Scroll compressor

Abstract

A scroll compressor according to the present disclosure comprises a fixed scroll having a discharge port and a plurality of release holes, a release valve ring installed on the upper surface of the fixed scroll and formed to open and close the plurality of release holes, and a retainer ring installed on the upper portion of the release valve ring and formed to restrict the movement of the release valve ring. The release valve ring is ring-shaped and includes a fixed portion having a plurality of fastening holes, a plurality of release valves extending toward the center from the inner circumference of the fixed portion and formed to open and close the plurality of release holes, and at least one connecting portion connecting at least one of the release valves to the inner circumference of the fixed portion. The retainer ring includes a retainer fixing portion having a shape corresponding to the fixed portion of the release valve ring, a plurality of retainers formed to restrict the upward movement of the plurality of release valves of the release valve ring, and at least one retainer connecting portion corresponding to at least one connecting portion of the release valve ring and connecting at least one of the retainers to the retainer fixing portion.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a scroll compressor, and more specifically, to a scroll compressor having a plurality of release valves. Background Technology

[0002] A scroll compressor is a device that compresses refrigerant by engaging a fixed scroll and a rotating scroll, each having a spiral-shaped wrap, and rotating the rotating scroll relative to the fixed scroll.

[0003] A scroll compressor has a plurality of compression pockets formed by a fixed scroll fixed within a sealed casing and a rotating scroll rotating opposite the fixed scroll. The plurality of compression pockets gradually narrow from the outer periphery of the fixed scroll toward the center due to the rotating motion of the rotating scroll. Refrigerant is drawn into the compression pocket located on the outer periphery, and the refrigerant is compressed while the compression pocket moves toward the center due to the rotation of the rotating scroll, and when the compression pocket is located at the center, the refrigerant, which is maximally compressed, is discharged from the compression pocket into the sealed casing.

[0004] Recently, system air conditioners are requiring improved performance under partial load operating conditions.

[0005] To this end, the number of release valves in scroll compressors is gradually increasing. In this case, it is necessary to optimize the position and number of release valves to minimize overcompression under low pressure ratio conditions.

[0006] However, there is a problem in that as the number of release valves in a scroll compressor increases, assembly efficiency decreases.

[0007] For example, when multiple release valves are assembled individually, the release valve and the retainer may not match, which may degrade the function of the scroll compressor.

[0008] Alternatively, during assembly, some of the release valves among the multiple release valves may be omitted.

[0009] In addition, the structure of assembling multiple release valves and multiple retainers individually has the problem that the maximum number of release valves that can be installed on the upper surface of the fixed scroll of a scroll compressor is limited.

[0010] Background technology regarding such scroll compressors includes Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2006-0074489 and European Patent Application Publication EP1039136. The problem to be solved

[0011] The present disclosure aims to provide a scroll compressor in which a plurality of release valves are integrally formed to improve the assemblability of a plurality of release valves, taking into account the problems mentioned above. means of solving the problem

[0012] A scroll compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a fixed scroll having a discharge port and a plurality of release holes; a release valve ring installed on the upper surface of the fixed scroll and formed to open and close the plurality of release holes; and a retainer ring installed on the upper portion of the release valve ring and formed to restrict the movement of the release valve ring; wherein the release valve ring comprises: a fixed portion having a ring shape and including a plurality of fastening holes; a plurality of release valves extending toward the center from the inner circumference of the fixed portion and formed to open and close the plurality of release holes; and at least one connecting portion connecting at least one of the release valves to the inner circumference of the fixed portion; and wherein the retainer ring may comprise: a retainer fixing portion having a shape corresponding to the fixed portion of the release valve ring; a plurality of retainers formed to restrict the upward movement of the plurality of release valves of the release valve ring; and at least one retainer connecting portion corresponding to at least one connecting portion of the release valve ring and connecting at least one of the retainers to the retainer fixing portion.

[0013] At this time, each of the plurality of release valves may include: a head portion formed to open and close each of the plurality of release holes; and a neck portion extending from the head portion and connected to the fixed portion or at least one connecting portion of the release valve ring, and having a width narrower than the head portion.

[0014] In addition, the above at least one connection may have a width greater than the width of the neck portion of the release valve.

[0015] Additionally, each of the plurality of retainers may include: a head portion corresponding to the head portion of each of the plurality of release valves; and a neck portion extending from the head portion and connected to the retainer fixing portion of the retainer ring or the at least one retainer connecting portion, and having a width narrower than the head portion.

[0016] In addition, the at least one retainer connection may have a width greater than the width of the neck portion of the retainer.

[0017] Additionally, the plurality of retainers are formed to be curved in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the fixed scroll, and the at least one retainer connection portion may be formed on the same plane as the retainer fixing portion.

[0018] In addition, the aforementioned multiple release valves may all have different lengths.

[0019] In addition, the retainer fixing portion and at least one retainer connecting portion of the retainer ring may be formed with the same shape as the fixing portion and at least one connecting portion of the release valve ring.

[0020] Additionally, it may further include a check valve installed in the central part of the release valve ring and the retainer ring to open and close the discharge port of the fixed scroll.

[0021] In addition, the discharge port may be formed inside a virtual circle having a radius of 0.3 times the radius of the upper surface of the fixed scroll at the center of the upper surface of the fixed scroll.

[0022] Additionally, each of the plurality of release holes may be formed as at least one through hole penetrating the upper surface of the fixed scroll.

