated from the refrigerating machine oil in which the odorant is dissolved.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the overall configuration of a compressor according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the A-A cross section of the compression mechanism of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the B-B cross section of the electric motor of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a refrigeration cycle device including a compressor according to a first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a winding control method by the compressor control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the winding control method by the compressor control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the overall configuration of a modified example of the compressor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the overall configuration of a compressor according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the overall configuration of a compressor according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a heating wire control method by the compressor control device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the heating wire control method by the compressor control device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the overall configuration of a modified example of the compressor according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the overall configuration of a compressor according to a fourth embodiment.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Also, the size relationships of the components in the drawings may differ from those in reality.

[0012] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a compressor 100 according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the A-A cross section of the compression mechanism 20 in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the B-B cross section of the electric motor 30 in Fig. 1.

[0013] [Configuration of Compressor 100] The compressor 100 according to the first embodiment is a one-cylinder rotary compressor having one cylinder 23, i.e., a single rotary compressor, as shown in FIG. 1 . The overall configuration of the compressor 100, which is a single rotary compressor, will be described below. The compressor 100 includes a sealed container 10, a suction pipe 109, a suction muffler 101, a compression mechanism 20, an electric motor 30, a rotating shaft 21, and a discharge pipe 102. The sealed container 10 forms the outer shell of the compressor 100. The suction pipe 109 supplies refrigerant into the sealed container 10. The suction muffler 101 is connected to the suction pipe 109. The compression mechanism 20 is connected to the suction pipe 109 and compresses the refrigerant. The electric motor 30 includes a rotor 31 and a stator 41. The rotating shaft 21 is connected to the rotor 31 of the electric motor 30 and rotates together with the rotor 31. The discharge pipe 102 discharges the refrigerant compressed by the compression mechanism 20 to the outside of the sealed container 10. The configuration of the compressor 100 will be described in detail below.

[0014] (Sealed casing 10) The sealed casing 10, which forms the outer shell of the compressor 100, houses the compression mechanism 20, the electric motor 30, the rotating shaft 21, etc. The sealed casing 10 includes a head 11, a bottom 13, and a body 12. The head 11 forms the outer shell of the upper part of the compressor 100. The bottom 13 forms the outer shell of the lower part of the compressor 100. The body 12 forms the outer shell of the middle part of the compressor 100, with the head 11 attached to its upper part and the bottom 13 attached to its lower part.

[0015] The head portion 11 constituting the upper portion of the sealed container 10 has, for example, a substantially bowl shape as shown in Fig. 1. A discharge pipe 102 that connects the inside and outside of the sealed container 10 is connected to the head portion 11.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1 , the body portion 12 constituting the middle portion of the sealed container 10 has, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape. A suction pipe 109 for supplying refrigerant into the sealed container 10 is connected to the body portion 12. A stator 41 of the electric motor 30 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the body portion 12. A compression mechanism 20 is also attached to the inner circumferential surface of the body portion 12. In the first embodiment, a rolling piston type compression mechanism is used as the compression mechanism 20. In such cases, the compression mechanism 20 is often attached to the inner circumferential surface of the body portion 12, below the position where the stator 41 is attached.

[0017] The bottom 13 constituting the lower part of the sealed container 10 has, for example, a substantially bowl shape, as shown in Fig. 1 . Refrigerating machine oil 51, which is a lubricating oil, is stored in the bottom 13. That is, the refrigerating machine oil 51 is stored inside the sealed container 10. An oil pump (not shown) provided below the rotating shaft 21 pumps up the refrigerating machine oil 51 stored in the bottom 13 of the sealed container 10 as the rotating shaft 21 rotates, and supplies the oil to each sliding part of the compression mechanism 20. This ensures mechanical lubrication of the compression mechanism 20.

[0018] (Rotating Shaft 21) The rotating shaft 21 is composed of a main shaft portion 21a, an eccentric shaft portion 21b, and a counter shaft portion 21c, with the main shaft portion 21a, eccentric shaft portion 21b, and counter shaft portion 21c formed in that order from the top in the axial direction. An electric motor 30 is fixed to the main shaft portion 21a by shrink fitting or press fitting, and a cylindrical rolling piston 22 is slidably fitted to the eccentric shaft portion 21b. The rotating shaft 21 is also formed with an oil supply hole (not shown) that opens at the lower end of the rotating shaft 21. The oil supply hole extends along the rotation center of the rotating shaft 21. The rotating shaft 21 is also formed with an oil supply port (not shown). The oil supply port provides a flow path for supplying refrigeration oil 51 sucked into the oil supply port to the sliding parts of the compression mechanism 20.

[0019] 1 and 2, the compression mechanism 20 is composed of a cylinder 23, a rolling piston 22, an upper bearing 24, a lower bearing 25, and a vane 26. The cylinder 23 has a cylindrical space, i.e., a cylinder chamber 23a, that is open at both axial ends. The cylinder chamber 23a contains an eccentric shaft portion 21b of the rotary shaft 21 that performs eccentric motion within the cylinder chamber 23a, a rolling piston 22 fitted into the eccentric shaft portion 21b, and a vane 26 that separates the space formed by the inner periphery of the cylinder 23 and the outer periphery of the rolling piston 22.

