Electric compressor with scroll backpressure system

Abstract

An electric compressor includes a housing, a refrigerant inlet port, a refrigerant outlet port, an inverter section, a motor section, a compression device, and a front cover. The housing defines an intake volume and an exhaust volume. The refrigerant inlet port is coupled to the housing and is configured to introduce refrigerant to the intake volume. The compression device is a scroll compression device configured to be capable of compressing a refrigerant. The refrigerant outlet port is coupled to the housing and is configured to allow compressed refrigerant to exit the scroll electric compressor from the exhaust volume. The electric compressor includes a scroll backpressure system located at least partially within a compression device body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an electric compressor, and more particularly to an electric compressor that compresses refrigerant using a scroll compression device. Background Art

[0002] Compressors have long been used in cooling systems. In particular, scroll compressors, in which an orbiting scroll rotates in a circular motion relative to a non-orbiting scroll to compress the refrigerant, have been used in systems designed to provide cooling in a specific area. For example, such scroll compressors have long been used in HVAC systems in motor vehicles, such as automobiles, to provide air conditioning. These compressors can also be used in applications requiring heat pumps. Typically, these compressors are driven by the rotational motion of the vehicle's engine.

[0003] With the advent of battery-powered or electric vehicles and / or hybrid vehicles, where the vehicle may sometimes be powered solely by the battery, such compressors must be driven or powered by the battery rather than the engine. Such compressors may be referred to as electric compressors.

[0004] In addition to cooling the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, an electric compressor may also be used to provide heating or cooling to other areas or components of the motor vehicle. For example, when the battery is being charged, particularly during a fast charge mode, it may be desirable to heat or cool the electronic systems and the battery or battery compartment since this generates heat that may damage the battery and / or other systems or degrade the performance of the battery and / or other systems. It may also be used to cool the battery when the battery is not being charged or in use since heat may damage the battery or degrade its performance. Since the electric compressor may be operated at various times, even when the motor vehicle is not in operation, such use obviously requires electrical energy from the battery, thereby reducing the operating time of the battery.

[0005] A scroll compressor typically includes an intake volume, which receives refrigerant (from an external source), and a discharge volume, located downstream of the non-orbiting and orbiting scrolls, that contains or collects the compressed refrigerant. Within the compressor, backpressure can be used to load the orbiting scroll onto the non-orbiting scroll. Proper loading of the orbiting scroll onto the non-orbiting scroll ensures proper operation while allowing for thermal expansion, manufacturing tolerances, and the like. Furthermore, proper loading can help provide a proper seal between the scrolls.

[0006] The back pressure must be large enough to overcome the axial separation of the scrolls. However, if the back pressure is too high, there may be loss of oil film between the scrolls, excessive friction and reduced efficiency.

[0007] Furthermore, electric compressors can operate at very high speeds, such as 2000 RPM (or higher), which can generate undesirable noise levels.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an electric compressor with high efficiency, low noise and maximum operating life.The present invention is directed to one or more of the above problems or advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, an electric scroll compressor configured to compress refrigerant is provided. The electric scroll compressor includes a housing, a refrigerant inlet port, a refrigerant outlet port, an inverter module, a motor, a drive shaft, a compression device, and a scroll backpressure system. The housing defines an intake volume and an exhaust volume. The refrigerant inlet port is coupled to the housing and is configured to introduce refrigerant into the intake volume. The refrigerant outlet port is coupled to the housing and is configured to allow compressed refrigerant to leave the electric scroll compressor from the exhaust volume. The inverter module is mounted within the housing and is suitable for converting direct current into alternating current. The motor is mounted inside the housing. The drive shaft is coupled to the motor. The compression device is coupled to the drive shaft for receiving refrigerant from the intake volume and compressing the refrigerant when the drive shaft is rotated by the motor.

[0010] The compression device includes a compression device body, a fixed scroll, and an orbiting scroll. The fixed scroll is positioned within the housing and fixed relative to the compression device body. The orbiting scroll is coupled to the drive shaft. The orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll form a compression chamber for receiving and compressing refrigerant from the intake volume as the drive shaft rotates about a central axis. The compression device forms a backpressure pocket.

