Sealing ring

Abstract

The sealing ring (1) is annular around an axis (x) and comprises: a side surface (1a) which is an annular surface facing one side in the direction of the axis (x); and the other side surface (1b) is an annular surface facing the other side in the direction of the axis (x). At least one of the one side surface (1a) and the other side surface (1b) forms a gap (1c) with one or the other of the two members when in contact with one or the other of the movable scroll plate and the thrust plate to be applied. The gap (1c) is gradually reduced in accordance with wear caused by contact between at least one of the one side surface (1a) and the other side surface (1b) and one of the movable scroll plate and the thrust plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sealing ring. Background Art

[0002] In the past, an annular sealing ring was used to close the gap between the fixed component and the movable component, and the movable component was opposed to the fixed component and moved relative to the fixed component. For example, in a scroll compressor used in an automobile air conditioning system, in order to seal the low-pressure chamber connected to the compression chamber formed by the movable scroll and the fixed scroll to prevent refrigerant leakage, a sealing ring is provided between the movable scroll and the thrust plate supporting the movable scroll (for example, see Patent Document 1). The sealing ring contacts the movable scroll or the thrust plate in the axial direction of the sealing ring and slides relative to the movable scroll or the thrust plate.

[0003] Prior Art Literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-159051. Summary of the invention

[0006] In a scroll compressor, the movable scroll plate rotates eccentrically. Therefore, the sealing ring also rotates eccentrically with the movable scroll plate, or rotates eccentrically relative to the movable scroll plate. In this way, in a conventional scroll compressor, the sealing ring slides relative to the thrust plate or the movable scroll plate based on the eccentric rotation of the movable scroll plate, and becomes a resistance (sliding resistance) to the rotational driving force that causes the movable scroll plate to rotate eccentrically.

[0007] On the other hand, in the past, in order to suppress the decrease in the efficiency of the scroll compressor, it was necessary to reduce the rotational driving force that causes the movable scroll disk to rotate eccentrically (low torque). Therefore, in order to achieve low torque of the scroll compressor, it is also necessary to reduce the sliding resistance of the sealing ring. In this way, for the sealing ring of the previous scroll compressor, a structure that can reduce the sliding resistance is required.

[0008] In addition, the contact portion of the sealing ring will wear due to use. As a result, the contact portion of the sealing ring will deform with use. This deformation sometimes leads to an increase in sliding resistance. Therefore, for the sealing ring of the previous scroll compressor, a structure is required in which the sliding resistance will not increase even if the contact portion of the sealing ring deforms over time. In this way, for the sealing ring of the previous scroll compressor, a structure is required in which the sliding resistance will not increase over time.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a seal ring capable of suppressing an increase in sliding resistance over time.

[0010] Means used to solve problems

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the sealing ring involved in the present invention is used to close the gap between two components that move relative to each other. The sealing ring is characterized in that the sealing ring is annular around the axis and includes: a side surface, which is an annular surface facing one side of the axis direction; and another side surface, which is an annular surface facing the other side of the axis direction. When at least one of the one side surface and the other side surface contacts one or the other of the two components, a gap is formed between the one or the other of the two components, and the gap gradually decreases with the wear caused by the contact between at least one of the one side surface and the other side surface and one of the two components.

[0012] In the seal ring according to one aspect of the present invention, at least one of the one side surface and the other side surface has a plurality of portions protruding toward the facing side.

[0013] In the seal ring according to one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of protruding portions are provided at intervals around the axis.

[0014] In the sealing ring involved in one embodiment of the present invention, the one side surface forms the gap between the one of the two components when in contact with the one of the two components, and the other side surface forms the gap between the other of the two components when in contact with the other of the two components.

[0015] In a sealing ring involved in one embodiment of the present invention, one side surface has a plurality of inner circumferential side recesses on one side, the inner circumferential side recesses on one side are recesses opened on the inner circumferential side and are formed at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction, and one side surface has a plurality of outer circumferential side recesses on one side, the outer circumferential side recesses on one side are recesses opened on the outer circumferential side and are formed at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction, each of the inner circumferential side recesses on one side has a bottom surface, the bottom surface is a surface that expands in diameter in the axial direction toward the one side, and each of the outer circumferential side recesses on one side has a bottom surface, the bottom surface is a surface that shrinks in diameter in the axial direction toward the one side.

[0016] In the seal ring according to one aspect of the present invention, the bottom surface of each of the one inner peripheral side recessed portions continuously increases in diameter toward the one side in the axial direction.

[0017] In the seal ring according to one aspect of the present invention, the bottom surface of each of the one outer peripheral side recessed portions continuously decreases in diameter toward the one side in the axial direction.

[0018] In the seal ring according to one aspect of the present invention, the bottom surface of each of the one inner peripheral side recessed portions discontinuously expands in diameter toward the one side in the axial direction.

[0019] In the seal ring according to one aspect of the present invention, the bottom surface of each of the one outer peripheral side recessed portions is intermittently reduced in diameter toward the one side in the axial direction.

[0020] In the seal ring according to one aspect of the present invention, each of the one-side inner peripheral recessed portions and each of the one-side outer peripheral recessed portions face each other in the radial direction.

[0021] In a sealing ring involved in one embodiment of the present invention, the other side surface has a plurality of other side inner circumferential side recesses, which are recesses opened on the inner circumferential side and formed at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction, and the other side surface has a plurality of other side outer circumferential side recesses, which are recesses opened on the outer circumferential side and formed at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction, each of the other side inner circumferential side recesses has a bottom surface, which is a surface that expands in diameter in the axial direction toward the other side, and each of the other side outer circumferential side recesses has a bottom surface, which is a surface that shrinks in diameter in the axial direction toward the other side.

[0022] In the seal ring according to one aspect of the present invention, the bottom surface of each of the other-side inner peripheral side recessed portions continuously increases in diameter toward the other side in the axial direction.

[0023] In the seal ring according to one aspect of the present invention, the bottom surface of each of the other-side outer peripheral-side recessed portions continuously decreases in diameter toward the other side in the axial direction.

[0024] In the seal ring according to one aspect of the present invention, the bottom surface of each of the other-side inner circumference-side recessed portions discontinuously expands in diameter toward the other side in the axial direction.

[0025] In the seal ring according to one aspect of the present invention, the bottom surface of each of the other-side outer peripheral-side recessed portions is intermittently reduced in diameter toward the other side in the axial direction.

[0026] In the seal ring according to one aspect of the present invention, each of the other inner circumference-side recessed portions and each of the other outer circumference-side recessed portions face each other in the radial direction.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to the seal ring of the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in sliding resistance over time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a front view of the seal ring according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the seal ring shown.

[0031] Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1 A cutaway perspective view of a portion of a sealing ring is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 The sealing ring is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at the section line AA.

[0033] Figure 5 This indicates the state of use when installed on the scroll compressor to which it is applied. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor showing the seal ring.

[0034] Figure 6 It is a brief statement Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relative movement of the sealing ring with respect to the thrust plate when the eccentric portion of the scroll compressor rotates eccentrically.

[0035] Figure 7 It is a side view of a seal ring according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 Yes means Figure 7 A cutaway perspective view of a portion of a sealing ring is shown.

[0037] Fig. 9 The sealing ring is along Figure 8 Cross-sectional view at the cross-sectional view of line BB.

[0038] Fig.10 It is a plan view of a seal ring according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig.11 Yes means Fig.10 A cutaway perspective view of a portion of a sealing ring is shown.

[0040] Fig.12 The sealing ring is along Fig.10 Cross-sectional view at the cross-sectional view of the CC line.

[0041] Fig.13 It is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a part of a seal ring according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig.14 The sealing ring is along Fig.13 Cross-sectional view at the cross-sectional view of line DD. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 is a top view of a seal ring 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view of the sealing ring 1, Figure 3 It is a sectional stereoscopic view showing a part of the sealing ring 1. The sealing ring involved in the present invention is a sealing ring used to close the gap between two parts that move relative to each other. For example, the sealing ring involved in the present invention is used to close the gap between the opposing surfaces of two parts that move relative to each other. The sealing ring involved in the present invention is, for example, in a scroll compressor used in an air-conditioning system of an automobile, and is arranged between the movable scroll and the thrust plate supporting the movable scroll in order to seal the low-pressure chamber connected to the compression chamber formed by the movable scroll and the fixed scroll to prevent refrigerant leakage. The sealing ring 1 involved in the embodiment of the present invention is used for a scroll compressor. In addition, the objects (applicable objects) to which the sealing ring 1 involved in the embodiment of the present invention is applicable are not limited to the above-mentioned cases.

