U.S. patent application number 10/216138 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-10 for compressor.
Invention is credited to Egashira, Satoshi, Egawa, Satoru, Fukutani, Yoshikazu, Gennami, Hiroyuki, Kimura, Kazuya, Kuroki, Kazuhiro, Suitou, Ken.
Application Number | 20030068246 10/216138 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19074644 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030068246 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kimura, Kazuya ; et
al. |
April 10, 2003 |
Compressor
Abstract
A compressor comprises a housing assembly, a compression
mechanism and a sealing member. The housing assembly has a first
housing member and a second housing member coupled to each other.
The first housing member has an opening end surface. The second
housing member has an opening end surface. The compression
mechanism is disposed in the first housing member and compresses
gas supplied to the compressor. The sealing member includes a first
portion and a second portion. The first portion is interposed
between the opening end surface of the first housing member and the
opening end surface of the second housing member. The second
portion of the sealing extends radially inwardly from the first
portion to be interposed between the compression mechanism and the
second housing member.
Inventors: |
Kimura, Kazuya; (Kariya-shi,
JP) ; Suitou, Ken; (Kariya-shi, JP) ; Gennami,
Hiroyuki; (Kariya-shi, JP) ; Kuroki, Kazuhiro;
(Kariya-shi, JP) ; Egashira, Satoshi; (Kariya-shi,
JP) ; Egawa, Satoru; (Kariya-shi, JP) ;
Fukutani, Yoshikazu; (Kariya-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MORGAN & FINNEGAN, L.L.P.
345 Park Avenue
New York
NY
10154
US
|
Family ID: |
19074644 |
Appl. No.: |
10/216138 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
418/55.4 ;
418/149 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04C 27/008 20130101;
F04C 18/0215 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
418/55.4 ;
418/149 |
International
Class: |
F04C 018/00; F04C
027/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 10, 2001 |
JP |
2001-244761 |
Claims
1. A compressor that receives gas from an outer circuit, said
compressor comprising: a housing assembly having a first housing
member and a second housing member coupled to the first housing
member, said first housing member having an opening end surface,
said second housing member having an opening end surface; a
compression mechanism disposed in the first housing member, said
compression mechanism compressing gas supplied to the compressor,
said compressor mechanism has a contact surface; and a circular
sealing member which includes a first portion and a second portion,
wherein said first portion is interposed between the opening end
surface of the first housing member and the opening end surface of
the second housing member, and wherein said second portion extends
radially inwardly from the first portion to be interposed between
the contact surfaces of the compression mechanism and the second
housing member.
2. A compressor according to claim 1, wherein the opening end
surface of the first housing member is located on substantially the
same plane as the contact surface of the compression mechanism.
3. A compressor according to claim 1, wherein a discharge chamber
is defined in the second housing member to receive gas compressed
by the compression mechanism.
4. A compressor according to claim 1, wherein the second housing
member has an extended edge and the first housing member has an
inner shoulder, wherein the extended edge of the second housing
member and the inner shoulder of the first housing member clamp the
compression mechanism, and wherein the second portion of the
sealing member is interposed between the extended edge of the
second housing member and the contact surface of the compression
mechanism.
5. A compressor according to claim 4, wherein the opening end
surface of the second housing member is located on substantially
the same plane as the extended edge of the second housing
member.
6. A compressor according to claim 1, wherein the compression
mechanism is driven by an electric motor which is placed within the
first housing member.
7. A compressor according to claim 1, wherein the compression
mechanism is a scroll type compression mechanism having a fixed
scroll, the fixed scroll being connected to the second housing
member so that the discharge chamber is defined within the second
housing.
8. A compressor that receives gas from an outer circuit, said
compressor comprising: a housing assembly having a first housing
member and a second housing member coupled to the first housing
member, said first housing member having a first opening, a first
closing wall opposite to the first opening, and an opening end
surface; said second housing member having a second opening, a
second closing wall opposite to the second opening, and an opening
end surface of said first housing member; a compression mechanism
disposed in the first housing member, said compression mechanism
compressing gas supplied to the compressor, said compression
mechanism has a contact surface; a discharge chamber defined in the
second housing member to receive gas compressed by the compression
mechanism; and a circular sealing member which includes a first
portion and a second portion; wherein said first portion is
interposed between the opening end surface of said first housing
member and the opening end surface of the second housing member,
said first housing member and second housing member form a space
partitioned by the sealing member; wherein said second portion
extends radially inwardly from the first portion to be interposed
between the contact surfaces of the compression mechanism and the
second housing member.
