SCROLL COMPRESSOR

Abstract

A scroll compressor including an orbiting scroll that performs an orbiting motion; a fixed scroll coupled to the orbiting scroll so as to form a compression chamber; and a main frame that rotatably supports the orbiting scroll at an opposite side of the fixed scroll with the orbiting scroll interposed therebetween, and supportably connected to the fixed scroll. The fixed scroll is provided with a back pressure hole formed between a first back pressure chamber in which gas discharged from the compression chamber is received, and the compression chamber. The back pressure hole may communicate with the first back pressure chamber and the compression chamber on the basis of a predetermined pressure ratio of the compression chamber.

Claims

1. A scroll compressor, comprising: an orbiting scroll configured to perform an orbital motion; a fixed scroll coupled to the orbiting scroll to define a compression chamber; and a main frame that rotatably support the orbiting scroll at an opposite side of the fixed scroll with the orbiting scroll interposed therebetween, the main frame supporting the fixed scroll, wherein the fixed scroll is provided with a back pressure hole disposed between the compression chamber and a first back pressure chamber in which gas discharged from the compression chamber is received, and wherein the back pressure hole is configured to communicate with the first back pressure chamber and the compression chamber on a basis of a predetermined pressure ratio of the compression chamber.

2. The scroll compressor of claim 1, wherein the back pressure hole comprises: a first flow path that extends in a direction parallel to a vertical direction; and a second flow path that communicates with the first flow path and extends in a direction parallel to a lateral direction.

3. The scroll compressor of claim 2, wherein the first flow path comprises: a compression communication flow path into which the gas discharged from the compression chamber flows; and a back pressure communication flow path that communicates with the compression communication flow path and the first back pressure chamber to provide gas flowing through the compression communication flow path into the first back pressure chamber.

4. The scroll compressor of claim 3, wherein the second flow path is disposed between the compression communication flow path and the back pressure communication flow path.

5. The scroll compressor of claim 3, wherein a guide inlet that is configured to guide the discharged gas to flow into the first back pressure chamber and communicates with the back pressure hole is disposed on a lower surface of the fixed scroll.

6. The scroll compressor of claim 3, wherein the second flow path comprises a pressure control pin configured to control a flow of the gas into the first back pressure chamber.

7. The scroll compressor of claim 1, wherein the first back pressure chamber is disposed between an upper surface of the main frame, a side portion of the orbiting scroll, and a lower surface of the fixed scroll.

8. The scroll compressor of claim 2, wherein the orbiting scroll comprises an orbiting end plate having a disc shape with a predetermined width, orbiting end plate supporting the fixed scroll, and wherein the first and second flow paths are disposed on an inner side of the fixed scroll with reference to an outer diameter of the orbiting end plate.

9. The scroll compressor of claim 8, wherein at least one end plate groove is disposed at a side portion of one surface of the orbiting end plate along a circumferential direction, and wherein the at least one end plate groove is disposed at a position at which the at least one end plate groove is capable of communicating with the back pressure hole during an orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll.

10. The scroll compressor of claim 9, wherein the at least one end plate groove comprises a plurality of end plate grooves provided on the one surface of the orbiting end plate, and wherein the plurality of end plate grooves is disposed to be symmetrical to each other with respect to a center of the orbiting end plate.

11. The scroll compressor of claim 9, wherein as pressure outside of the fixed scroll is decreased, when the orbiting scroll moves backward in an axial direction, gas flows into the at least one end plate groove and pressure in the first back pressure chamber rises pressing the orbiting end plate in an axial direction to be coupled to the fixed scroll.

12. The scroll compressor of claim 9, wherein a distance from a first side of the at least one end plate groove to an outer portion of the compression chamber is greater than a distance from a second side of the at least one end plate groove to an outer circumference of the orbiting end plate.

13. The scroll compressor of claim 9, wherein the at least one end plate groove is disposed adjacent to an outer circumference of the orbiting end plate and spaced to be apart therefrom by a sealing distance.

14. The scroll compressor of claim 2, wherein the orbiting scroll comprises an orbiting end plate having a disc shape with a predetermined width, the orbiting end plate supporting the fixed scroll, wherein a second back pressure chamber having a width corresponding to a predetermined distance from a center of the orbiting end plate is disposed below the orbiting end plate, and wherein a back pressure opening in communication with the second back pressure chamber and a lower surface of the fixed scroll is disposed in the orbiting end plate.

15. The scroll compressor of claim 14, wherein the back pressure opening comprises: a first passage that extends in a direction parallel to the vertical direction; and a second passage that is configured to communicate with the first passage and that extends in a direction parallel to the lateral direction.

16. The scroll compressor of claim 15, wherein the first passage comprises: a back pressure chamber communication flow path into which gas discharged from the second back pressure chamber flows; and a fixed communication flow path that communicates with the back pressure chamber communication flow path, and configured to communicate with the lower surface of the fixed scroll to provide gas flowing through the back pressure chamber communication flow path to the lower surface of the fixed scroll.

17. The scroll compressor of claim 16, wherein a fixing groove is disposed in the lower surface of the fixed scroll configured to communicate with the fixed communication flow path.

18. The scroll compressor of claim 15, wherein a pressure control pin configured to control gas leakage from the second back pressure chamber is disposed in the second passage.

19. A scroll compressor, comprising: an orbiting scroll configured to perform an orbital motion; a fixed scroll coupled to the orbiting scroll to define a compression chamber; a main frame configured to rotatably support the orbiting scroll at an opposite side of the fixed scroll with the orbiting scroll interposed therebetween, the main frame supporting the fixed scroll; and a casing in which the orbiting scroll, the fixed scroll, and the main frame are disposed, wherein the fixed scroll is provided with a back pressure hole disposed between the compression chamber and a first back pressure chamber in which gas discharged from the compression chamber is received, and wherein the back pressure hole is configured to communicate with the first back pressure chamber and the compression chamber on a basis of a predetermined pressure ratio of the compression chamber.

20. The scroll compressor of claim 19, wherein the back pressure hole comprises: a first flow path that extends in a direction parallel to a vertical direction; and a second flow path configured to communicate with the first flow path and that extends in a direction parallel to a lateral direction.

21. The scroll compressor of claim 20, wherein the first flow path comprises: a compression communication flow path into which the gas discharged from the compression chamber flows; and a back pressure communication flow path that communicates with the compression communication flow path and configured to communicate with the first back pressure chamber to provide gas flowing through the compression communication flow path into the first back pressure chamber.

22. The scroll compressor of claim 20, wherein a guide inlet configured to guide the discharged gas to flow into the first back pressure chamber and communicate with the back pressure hole is disposed on a lower surface of the fixed scroll.

23. The scroll compressor of claim 20, wherein the second flow path comprises a pressure control pin configured to control a flow of the gas into the first back pressure chamber.

24. The scroll compressor of claim 20, wherein the orbiting scroll comprises an orbiting end plate having a disc shape with a predetermined width, the orbiting end plate supporting the fixed scroll, and wherein the first and second flow paths are disposed on an inner side of the fixed scroll with reference to an outer diameter of the orbiting end plate.

25. The scroll compressor of claim 24, wherein at least one end plate groove is disposed at a side portion of one surface of the orbiting end plate along a circumferential direction, and wherein the at least one end plate groove is disposed at a position at which the at least one end plate groove is configured to communicate with the back pressure hole during an orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll.

26. The scroll compressor of claim 20, wherein the orbiting scroll comprises an orbiting end plate having a disc shape with a predetermined width, the orbiting end plate supporting the fixed scroll, wherein a second back pressure chamber having a width corresponding to a predetermined distance from a center of the orbiting end plate is disposed below the orbiting end plate, and wherein a back pressure opening in communication with the second back pressure chamber and a lower surface of the fixed scroll is disposed in the orbiting end plate.

27. The scroll compressor of claim 26, wherein the back pressure opening comprises: a first passage that extends in a direction parallel to the vertical direction; and a second passage configured to communicate with the first passage and that extends in a direction parallel to the lateral direction.

28. The scroll compressor of claim 27, wherein the first passage comprises: a back pressure chamber communication flow path into which gas discharged from the second back pressure chamber flows; and a fixed communication flow path that communicates with the back pressure chamber communication flow path, and configured to communicate with the lower surface of the fixed scroll to provide gas flowing through the back pressure chamber communication flow path to the lower surface of the fixed scroll.

29. The scroll compressor of claim 28, wherein a fixing groove is disposed in a lower surface of the fixed scroll and is configured to communicate with the fixed communication flow path.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which a back pressure hole is disposed on one side of a fixed scroll of the scroll compressor according to an embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which a back pressure hole is disposed on another side of the fixed scroll of the scroll compressor according to an embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fixed scroll of the scroll compressor according to an embodiment, the fixed scroll as viewed from a bottom;

[0039] FIG. 5 is a planar view of the fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll as viewed from a top;

[0040] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating an example in which an end plate groove is disposed in an orbiting end plate of the orbiting scroll;

[0041] FIG. 7 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll is disposed at a (first) position relative to the fixed scroll;

[0042] FIG. 8 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll is disposed at a (second) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 7 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll;

[0043] FIG. 9 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll is disposed at a (third) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 8 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll;

[0044] FIG. 10 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll is disposed at a (fourth) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 9 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll;

[0045] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view illustrating an example in which an end plate groove is disposed at an outermost side of an orbiting end plate of the orbiting scroll as possible in a state when a sealing distance is ensured;

[0046] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which a back pressure hole is disposed on both sides of the fixed scroll and a back pressure opening is disposed on both sides of the orbiting scroll, each in the scroll compressor according to an embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 13 is a planar view of the scroll compressor of FIG. 12;

[0048] FIG. 14 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll is disposed at a (first) position relative to the fixed scroll in the scroll compressor of FIG. 12;

[0049] FIG. 15 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll is disposed at a (second) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 14 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll;

[0050] FIG. 16 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll is disposed at a (third) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 15 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll;

[0051] FIG. 17 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll is disposed at a (fourth) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 16 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll;

[0052] FIG. 18 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating an example in which a back pressure hole is disposed not in the fixing scroll, but in the orbiting scroll in the scroll compressor according to an embodiment;

[0053] FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which pressure control pins are equipped in the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll, respectively; and

[0054] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll each in which the back pressure hole is disposed.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

[0055] Hereinafter, a description will be given of a scroll compressor 100 according to an embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with the same or similar reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0056] In addition, structure that is applied to one embodiment will be equally applied to another embodiment as long as there is no structural and functional contradiction in the different embodiments.

[0057] A singular representation may include a plural representation unless it represents a definitely different meaning from the context.

[0058] In describing embodiments disclosed herein, when a detailed explanation for a related known function or construction is considered to unnecessarily divert the gist, such explanation has been omitted but would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0059] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand the technical idea of the embodiments disclosed herein and it should be understood that the idea of the embodiments disclosed herein is not limited by the accompanying drawings. The idea of the embodiments disclosed herein should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes besides the accompanying drawings.

[0060] A description will now be given in detail of a scroll compressor 100 according to one embodiment disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The scroll compressor 100 includes an orbiting scroll 150 configured to perform an orbiting motion, a fixed scroll 140 coupled to the orbiting scroll 150 to form a compression chamber P, and a main frame 130 configured to rotatably support the orbiting scroll 150 at an opposite side of the fixed scroll 140 with the orbiting scroll 150 interposed therebetween, and supportably connected to the fixed scroll 140.

[0061] The fixed scroll 140 includes a back pressure hole 146 between the compression chamber P and a first back pressure chamber 137a that receives gas discharged from the compression chamber P therein. In addition, the back pressure hole 146 may communicate with the first back pressure chamber 137a and the compression chamber P based on a pressure ratio predetermined for the compression chamber P.

[0062] As will be described hereinafter, in the scroll compressor 100 according to embodiments disclosed herein, as the orbiting scroll 150 actively moves in an axial direction by a relationship of forces between a back pressure chamber and the compression chamber regardless of operating conditions, constant performance may be exhibited in most operating regions.

[0063] In addition, in the scroll compressor 100 according to embodiments disclosed herein, although a hole in an upper portion of a fixed scroll wrap 142 (hereinafter, referred to as a fixed wrap) is adjacent to the first back pressure chamber 137a, the hole and the first back pressure chamber 137a communicate with each other via a hole in an outer portion in the fixed scroll 140, that is, a hole drilled in a position closed by rotation of the orbiting scroll 150 at all times. Thus, while the compressor is driven, when the orbiting scroll 150 moves backward in the axial direction due to lower pressure in the first back pressure chamber 137a, a gap is generated between an upper end of the fixed wrap 142 and a bottom portion of the orbiting scroll 150. When high-pressure gas flows into the first back pressure chamber 137a through the gap, pressure in the first back pressure chamber rises and the orbiting scroll 150 moves in the axial direction, thus maintaining sealing in the compression chamber P to thereby increase efficiency of the scroll compressor 100.

[0064] Structures of the first back pressure chamber 137a and the back pressure hole 146 will be described hereinafter.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the scroll compressor 100 according to embodiments disclosed herein may further include a casing 110 that receives the orbiting scroll 150, the fixed scroll 140, and the main frame 130 therein. The casing 110 is configured to have a sealed inner space. For example, the casing 110 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0066] A drive motor 120 including a stator 121 and a rotor 122 may be disposed in the casing 110. The stator 121 is fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the casing 110 in a shrink-fitting method, and the rotor 122 is rotatably disposed inside of the stator 121.

[0067] Although not clearly shown in the drawing, a coil may be wound around the stator 121, and the coil may be electrically connected to an external power source through a terminal (not shown) coupled through the casing 110. A rotational shaft 160 is eccentrically coupled to a center of the rotor 122.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 1, a main bearing 171 that supports the rotational shaft 160 in a radial direction is press-fitted to an upper portion of the rotational shaft 160. The first bearing 171 may be coupled between the main frame 130, the orbiting scroll 150, and the rotational shaft 160 to allow rotation of the rotational shaft 160. For example, the first bearing 171 may be configured with a bush bearing.

[0069] A lower end portion of the rotational shaft 160 is rotatably coupled into a sub frame 170, thereby allowing the rotational shaft 160 to rotate while being supported in the radial direction by the main frame 130 and the sub frame 170 described above. The main bearing 171 and the sub bearing (not shown) that support the rotational shaft 160 are coupled into the main frame 130 and the sub frame 170, respectively. For example, each of the main bearing 171 and the sub bearing may be a bush bearing.

[0070] The main frame 130 rotatably supports the orbiting scroll 150 at an opposite side of the fixed scroll 140 with the orbiting scroll 150 therebetween, and is supportably connected to the fixed scroll 140. The main frame 130 may be equipped with a scroll fixing portion 136 that may supportably fix the fixed scroll 140. Further, the scroll fixing portion 136 may include a fastening hole 136a for fixing the fixed scroll 140.

[0071] A plurality of scroll fixing portions 136 may be disposed along a circumferential direction of the main frame 130. Although FIG. 1 only illustrates scroll fixing portions 136 provided on both left and right sides of the main frame 130, and does not clearly show a number of the scroll fixing portions 136, four or five scroll fixing portions 136, for example, may be disposed along the circumferential direction of the main frame 130.

[0072] In addition, the main frame 130 includes an orbiting space portion 133, which is a space disposed therein to accommodate rotational shaft coupling portion 153 to perform an orbital motion, and a scroll support surface 132 disposed around the orbiting space portion 133 to have a predetermined width on an upper surface of the main frame 130. The orbiting space portion 133 may be configured as a cylindrical space, for example. Further, the scroll support surface 132 may be disposed along the circumferential direction around the orbiting space portion 133.

[0073] The orbiting scroll 150 is configured to perform an orbital motion. The rotational shaft coupling portion 153 protruding to be inserted into the rotational shaft 160 may be disposed on one surface of the orbiting scroll 150, the rotational shaft 160 being rotatable by power transmitted from outside.

[0074] FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the rotational shaft coupling portion 153 protrudes from a lower surface of the orbiting end plate 151 of the orbiting scroll 150 described hereinafter. However, a shape of the rotational shaft coupling portion 153 is not necessarily limited to this structure, and may also have a boss-type structure. When the rotational shaft coupling portion 153 has the boss-type structure, structure in which an upper portion of the rotational shaft 160 is inserted into the rotational shaft coupling portion 153 having the boss-type structure may be provided.

[0075] In addition, the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed on an upper surface of the main frame 130. The orbiting scroll 150 performs an orbital motion between the main frame 130 and the fixed scroll 140 described hereinafter. The orbiting scroll 150 according to an embodiment includes the orbiting end plate 151 having a disk shape and an orbiting wrap 152 spirally disposed on one side surface of the orbiting end plate 151.

[0076] FIGS. 2 and 5 show examples of the orbiting end plate 151 having a disk shape with a predetermined width, and the orbiting wrap 152 configured such that a helical section extends upwardly from an upper surface of the orbiting end plate 151. The orbiting wrap 152 may define the compression chamber P together with the fixed wrap 142 described hereinafter.

[0077] The compression chamber P may include a first compression chamber (not shown) defined on an outer surface and a second compression chamber (not shown) defined on an inner surface with reference to the fixed wrap 142 described hereinafter. In the first compression chamber and the second compression chamber, a suction pressure chamber (not shown), an intermediate pressure chamber (not shown), and a discharge pressure chamber (not shown) are consecutively disposed, respectively.

[0078] The rotational shaft coupling portion 153 coupled to the rotational shaft 160 is provided on a lower surface of the orbiting end plate 151, thereby allowing the orbiting scroll 150 to perform an orbital rotation by the rotation of the rotational shaft 160. An orbiting bearing 172 may be provided between an inner circumference of the rotational shaft coupling portion 153 and an outer circumference of the rotational shaft 160. An Oldham ring 180 may be disposed between the fixed scroll 140 and the orbiting scroll 150 to prevent rotation of the orbiting scroll 150.

[0079] The back pressure hole 146 is disposed in the fixed scroll 140. The back pressure hole 146 is configured to be disposed between the first back pressure chamber 137a and the compression chamber P. The first back pressure chamber 137a is a space in which gas discharged from the compression chamber P is received. For example, the first back pressure chamber 137a may be disposed between an upper surface of the main frame 130, a side portion of the orbiting scroll 150, and a lower surface of the fixed scroll 140.

[0080] FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the first back pressure chamber 137a is disposed between left and right or lateral upper surfaces of the main frame 130, both left and right or lateral sides of the orbiting scroll 150, and both lower surfaces of the fixed scroll 140. Although FIG. 2 shows that the first back pressure chamber 137a is disposed on both left and right sides, the first back pressure chamber 137a may be understood as one space defined between the main frame 130, the orbiting scroll 150, and the fixed scroll 140 along the circumferential direction.

[0081] In addition, the back pressure hole 146 may communicate with the first back pressure chamber 137a and the compression chamber P based on a predetermined pressure ratio in the compression chamber P. The back pressure hole 146 may include a first flow path 146a and a second flow path 146b. The first flow path 146a may be disposed or extend in a direction parallel to an upward direction.

[0082] In addition, the first flow path 146a may include a compression communication flow path 146a1 into which gas discharged from the compression chamber P flows, and a back pressure communication flow path 146a2 disposed to communicate with the compression communication flow path 146a1 and configured to be communicable with the first back pressure chamber 137a to supply gas flowing through the compression communication flow path 146a1 to the first back pressure chamber 137a.

[0083] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the compression communication flow path 146a1 communicates upwardly with the compression chamber P to allow the gas discharged from the compression chamber P to flow therethrough and move upward. The back pressure communication flow path 146a2 communicates between the second flow path 146b and the first back pressure chamber 137a to allow the gas supplied through the second flow path 146b to flow downward to be supplied to the first back pressure chamber 137a. The second flow path 146b may be disposed to communicate with the first flow path 146a in a direction parallel to a lateral direction.

[0084] FIG. 2 shows an example in which gas provided from the first flow path 146a through the second flow path 146b may flow in a rightward (first lateral) direction. A guide inlet portion (guide inlet) 147c configured to guide the discharged gas to flow into the first back pressure chamber 137a and communicate with the back pressure hole 146 may be disposed on a lower surface of the fixed scroll 140.

[0085] FIGS. 2 and 4 show examples in which the guide inlet portion 147c is disposed on a lower right surface of the fixed scroll 140 to communicate with the back pressure hole 146 to guide the discharged gas to flow into the first back pressure chamber 137a. FIG. 4 shows an example of the guide inlet portion 147c having an elliptical shape. FIG. 3 also illustrates, unlike FIG. 2, that the back pressure hole 146 is disposed on a left side of the fixed scroll 140, and also illustrates an example in which the first flow path 146a is disposed in a direction parallel to an upward direction, and includes the compression communication flow path 146a1 into which the gas discharged from the compression chamber P flows and the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 disposed to communicate with the first back pressure chamber 137a.

[0086] In addition, the compression communication flow path 146a1 allows gas discharged from the compression chamber P to flow therein and allows gas introduced into the second flow path 146b to flow. The compression communication flow path 146a1 may allow the gas discharged from the compression chamber P to flow upward. The compression communication flow path 146a1 may be included inside of the fixed scroll 140, which is positioned adjacent to the rotational shaft 160.

[0087] The second flow path 146b may be disposed between the compression communication flow path 146a1 and the back pressure communication flow path 146a2. An example is shown in which the second flow path 146b is disposed in a leftward-rightward or lateral direction to communicate the compression communication flow path 146a1 with the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 on an upper side of the fixed scroll 140,

[0088] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrates an example in which the second flow path 146b is disposed on an upper side of the fixed scroll 140, and extends between the compression communication flow path 146a1 and the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 to have a minute circular section area extending in an upper portion of the fixed scroll 140. However, embodiments are not limited to circular section.

[0089] The back pressure communication flow path 146a2 communicates with the second flow path 146b and is disposed in parallel with the compression communication flow path 146a1. As shown in FIG. 3, the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 allows gas supplied from the second flow path 146b to flow downwards to be provided to the first back pressure chamber 137a. In addition, FIGS. 3 and 4 shows an example in which the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 is disposed in an inner portion with reference to an outer diameter of the orbiting end plate 151, that is, in an outer portion compared to the compression communication flow path 146a1.

[0090] FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which the back pressure hole 146 is disposed on a left (first lateral) side of the fixed scroll 140. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the compression communication flow path 146a1, the second flow path 146b, and the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 have a shape of a micro-hole with a predetermined diameter.

[0091] FIG. 5 illustrates the orbiting end plate 151 and the orbiting wrap 152 each included in the orbiting scroll 150, and the fixed wrap 142. An example in which the compression communication flow path 146a1 is disposed in the fixed wrap 142 placed at one position near a center of the orbiting scroll 150 and the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 is disposed on both sides of the fixed scroll 140 is shown. In addition, the second flow path 146b allows communication between the compression communication flow path 146a1 and the back pressure communication flow path 146a2, and is disposed in an upper portion of the fixed scroll 140 as described above.

[0092] The orbiting scroll 150 may include the orbiting end plate 151 having a disk shape with a predetermined width and supporting the fixed scroll 140. In addition, the first and second flow paths 146b may be disposed on an inner side of the fixed scroll 140 with reference to an outer diameter of the orbiting end plate 151.

[0093] An end plate groove 151a disposed along a circumferential direction may be included in a side portion of one surface of the orbiting end plate 151. The end plate groove 151a may be disposed at a position at which the end plate groove 151a may communicate with the back pressure hole 146 when the orbiting scroll 150 performs an orbital motion.

[0094] A plurality of end plate grooves 151a may be disposed in one surface of the orbiting end plate 151. The plurality of end plate grooves 151a may be disposed to be symmetrical to each other with reference to a center of the orbiting end plate 151.

[0095] In addition, as described above, the guide inlet portion 147c configured to guide the discharged gas to flow into the first back pressure chamber 137a and communicate with the back pressure hole 146 may be disposed on a lower surface of the fixed scroll 140. The end plate grooves 151a may be disposed adjacent to an outer circumference of the orbiting end plate 151 to be spaced apart therefrom by a sealing distance. For example, the end plate grooves 151a may be disposed in an upper surface of the orbiting scroll 150 facing the fixed scroll 140.

[0096] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an example in which the end plate grooves 151a are disposed in the orbiting end plate 151 of the orbiting scroll 150 along the circumferential direction of the orbiting end plate 151. In this example, two end plate grooves 151a are disposed in the orbiting end plate 151 to be symmetrical to each other. The end plate grooves 151a may be configured to have a curvature to be parallel with a circumference of the orbiting end plate 151.

[0097] FIG. 6 shows the end plate groove 151a disposed almost adjacent to the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 of the back pressure hole 146. As described above, the end plate groove 151a needs to be disposed at a position at which the end plate groove 151a may communicate with the back pressure hole 146 when the orbiting scroll 150 performs an orbital motion.

[0098] A distance from one side of the end plate groove 151a to an outer portion of the compression chamber P may be greater than a distance from another side of the end plate groove 151a to an outer circumference of the orbiting end plate 151. For example, when a distance between the end plate groove 151a and the outer portion of the compression chamber is L1 and a distance between the end plate groove 151a and the outer circumference of the orbiting end plate 151 is L2, a configuration needs to be such that L1 is greater than L2, that is, to satisfy L1>L2. When the distance L1 between the end plate groove 151a and the outer portion of the compression chamber P is not greater than the distance L2 between the end plate groove 151a and the outer circumference of the orbiting end plate 151, high-pressure gas in the end plate groove 151a may enter a suction chamber having a short sealing distance, thus deteriorating efficiency of a compressor. That is, in relation to the embodiments disclosed herein, it should be understood that a sealing distance from an intermediate pressure space needs to be shorter than a distance from the compression chamber P at all times.

[0099] As pressure outside of the fixed scroll 140 is decreased, when the orbiting scroll 150 moves backward in the axial direction, gas flows into the end plate groove 151a and the pressure in the first back pressure chamber 137a rises. Thus, the orbiting scroll 150 may press the orbiting end plate 151 in the axial direction to be coupled to the fixed scroll 140.

[0100] FIG. 7 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed at a (first) position relative to the fixed scroll 140. FIG. 8 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed at a (second) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 7 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll 140. FIG. 9 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed in a (third) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 8 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll 140. FIG. 10 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed at a (fourth) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 9 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll 140.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, configuration and disposition positions of the end plate groove 151a in the orbiting end plate 151 and the back pressure hole 146 according to an orbital rotation of the orbiting scroll 150 relative to the fixed scroll 140 are described. Referring to FIG. 7, the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed at a (first) position relative to the fixed scroll 140. The end plate groove 151a in the orbiting scroll 150 is spaced apart from the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 of the fixed scroll 140 with reference to a section.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 8, the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed at a (second) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 7 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll 140. The end plate groove 151a on a right (first lateral) side of the orbiting scroll 150 with reference to a cross-section is disposed to communicate with the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 of the fixed scroll 140 with reference to the cross-section. In addition, it may be understood that placement of the orbiting scroll 150 in FIG. 8 is obtained by performing an orbital rotation by an angle of 90? relative to the fixed scroll 140 with reference to the position of FIG. 7.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 9, the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed at a (third) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 7 relative to the fixed scroll 140 by a predetermined angle. The end plate groove 151a on a left (second lateral) side of the orbiting scroll 150 with reference to a cross-section is disposed to communicate with the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 of the fixed scroll 140 with reference to the cross-section. In addition, it may be understood that placement of the orbiting scroll 150 in FIG. 9 is obtained by performing an orbital rotation by an angle of 180? relative to the fixed scroll 140 with reference to the position of FIG. 7.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 10, the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed at a (fourth) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 7 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll 140. The end plate groove 151a in the orbiting scroll 150 with reference to a cross-section is spaced apart from the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 of the fixed scroll 140 with reference to the cross-section. In addition, it may be understood that placement of the orbiting scroll 150 in FIG. 10 is obtained by performing an orbital rotation by an angle of 270? relative to the fixed scroll 140 with reference to the position of FIG. 7.

[0105] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view illustrating an example in which the end plate groove 151a is disposed at an outermost side of the orbiting end plate 151 of the orbiting scroll 150 as possible in a state when a sealing distance is ensured. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a case when the end plate groove 151a in the orbiting scroll 150 is processed. In practice, when there is a limit in a diameter of the end plate groove 151a, a groove may be designed only in a particular region as shown in the example. However, in particular cases, when there is no limit in a size of an outer diameter of the orbiting end plate 151 of the orbiting scroll 150, and when a sealing distance from a compression portion of the fixed scroll 140 of FIG. 11 is ensured, the end plate groove 151a may have a donut shape positioned at an outermost portion of the orbiting end plate 151 of the orbiting scroll 150. The example in which the back pressure hole 146 is disposed on a left side of the fixed scroll 140 was described above with reference to FIG. 3.

[0106] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which the back pressure hole 146 is disposed on both sides of the fixed scroll 140 and the back pressure opening 158 is disposed on both sides of the orbiting scroll 150, each in the scroll compressor 100 according to embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 13 is a planar view of the illustration of FIG. 12.

[0107] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the scroll compressor 100 in an example in which the back pressure hole 146 is disposed on both sides of the fixed scroll 140 and the back pressure opening 158 is disposed on both sides of the orbiting scroll 150 described hereinafter.

[0108] FIG. 12 illustrates an example in which the back pressure hole 146 is parallel to an upward direction and the first flow path 146a is disposed respectively on left and right or lateral sides of the fixed scroll 140. In addition, an example in which the first flow path 146a on each of the left and right sides includes the compression communication flow path 146a1 into which gas discharged from the compression chamber P flows and the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 disposed to communicate with the first back pressure chamber 137a is illustrated.

[0109] As such, in scroll compressor 100 shown in FIG. 12, the first flow path 146a including the compression communication flow path 146a1 and the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 is disposed respectively on the left and right sides of the fixed scroll 140. In addition, the compression communication flow path 146a1 is disposed on left and right inner sides of the fixed scroll 140 which is adjacent to rotational shaft 160. The compression communication flow path 146a1 disposed respectively on the left and right inner sides of the fixed scroll 140 allows gas discharged from the compression chamber P to be introduced therein, and allows the introduced gas to flow into the second flow path 146b. The compression communication flow path 146a1 may allow the gas discharged from the compression chamber P to flow upwards.

[0110] In addition, although not explicitly illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the compression communication flow path 146a1 of FIGS. 12 and 13 may be understood as having a micro-hole shape with a predetermined diameter as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0111] The second flow path 146b may be defined between the compression communication flow path 146a1 and the back pressure communication flow path 146a2. An example in which the second flow path 146b is defined in a left-right or lateral direction to communicate the compression communication flow path 146a1 with the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 in upper left and right or lateral portions of the fixed scroll 140,

[0112] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an example in which the second flow path 146b is disposed in the upper left and right portions of the fixed scroll 140, the second flow path 146b in each of the upper left and right portions of the fixed scroll 140 extends between the compression communication flow path 146a1 and the back pressure communication flow path 146a2, and has a minute circular cross-section extending in an upper portion of the fixed scroll 140. However, embodiments are not limited to circular section.

[0113] The back pressure communication flow path 146a2 communicates with the second flow path 146b and is disposed in parallel with the compression communication flow path 146a1. In addition, the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 may be disposed at one position adjacent to an outer circumference of the orbiting end plate 151 in each of the left and right portions of the fixed scroll 140. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 allows gas supplied from the second flow path 146b in each of the left and right portions to flow downward to be provided to the first back pressure chamber 137a. In addition, FIGS. 12 and 13 shows an example in which the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 is disposed at one position near an outer circumference of the orbiting end plate 151, that is, an outer portion compared to the compression communication flow path 146a1.

[0114] With reference to a cross-section, the second back pressure chamber 137b having a width corresponding to a predetermined distance from a center of the orbiting end plate 151 may be disposed near a center of the main frame 130 below the orbiting end plate 151. The back pressure opening 158 described hereinafter may communicate with the second back pressure chamber 137b. In addition, the back pressure opening 158 in communication with the second back pressure chamber 137b and a lower surface of the fixed scroll 140 may be disposed in the orbiting end plate 151.

[0115] The back pressure opening 158 may include first and second passages 158a and 158b. The first passage 158a may be disposed or extend in a direction parallel to an upward direction. The second passage 158b may be disposed to communicate with the first passage 158a in a direction parallel to a lateral direction.

[0116] The first passage 158a may include a back pressure chamber communication flow path 158a1 and a fixed communication flow path 158a2. Gas discharged from the second back pressure chamber 137b flows into the back pressure chamber communication flow path 158a1. That is, the back pressure chamber communication flow path 158a1 may be understood as an inlet into which the gas discharged from the second back pressure chamber 137b flows.

[0117] The fixed communication flow path 158a2 communicates with the back pressure chamber communication flow path 158a1 and is configured to communicate with a lower surface of the fixed scroll 140 to be capable of providing gas flowing through the back pressure chamber communication flow path 158a1 to the lower surface of the fixed scroll 140.

[0118] As described above, the second passage 158b is configured to be capable of communicating with the first passage 158a. FIG. 12 illustrates an example in which the second passage 158b is configured to be capable of communicating with the back pressure chamber communication flow path 158a1 and the fixed communication flow path 158a2.

[0119] In addition, FIG. 12 shows an example in which the back pressure opening 158 communicating with the second back pressure chamber 137b and the lower surface of the fixed scroll 140 is disposed on a lower surface of the orbiting end plate 151. The back pressure opening 158 is disposed on each of left and right or lateral sides of the orbiting end plate 151.

[0120] FIG. 12 illustrates the first passage 158a extending in a direction parallel with an upward direction and the second passage 158b extending in a direction parallel with a lateral direction are disposed on a left (first) side of a lower surface of the orbiting end plate 151. In addition, it is illustrated that the first passage 158a extending in a direction parallel with an upward direction and the second passage 158b extending in a direction parallel with a lateral direction are disposed on a right (second) side of the lower surface of the orbiting end plate 151.

[0121] In addition, the first passage 158a may include the back pressure chamber communication flow path 158a1 and the fixed communication flow path 158a2. Thus, an example in which the back pressure chamber communication flow path 158a1, the second passage 158b, and the fixed communication flow path 158a2 are disposed on the left side of the lower surface of the orbiting end plate 151, and the back pressure chamber communication flow path 158a1, the second passage 158b, and the fixed communication flow path 158a2 are disposed on the right side of the lower surface of the orbiting end plate 151 is shown.

[0122] FIG. 14 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed at a (first) position relative to the fixed scroll 140 in the scroll compressor 100 of FIG. 12. FIG. 15 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed at a (second) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 14 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll 140. FIG. 16 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed at a (third) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 15 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll 140. FIG. 17 is a planar view illustrating an example in which the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed at a (fourth) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 16 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll 140.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 17, configuration and disposition positions of the end plate groove 151a in the orbiting end plate 151, the back pressure hole 146, and back pressure opening 158, each described above, according to an orbital rotation of the orbiting scroll 150 relative to the fixed scroll 140 are described. FIGS. 14 to 17 illustrate an example in which the back pressure opening 158 including the first and second passages 158a and 158b in the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed in two portions such as a lower left (first) portion and an upper right (second) portion with reference to a center of the orbiting scroll 150 to be in parallel with an upward-downward direction in the drawing.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 14, the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed at a (first) position relative to the fixed scroll 140. The end plate groove 151a in the orbiting scroll 150 is spaced apart from the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 of the fixed scroll 140 with reference to a section.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 15, the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed at a (second) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 14 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll 140. The end plate groove 151a on a right (first) side of the orbiting scroll 150 with reference to a cross-section is disposed to communicate with the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 of the fixed scroll 140 with reference to the cross-section. In addition, it may be understood that placement of the orbiting scroll 150 in FIG. 15 is obtained by performing an orbital rotation by an angle of 90? relative to the fixed scroll 140 with reference to the position of FIG. 14.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 16, the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed at a (third) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 14 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll 140. The end plate groove 151a in a left (second) side of the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed to communicate with the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 of the fixed scroll 140 with reference to a cross-section. In addition, it may be understood that placement of the orbiting scroll 150 in FIG. 16 is obtained by performing an orbital rotation by an angle of 180? relative to the fixed scroll 140 with reference to the position of FIG. 14.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 17, the orbiting scroll 150 is disposed at a (fourth) position obtained by performing an orbital rotation from the position of FIG. 14 by a predetermined angle relative to the fixed scroll 140. The end plate groove 151a in the orbiting scroll 150 with reference to a cross-section is spaced apart from the back pressure communication flow path 146a2 of the fixed scroll 140 with reference to the cross-section. In addition, it may be understood that placement of the orbiting scroll 150 in FIG. 17 is obtained from performing an orbital rotation by an angle of 270? relative to the fixed scroll 140 with reference to the position of FIG. 14.

[0128] The guide inlet portion 147c configured to communicate with the back pressure hole 146 and guide the discharged gas to flow into the first back pressure chamber 137a may be disposed on a lower surface of the fixed scroll 140.

[0129] FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which the back pressure hole 146 is disposed not in the fixing scroll 140, but in the orbiting scroll 150 in the scroll compressor 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which pressure control pins 146b1 and 158b1 are disposed in the fixed scroll 140 and the orbiting scroll 150, respectively. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the fixed scroll 140 having the back pressure hole 146 defined therein, and the orbiting scroll 150.

[0130] FIG. 18 shows an example of the scroll compressor 100 in which the back pressure hole 146 is not defined in the fixed scroll 140. The back pressure opening 158 described above may communicate with the second back pressure chamber 137b in the scroll compressor 100 shown in FIG. 18.

[0131] In addition, an example in which the back pressure openings 158 in communication with the second back pressure chamber 137b and the lower surface of the fixed scroll 140 may be disposed on the left side of the orbiting end plate 151.

[0132] The back pressure opening 158 may include first and second passages 158a and 158b. The first passage 158a may be disposed or extend in a direction parallel to an upward direction. The second passage 158b may be disposed to communicate with the first passage 158a or extend in a direction parallel to a lateral direction.

[0133] The first passage 158a may include a back pressure chamber communication flow path 158a1 and a fixed communication flow path 158a2. Gas discharged from the second back pressure chamber 137b flows into the back pressure chamber communication flow path 158a1. That is, the back pressure chamber communication flow path 158a1 may be understood as an inlet into which the gas discharged from the second back pressure chamber 137b flows.

[0134] The fixed communication flow path 158a2 communicates with the back pressure chamber communication flow path 158a1 and is configured to communicate with a lower surface of the fixed scroll 140 to be capable of providing gas flowing through the back pressure chamber communication flow path 158a1 to the lower surface of the fixed scroll 140. As described above, the second passage 158b is configured to be capable of communicating with the first passage 158a. FIG. 18 illustrates an example in which the second passage 158b is configured to be capable of communicating with the back pressure chamber communication flow path 158a1 and the fixed communication flow path 158a2.

[0135] FIG. 19 shows the scroll compressor 100 according to one example in which the back pressure hole 146 is disposed on the left side of the fixed scroll 140 and the back pressure opening 158 is disposed on the left side of the orbiting scroll 150. Further, referring to FIG. 19, the pressure control pin 146b1 is disposed in the second flow path 146b of the back pressure hole 146 described above. A flow of gas into the first back pressure chamber 137a may be controlled by the pressure control pin 146b1 disposed in the second flow path 146b. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 19, the pressure control pin 158b1 is disposed in the second passage 158b of the back pressure opening 158 described above. Gas leaked from the second back pressure chamber 137b may be controlled by the pressure control pin 158b1 equipped in the second passage 158b. That is, a sudden flow of high-pressure gas into the back pressure chamber may be prevented by the pressure control pins 146b1 and 158b1.

[0136] According to embodiments disclosed herein, pressure in the back pressure chambers 137a and 137b in a high-pressure scroll compressor may be varied according to operating conditions using the structure described above. In the scroll compressor 100 according to embodiments disclosed herein, as the orbiting scroll 150 actively moves in the axial direction according to a relationship of forces between the back pressure chambers 137a and 137b and the compression chamber P regardless of operating conditions, constant performance may be exhibited in most operating regions.

[0137] In the scroll compressor 100 according to embodiments disclosed herein, as described above, although the back pressure hole 146 in an upper portion of the fixed wrap 142 is adjacent to the first back pressure chamber 137a, the back pressure hole 146 and the first back pressure chamber 137a communicate with each other via the back pressure communication flow path 146a2, that is, a hole in an outer portion in the fixed scroll 140, that is, a hole drilled in a position closed by rotation of the orbiting scroll 150 at all times. Thus, while the compressor is driven, when the orbiting scroll 150 moves backward in the axial direction due to lower pressure in the first back pressure chamber 137a, a gap is generated between an upper end of the wrap 142 of the fixed scroll 140 and a bottom portion of the orbiting scroll 150. When high-pressure gas flows into the first back pressure chamber 137a through the gap. Pressure in the first back pressure chamber 137a rises and the orbiting scroll 150 moves in the axial direction, thus maintaining sealing in the compression chamber P to thereby increase efficiency of the scroll compressor 100.

[0138] The aforementioned scroll compressor 100 is not limited to the configuration and the method of the embodiments described above, but the embodiments may be configured such that all or some of the embodiments are selectively combined so that various modifications can be made.

[0139] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in the appended claims, Therefore, all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL AVAILABILITY

[0140] Embodiments disclosed herein may be used for a scroll compressor having structure such that pressure in a back pressure chamber is varied according to operating conditions in a high-pressure scroll compressor.