EP4647579A1

EP4647579A1 - Compressor and refrigeration cycle apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP4647579A1
Application number: EP25174718.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Katsumi Kato; Yoshitomo Tsuka
Original assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2024-05-10
Filing date: 2025-05-07
Publication date: 2025-11-12
Also published as: JP2025171852A

Abstract

Provided are a compressor in which a fluid guide can be suitably fixed to a casing, and a refrigeration cycle apparatus using the compressor. A compressor (100) includes a casing (110), a compression mechanism (120), an electric motor (140), a fluid guide (162, 163), and a support (161). The casing (110) has a tubular shape. The compression mechanism (120) and the electric motor (140) are accommodated in the casing (110) so as to be separated from each other in an axial direction of the casing (110). The fluid guide (162, 163) is disposed in a first space (S1) located between the compression mechanism (120) and the electric motor (140), and guides a fluid flowing into the first space (S1) to an outer periphery of the compression mechanism (120) of the electric motor (140). The support (161) supports the fluid guide (162, 163) in the first space (S1). The fluid guide (162, 163) is fixed to the support (161) by welding.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a compressor and a refrigeration cycle apparatus.

Description of the Related Art

Patent Literature 1 ( JP 2001-140779 A ) discloses a compressor including a fluid guide (gas guide passage frame) disposed between a compression mechanism and an electric motor. The fluid guide guides a part of a gas refrigerant and a lubricating oil flowing from the compression mechanism toward the electric motor in a rotation direction of the electric motor and toward a stator outer peripheral passage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The fluid guide is generally formed with a metal plate (sheet metal) and is often fixed to an inner peripheral surface of a casing of the compressor by spot welding. However, when a difference between a plate thickness of the casing and a plate thickness of the fluid guide is large, a welding defect is likely to occur. Therefore, there is a possibility that the fluid guide cannot be suitably fixed to the casing.
An object of the present application is to provide a compressor in which a fluid guide can be suitably fixed to a casing and to provide a refrigeration cycle apparatus using the compressor.
This aim is achieved by the compressor according to the corresponding appended claims.
The present disclosure regards a compressor. The compressor comprises a casing. The casing is elongated in an axial direction (along a longitudinal axis). In an example, the casing has a tubular shape.
The compressor comprises an electric motor. The electric motor is accommodated in the casing.
The compressor comprises a compression mechanism. The compression mechanism is accommodated in the casing. The compression mechanism and the electric motor are separated (spaced) from each other in the axial direction. The casing includes a first space located between the compression mechanism and the electric motor.
The compressor comprises a fluid guide. In an example, the fluid guide is located within the casing, preferably in the first space. The fluid guide is configured to guide a fluid flowing into the first space to an outer periphery of the electric motor.
The compressor comprises a support, configured for supporting the fluid guide (in the first space of the casing. In an example, the fluid guide is fixed to the support, preferably by welding.
In an example, the compressor comprises a bearing housing. The bearing housing may be fixed to the casing. The bearing housing may be positioned inside the casing. In an example, the support is fixed to the bearing housing (for example through a bolt).
The compressor, according to a first aspect (the term "aspect", in the present application, is used to mean an aspect of the disclosure; this language, per se, should not be construed to exclude that different aspects may be present together in the compressor), includes a casing, a compression mechanism, an electric motor, a fluid guide, and a support.
The casing has a tubular shape. The compression mechanism and the electric motor are accommodated in the casing so as to be separated from each other in an axial direction of the casing. The fluid guide is disposed in a first space located between the compression mechanism and the electric motor, and guides a fluid flowing into the first space to an outer periphery of the electric motor. The support supports the fluid guide in the first space. The fluid guide is fixed to the support by welding.
The fluid guide of the compressor are fixed to the casing via the support fixed by welding. Therefore, in the compressor, the fluid guide can be suitably fixed to the casing even when a difference between a plate thickness of the casing and a plate thickness of the fluid guide is large.
The compressor, according to a second aspect, includes a bearing housing fixed to the casing. The support is fixed to the bearing housing. In an example, the bearing housing is positioned inside the casing.
In the compressor, the fluid guide is fixed to the casing via the support and the bearing housing.
The compressor, according to a third aspect, has the support fixed to the bearing housing through a bolt.
In the compressor, with the bolt, the support is easily fixed to the bearing housing.
According to a fourth aspect, the support includes a stay extending along a surface of the bearing housing facing the first space. The stay is fixed to the bearing housing with the bolt.
According to a fifth aspect, the support is fixed to the bearing housing by press fitting.
In the compressor, by press fitting, the support is firmly fixed to the bearing housing.
The compressor, according to a sixth aspect, has the support fixed to the casing.
In the compressor, the fluid guide is fixed to the casing via the support.
According to a seventh aspect, the support is fixed to the casing by plug welding.
In the compressor, by plug welding, the support is more firmly fixed to the casing than when fixed with the bolt.
According to an eighth aspect, the fluid guide guides a refrigerant flowing into the first space.
In the compressor, since the fluid guide guides the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism, a lubricating oil included in the refrigerant is prevented from scattering due to a rotation of a rotor of the electric motor.
According to a ninth aspect, the refrigerant includes carbon dioxide.
In a case where carbon dioxide having a high pressure at room temperature is used as the refrigerant, the casing of the compressor is formed to have a plate thickness thicker than a plate thickness of a compressor used for another refrigerant in order to secure pressure resistance. In this case, since a difference between the plate thickness of the casing and the plate thickness of the fluid guide formed with a metal plate is large, the fluid guide cannot be suitably fixed to the casing.
The fluid guide of the compressor is fixed to the casing via the support. Therefore, in the compressor, the fluid guide can be suitably fixed to the casing even in a case where carbon dioxide is used for the refrigerant.
According to a tenth aspect, the fluid guide guides the lubricating oil flowing into the first space.
In the compressor, since the fluid guide guides the refrigerant flowing out of the compression mechanism, the lubricating oil is prevented from scattering due to the rotation of the rotor of the electric motor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 including a compressor 100;
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the compressor 100 taken along line A-A' (see FIG. 4);
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the compressor 100 taken along line B-B' (see FIG. 4);
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the compressor 100 taken along line C-C' (see FIG. 2);
FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a D portion (see FIG. 2);
FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of an E portion (see FIG. 3);
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fluid guide assembly 160;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a support 161;
FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an oil return guide 162;
FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the oil return guide 162;
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a gas guide 163; and
FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the gas guide 163.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(1) Configuration of refrigeration cycle apparatus 1

