Rolling Piston Rotary Compressor

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/438,769, filed on Jan. 12, 2023, and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/355,611, filed on Jun. 26, 2022, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Various embodiments herein relate to positive-displacement compressors and, more particularly, to semi-hermetic, electrically-powerable, rolling piston rotary compressors for compressing refrigerants in air conditioning, refrigeration, heat pump, and/or other cooling and/or heating systems for electric vehicles, internal combustion engine vehicles, aircraft, marine vehicles, buildings, manufacturing systems, and/or other suitable applications.

Mitigating climate change will require rethinking historical paradigms. While a rotary scroll refrigerant compressor can typically outperform a comparably sized rolling piston rotary compressor within a narrow range of fairly constant load conditions, a growing number of cooling and heating applications will present relatively broad ranging and dynamic load conditions which could benefit from a more suitable rolling piston rotary compressor. For example, internal combustion engine (“ICE”) vehicles have typically used scroll compressors in their driver/passenger-cabin heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems. But a conventional ICE vehicle typically has an abundance of power to burn for operating an HVAC system (which presents a fairly narrow and constant compressor load). Moreover, an ICE vehicle typically does not have significant additional refrigeration needs. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, are increasingly requiring battery cooling, brake cooling, and presenting other demands for thermal management of various drivetrain-related air and/or liquid heat exchanging systems—in addition to traditional driver/passenger-cabin HVAC. Such additional loads can be significantly more dynamic than traditional HVAC systems.

Suitable rolling piston rotary compressors are needed to reduce overall HVAC power consumptions and to meet various battery cooling, brake cooling, and/or other electric vehicle cooling demands, and, in turn, to produce higher efficiency (longer range) electric vehicles. Moreover, in addition to supporting a cooling system, a rolling piston compressor can typically operate as a heat pump that more efficiently provides heat than traditional, resistive heaters. As electric vehicle technology continues to develop and the number of electric vehicles on the roads increases, needs for (and potential advantages of) efficient rolling piston rotary compressors will continue to grow.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a semi-hermetic compressor housing, an electrically-powerable dual-cylinder rolling piston rotary compressor assembly housed in the housing, electric motor driver electronics, and an auxiliary housing. The auxiliary housing defines a semi-hermetic refrigerant inlet compartment having a wall. The auxiliary housing also defines an electronics compartment sharing the wall with the inlet compartment but semi-hermetically separated from the inlet compartment. The compressor housing is semi-hermetically coupled to the inlet compartment and in fluid communication therewith. The electronics compartment houses the electronics.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first rolling piston rotary compressor roller, a second rolling piston rotary compressor roller, a substantially hollow camshaft arranged to cooperate with the first roller and the second roller, an Archimedes screw, and a flexible coupling mechanically coupled to the camshaft therein. The flexible coupling has a first end portion extending from the camshaft in a first direction, has a second end portion extending in a second direction into engagement with the Archimedes screw, and has an intermediate portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion and bending from the first direction to the second direction.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first rolling piston rotary compressor roller, a second rolling piston rotary compressor roller, a camshaft arranged to cooperate with the first roller and the second roller, and an electric motor including a rotor. The rotor is mechanically coupled to the camshaft and includes a first end and a second end. The rotor is generally cylindrical between the first end and the second end. A first generally discoidal counterweight is attached to the first end of the rotor. The first counterweight has a first generally C-shaped portion extending therefrom. A second generally discoidal counterweight is attached to the second end of the rotor. The second counterweight has a second generally C-shaped portion extending therefrom. The second generally C-shaped portion is positioned on the second end of the rotor at about 180 degrees rotational displacement relative to the first generally C-shaped portion. A first generally discoidal cap is attached to first counterweight. The first cap has a third generally C-shaped portion extending therefrom. The third generally C-shaped portion faces toward the first counterweight at about 180 degrees rotational displacement relative to the first generally C-shaped portion. A second generally discoidal cap is attached to second counterweight. The second cap has a fourth generally C-shaped portion extending therefrom. The fourth generally C-shaped portion faces toward the second counterweight at about 180 degrees rotational displacement relative to the second generally C-shaped portion.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a semi-hermetic compressor housing and a pair of rolling piston rotary compressor cylinders housed in the housing, including a first rolling piston rotary compressor cylinder and including a second rolling piston rotary compressor cylinder. A pair of compressor cylinder discharge valves includes a first valve mechanically coupled to the first cylinder and includes a second valve mechanically coupled to the second cylinder. A pair of plates is interposed between the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The plates include a first plate. The first plate defines a first recess. The plates include a second plate. The second plate faces toward the first plate and defines a second recess. The first recess and the second recess together define a first acoustic muffler chamber. The valves are arranged to control refrigerant flows from the first cylinder and the second cylinder to the first chamber.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a semi-hermetic compressor housing and a pair of rolling piston rotary compressor cylinders housed in the housing, including a first rolling piston rotary compressor cylinder and including a second rolling piston rotary compressor cylinder. A pair of compressor cylinder discharge valves includes a first valve mechanically coupled to the first cylinder and includes a second valve mechanically coupled to the second cylinder. A camshaft extends through the cylinders. The camshaft has an inboard portion and an outboard portion. An inboard bearing supports the inboard portion of the camshaft. A first inboard plate is positioned inboard of the bearing and defines a first acoustic muffler chamber having a pair of refrigerant flow holes therein. The holes include a first hole extending about a first respective axial line and include a second hole extending about a second respective axial line. A second inboard plate is positioned inboard of the first plate and defines a second acoustic muffler chamber having a first refrigerant discharge port therein. The first discharge port extends about a third respective axial line. The valves are arranged to control refrigerant flows from the first cylinder and the second cylinder to the first chamber. The second chamber is in fluid communication with the first chamber, but neither the first axial line nor the second axial line is aligned with the third axial line.