9. A compressor according to claim 8, wherein the second housing
member has an extended edge and the first housing member has an
inner shoulder, wherein the extended edge of the second housing
member and the inner shoulder of the first housing member clamp the
compression mechanism, and wherein the second portion of the
sealing member is interposed between the extended edge of the
second housing member and the contact surface of the compression
mechanism.
10. A compressor according to claim 9, wherein the opening end
surface of the second housing member is located on substantially
the same plane as the extended edge of the second housing
member.
11. A compressor according to claim 8, wherein the compression
mechanism is driven by an electric motor which is placed within the
first housing member.
12. A compressor according to claim 8, wherein the compression
mechanism is a scroll type compression mechanism having a fixed
scroll, the fixed scroll being connected to the second housing
member so that the discharge chamber is defined within the second
housing.
13. A compressor according to claim 8, wherein the opening end
surface of the first housing member is located on substantially the
same plane as the contact surface of the compression mechanism.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a compressor. In
particular, the present invention relates to a compressor that is
used as a part of a refrigeration cycle of a vehicular
air-conditioner and compresses refrigerant gas.
[0002] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-174084 discloses
a compressor. The compressor of the publication includes a
compression mechanism, which is housed in a housing assembly. The
housing assembly is formed by securing a plurality of housing
members to each other. The gap between the inner surface of the
housing assembly and the compression mechanism defines a discharge
chamber, to which compressed gas is discharged from the compression
mechanism.
[0003] In the compressor, the housing members are coupled to each
other through a sealing member. The compression mechanism is
abutted to the inner surface of the housing member by way of
another sealing member. However in the above prior art, these
sealing members are separated from one another by a significant
distance. Accordingly it was not possible to use a single sealing
member to seal both between the housing members and between the
housing assembly and the compression mechanism. This increases the
number of the parts forming the compressor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to
provide a compressor that simplifies the sealing structure and
reduces the number of parts.
[0005] To achieve the above objective, the present invention
provides a compressor that receives gas from an outer circuit, said
compressor comprising:
[0006] a housing having a first housing member and a second housing
member coupled to the first housing member, the first housing
member having an opening end surface, and the second housing member
having an opening end surface;
[0007] a compression mechanism disposed in the first housing
member, the compression mechanism compressing gas supplied to the
compressor, said compression mechanism has a contact surface;
and
[0008] a circular sealing member which includes a first portion and
a second portion, said first portion of said sealing member being
interposed between the opening end surface of the first housing
member and the projections of the second housing member, said
second portion extending radially inwardly from the first portion
to be interposed between the contact surfaces of the compression
mechanism and the second housing member.
[0009] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the
principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention, together with objects and advantages thereof,
may best be understood by reference to the following description of
the presently preferred embodiments together with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electric
compressor according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0012] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view
illustrating the vicinity of the compression mechanism shown in
FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] An electric compressor according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention will now be described. The electric
compressor is used in a vehicular air-conditioner.
[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, a housing assembly 11 of the electric
compressor includes a first housing member 21 and a second housing
member 22, which are secured to each other. The first housing
member 21 includes a cylindrical portion 23 and a first closing
wall 24 closing the left side of the cylindrical portion 23 as
viewed in FIG. 1. The right side of the cylindrical portion 23, as
viewed in FIG. 1, remains open and constitutes a first opening. The
first housing member 21 is made of die cast aluminum alloy. The
second housing member 22 includes a cylindrical portion 25 and a
second closing wall 26, which closes the right side of the
cylindrical portion 25 as viewed in FIG. 1. The left side of the
cylindrical portion 25, as viewed in FIG. 1, remains open and
constitutes a second opening. The second housing member 22 is also
made of die cast aluminum alloy. Constituting the first and the
second housing members 21, 22 from aluminum based metal such as
aluminum alloy is advantageous for reducing the weight of the
electric compressor as compared to a case where the first and the
second housing members 21, 22 are made of, for example, iron based
metal.
