Counterweight for scroll compressor

Abstract

A counterweight (26) manufactured by an additive manufacturing process and comprising a mounting portion (28) having a first density and a mass portion (29) having a second density, the mass portion (29) being formed radially outside the mounting portion (28), wherein the first density of the mounting portion (28) and the second density of the mass portion (29) differ from each other, and wherein the mass portion (29) comprises at least a first section (29.1) having a first section density and a second section (29.2) having a second section density different from the first section density.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a counterweight for a scroll compressor, which is manufactured by 3D printing, i.e. additive manufacturing. Background Technology

[0002] Counterweights are commonly used in scroll compressors to achieve dynamic balancing by minimizing the loads in the radial bearings of the rotary compressor drive shaft. These loads arise from inertia and gas forces caused by the undulating motion of the rotating scroll relative to the stationary scroll. Typically, an upper counterweight positioned near the rotating scroll and the upper main bearing, and a lower counterweight positioned near the lower bearing, are used for balancing tasks.

[0003] Different compressor sizes (and therefore different scroll compressor elements) require different counterweights of different sizes, shapes, and / or masses. However, it is desirable to use the same external geometry of the counterweight for as many different models of scroll compressors as possible. This is for cost reasons, as different sizes and shapes of counterweights would require different tools to install and secure the counterweights to the compressor drive shaft, and would require different handling, transport, and storage equipment.

[0004] Furthermore, the different profiles of the counterweight require design changes within the compressor housing to geometrically adapt to other components for proper compressor operation.

[0005] US 7,390,179 B2 discloses a counterweight for a scroll compressor, in which cavities of different shapes and volumes are arranged on the counterweight to change the total mass of the counterweight while maintaining the overall profile.

[0006] Other existing compressors can use a common molded or cast coarse counterweight, which is then adapted to different models by machining and selectively removing material.

[0007] The separate forming or machining of counterweights is relatively expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a counterweight for a scroll compressor that overcomes the drawbacks of conventional counterweights.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a counterweight for a scroll compressor whose mass can be easily adjusted at a low cost while maintaining common external dimensions of the counterweight so as to maintain the same external geometry of the counterweight for as many different models of scroll compressors as possible.

[0010] According to the present invention, the counterweight is manufactured by an additive manufacturing process and includes an mounting portion having a first density and a mass portion having a second density, the mass portion being formed radially outside the mounting portion, wherein the first density of the mounting portion and the second density of the mass portion are different from each other, and wherein the mass portion includes at least a first segment having a first segment density and a second segment having a second segment density different from the first segment density.

[0011] This configuration of the counterweight allows for easy adjustment of the weight and the position of the center of gravity of the counterweight by changing the material density of the various parts of the counterweight, and in particular by changing the filling of the various parts, while maintaining the common external dimensions of the counterweight.

[0012] Furthermore, by maintaining the same external geometry for the counterweights for different models of scroll compressors, the same tools can be used to mount and secure each of the counterweights to the corresponding drive shaft, and the same packaging can be used for various models of counterweights, which can save costs.

[0013] Furthermore, manufacturing counterweights using additive manufacturing processes allows for more precise counterweights, which enables control over noise and vibration generated within scroll compressors.

[0014] Furthermore, the fact that the first density of the mounting portion and the second density of the mass portion differ from each other allows for the optimization of the counterweight's characteristics, firstly for mounting and securing the counterweight to the drive shaft, and secondly for defining both the total mass of the mass portion and the center of gravity position. The counterweight may also include one or more of the following characteristics (alone or in combination).

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting portion is configured to be fixed to the drive shaft of the scroll compressor.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the invention, the mounting portion is configured to at least partially surround the drive shaft, and for example, surround the drive shaft.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting portion includes an annular cross-section.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting portion has a first height, i.e., a first axial dimension, and the mass portion has a second height, i.e., a second axial dimension, which is greater than the first height (i.e., the first axial dimension).

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, the mounting portion and the mass portion are made of the same additive manufacturing material.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filling ratio of the mounting portion is different from the filling ratio of the mass portion.