[0020] The cylinder 23 is formed with a vane groove 23c, one side of which opens into the cylinder chamber 23a and the other side of which is provided with a back pressure chamber 23b. A vane 26 is housed in the vane groove 23c. The vane 26 reciprocates radially within the vane groove 23c. When attached to the vane groove 23c, the vane 26 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape whose circumferential thickness of the cylinder chamber 23a is smaller than the radial and axial lengths of the cylinder chamber 23a. A vane spring (not shown) is provided in the back pressure chamber 23b of the vane groove 23c. Normally, high-pressure gas refrigerant in the sealed container 10 flows into the back pressure chamber 23b, and the pressure difference between the pressure of the gas refrigerant in the back pressure chamber 23b and the pressure of the gas refrigerant in the cylinder chamber 23a generates a force that moves the vane 26 radially toward the center of the cylinder chamber 23a. The vane 26 is moved radially toward the center of the cylinder chamber 23a by the force due to the pressure difference between the back pressure chamber 23b and the cylinder chamber 23a and the radial pressing force of the vane spring. The force moving the vane 26 radially causes one end of the vane 26, i.e., the end on the cylinder chamber 23a side, to abut against the cylindrical outer periphery of the rolling piston 22. This separates the space formed by the inner periphery of the cylinder 23 and the outer periphery of the rolling piston 22. Even if the pressure difference between the gas refrigerant in the sealed container 10, i.e., the gas refrigerant in the back pressure chamber 23b, and the gas refrigerant in the cylinder chamber 23a, is not sufficient to press the vane 26 against the outer periphery of the rolling piston 22, the force of the vane spring can press one end of the vane 26 against the outer periphery of the rolling piston 22. Therefore, one end of the vane 26 can always abut against the outer periphery of the rolling piston 22.

[0021] The upper bearing 24 is fitted onto the main shaft portion 21a of the rotating shaft 21 to rotatably support the main shaft portion 21a and closes one axial opening of the cylinder chamber 23a. Similarly, the lower bearing 25 is fitted onto the counter shaft portion 21c of the rotating shaft 21 to rotatably support the counter shaft portion 21c and closes one axial opening of the cylinder chamber 23a. The cylinder 23 is provided with a suction port (not shown) that draws gas refrigerant into the cylinder chamber 23a from outside the sealed container 10, and the upper bearing 24 is provided with a discharge port (not shown) that discharges compressed gas refrigerant out of the cylinder chamber 23a. The upper bearing 24 is substantially inverted T-shaped in side view, and the lower bearing 25 is substantially T-shaped in side view.

[0022] A discharge valve (not shown) is provided in the discharge port of the upper bearing 24, and controls the discharge timing of the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged through the discharge port from the cylinder 23. That is, the discharge valve closes until the gas refrigerant compressed in the cylinder chamber 23a of the cylinder 23 reaches a predetermined pressure, and opens when the pressure reaches or exceeds the predetermined pressure, thereby discharging the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant to the outside of the cylinder chamber 23a.

[0023] Because the operations of suction, compression, and discharge are repeated within the cylinder chamber 23a, the gas refrigerant discharged from the discharge port is discharged intermittently, causing noise such as pulsating sounds. To reduce this, a discharge muffler 27 is attached to the outside of the upper bearing 24, i.e., on the motor 30 side, so as to cover the upper bearing 24. The discharge muffler 27 has a discharge hole (not shown) that communicates the space formed by the discharge muffler 27 and the upper bearing 24 with the inside of the sealed container 10. The gas refrigerant discharged from the cylinder 23 through the discharge port is first discharged into the space formed by the discharge muffler 27 and the upper bearing 24, and then discharged from the discharge hole into the sealed container 10.

[0024] A suction muffler 101 is provided next to the sealed container 10 to prevent liquid refrigerant from being directly sucked into the cylinder chamber 23a of the cylinder 23. Generally, a mixture of low-pressure gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant is sent to the compressor 100 from an external circuit to which the compressor 100 is connected. If the liquid refrigerant flows into the cylinder 23 and is compressed by the compression mechanism 20, the compression mechanism 20 will malfunction. Therefore, the suction muffler 101 separates the liquid refrigerant from the gas refrigerant and sends only the gas refrigerant to the cylinder chamber 23a. The suction muffler 101 is connected to the suction port of the cylinder 23 by a suction pipe 109, and the low-pressure gas refrigerant sent from the suction muffler 101 is sucked into the cylinder chamber 23a via the suction pipe 109.

[0025] The compression mechanism 20 is configured as described above, and the rotational movement of the rotary shaft 21 rotates the eccentric shaft portion 21b of the rotary shaft 21 within the cylinder chamber 23a of the cylinder 23. The volume of the working chamber, which is separated by the inner periphery of the cylinder chamber 23a, the outer periphery of the rolling piston 22 fitted in the eccentric shaft portion 21b, and the vane 26, increases and decreases as the rotary shaft 21 rotates. First, the working chamber and the suction port communicate with each other, and low-pressure gas refrigerant is drawn in. Next, the communication between the working chamber and the suction port is closed, and the volume of the working chamber decreases, compressing the gas refrigerant within the working chamber. Finally, the working chamber and the discharge port communicate with each other, and after the gas refrigerant within the working chamber reaches a predetermined pressure, a discharge valve provided in the discharge port opens, and the compressed, high-pressure, high-temperature gas refrigerant is discharged outside the working chamber, i.e., out of the cylinder chamber 23a.

[0026] The high-pressure, high-temperature gas refrigerant discharged from the cylinder chamber 23a into the sealed container 10 via the discharge muffler 27 passes through the motor 30, rises inside the sealed container 10, and is discharged to the outside of the sealed container 10 from a discharge pipe 102 provided at the top of the sealed container 10. A refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant flows is configured outside the sealed container 10, and the discharged refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit and returns to the suction muffler 101.

[0027] (Motor 30) Next, the motor 30 that transmits rotational force to the compression mechanism 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3 , the motor 30 includes a substantially cylindrical stator 41 fixed to the inner periphery of the sealed container 10 and configured with a multi-phase winding 42 attached to a stator core 43, and a substantially cylindrical rotor 31 disposed inside the stator 41. The rotor 31 is configured with a rotor core 32 formed by laminating core sheets punched from thin electromagnetic steel sheets. The rotor 31 can be configured using a permanent magnet, as in the brushless DC motor of the present application, or a secondary winding (not shown), as in an induction motor. A motor using a permanent magnet, such as a brushless DC motor, is capable of conducting a locked current and can also use an electric heating wire (crank heater) arranged on the outer surface of the sealed container 10. On the other hand, a motor using a secondary winding, such as an induction motor, is not capable of conducting a locked current and therefore uses an electric heating wire (crank heater) arranged on the outer surface of the sealed container 10.