[0023] Additionally, the fixed scroll is provided on the lower surface of the top plate formed in a disc shape and may be formed as a curved surface with a radius of curvature decreasing toward the center of the top plate, and the plurality of release holes may be formed along the fixed wrap.

[0024] Additionally, each of the plurality of release valves may be formed such that the longitudinal centerline of the release valve is oriented in the direction of the radius of curvature of the curve corresponding to the portion of the fixed wrap adjacent to the release hole covered by the release valve.

[0025] In addition, the fixed portion and at least one connecting portion of the release valve ring are in close contact with the upper surface of the fixed scroll, and the retainer fixed portion and at least one retainer connecting portion of the retainer ring can be in close contact with the upper surface of the fixed portion and at least one connecting portion of the release valve ring.

[0026] Additionally, the release valve ring may include at least nine release valves, and the retainer ring may include at least nine retainers. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the scroll compressor of FIG. 1 taken along line I-I; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the scroll compressor of FIG. 1 taken along line II-II; FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the scroll compressor of FIG. 1 with the upper casing separated; FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a fixed scroll assembly of a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fixed scroll assembly of FIG. 5 cut along line III-III; FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the fixed scroll assembly of FIG. 5; FIG. 8 is a plan view of a fixed scroll of a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 is a rear view of a fixed scroll of a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the discharge area of ​​a fixed scroll and the radius of curvature of a fixed wrap in a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a release valve ring is installed on a fixed scroll of a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the relationship between a fixed wrap of a fixed scroll and a plurality of release valves of a release valve ring in a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a release valve ring and a retainer ring are installed on a fixed scroll of a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] The embodiments described below are provided as examples to aid in understanding the present disclosure, and it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented with various modifications different from the embodiments described herein. However, in describing the present disclosure below, detailed descriptions and specific illustrations of related known functions or components are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure. Additionally, the attached drawings are not drawn to actual scale to aid in understanding the disclosure, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated.

[0030] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. Such terms may be used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, the terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be interpreted in the sense commonly known to those skilled in the art.

[0032] Additionally, terms such as 'front end', 'rear end', 'upper part', 'lower part', 'upper part', and 'lower part' used in this disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0033] Hereinafter, a scroll compressor (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the scroll compressor of FIG. 1 taken along line I-I. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the scroll compressor of FIG. 1 taken along line II-II. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the scroll compressor of FIG. 1 with the upper casing separated.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a scroll compressor (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a casing (10), a main frame (20), a subframe (30), a fixed scroll (40), a pivoting scroll (70), and a driving motor (80).

[0036] The casing (10) is a cylindrical sealed container and may include an upper casing (11) and a lower casing (12). Inside the casing (10), a main frame (20), a subframe (30), a fixed scroll (40), a rotating scroll (70), and a drive motor (80) may be accommodated.

[0037] A refrigerant inlet pipe (13) through which refrigerant flows in and a refrigerant discharge pipe (15) through which refrigerant flows out may be installed in the casing (10). The refrigerant inlet pipe (13) penetrates the casing (10), and one end thereof is connected to a fixed scroll (40). The refrigerant discharge pipe (15) penetrates the casing (10), and one end thereof may be in communication with the interior of the casing (10). Accordingly, the refrigerant flows into the fixed scroll (40) installed in the casing (10) through the refrigerant inlet pipe (13) and can be discharged to the outside of the casing (10) through the refrigerant discharge pipe (15).

[0038] The main frame (20) and the sub-frame (30) are each fixed inside the casing (10) at a certain distance from each other vertically. A drive motor (80) is rotatably installed between the main frame (20) and the sub-frame (30).

[0039] A fixed scroll (40) and a rotating scroll (80) may be installed on the upper side of the main frame (20). Below the sub-frame (30), at the lower part of the casing (10), a reservoir (15) may be provided for storing oil or lubricating oil to lubricate and cool the parts housed inside the casing (10).

[0040] The main frame (20) is formed in a roughly disc shape, and a protrusion (21) may be formed on the lower surface. An axle support hole (22) is formed in the protrusion (21) of the main frame (20), and a bearing metal (23) that supports a rotating shaft may be installed in the axle support hole (22). Since the rotating shaft (85) is inserted through the bearing metal (23), the bearing metal (23) can support the rotation of the rotating shaft (85).

[0041] A boss insertion groove (25) having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the shaft support hole (22) may be provided on the upper side of the shaft support hole (22).

[0042] An annular protrusion (26) forming the upper end of a boss insertion groove (25) may be provided on the upper surface of the main frame (20). The upper surface of the annular protrusion (26) may be formed as a mirror surface that contacts and supports the pivoting scroll (70). Additionally, an oil ring (27) may be installed on the upper surface of the annular protrusion (26) to surround the boss insertion groove (25).

[0043] An annular groove (28) is provided on the outer side of the annular protrusion (26), and the annular groove (28) can form a back pressure chamber together with the rotating scroll (70). Oil supplied from the oil tank (15) can be filled into the back pressure chamber.

[0044] Additionally, a rotation prevention mechanism (79) that prevents the rotation scroll (70) from rotating may be installed in the back pressure chamber between the rotation scroll (70) and the main frame (20). An Oldham ring may be used as the rotation prevention mechanism (79).

[0045] A fixed scroll (40) is installed on the upper side of the main frame (20), and a pivoting scroll (70) can be accommodated in the space formed by the fixed scroll (40) and the main frame (20).

[0046] The pivot scroll (70) engages with the fixed scroll (40) and is installed between the fixed scroll (40) and the main frame (20) so as to be able to pivot relative to the fixed scroll (40).