[0021] The fill ratio of the counterweight is defined as the ratio between the volume of additive manufacturing material suitable for manufacturing the counterweight and the total volume of the counterweight. The higher the fill ratio of the counterweight, the higher the mass of the counterweight.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first density and the second density are determined by the amount of material used in each of the mounting portion and the mass portion, each of which is characterized by its fill ratio.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first density of the mounting portion and the second density of the mass portion are the same, which means that a constant fill ratio has been used to manufacture the mounting portion and the mass portion.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, a constant fill ratio is used to manufacture the entire counterweight.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, the second density of the mass portion varies continuously. Therefore, the mass portion does not have distinctly different sections.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first segment and the second segment are arranged at different positions in the axial direction and / or radial direction.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first segment and the second segment are of different sizes.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the density of the first segment is the same as the first density.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first section is formed on the radial outer side of the mounting portion.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first section is directly connected to the mounting portion.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first section extends radially outward from the mounting portion.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second segment is formed radially outside the first segment.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first segment and the second segment have substantially the same height, i.e., substantially the same axial dimension.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first segment and the second segment have substantially the same radial dimensions.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second section is axially offset from the mounting portion.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second segment is formed above the first segment.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mass portion includes at least one additional segment. The segment density of the at least one additional segment may be the same as or different from the density of the first segment and the density of the second segment.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first segment, the second segment, and the at least one additional segment are arranged in any position or size order within the mass portion.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the segment density of all sections of the mass portion is different from the first density of the mounting portion.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the counterweight includes an oil passage formed within the mass portion.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the oil passage includes at least one oil outlet hole presented in the outer surface of the mass portion.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one oil outlet includes a plurality of oil outlets that are angularly offset relative to the central axis of the mounting portion.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the invention, the oil passage includes an oil inlet hole presented in the inner surface of the mass portion. Advantageously, the oil inlet hole is located near the mounting portion.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one oil outlet hole is axially offset from the oil inlet hole.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one oil outlet is located near the end surface of the mass portion. Advantageously, the end surface is configured to face the rotating scroll disk of the scroll compressor.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a scroll compressor comprising a drive shaft and at least one counterweight according to the invention, the at least one counterweight being fixed to the drive shaft.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the invention, the drive shaft extends substantially vertically, and the at least one counterweight includes a first counterweight fixed to the upper portion of the drive shaft and a second counterweight fixed to the lower portion of the drive shaft.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first counterweight is configured to at least partially balance the mass of the rotating scroll disk of the scroll compressor.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first counterweight is fixed to a drive portion of a drive shaft, the drive portion being partially mounted in a hub portion disposed on a rotating scroll disk and configured to engage with the hub portion in order to drive the rotating scroll disk to perform a rotating motion.

[0050] These and other advantages will become clear from the following description, taking into account the accompanying drawings, which are embodiments of the scroll compressor according to the invention as non-limiting examples. Attached Figure Description

[0051] The following detailed description of several embodiments of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings; however, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed.

[0052] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 This is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 This is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 This is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the first counterweight of a scroll compressor.

[0057] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 This is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 This is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 This is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Figure 1 A scroll compressor 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which occupies a vertical position, is described.

[0061] The scroll compressor 1 includes a hermetically sealed housing 2, which is provided with: a suction inlet 3 configured to supply refrigerant to be compressed to the scroll compressor 1; and a discharge outlet 4 configured to discharge the compressed refrigerant.

[0062] The scroll compressor 1 further includes: a support device 5 fixed to an airtight housing 2; and a compression unit 6 disposed inside the airtight housing 2 and supported by the support device 5. The compression unit 6 is configured to compress refrigerant supplied through the suction inlet 3. The compression unit 6 includes: a fixed scroll plate 7 fixed relative to the airtight housing 2; and a rotating scroll plate 8 supported by and slidably in contact with a thrust bearing surface 9 disposed on the support device 5.

[0063] The fixed scroll plate 7 includes a fixed base plate 11 having a lower surface oriented toward the rotating scroll plate 8 and an upper surface opposite to the lower surface of the fixed base plate 11. The fixed scroll plate 7 also includes a fixed helical winding portion 12 protruding from the lower surface of the fixed base plate 11 toward the rotating scroll plate 8.