[0011] The vortex back-pressure system is at least partially located within the compression device body and includes a first pressure path and a second pressure path. The first pressure path is located between the exhaust volume and the back-pressure bag and is configured to allow pressurized refrigerant in the exhaust volume to be introduced into the back-pressure bag. The first pressure path is at least partially formed in the compression device body. The second pressure path is located between the back-pressure bag and the intake volume and includes a discharge valve for controllably discharging pressurized refrigerant in the back-pressure bag into the intake volume.

[0012] In a first embodiment of the present invention, an electric scroll compressor configured to compress refrigerant is provided. The electric scroll compressor includes a housing, a refrigerant inlet port, a refrigerant outlet port, an inverter module, a motor, a drive shaft, a compression device and a scroll back pressure system. The housing includes a center housing and a front cover, and is defined by an intake volume and an exhaust volume. The exhaust volume is at least partially formed by the center housing and the front cover. The refrigerant inlet port is coupled to the housing and is configured to introduce refrigerant into the intake volume. The refrigerant outlet port is coupled to the housing and is configured to allow compressed refrigerant to leave the electric scroll compressor from the exhaust volume. The inverter module is mounted in the housing and is suitable for converting direct current into alternating current. The motor is a motor mounted inside the housing, and the drive shaft is coupled to the motor.

[0013] The compression device is coupled to the drive shaft for receiving refrigerant from the intake volume and compressing the refrigerant when the drive shaft is rotated by the motor. The compression device comprises a compression device body, a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll. The compression device body comprises a thrust body. The back-pressure bag is at least partially formed by the thrust body. The fixed scroll is located within the housing and is fixed relative to the compression device body. The orbiting scroll is coupled to the drive shaft. The orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll form a compression chamber for receiving refrigerant from the intake volume and compressing the refrigerant when the drive shaft rotates about a central axis. The compression device forms a back-pressure bag.

[0014] The scroll back-pressure system is at least partially located within the compression device body and includes a first pressure path and a second pressure path.

[0015] The first pressure path is between the exhaust volume and the back-pressure bag and is configured to allow pressurized refrigerant in the exhaust volume to be introduced into the back-pressure bag. The first pressure path is at least partially formed in the compression device body.

[0016] The compression device body includes a thrust plate. The back-pressure bag is at least partially formed by the thrust plate. The first pressure path is formed through the front cover, the center housing, and the thrust body. The first pressure path has a first pressure path end connected to the refrigerant outlet port and a second pressure path end connected to the back-pressure bag. The first pressure path includes a fixed orifice to restrict the flow of the pressurized refrigerant from the exhaust volume to the back-pressure bag.

[0017] The second pressure path is located between the back-pressure bag and the intake volume and includes a relief valve for controllably releasing pressurized refrigerant in the back-pressure bag into the intake volume. The relief valve is configured to maintain a fixed pressure differential between the back-pressure bag and the intake volume and is at least partially located within the thrust body.

[0018] In a second embodiment of the present invention, an electric scroll compressor configured to compress refrigerant is provided, wherein the electric scroll compressor includes a housing, a refrigerant inlet port, a refrigerant outlet port, an inverter section, a motor section, a compression device, and a scroll back pressure system.

[0019] The housing defines an intake volume and an exhaust volume. The refrigerant inlet port is coupled to the housing and configured to introduce refrigerant into the intake volume. The refrigerant outlet port is coupled to the housing and configured to allow compressed refrigerant to exit the electric scroll compressor from the exhaust volume.

[0020] The inverter section includes an inverter housing, an inverter back cover, and an inverter module. The inverter back cover is connected to the inverter housing and forms an inverter cavity. The inverter module is installed inside the inverter cavity and is suitable for converting direct current into alternating current.

[0021] The motor section includes a drive shaft and a motor. The drive shaft is positioned within the housing, has a first end and a second end, and defines a central axis. The motor is positioned within the housing to controllably rotate the drive shaft about the central axis. The compression device is coupled to the drive shaft for receiving refrigerant from the intake volume and compressing the refrigerant when the drive shaft is rotated by the motor.