It will be appreciated that the various embodiments described in this summary section, as well as elsewhere in this application, can be expressed as a large number of different combinations and subcombinations. All such useful, novel, and inventive combinations and subcombinations are contemplated herein, it being recognized that the explicit expression of each of these combinations is unnecessary.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. At least one embodiment of the present invention will be described and shown, and this application may show and/or describe other embodiments of the present invention, and further permits the reasonable and logical inference of still other embodiments as would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Unless expressly claimed herein as particularly limited to one or more specific materials, any component of the invention may be made from any one or more suitable metals, plastics, woods, fabrics, fibers, and/or combination(s) thereof (and/or any other suitable material(s) or combination(s) thereof) as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

It is understood that any reference to “the invention” is a reference to an embodiment of a family of inventions, with no single embodiment including an apparatus, process, or composition that should be included in all embodiments, unless otherwise stated. Further, although there may be discussion with regards to “advantages” provided by some embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that yet other embodiments may not include those same advantages, or may include yet different advantages. Any advantages described herein are not to be construed as limiting to any of the claims. The usage of words indicating preference, such as “various embodiments” or “preferably,” refers to features and aspects that are present in at least one embodiment, but which are optional for some embodiments, it therefore being understood that use of the word “preferably” implies the term “optional.”

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description and the drawings. Additionally, the use of an N-series prefix for an element number (NXX.XX) refers to an element that is the same as the non-prefixed element (XX.XX), except as shown and described. As an example, an element.would be the same as element., except for those different features of element.shown and described. Further, common elements and common features of related elements may be drawn in the same manner in different figures, and/or use the same symbology in different figures. As such, it is not necessary to describe the features of.and.that are the same, since these common features are apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the related field of technology. Further, it is understood that some features.and.may be backward compatible, such that a feature of a later discussed embodiment (NXX.XX) may include features compatible with other various embodiments that were discussed earlier (MXX.XX), as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. This description convention also applies to the use of prime (′), double prime (″), triple prime (′″) and star or asterisk (*) suffixed element numbers. Therefore, it is not necessary to describe the features of 20.1, 20.1′, 20.1″, 20.1′″ and 20* that are the same, since these common features are apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the related field of technology.

What follows are paragraphs that express particular embodiments of the present invention. In those paragraphs that follow, some element numbers are prefixed with an “X” indicating that the words pertain to any of the similar features shown in the drawings or described in the text. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various other non-X prefixed element numbers that discuss features applicable to other embodiments.