[0064] The rotating scroll disk 8 includes a rotating base plate 13 having an upper surface oriented toward the fixed scroll disk 7 and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface of the rotating base plate 13, and the rotating base plate is slidably mounted on the thrust bearing surface 9. The rotating scroll disk 8 also includes a rotating helical winding portion 14 projecting from the upper surface of the rotating base plate 13 toward the fixed scroll disk 7. The rotating helical winding portion 14 of the rotating scroll disk 8 engages with the fixed helical winding portion 12 of the fixed scroll disk 7 to form a plurality of compression chambers 15 therebetween. Each compression chamber 15 has a variable volume that decreases from the outside toward the inside as the rotating scroll disk 8 is driven to rotate relative to the fixed scroll disk 7.

[0065] In addition, the scroll compressor 1 includes: a drive shaft 16 that extends vertically and is configured to drive a rotating scroll disk 8 to rotate; and an electric drive motor 17, which may be, for example, a variable speed electric drive motor, connected to the drive shaft 16 and configured to drive the drive shaft 16 to rotate about the rotation axis A.

[0066] The drive shaft 16 includes a drive portion 18 at its upper end, which is offset from the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 16 and partially mounted in a hub portion 19 disposed on the rotating scroll 8. The drive portion 18 is configured to cooperate with the hub portion 19 so as to drive the rotating scroll 8 to rotate relative to the fixed scroll 7 when the electric drive motor 17 is operated.

[0067] The drive shaft 16 also includes an upper guided portion 21 adjacent to the drive portion 18 and a lower guided portion 22 opposite to the first guided portion 21. The scroll compressor 1 further includes an upper main bearing 23 disposed on the support device 5 and configured to guide the upper guided portion 21 of the drive shaft 16 to rotate, and a lower main bearing 24 configured to guide the lower guided portion 22 of the drive shaft 16 to rotate. The scroll compressor 1 also includes a rotating scroll hub bearing 25 disposed on the rotating scroll disk 8 and arranged to cooperate with the drive portion 18 of the drive shaft 16.

[0068] Furthermore, the scroll compressor 1 includes a first counterweight 26 fixed to the drive portion 18 and configured to at least partially balance the mass of the rotating scroll disk 8. Specifically, the support device 5 defines a receiving chamber 27 located above the upper main bearing 23, and the hub portion 19, the drive portion 18, and the first counterweight 26 are movably disposed within this receiving chamber.

[0069] The first counterweight 26 includes a mounting portion 28 that is fixed to and surrounds the drive shaft 16. Advantageously, the mounting portion 28 has an annular cross-section.

[0070] The first counterweight 26 further includes a mass portion 29 formed radially outside the mounting portion 28. Advantageously, the mounting portion 28 has a first height, i.e., a first axial dimension, and the mass portion 29 has a second height, i.e., a second axial dimension, which is greater than the first height (i.e., the first axial dimension).

[0071] The first counterweight 26 is manufactured by an additive manufacturing process, and the mounting portion 28 and the mass portion 29 are advantageously made of the same additive manufacturing material.

[0072] according to Figure 1 In the first embodiment shown, the mounting portion 28 has a first density, and the mass portion 29 has a second density that is the same as the first density, which means that the filling ratio of the mounting portion 28 is the same as the filling ratio of the mass portion 29.

[0073] According to another embodiment of the invention, the second density of the mass portion 29 may differ from the first density of the mounting portion 28, and the fill ratio of the mounting portion 28 may differ from the fill ratio of the mass portion 29. This allows for optimization of the characteristics of the first counterweight 26, firstly for mounting and securing the first counterweight 26 to the drive shaft, and secondly for defining both the total mass and center of gravity position of the mass portion 29 of the first counterweight 26.

[0074] The scroll compressor 1 also includes a second counterweight 31, which is fixed to the lower portion of the drive shaft 16 and located near the lower main bearing 24. Advantageously, the second counterweight 31 is also manufactured by an additive manufacturing process and, like the first counterweight 26, includes a mounting portion fixed to the drive shaft 16 and a mass portion formed radially outside the respective mounting portion. The mounting portion and the mass portion of the second counterweight 31 can be made of the same additive manufacturing material. The density of the mass portion of the second counterweight 31 can, for example, be the same as or different from the density of the mounting portion of the second counterweight 31.