[0028] For example, in the case of a brushless DC motor as shown in Fig. 3, magnet insertion holes 33 are provided in the axial direction of rotor core 32, and permanent magnets 34 such as ferrite magnets or rare earth magnets are inserted into these magnet insertion holes 33. These permanent magnets 34 form magnetic poles on rotor 31. The rotor 31 is rotated by the interaction of the magnetic flux created by the magnetic poles on rotor 31 and the magnetic flux created by windings 42 of stator 41. Alternatively, in the case of an induction motor (not shown), a secondary winding is provided on rotor core 32 instead of permanent magnets 34, and windings 42 of stator 41 induce magnetic flux in the secondary winding on the rotor side, generating a rotational force and causing rotor 31 to rotate.

[0029] A shaft hole (not shown) through which the rotating shaft 21 passes is provided in the center of the rotor core 32, and a main shaft portion 21a of the rotating shaft 21 is fastened by shrink fitting or the like. This transmits the rotational motion of the rotor 31 to the rotating shaft 21. Air holes 35 are provided around the shaft hole, and high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compression mechanism 20 below the electric motor 30 passes through the air holes 35. The refrigerant compressed by the compression mechanism 20 also passes through the air gap between the rotor 31 and the stator 41 and the gaps between the windings 42 in addition to the air holes 35.

[0030] [Operation of the electric motor 30] Current is supplied from a power source (not shown) to the windings 42 of the stator 41, forming a rotating magnetic field in the stator 41. This causes the rotating magnetic field of the stator 41 to act on the permanent magnets 34 provided in the rotor 31, causing the rotor 31 to rotate. The rotation of the rotor 31 is transmitted to the rolling piston 22 via the rotating shaft 21, causing the rolling piston 22 to perform eccentric rotational motion.

[0031] [Refrigerant Flow] The eccentric rotation of the rolling piston 22 draws refrigerant into the compressor 100. Specifically, the eccentric rotation of the rolling piston 22 causes low-pressure refrigerant outside the compressor 100 to flow into the suction muffler 101. Then, of the low-pressure refrigerant that has flowed into the suction muffler 101, low-pressure gas refrigerant flows into the compression mechanism 20 via the suction pipe 109. A portion of the gas refrigerant that has flowed into the compression mechanism 20 is compressed by the cylinder 23 and the rolling piston 22 to become high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant. This high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant flows into the discharge muffler 27 via the discharge valve of the upper bearing 24. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the discharge muffler 27 is discharged into the space within the sealed container 10 from a discharge hole provided in the discharge muffler 27. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged into the space within the sealed container 10 moves to the upper part of the space within the sealed container 10 through gaps such as the electric motor 30, and is discharged outside the sealed container 10 through the discharge pipe 102.

[0032] Furthermore, refrigeration oil 51 stored in the bottom 13 of the sealed container 10 is sucked up from the lower end of an oil supply hole by an oil pump that rotates together with the rotating shaft 21. The refrigeration oil 51 sucked up from the lower end of the oil supply hole flows as lubricating oil from the oil supply port into the gap between the upper bearing 24 and the rotating shaft 21, and between the lower bearing 25 and the rotating shaft 21. By the refrigeration oil 51 flowing into these gaps, the rotating shaft 21 can smoothly transmit the rotational driving force to the rolling piston 22.

[0033] Furthermore, a portion of the refrigeration oil 51 that flows from the oil fill port between the upper bearing 24 and the rotating shaft 21 flows between the upper bearing 24 and the upper surface of the rolling piston 22. A portion of the refrigeration oil 51 that flows from the oil fill port between the lower bearing 25 and the rotating shaft 21 flows between the lower bearing 25 and the lower surface of the rolling piston 22. The refrigeration oil 51 is used to smoothly rotate the rolling piston 22, but a portion of the refrigeration oil 51 is compressed together with the low-pressure gas refrigerant and is discharged in a state contained in the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant.

[0034] [Configuration and Operation of Refrigeration Cycle Apparatus 200] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 including a compressor 100 according to the first embodiment. Next, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 including the compressor 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 is used for various purposes, such as an air conditioner, a hot water supply apparatus, and a refrigeration apparatus. FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 is used as an air conditioner. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes an indoor heat exchanger 106 that functions as a radiator during heating operation and an outdoor heat exchanger 104 that functions as an evaporator during heating operation. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 illustrated in FIG. 4 is also capable of cooling operation. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 includes a flow path switching valve 103. The refrigeration cycle device 200 comprises a compressor 100 equipped with an intake muffler 101 connected to the intake side of the compressor 100, a flow path switching valve 103 connected to the discharge side of the compressor 100, an outdoor heat exchanger 104, a pressure reducer 105, and an indoor heat exchanger 106, which are connected in sequence via piping to form a refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant circulates.

[0035] The refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit is a flammable refrigerant, such as a hydrocarbon refrigerant or a fluorine refrigerant with a low global warming potential (GWP). Examples of the refrigerant include a single refrigerant selected from R290, R600a, and R1270, a mixture of two or more of these, or a mixture of any of these with another refrigerant.

[0036] The flow path switching valve 103 is, for example, a four-way valve that switches the refrigerant flow direction to switch between cooling and heating operation. Note that the flow path switching valve 103 may be a combination of a two-way valve and a three-way valve instead of a four-way valve. The pressure reducer 105 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to expand it. The pressure reducer 105 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve with an adjustable throttle opening. By adjusting the throttle opening, the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 106 during cooling operation and the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 104 during heating operation is controlled. The outdoor heat exchanger 104 functions as an evaporator or a radiator, exchanging heat between the air and the refrigerant to evaporate and gasify the refrigerant or condense and liquefy the refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger 104 functions as an evaporator during heating operation and as a radiator during cooling operation. The indoor heat exchanger 106 functions as an evaporator or a radiator, and exchanges heat between the air and the refrigerant to evaporate and gasify or condense and liquefy the refrigerant. The indoor heat exchanger 106 functions as a radiator during heating operation and as an evaporator during cooling operation.

[0037] When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 is used as an air conditioner, for example, the indoor heat exchanger 106 is mounted in an indoor unit, and the flow path switching valve 103, the outdoor heat exchanger 104, and the pressure reducer 105 are mounted in an outdoor unit.