This document may use different words to describe the same element number, or to refer to an element number in a specific family of features (NXX.XX). It is understood that such multiple, different words are not intended to provide a redefinition of any language herein. It is understood that such words demonstrate that the particular feature can be considered in various linguistical ways, such ways not necessarily being additive or exclusive.

illustrates a top front left perspective view of a semi-hermetic compressorin accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The compressorincludes a semi-hermetic compressor housing. The compressor housingis configured to semi-hermetically house an electrically-powerable dual-cylinder rolling piston rotary compressor assembly(not visible in, but see Fig. A) and is made primarily of suitably gasketed and bolted aluminum castings. The compressor housingincludes a plenary refrigerant discharge portconfigured to suitably semi-hermetically couple to a hose, tube, or the like (not shown) for supplying compressed refrigerant gas thereinto. The compressoralso includes an auxiliary housingbolted to the compressor housing. The auxiliary housingis also made primarily of suitably gasketed and bolted aluminum castings, and includes a plenary refrigerant inlet portconfigured to suitably semi-hermetically couple to a hose, tube, or the like (not shown) for receiving relatively low pressure refrigerant gas therefrom. The auxiliary housingalso includes an electric power receptacle or socketsuitably configured to electrically couple to a mating plug (not shown) for receiving electrical power (for powering the compressor assembly) from an electric vehicle power system or other suitable external power supply (not shown). And the auxiliary housingincludes an electric signal portsuitably configured to electrically couple to a mating port (not shown) for receiving electrical signals (for controlling operations of the compressor assembly) from an electric vehicle power management system or other suitable external control system (not shown).

Fig. A illustrates a top front left perspective partially exploded view of the semi-hermetic compressor assembly. The semi-hermetic compressor housingincludes a chamber bodyand an aft or back cover plate. The electrically-powerable dual-cylinder rolling piston rotary compressor assemblyfits into the chamber body. Boltsextend through the cover plateand into the chamber body. And the cover platesemi-hermetically seals against compressor assemblyand the chamber bodyunder the urging of the bolts. Further, the chamber bodydefines a mating slotand an intermediate refrigerant reception port. The auxiliary housingincludes a protrusionfitting into the mating slot, and includes an intermediate refrigerant delivery portthat semi-hermetically couples to the reception portvia a suction tube assembly(which is not shown in Fig. A, but see Fig. B). Boltssecure the auxiliary housingto the chamber body. The compressor assemblyalso includes a plenary refrigerant discharge tubeextending upwardly though the discharge port.

Fig. B illustrates a top front left perspective partially exploded view of the electrically-powerable dual-cylinder rolling piston rotary compressor assembly. The compressor assemblyincludes a core compressor assembly, a helical oil pump assembly, a gas flow deflector or baffle, bolts, a suction tube assembly, an electric motor, and a hollow camshaft. The camshaftextends through the compressor assemblyalong an axial lineand includes a front end portionand a rear portion. The front end portionprotrudes forwardly from the assembly. The rear end portionprotrudes rearwardly from the assembly. The oil pump assemblyincludes a cup-like fitting. As discussed further in connection withand, the fittingcouples the assemblyto the front end portionof the camshaft. The bafflearches above the oil pump assemblyand is positioned between discharge tube(not shown in Fig. B, but see Fig. A) and the oil pump assembly(generally above the oil pump assemblyand below the discharge tube). The boltssecure the baffleto the compressor assembly. The baffleis designed to inhibit refrigerant turbulence (and in turn, inhibit oil agitation) proximal to the oil pump assembly, which the inventors believe may improve oil pump inlet conditions, and which the inventors believe may in turn improve the efficiency/performance of the oil pump assembly. The suction tube assemblyis semi-hermetically coupled to the compressor assembly, and extends generally laterally and downwardly therefrom. The electric motormay be any suitable direct-current (“DC”) motor (brushed or brushless) or an alternating-current (“AC”) motor. The motorincludes a counterweighted motor rotor assemblymechanically coupled to the rear portionof the camshaft. It should be appreciated that the motoris operable to turn the counterweighted motor rotor assembly. It should also be appreciated that the core compressor assemblyis operable to suck refrigerant thereinto through the suction tube assemblyand compress the refrigerant in response to the rotation of the camshaft.