[0047] The fixed scroll (40) may include a body part (41) and a fixed wrap (43).

[0048] The body portion (41) is formed in a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the casing (10), and a fixed mirror surface (42) is formed on the surface facing the rotating scroll (70). The fixed wrap (43) extends vertically from the fixed mirror surface (42) of the body portion (41) and can be formed as a curved surface having a certain thickness and height.

[0049] A discharge port (45) through which refrigerant compressed by a fixed scroll (40) and a rotating scroll (70) is discharged may be formed on the upper surface of the body part (41), and an inlet port (46) through which refrigerant is introduced may be formed on the side of the body part (41). The inlet port (46) may be connected to a refrigerant inlet pipe (13) installed in the casing (10). Accordingly, refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant inlet pipe (13) may be introduced into the interior of the fixed scroll (40) through the inlet port (46).

[0050] A release valve ring (50) and a retainer ring (60) may be installed on the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40). The fixed scroll (40), the release valve ring (50), and the retainer ring (60) may form a fixed scroll assembly. The fixed scroll assembly will be described in detail below.

[0051] The rotating scroll (70) may include a rotating plate (71), a rotating wrap (73), and a boss portion (75).

[0052] The turning plate (71) is formed in the shape of a disc having a certain thickness and area, and a turning mirror surface (72) may be formed on the surface facing the fixed scroll (40).

[0053] The swivel wrap (73) extends vertically from the swivel mirror surface (72) of the swivel plate (71) and can be formed as a curved surface having a certain thickness and height. For example, the swivel wrap (73) can be formed as a curved surface in which an inner curve forming the inner surface of the swivel wrap (73) and an outer curve forming the outer surface of the swivel wrap (73) are formed as involute curves, hybrid curves, etc. The swivel wrap (73) is formed so as to be engaged with the fixed wrap (43) of the fixed scroll (40).

[0054] The boss portion (75) can be formed at the center of the lower surface of the pivot plate (71) opposite the pivot mirror surface (72). One end (87) of the pivot shaft (85) can be inserted into the boss portion (75).

[0055] The pivot wrap (73) of the pivot scroll (70) engages with the fixed wrap (43) of the fixed scroll (40), and the boss portion (75) can be inserted into the boss insertion groove (25) of the main frame (20). Additionally, one side of the pivot plate (71) on which the boss portion (75) is formed can be supported by the mirror surface of the main frame (20). Accordingly, the side of the pivot plate (71) supported by the mirror surface of the main frame (20) can also be formed as a mirror surface.

[0056] A plurality of compression pockets formed by the fixed wrap (43) of the fixed scroll (40) and the rotating wrap (73) of the rotating scroll (70) can form a compression chamber that compresses the refrigerant introduced into the inlet (46) of the fixed scroll (40).

[0057] The drive motor (80) may include a stator (81) and a rotor (82). The stator (81) may be fixed to the inner surface of the casing (10). The rotor (82) may be rotatably inserted into the inside of the stator (81). Additionally, a rotating shaft (85) may be inserted through the rotor (82). The rotor (82) is fixed to the rotating shaft (85) so that it can rotate integrally with the rotating shaft (85).

[0058] The rotating shaft (85) may include an axial portion (86) formed to have a certain length and an eccentric portion (87) formed extending upward from one end of the axial portion (86).

[0059] The rotor (82) of the drive motor (80) can be fixed to the shaft portion (86) of the rotating shaft (85). One end of the shaft portion (86) is inserted into the protrusion (21) of the main frame (20) and can be supported by a bearing metal (23) installed on the protrusion (21).

[0060] One end of the rotating shaft (85), i.e., the eccentric portion (87), can be inserted into the boss portion (75) of the rotating scroll (70). A bearing metal (74) can also be installed between the eccentric portion (87) of the rotating shaft (85) and the boss portion (75) of the rotating scroll (70).

[0061] A balance weight (84) may be installed on the shaft portion (86) of the rotating shaft (85) above the rotor (82). The lower portion of the shaft portion (86) may be supported by a bearing metal (31) installed on the subframe (30).

[0062] Additionally, an oil passage (88) formed to pass through the shaft portion (86) and the eccentric portion (87) may be formed in the rotating shaft (85). An oil supply device (33) for supplying oil from the oil tank (15) to the oil passage (88) may be installed at the bottom of the rotating shaft (85).

[0063] One end of the oil supply device (33) can be submerged in the oil tank (15) of the casing (10). Thus, when the rotating shaft (85) rotates, the oil stored in the oil tank (15) can be supplied to the oil passage (88) of the rotating shaft (85) by the pressure acting on the oil tank (15) and the oil supply device (33). The oil supplied to the oil passage (88) can be supplied to the boss portion (75) of the slewing scroll (70) and the bearing metal (23) of the main frame (20).

[0064] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9, a fixed scroll assembly of a scroll compressor (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a fixed scroll assembly of a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fixed scroll assembly of FIG. 5 taken along line III-III. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the fixed scroll assembly of FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a plan view of a fixed scroll of a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a rear view of a fixed scroll of a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a fixed scroll assembly of a scroll compressor (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a fixed scroll (40), a release valve ring (50), and a retainer ring (60).

[0067] The fixed scroll (40) may include a body part (41) and a fixed wrap (43) as described above.

[0068] The body portion (41) is housed inside the casing (10) and can be formed in a roughly hollow cylindrical shape. A top plate (44) that blocks the body portion (41) is provided at the top of the body portion (41), and a flange (48) for fixing to the main frame (20) can be provided at the bottom.