[0038] Next, the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 during heating operation and cooling operation will be described. When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 performs heating operation, the flow path switching valve 103 switches to the flow path shown by the solid line in FIG. 4 . As a result, the discharge pipe 102 of the compressor 100 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 106, and the suction muffler 101 of the compressor 100 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 104. That is, the indoor heat exchanger 106 functions as a radiator, and the outdoor heat exchanger 104 functions as an evaporator. In this state, when high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed by the compressor 100 is discharged from the compressor 100, this high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger 106. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that flows into the indoor heat exchanger 106 condenses while releasing heat to the indoor air, becoming a high-pressure liquid refrigerant and flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 106. At this time, the air in the room is heated.

[0039] The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that flows out of the indoor heat exchanger 106 flows into the pressure reducer 105. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that flows into the pressure reducer 105 is reduced in pressure by the pressure reducer 105 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant, which flows out of the pressure reducer 105. The low-temperature, low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that flows out of the pressure reducer 105 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 104. The low-temperature, low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 104 absorbs heat from the outdoor air and evaporates, and flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 104 as a low-pressure gas refrigerant or two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. The low-pressure gas refrigerant or two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 104 is drawn into the suction muffler 101 of the compressor 100. Then, low-pressure gas refrigerant out of the refrigerant sucked into the suction muffler 101 of the compressor 100 is compressed by the compression mechanism 20 of the compressor 100 to become high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant. This high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant is discharged again from the compressor 100. That is, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 performs heating operation, the refrigerant circulates as shown by the solid arrows in FIG.

[0040] When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 performs cooling operation, the flow path switching valve 103 switches to the flow path shown by the dashed line in Fig. 4 . As a result, the discharge pipe 102 of the compressor 100 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 104, and the suction muffler 101 of the compressor 100 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 106. That is, the outdoor heat exchanger 104 functions as a radiator, and the indoor heat exchanger 106 functions as an evaporator. In this state, when high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed by the compressor 100 is discharged from the compressor 100, this high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 104. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 104 condenses while releasing heat to the outdoor air, and becomes high-pressure liquid refrigerant, which flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 104.

[0041] The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out from the outdoor heat exchanger 104 flows into the pressure reducer 105. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing into the pressure reducer 105 is reduced in pressure by the pressure reducer 105 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant, which flows out from the pressure reducer 105. The low-temperature, low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flowing out from the pressure reducer 105 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 106. The low-temperature, low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 106 absorbs heat from the indoor air and evaporates, and flows out from the indoor heat exchanger 106 as a low-pressure gas refrigerant or two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. At this time, the indoor air is cooled. The low-pressure gas refrigerant or two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 106 is drawn into the suction muffler 101 of the compressor 100. Then, low-pressure gas refrigerant out of the refrigerant sucked into the suction muffler 101 of the compressor 100 is compressed by the compression mechanism 20 of the compressor 100 to become high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant. This high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant is discharged again from the compressor 100. That is, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 performs cooling operation, the refrigerant circulates as shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. 4.

[0042] Next, features of the compressor 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. The compressor 100 according to the first embodiment uses propane (R290), isobutane (R600a), or propylene (R1270) as the flammable refrigerant. Furthermore, polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polyol ester (POE), or polyvinyl ether (PVE) is used as the refrigerating machine oil 51. Furthermore, ethyl mercaptan (EMM), methylcaptan (MM), normal propyl mercaptan (NPM), isopropyl mercaptan (IPM), tertiary butyl mercaptan (TBM), dimethyl sulfide (DMS), diethyl sulfide (DES), methyl ethyl sulfide (MES), tetrahydrothiophene (THT), or the like is used as the odorant.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 1 , an upper balancer 36 and a lower balancer 37 are provided at the upper and lower ends of the rotor 31, respectively, for balancing the rotation of the rotor 31. A temperature sensor 201 that detects the temperature of the outer surface of the compressor 100 is attached to the outer surface of the sealed container 10, as shown in Fig. 1 . This temperature sensor 201 is a sensor that indirectly detects the temperature inside the sealed container 10. In the first embodiment, the temperature sensor 201 is attached to the body 12 at a position opposite the stator 41. However, the attachment position of the temperature sensor 201 is not limited thereto, and it may be attached to the discharge pipe 102, the head 11, or the like, for example.

[0044] In the compressor 100 according to the first embodiment, propane (R290), isobutane (R600a), or propylene (R1270) is used as the flammable refrigerant, and polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polyol ester (POE), or polyvinyl ether (PVE) is used as the refrigerating machine oil 51. Therefore, as shown in Table 1, the temperature at which the flammable refrigerant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 is 30°C or 31°C (hereinafter, this temperature is referred to as the flammable refrigerant separation temperature).

[0045]

[0046] Furthermore, in the compressor 100 according to the first embodiment, propane (R290), isobutane (R600a), or propylene (R1270) is used as the flammable refrigerant, polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polyol ester (POE), or polyvinyl ether (PVE) is used as the refrigerating machine oil 51, and, for example, ethyl mercaptan (EMM) is used as the odorant. Therefore, as shown in Table 2, the temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 is 36°C (hereinafter, this temperature is referred to as the odorant separation temperature). Although not shown in Table 2, if the above-mentioned odorants were used instead of ethyl mercaptan (EMM) as the odorant, the temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 would also change, but would be higher than 36°C in all cases.

[0047]

[0048] In the first embodiment, the temperature sensor 201 indirectly detects the temperature of the winding 42 via the stator 41 and the sealed container 10. Here, the temperature of the winding 42 is equal to the temperature inside the sealed container 10. The temperature sensor 201 indirectly detects that the temperature inside the sealed container 10 has reached 36°C based on the detected temperature reaching the threshold temperature of 26°C. In other words, when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 201 reaches the threshold temperature of 26°C, it can be assumed that the temperature inside the sealed container 10 has reached 36°C. This threshold temperature is a value that is set in advance based on the difference between the temperature of the outer surface of the compressor 100 and the temperature inside the sealed container 10. The value of 26°C is a value when the temperature sensor 201 is attached to the body 12 at a position facing the stator 41 and the sealed container 10 has a predetermined thickness. Therefore, the value of the threshold temperature varies depending on the attachment position of the temperature sensor 201, the thickness of the sealed container 10, and the like.

[0049] As described above, in the first embodiment, the relationship is "odorizer separation temperature (36°C) > threshold temperature (26°C) > flammable refrigerant separation temperature (20°C)." Therefore, by raising the temperature inside the sealed container 10 above the flammable refrigerant separation temperature to the odorizer separation temperature, the odorizer can be separated from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorizer is dissolved. The reason for the 10°C difference between the odorizer separation temperature (36°C) and the threshold temperature (26°C) is that the interior of the sealed container 10 is separated from the installation position of the temperature sensor 201. Note that this temperature difference between the odorizer separation temperature and the threshold temperature can be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the compressor 100.

[0050] The control device 210 controls the winding 42 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 201 .

[0051] The control device 210 is configured, for example, as dedicated hardware or a CPU (Central Processing Unit, also called a central processing unit, processing device, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, or processor) that executes programs stored in a memory unit (not shown).

[0052] When the control device 210 is dedicated hardware, the control device 210 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Each functional unit realized by the control device 210 may be realized by a separate piece of hardware, or each functional unit may be realized by a single piece of hardware.

[0053] When the control device 210 is a CPU, each function executed by the control device 210 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in a storage unit. The CPU realizes each function of the control device 210 by reading and executing the programs stored in the storage unit. Here, the storage unit stores various information and includes, for example, a rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an EPROM, or an EEPROM.

[0054] It should be noted that some of the functions of the control device 210 may be realized by dedicated hardware, and other functions may be realized by software or firmware.

[0055] 5 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling windings 42 by control device 210 of compressor 100 according to embodiment 1. The method for controlling windings 42 by control device 210 of compressor 100 according to embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0056] (S101) When starting up compressor 100, control device 210 applies constrained current to winding 42, thereby heating winding 42. By heating winding 42, heat from winding 42 is transferred to refrigerating machine oil 51 via the flammable refrigerant, thereby heating refrigerating machine oil 51. Here, as a method of applying constrained current, for example, current is applied to only one of the three phases of winding 42. Then, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0057] (S102) The control device 210 determines whether the temperature inside the sealed container 10 has become higher than the temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved (36°C in the first embodiment). Here, the temperature inside the sealed container 10 is the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 201 plus a preset value (10°C in the first embodiment). If the control device 210 determines that the temperature inside the sealed container 10 has become higher than the temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved (YES), the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the control device 210 determines that the temperature inside the sealed container 10 has not become higher than the temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved (NO), the process returns to step S101.

[0058] (S103) The control device 210 stops the restraint current supply to the winding 42.

[0059] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the method of controlling windings 42 by control device 210 of compressor 100 according to embodiment 1. Note that a control method other than the control method shown in Fig. 5 is the control method shown in Fig. 6. Hereinafter, the modified example of the method of controlling windings 42 by control device 210 of compressor 100 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6.

[0060] (S201) When starting up the compressor 100, the control device 210 performs constrained energization to the windings 42, thereby heating the windings 42. By heating the windings 42, heat from the windings 42 is transferred to the refrigerating machine oil 51 via the flammable refrigerant, thereby heating the refrigerating machine oil 51. Here, as a method of constrained energization, for example, energization is performed to only one of the three phases of the windings 42. Then, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0061] (S202) The control device 210 determines whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 201 has become higher than a preset threshold temperature (26°C in the first embodiment). Here, the threshold temperature is a temperature obtained by subtracting a preset value (10°C in the first embodiment) from the odorant separation temperature (36°C in the first embodiment). If the control device 210 determines that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 201 has become higher than the preset threshold temperature (YES), the process proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if the control device 210 determines that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 201 has not become higher than the preset threshold temperature (NO), the process returns to step S201.

[0062] (S203) The control device 210 stops the restraint current supply to the winding 42.

[0063] As described above, the control device 210 separates the odorant from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved by applying a constrained current to the winding 42 until the temperature inside the sealed container 10 reaches a temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved. Then, when the temperature inside the sealed container 10 becomes higher than the temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved, the control device 210 stops applying a constrained current to the winding 42 to reduce power consumption. By performing such control, power consumption can be reduced while the odorant is separated from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved. In other words, the odorant can be suitably separated from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the winding 42 of the stator 41 is used as a heating device, which allows the number of components of the compressor 100 to be reduced compared to a compressor in which a heating device is provided separately from the winding 42. The combination of the flammable refrigerant, the refrigerating machine oil 51, and the odorant used in the compressor 100 may be any of the combinations in Table 2. In addition, the odorant other than those in Table 2 may also be used.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a modified example of the compressor 100 according to the first embodiment. In the above description, the temperature sensor 201 is provided on the outer surface of the sealed container 10 and detects the temperature of the outer surface of the compressor 100, but this is not limiting. As shown in FIG. 7, the temperature sensor 201 may be provided inside the sealed container 10 and detect the temperature inside the sealed container 10. For example, the temperature sensor 201 is provided on the winding 42 or the stator core 43 inside the sealed container 10. The temperature sensor 201 directly detects the temperature inside the sealed container 10. In this case, in step S102 of FIG. 5, the temperature inside the sealed container 10 is the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 201.

[0065] As described above, the compressor 100 according to the first embodiment includes the compression mechanism 20 that compresses a refrigerant, the electric motor 30 that has the windings 42 and drives the compression mechanism 20, and the sealed container 10 that houses the compression mechanism 20 and the electric motor 30. The compressor 100 uses a flammable refrigerant mixed with an odorant as the refrigerant, and the sealed container 10 is provided with refrigeration oil 51 that lubricates the sliding parts of the compression mechanism 20. The compressor 100 also includes a heating device that heats the inside of the sealed container 10 and a control device 210 that controls the heating device. The control device 210 heats the heating device when the compressor 100 is started, and stops heating the heating device when the temperature inside the sealed container 10 becomes higher than the temperature at which the odorant mixed in the refrigerant separates from the refrigeration oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved.

[0066] According to the compressor 100 of the first embodiment, in the compressor 100 using a flammable refrigerant mixed with an odorant as the refrigerant, the control device 210 heats the heating device when the compressor 100 is started, and stops heating the heating device when the temperature inside the sealed container 10 becomes higher than the temperature at which the odorant mixed in the refrigerant is separated from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved. Therefore, the odorant can be suitably separated from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved.

[0067] Furthermore, in the compressor 100 according to the first embodiment, the temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved is higher than the temperature at which the refrigerant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the refrigerant is dissolved.

[0068] According to the compressor 100 of the first embodiment, the temperature inside the sealed container 10 is set to a temperature higher than the temperature at which the refrigerant separates from the refrigeration oil 51 in which the refrigerant is dissolved, thereby making it possible to suitably separate the odorant from the refrigeration oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved.

[0069] In addition, in the compressor 100 according to the first embodiment, the heating device is the winding 42, and the control device 210 applies a constrained current to the winding 42 to heat it when the compressor 100 is started, and stops the constrained current when the temperature inside the sealed container 10 becomes higher than the temperature at which the odorant mixed in the refrigerant separates from the refrigeration oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved.

[0070] According to the compressor 100 of embodiment 1, the windings 42 of the stator 41 are used as a heating device, which makes it possible to reduce the number of parts of the compressor 100 compared to a compressor in which the heating device is provided separately from the windings 42.

[0071] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment includes the above-described compressor 100, the outdoor heat exchanger 104, the pressure reducer 105, and the indoor heat exchanger 106.

[0072] According to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 200 of the first embodiment, the same effects as those of the compressor 100 described above can be obtained.

[0073] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described below, but explanations of parts that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and parts that are the same as or equivalent to those of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals.

[0074] Fig. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of compressor 100 according to embodiment 2. Compressor 100 according to embodiment 2 is configured such that lower end LE2 of lower balancer 37 (hereinafter also referred to as balancer) is located lower than lower end LE1 of winding 42, as shown in Fig. 8 .

[0075] A swirling flow is generated by the rotation of the lower balancer 37 provided at the lower end of the rotor 31, and a flow is generated upward from the lower end LE2 of the lower balancer 37, causing the refrigerating machine oil 51 with the odorant dissolved therein to collide with the windings 42. As a result, it is possible to efficiently separate the odorant from the refrigerating machine oil 51 with the odorant dissolved therein that has collided with the windings 42.

[0076] Furthermore, in compressor 100 according to the second embodiment, oil level 52 of refrigerating machine oil 51 at the start of compressor 100 is configured to be located above lower end LE1 of winding 42. By immersing a portion of winding 42 in refrigerating machine oil 51 at the start of compressor 100 in this manner, heat from winding 42 is transferred directly to refrigerating machine oil 51 without passing through a flammable refrigerant, and refrigerating machine oil 51 can be heated efficiently.

[0077] As described above, in the compressor 100 according to the second embodiment, the electric motor 30 comprises a stator 41 attached to the inner peripheral surface of the sealed container 10 and a rotor 31 arranged within the stator 41, the stator 41 comprises windings 42, and a balancer is provided at the lower end of the rotor 31 to balance the rotation of the rotor 31, with the lower end of the balancer being located lower than the lower end of the windings 42.

[0078] According to the second embodiment, a swirling flow is generated by the rotation of the lower balancer 37 provided at the lower end of the rotor 31, and a flow is generated upward from the lower end LE2 of the lower balancer 37, causing the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved to collide with the windings 42. As a result, it is possible to efficiently separate the odorant from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved that has collided with the windings 42.

[0079] Furthermore, in the compressor 100 according to the second embodiment, the oil level 52 of the refrigerating machine oil 51 is located above the lower end of the winding 42 when the compressor 100 is started.

[0080] According to the compressor 100 of the second embodiment, the heat of the winding 42 is transferred directly to the refrigerating machine oil 51 without passing through the flammable refrigerant, so that the refrigerating machine oil 51 can be heated efficiently.

[0081] Third Embodiment Hereinafter, a third embodiment will be described, but explanations of parts that overlap with those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and parts that are the same as or equivalent to those of the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0082] FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a compressor 100 according to a third embodiment. Unlike the first and second embodiments, which use the windings 42 of the stator 41 as a heating device, the third embodiment uses an electric heating wire 110 as a heating device, as shown in FIG. 9 . The electric heating wire 110 is provided on the outer surface of the compressor 100. A temperature sensor 201 that detects the temperature of the outer surface of the compressor 100 is also attached to the outer surface of the compressor 100. This temperature sensor 201 indirectly detects the temperature inside the sealed container 10. In the third embodiment, the temperature sensor 201 is attached to the body 12 at a position facing the stator 41. However, the attachment position of the temperature sensor 201 is not limited thereto, and the temperature sensor 201 may be attached to the discharge pipe 102 or on the surface of the compressor 100.

[0083] In the compressor 100 according to the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, propane (R290), isobutane (R600a), or propylene (R1270) is used as the flammable refrigerant, and polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polyol ester (POE), or polyvinyl ether (PVE) is used as the refrigerating machine oil 51. Therefore, as shown in Table 1, the temperature at which the flammable refrigerant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 is 30°C or 31°C.

[0084] Furthermore, in the compressor 100 according to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, propane (R290), isobutane (R600a), or propylene (R1270) is used as the flammable refrigerant, polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polyol ester (POE), or polyvinyl ether (PVE) is used as the refrigerating machine oil 51, and ethyl mercaptan (EMM), for example, is used as the odorant. Therefore, as shown in Table 2, the temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 is 36°C. Although not shown in Table 2, if the above-mentioned odorants were used instead of ethyl mercaptan (EMM) as the odorant, the temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 would also change, but would be higher than 36°C in all cases.

