Miniature rotary compressor, and methods related thereto

Abstract

Disclosed is a rolling piston rotary compressor for use with primary refrigerants that is miniaturized for portable and mobile applications for which size and weight are often crucial. The miniature rotary compressor comprises a compressor mechanism, a brushless DC motor and a casing. The compressor mechanism comprises, a cylinder, a shaft having an eccentric part, one or more bearings to support the shaft, a roller, a vane, an oil sump, openings for communicating with lubricant oil and refrigerant, and inlet and discharge ports. The compressor mechanism and the motor are housed in a hermetically sealed or semi-hermetically sealed casing. The configuration and design of the present invention allow the realization of an ultralight miniature compressor. The miniature rotary compressor provides a higher power density and comparable efficiency as compared to state-of-the-art refrigerant-based rotary compressors. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the miniature rotary compressor.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This is a non-provisional application claiming the benefit of and priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 640,699 filed on Dec. 29, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates generally to rotary compressors, and methods related thereto. Specifically, the present invention pertains to a rolling piston type miniature rotary compressor for use with primary refrigerants as the working fluid, as used in vapor compression systems. This miniature rotary compressor is especially useful in applications that require small and ultralight cooling systems, which can be battery-powered for portability and used in hot environments that are impractical for conventional air conditioning. BACKGROUND [0003] The emergence of new small-scale technologies has created an environment in which conventional space conditioning may be displaced. One area where such displacement may occur is in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a compact, ultralight, miniature rolling piston rotary compressor that is suitable for small and portable refrigeration applications. The compressor is significantly smaller and lighter than state-of-the-art compressors, while providing comparable efficiency and performance. It is reliable, portable, and can be used with a range of refrigerants. The compressor is also cost-effective to manufacture. The miniature rotary compressor is housed in a hermetically or semi-hermetically sealed casing and includes a compression cylinder, shaft, roller, vane, top and bottom bearings, openings for lubricant oil, and inlet and discharge ports. The compressor mechanism is significantly smaller than state-of-the-art compressors, while providing comparable efficiency and performance. The miniature rolling piston rotary compressor is significantly smaller and lighter than state-of-the-art compressors, while providing comparable efficiency and performance. It is reliable, portable, and can be used with a range of refrigerants. The compressor is also cost-effective to manufacture."

Problems solved by technology

However, even the smallest of these known rolling piston rotary compressors are too bulky and / or non-mobile and / or do not provide sufficient cooling effect for applications that require small and ultralight portable compressors.

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