A compressor 100 according to the present embodiment is a high-pressure dome-type scroll compressor. The compressor 100 is used in a refrigeration cycle apparatus, for example.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 including the compressor 100. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is an air conditioner, and performs cooling and heating of a room in a building or the like by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 includes a refrigerant circuit 6 including the compressor 100. The refrigerant circuit 6 is configured by connecting a heat source unit 2 and a utilization unit 3 via a first connection pipe 4 and a second connection pipe 5. In the refrigerant circuit 6, carbon dioxide is sealed as a refrigerant.
The compressor 100 sucks the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 6, compresses the refrigerant to a predetermined pressure, and discharges the refrigerant. The compressor 100 discharges the compressed refrigerant to the refrigerant circuit 6, and thus, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 6.
The heat source unit 2 is installed outdoors. The heat source unit 2 mainly accommodates devices constituting the refrigerant circuit 6. The refrigerant circuit 6 accommodated in the heat source unit 2 includes the compressor 100, a four-way switching valve 9, a heat source heat exchanger 8, an expansion valve 7, a first shutoff valve 11, and a second shutoff valve 12.
The utilization unit 3 is installed indoors. The utilization unit 3 mainly includes a utilization heat exchanger 10 constituting the refrigerant circuit 6.
The first connection pipe 4 and the second connection pipe 5 are pipes through which the refrigerant flows. One end of the first connection pipe 4 is connected to the first shutoff valve 11 of the heat source unit 2. The other end of the first connection pipe 4 is connected to one end of the utilization heat exchanger 10 of the utilization unit 3. One end of the second connection pipe 5 is connected to the second shutoff valve 12 of the heat source unit 2. The other end of the second connection pipe 5 is connected to the other end of the utilization heat exchanger 10 of the utilization unit 3.
In the present embodiment, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 in which one utilization unit 3 is connected to one heat source unit 2 is illustrated. Alternatively, a so-called multi-type refrigeration cycle apparatus in which a plurality of utilization units is connected to one heat source unit may be used.

(2) Configuration of compressor 100

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the compressor 100 taken along line A-A' (see FIG. 4). FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the compressor 100 taken along line B-B' (see FIG. 4). FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the compressor 100 taken along line C-C' (see FIG. 2). FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a D portion (see FIG. 2). FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of an E portion (see FIG. 3).
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the compressor 100 mainly includes a casing 110, a compression mechanism 120, a bearing housing 130, an electric motor 140, a crankshaft 150, a fluid guide assembly 160, a suction pipe 180, and a discharge pipe 190.
Each direction of "up" and "down" used in the following description corresponds to a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 2.