[0075] In addition, the scroll compressor 1 also includes a lubrication system configured to at least partially lubricate the thrust bearing surface 9, the upper main bearing 23, the lower main bearing 24 and the rotating scroll hub bearing 25 with oil supplied from an oil sump 32, the oil sump being defined by the airtight housing 2 and specifically located at the bottom of the airtight housing 2.

[0076] The lubrication system includes an oil supply passage 33 formed within the drive shaft 16 and extending along its entire length. The oil supply passage 33 is configured to supply oil from an oil sump 32. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the oil supply channel 33 is presented in the end face of the drive shaft 16 oriented toward the rotating scroll disk 8.

[0077] The lubrication system may further include an oil supply passage disposed on the drive portion 18 of the drive shaft 16 and fluidly connected to the oil supply passage 33. The oil supply passage may include a first end present in the end face of the drive shaft 16 and a second end present in the outer wall of the drive portion 18, in the region at the lower end of the hub portion 19, facing the first counterweight 26.

[0078] according to Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the lubrication system further includes:

[0079] - A first lubrication hole 34 is disposed on the drive shaft 16 and fluidly connected to the oil supply channel 33. The first lubrication hole 34 is presented in the outer wall of the upper guided portion 21 of the drive shaft 16 and faces the upper main bearing 23.

[0080] - A second lubrication hole 35 is disposed on the drive shaft 16 and fluidly connected to the oil supply channel 33. The second lubrication hole 35 is located in the outer wall of the lower guided portion 22 of the drive shaft 16 and faces the lower main bearing 24.

[0081] - A third lubrication hole 36 is provided on the drive shaft 16 and fluidly connected to the oil supply channel 33. The third lubrication hole 36 is presented in the outer wall of the drive portion 18 of the drive shaft 16 and faces the rotating scroll bearing 25.

[0082] When the electric drive motor 17 operates and the drive shaft 16 rotates about its axis of rotation A, oil from the oil sump 32 rises into the oil supply passage 33 of the drive shaft 16 due to centrifugal effect, and reaches the end face of the drive shaft 16 after lubricating the lower main bearing 24, the upper main bearing 23, and the rotating scroll bearing 25. At least a portion of the oil that has reached the end face of the drive shaft 16 is discharged via an oil feed passage provided on the drive section 18 and / or via the rotating scroll bearing 25 toward the oil supply passage 37 defined by the first counterweight 26 and the rotating scroll disk 8. Then, due to centrifugal effect, the oil flows in the oil supply passage 37 and is guided to the thrust bearing surface 9.

[0083] Figure 2 A scroll compressor 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown, which differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the mass portion 29 of the first counterweight 26 includes a first segment 29.1 having a first segment density and a second segment 29.2 having a second segment density, and the first segment 29.1 and the second segment 29.2 are arranged at different positions in the axial direction.

[0084] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the density of the first segment is equal to the first density, while the density of the second segment is different from the density of the first segment. However, the density of the second segment may be the same as the density of the first segment. Furthermore, the density of the first segment and the density of the second segment may also be different from the first density of the mounting portion 28.

[0085] According to a second embodiment of the invention, a first segment 29.1 is directly connected to and formed radially outside the mounting portion 28, and a second segment 29.2 is formed above the first segment 29.1 and axially offset from the mounting portion 28. Advantageously, the first segment 29.1 and the second segment 29.2 have substantially the same radial dimensions.

[0086] Figure 3 A scroll compressor 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown, which differs from the second embodiment mainly in that the first section 29.1 and the second section 29.2 are arranged at different positions in the radial direction, and in particular, the second section 29.2 is formed radially outside the first section 29.1.

[0087] According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the first segment 29.1 and the second segment 29.2 have substantially the same height, that is, substantially the same axial dimension.

[0088] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A scroll compressor 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown, which differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the first counterweight 26 includes an oil passage 38 formed within the mass portion 29 and forming part of the lubrication system.