[0022] The compression device includes a compression device body, a fixed scroll, and an orbiting scroll. The compression device body includes a thrust body. The back-pressure pocket is at least partially formed by the thrust body. The fixed scroll is positioned within the housing and is fixed relative to the thrust body. The orbiting scroll is coupled to the drive shaft. The orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll form a compression chamber for receiving refrigerant from the intake volume and compressing the refrigerant as the drive shaft rotates about the central axis.

[0023] The vortex back-pressure system is at least partially located within the compression device body and includes a first pressure path, a second pressure path, and a back-pressure regulator valve. The first pressure path is located between the exhaust volume and the back-pressure bag and is configured to allow pressurized refrigerant in the exhaust volume to be introduced into the back-pressure bag. The first pressure path is at least partially formed in the thrust body. The second pressure path is located between the back-pressure bag and the intake volume, and the second pressure path includes a discharge valve for controllably discharging pressurized refrigerant in the back-pressure bag into the intake volume.

[0024] The backpressure regulator valve is connected between the intake volume and the backpressure bag and is at least partially located within the thrust body. The backpressure regulator valve is configured to change the flow of pressure refrigerant from the exhaust volume to the backpressure bag through the first pressure path according to a pressure difference between the intake volume and the backpressure bag.

[0025] The second pressure path includes a passage and a relief valve. The passage is located within the compression device body between the intake volume and the back-pressure bag. The relief valve is coupled between the exhaust volume and the back-pressure bag to control the flow of refrigerant between the back-pressure bag and the intake volume based on a pressure difference between the exhaust volume and the back-pressure bag. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electric compressor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 The invention includes a vortex back pressure system according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an electric compressor.

[0029] Figure 3A-Figure 3B is a diagrammatic depiction of a portion of a motor-driven compressor including a scroll back-pressure system according to a second embodiment.

[0030] Figures 4A-4D yes Figure 1 Illustration of the back pressure regulator valve of an electric compressor during operation.

[0031] Figure 5A-5B yes Figure 3A-Figure 3B Illustration of the discharge valve of an electric compressor during operation.

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 5A-5B A perspective view of the thrust body of an electric compressor.

[0033] Figure 7A-7B According to the second embodiment, Figure 3A-Figure 3B Graphical depiction of the electric compressor portion of the scroll backpressure system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] refer to Figure 1-Figure 2 、 Figure 3A-Figure 3B 、 Figures 4A-4D 、 Figure 5A-5B 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7A-7B , wherein like reference numerals throughout the several views indicate like or corresponding parts, an electric compressor 10 having an outer housing 12 is provided. The electric compressor 10 is particularly suitable for use in motor vehicles, such as automobiles (not shown). The electric compressor 10 can be used as a cooling device or as a heat pump to heat and / or cool different aspects of a vehicle. For example, the electric compressor 10 can be used as part of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in an electric vehicle (not shown) to cool or heat the passenger compartment. In addition, the electric compressor 10 can be used to heat or cool the passenger compartment, onboard electronics, and / or for powering a battery for the vehicle when the vehicle is not operating (e.g., during a charging cycle). The electric compressor 10 can also be used when the vehicle is not operating and when the battery is not charging to preserve battery life or minimize degradation of battery life.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the electric compressor 10 is a scroll compressor that is used to quickly and efficiently compress refrigerant for use in various systems of a motor vehicle, such as an electric or hybrid vehicle. The electric compressor 10 includes an inverter section 14, a motor section 16, and a compression device (or compression assembly) 18 contained within an outer housing 12. The outer housing 12 includes an inverter rear cover 20, an inverter housing 22, a center housing 24 (which may be integral), and a front cover 28 (which may be referred to as a discharge header). The center housing 24 houses the motor section 16 and the compression device 18.

[0036] In one embodiment, the inverter rear cover 20, the inverter housing 22, the center housing 24, and the front cover 28 are formed from machined aluminum. The electric compressor 10 can be mounted, for example, within the body of a motor vehicle via a plurality of mounting points (not shown). In one aspect of the electric compressor 10 of the present disclosure, an electric compressor 10 having a scroll backpressure system 200 (see below) is provided.