(2-1) Casing 110

The casing 110 accommodates the compression mechanism 120, the bearing housing 130, the electric motor 140, the crankshaft 150, and the fluid guide assembly 160.
The casing 110 has a tubular shape. The casing 110 includes a substantially cylindrical casing body 112, a bowl-shaped upper wall 111 welded to an upper end of the casing body 112 such that a joint portion has airtightness, and a bowl-shaped bottom wall 113 welded to a lower end of the casing body 112 such that a joint portion has airtightness. The casing 110 is installed such that an axial direction of the casing body 112 is along a vertical direction (up-down direction).
The casing 110 is molded with a rigid member that is less likely to be deformed and damaged when pressure and temperature change inside and outside the casing 110.
As described above, the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit 6 includes carbon dioxide. Therefore, the casing 110 of the compressor 100, which is required to have high pressure resistance, is designed to have a larger plate thickness than a casing of a compressor used for another refrigerant. Specifically, a plate thickness T1 (see FIG. 5) of the casing body 112 is, for example, 10 mm or more and 12 mm or less.

(2-2) Compression mechanism 120

The compression mechanism 120 compresses the sucked refrigerant to a predetermined pressure. The compression mechanism 120 is disposed on an inner side of the casing body 112. The compression mechanism 120 includes a fixed scroll 121 and an orbital scroll 122.

(2-2-1) Fixed scroll 121

The fixed scroll 121 includes a first end plate 121a, a first wrap 121b, and a first outer peripheral wall 121c.
The first end plate 121a has a substantially circular plate shape, and is disposed to have a main surface orthogonal to the up-down direction.
The first wrap 121b and the first outer peripheral wall 121c are wall surfaces protruding downward from the first end plate 121a. Specifically, the first wrap 121b is a wall surface whose distal end surface exhibits a spiral shape (involute shape) extending from a vicinity of a center of the first end plate 121a toward an outer peripheral side in a plan view of the first end plate 121a. The first outer peripheral wall 121c is a wall surface surrounding an outer periphery of the first wrap 121b. A distal end surface of the first wrap 121b and a distal end surface of the first outer peripheral wall 121c are substantially flush with each other.
The first outer peripheral wall 121c has a suction hole 121d that causes a compression chamber 124 to be described later and the outside of the compression chamber 124 to communicate with each other. A groove-shaped first communication passage 121f that causes an upper side and a lower side of the compression mechanism 120 to communicate with each other is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the first outer peripheral wall 121c.
A discharge hole 121e that causes the compression chamber 124 and the outside of the compression chamber 124 to communicate with each other is provided in a central portion of the first end plate 121a.

(2-2-2) Orbital scroll 122

The orbital scroll 122 includes a second end plate 122a, a second wrap 122b, and a second bearing 123.
The second end plate 122a has a substantially circular plate shape, and is disposed to have a main surface orthogonal to the up-down direction.
The second wrap 122b is a wall surface protruding upward from the second end plate 122a. Specifically, the second wrap 122b is a wall surface whose distal end surface exhibits a spiral shape (involute shape) extending from a vicinity of a center of the second end plate 122a toward an outer peripheral side in a plan view of the second end plate 122a. The second bearing 123 has a substantially cylindrical shape and protrudes downward from the center of the second end plate 122a.
The first wrap 121b and the second wrap 122b mesh with each other, and then, the fixed scroll 121 and the orbital scroll 122 form the compression chamber 124 surrounded by the first end plate 121a, the first wrap 121b, the second end plate 122a, and the second wrap 122b.
The orbital scroll 122 is engaged with the bearing housing 130 via an Oldham's coupling (not illustrated) to regulate rotation. (2-3) Bearing housing 130
The bearing housing 130 partitions the inside of the casing 110 into a first space S1 located below the bearing housing 130 and a second space S2 located above the bearing housing 130. The bearing housing 130 is disposed below the compression mechanism 120 on the inner side of the casing body 112. The bearing housing 130 has a dish-like shape with a recessed center, and is provided with an annular portion 131, a recess 132, a first bearing 133, a first oil return oil path 132a, and a second oil return oil path 132b. The bearing housing 130 is fixed to the casing 110. (2-3-1) Annular portion 131
An outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 131 is formed substantially along an inner peripheral surface of the casing body 112. An upper end of the annular portion 131 supports the fixed scroll 121 from below. The fixed scroll 121 is fixed to the bearing housing 130 with a bolt or the like (not illustrated). A groove-shaped second communication passage 132c that causes the first communication passage 121f and the first space S1 to communicate with each other is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 131.
An outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 131 is in an interference fit with an inner peripheral surface of the casing body 112. Thus, the bearing housing 130 is fixed to the inner side of the casing body 112. (2-3-2) Recess 132
The recess 132 is formed at the center on an upper surface side of the bearing housing 130. A peripheral wall surface of the recess 132 is constituted by an inner peripheral surface of the annular portion 131. The recess 132 accommodates the orbital scroll 122 in a rotatable state.