[0045] The sealing ring 1 is annular around the axis x, and has: a side surface 1a, which is an annular surface on one side facing the axis x direction; and another side surface 1b, which is an annular surface on the other side facing the axis x direction. When at least one of the side surface 1a and the other side surface 1b contacts one or the other of the movable scroll and the thrust plate of the applicable object, a gap 1c will be formed between the two components. The gap 1c will gradually decrease as at least one of the side surface 1a and the other side surface 1b contacts one of the movable scroll and the thrust plate. The structure of the sealing ring 1 is described in detail below.

[0046] At least one of the side surface 1a and the other side surface 1b has a plurality of protruding portions, i.e., convex portions 1d, toward the side it faces. When the side surface 1a or the other side surface 1b contacts the movable scroll or thrust plate of the applicable object, the plurality of convex portions 1d will form a gap 1c between the side surface 1a or the other side surface 1b and the movable scroll or thrust plate. The plurality of convex portions 1d are arranged at intervals around the axis x, for example. Specifically, for example, when the side surface 1a contacts one of the movable scroll and the thrust plate, a gap 1c is formed between the movable scroll and the thrust plate. In addition, specifically, for example, when the other side surface 1b contacts the other of the movable scroll and the thrust plate, a gap 1c is formed between the movable scroll and the thrust plate. It should be noted that only one side surface 1a may form a gap 1c between the movable scroll and the thrust plate when it contacts one of the movable scroll and the thrust plate. When only the other side surface 1 b contacts one of the movable scroll and the thrust plate, the gap 1 c may be formed between the movable scroll and the thrust plate.

[0047] Specifically, for example, the seal ring 1 has a sliding surface 10 as one side surface 1a and a fixed surface 20 as the other side surface 1b. The sliding surface 10 has a plurality of inner concave portions 30 as one inner peripheral side concave portions, the inner concave portions 30 being concave portions opened on the inner peripheral side formed at intervals in the circumferential direction, and also has a plurality of outer concave portions 40 as one outer peripheral side concave portions, the outer concave portions 40 being concave portions opened on the outer peripheral side formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. Each inner concave portion 30 has a bottom surface 31, which is a surface that expands in diameter as it moves toward one side in the direction of the axis x. Each outer concave portion 40 has a bottom surface 41, which is a surface that shrinks in diameter as it moves toward one side in the direction of the axis x.

[0048] In the following, for the convenience of explanation, the arrow a in the direction of the axis x (see Figure 2 ) direction is set as the upper side (one side), and the arrow b (see Figure 2 ) direction is set as the lower side (the other side). In addition, the inner peripheral side is the side closer to the axis x in the direction perpendicular to the axis x (hereinafter also referred to as the "radial direction") ( Figure 2 The outer peripheral side is the side in the direction of the arrow c), and the outer peripheral side is the direction away from the axis x in the radial direction ( Figure 2 As mentioned above, the upper side and the lower side are used for convenience of explanation and are not used to determine the installation posture of the sealing ring 1. In addition, in the drawings, among the multiple components such as the inner recess 30 and the outer recess 40, only some of them are marked with symbols.

[0049] The sealing ring 1 is made of a resin material. Specifically, for example, Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the seal ring 1 has a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the extending direction of the seal ring 1, and has: an inner peripheral surface 2, which is an annular surface facing the inner peripheral side; and an outer peripheral surface 3, which is an annular surface facing the outer peripheral side and formed opposite to the inner peripheral surface 2. The inner peripheral surface 2 extends between the inner peripheral side end of the sliding surface 10 and the inner peripheral side end of the fixed surface 20, and the outer peripheral surface 3 extends between the outer peripheral side end of the sliding surface 10 and the outer peripheral side end of the fixed surface 20. The resin material of the seal ring 1 is, for example, polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0050] The sliding surface 10 is a surface formed as a sliding surface that is pressed against and slides on a thrust plate when the seal ring 1 is installed in a scroll compressor. The scroll compressor is an applicable object of the seal ring 1 described later. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an annular surface extends on a plane or a substantially plane that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis x, and extends along a circular ring or a substantially circular ring centered or substantially centered on the axis x.

[0051] As described above, a plurality of inner recesses 30 and a plurality of outer recesses 40 are formed on the sliding surface 10. The sliding surface 10 is recessed downward at the inner recesses 30 and the outer recesses 40, and a plurality of convex portions 1d are formed by the inner recesses 30 and the outer recesses 40. The inner recesses 30 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, for example, at equal angles or approximately equal angles around the axis x. The outer recesses 40 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, for example, at equal angles or approximately equal angles around the axis x. In addition, for example, each inner recess 30 and each outer recess 40 are arranged back to back in the radial direction.

[0052] As described above, a plurality of inner recesses 30 and a plurality of outer recesses 40 are formed on the sealing ring 1. Figure 1 As shown, the sliding surface 10 has an annular surface 11, a plurality of inner rib surface 12, and a plurality of outer rib surface 13. The annular surface 11 is a portion of the annular surface on the sliding surface 10, the inner rib surface 12 is a portion of the surface extending from the annular surface 11 to the inner circumference on the sliding surface 10, and the outer rib surface 13 is a portion of the surface extending from the annular surface 11 to the outer circumference on the sliding surface 10. It should be noted that in the drawings, only a portion of the plurality of inner rib surface 12 and the plurality of outer rib surface 13 are marked with symbols.

[0053] The fixed surface 20 is a surface that is supported by the movable scroll and fixed to the movable scroll when the seal ring 1 is used as described later. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, it is an annular surface extending on a plane or a substantially plane that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis x, and is a circular ring or a substantially circular ring surface with the axis x as the center or substantially the center.

[0054] The inner surface 2 is, for example, Figure 1 , 2 As shown, it is a cylindrical surface or a substantially cylindrical surface with the axis x as the central axis or the substantially central axis, and the outer peripheral surface 3 is as shown in FIG. Figure 1 , 2 As shown, it is a cylindrical surface or a substantially cylindrical surface with the axis x as the central axis or the substantially central axis.

[0055] Each inner recessed portion 30 is such as Figure 1 As shown, when viewed in the direction of the axis x, it extends circumferentially along an arc, for example, along a circular arc or a substantially circular arc. In the illustrated example, when viewed in the direction of the axis x, each inner recess 30 extends circumferentially in the shape of an arc within the range of a central angle α1 centered on the axis x (the range between the dotted lines R). The radial width (width r1) of each inner recess 30 is, for example, constant or substantially constant in the extension direction (circumferential direction) of the inner recess 30.

[0056] Each outer recessed portion 40 is such as Figure 1As shown, the outer recess 40 extends circumferentially along an arc line when viewed in the direction of the axis x, for example, along a circular arc or a substantially circular arc. For example, each outer recess 40 is on the outer circumference of each inner recess 30, and has a shape similar or substantially similar to that of each inner recess 30 when viewed in the direction of the axis x. In the example shown in the figure, Figure 1 As shown, each outer recess 40 is located on the outer peripheral side of each inner recess 30 when viewed in the direction of the axis x, and extends in the circumferential direction in the shape of an arc along the arc of the center angle α2 (=α1) centered on the axis x, which is the same as the extension range of each inner recess 30 (the range between the dotted lines R). The radial width (width r2) of each outer recess 40 is constant or substantially constant, for example, in the extension direction (circumferential direction) of the outer recess 40. In addition, the width r1 of each inner recess 30 is, for example, the same or substantially the same as the width r2 of each outer recess 40.

[0057] As described above, in the range of the central angles α1 and α2 (α1=α2) centered on the axis x (the range between the dotted line R), the inner concave portion 30 and the outer concave portion 40 are opposite to each other. It should be noted that the inner concave portion 30 and the outer concave portion 40 may not be opposite to each other. For example, the range of the central angle α1 extending from the inner concave portion 30 (the two radial direction lines of the central angle α1 (see Figure 1 The range between the dotted line R) and the range of the central angle α2 extending from the outer concave portion 40 (the two radial direction lines of the central angle α2 (see Figure 1 The range between the dotted lines R) may not be consistent, may partially overlap, or may not overlap at all. In addition, the width r1 of the inner concave portion 30 and the width r2 of the outer concave portion 40 may be different. In addition, the central angle α1 of the range where the inner concave portion 30 extends and the central angle α2 of the range where the outer concave portion 40 extends may also be different.