[0015] The axial length of the cylindrical portion 23 of the first
housing member 21 is longer than the outer diameter of the
cylindrical portion 23. In contrast, the axial length of the
cylindrical portion 25 of the second housing member 22 is shorter
than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 25. Therefore,
the first housing member 21 constitutes the most part of the
housing assembly 11.
[0016] Compressor supports 27 are integrally formed with the outer
circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 23 of the first
housing member 21. Each compressor support 27 has a through hole
27a. A bolt is inserted through each through hole 27a to mount the
electric compressor to the vehicle body.
[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner diameter of the inner
circumferential surface 23a of the cylindrical portion 23
discretely increases from the wall 24 toward the opening end. The
section of the inner circumferential surface 23a close to the wall
24 is the smallest diameter section. A medium diameter section is
formed adjacent to the smallest diameter section. A step formed
between the smallest diameter section and the medium diameter
section serves as a step 23b. The section of the inner
circumferential surface 23a close to the opening is the largest
diameter section. An inner shoulder 23c formed between the largest
diameter section and the medium diameter section serves as a part
of the clamp means clamping the compression mechanism. The inner
circumferential surface 23a of the cylindrical portion 23, the
diameter of which varies step by step, is formed by grinding after
the casting of the first housing member 21.
[0018] An opening end surface 28a is an end surface of the
cylindrical portion 23 of the first housing member 21. Joint
portions 28 are formed in the outer circumferential surface of the
cylindrical portion 23 of the first housing member 21 on the side
close to the opening end. Each joint portion 28 has a cylindrical
shape with an end surface 28a facing the second housing member 22.
Each end surface 28a is continuous to and flush with the opening
end surface 23d. The end surfaces 28a and the opening end surface
23d of the cylindrical portion 23 form a contact surface of the
first housing member 21. Each joint portion has a threaded bore 28b
extending in its axial direction from the end surface 28a.
[0019] An opening end surface 25a is an end surface of the
cylindrical portion 25 of the second housing member 22. Likewise,
projections 29 project from the outer circumferential surface of
the cylindrical portion 25 of the second housing member 22 on the
side close to the opening end. Each projection 29 has an end
surface 29a, which faces the first housing member 21. Each end
surface 29a is continuous to and flush with the opening end surface
25a of the cylindrical portion 25. The end surfaces 29a and the
opening end surface 25a of the cylindrical portion 25 form a
contact surface of the second housing member 22. A through hole 29b
is formed in each projection 29 from the second housing member 22
toward the first housing member 21. Joint portions 28 and
projections 29 are provided to conform to each other.
[0020] The first housing member 21 is secured to the second housing
member 22 at the contact surfaces 23d, 28a, 25a, and 29a. A bolt 30
is inserted through the through hole 29b of each projection 29 of
the second housing member 22. The bolt 30 is then threaded through
the threaded bore 28b of the corresponding joint portion 28 of the
first housing member 21. Thus, the first housing member 21 is
secured to the second housing member 22.
[0021] A sealing member, which is a plate-like gasket 31 in the
preferred embodiment, is located between the contact surface 23d,
28a of the first housing member 21 and the contact surface 25a, 29a
of the second housing member 22. Thus, a sealed chamber 12 is
defined in the housing assembly 11 surrounded by the first housing
member 21 and the second housing member 22, sealed by a first
portion 31a of the gasket 31 as shown in FIG. 2.
[0022] The contact surface 25a, 29a of the second housing member 22
extend radially inward (toward the sealed chamber 12) from the edge
of the contact surface 23d, 28a of the first housing member 21, as
shown by an extended edge 25b of FIG. 2. The extended edge 25b
faces the inner shoulder 23c of the first housing member 21 to
serve as a part of clamp means for clamping the compression
mechanism.
[0023] The sealing of the circular gasket 31 has substantially the
same shape as the contact surface 25a, 29a of the second housing
member 22. Therefore, the gasket 31 also extends radially inward
from the edge of the contact surface 23d, 28a of the first housing
member 21 as shown by a second portion 31b of the gasket of FIG.