(2-3-3) First bearing 133

The first bearing 133 protrudes downward from the center on a lower surface side of the annular portion 131. A first bearing hole 133b penetrating from a bottom of the recess 132 to a lower end of the first bearing 133 is formed in the center of the bearing housing 130. A bearing metal 133a is inserted through an inner peripheral surface of the first bearing hole 133b. The crankshaft 150 is inserted through the bearing metal 133a. Thus, the first bearing 133 rotatably supports the crankshaft 150.

(2-3-4) First oil return oil path 132a and second oil return oil path 132b

The first oil return oil path 132a and the second oil return oil path 132b are oil paths for returning the lubricating oil accumulated at the recess 132 to the bottom wall 113. The first oil return oil path 132a is an oil path extending in the horizontal direction from the bottom of the recess 132 toward the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 131. The second oil return oil path 132b is an oil path extending downward from an opening of the first oil return oil path 132a formed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 131. The second oil return oil path 132b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 131.

(2-4) Electric motor 140

The electric motor 140 drives the compression mechanism 120. The electric motor 140 is disposed below the bearing housing 130. Specifically, the electric motor 140 is fixed in the casing 110 so as to be separated from the compression mechanism 120 in the axial direction of the casing 110. The electric motor 140 is a brushless DC motor. The electric motor 140 includes a stator 141 fixed to an inner wall of the casing 110 and a rotor 142 rotatably accommodated on an inner side of the stator 141 with a slight gap.

(2-4-1) Stator 141

In the stator 141, a copper wire is wound around teeth. A groove-shaped core cut 141a extending along the up-down direction from an upper end surface to a lower end surface of the stator 141 is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the stator 141. A plurality of core cuts 141a is formed at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the stator 141.
The stator 141 is provided with a notch 141b in which a depth of the core cut 141a is formed deep over a predetermined length from an upper end downward.

(2-4-2) Rotor 142

The rotor 142 is coupled to the orbital scroll 122 via the crankshaft 150 at a rotation center of the rotor 142.

(2-5) Crankshaft 150

The crankshaft 150 couples the compression mechanism 120 and the electric motor 140. The crankshaft 150 is disposed in the casing 110 to have a rotation center along the up-down direction. The crankshaft 150 includes a main shaft 151, an eccentric shaft 152, and an oil path 153.

(2-5-1) Main shaft 151

The main shaft 151 is a portion rotatably supported by the first bearing 133. An upper end surface of the main shaft 151 is positioned at substantially the same height as a bottom surface of the recess 132 of the bearing housing 130.

(2-5-2) Eccentric shaft 152

The eccentric shaft 152 is a portion fitted into the second bearing 123. The eccentric shaft 152 is a portion extending upward from the upper end surface of the main shaft 151. An axial center of the eccentric shaft 152 is located away from a shaft center of main shaft 151. In other words, the shaft center of the eccentric shaft 152 is formed eccentrically to the axial center of main shaft 151.

(2-5-3) Oil path 153

The oil path 153 is formed inside the crankshaft 150. The oil path 153 includes a first oil path 153a, a second oil path 153b, and a third oil path 153c.
The first oil path 153a is an oil path formed along an axial center from a lower end to an upper end of the crankshaft 150.
The second oil path 153b is an oil path formed along an axial radial direction, and causes the first oil path 153a and the outer peripheral surface of the crankshaft 150 to communicate with each other. The second oil path 153b is formed at a position where an opening on an outer peripheral surface side of the crankshaft 150 faces an inner peripheral surface of the first bearing 133.
The third oil path 153c has a D-cut shape formed on an outer peripheral surface of the eccentric shaft 152.
The lower end of the crankshaft 150 is connected to a pumping mechanism 154. The pumping mechanism 154 pumps up the lubricating oil accumulated at the bottom wall 113 by a positive displacement pump action and supplies the lubricating oil to the first oil path 153a.

(2-6) Fluid guide assembly 160

The fluid guide assembly 160 includes a support 161, an oil return guide 162, and a gas guide 163. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fluid guide assembly 160. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the support 161. FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of the oil return guide 162. FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views of the gas guide 163. FIGS. 9B and 10B are diagrams when viewed from a position where a surface in contact with the support 161 is visible in a state where each guide is fixed to the support 161. On the contrary, FIGS. 9A and 10A are diagrams when viewed from a position where a surface not in contact with the support 161 is visible in a state where each guide is fixed to the support 161. The oil return guide 162 and the gas guide 163 are examples of a fluid guide.