Fig. C and Fig. D illustrate a top front left perspective exploded view and a top rear right perspective exploded view, respectively, of electrically-powerable dual-cylinder rolling piston rotary compressor assembly. The compressor assemblyincludes a front end cap, leaf or reed valves, a first or forward cylinder cover plate, vanes, a first or forward compression cylinder, the suction tube assembly, the hollow camshaft, an axial flow impellerfastened to the camshafttherein, an aft oil spigotsubstantially inserted into the rear portionof the camshaftbut nevertheless protruding therefrom, a first or forward compression roller, a first or forward intermediate cylinder cover plate, a second or aft intermediate cylinder cover plate, a second or aft compression roller, a second or aft compression cylinder, a plug or stopper, a second or aft cylinder cover plate, a first or intermediate inboard end cap, and a second or aft or back inboard end cap.

illustrates a vertical cross-sectional view of the semi-hermetic compressor, in the direction of line(s)-of. The auxiliary housingdefines a semi-hermetic refrigerant inlet compartmenthaving a wall. The auxiliary housingalso includes a sievespanning obliquely across inlet compartment. Further, the auxiliary housingdefines an electronics compartment. The electronics compartmentshares the wallwith the inlet compartment. But when the auxiliary housingis fully assembled, the electronics compartmentis not in fluid communication with the inlet compartment. When the auxiliary housingis fully assembled, the electronics compartmentis semi-hermetically separated (or semi-hermetically sealed away) from the inlet compartment. Meanwhile, via the suction tube assembly, the semi-hermetic compressor housingis both semi-hermetically coupled to the inlet compartmentand in fluid communication with inlet compartment.

The compressorincludes electric motor driver electronicshoused in the electronics compartment. The electric motor driver electronicsmay be one or more capacitors, inductor coils, transformers, resistors, transistors or other semiconductor devices, integrated circuits, inverter circuits, combinations thereof, or other electrical or electronic components or circuits for suitably conveying power and/or control signals to the motor. In operation of the semi-hermetic compressor assembly, the compressor assemblysucks refrigerant (not shown) through the refrigerant inlet portand into the inlet compartment. As the refrigerant flows (generally downwardly) though the inlet compartment, the refrigerant may effectively cool the electric motor driver electronics(by absorbing heat, generated by the electronicsand transferred through the wall), which may desirably extend the life of the electronics, and which may to some extent evaporate any undesirable liquid from the refrigerant. Additionally, the sievemay filter undesirable impurities from the refrigerant. Although in other embodiments the sievemay be oriented generally perpendicularly to the wall, it should be appreciated that the oblique orientation of the sieveprovides for the sievehaving an increased surface area as compared to a perpendicularly oriented sieve.

illustrates a vertical cross-sectional view of the semi-hermetic compressor, in the direction of line(s)-of. The semi-hermetic compressor housingincludes a first exterior wall portionhaving a generally convex cross section. The auxiliary housingincludes a second exterior wall portionhaving a generally concave cross section. The second exterior wall portionfaces the first exterior wall portionand is radially spaced away from the first exterior wall portion. The generally concave cross section generally arcuately mirrors the generally convex cross section, and the second exterior wall portionis radially spaced away from the first exterior wall portionby at least 10 mm. In other embodiments, the second exterior wall portionis radially spaced away from the first exterior wall portionby about 0.1 mm to 15 mm.

illustrates an enlarged vertical cross-sectional isolation view of the semi-hermetic coupling (provided by the suction tube assembly) of the semi-hermetic compressor housingto the auxiliary housing, taken from. The suction tube assemblyincludes a straight tubehaving a radial flange. It should be appreciated that the flangefacilitates insertion and sealing of the tubeinto the reception portof the chamber bodyof the compressor housing. The suction tube assemblyalso includes a chamfered shim. The shimdistributes pressure exerted by the suction volume over the whole area of the suction tube flange. The suction tube assemblyalso includes a pair of radial sealing O-rings, a first axial sealing O-ring, and a second axial sealing O-ring.illustrates a perspective view of the shim.