[0089] The oil passage 38 includes an oil inlet 39, which is present in the inner surface of the mass portion 29 and located near the mounting portion 28. The oil inlet 39 is fluidly connected to the oil supply passage 33, for example, via an oil feed passage provided on the drive portion 18. The oil passage 38 further includes a plurality of oil outlets 41, for example, two oil outlets, which are present in the outer surface of the mass portion 29 and are offset at an angle relative to the central axis of the mounting portion 28.

[0090] The oil passage 38 may include a main passage portion fluidly connected to the oil inlet 39 and inclined relative to the axis of rotation A, and a bypass portion fluidly connected to the main passage portion and each including a corresponding oil outlet 41.

[0091] Advantageously, the oil outlet 41 is axially offset from the oil inlet 39 and is located near the end surface of the mass portion 29, which is configured to face the rotating scroll disk 8 of the scroll compressor 1.

[0092] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the oil passage 38 may include only one oil outlet 41.

[0093] Figure 6 A scroll compressor 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown, which differs from the second embodiment mainly in that the mass portion 29 of the first counterweight 26 further includes an additional segment 29.3 with a segment density different from the first segment density and the second segment density, and the additional segment 29.3 is arranged between the first segment 29.1 and the second segment 29.2.

[0094] Figure 7 A scroll compressor 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown, which differs from the fifth embodiment mainly in that the first section 29.1, the second section 29.2, and the additional section 29.3 are arranged at different positions in the radial direction, and in particular, the additional section 29.3 is formed radially outside the first section 29.1, while the second section 29.2 is formed radially outside the additional section 29.3.

[0095] Figure 8 A scroll compressor 1 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown, which differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the mass portion of the second counterweight 31 includes a primary segment 311 having a primary segment density and a secondary segment 312 having a secondary segment density, and the primary segment 311 and the secondary segment 312 are arranged at different positions in the radial direction. In particular, the secondary segment 312 is formed radially outside the primary segment 311.

[0096] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the primary section 311 and the secondary section 312 may be arranged at different positions in the axial direction.

[0097] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mass portion of the second counterweight 31 may include more than two segments.

[0098] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of non-limiting example; on the contrary, it covers all embodiments thereof.

Claims

1. A counterweight for a scroll compressor, the counterweight being manufactured by an additive manufacturing process and comprising a mounting portion having a first density and a mass portion having a second density, the mass portion being formed radially outward of the mounting portion. in, The first density of the mounting portion and the second density of the mass portion are different from each other. The mass portion includes at least a first segment having a first segment density and a second segment having a second segment density different from the first segment density. The counterweight was 3D printed, and The infill ratio of the 3D printed mounting portion is different from that of the 3D printed mass portion. The first segment is directly connected to the mounting portion and is formed radially outside the mounting portion. The second segment is formed radially outside the first segment and is opposite to the mounting portion.

2. The counterweight according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting portion is configured to be fixed to the drive shaft of the scroll compressor.

3. The counterweight according to claim 2, wherein, The mounting portion is configured to at least partially surround the drive shaft.

4. The counterweight according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The mounting section includes a circular cross-section.

5. The counterweight according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The mounting section and the mass section are made of the same additive manufacturing material.

6. The counterweight according to claim 1, wherein, The first segment and the second segment are arranged at different locations in the axial and / or radial directions.

7. The counterweight according to claim 1 or 6, wherein, The first segment and the second segment are of different sizes.

8. The counterweight according to claim 1 or 6, wherein, The mass portion includes at least one additional segment whose segment density is the same as or different from that of the first segment and the second segment.

9. The counterweight according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6, wherein, The counterweight includes an oil passage formed within the mass portion.

10. The counterweight according to claim 9, wherein, The oil passage includes at least one oil outlet hole present on the outer surface of the mass portion.

11. The counterweight according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one oil outlet includes a plurality of oil outlets that are angularly offset relative to the central axis of the mounting portion.

12. A scroll compressor comprising a drive shaft and at least one counterweight according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of the counterweights is fixed to the drive shaft.

13. The scroll compressor according to claim 12, wherein, The drive shaft extends substantially vertically, and the at least one counterweight includes a first counterweight fixed to the upper portion of the drive shaft and a second counterweight fixed to the lower portion of the drive shaft.

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