(2-6-1) Support 161

The support 161 supports the oil return guide 162 and the gas guide 163 in the first space S1 located between the compression mechanism 120 and the electric motor 140. Specifically, the support 161 supports the oil return guide 162 and the gas guide 163 between the bearing housing 130 and the electric motor 140. The support 161 is fixed to the bearing housing 130. The support 161 includes a body 161a and a stay 161b.
The body 161a is a substantially cylindrical member molded with a metal plate (sheet metal). An outer peripheral surface of the support 161 is formed along the inner peripheral surface of the casing body 112.
A plate thickness T2 (see FIG. 5) of the body 161a is, for example, 40% or more and 70% or less of the plate thickness T1 of the casing body 112. Specifically, the plate thickness T2 of the body 161a is, for example, 4 mm or more and 7 mm or less.
The stay 161b is fixed to the bearing housing 130 with a bolt 164. The stay 161b is formed so as to extend in the horizontal direction from an inner peripheral surface of the body 161a. The stay 161b is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the body 161a so as to extend along a surface of the bearing housing 130 facing the first space S1 in a state where the support 161 is fixed to the bearing housing 130. The number of the stays 161b is not limited to one, and may be two or more, for example.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, the body 161a of the support 161 has four slits 161aa, 161ab, 161ac, and 161ad. All of the slits 161aa, 161ab, 161ac, and 161ad are formed upward from a lower end of the support 161.
The slit 161aa is a slit through which the lubricating oil passes. The slit 161aa is formed at a position where the oil return guide 162 is attached. The slit 161ab is a slit through which the refrigerant passes. The slit 161ab is formed at a position where the gas guide 163 is attached.
The slit 161ac is formed at a position corresponding to the discharge pipe 190. The slit 161ad is formed at a position corresponding to a terminal 170 for supplying electric power or the like to the electric motor 140.
The body 161a is provided with a cylindrical portion 161ae in which the slits 161aa, 161ab, 161ac, and 161ad are not formed in a predetermined width downward from an upper end. An outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 161ae faces the inner peripheral surface of the casing body 112 in a state where the support 161 is fixed to the casing body 112.

(2-6-2) Oil return guide 162

The oil return guide 162 is disposed in the first space S1 located between the compression mechanism 120 and the electric motor 140, and guides the lubricating oil, which is a fluid flowing into the first space S1, to an outer periphery of the electric motor 140. Specifically, the oil return guide 162 causes a part of the lubricating oil flowing out from a lower end of the second oil return oil path 132b of the bearing housing 130 and flowing into the first space S1 to flow into the core cut 141a of the stator 141. The oil return guide 162 is fixed to an inner peripheral surface of the support 161 by spot welding. The oil return guide 162 is molded with a metal plate or the like. The oil return guide 162 includes a passage portion 162a and a welded portion 162b.
The passage portion 162a serves as a passage for the lubricating oil in a state where the oil return guide 162 is fixed to the support 161. The passage portion 162a is a passage protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the support 161 toward an axial center of the support 161 and having a U-shaped cross section.
The passage portion 162a includes a contraction portion 162aa in which a passage area decreases from the upper side toward the lower side. The contraction portion 162aa is formed such that a height projecting from the inner peripheral surface of the support 161 toward the axial center of the support 161 and a width in the circumferential direction decrease from the upper side toward the lower side.
As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8, the slit 161aa of the support 161 is formed at a position facing a part of the contraction portion 162aa and a portion of the passage portion 162a below the contraction portion 162aa in the axial radial direction. The passage portion 162a may be formed such that a part of the contraction portion 162aa and a portion below the contraction portion 162aa are located in the slit 161aa. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a distal end of a portion of the passage portion 162a below the contraction portion 162aa may be inserted into the notch 141b of the stator 141.
The welded portion 162b is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the support 161 by welding. The welded portion 162b extends from an end edge of the passage portion 162a along the inner peripheral surface of the support 161.
The welded portion 162b is welded to the inner peripheral surface of the support 161,and then, a space surrounded by the passage portion 162a and the inner peripheral surface of the support 161 serves as a lubricating oil passage P1 connecting an opening opened upward and the slit 161aa.
A plate thickness T3 (see FIG. 5) of the oil return guide 162 is 50% or more and 60% or less of the plate thickness T1 of the support 161. Specifically, the plate thickness T3 of the oil return guide 162 is, for example, 2 mm or more and 4.2 mm or less. In the oil return guide 162, at least the welded portion 162b is required to have the plate thickness T3.