Fig. F illustrates a vertical cross-sectional view of an alternative semi-hermetic compressorin accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, in a direction analogous to line(s)-of. Comparing Fig. F to, it should be appreciated that relative to the compressor, the compressorhas replaced the straight tubewith a J-tube suction accumulator tube. It should be appreciated that the suction accumulator tubehas a holetherein and has a generally J-shaped cross section.

illustrates a top front right perspective view of an outboard portion of the electrically-powerable dual-cylinder rolling piston rotary compressor assembly.

illustrates a vertical cross-sectional view of the semi-hermetic compressor, in the direction of line(s)-of. Referring to, it can be appreciated that the axial flow impeller(which is fixedly coupled to the hollow camshafttherein) is arranged to urge oil flow from the helical oil pump assemblythrough the camshafttowards and out from the spigotas the camshaft, impeller, and spigottogether rotate during operation of the semi-hermetic compressor. It can also bee seen that the camshaftalso has intermediate side borespositioned forward of the spigot. It should be appreciated that the side bores distribute oil as well.

illustrates an enlarged vertical cross-sectional isolation view of the helical oil pump assemblyof the semi-hermetic compressor, taken from. The oil pump assemblyis an Archimedes screw type pump including a coiled spring, a screwmade of plastic or any other suitable material, an outer sleeve or tube, and a cup-like fittingmade of metal or any other suitable material. The tubeis mechanically coupled to the cup-like fitting. The screw extends along an axial line. The lineis preferably angled (not co-axial or parallel) in relation to the axial line(of extension of the camshaft). The springis fixedly coupled to the camshaftat one end and transmits/redirects rotational movement of the camshaftto the screw. Accordingly, an opposing portion or endof the springextends into the screwand is fixedly coupled thereto. The screwrotates within the tubeso as to pump a fluid (in this case oil) in an Archimedes-screw-principle fashion. The tube(which does not rotate) is fixedly coupled to a bearingvia the fitting. Within the fitting, the bearingabuts the camshaftat a camshaft lubricating hole or inlet. Oil pumped by the screwflows into the spring(proximal to the camshaft) through gaps between the coils of the spring(it should be appreciated that such gaps are exaggerated where the springbends from the axial line(of the screw) towards the camshaft lubricating inlet) and then flows from inside the springinto camshaft lubricating inlet. The distal endof the spring (i.e., the end relatively farther away from the crankshaft lubricating inlet) is closed by a metallic plug, which may also fixedly couple the springto the screw.illustrates an exploded perspective view of the helical oil pump assembly. In alternative embodiments, the coiled springmay be replaced with a suitably flexible rod.

illustrates an enlarged vertical cross-sectional isolation view of the discharge tube, taken from, andillustrates a perspective view of the discharge tube. The discharge tubeis designed to inhibit lubrication oil (circulated within the compressor housingduring operation of the compressor) from being swept by the refrigerant flow through the discharge port. The discharge tubeincludes a sidewall. The sidewalldefines an inlet holetherethrough. The inlet holereceives refrigerant and/or oil laden refrigerant flow into the discharge tube. The discharge tubealso includes a bottom enddefining a drip hole. It should be appreciated that the drip holepermits oil to drip or fall back down into the compressor housingfor recirculation by cooperations of the oil pump assembly, the impeller, and the camshaft. The discharge tubealso has a top, upward facing, outlet opening or orificecoupled to the discharge port. It should be appreciated that the outlet openingpermits compressed refrigerant and/or relatively less oil laden compressed refrigerant to be supplied from the compressor housingthrough the discharge port.

illustrates an enlarged vertical cross-sectional isolation view of the aft oil spigot, taken from.illustrates an enlarged vertical cross-sectional isolation view of the aft oil spigot, taken from. Andillustrates a perspective view of the aft oil spigot. As can be seen in(and as discussed above), the oil spigotis inserted into the rear portionof the camshaftand protrudes therefrom. Further, as can be seen inand even more easily inand, the spigotis generally cup-like, tapered to facilitate insertion into the camshaft, and has a sidewall. The sidewalldefines an oil release orifice or holetherein. It should be appreciated that although a the spigotis substantially inserted into the camshaft, the spigotdoes protrude enough from the camshaftthat the camshaftdoes not block or seal off the hole, thus, allowing the spigotto release oil through the orificeas the camshaftrotates during operation of the compressor.