[0085] In the third embodiment, the temperature sensor 201 indirectly detects the temperature inside the sealed container 10 via the sealed container 10. The temperature sensor 201 indirectly detects that the temperature inside the sealed container 10 has reached 36°C based on the detected temperature reaching the threshold temperature of 26°C. In other words, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 201 reaches the threshold temperature of 26°C, it can be assumed that the temperature inside the sealed container 10 has reached 36°C. This threshold temperature is a value that is set in advance based on the difference between the temperature of the outer surface of the compressor 100 and the temperature inside the sealed container 10. The value of 26°C is a value when the temperature sensor 201 is attached to the body 12 at a position facing the stator 41 and the sealed container 10 has a predetermined thickness. Therefore, the value of the threshold temperature varies depending on the attachment position of the temperature sensor 201, the thickness of the sealed container 10, and the like.

[0086] As described above, in the third embodiment, the relationship is "odorizer separation temperature (36°C) > threshold temperature (26°C) > flammable refrigerant separation temperature (20°C)." Therefore, by raising the temperature inside the sealed container 10 above the flammable refrigerant separation temperature to the odorizer separation temperature, the odorizer can be separated from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorizer is dissolved. The reason for the 10°C difference between the odorizer separation temperature (36°C) and the threshold temperature (26°C) is that the interior of the sealed container 10 is separated from the installation position of the temperature sensor 201. Note that this temperature difference between the odorizer separation temperature and the threshold temperature can be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the compressor 100.

[0087] The control device 210 controls the heating wire 110 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 201 .

[0088] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the heating wire 110 by the control device 210 of the compressor 100 according to embodiment 3. Hereinafter, the method for controlling the heating wire 110 by the control device 210 of the compressor 100 according to embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0089] (S301) When the compressor 100 is started, the control device 210 energizes the heating wire 110 to heat the heating wire 110. By heating the heating wire 110, heat from the heating wire 110 is transferred to the refrigerating machine oil 51 via the sealed container 10, thereby heating the refrigerating machine oil 51. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S302.

[0090] (S302) The control device 210 determines whether the temperature inside the sealed container 10 has become higher than the temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved (36°C in the third embodiment). Here, the temperature inside the sealed container 10 is the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 201 plus a preset value (10°C in the third embodiment). If the control device 210 determines that the temperature inside the sealed container 10 has become higher than the temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved (YES), the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if the control device 210 determines that the temperature inside the sealed container 10 has not become higher than the temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved (NO), the process returns to step S301.

[0091] (S303) The control device 210 stops the power supply to the heating wire 110.

[0092] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the method of controlling the heating wire 110 by the control device 210 of the compressor 100 according to embodiment 3. Note that a control method other than the control method shown in Fig. 10 is the control method shown in Fig. 11. Hereinafter, the modified example of the method of controlling the heating wire 110 by the control device 210 of the compressor 100 according to embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 11.

[0093] (S401) When the compressor 100 is started, the control device 210 energizes the heating wire 110 to heat the heating wire 110. By heating the heating wire 110, heat from the heating wire 110 is transferred to the refrigerating machine oil 51 via the sealed container 10, thereby heating the refrigerating machine oil 51. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S402.

[0094] (S402) The control device 210 determines whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 201 has become higher than a preset threshold temperature (26°C in the third embodiment). Here, the threshold temperature is a temperature obtained by subtracting a preset value (10°C in the third embodiment) from the odorant separation temperature (36°C in the third embodiment). If the control device 210 determines that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 201 has become higher than the preset threshold temperature (YES), the process proceeds to step S403. On the other hand, if the control device 210 determines that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 201 has not become higher than the preset threshold temperature (NO), the process returns to step S401.

[0095] (S403) The control device 210 stops the power supply to the heating wire 110.

[0096] As described above, the control device 210 separates the odorant from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved by energizing the heating wire 110 until the temperature inside the sealed container 10 reaches a temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved. When the temperature inside the sealed container 10 becomes higher than the temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved, the control device 210 stops energizing the heating wire 110 to reduce power consumption. By performing such control, power consumption can be reduced while the odorant is separated from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved. In other words, the odorant can be suitably separated from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved. The combinations of the flammable refrigerant, refrigerating machine oil 51, and odorant used in the compressor 100 may be any of the combinations listed in Table 2. Odorants other than those listed in Table 2 may also be used.

[0097] FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a modified example of the compressor 100 according to the third embodiment. In the above description, the temperature sensor 201 is provided on the outer surface of the sealed container 10 and detects the temperature of the outer surface of the compressor 100, but this is not limiting. As shown in FIG. 12, the temperature sensor 201 may be provided inside the sealed container 10 and detect the temperature inside the sealed container 10. For example, the temperature sensor 201 is provided on the winding 42 or the stator core 43 inside the sealed container 10. The temperature sensor 201 directly detects the temperature inside the sealed container 10. In this case, in step S302 of FIG. 10, the temperature inside the sealed container 10 is the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 201.

[0098] As described above, in the compressor 100 according to the third embodiment, the heating device is the heating wire 110 arranged on the outer surface of the sealed container 10, and the control device 210 energizes the heating wire 110 to heat it when the compressor 100 is started, and stops energizing it when the temperature inside the sealed container 10 becomes higher than the temperature at which the odorant mixed with the refrigerant separates from the refrigeration oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved.

[0099] According to the compressor 100 of the third embodiment, in the compressor 100 using a flammable refrigerant mixed with an odorant as the refrigerant, the control device 210 heats the heating device when the compressor 100 is started, and stops heating the heating device when the temperature inside the sealed container 10 becomes higher than the temperature at which the odorant mixed in the refrigerant is separated from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved. Therefore, the odorant can be suitably separated from the refrigerating machine oil 51 in which the odorant is dissolved.

[0100] Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment will be described below, but explanations of parts that overlap with those of the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and parts that are the same as or equivalent to those of the first to third embodiments will be given the same reference numerals.