(2-6-3) Gas guide 163

The gas guide 163 is disposed in the first space S1 located between the compression mechanism 120 and the electric motor 140. The gas guide 163 guides a part of the refrigerant that is the fluid flowing into the first space S1 so as to turn along the circumferential direction of the support 161, and guides the remaining refrigerant to the outer periphery of the electric motor 140. Specifically, the gas guide 163 causes a part of the refrigerant flowing out of the lower end of the second communication passage 132c of the bearing housing 130 and flowing in to flow out along the inner peripheral surface of the support 161, and causes the remaining refrigerant to flow into the core cut 141a of the stator 141. The gas guide 163 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the support 161 by spot welding. The gas guide 163 is molded with a metal plate or the like. The gas guide 163 includes a first passage portion 163a, a second passage portion 163b, and a welded portion 163c.
The first passage portion 163a and the second passage portion 163b serve as passages for the refrigerant in a state where the gas guide 163 is fixed to the support 161. The first passage portion 163a and the second passage portion 163b are passages protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the support 161 toward the axial center of the support 161 and having a U-shaped cross section.
The first passage portion 163a guides the refrigerant flowing in the up-down direction so as to flow out in the circumferential direction. The first passage portion 163a has an inflow port toward the lower end of the second communication passage 132c, an outflow port toward the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the support 161, and a curved portion that changes the flow of the refrigerant from the up-down direction to the circumferential direction.
The second passage portion 163b guides the refrigerant flowing in to flow out along the up-down direction. The second passage portion 163b has an inflow port connected to the curved portion of the first passage portion 163a and an outflow port downward below the inflow port.
A connecting portion of the second passage portion 163b to the first passage portion 163a includes a contraction portion 163ba in which a passage area decreases from the upper side to the lower side. The contraction portion 163ba is formed such that a height projecting from the inner peripheral surface of the support 161 toward the axial center of the support 161 and a width in the circumferential direction decrease from the upper side toward the lower side.
As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, the slit 161ab of the support 161 is formed at a position facing a part of the contraction portion 163ba and a portion of the second passage portion 163b below the contraction portion 163ba in the axial radial direction. The second passage portion 163b may be formed such that a part of the contraction portion 163ba and a portion below the contraction portion 163ba are located in the slit 161aa. A distal end of a portion of the second passage portion 163b below the contraction portion 163ba may be inserted into the notch 141b of the stator 141.
The welded portion 163c is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the support 161 by welding. The welded portion 163c extends from end edges of the first passage portion 163a and the second passage portion 163b along the inner peripheral surface of the support 161.
The welded portion 163c is welded to the inner peripheral surface of the support 161, and then, a space surrounded by the first passage portion 163a and the inner peripheral surface of the support 161 serves as a refrigerant passage P2. The welded portion 163c is welded to the inner peripheral surface of the support 161, and then, a space surrounded by the second passage portion 163b and the inner peripheral surface of the support 161 serves as a refrigerant passage P3 connecting the inflow port connected to the curved portion of the first passage portion 163a and the slit 161ab.
A plate thickness T4 (see FIG. 5) of the gas guide 163 is 50% or more and 60% or less of the plate thickness T1 of the support 161. Specifically, the plate thickness T4 of the gas guide 163 is, for example, 2 mm or more and 4.2 mm or less. In the gas guide 163, at least the welded portion 163c is required to have the plate thickness T4.

(2-7) Suction pipe 180

The suction pipe 180 guides the sucked refrigerant to the compression mechanism 120. The suction pipe 180 is fixed to the casing 110 such that one end is inserted into the suction hole 121d of the compression mechanism 120 and the other end is located outside the casing 110.

(2-8) Discharge pipe 190

The discharge pipe 190 guides the compressed refrigerant to the outside of the casing 110. The discharge pipe 190 is fixed to the casing 110 such that one end is located in the first space S1 (not illustrated) and the other end is located outside the casing 110.

