Hermetic Compressor Rotor Passage for Oil Separation and Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hermetic motor-driven compressors, the small insulation distance between the compression mechanism and motor coils hinders lubricating oil circulation, and the compact design makes it difficult to separate lubricating oil from refrigerant, leading to its dispersion in the refrigeration cycle circuit.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design with a sufficient insulation distance between the motor and compression mechanism, utilizing a rotor passage and insulating members to separate lubricating oil from refrigerant while maintaining a compact volume, includes a motor unit with a stator and rotor spaced by a gap, and insulating members positioned to facilitate refrigerant flow and oil separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between compression mechanism and motor is reduced to decrease compressor volume, then the compressor volume is reduced, but the insulation distance between compression mechanism and motor coils becomes insufficient, hindering lubricating oil circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the motor unit into separate components (stator and rotor) with a gap between them, and introduces insulating members to segment the space. This segmentation allows the compression mechanism and motor to be positioned closer while maintaining insulation and enabling oil circulation paths through the rotor passage and insulating member gaps.
2Volume of moving object
If the space in shell is reduced to decrease compressor volume, then the compressor volume is reduced, but the distance from compression mechanism to discharge port becomes insufficient, preventing lubricating oil separation from refrigerant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the discharge port at the upper portion of the shell and the compression mechanism below it, creating a vertical separation path. The insulating members are arranged to allow oil-laden refrigerant to flow upward from the compression mechanism, separate oil along the insulating member surfaces, and discharge purified refrigerant while returning oil to the lower region.
3Reliability
If insulating plate is provided between motor coils and compression mechanism to ensure insulation, then insulation is improved, but lubricating oil circulation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies insulating properties locally at specific locations where electrical insulation is critical (between motor coils and compression mechanism), while maintaining open paths for oil circulation in other areas. The insulating members are strategically positioned to provide insulation only where needed, allowing oil to flow through rotor passages and gaps without being blocked by insulating material throughout the entire space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design ensures effective insulation and separates lubricating oil from refrigerant, reducing the amount of refrigerant in the circuit and enabling the use of highly flammable refrigerants with low global warming potential, thus achieving a more efficient and environmentally friendly refrigeration cycle.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor has a rotor passage that causes spaces located above and below the motor unit to communicate with each other
Implementation Method 2
a lower insulating member provided between the compression mechanism and the motor unit
Implementation Method 3
a compression mechanism that compresses refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
a motor unit provided above the compression mechanism to drive the compression mechanism; The motor unit includes a stator fixed to the shell, and a rotor spaced from an inner circumferential surface of the stator
Data Source
AI summary
In a compressor, a sufficient insulation distance is ensured between a motor and a compression mechanism, and the amount of lubricating oil that flows out with refrigerant discharged from the compressor is reduced, while the volume of the compressor is reduced. The compressor includes: a compression mechanism that compresses refrigerant; a motor unit above the compression mechanism to drive the compression mechanism; a shell that houses the compression mechanism and the motor unit; and a lower insulating member between the compression mechanism and the motor unit. The motor unit includes a stator fixed to the shell, and a rotor spaced from an inner circumferential surface of the stator by a predetermined gap. The rotor has a rotor passage that causes spaces above and below the motor unit to communicate with each other, and the lower insulating member is in a region outward of the inner circumferential surface of the stator.