[0037] General Arrangement and Operation of the Electric Compressor 10

[0038] The inverter back cover 20 and the inverter housing 22 form an inverter cavity 30. The inverter back cover 20 is mounted to the inverter housing 22 by a plurality of bolts 32. An inverter gasket 42 positioned between the inverter back cover 20 and the inverter housing 22 prevents moisture, dust, and other contaminants from entering the inverter cavity 30.

[0039] An inverter module (not shown) is mounted in an inverter cavity 30 formed by the inverter back cover 20 and the inverter housing 22. The inverter module may include an inverter circuit (not shown) mounted on a printed circuit board (not shown), which is mounted to the inverter housing 22. The inverter circuit converts direct current (DC) received from the outside of the electric compressor 10 into three-phase alternating current (AC) to supply / power the motor 54 (see below). The inverter circuit can also control the speed of the electric compressor 10. High voltage DC current is supplied to the inverter circuit via a high voltage connector (not shown). Low voltage DC current for driving the inverter circuit and control signals for controlling the operation of the inverter circuit and the motor section 16 can be supplied via a low voltage connector (not shown).

[0040] The center housing 24 forms a motor cavity 56. The motor section 16 includes a motor 54 located within the motor cavity 56. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the motor 54 is a three-phase AC motor having a stator 58. The stator 58 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape with six individual coils (two per phase). The stator 58 is contained within and mounted to the motor housing 22 and remains stationary relative to the motor housing 22.

[0041] The motor 54 includes a rotor 60 located within and centered relative to the stator 58. The rotor 60 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape and is located within the stator 58.

[0042] The drive shaft 90 is coupled to the rotor 60 and rotates therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive shaft 90 is press-fitted into the central bore 60C of the rotor 60. The drive shaft 90 has a first end 90A and a second end 90B. The inverter housing 22 includes a first drive shaft support member 22B located on the motor side of the inverter housing 22. A first ball bearing 62, located within a hole formed by the first drive shaft support member 22B, supports the first end of the drive shaft 90 and allows the first end of the drive shaft 90 to rotate. The center housing 24 includes a second drive shaft support member 24A. A second ball bearing 64, located within a hole formed by the second drive shaft support member 24A, allows the second end 90B of the drive shaft 90 to rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, the first ball bearing 62 and the second ball bearing 64 are press-fitted into corresponding holes formed by the first drive shaft support member 22B of the inverter housing 22 and the second drive shaft support member 24A of the center housing 24, respectively.

[0043] As described above, the electric compressor 10 is a scroll compressor. The compression device 18 includes a fixed scroll 26 and an orbiting scroll 66. The orbiting scroll 66 is fixed to the second end of the rotor 60. The rotor 60, which has a drive shaft 90, rotates under the control of the inverter module 44 to drive the orbiting scroll 66.

[0044] Drive shaft 90 has a central axis 90C about which rotor 60 and drive shaft 90 rotate. Orbiting scroll 66 moves in an eccentric orbit, i.e., in a circular motion, about central axis 90C, while its orientation remains constant relative to non-orbiting scroll 26. The center of orbiting scroll 66 is located along an offset axis (not shown) of drive shaft 90.

[0045] Typically, mixed refrigerant and oil (at low pressure) enter the motor-driven compressor 10 via the refrigerant inlet port 68 and, after being compressed by the compression device 18, exit the motor-driven compressor 10 (at high pressure) via the refrigerant outlet port 70. The refrigerant follows a refrigerant path through the motor-driven compressor 10. The refrigerant enters the refrigerant inlet port 68 and enters an intake volume 74 formed between the motor side of the inverter housing 22 and the center housing 24 adjacent the refrigerant inlet port 68. The refrigerant is then drawn through the motor section 16 and into the compressed intake volume formed between the inner wall of the non-orbiting scroll 26 and the orbiting scroll 66.

[0046] The fixed scroll 26 is mounted within the center housing 24. Refrigerant enters the compression device 18 from the compressed intake volume. The fixed scroll 26 and the orbiting scroll 66 form a compression chamber 80, into which low-pressure or unpressurized (saturated pressure) refrigerant enters the compression chamber 80 from the compression device 18. When the orbiting scroll 66 moves to enable the compression chamber 80 to be closed, the volume of the compression chamber is reduced to pressurize the refrigerant. At any one time during the cycle, one or more compression chambers 80 are in different stages of the compression cycle. During the cycle of the compressor 10, the refrigerant is transported toward the center of the compression chamber 80.

[0047] Return to Figure 1 , the front cover 28 forms an exhaust volume 82. The exhaust volume 82 is in communication with the refrigerant outlet port. The pressurized refrigerant leaves the compression device 18 through one or more orifices (not shown). The release of the pressurized refrigerant is controlled by a reed mechanism 86.

[0048] Vortex back pressure system

[0049] In one aspect of the present invention, the electric compressor 10 may include a scroll back pressure system 200. The scroll back pressure system 200 may be provided in a compressor 10 configured to utilize a refrigerant, such as refrigerant grade CO2 (R744). However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to compressors that utilize a particular refrigerant.

[0050] In the embodiments disclosed above, the housing or outer casing 12 includes a center housing 24, and the compression device 18 includes a thrust body 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the center housing 24 and the thrust body 130 form part of the compression device body 202. A scroll backpressure system 200 can be at least partially located within the compression device body 202. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the scroll backpressure system 200 controllably manages or adjusts backpressure, i.e., the pressure of the refrigerant within a backpressure pocket 204 (see below), relative to the suction pressure within the intake volume 74 to overcome the axial separation of the non-orbiting scroll 26 and the orbiting scroll 66 without applying excessive pressure that would cause excessive friction between the scrolls 26, 66. The backpressure pocket 204 is located within the compression device 18 adjacent to one side of the orbiting scroll 66, such that the pressurized refrigerant within the backpressure pocket 204 applies a force to the orbiting scroll 66 in the direction of the non-orbiting scroll 26.

[0051] The pressure of the refrigerant in the intake volume 74 may be referred to as the suction pressure. The pressure of the refrigerant in the exhaust volume 82 may be referred to as the exhaust pressure. The pressure of the refrigerant in the back pressure bag 204 may be referred to as the back pressure.

[0052] As will be discussed in greater detail below, in one aspect of the present invention, the backpressure system 200 includes a first pressure path 206 and a second pressure path 208. The first pressure path 206 is located between the exhaust volume 82 and the backpressure bag 204 and is configured to allow pressurized refrigerant in the exhaust volume 82 to be introduced into the backpressure bag 204. The first pressure path 206 is at least partially formed in the compression device body 202. The second pressure path 208 is located between the backpressure bag 204 and the intake volume 74. The second pressure path 208 may include a purge valve 210 (see below) for controllably venting pressurized refrigerant in the backpressure bag 204 into the intake volume 74.

[0053] Specific reference Figure 2 , shows an exemplary scroll backpressure system 200 according to a first embodiment. As discussed above, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 12 includes a center housing 24 and a front cover 28. As shown, the exhaust volume 82 can be at least partially formed by the center housing 24, the front cover 28, and the refrigerant outlet port 70.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the first pressure path 206 includes a first pressure path end 212 connected to the refrigerant outlet port 70 and a second pressure path end 214 connected to the back-pressure bag 204. As shown, the first pressure path 206 can be positioned with the center housing 24 and partially integrated with the center housing 24. In addition, the first pressure path 206 can include a fixed orifice 216 to restrict the flow of pressurized refrigerant from the exhaust volume to the back-pressure bag.

[0055] As discussed above, the compression device body 202 can be formed in part by the center housing 24 and the thrust body 130. As shown, the thrust body 130 can include a threaded hole 218 located between the intake volume 74 and the back pressure bag 204. Figure 2 In the first embodiment shown, the relief valve 210 can be threadedly coupled within the threaded bore 218. The relief valve 210 is configured to maintain a fixed pressure differential between the back pressure bag 204 and the intake volume 74.

[0056] The back pressure pocket 204 may be at least partially formed by the compression device body 202 , and more specifically by the thrust body 130 .

[0057] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge valve 210 is spring-biased to a closed position. If the pressure of the refrigerant within the back pressure bag 204, i.e., the back pressure, exceeds a threshold, the discharge valve 210 opens, allowing excess refrigerant to escape into the intake volume 74. Once the back pressure drops below the threshold, the discharge valve 210 closes, preventing the passage of refrigerant.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the first pressure path 206 may be formed through the front cover 28 , the center housing 24 , and the thrust body 130 .

[0059] refer to Figure 3A-Figure 3B 、 Figures 4A-4D 、 Figure 5A-5B 、 Figure 6 , shows an exemplary scroll backpressure system 200 according to a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the first pressure path 206 and the second pressure path 208 are within the compression device body 202, and more specifically within the thrust body 130.

[0060] Specific reference Figure 3A-Figure 3B, a diagrammatic representation of the thrust body 130 and the first pressure path 206 in the second embodiment is shown. In the second embodiment, the first pressure path 206 includes a first pressure passage 220 and a backpressure regulator valve 222. The first pressure passage 220 is located within the thrust body 130. The first pressure passage 220 has a first end 220A that opens into the exhaust volume 82 and a second end 220B that opens into the backpressure bag 204. The flow of refrigerant between the exhaust volume 82 and the backpressure bag 204 is controlled by the backpressure regulator valve 222 based on the pressure difference between the suction pressure in the intake volume 74 and the pressure in the backpressure bag 204 (see below).

[0061] As discussed above, the back pressure regulator valve 222 is connected between the intake volume 74 and the back pressure bag 204. The back pressure regulator valve 222 is configured to change the flow of pressure refrigerant from the exhaust volume 82 to the back pressure bag 204 through the first passage 220 of the first pressure path 206 according to the pressure difference between the intake volume 74 and the back pressure bag 204. Figures 4A-4D , Figure 5 and Figure 7A In one embodiment, the back pressure regulator valve 222 can be a sliding regulator valve 226 integrated into the compression device body 202, and more specifically, into the thrust body 130. As shown, the sliding regulator valve 226 can include a valve body 226A (formed by the thrust body 130), a valve pin 226B, and a valve spring 226C.

[0062] The operation of the sliding regulator valve 226 is Figures 4A-4D During startup of the compressor 10, the sliding regulator valve 226 may be in the fully open position ( Figure 4A ), thereby providing a direct path between the exhaust volume 82 and the backpressure pocket 204. Therefore, the intake pressure, backpressure and exhaust pressure are equal.

[0063] When the back pressure increases but has not yet reached the target pressure, the back pressure acts on one end of the valve stem 226B, compressing the spring 226C, and the pin 226B moves, and the exhaust path between the exhaust volume 82 and the back pressure bag 204 begins to close (see Figure 4B ).

[0064] like Figure 4C As shown, when the back pressure reaches the target pressure, the spring 226C is further compressed, and the pin 226B blocks the exhaust path between the exhaust volume 82 and the back pressure pocket 204 .

[0065] If the back pressure leaks or drops below the target pressure, the valve spring 226C will move the valve pin 226B, thereby opening the exhaust path until the target pressure is reached again (see Figure 4D ).

[0066] Specific reference Figure 3B , shows a diagrammatic representation of the thrust body 130 and the second pressure path 208 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the second pressure path 208 includes a second pressure passage 224. The second pressure passage 224 is located within the thrust body 130. The second pressure passage 224 has a first end 224A that opens into the back-pressure bag 204 and a second end 224B that opens into the intake volume 74. The flow of refrigerant between the back-pressure bag 204 and the intake volume 74 is controlled by the discharge valve 210 based on the pressure difference between the exhaust pressure in the exhaust volume 82 and the pressure in the back-pressure bag 204 (see below).

[0067] As discussed above, in the illustrated embodiment, the second pressure path 208 includes the second pressure passage 224 and the relief valve 210. The second pressure passage 224 may be located within the compression device body 202, and more specifically within the thrust body 130 between the intake volume 74 and the backpressure pocket 204.

[0068] like Figure 3B 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7B As shown, the relief valve 210 is coupled between the exhaust volume 82 and the back-pressure bag 204 to control the flow of refrigerant between the back-pressure bag 204 and the intake volume 74 according to the pressure difference between the exhaust volume 82 and the back-pressure bag 204 .