(3) Operation of compressor 100

(3-1) Flow of refrigerant in compressor 100

The flow of the refrigerant in the compressor 100 will be described. When the electric motor 140 is activated, the crankshaft 150 starts an axial rotational movement with a rotation of the rotor 142. An axial rotational force of the crankshaft 150 is transmitted to the orbital scroll 122 via the second bearing 123. The orbiting scroll 122, which is restricted from rotating by the Oldham's coupling, revolves orbitally without rotating about an axial rotation center of the crankshaft 150. On the other hand, the refrigerant (gas refrigerant) flows into the compression chamber 124 of the compression mechanism 120 via the suction pipe 180. An orbital motion of the orbital scroll 122 causes the compression chamber 124 to move from an outer peripheral portion toward a central portion of the fixed scroll 121 while gradually decreasing the volume of the compression chamber 124. As a result, the refrigerant in the compression chamber 124 is compressed and discharged from the discharge hole 121e to the second space S2. The discharged refrigerant flows into the gas guide 163 via the first communication passage 121f and the second communication passage 132c. A part of the refrigerant flowing into the gas guide 163 flows into the refrigerant passage P2, and the remaining refrigerant flows into the refrigerant passage P3. The refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant passage P2 is guided by the first passage portion 163a and then flows out along the circumferential direction. The refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant passage P3 is guided by the second passage portion 163b, passes through the slit 161aa, and flows into the core cut 141a. The refrigerant flowing into the core cut 141a passes through a space surrounded by the core cut 141a and the inner peripheral surface of the casing body 112, and then, the refrigerant is finally discharged from the discharge pipe 190 through the bottom wall 113. The refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant passage P3 flows along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the support 161. At this time, a centrifugal force generated by the flow in the circumferential direction separates the mixed lubricating oil from the refrigerant.
The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 100 circulates in the refrigerant circuit 6, and then is sucked again from the suction pipe 180 into the compressor 100 to repeat the refrigeration cycle.

(3-2) Flow of lubricating oil in compressor 100

The flow of the lubricating oil in the compressor 100 will be described. When the electric motor 140 is activated and the crankshaft 150 starts the axial rotational movement, the lubricating oil accumulated at the bottom wall 113 is sucked into the first oil path 153a of the crankshaft 150 by the positive displacement pump action of the pumping mechanism 154. A part of the lubricating oil sucked into the first oil path 153a is supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the first bearing 133 through the second oil path 153b. The remaining part of the lubricating oil sucked into the first oil path 153a flows out from an upper end of the first oil path 153a, is supplied to an inner peripheral surface of the second bearing 123 through the third oil path 153c, and is supplied to a slider between the fixed scroll 121 and the orbital scroll 122 through a flow path (not illustrated).
The lubricating oil supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the second bearing 123 lubricates a portion between the inner peripheral surface of the second bearing 123 and the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric shaft 152, then passes through the bottom of the recess 132 of the bearing housing 130, and flows into the first oil return oil path 132a. The lubricating oil flowing into the first oil return oil path 132a passes through the second oil return oil path 132b and flows into the lubricating oil passage P1 surrounded by the oil return guide 162 and the inner peripheral surface of the support 161. The lubricating oil flowing into the lubricating oil passage P1 is guided by the oil return guide 162, passes through the slit 161ab, and flows into the core cut 141a. The lubricating oil flowing into the core cut 141a passes through a space surrounded by the core cut 141a and the inner peripheral surface of the casing body 112, and returns to the bottom wall 113.

(4) Characteristics

(4-1)
The compressor 100 includes the casing 110, the compression mechanism 120, the electric motor 140, the oil return guide 162, the gas guide 163, and the support 161.
The casing 110 has a tubular shape. The compression mechanism 120 and the electric motor 140 are accommodated in the casing 110 so as to be separated from each other in the axial direction of the casing 110. The oil return guide 162 and the gas guide 163 are disposed in the first space S1 located between the compression mechanism 120 and the electric motor 140, and guides the fluid flowing into the first space S1 to the outer periphery of the electric motor 140. The support 161 supports the oil return guide 162 and the gas guide 163 in the first space S1. The oil return guide 162 and the gas guide 163 are fixed to the support 161 by welding.
The oil return guide 162 and the gas guide 163 (fluid guide) of the compressor 100 are fixed to the casing 110 via the support 161 fixed by welding. Therefore, in the compressor 100, even when a difference between the plate thickness of the casing 110 and the plate thicknesses of the oil return guide 162 and the gas guide 163 is large, the oil return guide 162 and the gas guide 163 can be fixed to the casing 110.
(4-2)
The compressor 100 further includes the bearing housing 130 fixed to the casing 110. The support 161 is fixed to the bearing housing 130.
In the compressor 100, the oil return guide 162 and the gas guide 163 are fixed to the casing 110 via the support 161 and the bearing housing 130.
(4-3)
The support 161 is fixed to the bearing housing 130 with the bolt 164.
In the compressor 100, with the bolt 164, the support 161 is easily fixed to the bearing housing 130.
(4-4)
The support 161 includes the stay 161b extending along the surface of the bearing housing 130 facing the first space S1. The stay 161b is fixed to the bearing housing 130 with the bolt 164.
(4-5)
The gas guide 163 guides the refrigerant flowing into the first space S1.
In the compressor 100, since the gas guide 163 guides the refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism 120, the lubricating oil included in the refrigerant is prevented from scattering due to the rotation of the rotor 142 of the electric motor 140.
(4-6)
The refrigerant includes carbon dioxide.
In a case where carbon dioxide having a high pressure at room temperature is used as the refrigerant, the casing 110 of the compressor 100 is formed to have a plate thickness thicker than a plate thickness of a compressor used for another refrigerant in order to secure pressure resistance. In this case, since the difference between the plate thickness of the casing 110 and the plate thicknesses of the oil return guide 162 and the gas guide 163 formed by using a metal plate is large, the oil return guide 162 and the gas guide 163 cannot be suitably fixed to the casing 110 by welding.
The oil return guide 162 and the gas guide 163 of the compressor 100 are fixed to the support 161 by welding, and the oil return guide 162 and the gas guide 163 are fixed to the casing 110 via the support 161. Therefore, even in a case where the refrigerant is carbon dioxide, in the compressor 100, the oil return guide 162 and the gas guide 163 can be suitably fixed to the casing 110 via the support 161.
(4-7)
The oil return guide 162 guides the lubricating oil flowing into the first space S1.
In the compressor 100, since the oil return guide 162 guides the refrigerant flowing out of the compression mechanism 120, the lubricating oil is prevented from scattering due to the rotation of the rotor 142 of the electric motor 140.
(4-8)
The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 includes the compressor 100.

(5) Modifications

(5-1) Modification A

The support 161 may be fixed to the bearing housing 130 by press fitting. Specifically, the support 161 may be fixed to the bearing housing 130 by press-fitting the inner peripheral surface of the support 161 into an outer peripheral surface of the bearing housing 130. In this case, the support 161 is not required to include the stay 161b.
In the compressor 100 according to Modification A, by press fitting, the support 161 is firmly fixed to the bearing housing 130.

(5-2) Modification B

The support 161 may be fixed to the casing 110 (specifically, the casing body 112). In this case, the support 161 may be fixed to the casing 110 by plug welding.
In the compressor 100 according to Modification B, by plug welding, the support 161 is more firmly fixed to the bearing housing 130 than when fixed with the bolt 164.

While the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, it will be understood that various changes in forms and details can be made without departing from the gist and scope of the present disclosure recited in the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1: refrigeration cycle apparatus
100: compressor
110: casing
120: compression mechanism
130: bearing housing
140: electric motor
161: support
161b: stay
162: oil return guide (fluid guide)
163: gas guide (fluid guide)
164: bolt
S1: first space

CITATION LIST

PATENT LITERATURE

Patent Literature 1: JP 2001-140779 A

Claims

A compressor (100) comprising:
a casing (110) having a tubular shape;

a compression mechanism (120) and an electric motor (140) that are accommodated in the casing (110) so as to be separated from each other in an axial direction of the casing (110);

a fluid guide (162, 163) that is disposed in a first space (S1) located between the compression mechanism (120) and the electric motor (140) and guides a fluid flowing into the first space (S1) to an outer periphery of the electric motor (140); and

a support (161) that supports the fluid guide (162, 163) in the first space (S1),

wherein the fluid guide (162, 163) is fixed to the support (161) by welding.
The compressor (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a bearing housing (130) fixed to the casing (110),
wherein the support (161) is fixed to the bearing housing (130).
The compressor (100) according to claim 2, wherein the support (161) is fixed to the bearing housing (130) with a bolt (164).
The compressor (100) according to claim 3, wherein
the support (161) includes a stay (161b) extending along a surface of the bearing housing (130) facing the first space (S1), and

the stay (161b) is fixed to the bearing housing (130) with the bolt (164).
The compressor (100) according to claim 2, wherein the support (161) is fixed to the bearing housing (130) by press fitting.
The compressor (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support (161) is fixed to the casing (110).
The compressor (100) according to claim 6, wherein the support (161) is fixed to the casing (110) by plug welding.
The compressor (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fluid guide (162, 163) guides a refrigerant flowing into the first space (S1).
The compressor (100) according to claim 8, wherein the refrigerant includes carbon dioxide.
The compressor (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fluid guide (162, 163) is configured to guide a lubricating oil flowing into the first space (S1).
The compressor (100) according to claim 10, wherein the fluid guide assembly (160) includes an oil return guide (162) and a gas guide (163).
The compressor (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the support (161) supports the oil return guide (162) and the gas guide (163) and includes a body (161a) and a stay (161b).
The compressor (100) according to claim 12, wherein the body (161a) includes a substantially cylindrical member molded with a metal plate, and wherein an outer peripheral surface of the support (161) is formed along an inner peripheral surface of a casing body (112).
The compressor (100) according to claim 13, wherein the metal plate forming the body (161a) of the support (161) has thickness (T2) 40% or more and 70% or less of a thickness T1 of the casing body (112).
A refrigeration cycle apparatus (1) comprising the compressor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.