[0101] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a compressor 100 according to a fourth embodiment. In the compressor 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the heating device is the winding 42. The control device 210 applies a constrained current to the winding 42 to heat it when the compressor 100 is started, and stops the constrained current when the temperature inside the sealed container 10 exceeds the temperature at which the odorant, mixed with the refrigerant, separates from the refrigeration oil 51. As shown in FIG. 13 , at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the compressor 100 corresponding to the electric motor 30 is covered with a thermal insulator 120. Covering the outer circumferential surface of the sealed container 10 corresponding to the electric motor 30 with the thermal insulator 120 in this manner increases the heating speed of the winding 42. Examples of the material for the thermal insulator 120 include cotton and phenolic resin. Alternatively, a rubber material may be sandwiched between the thermal insulators 120. The outer circumferential surface of the compressor 100 may be entirely covered with the heat insulating material 120, not just the portion corresponding to the motor 30. However, when the temperature sensor 201 is installed on the outer circumferential surface of the sealed container 10, it is preferable that the heat insulating material 120 is not provided in the portion where the temperature sensor 201 is to be installed, and that the temperature sensor 201 is installed in a portion where the heat insulating material 120 is not provided. Alternatively, it is preferable that the temperature sensor 201 is installed inside the heat insulating material 120.

[0102] As described above, in the compressor 100 according to the fourth embodiment, at least the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the sealed container 10 that corresponds to the electric motor 30 is covered with the heat insulating material 120 .

[0103] According to the compressor 100 of the fourth embodiment, the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the sealed container 10 that corresponds to the motor 30 is covered with the heat insulating material 120, thereby making it possible to increase the heating speed of the windings 42.

[0104] 10 Sealed container, 11 Head, 12 Body, 13 Bottom, 20 Compression mechanism, 21 Rotating shaft, 21a Main shaft, 21b Eccentric shaft, 21c Sub-shaft, 22 Rolling piston, 23 Cylinder, 23a Cylinder chamber, 23b Back pressure chamber, 23c Vane groove, 24 Upper bearing, 25 Lower bearing, 26 Vane, 27 Discharge muffler, 30 Electric motor, 31 Rotor, 32 Rotor core, 33 Magnet insertion hole, 34 Permanent magnet, 35 Air hole, 36 Upper balancer, 37 Lower balancer, 41 Stator, 42 Winding, 43 Stator core, 51 Refrigerant oil, 52 Oil level, 100 Compressor, 101 Intake muffler, 102 Discharge piping, 103 Flow path switching valve, 104 Outdoor heat exchanger, 105 pressure reducer, 106 indoor heat exchanger, 109 intake pipe, 110 heating wire, 120 heat insulating material, 200 refrigeration cycle device, 201 temperature sensor, 210 control device.

Claims

1. A compression mechanism for compressing the refrigerant, A motor equipped with windings and driving the compression mechanism, A compressor comprising a compression mechanism and a sealed container housing the electric motor, wherein a flammable refrigerant mixed with an odorant is used as the refrigerant, and refrigerant oil for lubricating the sliding parts of the compression mechanism is stored inside the sealed container, A heating device for heating the inside of the sealed container, The heating device comprises a control device for controlling the heating device, The control device is When the compressor is started, the heating device is heated, and when the temperature inside the sealed container rises above the temperature at which the odorant mixed with the refrigerant separates from the refrigerant oil in which the odorant is dissolved, the heating device is stopped. Compressor.

2. The sealed container is equipped with a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the outer surface of the container, The control device is If the temperature obtained by adding a preset value to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor becomes higher than the temperature at which the odorant mixed with the refrigerant separates from the refrigerant oil in which the odorant is dissolved, it is determined that the temperature inside the sealed container has become higher than the temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerant oil in which the odorant mixed with the refrigerant separates. The compressor according to claim 1.

3. The sealed container is equipped with a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the outer surface of the container, The control device is If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor becomes higher than the temperature obtained by subtracting a preset value from the temperature at which the odorant mixed with the refrigerant separates from the refrigerant oil in which the odorant is dissolved, it is determined that the temperature inside the sealed container has become higher than the temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerant oil in which the odorant mixed with the refrigerant separates. The compressor according to claim 1.

4. The sealed container is equipped with a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the container, The control device is When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor becomes higher than the temperature at which the odorant mixed with the refrigerant separates from the refrigerant oil containing the odorant, it is determined that the temperature inside the sealed container has become higher than the temperature at which the odorant mixed with the refrigerant separates from the refrigerant oil containing the odorant. The compressor according to claim 1.

5. The temperature at which the odorant separates from the refrigerant oil in which the odorant is dissolved is: The temperature is higher than the temperature at which the refrigerant separates from the refrigerant oil in which the refrigerant is dissolved. A compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The heating device is the winding, The control device is When the compressor is started, the windings are energized to heat them, and the energization is stopped when the temperature inside the sealed container rises above the temperature at which the odorant mixed with the refrigerant separates from the refrigerant oil in which the odorant is dissolved. A compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. At least the portion of the outer surface of the sealed container corresponding to the electric motor is covered with thermal insulation material. The compressor according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned electric motor is, A stator attached to the inner surface of the sealed container, The stator comprises a rotor arranged within the stator, The stator comprises the winding, A balancer is provided at the lower end of the rotor to balance the rotation of the rotor. The lower end of the balancer is located below the lower end of the winding. The compressor according to claim 6.

9. When the compressor is started, the oil level of the refrigeration oil is located above the lower end of the winding. The compressor according to claim 6.

10. The heating device is an electric heating element placed on the outer surface of the sealed container. The control device is When the compressor is started, the heating element is energized to heat it, and when the temperature inside the sealed container rises above the temperature at which the odorant mixed with the refrigerant separates from the refrigerant oil in which the odorant is dissolved, the energization is stopped. A compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

11. The aforementioned refrigerant is A refrigerant comprising one selected from propane, isobutane, and propylene, or a mixed refrigerant containing one or more selected from propane, isobutane, and propylene. A compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

12. A compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a pressure reducer, and an indoor heat exchanger as described in any one of claims 1 to 4. Refrigeration cycle device.