2.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, a cylindrical shaft support projection
24a is integrally formed at the center of the inner wall of the
wall 24 of the first housing member 21. A shaft support member 32
is arranged in the first housing member 21 on the side close to the
opening of the cylindrical portion 23. The shaft support member 32
has a through hole 32a at its center. The shaft support member 32
is press fitted to the cylindrical portion 23 of the first housing
member 21. The periphery of the shaft support member 32 abuts
against the inner shoulder 23c.
[0025] A drive shaft 33 is accommodated in the first housing member
21. The end, shown in left hand side of FIG. 1, of the drive shaft
33 is rotatably supported by the shaft support projection 24a with
a radial bearing 34. The right hand side end of the drive shaft 33
is inserted through the through hole 32a of the shaft support
member 32. The drive shaft 33 is rotatably supported by the shaft
support member 32 with a radial bearing 35. That is, both ends of
the drive shaft 33 are rotatably supported by the first housing
member 21 inside the sealed chamber 12.
[0026] A stator 36 is arranged in the first housing member 21 close
to the wall 24. The stator 36 includes a cylindrical iron core 36a
and a coil 36b, which is wound about the iron core 36a. The iron
core 36a of the stator 36 is press fitted into the cylindrical
portion 23 of the first housing member 21 until the periphery of
the iron core 36a abuts against the step 23b. A magnet 37 is
secured to the drive shaft 33 to be arranged radially inward of the
stator 36.
[0027] The stator 36 and the magnet 37 constitute a brushless DC
motor, which is a motor 13 in the preferred embodiment. When power
is supplied to the coil 36b of the stator 36 from the outside, the
motor 13 rotates the magnet 37 integrally with the drive shaft
33.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a scroll type compression
mechanism 14 is used in the electric compressor in the preferred
embodiment.
[0029] A fixed scroll 41 is arranged in the first housing member 21
on the side close to the opening end (the first opening) of the
cylindrical portion 23. The fixed scroll 41 has a disk-like fixed
base plate 41a and a cylindrical outer circumferential wall 41b,
which extends from the periphery of the fixed base plate 41a. A
fixed volute portion 41c is arranged on the fixed base plate 41a
inside the outer circumferential wall 41b.
[0030] The end surface on the side of support member 32 of the
outer circumferential wall 41b of the fixed scroll 41 abuts against
the inner shoulder 23c of the first housing member 21 via the
periphery of the shaft support member 32. The end surface 41f, on
the side near the second housing member 22 of the outer
circumferential wall 41b of the fixed scroll 41 abuts against the
extended edge 25b of the second housing member 22 via the inner
circumferential portion of the gasket 31. The end surface 41f
(which is a contact surface abutting against the second housing
member 22) is flush with the contact surface 23d, 28a of the first
housing member 21. Thus, when the first housing member 21 is
secured to the second housing member 22, the fixed scroll 41 is
held between the inner shoulder 23c and the extended edge 25b
inside the sealed chamber 12 with the shaft support member 32
connected thereto, which forms a part of the compression mechanism
14.
[0031] An annular recess 41d is formed in the outer circumferential
surface of the outer circumferential wall 41b of the fixed scroll
41. When both ends of the outer circumferential wall 41b abut the
largest diameter section of the first housing member 21, a heat
insulation chamber 42 is defined by the outer circumferential wall
41b and the inner circumferential surface 23a of the first housing
member 21.
[0032] The heat insulation chamber 42 is interposed between the
first housing member 21 and the fixed scroll 41 to slow the heat
conduction between the first housing member 21 and the fixed scroll
41. The heat insulation chamber 42 is provided in this embodiment
especially for this purpose.
[0033] An eccentric shaft 43, the axis of which is offset from the
axis of the drive shaft 33, is arranged on the end surface of the
drive shaft 33 close to the fixed scroll 41. A bush 44 is fitted to
the eccentric shaft 43. A movable scroll 45 is supported by the
bush 44 via a bearing 46. The movable scroll 45 faces the fixed
scroll 41 and is rotated relative to the fixed scroll 41. The
movable scroll 45 has a base plate 45a and a movable volute portion
45b, which is located on the base plate 45a and extends toward the
fixed scroll 41.