[0058] Figure 4 The sealing ring 1 is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view at the cross-sectional view of the AA line. That is, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing ring 1 at a cross section perpendicular to the circumferential extension direction of the sealing ring 1. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the bottom surface 31 of each inner recess 30 extends within the range of the central angle α1 (the range between the dashed lines R) when viewed in the direction of the axis x. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the diameter increases from the lower side to the upper side in the direction of the axis x, and the distance (radius D1) from the axis x increases as it goes upward in the direction of the axis x. Figure 3 , 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the bottom surface 31 of each inner recess 30 continuously increases in diameter as it moves upward in the direction of the axis x. Figure 4As shown in FIG. 1 , in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the seal ring 1 , the bottom surface 31 is inclined downward relative to the annular surface 11 of the sliding surface 10 to form a straight or substantially straight contour with an inclination angle β1. That is, the bottom surface 31 of each inner recess 30 is, for example, Figure 3 , 4 The bottom surface 31 is a plane or a substantially plane that is inclined downward relative to the annular surface portion 11 of the sliding surface 10. The value of the inclination angle β1 of the bottom surface 31 is, for example, 0.3° to 2°.

[0059] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the bottom surface 31 of each inner recess 30 is connected to the inner peripheral surface 2 at the end portion (inner peripheral end 31a) on the inner peripheral side, and the inner peripheral end 31a of the bottom surface 31 of each inner recess 30 is located below the inner rib surface 12 of the sliding surface 10 in the axis x direction. In this way, each inner recess 30 forms an opening 32 on the inner peripheral surface 2. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the end portion (outer peripheral end 31 b ) of the bottom surface 31 of each inner recessed portion 30 on the outer peripheral side is smoothly connected to the annular surface portion 11 of the sliding surface 10 .

[0060] Likewise, Figure 3 , 4 As shown, each inner recess 30 has side surfaces 33 and 34, and the side surfaces 33 and 34 are surfaces that expand toward the lower sides of the two circumferential ends (ends 12a and 12b) of the two inner rib surface portions 12 that are opposite to each other in the circumferential direction. Figure 1 and Figure 3 , 4 As shown, in the example shown in the figure, the side surfaces 33 and 34 are planes or substantially planes extending parallel to or substantially parallel to the plane containing the axis x, and are wedge-shaped or substantially wedge-shaped surfaces. Furthermore, the side surfaces 33 and 34 have the same or substantially the same shape and size. It should be noted that the side surfaces 33 and 34 may not be planes, for example, they may be curved surfaces or surfaces that are a combination of curved surfaces and planes. In addition, the shapes of the side surfaces 33 and 34 are not limited to wedges, and may be other shapes corresponding to the shape of the bottom surface 31. Furthermore, the side surfaces 33 and 34 may also be arranged along a surface that is inclined to the plane containing the axis x.

[0061] In addition, the bottom surface 31 is not limited to the above-mentioned inclined plane, and may be, for example, a curved surface or a surface composed of a curved surface and a flat surface. Specifically, for example, the bottom surface 31 may be a surface that depicts an arc such as an arc convex upward in a cross section, and the bottom surface 31 may also be a surface that depicts an arc such as an arc convex downward in a cross section.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the bottom surface 41 of each outer recess 40 extends within the range of the central angle α2 (the range between the dashed lines R) when viewed in the direction of the axis x. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the diameter decreases from the lower side to the upper side in the direction of the axis x, and the distance from the axis x (radius D2) decreases as it goes upward in the direction of the axis x. Figure 3 , 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the bottom surface 41 of each outer recess 40 continuously decreases in diameter as it moves upward in the direction of the axis x. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the seal ring 1 , the bottom surface 41 is inclined downward relative to the annular surface 11 of the sliding surface 10 to form a straight or substantially straight profile with an inclination angle β2. That is, the bottom surface 41 of each outer recess 40 is, for example, Figure 3 , 4 As shown, it is a plane or a substantially plane that is inclined downwardly relative to the annular surface portion 11 of the sliding surface 10. And, for example, the inclination angle β1 of the bottom surface 31 of each inner recess 30 and the inclination angle β2 of the bottom surface 41 of each outer recess 40 are the same angle or substantially the same angle. The value of the inclination angle β2 of the bottom surface 41 is, for example, 0.3° to 2°. The inclination angle β1 of the bottom surface 31 of each inner recess 30 and the inclination angle β2 of the bottom surface 41 of each outer recess 40 may also be different angles.

[0063] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the bottom surface 41 of each outer recess 40 is connected to the outer peripheral surface 3 at the end portion (outer peripheral end 41a) on the outer peripheral side, and the outer peripheral end 41a of the bottom surface 41 of each outer recess 40 is located below the outer rib surface 13 of the sliding surface 10 in the axis x direction. In this way, each outer recess 40 forms an opening 42 on the outer peripheral surface 3. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the inner peripheral end (inner peripheral end 41 b ) of the bottom surface 41 of each outer recessed portion 40 is smoothly connected to the annular surface portion 11 of the sliding surface 10 .

[0064] Likewise, Figure 3 , 4 As shown, each outer recess 40 has side surfaces 43 and 44, and the side surfaces 43 and 44 are surfaces that expand toward the lower sides of the two opposite circumferential ends (ends 13a and 13b) of the two opposite outer rib surfaces 13. Figure 3 , 4 As shown, in the illustrated example, the side surfaces 43 and 44 are planes or substantially planes extending parallel to or substantially parallel to the plane containing the axis x, and are wedge-shaped or substantially wedge-shaped surfaces. Furthermore, the side surfaces 43 and 44 have the same or substantially the same shape and size. It should be noted that the side surfaces 43 and 44 may not be planes, for example, they may be curved surfaces or surfaces that are a combination of curved surfaces and planes. In addition, the shapes of the side surfaces 43 and 44 are not limited to wedges, and may be other shapes corresponding to the shape of the bottom surface 41. Furthermore, the side surfaces 43 and 44 may also be arranged along a surface that is inclined toward the surface containing the axis x.

[0065] In addition, the bottom surface 41 is not limited to the above-mentioned inclined plane, and may be, for example, a curved surface or a surface composed of a curved surface and a flat surface. Specifically, for example, the bottom surface 41 may be a surface on which an arc such as an arc convex upward is drawn in a cross section, and the bottom surface 41 may be a surface on which an arc such as an arc convex downward is drawn in a cross section.

[0066] Thus, each inner recess 30 forms a recess whose cross-sectional area perpendicular to the radial direction or the cross-sectional area of ​​the cylindrical surface with the axis x as the center axis gradually decreases from the opening 32 on the inner side toward the outer peripheral end 31b on the outer side on the inner peripheral side on the inner peripheral side of the sliding surface 10. On the other hand, each outer recess 40 forms a recess whose cross-sectional area perpendicular to the radial direction or the cross-sectional area of ​​the cylindrical surface with the axis x as the center axis gradually decreases from the opening 42 on the outer side toward the inner peripheral end 41b on the inner side on the outer peripheral side on the outer peripheral side.

[0067] Next, the operation of the seal ring 1 having the above-mentioned structure will be described. Figure 5 The scroll compressor 100 is a cross-sectional view showing a seal ring 1 installed in a scroll compressor 100 as an applicable object in a use state. The scroll compressor 100 is used, for example, in a car air conditioning system, and sucks, compresses, and discharges a refrigerant. The refrigerant is, for example, a gas mixed with a mist of lubricating oil.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, the scroll compressor 100 includes an outer shell 101, a rotating shaft 102, an inner shell 103, a scroll compression mechanism 104, a thrust plate 105, and a driving motor 106. The outer shell 101 includes a cylindrical housing 107 and a cover 108 that closes the upper opening of the housing 107. Inside the housing 107, there are formed: a low-pressure chamber 110 to which a low-pressure refrigerant is supplied from a refrigerant circuit (not shown) via a suction port 109; a high-pressure chamber 111 to which a high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the scroll compression mechanism 104 is discharged; and a back-pressure chamber 112 to which a part of the refrigerant compressed by the scroll compression mechanism 104 is supplied together with lubricating oil. The back-pressure chamber 112 is formed inside the cylindrical inner shell 103 accommodated inside the housing 107. The cover 108 is formed with a discharge communication path 113 that connects the refrigerant circuit (not shown) and the high-pressure chamber 111. A portion of the back pressure communication passage 114 connecting the high pressure chamber 111 and the back pressure chamber 112 is branched from the discharge communication passage 113 and formed on the cover 108. The discharge communication passage 113 is provided with an oil separator 115 for separating lubricating oil from refrigerant.

[0069] The inner shell 103 is fixed in a state where its upper end is in contact with the end plate 121 of the fixed scroll 120 constituting the scroll compression mechanism 104. In addition, a radially penetrating suction communication passage 116 is formed at the upper end of the inner shell 103. Therefore, the low-pressure chamber 110 extends from the outside of the inner shell 103 to the inside of the inner shell 103 via the suction communication passage 116. The refrigerant supplied to the inside of the inner shell 103 through the suction communication passage 116 is sucked into the scroll compression mechanism 104.

[0070] The scroll compression mechanism 104 includes a fixed scroll 120 fixed to the cover 108 and a movable scroll 125 accommodated in the inner shell 103. The fixed scroll 120 is made of metal and has a spiral volute 122 protruding from the lower surface of a disc-shaped end plate 121. In addition, a recessed portion 123 recessed downward is formed on the upper surface of the end plate 121 of the fixed scroll 120, and the recessed portion 123 and the lower surface of the cover 108 define a high pressure chamber 111 together.

[0071] The movable scroll 125 is made of metal and has a spiral volute 127 protruding from the upper surface of a disc-shaped end plate 126. In addition, a boss 128 protruding from a position away from the center of the lower surface (lower surface 126a) of the end plate 126 is formed on the movable scroll 125. The eccentric portion 102a formed at the upper end of the rotating shaft 102 is relatively rotatably accommodated in the boss 128. In the example shown in the figure, the eccentric portion 102a of the rotating shaft 102 and the counterweight portion 102b protruding from the upper end of the rotating shaft 102 toward the outer circumferential direction constitute an eccentric mechanism for causing the rotating shaft 102 to rotate eccentrically.

[0072] The sealing ring 1 is fixed to the lower surface 126a of the end plate 126 of the movable scroll 125. Specifically, the portion of the sealing ring 1 on the fixed surface 20 side is fixed to the lower surface 126a of the end plate 126 of the movable scroll 125, so that the sliding surface 10 of the sealing ring 1 faces downward and is located below the lower surface 126a of the movable scroll 125.

[0073] The thrust plate 105 is a circular metal component. A conventionally known sealing ring 117 is fixed to the lower surface (lower surface 105a) of the thrust plate 105. The thrust plate 105 is arranged on the lower side of the movable scroll 125. Specifically, the sealing ring 117 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the inner shell 103, and the thrust plate 105 is fixed to the inner shell 103 through the sealing ring 117. In addition, the sliding surface 10 of the sealing ring 1 contacts the upper surface (upper surface 105b) of the thrust plate 105. In this way, the thrust plate 105 acts as a thrust bearing that bears the thrust load of the movable scroll 125 in the direction of the axis x1 through the sealing ring 1. It should be noted that the axis x1 is the axis of the movable scroll 125, and the axis x1 of the movable scroll 125 is consistent or approximately consistent with the axis x of the sealing ring 1.

[0074] The thrust plate 105 is formed with a through hole 105c, through which the boss 128 of the movable scroll 125 passes. The diameter of the through hole 105c is formed to allow the eccentric portion 102a of the rotating shaft 102 inserted into the boss 128 to drive the boss 128 to rotate eccentrically. As a result, the movable scroll 125 rotates eccentrically relative to the axis x2 of the rotating shaft 102 as the eccentric portion 102a of the rotating shaft 102 rotates eccentrically, and the sliding surface 10 of the seal ring 1 slides relative to the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 accompanying the eccentric rotation.

[0075] The sealing ring 1 and the sealing ring 117 separate the low-pressure chamber 110 formed on the outer peripheral side of the movable scroll 125 from the back-pressure chamber 112 formed on the lower side of the movable scroll 125 inside the inner shell 103. The back-pressure chamber 112 is formed into a closed space by closing the annular space between the through hole 103a formed in the inner shell 103 and the rotating shaft 102 through the conventionally known sealing ring 118. In addition, a throttle hole not shown is provided in the back-pressure communication passage 114 connecting the high-pressure chamber 111 and the back-pressure chamber 112 formed on the cover 108, the fixed scroll 120, and the inner shell 103, and the refrigerant in the high-pressure chamber 111 after the throttle hole pressure reduction adjustment is supplied to the back-pressure chamber 112 together with the lubricating oil separated by the oil separator 115. The pressure in the back-pressure chamber 112 is adjusted to be higher than the pressure in the low-pressure chamber 110. It should be noted that a pressure relief hole 119a is formed on the inner shell 103 and is connected to the low pressure chamber 110 and the back pressure chamber 112 in a radial direction. A pressure regulating valve 119b is arranged in the pressure relief hole 119a. The pressure regulating valve 119b opens when the pressure in the back pressure chamber 112 exceeds a set value.

[0076] In the scroll compression mechanism 104 , a compression chamber 104 a is formed between the volute 122 of the fixed scroll 120 and the volute 127 of the movable scroll 125 . The compression chamber 104 a is connected to the high pressure chamber 111 through a discharge hole 124 extending through the end plate 121 of the fixed scroll 120 .

[0077] In the scroll compressor 100, when the rotating shaft 102 is driven to rotate by the driving motor 106, the eccentric portion 102a rotates eccentrically, and the movable scroll 125 moves relative to the fixed scroll 120 along with the eccentric rotation. As the movable scroll 125 rotates eccentrically, the contact positions of the volutes 122 and 127 in the radial direction move in sequence along the rotation direction, and the compression chamber 104a formed between the volutes 122 and 127 gradually shrinks while moving toward the center. As a result, the refrigerant sucked from the low-pressure chamber 110 into the compression chamber 104a of the scroll compression mechanism 104 is compressed, and the high-pressure refrigerant is discharged to the high-pressure chamber 111 through the discharge hole 124 of the fixed scroll 120.

[0078] As described above, in the scroll compressor 100, the driving motor 106 is driven, and as the rotating shaft 102 rotates, the eccentric portion 102a rotates eccentrically, and when rotating around the axis x2 of the rotating shaft 102, the movable scroll 125 rotates eccentrically together with the seal ring 1. At this time, the axis x of the seal ring 1 rotates around the axis x2 of the rotating shaft 102 to draw a circle. Due to the eccentric rotation of the movable scroll 125, the sliding surface 10 of the seal ring 1 slides on the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 in a circular manner. Figure 6 1 is a diagram schematically showing the relative movement of the seal ring 1 with respect to the thrust plate 105 when the eccentric portion 102 a rotates eccentrically. Figure 6 The annular region (sliding region S) represented by a dot and centered on the axis x2 of the rotating shaft 102 is a region where the sliding surface 105 of the seal ring 1 slides on the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 when the eccentric portion 102a rotates eccentrically.

[0079] Since the seal ring 1 has a plurality of recessed portions 30 on the sliding surface 10, a plurality of gaps 1c are formed between the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 and the sliding surface 10. Furthermore, when the sliding surface 10 of the seal ring 1 slides on the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105, the fluid film between the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 and the sliding surface 10 of the seal ring 1 can be maintained or strengthened by increasing the pressure of the refrigerant (fluid) containing lubricating oil in each recessed portion 30. Specifically, each recessed portion 30 is connected to the back pressure chamber 112 at the opening 32, and the fluid in the back pressure chamber 112 enters the recessed portion 30 from the opening 32. In each inner recess 30, due to the relative movement of the bottom surface 31 with respect to the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 and the pressure in the back pressure chamber 112, when the fluid flows toward the outer peripheral end 31b side of each inner recess 30 or toward the side 33 side or the side 34 side of the inner rib surface portion 12 opposite to the rotation direction of the thrust plate 105, the fluid hits the outer peripheral end 31b or the side 33 or the side 34 of the inner rib surface portion 12, so that the pressure of the portion of the fluid close to the outer peripheral end 31b or the side 33 or the side 34 of the inner rib surface portion 12 increases. Such a dynamic pressure effect is generated in each inner recess 30. As an effect of the dynamic pressure action, the high pressure generated in each inner recessed portion 30 pressurizes the fluid film formed in the gap between the annular surface portion 11, the inner rib surface portion 12, and the outer rib surface portion 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105, thereby making it easier to maintain the thickness of the fluid film formed in the gap between the annular surface portion 11, the inner rib surface portion 12, and the outer rib surface portion 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105. Furthermore, when the pressure further increases, the gap height between the annular surface portion 11, the inner rib surface portion 12, and the outer rib surface portion 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases, and the fluid flows into the increased gap, and the thickness of the fluid film in the gap between the annular surface portion 11, the inner rib surface portion 12, and the outer rib surface portion 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 also increases accordingly.

[0080] Specifically, in each inner recess 30, the fluid flows toward the outer peripheral end 31b. When the fluid flows toward the outer peripheral end 31b, the fluid is pressed from the inner peripheral end 31a to the outer peripheral end 31b. As described above, in the seal ring 1, the bottom surface 31 of each inner recess 30 is a plane or a nearly plane that continuously expands in diameter as it moves toward the upper side, and is inclined from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side toward the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105, and the cross-sectional area of ​​each inner recess 30 that is nearly parallel to the surface perpendicular to the radial direction decreases from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side. Therefore, in each inner recess 30, the pressure of the fluid pressed toward the outer peripheral end 31b increases from the opening 32 side toward the outer peripheral portion 31b side, and the pressure of the portion of the fluid close to the outer peripheral end 31b increases. Thus, as described above, the high-pressure fluid generated in each inner recess 30 mainly pressurizes the fluid film formed in the gap between the annular surface 11 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105, so that the pressure of the fluid film formed in the gap between the annular surface 11 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases. And, when the pressure of the fluid film formed in the gap between the annular surface 11 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases, the height of the gap between the annular surface 11 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases, the fluid flows into the increased gap, the fluid in the gap between the annular surface 11 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases, and the thickness of the fluid film increases.

[0081] In addition, in the seal ring 1, the side surface 33 or the side surface 34 of the inner rib surface portion 12 rises from the bottom surface 31 of each inner recessed portion 30 in the direction along the axis x direction in the direction away from the bottom surface 31. And, the side surface 33 or the side surface 34 is a plane or a nearly plane. In particular, when the fluid in each inner recessed portion 30 flows to the side surface 33 or the side surface 34 of the inner rib surface portion 12 opposite to the rotation direction of the thrust plate 105, the fluid hits the side surface 33 or the side surface 34 of the inner rib surface portion 12, so that the pressure of the part of the fluid close to the side surface 33 or the side surface 34 of the inner rib surface portion 12 becomes high. Such high-pressure fluid generated in each inner recessed portion 30 mainly pressurizes the fluid film formed in the gap between the inner rib surface portion 12 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105, so that the pressure of the fluid film formed in the gap between the inner rib surface portion 12 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases. Furthermore, when the fluid film pressure formed in the gap between the inner rib portion 12 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases, the gap height between the inner rib portion 12 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases, the fluid flows into the increased gap, the fluid in the gap between the inner rib portion 12 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases, and the thickness of the fluid film increases.

[0082] Similarly, since the seal ring 1 has a plurality of outer recesses 40 on the sliding surface 10, a plurality of gaps 1c are formed between the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 and the sliding surface 10. Furthermore, when the sliding surface 10 of the seal ring 1 slides on the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105, the fluid film between the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 and the sliding surface 10 of the seal ring 1 can be maintained or strengthened by increasing the pressure of the refrigerant (fluid) containing lubricating oil in each outer recess 40. Specifically, each outer recess 40 is connected to the low-pressure chamber 110 at the opening 42, and the fluid in the low-pressure chamber 110 enters the outer recess 40 from the opening 42. In each outer recess 40, due to the relative movement of the bottom surface 41 with respect to the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 and the pressure in the low pressure chamber 110, when the fluid flows toward the inner peripheral end 41b side of each outer recess 40 or toward the side 43 side or the side 44 side of the outer rib surface portion 13 opposite to the rotation direction of the thrust plate 105, the fluid hits the inner peripheral end 41b or the side 43 or the side 44 of the outer rib surface portion 13, so that the pressure of the part of the fluid close to the inner peripheral end 41b or the side 43 or the side 44 of the outer rib surface portion 13 increases. Such a dynamic pressure effect is generated in each inner recess 40. As an effect of the dynamic pressure action, the high pressure generated in each outer recessed portion 40 pressurizes the fluid film formed in the gaps between the annular surface portion 11, the inner rib surface portion 12, and the outer rib surface portion 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105, thereby making it easier to maintain the thickness of the fluid film formed in the gaps between the annular surface portion 11, the inner rib surface portion 12, and the outer rib surface portion 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105. Furthermore, when the pressure further increases, the height of the gaps between the annular surface portion 11, the inner rib surface portion 12, and the outer rib surface portion 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases, and the fluid flows into the increased gaps, and the thickness of the fluid film formed in the gaps between the annular surface portion 11, the inner rib surface portion 12, and the outer rib surface portion 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 also increases.

[0083] Specifically, in each inner recess 40, the fluid flows toward the inner peripheral end 41b. When the fluid flows toward the inner peripheral end 41b, the fluid is pressed from the outer peripheral end 41a toward the inner peripheral end 41b. As described above, in the seal ring 1, the bottom surface 41 of each outer recess 40 is a plane or an approximate plane that continuously decreases in diameter as it moves toward the upper side and is inclined from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side toward the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105, and the cross-sectional area of ​​each outer recess 40 that is approximately parallel to the surface perpendicular to the radial direction decreases from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side. Therefore, in each outer recess 40, the pressure of the fluid pressed toward the inner peripheral end 41b increases from the opening 42 side toward the inner peripheral portion 41b side, and the pressure of the portion of the fluid close to the inner peripheral end 41b increases. Thus, as described above, the high-pressure fluid generated in each outer recess 40 mainly pressurizes the fluid film formed in the gap between the annular surface 11 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105, so that the pressure of the fluid film formed in the gap between the annular surface 11 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases. And, when the pressure of the fluid film formed in the gap between the annular surface 11 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases, the height of the gap between the annular surface 11 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases, the fluid flows into the increased gap, the fluid in the gap between the annular surface 11 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases, and the thickness of the fluid film increases.

[0084] In addition, in the seal ring 1, the side surface 43 or the side surface 44 of the outer rib surface portion 13 rises from the bottom surface 41 of each outer recessed portion 40 in the direction along the axis x direction in the direction away from the bottom surface 41. And, the side surface 43 or the side surface 44 is a plane or a nearly plane. In particular, when the fluid in each outer recessed portion 40 flows to the side surface 43 or the side surface 44 of the outer rib surface portion 13 opposite to the rotation direction of the thrust plate 105, the fluid hits the side surface 43 or the side surface 44 of the outer rib surface portion 13, so that the pressure of the part of the fluid close to the side surface 43 or the side surface 44 of the outer rib surface portion 13 becomes high. Such high-pressure fluid generated in each outer recessed portion 40 mainly pressurizes the fluid film formed in the gap between the outer rib surface portion 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105, so that the pressure of the fluid film formed in the gap between the outer rib surface portion 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases. Furthermore, when the fluid film pressure formed in the gap between the outer rib portion 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases, the gap height between the outer rib portion 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases, the fluid flows into the increased gap, the fluid in the gap between the outer rib portion 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 increases, and the thickness of the fluid film increases.

[0085] As described above, due to the effect of the dynamic pressure generated in each inner recess 30 and each outer recess 40, the thickness of the fluid film between the sliding surface 10 of the sealing ring 1 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 is maintained or strengthened as a whole (the film thickness is increased). As a result, the microscopic, local, and direct contact between the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b without the lubricating oil film is suppressed. In addition, the decrease in lubricity between the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b is suppressed or improved. Therefore, the sliding resistance of the sealing ring 1 is reduced, the friction resistance of the movable scroll 125 is reduced, and the driving torque of the driving motor 106 is reduced. In addition, the increase in the sliding resistance of the sealing ring 1 can also be suppressed.

[0086] Furthermore, in the seal ring 1, the fluid in the back pressure chamber 112 in each inner recess 30 enters the inner recess 30 from the opening 32, and the fluid in the low pressure chamber 110 in each outer recess 40 enters the outer recess 40 from the opening 42. When dynamic pressure is generated in the inner recess 30 and the outer recess 40, respectively, the fluid film formed in the gap between the annular surface portion 11, the inner rib surface portion 12, and the outer rib surface portion 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 is pressurized from both sides of each inner recess 30 side and each outer recess 40 side, so it is easier to maintain the thickness of the fluid film formed in the gap between the annular surface portion 11, the inner rib surface portion 12, and the outer rib surface portion 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105. Furthermore, since the fluid film formed in the gap between the annular surface 11, the inner rib surface 12, the outer rib surface 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 is pressurized from both sides of each inner recess 30 side and each outer recess 40 side, the gap between the annular surface 11, the inner rib surface 12, the outer rib surface 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 is further increased, and more fluid flows into the further increased gap, so that the thickness of the fluid film in the gap between the annular surface 11, the inner rib surface 12, the outer rib surface 13 of the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 is further increased. As a result, the lubricity between the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105b can be further improved, the sliding resistance of the seal ring 1 can be further reduced, the friction resistance of the movable scroll 125 can be further reduced, and the driving torque of the driving motor 106 can be further reduced.

[0087] In addition, in the seal ring 1, each inner recess 30 and each outer recess 40 are arranged side by side and face each other in the radial direction. Therefore, a dynamic pressure action and its effect can be effectively generated between the sliding surface 10 of the seal ring 1 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 by a pair of inner recess 30 and outer recess 40 arranged side by side in the radial direction.

[0088] When a thrust load is applied to the seal ring 1 against the thrust plate 105, the sliding surface 10 of the seal ring 1 may be worn due to the sliding of the seal ring 1 relative to the thrust plate 105. In particular, when the seal ring 1 is made of a resin material, the sliding surface 10 of the seal ring 1 may be more easily worn due to the sliding of the seal ring 1 relative to the thrust plate 105. If the dynamic pressure effect of the inner recess 30 and the outer recess 40 is reduced or eliminated due to such wear, the lubrication performance of the seal ring 1 and the effect of reducing the sliding resistance of the seal ring 1 described above will not be obtained.

[0089] In the sealing ring 1, as Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the bottom surface 31 of each inner concave portion 30 is a plane or a nearly plane that continuously expands in diameter from the lower side toward the upper side in the axis x direction and is inclined downward from the annular surface portion 11 toward the inner circumference. Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the bottom surface 41 of each outer recessed portion 40 is a plane or a nearly plane that continuously decreases in diameter from the lower side to the upper side in the direction of the axis x and is inclined downward from the annular surface portion 11 toward the outer peripheral side. Therefore, even if the sliding surface 10 (annular surface portion 11, inner rib surface portion 12, outer rib surface portion 13) of the seal ring 1 is worn, the bottom surface 31 inclined downward toward the inner peripheral side can be retained on the worn annular surface portion 11, and the bottom surface 41 inclined downward toward the outer peripheral side can be retained. More specifically, even if the sliding surface 10 of the seal ring 1 is worn, the structure formed by the annular surface portion 11 and the bottom surface 31 before the wear can be maintained between the annular surface portion 11 and the bottom surface 31, and the structure formed by the annular surface portion 11 and the bottom surface 41 before the wear can be maintained between the annular surface portion 11 and the bottom surface 41. Therefore, even if the wear of the sliding surface 10 of the seal ring 1 is intensified, the dynamic pressure action and the effect of the dynamic pressure action of the above-mentioned each inner recessed portion 30 and each outer recessed portion 40 can be maintained. Therefore, even if the wear of the sliding surface 10 of the sealing ring 1 intensifies, the sealing ring 1 can maintain high lubricity between the sliding surface 10 and the upper surface 105a based on the dynamic pressure of each inner recess 30 and each outer recess 40, maintain low sliding resistance of the sealing ring 1, maintain low friction resistance of the sealing ring 1 exerted on the movable scroll plate 125, and maintain low driving torque of the driving motor 106.

[0090] As described above, according to the seal ring 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the increase in the sliding resistance of the seal ring 1 with respect to the thrust plate 105 over time.

[0091] Next, a seal ring 4 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 7 is a side view of a seal ring 4 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of the sealing ring 4, Fig. 9 The sealing ring 4 is Figure 8 Cross-sectional view along line BB. Fig. 9 is the same as above Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the sealing ring 1 shown is at a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view.

[0092] like Figure 7-9 As shown, the sealing ring 4 involved in the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the sealing ring 1 mentioned above in that the fixed surface 20 as the other side surface 1b is replaced by a sliding surface 10. That is to say, the sealing ring 4 has a pair of sliding surfaces 10 facing each other in the direction of the axis x. The sliding surface 10 on the upper side and the sliding surface 10 on the lower side are symmetrical in the direction of the axis x. It should be noted that the sliding surface 10 on the upper side and the sliding surface 10 on the lower side may also be asymmetrical in the direction of the axis x. For example, each inner recess 30 on the upper side and each inner recess 30 on the lower side may have different shapes and sizes from each other, and may not be in corresponding positions in the direction of the axis x. Similarly, each outer recess 40 on the upper side and each outer recess 40 on the lower side may have different shapes and sizes from each other, and may not be in corresponding positions in the direction of the axis x.

[0093] According to the seal ring 4, since the two surfaces facing each other in the axis x direction are both sliding surfaces 10, when it is installed on the scroll compressor 100, it is not necessary to confirm the direction of the seal ring 4, and the seal ring 4 can be easily installed. In addition, the seal ring 4 functions in the same manner as the seal ring 1 described above when in use, and can produce the same dynamic pressure action and effect as the seal ring 1, and can maintain the dynamic pressure action even if the friction of the sliding surface 10 increases.

[0094] As described above, according to the seal ring 4 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the increase in the sliding resistance of the seal ring 1 with respect to the thrust plate 105 over time.

[0095] Next, a seal ring 5 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The seal ring 5 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is mainly different from the seal ring 1 described above in that the bottom surface morphology of each inner concave portion and the bottom surface morphology of each outer concave portion are different. Hereinafter, for the structure of the seal ring 5, the same symbols are given to the same structure as the seal ring 1 or the structure having similar functions, and the description is omitted, and only the structure different from the seal ring 1 is described.

[0096] Fig.10 is a top view of a seal ring 5 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig.11 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of the sealing ring 5, Fig.12 The sealing ring 5 is Fig.10 The cross-sectional view along the CC line. Figures 10 to 12As shown, the seal ring 5 has a sliding surface 15 different from the sliding surface 10 of the seal ring 1. A plurality of inner recesses 35 and a plurality of outer recesses 45 are formed on the sliding surface 15 of the seal ring 5, and the plurality of inner recesses 35 and the plurality of outer recesses 45 are respectively arranged in the same manner as the plurality of inner recesses 30 and the plurality of outer recesses 40 on the sliding surface 10 of the seal ring 1. Therefore, the sliding surface 15 has an annular surface portion 11, an inner rib surface portion 12, and an outer rib surface portion 13, similarly to the sliding surface 10.

[0097] The inner recess 35 of the seal ring 5 has a bottom surface 36 different in shape from the bottom surface 31 of the inner recess 30 of the seal ring 1 . The outer recess 45 of the seal ring 5 has a bottom surface 46 different in shape from the bottom surface 41 of the outer recess 40 of the seal ring 1 .

[0098] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the bottom surface 36 of each inner recess 35 increases in diameter from the lower side to the upper side in the axis x direction, and the distance (radius D3) from the axis x in the axis x direction increases as it goes upward. Fig.11 , 12 As shown, the bottom surface 36 of each inner recess 35 is discontinuously enlarged in diameter as it moves upward in the direction of the axis x, for example. Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the bottom surface 36 is a stepped surface having a step 37, a step 38, and a step 39. The inclination angle formed by the bottom surface 36 is, for example, the same as the inclination angle β1 of the bottom surface 31 of the inner concave portion 30. The inclination angle formed by the bottom surface 36 may be different from the inclination angle β1 of the bottom surface 31. The step 37 has a face portion 37a and a step portion 37b. Fig.10 , 11 As shown, the surface 37a is a surface extending in an arc shape within the range of the central angle α1 centered on the axis x (the range between the dotted lines R), for example, an arc-shaped surface extending along an arc extending within the range of the central angle α1, and a surface extending parallel or substantially parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis x. Fig.10 , 11 As shown, the step portion 37b is a surface with an arcuate cross section extending upward from the outer peripheral side end of the face portion 37a, for example, a surface with an arcuate cross section extending along an arc extending within the range of the central angle α1, and is a surface extending parallel or substantially parallel to a cylindrical surface or a substantially cylindrical surface with the axis x as the central axis or the substantially central axis. The face portion 37a and the step portion 37b may be smoothly connected or may not be smoothly connected, for example, connected at a right angle.

[0099] Step 38 is similar to step 37 and includes face 38a and step portion 38b. Face 38a extends from the upper end of step portion 37b toward the outer periphery and is, for example, a face similar to or substantially similar to face 37a. Step portion 38b extends upward from the outer periphery end of face 38a and is, for example, a face similar to or substantially similar to step portion 37b. Face 38a and step portion 37b may be smoothly connected or not smoothly connected, for example, connected at a right angle. Face 38a and step portion 38b may be smoothly connected or not smoothly connected, for example, connected at a right angle. Step 39 is similar to step 38 and includes face 39a and step portion 39b. Face 39a extends from the upper end of step portion 38b toward the outer periphery and is, for example, a face similar to or substantially similar to face 38a. Step portion 39b extends upward from the outer periphery end of face 39a and is, for example, a face similar to or substantially similar to step portion 38b. The step portion 39b is connected to the annular surface portion 11 of the sliding surface 10. The surface portion 39a and the step portion 38b may be connected smoothly or not, for example, they are connected at a right angle. The surface portion 39a and the step portion 39b may be connected smoothly or not, for example, they are connected at a right angle. The step portion 39b and the annular surface portion 11 may be connected smoothly or not, for example, they are connected at a right angle.

[0100] like Fig.11 , 12 As shown, the face 37a of the step 37 of the bottom face 36 of each inner recess 35 is connected to the inner peripheral surface 2 at the end (inner peripheral end 36a) on the inner peripheral side, and the inner peripheral end 36a of the bottom face 36 of each inner recess 35 is located below the inner rib face 12 of the sliding surface 10 in the axis x direction. In this way, each inner recess 35 forms an opening 32 on the inner peripheral surface 2, similar to the inner recess 30 described above.

[0101] It should be noted that the surface 37a, 38a, 39a of each step 37, 38, 39 is not limited to a surface parallel to the surface perpendicular to the axis x. The surface 37a, 38a, 39a can be, for example, a plane or a substantially plane that is inclined upward from the inner circumference to the outer circumference relative to the surface perpendicular to the axis x, or it can be a surface other than a flat surface. In addition, the step portions 37b, 38b, 39b of each step 37, 38, 39 are not limited to a surface parallel to the cylindrical surface. The step portions 37b, 38b, 39b can be, for example, a surface parallel or substantially parallel to the conical surface that expands toward the upper side, or it can be a surface other than a shape. In addition, the bottom surface 36 has three steps (steps 37, 38, 39), but the number of steps of the bottom surface 36 is not limited to three, and can also be one, two, or more than four.

[0102] like Figures 10 to 12As shown, the bottom surface 46 of each outer recess 45 decreases in diameter from the lower side to the upper side in the axis x direction, and the distance (radius D4) from the axis x increases as it moves upward in the axis x direction. Fig.11 , 12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the bottom surface 46 of each outer recess 45 decreases in diameter intermittently as it moves upward in the direction of the axis x. Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the bottom surface 46 is a stepped surface having steps 47, 48, and 49. The inclination angle formed by the bottom surface 46 is, for example, the same as the inclination angle β2 of the bottom surface 41 of the outer concave portion 40. The inclination angle formed by the bottom surface 46 may also be different from the inclination angle β2 of the bottom surface 41. The step 47 has a face portion 47a and a step portion 47b. Fig.10 , 11 As shown, the surface 47a is a surface extending in an arc shape within the range of the central angle α2 centered on the axis x (the range between the dotted lines R), for example, an arc-shaped surface extending along an arc extending within the range of the central angle α2, and a surface extending parallel or substantially parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis x. Fig.10 , 11 As shown, the step portion 47b is a surface with an arcuate cross section extending upward from the outer peripheral side end of the surface portion 47a, for example, a surface with an arcuate cross section extending along an arc extending within the range of the central angle α2, and is a surface extending parallel or substantially parallel to a cylindrical surface or a substantially cylindrical surface with the axis x as the central axis or the substantially central axis. The surface portion 47a and the step portion 47b may be smoothly connected or may not be smoothly connected, for example, connected at a right angle.

[0103] Step 48 is similar to step 47 and has face 48a and step 48b. Face 48a extends from the upper end of step 47b to the inner circumference, and is, for example, a surface similar to or substantially similar to face 47a. Step 48b extends from the inner circumference end of face 48a to the upper side, and is, for example, a surface similar to or substantially similar to step 47b. Face 48a and step 47b may be smoothly connected or not smoothly connected, and may be connected at a right angle, etc. Face 48a and step 48b may be smoothly connected or not smoothly connected, and may be connected at a right angle, etc. Step 49 is similar to step 48 and has face 49a and step 49b. Face 49a extends from the upper end of step 48b to the inner circumference, and is, for example, a surface similar to or substantially similar to face 48a. Step 49b extends from the inner circumference end of face 49a to the upper side, and is, for example, a surface similar to or substantially similar to step 48b. The step portion 49b is connected to the annular surface portion 11 of the sliding surface 10. The surface portion 49a and the step portion 48b may be connected smoothly or not, for example, at a right angle. The surface portion 49a and the step portion 49b may be connected smoothly or not, for example, at a right angle. The step portion 49b and the annular surface portion 11 may be connected smoothly or not, for example, at a right angle.

[0104] like Fig.11 , 12 As shown, the surface 47a of the step 47 of the bottom surface 46 of each outer recess 45 is connected to the outer peripheral surface 3 at the end (outer peripheral end 46a) on the outer peripheral side, and the outer peripheral end 46a of the bottom surface 46 of each outer recess 45 is located below the inner rib surface 12 of the sliding surface 10 in the axis x direction. In this way, each outer recess 45 forms an opening 42 on the outer peripheral surface 3, similar to the above-mentioned outer recess 40.

[0105] It should be noted that the surface 47a, 48a, 49a of each step 47, 48, 49 is not limited to a surface parallel to the surface perpendicular to the axis x. The surface 47a, 48a, 49a can be, for example, a plane or a substantially plane that is inclined upward from the inner circumference to the outer circumference relative to the surface perpendicular to the axis x, or it can be a surface other than a flat surface. In addition, the step portions 47b, 48b, 49b of each step 47, 48, 49 are not limited to a surface parallel to the cylindrical surface. The step portions 47b, 48b, 49b can be, for example, a surface parallel or substantially parallel to the conical surface that expands toward the upper side, or it can be a surface other than a shape. In addition, the bottom surface 46 has three steps (steps 47, 48, 49), but the number of steps of the bottom surface 46 is not limited to three, and can also be one, two, or four or more.

[0106] Thus, each inner recess 35 forms a recessed portion whose cross-sectional area perpendicular to the radial direction or the cross-sectional area of ​​the cylindrical surface with the axis x as the center axis gradually decreases from the opening portion 32 on the inner circumference side toward the outer circumferential end 36b on the outer circumference side on the inner circumference side of the sliding surface 15. On the other hand, each outer recess 45 forms a recessed portion whose cross-sectional area perpendicular to the radial direction or the cross-sectional area of ​​the cylindrical surface with the axis x as the center axis gradually decreases from the opening portion 42 on the outer circumference side toward the inner circumferential end 41b on the inner side on the outer circumference side of the sliding surface 15. In addition, the outer circumferential end 36b of each inner recess 35 is the outer circumferential end of the bottom surface 36 and the upper end of the step portion 39b of the step 39. Furthermore, the inner circumferential end 46b of each outer recess 45 is the inner circumferential end of the bottom surface 46 and the upper end of the step portion 49b of the step 49.

[0107] As described above, the seal ring 5 has an inner concave portion 35 and an outer concave portion 45 which are respectively the same as the inner concave portion 30 and the outer concave portion 40 of the seal ring 1, the inner concave portion 35 has a bottom surface 36 which expands in diameter as it goes upward in the axis x direction, and the outer concave portion 45 has a bottom surface 46 which decreases in diameter as it goes upward in the axis x direction. Therefore, in the scroll compressor 100, the seal ring 5 can exert the dynamic pressure action and the effect of the dynamic pressure action as the seal ring 1 does, and can maintain high lubricity between the sliding surface 15 of the seal ring 5 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105, maintain low sliding resistance of the seal ring 5, maintain low friction resistance of the movable scroll 125, and maintain low driving torque of the drive motor 106.

[0108] In addition, in the sealing ring 5, as Fig.11 , 12 As shown, the bottom surface 36 of each inner concave portion 35 is a stepped surface that increases in diameter intermittently as it goes upward in the direction of the axis x and descends from the annular surface portion 11 toward the inner circumference to the lower side. Fig.11 , 12As shown, the bottom surface 46 of each outer recessed portion 45 is a surface that intermittently decreases in diameter as it moves upward in the axis x direction and descends from the annular surface portion 11 toward the outer peripheral side and downward. Therefore, even if the sliding surface 15 (annular surface portion 11, inner rib surface portion 12, outer rib surface portion 13) of the seal ring 5 is worn, the bottom surface 36 that descends toward the inner peripheral side and downward can be retained on the worn annular surface portion 11, and the bottom surface 46 that descends toward the outer peripheral side and downward can be retained. More specifically, even if the sliding surface 15 of the seal ring 5 is worn, the structure formed by the annular surface portion 11 and the bottom surface 36 before the wear can be maintained between the annular surface portion 11 and the bottom surface 36, and the structure formed by the annular surface portion 11 and the bottom surface 46 before the wear can be maintained between the annular surface portion 11 and the bottom surface 46. Therefore, as with the seal ring 1, even if the wear of the sliding surface 15 of the seal ring 5 is intensified, the dynamic pressure action and the effect of the dynamic pressure action of the above-mentioned each inner recessed portion 35 and each outer recessed portion 45 can be maintained. Therefore, even if the wear of the sliding surface 15 of the sealing ring 5 intensifies, the sealing ring 5 can maintain high lubricity between the sliding surface 15 of the sealing ring 5 and the upper surface 105b of the thrust plate 105 based on the dynamic pressure of each inner recess 35 and each outer recess 45, maintain low sliding resistance of the sealing ring 5, maintain low friction resistance of the movable scroll plate 125, and maintain low driving torque of the driving motor 106.

[0109] As described above, according to the seal ring 5 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the increase in the sliding resistance of the seal ring 5 with respect to the thrust plate 105 over time.

[0110] Next, a seal ring 6 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig.13 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of a seal ring 6 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig.14 The sealing ring 6 is Fig.13 Cross-sectional view along the DD line.

[0111] like Fig.13 , 14 As shown, the sealing ring 6 involved in the fourth embodiment of the present invention is different from the sealing ring 5 mentioned above in that the fixed surface 20 as the other side surface 1b is replaced by a sliding surface 15. In other words, the sealing ring 6 has a pair of sliding surfaces 15 facing each other in the direction of the axis x. The sliding surface 15 on the upper side and the sliding surface 15 on the lower side are symmetrical in the direction of the axis x. It should be noted that the sliding surface 15 on the upper side and the sliding surface 15 on the lower side may also be asymmetrical in the direction of the axis x. For example, each inner recess 35 on the upper side and each inner recess 35 on the lower side may have different shapes and sizes, and may not be in corresponding positions in the direction of the axis x. Similarly, each outer recess 45 on the upper side and each outer recess 45 on the lower side may have different shapes and sizes, and may not be in corresponding positions in the direction of the axis x.

[0112] According to the seal ring 6, since the two surfaces facing each other in the axis x direction are both sliding surfaces 15, when it is installed on the scroll compressor 100, there is no need to confirm the direction of the seal ring 6, and the seal ring 6 can be easily installed. In addition, the seal ring 6 plays the same role as the seal ring 5 in the use state, and can produce the same dynamic pressure action and effect of the dynamic pressure action as the seal ring 5, and can maintain the dynamic pressure action even if the friction of the sliding surface 15 increases.

[0113] As described above, according to the seal ring 6 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the increase in the sliding resistance of the seal ring 6 with respect to the thrust plate 105 over time.

[0114] The above is an explanation of the embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the sealing rings 1, 4, 5, and 6 involved in the above embodiments of the present invention, but also includes all the methods included in the concept of the present invention and the claims. In addition, the various structures can be appropriately selected and combined to achieve at least part of the above-mentioned subjects and effects. For example, the shape, material, configuration, size, etc. of each structure in the above embodiments can be appropriately changed according to the specific usage of the present invention.

[0115] Description of symbols

[0116] 1, 4, 5, 6… sealing ring; 1a… one side surface; 1b… the other side surface; 1c… gap; 1d… convex portion; 2… inner peripheral surface; 3… outer peripheral surface; 10, 15… sliding surface; 11… annular surface; 12… inner rib surface; 12a, 12b… end portion; 13… outer rib surface; 13a, 13b… end portion; 20… fixing surface; 30, 35… inner concave portion; 31, 36… bottom surface; 31a, 36a… inner peripheral end; 31b, 36b… outer peripheral end; 32… opening; 33, 34… side surface ; 37, 38, 39…step; 37a, 38a, 39a…face; 37b, 38b, 39b…step portion; 40, 45…outer recess; 41, 46…bottom; 41a, 46a…outer peripheral end; 41b, 46b…inner peripheral end; 42…opening; 43, 44…side; 47, 48, 49…step; 47a, 48a, 49a…face; 47b, 48b, 49b…step portion; 100…scroll compressor; 101…housing; 102…rotating shaft; 102a ...eccentric part; 102b...weight part; 103...inner shell; 103a...through hole; 104...scroll compression mechanism; 104a...compression chamber; 105...thrust plate; 105a...lower surface; 105b...upper surface; 105c...through hole; 106...driving motor; 107...housing; 108...cover; 109...suction port; 110...low pressure chamber; 111...high pressure chamber; 112...back pressure chamber; 113...discharge communication path; 114...back pressure communication path; 115...oil separator; 116...suction communication path 117, 118…sealing ring; 119a…pressure relief hole; 119b…pressure regulating valve; 120…fixed scroll; 121…end plate; 122…scroll; 123…recess; 124…discharge hole; 125…movable scroll; 126…end plate; 126a…lower surface; 127…scroll; 128…boss; D1, D2, D3, D4…diameter; α1, α2…center angle; β1, β2…inclination angle; r1, r2…width; S…sliding area; x, x1, x2…axis.

Claims

1. A sealing ring for closing a gap between two parts moving relative to each other, wherein the sealing ring is characterized in that: The sealing ring is annular around the axis and comprises: A side surface, wherein the side surface is an annular surface facing one side in the axial direction; and another side surface, the other side surface being an annular surface facing the other side of the axial direction, At least one of the one side surface and the other side surface forms a gap with one or the other of the two components when in contact with one or the other of the two components, The gap gradually decreases as wear occurs due to contact between at least one of the one side surface and the other side surface and one of the two components.

2. The sealing ring according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the one side surface and the other side surface has a plurality of portions protruding toward the facing side.

3. The sealing ring according to claim 2, characterized in that: The plurality of protruding portions are spaced apart around the axis.

4. The sealing ring according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the one side surface contacts one of the two components, the gap is formed between the one side surface and the one of the two components. When the other side surface is in contact with the other of the two components, the gap is formed between the other of the two components.

5. The sealing ring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one side surface has a plurality of inner circumferential side recesses, which are recesses formed at intervals in the circumferential direction and open on the inner circumferential side, and the one side surface has a plurality of outer circumferential side recesses, which are recesses formed at intervals in the circumferential direction and open on the outer circumferential side, Each of the inner peripheral side recessed portions on one side has a bottom surface, the bottom surface being a surface whose diameter increases toward the one side in the axial direction, Each of the one outer peripheral side recessed portions has a bottom surface whose diameter decreases toward the one side in the axial direction.

6. The sealing ring according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom surface of each of the one inner peripheral side recessed portions continuously increases in diameter toward the one side in the axial direction.

7. The sealing ring according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The bottom surface of each of the one outer peripheral side recessed portions continuously decreases in diameter toward the one side in the axial direction.

8. The sealing ring according to claim 5, characterized in that: The bottom surface of each of the one inner peripheral side recessed portions has a diameter that is discontinuously expanded toward the one side in the axial direction.

9. The sealing ring according to claim 5 or 8, characterized in that: The bottom surface of each of the one outer peripheral side recessed portions has a diameter that is intermittently reduced toward the one side in the axial direction.

10. The sealing ring according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each of the inner circumference-side recessed portions on one side and each of the outer circumference-side recessed portions on one side face away from each other in the radial direction.

11. The sealing ring according to claim 5, characterized in that: The other side surface has a plurality of other side inner circumferential side recesses, which are recesses formed at intervals in the circumferential direction and open on the inner circumferential side, and the other side surface has a plurality of other side outer circumferential side recesses, which are recesses formed at intervals in the circumferential direction and open on the outer circumferential side, Each of the other inner peripheral side recessed portions has a bottom surface whose diameter increases toward the other side in the axial direction. Each of the other outer peripheral concave portions has a bottom surface whose diameter decreases toward the other side in the axial direction.

12. The sealing ring according to claim 11, characterized in that: The bottom surface of each of the other-side inner peripheral side recessed portions continuously increases in diameter toward the other side in the axial direction.

13. The sealing ring according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The bottom surface of each of the other-side outer peripheral recessed portions continuously decreases in diameter toward the other side in the axial direction.

14. The sealing ring according to claim 11, characterized in that: The bottom surface of each of the other-side inner circumferential-side recessed portions discontinuously increases in diameter toward the other side in the axial direction.

15. The sealing ring according to claim 11 or 14, characterized in that: The bottom surface of each of the other-side outer peripheral recessed portions has a diameter that is intermittently reduced toward the other side in the axial direction.

16. The sealing ring according to claim 11, characterized in that: Each of the other-side inner circumference-side recessed portions and each of the other-side outer circumference-side recessed portions face each other in the radial direction.

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