[0069] A plurality of through holes (48a) for connection with the main frame (20) may be provided in the flange (48). Accordingly, the fixed scroll (40) can be fixed to the main frame (20) by a plurality of bolts inserted into the plurality of through holes (48a) of the flange (48).

[0070] The top plate (44) of the body part (41) is formed in a disc shape and may be provided with a discharge port (45) through which refrigerant is discharged and a plurality of release holes (47). A fixed mirror surface (42) may be formed on the lower surface of the top plate (44) facing the rotating scroll (70).

[0071] The fixed wrap (43) extends vertically from the fixed mirror surface (42) of the body part (41) and can be formed as a spiral-shaped curved surface having a certain thickness and height. For example, the fixed wrap (43) can be formed as a curved surface in which the inner curve forming the inner surface of the fixed wrap (43) and the outer curve forming the outer surface of the fixed wrap (43) are formed as an involute curve, a hybrid curve, etc.

[0072] Additionally, the fixed wrap (43) can be formed as a curved surface in which the curvature continuously increases from the outer edge of the body portion (41) of the fixed scroll (40) toward the center of the body portion (41). In other words, the fixed wrap (43) can be formed as a curved surface in which the radius of curvature continuously decreases from the outer edge of the body portion (41) of the fixed scroll (40) toward the center of the body portion (41).

[0073] The discharge port (45) may be formed in the center of the body part (41) so as to penetrate the upper plate (44) of the body part (41). Here, the center of the body part (41) may refer to the interior of a virtual circle (49) having a constant radius (r) from the center (C) of the upper surface of the body part (41). The center of the body part (41) may have a radius (r) smaller than the radius (R) of the upper surface of the body part (41).

[0074] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the center of the body part (41) can be defined as the interior of a virtual circle (49) having a radius (r) that is 0.3 times the radius (R) of the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40), i.e., the upper surface of the body part (41), at the center (C) of the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40). In this case, the discharge port (45) can be formed within the center of the body part (41). That is, the discharge port (45) can be formed within a virtual circle (49) having a radius (r=0.3R) that is 0.3 times the radius (R) of the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40), at the center (C) of the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40).

[0075] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the discharge area of ​​a fixed scroll and the radius of curvature of the compression section in a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] In FIG. 10, the vertical axis represents the radius of curvature of the compression section, and the horizontal axis represents the position of the compression section. In FIG. 10, when the radius of curvature is 100%, it represents the radius (R) of the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40), and the radius of curvature decreases as the position of the compression section (40a) moves toward the center.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 10, the area from the starting point (P) of the compression section (40a) to approximately 800 degrees is a compression region where the refrigerant is compressed, and the area from 800 degrees to 900 degrees is a discharge region where the compressed refrigerant is discharged through the discharge port (45). That is, the discharge region refers to the inner area of ​​a virtual circle (49) having a radius (0.3R) that is 0.3 times the radius (R) of the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40) at the center (C) of the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40). For example, when the radius of the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40) is R, the discharge region refers to the inner area of ​​a virtual circle (49) with a radius (r) of 0.3R. The compression region refers to the area inside the circle with radius R excluding the discharge region.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the compression section (40a) refers to the inner surface of a fixed scroll (40) that forms a plurality of compression pockets together with the pivot wrap (73) of the pivot scroll (70). The compression section (40a) can be formed by the inner circumferential surface (41a) of the body section (41) of the fixed scroll (40) and the fixed wrap (43). Accordingly, the compression section (40a) can be formed as a spiral-shaped curved surface in which the radius of curvature decreases, that is, the curvature increases, toward the center (C) of the body section (41) of the fixed scroll (40). The starting point (P) of the compression section (40a) refers to the point on the inner circumferential surface (41a) of the body section (41) of the fixed scroll (40) where the radius from the center (C) of the body section (41) is the largest.

[0079] At the tip of the compression section (40a), that is, at the starting point (P) of the compression section (40a), a suction section (40b) connected to the inlet (46) may be provided. Accordingly, the refrigerant introduced through the inlet (46) can flow into the compression section (40a) through the suction section (40b). The refrigerant flowing into the compression section (40a) is compressed by the fixed wrap (43) of the fixed scroll (40) and the rotating wrap (73) of the rotating scroll (70), moves to the discharge port (45), and can be discharged to the outside of the fixed scroll (40) through the discharge port (45).

[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 5, a check valve (90) for selectively opening and closing a discharge port (45) may be installed on the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40). The check valve (90) may be installed in the discharge area of ​​the fixed scroll (40). In other words, when the radius of the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40) is R, the check valve (90) may be installed to open and close a discharge port (45) provided inside a virtual circle (49) with a radius of 0.3R at the center (C) of the fixed scroll (40).

[0081] Accordingly, the refrigerant compressed by the compression chamber formed by the fixed wrap (43) of the fixed scroll (40) and the rotating wrap (73) of the rotating scroll (70) can be discharged to the outside of the fixed scroll (40), i.e., inside the casing (10), through the discharge port (45) and the check valve (90).

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the check valve (90) may include a valve seat (91) that opens and closes a discharge port (45), a check valve guide (92) provided on the upper surface of a fixed scroll (40) and guiding the vertical movement of the valve seat (91), a check valve stopper (93) that restricts the movement of the valve seat (91), and a fastening member (94) that fixes the check valve guide (92) and the check valve stopper (93) to the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40).