illustrates a top front left perspective view of the counterweighted motor rotor assembly. Andillustrates a top front left perspective partially exploded view of the counterweighted motor rotor assembly. The rotor assemblyis generally cylindrical, has a first end, has a second end, and a generally cylindrical coreaxially extending between the first endand the second end. The coreis suitably configured with conventional electrical wiring/windings, magnetic materials, and/or other conventional electric motor rotor materials and features that cause the rotor assemblyto be operable to suitably rotate in response to magnetic/electromagnetic fields. The rotor assemblyincludes a first generally discoidal counterweight plateattached to the first endof the coreand generally axially aligned with the core, and the rotor assemblyincludes a second generally discoidal counterweight plateattached to the second endof the coreand generally axially aligned with the core. The first platehas a first generally C-shaped portionextending therefrom. The second platehas a second generally C-shaped portionextending therefrom. The second portionis positioned at about 180 degrees rotational displacement relative to the first portion.

The assemblyalso includes a first generally discoidal capattached to first plate. The first caphas a third generally C-shaped portionextending therefrom. The third portionfaces toward the first plateat about 180 degrees rotational displacement relative to the first portion. The assemblyfurther includes a second generally discoidal capattached to second plate. The second caphas a fourth generally C-shaped portionextending therefrom. The fourth portionfaces toward the second plateat about 180 degrees rotational displacement relative to the second portion.

The rotor capand the rotor capmay be made of plastic (or any other suitable material(s)) in order to hold down their weights (and thus hold down their impact on counterweight dimensioning for balancing. In some embodiments, the mass of the third portionis at least 5 times less than the mass of the first portion, and the mass of the fourth portionis at least 5 times less than the mass of the second portion.

illustrates a truncated oblique cross-sectional view of an acoustic muffler systemof the electrically-powerable dual-cylinder rolling piston rotary compressor assembly.

As can be seen in, the muffler systemincludes:

The outboard bearingand the front end captogether form a first acoustic muffler chamber or volume. The first intermediate plateand the second intermediate platetogether form a second acoustic muffler chamber or volume. The inboard bearingand the first inboard end capform a third acoustic muffler chamber or volume. And the first inboard end capand the second inboard end capform a fourth acoustic muffler chamber or volume. The first acoustic muffler chamber, the second acoustic muffler chamber, the third acoustic muffler chamber, and the fourth acoustic muffler chamberremain in uninterrupted fluid communication with each other via holesextending through the outboard bearing, holesextending through the first intermediate plate, respective channelsextending between the holesand the holes, holesextending through the second intermediate plate, holesextending through the inboard bearing, respective channelsextending between the holesand the holes, and holesin the first inboard end cap.

The outboard bearingand the front end capare semi-hermetically coupled together. The second inboard end capincludes an inboard collar portion. The collar portionencircles a respective inboard portionof the inboard bearingbut is radially spaced apart therefrom, such that the collar portionand the inboard portiontogether provide an annular refrigerant discharge orifice.

In operation of the compressor assembly, compressed refrigerant is alternatively released into the muffler systemby the first cylinderand the second cylinder. The refrigerant is acoustically dampened by the muffler system, and circulates in and flows though the muffler system, and is discharged through the annular orificeinto the semi-hermetic compressor housing.

illustrates an complementary perspective exploded view of the first intermediate acoustic muffler plateand the second intermediate acoustic muffler plate. The intermediate plates,are undercut to form an acoustic cavitythat reduces undesirable sound/noise emissions. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments the exact shape of the cavitymay differ from the shape illustrated herein, provided that the overall geometry yields suitable acoustical muffling.

illustrates an isolated cross-sectional view of an inboard end of an alternative acoustic muffler systemof an alternative semi-hermetic compressor in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, in a direction analogous to. The muffler systemincludes an outer caphaving two side-by-side holes(only one of which is visible in) to discharge the refrigerant, the holes are misaligned with holesof a less inboard capand are positioned on the lower part of the alternative compressor to help wash its lubricating oil.

It should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure may be incorporated into air and/or liquid heat exchanging air conditioning, refrigeration, heat pump, and/or other cooling and/or heating systems for electric vehicles, internal combustion engine vehicles, aircraft, marine vehicles, buildings, manufacturing systems, and/or any other suitable application(s).

While the inventions have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected.