Check valve for refrigerant compressor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a check valve for a refrigerant compressor, the check valve comprising: a valve housing; a valve chamber disposed within the valve housing; a valve element arranged in the valve chamber and movable therein between the bottom section and the stroke limiter, in a closed position preventing refrigerant from flowing out of the valve chamber through the bottom opening, and in an open position abutting the stop surface of the stroke limiter, the refrigerant flow exits the valve chamber through at least one outlet channel, the outlet channel comprises at least one flow acceleration channel and a flow area in which refrigerant pressure is provided that is reduced relative to the refrigerant pressure in the valve chamber, and wherein at least one connecting channel extending in the stroke limiter comprises an opening, the valve element is arranged close to a flow area where the refrigerant pressure is reduced for capturing the reduced refrigerant pressure and for transmitting the reduced refrigerant pressure to an opening arranged in the area of the stop surface of the stroke limiter in order to help retain the valve element in its open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-return valve for a refrigerant compressor, the non-return valve comprising: a valve housing having a bottom section, the bottom section having a bottom opening, the bottom opening enabling refrigerant to flow into and out of a valve chamber arranged in the valve housing, the valve chamber extending between the bottom section and a stroke limiter, the stroke limiter being arranged at a certain distance from the bottom section; a valve element, the valve element being arranged in the valve chamber and movable in the valve chamber between the bottom section and the stroke limiter, the valve element being adjacent to a sealing surface of the bottom section in a closed position and preventing refrigerant from flowing out of the valve chamber through the bottom opening, and being adjacent to a stop surface of the stroke limiter in an open position, wherein in the open position of the valve element, the refrigerant flow leaves the valve chamber through at least one outlet channel after having entered the valve chamber. Background Art

[0002] Such non-return valves are known in the prior art. For example, US 9039384 B2 discloses such a non-return valve.

[0003] A problem with non-return valves of said type is that, depending on the varying flow rate, the position of the valve element in its open position is unstable, so that the non-return valve will "rattle" due to the movement of the valve element, so that vibrations and pressure pulsations disturb the fluid mass flow.

[0004] In particular, such “rattles” may lead to damage or rupture of the valve and thus to damage of the entire compressor, since parts of the valve may enter the scroll. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a non-return valve for a refrigerant compressor which is able to maintain a valve element in its open position for as long as possible, so that the valve element leaves its open position and moves into its closed position only in the event of a backflow into the non-return valve.

[0006] This object is solved by a check valve having the features defined above, wherein the at least one outlet channel comprises at least one flow acceleration channel and provides therein a flow area of ​​reduced refrigerant pressure relative to the refrigerant pressure in the valve chamber, and wherein at least one connecting channel extending in the stroke limiter comprises an opening arranged close to the flow area of ​​reduced refrigerant pressure for capturing the reduced refrigerant pressure and for transferring the reduced refrigerant pressure to an opening arranged in the area of ​​a stop surface of the stroke limiter so as to support keeping the valve element in its open position.

[0007] The advantage of the present invention is that the outlet channel of the check valve is provided with at least one flow acceleration channel, in which a flow area of ​​refrigerant pressure reduced relative to the refrigerant pressure in the valve chamber appears by utilizing the Venturi effect, so that this reduced refrigerant pressure can be transmitted through at least one connecting channel extending in the stroke limiter to an opening arranged in the area of ​​the stop surface of the stroke limiter to support the valve element in its open position, because the valve element is subjected to the refrigerant pressure in the valve chamber on its side pointing to the valve chamber, and is subjected to reduced refrigerant pressure on its opposite side, for example, on its side pointing to the stop surface of the stroke limiter, so that this pressure difference between the two sides of the valve element supports the valve element in its open position, adjacent to the stop surface of the stroke limiter.

[0008] These advantages are particularly important if propane is used as refrigerant. In addition, these advantages are important in the case of high pressure ratios and / or low mass flows, since the valve is better held during operation, in particular due to the absence of rattling and the valve still effectively closing at standstill.

[0009] The capture of the reduced refrigerant pressure may occur at various locations within the flow acceleration passage, such as in the middle of the flow acceleration.

[0010] However, according to the present invention, a preferred embodiment provides that the opening of the connecting channel is located near the outlet end of the flow acceleration channel.

[0011] This position of the connecting channel has the advantage that, in this case, the connecting channel can also be used to capture backflow through the check valve, which will enter the check valve and the flow acceleration channel at the outlet end of the flow acceleration channel, so that the opening of the connecting channel can also easily capture this backflow and transfer the pressure of the backflow to the opening arranged in the area of ​​the stop surface to help move the valve element into its closed position.

[0012] A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the opening of the connecting channel is located at the transition between a surface portion of the stroke limiter which delimits the flow acceleration channel and a surface portion of the stroke limiter which extends outside the flow acceleration channel and lies opposite the stop surface.

[0013] This design provides, on the one hand, the capture of reduced refrigerant pressure in order to support holding the valve element in its open position, but on the other hand, in the event of a backflow, it is easy to transmit the backflow pressure to the opening arranged in the area of ​​the stop surface of the stroke limiter in order to move the valve element into its closed position in the event of such a backflow.

[0014] The design of the opening arranged in the region of the stop surface has not been defined in further detail.

[0015] Preferably, it is provided that the opening in the stop surface of the stroke limiter is an opening of a recess which is arranged in the stroke limiter and opens into the stop surface.

[0016] Such a recess makes it possible to increase the surface within which the pressure acts on the valve element, depending on the pressure experienced in the opening of the connecting channel close to the flow area of ​​reduced refrigerant pressure.

[0017] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the opening is a circular groove or in particular at least a part of the opening of a circular groove which extends within the stroke limiter and opens into the stop surface, in order to maximize the surface of the valve element on which the pressure can act on the valve element when the valve element abuts the stop surface.

[0018] In principle, the valve element can have a different design as long as it enables the valve element to be suitably moved between its closed position and its open position.

[0019] However, in order to maximize the refrigerant flow through the non-return valve in the open position of the valve element, it is advantageous that the valve element can move freely between its open and closed positions so that the movement of the valve element is only affected by the pressure of the refrigerant acting on the opposite side of the valve element and is not affected by any elements that guide the valve element between the closed and open positions, for example by bending.

[0020] In contrast, allowing the valve element to move freely between its open and closed positions enables the valve element to respond quickly to differential pressures on opposite sides thereof.

[0021] According to such a freely movable valve element, provision is made for the valve element in its open position to extend essentially parallel to its closed position.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the freely movable valve element, the valve element can be quickly brought into its open position, releasing the refrigerant flow entering the valve chamber through the bottom opening to at least partially exit through the flow acceleration channel.

[0023] According to the description given above, no details have been given about the arrangement of the flow accelerating portion.

[0024] For example, the flow acceleration portion extends toward an outlet opening of the housing of the non-return valve, the outlet opening being arranged on a side of the stroke limiter opposite to the bottom section.

[0025] In particular, the outlet opening is designed such that in the open position of the valve element the entire refrigerant flow leaving the valve chamber via the at least one outlet channel will flow through the outlet opening of the housing.

[0026] According to a particularly simple design, it is provided that the flow acceleration channel extends between an outer surface of the stroke limiter and a surface of the housing facing the outer surface.

[0027] According to a special design, it is provided that the at least one flow acceleration channel extends transversely to the valve element in its open position.

[0028] Furthermore, in order to simplify the design, it is particularly advantageous if the flow acceleration channel extends transversely to the bottom section.

[0029] In particular, in this design, the outer surface of the stroke limiter and the inner surface of the outer section of the housing extend transversely to the bottom section of the housing.

[0030] According to a further advantageous design, it is provided that the flow acceleration channel extends along a portion of an upper surface of the stroke limiter which is arranged on the side of the stroke limiter opposite to the valve chamber.

[0031] In this case, an advantageous design provides that the flow acceleration channel extends between the portion of the upper surface of the stroke limiter and a surface of the top section of the housing facing the portion of the upper surface.

[0032] According to the specific design described above, the flow acceleration channel is arranged between the stroke limiter and a portion of the housing.

[0033] However, another advantageous embodiment, which can also be combined with the previously described embodiment, for example, provides that the flow acceleration channel extends only through the stroke limiter.

[0034] This means that the stroke limiter itself is provided with the flow acceleration channel so that the flow acceleration channel is completely independent of the design of the housing and the connection between the housing and the stroke limiter.

[0035] In particular, such an advantageous design provides that the valve element is provided with an opening which, in the open position of the valve element, releases the refrigerant flow from the outlet chamber through the flow acceleration channel extending through the stroke restrictor.

[0036] In this case, the opening provided in the valve element is arranged such that in the closed position of the valve element the opening points towards the closed body part of the bottom section of the housing.

[0037] When describing the various embodiments above, it is limited to providing at least one flow accelerating channel.

[0038] In order to improve the holding of the valve element in its open position, however, it is advantageous if a plurality of flow acceleration channels are provided.

[0039] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a plurality of connecting channels are provided in the stroke limiter, the connecting channels comprising openings for capturing the reduced refrigerant pressure and openings arranged in the region of the stop surface in order to apply the reduced refrigerant pressure to a side of the valve element adjacent to the stop surface.

[0040] In particular, each opening may end in a recess opening into the stop surface, or in one or more enlarged recesses in which a plurality of openings terminate.

[0041] The check valve according to the present invention can be used for various types of compressors.

[0042] An advantageous embodiment provides a scroll compressor provided with a non-return valve having one or more of the aforementioned features, wherein the non-return valve is arranged between an outlet of a scroll unit and an outlet chamber arranged in a housing of the scroll compressor.

[0043] In this case, the non-return valve acts as an anti-rotation valve, preventing a backflow from the outlet chamber arranged in the scroll compressor from acting on the scroll unit, in particular when the scroll unit is not driven by the motor.

[0044] In order to optimize the operation of such a valve in a scroll compressor, it is provided that the non-return valve is mounted directly on the outlet of the scroll unit of the scroll compressor so that in its closed position the non-return valve prevents any return flow of compressed refrigerant in the scroll compressor arranged downstream of the non-return valve.

[0045] According to a preferred solution, the cross section of the outlet channel including the at least one flow acceleration channel is equal to 100% to 200% of the cross section of the outlet of the swirl unit in order to optimize the support for keeping the valve element abutting the stop surface.

[0046] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the non-return valve is arranged between an outlet chamber arranged in the housing of the scroll compressor and a pipe connection on the housing, so that in this case the non-return valve separates the compressor from all pipes of the refrigerant circuit only after the pipe connection, but in this case the non-return valve has a slight anti-rotation function for the scroll unit, since the entire volume of compressed refrigerant between the outlet of the scroll unit and in particular in the outlet chamber in the housing of the scroll compressor can act on the scroll unit to assess whether it is not driven.

[0047] However, the non-return valve according to the present invention can also be used in other compressors, for example, piston compressors provided with an outlet chamber and an outlet passage.

[0048] In this case, the check valve is preferably arranged between the outlet chambers of the outlet channel of the compressor so as to separate the pressure of the refrigerant in the outlet chambers from the pressure of the refrigerant in the outlet channel. For example, such a separation is advantageous if the compressor is provided with a control valve which enables the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber of the compressor to be connected in order to reduce the flow rate of the compressed refrigerant.

[0049] In this design, it is particularly advantageous if the outlet valve is arranged on a cylinder head covering a valve plate of the compressor.

[0050] Therefore, the above description of the solution according to the invention includes in particular different combinations of features defined by the following sequentially numbered embodiments:

[0051] 1. A check valve (10) for a refrigerant compressor (20), the check valve comprising: a valve housing (30), the valve housing (30) having a bottom section (34), the bottom section having a bottom opening (36), the bottom opening (36) enabling refrigerant to flow into and out of a valve chamber (56) arranged in the valve housing (30), the valve chamber (56) extending between the bottom section (34) and a stroke limiter (54) arranged at a certain distance from the bottom section (34). a valve element (72) arranged in the valve chamber (56) and movable in the valve chamber (56) between the bottom section (34) and the stroke limiter (54), the valve element (72) abutting a sealing surface (74) of the bottom section (34) in a closed position and preventing refrigerant from flowing out of the valve chamber (56) through the bottom opening (36), and abutting a stop surface (74) of the stroke limiter (54) in an open position. A valve element (72) is provided with a stop surface (76), wherein in the open position of the valve element (72), the refrigerant flow leaves the valve chamber (56) through at least one outlet channel (94, 114) after having entered the valve chamber (56), wherein the at least one outlet channel (94, 114) includes at least one flow acceleration channel (92) and provides therein a flow area of ​​a refrigerant pressure (P2) reduced relative to the refrigerant pressure (P1) in the valve chamber (56), and wherein at least one connecting channel (102) extending in the stroke limiter (54) includes an opening (104), which is arranged close to the flow area of ​​the reduced refrigerant pressure (P2) for capturing the reduced refrigerant pressure (P2) and for transmitting the reduced refrigerant pressure (P2) to an opening (106) arranged in the area of ​​a stop surface (76) of the stroke limiter (54) so ​​as to support the valve element (72) in its open position.

[0052] 2. The check valve according to embodiment 1, wherein the opening (104) of the connecting passage (102) is located adjacent to the outlet end (96) of the flow acceleration passage (92).

[0053] 3. A check valve according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the opening (104) of the connecting channel (102) is located at a transition portion between a surface portion (82, 88) of the stroke limiter (54) that limits the flow acceleration channel (92, 92', 92") and a surface portion (88) of the stroke limiter (54) that extends outside the flow acceleration channel (92) and is opposite to the stop surface (76).

[0054] 4. A check valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the opening (106) in the stop surface (76) of the stroke limiter (54) is an opening of a recess (106) arranged in the stroke limiter (54) and leading to the stop surface (76).

[0055] 5. The non-return valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the opening (106) is at least a part of the opening of a circular groove extending in the travel limiter (54) and opening into the stop surface (76).

[0056] 6. Check valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the valve element (72) is freely movable between its open position and its closed position.

[0057] 7. Check valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the valve element (72) in its open position extends substantially parallel to its closed position.

[0058] 8. A non-return valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the valve element (72) in its open position releases the refrigerant flow entering the valve chamber (56) through the bottom opening (36) to exit at least partially through the flow acceleration channel (92).

[0059] 9. A check valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flow acceleration portion (92) extends toward an outlet opening (86) of the housing (30) of the check valve (10), and the outlet opening is arranged on a side of the stroke limiter (54) opposite to the bottom section (34).

[0060] 10. A check valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flow acceleration channel (92) extends between an outer surface (82, 88) of the stroke limiter (54) and a surface (84, 144) of the housing (30) facing the outer surface (82, 88).

[0061] 11. The check valve according to embodiment 10, wherein the at least one flow acceleration channel (92) extends transversely to the valve element (72) in its open position.

[0062] 12. The check valve according to embodiment 10 or 11, wherein the flow acceleration channel (92) extends transversely to the bottom section (34).

[0063] 13. A check valve according to one of embodiments 10 to 12, wherein the outer surface (82, 88) of the stroke limiter (54) and the inner surface (84) of the outer section (32) of the housing (30) extend transversely to the bottom section (34) of the housing (30).

[0064] 14. A check valve according to one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the flow acceleration channel (92") extends along a portion of an upper surface (88) of the stroke limiter (54) arranged on the side opposite to the valve chamber (56) of the stroke limiter (54).

[0065] 15. A check valve according to embodiment 14, wherein the flow acceleration channel (92") extends between the portion of the upper surface (88) of the stroke limiter (54) and the surface (144) of the housing (30) facing the portion of the top section (142) facing the upper surface (88).

[0066] 16. Check valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flow acceleration channel (92') extends only through the travel limiter (54').

[0067] 17. A check valve according to embodiment 16, wherein the valve element (72') is provided with an opening (132) which, in the open position of the valve element (72'), releases the refrigerant flow from the outlet chamber (56) through the flow acceleration channel (92) extending through the stroke limiter (54').

[0068] 18. Check valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a plurality of flow acceleration channels (92) are provided.