[0083] The fastening member (94) includes two bolts, and the two bolts can be fastened to two screw grooves (44b) formed on the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40). Two check valve guides (92) and a check valve stopper (93) are fixed to the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40) by two bolts.

[0084] Accordingly, the valve seat (91) can move up and down along two check valve guides (92), and its movement can be restricted by being interfered with by the fixed scroll (40) in the downward direction and by the check valve stopper (93) in the upward direction.

[0085] When the refrigerant is compressed and the pressure at the discharge port (45) of the fixed scroll (40) is higher than the pressure inside the casing (10), the compressed refrigerant at the discharge port (45) can push the valve seat (91) upward and be discharged into the casing (10).

[0086] When the refrigerant pressure at the discharge port (45) is lower than the pressure inside the casing (10), the valve seat (91) can block the discharge port (45) to prevent the refrigerant inside the casing (10) from flowing back into the discharge port (45). That is, the check valve (90) can allow the refrigerant to flow only in one direction from inside the fixed scroll (40) into inside the casing (10).

[0087] Multiple release holes (47) are provided to improve the performance of the air conditioner when it operates under partial load operating conditions. The location and number of multiple release holes (47) can be determined to minimize overcompression under partial load operating conditions with a low pressure ratio. The refrigerant compressed by the fixed scroll (40) and the rotating scroll (70) can be discharged into the casing (10) through the multiple release holes (47) of the fixed scroll (40).

[0088] A plurality of release holes (47) may be formed to penetrate the top plate (44) of the fixed scroll (40). A plurality of release holes (47) may be formed along the fixed wrap (43). A refrigerant at a higher pressure may be discharged through a release hole (47) formed adjacent to the center of the fixed wrap (43) where the discharge port (45) is formed, compared to a release hole (47) formed far from the center of the fixed wrap (43).

[0089] Each of the plurality of release holes (47) may be formed adjacent to the fixed wrap (43). The center of each of the plurality of release holes (47) may be formed at a certain distance from the surface of the fixed wrap (43). The plurality of release holes (47) may be formed with the same diameter. All of the plurality of release holes (47) may be formed at the same distance from the surface of the fixed wrap (43). The plurality of release holes (47) may be formed at a location that does not interfere with the fixed wrap (43).

[0090] Each of the plurality of release holes (47) may be formed as a single through hole penetrating the top plate (44) of the fixed scroll (40). As another example, each of the plurality of release holes (47) may be formed as two or more through holes penetrating the top plate (44) of the fixed scroll (40). That is, each of the plurality of release holes (47) may be formed as at least one through hole penetrating the top plate (44) of the fixed scroll (40).

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, each of the plurality of release holes (47) of the fixed scroll (40) according to the present embodiment is formed with two through holes (47a, 47b).

[0092] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a release valve ring is installed on a fixed scroll of a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 11, the release valve ring (50) is installed on the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40) and can be formed to open and close a plurality of release holes (47).

[0094] The release valve ring (50) may include a fixed part (51), a plurality of release valves (52), and at least one connecting part (53).

[0095] The fixing part (51) is ring-shaped and may include a plurality of fastening holes (54). For example, the fixing part (51) may be formed in a ring shape corresponding to the top plate (44) of the fixing scroll (40). The outer diameter of the fixing part (51) may be formed to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the top plate (44) of the fixing scroll (40).

[0096] The fixed portion (51) may be formed to have a predetermined width that does not obstruct the release hole (47). Additionally, the width of the fixed portion (51) may be determined so that a release valve (52), which extends directly from the inner circumference of the fixed portion (51) without a connecting portion (53), can open and close the release hole (47).

[0097] A plurality of fastening holes (54) into which screws or bolts (55) are inserted may be provided in the fixed portion (51) so that the release valve ring (50) can be fixed to the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40). A plurality of screw grooves (44a) into which a plurality of screws or bolts (55) are fastened may be provided on the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40).

[0098] In the case of this embodiment, four fastening holes (54) are provided in the fixing part (51). However, the number of multiple fastening holes (54) is not limited thereto. For example, three or five or more of the multiple fastening holes (54) may be formed.

[0099] A plurality of release valves (52) extend from the inner circumference of the fixed part (51) toward the center and are formed to open and close a plurality of release holes (47) provided in the fixed scroll (40). Accordingly, the plurality of release valves (52) can be provided to correspond to the number of release holes (47).

[0100] For example, in the present embodiment, since nine release holes (47) are formed in the fixed scroll (40), the release valve ring (50) includes nine release valves (52). However, the number of release holes (47) formed in the fixed scroll (40) is not limited to this. Ten or more release holes (47) may be formed.

[0101] Multiple release valves (52) are formed with different lengths. Since the distance from the outer surface of the body portion (41) of the fixed scroll (40) to the multiple release holes (47) is different, the multiple release valves (52) can also be formed to have different lengths.

[0102] Each of the plurality of release valves (52) may include a head portion (52a) and a neck portion (52b). The head portion (52a) of each of the plurality of release valves (52) may be formed to cover each of the plurality of release holes (47). The head portion (52a) may be formed in various shapes. For example, the head portion (52a) may be formed in an elliptical shape.

[0103] Since the plurality of release holes (47) formed in the fixed scroll (40) are formed with the same shape, the head portions (52a) of the plurality of release valves (52) can be formed with the same shape.

[0104] Each neck portion (52b) of a plurality of release valves (52) extends vertically from the head portion (52a) and may have a width narrower than the width of the head portion (52a). One end of the neck portion (52b) may be connected to a fixed portion (51) of the release valve ring (50) or at least one connecting portion (53).

[0105] The length of the neck portion (52b) of the release valve (52) may be determined according to the pressure of the refrigerant discharged through the corresponding release hole (47). For example, the first release valve (52-1) that opens and closes the first release hole (47-1) may be formed to discharge the refrigerant through the first release hole (47-1) when the refrigerant reaches the first pressure. The second release valve (52-2) that opens and closes the second release hole (47-2) may be formed to discharge the refrigerant through the second release hole (47-2) when the refrigerant reaches the second pressure. The third to ninth release valves (52) may also be formed to discharge the refrigerant through the third to ninth release holes (47) when the refrigerant reaches the third to ninth pressures. At this time, the first to ninth pressures of the refrigerant may all be different.

[0106] The length and width of the neck portion (52b) of the release valve (52) can be determined to correspond to the pressure of the refrigerant to be discharged through the release hole (47). Accordingly, the lengths of the neck portions (52b) of the multiple release valves (52) may all be different.

[0107] Multiple release valves (52) can be formed from a thin metal sheet with elasticity.

[0108] At least one connecting part (53) may be formed to connect at least one of the release valves (52) among the plurality of release valves (52) with the fixing part (51). The connecting part (53) functions to fix the release valve (52) like the fixing part (51).

[0109] That is, the connecting part (53) can connect the release valve (52), which is spaced apart from the inner circumference of the fixed part (51), to the inner circumference of the fixed part (51). Since the length of the neck portion (52b) of the release valve (52) is determined by the pressure of the refrigerant discharged through the release hole (47) covered by the release valve (52), if the length of the neck portion (52b) is shorter than the distance from the inner circumference of the fixed part (51) to the release hole (47), the connecting part (53) can be installed between one end of the neck portion (52b) and the inner circumference of the fixed part (51).

[0110] The connecting portion (53) can be formed to have a width greater than the width of the neck portion (52b) of the release valve (52).

[0111] Accordingly, depending on the pressure of the refrigerant discharged through the multiple release holes (47), the release valve (52) can be formed to extend directly from the inner circumference of the fixed part (51). That is, some release valves (52) can be directly connected to the inner circumference of the fixed part (51) without a connecting part (53).

[0112] In the case of the release valve ring (60) of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 12, two release valves (52-2, 52-6) extend directly from the inner circumference of the fixed part (51), and seven release valves (52) are connected to the inner circumference of the fixed part (51) by a connecting part (53).

[0113] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the fixed wrap of the fixed scroll and the release valve of the release valve ring in a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 12, each of the plurality of release valves (52) may be formed such that the longitudinal centerline (CL) of the release valve (52) faces the direction of the radius of curvature of the fixed wrap (43). Specifically, the longitudinal centerline (CL) of the release valve (52) may be formed in the direction of the radius of curvature of the curve corresponding to the part of the fixed wrap (43) adjacent to the release hole (47) covered by the release valve (52).

[0115] In this way, by forming a plurality of release valves (52) on the inner circumference of the ring-shaped fixed part (51), the number of release valves (52) installed on the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40) can be increased.

[0116] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a release valve ring and a retainer ring are installed on a fixed scroll of a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 13, a retainer ring (60) may be installed on the upper part of a release valve ring (50) installed on the upper surface of a fixed scroll (40). The retainer ring (60) may be formed to restrict the upward movement of the release valve ring (50).

[0118] The retainer ring (60) may include a retainer fixing part (61), a plurality of retainers (62), and at least one retainer connecting part (63).

[0119] The retainer fixing part (61) may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the fixing part (51) of the release valve ring (50). Specifically, the retainer fixing part (61) may be ring-shaped and may include a plurality of fastening holes (64). For example, the retainer fixing part (61) may be formed in a ring shape corresponding to the fixing part (51) of the release valve ring (50).

[0120] The outer diameter of the retainer fixing part (61) is the same as the outer diameter of the fixing part (51) of the release valve ring (50) and can be formed to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the top plate (44) of the fixed scroll (40). The retainer fixing part (61) can be formed to have a predetermined width that does not cover a plurality of release holes (47).

[0121] Additionally, the retainer fixing part (61) may be provided with a plurality of fixing holes (64) into which screws or bolts (55) are inserted so that the retainer ring (60) and the release valve ring (50) can be fixed to the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40). The plurality of fixing holes (64) may be provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of fastening holes (54) of the fixing part (51) of the release valve ring (50). Thus, the retainer ring (60) and the release valve ring (50) can be fixed to the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40) simultaneously using a plurality of bolts (55).

[0122] In the present embodiment, four fixing holes (64) are provided in the retainer fixing part (61). However, the number of multiple fixing holes (64) is not limited thereto. For example, three or five or more fixing holes (64) may be formed.

[0123] A plurality of retainers (62) extend toward the center from the inner circumference of the retainer fixing part (61) and are formed to restrict the upward movement of a plurality of release valves (52) of the release valve ring (50). Accordingly, a plurality of retainers (62) can be provided to correspond to the number of release valves (52) of the release valve ring (50).

[0124] For example, in the present embodiment, nine release holes (47) are formed in the fixed scroll (40), and since the release valve ring (50) includes nine release valves (52), the retainer ring (60) includes nine retainers (62). However, the number of retainers (62) installed in the fixed scroll (40) is not limited to this. Ten or more retainers (62) may be provided depending on the number of release holes (47) and release valves (52).