[0034] The fixed scroll 41 and the movable scroll 45 are engaged
with each other by the fixed and the movable volute portions 41c,
45b. The distal end of the fixed volute portion 41c contacts the
base plate 45a of the movable volute portion 45. The distal end of
the movable volute portion 45b contacts the fixed base plate 41a of
the fixed scroll 41. Therefore, a compression chamber 47 is defined
by the fixed base plate 41a and the fixed volute portion 41c of the
fixed scroll 41, and the base plate 45a and the movable volute
portion 45b of the movable scroll 45.
[0035] A conventional anti-rotation mechanism 48 is located between
the base plate 45a of the movable scroll 45 and the shaft support
member 32, which faces the base plate 45a. The anti-rotation
mechanism 48 includes an annular bore 48a, which is formed in the
shaft support member 32, and a pin 48b, which projects from the
movable scroll 45 and is loosely fitted in the annular bore
48a.
[0036] A suction chamber 49 is defined between the outer
circumferential wall 41b of the fixed scroll 41 and the outermost
peripheral portion of the movable volute portion 45b of the movable
scroll 45. A suction flange 50, which includes an inlet 50a, is
integrally formed with the outer circumferential surface of the
first housing member 21. The inlet 50a is connected to an
evaporator of an external refrigerant circuit, which is not shown,
by an external pipe. The inlet 50a is connected to the suction
chamber 49 by a suction passage 51, which is formed through the
suction flange 50 and the fixed scroll 41.
[0037] The suction passage 51 is formed through the fixed scroll 41
such that the suction passage 51 does not overlap with the heat
insulation chamber 42. That is, the heat insulation chamber 42 is
formed in the housing assembly 11 such that the heat insulation
chamber 42 is not exposed to the refrigerant gas.
[0038] A discharge chamber 52 is defined in the sealed chamber 12
by the fixed scroll 41 abutting against the second housing member
22. The discharge chamber 52 is disconnected from the outside by
the abutment of the fixed scroll 41 against the extended edge 25b
of the second housing member 22 via the inner circumferential
portion of the gasket 31. That is, the sealed chamber 12 and the
discharge chamber 52 are sealed by the common gasket 31 in one
plane.
[0039] A discharge flange 53, which has an outlet 53a, is
integrally formed with the outer circumferential surface of the
second housing member 22. The outlet 53a is connected to a
condenser of the external refrigerant circuit, which is not shown,
by an external pipe. The outlet 53a is connected to the discharge
chamber 52 by a discharge passage 54, which is formed through the
discharge flange 53. A discharge bore 41e is formed at the center
of the fixed scroll 41. The section of the compression chamber 47
that is at the center is connected to the discharge chamber 52 by
the discharge bore 41e. A lead valve, which is a discharge valve 55
in the preferred embodiment, is arranged on the fixed scroll 41 in
the discharge chamber 52. The discharge valve 55 selectively opens
and closes the discharge bore 41e. The opening degree of the
discharge valve 55 is restricted by a retainer 56 secured to the
fixed scroll 41.
[0040] When the drive shaft 33 is rotated by the motor 13, the
movable scroll 45 orbits about the axis of the fixed scroll 41 via
the eccentric shaft 43. The anti-rotation mechanism 48 prevents the
movable scroll 45 from rotating, while permitting the movable
scroll 45 to orbit. As the movable scroll 45 orbits, the
compression chamber 47 moves toward the center of the volute
portions 41c, 45b of the scrolls 41, 45. As it moves, the volume of
the compression chamber 47 decreases. The refrigerant gas drawn
into the compression chamber 47 from the suction chamber 49 is thus
compressed. The compressed refrigerant gas is then discharged to
the discharge chamber 52 through the discharge bore 41e and the
discharge valve 55. After being discharged to the discharge chamber
52, the refrigerant gas is sent to the external refrigerant circuit
through the discharge passage 54 and the outlet 53a.
[0041] The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides
the following advantages.
[0042] (1) The common gasket 31 is used to seal the contact portion
between the first housing member 21 and the second housing member
22 (that is, it seals the sealed chamber 12), and it is used to
seal the contact portion between the compression mechanism 14 and
the second housing member 22 (that is, it seals the discharge
chamber 52). This simplifies the sealing structure of the electric
compressor and reduces the number of parts.