[0069] 19. The non-return valve according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a plurality of connecting channels (102) are arranged in the stroke limiter (54).

[0070] 20. A scroll compressor provided with a check valve (10) according to one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the check valve (10) is arranged between an outlet (224) of the scroll unit (210) and an outlet chamber (254) arranged in a housing (200) of the scroll compressor (20).

[0071] 21. The scroll compressor according to claim 20, wherein the check valve (10) is directly mounted on an outlet (224) of a scroll unit (210) of the scroll compressor (20).

[0072] 22. The scroll compressor according to claim 21, wherein the cross-section of the outlet passage (94) including at least one flow acceleration passage (92) is equal to 100% to 200% of the cross-section of the outlet (224) of the scroll unit (210).

[0073] 23. A scroll compressor provided with a check valve (10) according to one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the check valve (10) is arranged between an outlet chamber (254') arranged in a housing (200') of the scroll compressor (22') and a pipe connection (258') on the housing (200').

[0074] 24. A compressor provided with a non-return valve (10) according to one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the non-return valve (10) is arranged between an outlet chamber (318) and an outlet channel (336) of the compressor (20", 20'").

[0075] 25. The compressor according to embodiment 24, wherein the check valve (10) is arranged on a cylinder head (332) covering a valve plate (312) of the compressor (20", 20'"). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0077] Figure 1 The first embodiment of the non-return valve is shown along the closed position of the valve element. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line 1-1 in FIG.

[0078] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the valve element in an open position;

[0079] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG.

[0080] Figure 4The first embodiment is shown in Figure 1 Top view in the direction of arrow A;

[0081] Figure 5 A second embodiment of the check valve according to the present invention is shown similar to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of

[0082] Figure 6 The second embodiment is similar to Figure 4 Top view of;

[0083] Figure 7 A third embodiment of a check valve is shown similar to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of

[0084] Figure 8 A third embodiment of a check valve is shown similar to Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of

[0085] Fig. 9 A third embodiment of the present invention is shown similar to Figure 4 Top view of;

[0086] Fig.10 A fourth embodiment of a check valve is shown similar to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of

[0087] Fig.11 shows a cross-sectional view through a first embodiment of a scroll compressor provided with a first embodiment of a non-return valve according to the invention;

[0088] Fig.12 A scroll compressor according to the second embodiment is shown which is provided with a check valve according to the first embodiment. Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of

[0089] Fig.13 shows a sectional view through the upper part of a cylinder housing provided with a valve element and a cylinder head and with a non-return valve according to a first embodiment mounted on the cylinder head; and

[0090] Fig.14 A fourth embodiment of the check valve according to the present invention is shown, which is similar to the fourth embodiment of the check valve according to the present invention and is mounted on the cylinder head. Fig.13 sectional view of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Figure 1 and Figure 2The illustrated first embodiment of a non-return valve 10 for a refrigerant compressor 20 (which will be described in detail below) comprises a housing 30 having an outer section 32 and a bottom section 34 which surrounds the bottom section 34 and extends, for example, transversely thereto.

[0092] The bottom section 34 is mounted, for example, on the collar 22 connecting the housing 30 of the check valve 10 to the compressor outlet 24 and is provided with a bottom opening 36, such as Figure 3 As shown, the bottom opening 36 includes a plurality of annular opening portions 38 extending around the central portion 42 and within an outer ring 46 that supports the outer segment 32 of the housing 30 .

[0093] The arms 44 separate the annular opening portions 38 extending between the subsequent arms 44 by extending between the central body 42 to the outer ring body 46. The central body 42 of the bottom section 34 carries a central support 52, represented for example by a screw 62, which extends from the central body 42 in the direction of a stroke limiter 54 and supports the stroke limiter 54, which is arranged at a distance from the bottom section 34 so as to form a valve chamber 56, which extends between said bottom section 34 and said stroke limiter 54 and is surrounded by the outer section 32 of the housing 30.

[0094] Furthermore, the central support 52 is surrounded by a guide sleeve 58 which extends in the valve chamber 56 from the bottom section 34 to the stroke limiter 54 .

[0095] The central support 52, when formed by a screw 62, comprises a head 64 and a threaded portion 66, which extends through the stroke limiter 54, within the guide sleeve 58 and through the central body 42, and has a nut 68 threadedly connected to the threaded portion 66 on its portion extending through the central body 42 and beyond the bottom section 34 on the side opposite to the valve chamber 56.

[0096] A valve element 72 is arranged in the valve chamber 56 and is guided by the guide sleeve 58 so as to be Figure 1 The valve element 72 moves between a closed position and an open position as shown, in which the valve element 72 abuts a sealing surface 74 of the bottom section 34, which is arranged on the side of the bottom section 34 pointing toward the valve chamber 56, and in the open position, the valve element 72 abuts the stroke limiter 54.

[0097] The valve element 72 is designed to close the bottom opening 36 when abutting the sealing surface 74 so as to prevent the refrigerant from flowing out of the valve chamber 56 through the bottom opening 36 in the direction of the outlet 22 of the compressor 20 .

[0098] In its closed position, the valve element 72 completely covers the bottom opening 36 including the annular opening portion 38 by sealingly abutting a sealing surface 74 provided at least on the central body 42 and the outer ring body 46 of the bottom section 34 .

[0099] In addition, Figure 2 In its open position shown, the valve element 72 moves toward the stroke limiter 54 and abuts a stop surface 76 of the stroke limiter 54, which is arranged on the side of the stroke limiter 54 pointing toward the valve chamber 56, and the valve element 72 allows, for example, refrigerant leaving the compressor outlet 24 to flow into the valve chamber 56 through the bottom opening 36.

[0100] In order to Figure 1 The closed position shown and Figure 2 The valve element 72 is provided with a central opening 78 surrounding the guide sleeve 58 and is guided by the guide sleeve 58 during movement between the closed position and the open position.

[0101] In its open position, the valve element 72 according to the first embodiment has an outer edge 80 having a radial extension relative to the central column 52 which corresponds at most to the radial extension of an outer surface 82 of the stroke limiter 54 transversely to the central support 52 .

[0102] In addition, the outer section 32 is provided with an inner surface 84 which extends from the bottom section 34 around the valve chamber 56 and around the outer surface 82 of the stroke limiter 54 and even beyond the stroke limiter 54 to an outlet opening 86 of the valve 10 which is arranged on the side of the stroke limiter 54 opposite to the valve chamber 56 .

[0103] According to the first embodiment, the outer surface 82 of the stroke limiter 54 forms an outlet passage 94 together with a portion of the outer surface 82 of the inner surface 84, through which the refrigerant flow entering the valve chamber 56 through the bottom opening 36 can escape from the valve chamber 56. The flow acceleration passage 92 is formed by at least one ring segment extending around the stroke limiter 54, preferably extending completely around the stroke limiter 54, and according to the first embodiment, the refrigerant flow is subjected to flow acceleration when passing through the flow acceleration passage 92, resulting in a pressure reduction in the flow acceleration passage 92, so that the pressure P2 in the flow acceleration passage 92 is lower than the pressure P1 in the valve chamber 56.

[0104] By providing a connecting channel 102, a lower pressure P2 appearing in the flow acceleration channel 92 is used to maintain the valve element 72 in abutment with the stop surface 76 of the stroke limiter 54. The connecting channel 102 is provided with an opening 104 pointing toward the flow acceleration channel 92, and thus detects the pressure P2 and extends toward the opening 106, which is formed by a recess provided in the stroke limiter 54 adjacent to the stop surface 76 and open toward the stop surface 76, so that the pressure P2 also exists in the recess 106 and helps maintain the valve element 72 in its open position, because the recess 106 is sealed relative to the valve chamber 56 by the sealing abutment of the valve element 72 on the stop surface 76.

[0105] Preferably, the opening 104 is arranged near the outlet end 96 of the flow acceleration channel 92, particularly at the transition portion from the outer surface 82 of the stroke limiter 54 to the upper surface 88 of the stroke limiter 54, which is arranged on the stroke limiter 54 on the side of the stroke limiter opposite to the valve chamber 56 and points to the outlet opening 86, so that the opening 104 partially intersects with the outer surface 82 and the upper surface 88.

[0106] Preferably, the plurality of passages 102 are disposed in the travel limiter 54 such that the openings 104 are arranged at an angular distance relative to one another about the center support 52 , intersecting the outer surface 82 of the travel limiter 54 and the upper surface 88 of the travel limiter 54 , respectively.

[0107] Preferably, in this case, the recesses 106 are connected to one another and form a circular recess in the stop surface 76 between the guide sleeve 58 and the outer surface 82 of the stroke limiter 54 .

[0108] Preferably, this arrangement of the opening 104 can also help the valve element 72 to release from the adjacent stop surface 76 in the event of a pressure drop in the compressor outlet 22, because the backflow of refrigerant then enters the outlet opening 86 of the check valve 10 and flows to the flow acceleration channel 92, and at the same time enters the opening 104, and thus increases the pressure within the recess 106, thereby helping the valve plate 72 to release from the adjacent stop surface 76.

[0109] In the event that the valve plate 72 is released from the stop surface 76 by backflow, the valve plate 72 will move rapidly in its closed position abutting the sealing surface 74 due to the flow of refrigerant through the flow acceleration passage 92 .

[0110] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the illustrated second embodiment of a non-return valve 10 ′ according to the invention, those elements which are identical to those of the first embodiment have been denoted by the same reference numerals, so that for their description reference is made to the disclosure of the preceding elements.

[0111] Unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the outer section 32' of the shell 30' is provided with a recess 112, which extends radially outward from the inner surface 84 of the outer section 32' and thus provides an outlet channel 114 together with the flow acceleration channel 92 arranged therebetween, and the outlet channel 114 only provides the flow acceleration channel 92 between the recesses 112, adjacent to which the opening 104 of the channel 102 can be arranged, but the size of the entire outlet channel 114 is set so that a slight acceleration of the refrigerant flow will occur in the area of ​​the recess 112, while sufficient flow acceleration will occur in the flow acceleration channel 92 between the recesses 112 to provide the necessary pressure reduction to the pressure P2, thereby helping to maintain the valve element 72 in its open position adjacent to the stop surface 76.

[0112] In addition, if Figure 6 As can be seen, an annular recess 106 is also provided which extends around the guide sleeve 58 and in which, as described in conjunction with the first exemplary embodiment, a pressure P2 builds up when the valve element 72 is in its open position.

[0113] According to a second embodiment, recess 112 may be used to accommodate mounting screws 116 for mounting bottom segment 34 , for example, on a collar 24 of compressor 20 surrounding compressor outlet 22 , in particular directly on a collar provided in a fixed scroll element.

[0114] With regard to all elements of the second embodiment which are not described in detail, reference is made to the first embodiment.

[0115] exist Figures 7 to 9 , a third embodiment of the check valve 10 ″ according to the present invention is shown, the housing 30 ′ and the outer section 32 ′ have the same shape as in the second embodiment, and the recess 112 accommodates the arm section 122 of the stroke limiter 54 ′ so as to fix the stroke limiter 54 ′ at a certain distance from the bottom section 32, thereby providing a valve chamber 56 between the bottom section 34 and the stroke limiter 54 ′.

[0116] However, this embodiment is not provided with a central support 52 surrounded by a guide sleeve 58 for guiding the valve element 72'. Instead, the valve element 72' is guided by a guide surface 124 of the arm segment directed toward and contacting the outer edge 80' of the valve element 72' in order to guide the valve element 72' between its closed and open positions.

[0117] According to this embodiment, the valve element 72 ′ covers the bottom opening 36 in its closed position and prevents any flow from the valve chamber 56 through the bottom opening 36 into the outlet 22 of the compressor 20 by sealingly abutting the sealing surface 74 of the bottom section 34 .

[0118] However, the valve element 72 ′ is provided with a central opening 132 which has a smaller diameter than the central body 42 so that the central opening 132 is kept closed by the central body 42 in the closed position of the valve element 72 ′.

[0119] When moved to its open position, the central opening 132 leads to a central flow acceleration channel 92' arranged in the stroke limiter 54' and has a diameter substantially equal to or smaller than the central opening 132 in the valve element 72', so that the refrigerant flow entering the valve chamber 56 through the bottom opening 36 can flow through the flow acceleration channel 92' in the stroke limiter 54, establishing a pressure P2 therein that is lower than the pressure P1 in the valve chamber 56.

[0120] This pressure P2 can be transmitted by a connecting channel 102 ′ extending from an opening 104 ′ in the stroke limiter 54 ′, the opening 104 ′ being arranged at a transition portion between the guide surface 134 of the flow acceleration channel 92 and the upper surface 88 of the stroke limiter 54 ′.

[0121] In addition, the connecting passage 102 ′ is also connected to a recess 106 ′ arranged in the stop surface 76 ′ of the travel limiter 54 ′.

[0122] As described in the second embodiment, the outer surface 82 of the stroke limiter 54' extends between the arms 122, facing the inner surface 84 of the outer section 32, so that a flow channel 92 can also be formed, which also provides a pressure reduction to the pressure P2, so that, if necessary, this pressure P2 can also be guided by a further connecting channel 102 having an opening 104 to a further recess 106 in the stop surface 76', which opening 104 is arranged in the same position as described in the first or second embodiment.

[0123] With regard to all elements of the third embodiment which are not described in detail, reference is made to the first embodiment. Fig.10 In the fourth embodiment of the check valve 10 ″′ shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 30 ″ has a similar shape to that according to the first embodiment, and the stroke limiter 54 ″ is also supported by the central support 52 in the same manner as described in conjunction with the first embodiment.

[0124] Otherwise, the bottom opening 36 in the bottom section 34 is designed similarly to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0125] However, according to the fourth embodiment, the housing 30" includes not only the outer section 32 but also the top section 142, which extends at least partially on the side of the stroke limiter 54" opposite to the valve chamber 56, so that it faces the upper surface 88 of the stroke limiter 54" with its wall surface 144, forming a flow acceleration channel 92" between the upper surface 88 and the wall surface 144, and the inner surface 84 of the outer section 32 extends around the outer surface 82 of the stroke limiter 54" at a distance that does not generate flow acceleration.

[0126] The formation of a flow acceleration channel 92" between the top section 142 and the upper surface 88 also results in a pressure reduction relative to the pressure P1 in the valve chamber 56 to a pressure P2, which pressure P2 can be transmitted through the channel 102" to the recess 106" arranged on the stop surface 76 of the travel limiter 54".

[0127] Preferably, the openings 104" of the channel 102" are arranged on the upper surface 88 of the stroke limiter 54" so that they face the transition portion from the wall surface 144 of the top section 142 to the wall surface 146, which extends transversely to the wall surface 144 and limits the outlet opening 86" of the valve housing 30", which is arranged on the side of the stroke limiter 54" opposite to the valve chamber 56 and opposite to the stop surface 76 for the valve element 72.

[0128] For example, the top section 142 of the shell 30" can be made integrally with the outer section 32 or by a separate element adjacent to the outer section 32 of the shell 30", thereby forming a flow acceleration channel 92" between the top section 142 and a portion of the upper surface 88 of the stroke limiter 54".

[0129] With regard to all elements of the fourth embodiment which are not described in detail, reference is made to the first embodiment.

[0130] The aforementioned embodiments of the check valve may be used in various compressors, especially when these compressors use propane as a refrigerant.

[0131] like Fig.11 As shown, the first embodiment of the compressor 20 includes, for example, a housing 200 , and a scroll unit 210 is arranged in the housing 200 .

[0132] The vortex unit 210 includes a first vortex element 212 provided with a first vortex rib 214 and a second vortex element 216 provided with a second vortex rib 218. The vortex elements 212 and 216 are arranged so that the vortex ribs 214 and 218 engage in each other so as to form a chamber for compressed refrigerant between the vortex ribs 214 and 218, and the refrigerant flows to the inlet 222 and leaves the first vortex element 212 through the central outlet 224 after being compressed, which is preferably arranged inside the first vortex element 212.

[0133] For example, the first scroll element 212 is fixed within the housing 200 , while the second scroll element 216 moves in an orbital path relative to the first scroll element 212 .

[0134] To move the second scroll element 216 on an orbital path relative to the first scroll element 212 , the drive motor 232 includes a stator 234 fixedly disposed within the housing 200 and a rotor 236 driving a drive shaft 238 that remains rotatable relative to an axis of rotation 242 thereof.

[0135] In addition, the drive shaft 238 is provided with a driver 244 arranged eccentrically with respect to the rotation axis 242 in order to initiate an orbital movement of the second scroll element 216 when the drive shaft 238 is rotatably driven by the drive motor 232 .

[0136] According to this design, the first vortex element 212 is fixed in the housing 200 by a partition 246, which is supported by the housing 200 and also supports the first vortex element 212 by its axial ring 248, which corresponds to the axial ring 24 of the housing 30 on which the check valve 10 according to the first embodiment of the check valve 10 according to the present invention is installed.

[0137] Further details of such a scroll compressor 20 are disclosed in US 9,039,384 B2, referenced herein.

[0138] In this case, the check valve 10 operates as an anti-rotation valve of the scroll unit 210, preventing the backflow of compressed refrigerant from accumulating in the outlet chamber 254, which is arranged between the end portion 252 of the shell 212 and the partition 246, and the partition 246 extends at a certain distance from the end portion 252 to form the outlet chamber 254 between the partition 246 and the end portion 252, so that the check valve 10 prevents the refrigerant compressed to the discharge pressure in the outlet chamber 254 from flowing back into the outlet opening 256 of the scroll unit 210, and rotates the scroll element 216 in a direction opposite to the direction driven by the drive motor 232 when the drive motor 232 stops.

[0139] In particular, if the check valve 10 is used as an anti-rotation valve, the cross section of the outlet channel 94 including the at least one flow acceleration channel 92 is equal to 100% to 200% of the cross section of the central compressor outlet 224 .

[0140] For example, Fig.12The second embodiment of the compressor 20 ′ shown in is provided with a scroll unit 210 which operates in substantially the same manner as the first embodiment of the compressor and is driven by a drive motor 232 ′ which is also designed similarly to the drive motor according to the first embodiment of the compressor 20 .

[0141] However, according to a second embodiment of the compressor 20', the first scroll element 212' is provided with a collar 248' opening directly into an outlet chamber 254' arranged between an end portion 252' of the housing 200' and a partition 246' fixed inside the housing 200'.

[0142] In particular, in the case where the scroll unit 210 ′ is a small scroll unit, it is not necessary to provide an anti-rotation valve between the outlet opening 256 ′ of the scroll unit 210 ′ and the outlet chamber 254 ′.

[0143] In this case, a check valve according to the first embodiment, such as the check valve 10, will be arranged between the outlet chamber 254' and a pipe connection 258' on the housing 200', which is designed to be connected to a pipe on the high pressure side of the refrigerant circuit.

[0144] In particular, in the second embodiment, components of the housing 30 are integrated into a partition 246 ′ within the housing 200 ′.

[0145] In particular, the check valve 10 according to the present invention may be arranged at different locations, for example directly on the fixed scroll element 212 , in / on the partition 246 according to the first embodiment, or in / on parts of the housing 200 .

[0146] Elements of these parts of the compressor, such as walls, surfaces or other components, may be used to act as the elements required to generate the reduced pressure at the opening 104 of the connecting passage 102 .

[0147] In a third embodiment of a compressor 20″ designed as a piston compressor, the compressor has a general housing 300, Fig.13 304 so as to compress the refrigerant in the cylinder chamber 308 located in the cylinder bore 304 between the piston 306 and a valve plate 312 covering the cylinder bore 304 by moving the piston 306 back and forth. The refrigerant is compressed in the cylinder chamber 308 by first being sucked into the cylinder chamber 308 from the inlet chamber 314 through the inlet valve 316 arranged in the valve plate 312, and then being pushed out into the outlet chamber 318 through the check valve 322 arranged in the valve plate 312 after being compressed.

[0148] The inlet chamber 314 and the outlet chamber 318 are arranged in a cylinder head 332 that covers the valve plate 312 and includes the inlet chamber 314 and the outlet chamber 318 arranged above the valve plate 312 .

[0149] Further details of a piston compressor 20 ″ according to a third embodiment are disclosed in WO 2018 / 065071 A1 referenced herein.

[0150] In particular, when the cylinder head 332 is provided with a mechanical valve 334 capable of connecting the inlet chamber 314 and the outlet chamber 318, the check valve 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is arranged in the cylinder head 332 to prevent subsequent backflow from the outlet channel 336 to the outlet chamber 318, thereby separating the pressure in the outlet channel 336 from the outlet chamber 318, and achieving pressure balance between the inlet chamber 314 and the outlet chamber 318 through the mechanical valve 334 without affecting the pressure in the outlet channel 336.

[0151] according to Fig.14 The fourth embodiment of the compressor 20'" is shown, having the same general design as described in connection with the third embodiment, to which reference is therefore made.

[0152] use Fig.10 The valve 10"' according to the fourth embodiment is shown in the figure, and in this case, the housing 30" of the valve described in combination with the fourth embodiment of the check valve 10"' is, for example, partially provided by the cylinder head 332, in particular when the cylinder head 332 provides the top section 142 of the housing 30" so as to form a flow acceleration channel 92" between the wall surface 144 of the top section 142 and the upper surface 88 of the stroke limiter 54".

Claims

1. A check valve (10) for a refrigerant compressor (20), the check valve comprising: a valve housing (30) having a bottom section (34) with a bottom opening (36) for allowing refrigerant to flow into and out of a valve chamber (56) arranged in the valve housing (30), the valve chamber (56) extending between the bottom section (34) and a stroke limiter (54) arranged at a distance from the bottom section (34); A valve element (72) is arranged in the valve chamber (56) and is movable in the valve chamber (56) between the bottom section (34) and the stroke limiter (54), wherein in a closed position the valve element (72) abuts a sealing surface (74) of the bottom section (34) and prevents refrigerant from flowing out of the valve chamber (56) through the bottom opening (36), and in an open position the valve element (72) abuts a stop surface (76) of the stroke limiter (54), wherein in the open position of the valve element (72) the refrigerant flow leaves the valve chamber (56) through at least one outlet channel (94, 114) after having entered the valve chamber (56), wherein the at least one outlet channel (94, 114) The passage (94, 114) includes at least one flow acceleration passage (92) and provides therein a flow area of ​​refrigerant pressure (P2) reduced relative to the refrigerant pressure (P1) in the valve chamber (56), and wherein at least one connecting passage (102) extending in the stroke limiter (54) includes an opening (104), the opening (104) being arranged close to the flow area of ​​reduced refrigerant pressure (P2) for capturing the reduced refrigerant pressure (P2) and for transferring the reduced refrigerant pressure (P2) to an opening (106) arranged in the area of ​​a stop surface (76) of the stroke limiter (54) so ​​as to support maintaining the valve element (72) in its open position.

2. The check valve according to claim 1, wherein the opening (104) of the connecting passage (102) is located adjacent to the outlet end (96) of the flow acceleration passage (92).

3. A check valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening (104) of the connecting channel (102) is located at a transition portion between a surface portion (82, 88) of the stroke limiter (54) that limits the flow acceleration channel (92, 92', 92") and a surface portion (88) of the stroke limiter (54) that extends outside the flow acceleration channel (92) and is opposite to the stop surface (76).

4. The non-return valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (106) in the stop surface (76) of the stroke limiter (54) is an opening of a recess (106) arranged in the stroke limiter (54) and leading to the stop surface (76).

5. The non-return valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (106) is at least a part of the opening of a circular groove extending in the travel limiter (54) and opening into the stop surface (76).

6. Check valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve element (72) is freely movable between its open position and its closed position.

7. Check valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve element (72) in its open position extends essentially parallel to its closed position.

8. The non-return valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve element (72) in its open position releases the refrigerant flow entering the valve chamber (56) through the bottom opening (36) to exit at least partially through the flow acceleration channel (92).

9. A check valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow acceleration portion (92) extends towards an outlet opening (86) of the housing (30) of the check valve (10), the outlet opening being arranged on a side of the stroke limiter (54) opposite to the bottom section (34).

10. The non-return valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow acceleration channel (92) extends between an outer surface (82, 88) of the travel limiter (54) and a surface (84, 144) of the housing (30) facing the outer surface (82, 88).

11. The non-return valve according to claim 10, wherein the at least one flow acceleration channel (92) extends transversely to the valve element (72) in the open position of the valve element.

12. The non-return valve according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the flow acceleration channel (92) extends transversely to the bottom section (34).

13. The check valve according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the outer surface (82, 88) of the stroke limiter (54) and the inner surface (84) of the outer section (32) of the housing (30) extend transversely to the bottom section (34) of the housing (30).

14. The check valve according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flow acceleration channel (92") extends along a portion of an upper surface (88) of the stroke limiter (54) arranged on the side opposite to the valve chamber (56) on the stroke limiter (54).

15. A check valve according to claim 14, wherein the flow acceleration channel (92") extends between the portion of the upper surface (88) of the travel limiter (54) and a surface (144) of the top section (142) of the housing (30) facing the portion of the upper surface (88).

16. The non-return valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow acceleration channel (92') extends only through the stroke limiter (54').

17. The check valve according to claim 16, wherein the valve element (72') is provided with an opening (132) which, in the open position of the valve element (72'), releases the refrigerant flow from the outlet chamber (56) through the flow acceleration channel (92) extending through the stroke restrictor (54').

18. The non-return valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of flow acceleration channels (92) are provided.

19. The non-return valve according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of connecting channels (102) are provided in the stroke limiter (54).

20. A scroll compressor provided with a non-return valve (10) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the non-return valve (10) is arranged between an outlet (224) of a scroll unit (210) and an outlet chamber (254) arranged in a housing (200) of the scroll compressor (20).

21. The scroll compressor according to claim 20, wherein the check valve (10) is directly mounted on an outlet (224) of a scroll unit (210) of the scroll compressor (20).

22. The scroll compressor according to claim 21, wherein the cross-section of the outlet passage (94) including at least one flow acceleration passage (92) is equal to 100% to 200% of the cross-section of the outlet (224) of the scroll unit (210).

23. A scroll compressor provided with a non-return valve (10) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the non-return valve (10) is arranged between an outlet chamber (254') and a pipe connection (258') on the housing (200'), the outlet chamber being arranged in the housing (200') of the scroll compressor (22').

24. Compressor provided with a non-return valve (10) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the non-return valve (10) is arranged between an outlet chamber (318) and an outlet channel (336) of the compressor (20", 20'").

25. The compressor according to claim 24, wherein the check valve (10) is arranged on a cylinder head (332) covering a valve plate (312) of the compressor (20", 20'").

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