[0125] Each of the plurality of retainers (62) can be formed to be curved in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40) (see FIG. 6). Accordingly, the plurality of retainers (62) are spaced apart from the plurality of release valves (52) installed on the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40). That is, the plurality of retainers (62) are installed so as not to come into contact with the plurality of release valves (52).

[0126] The curvature of the retainer (62) can be determined according to the travel distance of the corresponding release valve (52). Thus, when the release valve (52) is fully opened by the refrigerant, the entire upper surface of the release valve (52) can come into contact with the lower surface of the retainer (62). When the release valve (52) blocks the release hole (47) of the fixed scroll (40), the release valve (52) is separated from the retainer (62).

[0127] Since the pressure of the refrigerant discharged through the multiple release holes (47) of the fixed scroll (40) is different, the travel distance of the multiple release valves (52) that open and close the multiple release holes (47) may be different. Accordingly, the curvature of the multiple retainers (62) that limit the travel distance of the multiple release valves (52) may be different.

[0128] Multiple retainers (62) may be formed with different lengths. Since the lengths of the multiple release valves (52) installed on the upper surface of the body portion (41) of the fixed scroll (40) are all different, the multiple retainers (62) may also be formed to have different lengths.

[0129] Each of the plurality of retainers (62) may include a head portion (62a) and a neck portion (62b). The head portion (62a) of each of the plurality of retainers (62) may be formed to correspond to the head portion (52a) of each of the plurality of release valves (52). That is, the head portion (62a) of the retainer (62) may be formed to have the same size and shape as the head portion (52a) of the corresponding release valve (52). For example, as in the present embodiment, if the head portion (52a) of the release valve (52) is formed in an elliptical shape, the head portion (62a) of the retainer (62) may also be formed in an elliptical shape.

[0130] Additionally, since the plurality of release valves (52) installed on the fixed scroll (40) have the same head portion (52a), the head portions (62a) of the plurality of retainers (62) can be formed with the same shape.

[0131] The neck portion (62b) of a plurality of retainers (62) may be formed to correspond to the neck portion (52b) of a plurality of release valves (52). Specifically, the neck portion (62b) of each of the plurality of retainers (62) extends vertically from the head portion (62a) and may have a width narrower than the width of the head portion (62a). One end of the neck portion (62b) may be connected to the inner surface of the retainer fixing portion (61) of the retainer ring (60) or to at least one retainer connecting portion (63).

[0132] At least one retainer connection part (63) corresponds to at least one connection part (53) of the release valve ring (50) and may be formed to connect at least one retainer (62) among a plurality of retainers (62) with a retainer fixing part (61). The retainer connection part (63) functions to fix the retainer (62) like the retainer fixing part (61). To this end, at least one retainer connection part (63) may be formed on the same plane as the retainer fixing part (61).

[0133] That is, the retainer connecting portion (63) can connect a retainer (62), which is spaced apart from the inner circumference of the retainer fixing portion (61), to the inner circumference of the retainer fixing portion (61). The retainer connecting portion (63) can be formed to have a width greater than the width of the neck portion (62b) of the retainer (62).

[0134] Accordingly, if the release valve (52) is formed to extend directly from the inner circumference of the fixed part (51), the corresponding retainer (62) can be formed to extend directly from the inner circumference of the retainer fixed part (61). That is, some retainers (62) can be directly connected to the inner circumference of the retainer fixed part (61) without a retainer connection part (63).

[0135] Additionally, the retainer fixing part (61) and at least one retainer connecting part (63) of the retainer ring (60) may be formed with the same shape and size as the fixing part (51) and at least one connecting part (53) of the release valve ring (50).

[0136] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11, when a release valve ring (50) is installed on the upper surface of a fixed scroll (40), the fixed portion (51) and at least one connecting portion (53) of the release valve ring (50) are in close contact with the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40). Additionally, as shown in FIG. 13, when a retainer ring (60) is installed on the upper surface of the release valve ring (50), the retainer fixed portion (61) and at least one retainer connecting portion (63) of the retainer ring (60) are in close contact with the upper surface of the fixed portion (51) and at least one connecting portion (53) of the release valve ring (50).

[0137] At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, a check valve (90) may be installed in the center of the internal space of the release valve ring (50) and the retainer ring (60) installed on the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40) to open and close the discharge port (45) of the fixed scroll (40).

[0138] A scroll compressor (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure having the above-described structure has the advantage of being easy to assemble compared to a scroll compressor according to the prior art in which a plurality of release valves and a plurality of retainers are formed individually, because a plurality of release valves (52) are integrated into a release valve ring (50) and a plurality of retainers (62) are integrated into a retainer ring (60).

[0139] In addition, the scroll compressor (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can install a release valve ring (50) including a plurality of release valves (52) and a retainer ring (60) including a plurality of retainers (62) on the upper surface of the fixed scroll (40) at once, thereby preventing assembly defects from occurring when assembling the fixed scroll assembly.

[0140] In addition, a scroll compressor (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure having the above-described structure is provided with a release valve ring (50) including a plurality of release valves (52) and a retainer ring (60) that restricts the upward movement of the plurality of release valves (52), thereby improving the performance of an air conditioner operating under partial load conditions.

[0141] That is, when the air conditioner operates under partial load conditions, refrigerant can be discharged into the casing (10) through a release valve (52) that covers a release hole (47) that discharges refrigerant at a pressure corresponding to the partial load conditions among the plurality of release valves (52) of the scroll compressor (1). The refrigerant discharged into the casing (10) can be discharged to the outside of the scroll compressor (1) through a refrigerant discharge pipe (15).