[0043] (2) The space in the sealed chamber 12 that is defined by
the compression mechanism 14 abutting against the second housing
member 22 serves as the discharge chamber 52. Therefore, the
pressurized gas in the discharge chamber 52 presses the compression
mechanism 14 (fixed scroll 41) toward the inner shoulder 23c of the
first housing member 21. Thus, the compression mechanism 14 is
reliably secured to the first housing member 21. The inner shoulder
23c of the first housing member 21 and the extended edge 25b of the
second housing member 22 need not be manufactured with high
accuracy. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the first and the
second housing members 21, 22.
[0044] (3) In the second housing member 22, the contact surface
25a, 29a, which abuts against the first housing member 21, is flush
with the contact surface (extended edge) 25b, which abuts against
the compression mechanism 14 (fixed scroll 41). Therefore, the
plate-like gasket 31 is easily applied as the sealing member. (That
is, each projection of the second housing member has a contact
surface abutting the first housing member on substantially the same
plane as the extended edge of the second housing member.) Thus, the
common sealing member as described in the advantage (1) is easily
embodied at low cost.
[0045] (4) The contact surface 23d, 28a of the first housing member
21 abuts against the second housing member 22. The contact surface
41f of the compression mechanism 14 abuts against the second
housing member 22. The contact surface 23d, 28a and the contact
surface 41f are flush with each other. Therefore, the plate-like
gasket 31 is easily applied as the sealing member. Thus, the common
sealing member as described in the advantage (1) is easily embodied
at low cost.
[0046] (5) The compression mechanism 14 is held between the inner
shoulder 23c and the extended edge 25b of the first and the second
housing members 21 and 22 inside the sealed chamber 12. Therefore,
fasteners such as bolts are not required for securing the
compression mechanism 14 to the housing assembly 11. This
simplifies the structure of the electric compressor. Also, the
compression mechanism 14 is secured to the housing assembly 11 as
the first housing member 21 is secured to the second housing member
22. This simplifies the assembling procedure of the electric
compressor.
[0047] (6) The compression mechanism 14 is scroll type. As compared
to a piston type compression mechanism, the scroll type compression
mechanism 14 is small and has high efficiency and low noise.
[0048] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the
present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Particularly, it should be understood that the invention may be
embodied in the following forms.
[0049] In the second housing member 22, there may be a small step
between the contact surface 25a, 29a, which abuts against the first
housing member 21, and the contact surface (extended edge) 25b,
which abuts against the compression mechanism 14 (fixed scroll 41).
The gasket 31 deforms to compensate for the step. Thus, the
plate-like gasket 31 can still be used as the sealing member.
[0050] There may be a small step between the contact surface 23d,
28a of the first housing member 21, the contact surface 23d
abutting against the second housing member 22, and the contact
surface 41f of the compression mechanism 14, the contact surface
41f abutting against the second housing member 22. The gasket 31
deforms to compensate for the step. Thus, the plate-like gasket 31
can still be used as the sealing member.
[0051] The housing assembly 11 need not be structured by two
housing members 21, 22. For example, the first housing member 21
may be divided into the cylindrical portion 23 and the wall 24.
That is, the housing assembly 11 may be structured with more than
two housing members.
[0052] The present invention need not be embodied in a scroll type
compression mechanism. For example, the present invention may be
embodied in a piston type compression mechanism, a vane type
compression mechanism, or a helical type compression mechanism.
[0053] The present invention is not limited to an electric
compressor, which has a built-in electric motor. For example, the
present invention may be embodied in a compressor that is driven by
an internal combustion engine of a vehicle.
[0054] The present invention is not limited to compressors that are
used in vehicular air-conditioners. The present invention may be
embodied in compressors that are used in home air-conditioners.
[0055] The present invention is not limited to compressors used in
air-conditioners. The present invention may be used in compressors
used in refrigeration cycles other than air-conditioners such as
refrigeration cycles of refrigerators and freezers.
[0056] The present invention is not limited to compressors used in
refrigeration cycles. For example, the present invention may be
embodied in air compressors used in air suspension devices in
vehicles.
[0057] Therefore, the present examples and embodiments are to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive and the invention is
not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified
within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims.
* * * * *