[0142] In particular, since the scroll compressor (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes nine release valves (52), it has the advantage of being able to improve the performance of the air conditioner under various partial load conditions compared to a scroll compressor according to the prior art having six or fewer release valves (52).

[0143] The present disclosure has been described above in an exemplary manner. The terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be understood as limiting. Various modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in accordance with the foregoing. Accordingly, unless otherwise noted, the present disclosure may be freely practiced within the scope of the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0145] 1; Scroll compressor 10; Casing 13; Refrigerant inlet pipe 15; Refrigerant outlet pipe 20; Main frame 30; Sub frame 40; Fixed scroll 41; Body part 43; Fixed wrap 45; Discharge port 47; Release hole 50; Release valve ring 51; Fixed part 52; Release valve 53; Connection part 60; Retainer ring 61; Retainer fixing part 62; Retainer 63; retainer connection 70; slewing scroll 71; Turning plate 73; Turning lap 80; drive motor 81; stator 82; rotor 85; rotating shaft 90; Check valve 91; Valve seat

Claims

Claim 1 A fixed scroll provided with a discharge port and a plurality of release holes; a release valve ring installed on the upper surface of the fixed scroll and formed to open and close the plurality of release holes, having a circular outer surface smaller than the outer surface of the upper surface of the fixed scroll, and having a plurality of fastening holes formed on the outer surface; and a retainer ring having the same circular outer surface as the release valve ring, having fastening holes corresponding to the fastening holes of the release valve ring, installed on the upper surface of the release valve ring, and formed to restrict the movement of the release valve ring; wherein the release valve ring comprises: a fixed part having a ring shape and including a plurality of fastening holes; and a plurality of release valves extending toward the center from the inner surface of the fixed part and formed to open and close the plurality of release holes. and at least one connecting portion connecting at least one of the plurality of release valves and the inner surface of the fixed portion; wherein at least two of the plurality of release valves extend toward the center from the inner surface of the fixed portion from a point where the fastening hole is located in the release valve ring, and the discharge port is located at the center of the fixed scroll and is covered by a valve seat separated from the plurality of release valves, and the valve seat is configured to prevent the plurality of release valves from reaching the center of the fixed portion and to be movable up and down along two check valve guides spaced at equal intervals from the discharge port, and the retainer ring includes: a retainer fixing portion having a shape corresponding to the fixed portion of the release valve ring; a plurality of retainers formed to restrict the upward movement of the plurality of release valves of the release valve ring; and at least one retainer connecting portion corresponding to at least one connecting portion of the release valve ring and connecting at least one of the retainers and the retainer fixing portion; and each of the plurality of release valves includes a head portion formed to open and close each of the plurality of release holes;A scroll compressor comprising: a neck portion extending from the head portion and connected to the fixed portion of the release valve ring or the at least one connecting portion, and having a narrower width than the head portion; wherein each of the plurality of retainers comprises a head portion; wherein the plurality of release valves have different lengths, the plurality of retainers have different lengths, and the head portions of the plurality of retainers are formed to correspond to the head portions of the plurality of release valves. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A scroll compressor according to claim 1, wherein at least one connecting portion has a width greater than the width of the neck portion of the release valve. Claim 4 A scroll compressor according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of retainers extends from the head portion of each of the plurality of retainers and is connected to the retainer fixing portion of the retainer ring or the at least one retainer connecting portion, and comprises a neck portion that is narrower than the head portion of the retainer. Claim 5 ◈Claim 5 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In Claim 4, the scroll compressor wherein at least one retainer connection has a width greater than the width of the neck portion of the retainer. Claim 6 A scroll compressor according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of retainers are formed to be curved in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the fixed scroll, and the at least one retainer connection portion is formed on the same plane as the retainer fixing portion. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 A scroll compressor according to claim 1, wherein the retainer fixing portion and at least one retainer connecting portion of the retainer ring are formed in the same shape as the fixing portion and at least one connecting portion of the release valve ring. Claim 9 A scroll compressor according to claim 1, further comprising a check valve installed in the central portion of the release valve ring and the retainer ring to open and close the discharge port of the fixed scroll. Claim 10 ◈Claim 10 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In Claim 9, the discharge port is formed inside a virtual circle having a radius of 0.3 times the radius of the upper surface of the fixed scroll at the center of the upper surface of the fixed scroll, a scroll compressor. Claim 11 A scroll compressor according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of release holes is formed as at least one through hole penetrating the upper surface of the fixed scroll. Claim 12 A scroll compressor according to claim 1, wherein the fixed scroll comprises an upper plate formed in a disc shape and a fixed wrap provided on the lower surface of the upper plate and formed as a curved surface in which the radius of curvature decreases toward the center of the upper plate, and the plurality of release holes are formed along the fixed wrap. Claim 13 A scroll compressor according to claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of release valves is formed such that the longitudinal centerline of the release valve is oriented in the direction of the radius of curvature of the curve corresponding to the portion of the fixed wrap adjacent to the release hole covered by the release valve. Claim 14 A scroll compressor according to claim 1, wherein the fixed portion and at least one connecting portion of the release valve ring are in close contact with the upper surface of the fixed scroll, and the retainer fixed portion and at least one retainer connecting portion of the retainer ring are in close contact with the upper surface of the fixed portion and at least one connecting portion of the release valve ring. Claim 15 ◈Claim 15 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ A scroll compressor according to Claim 1, wherein the release valve ring comprises at least 9 of the release valves and the retainer ring comprises at least 9 of the retainers.

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