[0069] Specific reference Figure 5A-5B 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7B In one embodiment, the relief valve 210 can be a second sliding regulator valve 228 integrated into the compression device body 202, and more specifically, integrated into the thrust body 130. As shown, the second sliding regulator valve 228 can include a valve body 228A (formed by the thrust body 130) and a valve pin 228B, as well as a valve spring 224C.

[0070] Figure 5A-5B The operation of the second sliding regulator valve 228 is shown in FIG. During normal operation of the compressor 10, the discharge pressure is greater than the back pressure. The valve pin 228B is loaded with the back pressure and prevents the refrigerant from being discharged from the back pressure bag 204 to the intake volume 74 (see FIG. Figure 5A ).

[0071] When the compressor 10 is shut down, the shutdown pressure and the discharge pressure are balanced at a pressure less than the back pressure. The valve pin 228B is loaded toward the discharge side, thereby opening the second sliding regulator valve 228. This allows refrigerant to be discharged from the back pressure pocket 204 to the intake volume 74 to equalize the pressure and prevent axial overload between the scrolls 26, 66 (see Figure 5B ).

[0072] The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with relevant legal standards, and therefore the description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electric scroll compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, comprising: a housing defining an intake volume and an exhaust volume; a refrigerant inlet port coupled to the housing and configured to introduce refrigerant into the intake volume; a refrigerant outlet port coupled to the housing and configured to allow compressed refrigerant to exit the electric scroll compressor from the exhaust volume; an inverter module mounted in the housing and adapted to convert direct current into alternating current; a motor mounted inside the housing; a drive shaft coupled to the motor; a compression device coupled to the drive shaft for receiving refrigerant from the intake volume and compressing the refrigerant when the drive shaft is rotated by the motor, the compression device comprising: Compression device body, a fixed scroll disposed within the housing and fixed relative to the compression device body; as well as, an orbiting scroll coupled to the drive shaft, the orbiting scroll and the non-orbiting scroll forming a compression chamber for receiving refrigerant from the intake volume and compressing the refrigerant as the drive shaft rotates about a central axis, the compression device forming a back-pressure pocket; and A vortex back pressure system is at least partially located within the compression device body, the vortex back pressure system comprising: a first pressure path between the exhaust volume and the back-pressure bag, the first pressure path being configured to allow pressurized refrigerant in the exhaust volume to be introduced into the back-pressure bag, the first pressure path being at least partially formed in the compression device body, and, A second pressure path is located between the back-pressure bag and the intake volume, the second pressure path including a discharge valve for controllably discharging pressurized refrigerant in the back-pressure bag into the intake volume.

2. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a center housing and a front cover, the exhaust volume being at least partially formed by the center housing, the front cover, and the refrigerant outlet port.

3. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 2, wherein: The first pressure path has a first pressure path end connected to the refrigerant outlet port.

4. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 3, wherein: The first pressure path has a second pressure path end connected to the back pressure bag.

5. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 4, wherein: The first pressure path is located with the center housing and is integral with the center housing portion.

6. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 5, wherein: The first pressure path includes a fixed orifice to restrict the flow of pressurized refrigerant from the exhaust volume to the back-pressure bag.

7. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 6, wherein: The relief valve is configured to maintain a fixed pressure differential between the back pressure bag and the intake volume.

8. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 2, wherein: The compression device body includes a thrust body, the back pressure bag is at least partially formed by the thrust body, and the first pressure path is formed through the front cover, the center housing and the thrust body.

9. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 8, wherein: The first pressure path has a first pressure path end connected to the refrigerant outlet port.

10. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 9, wherein: The first pressure path has a second pressure path end connected to the back pressure bag.

11. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 10, wherein: The first pressure path includes a fixed orifice to restrict the flow of pressurized refrigerant from the exhaust volume to the back-pressure bag.

12. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 11, wherein: The relief valve is configured to maintain a fixed pressure differential between the back pressure bag and the intake volume.

13. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 12, wherein: The dump valve is at least partially located within the thrust body.

14. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 1, wherein: The electric scroll compressor also includes a back pressure regulator valve, which is connected between the intake volume and the back pressure bag. The back pressure regulator valve is configured to change the flow of pressure refrigerant from the exhaust volume to the back pressure bag through the first pressure path according to the pressure difference between the intake volume and the back pressure bag.

15. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 14, wherein: The second pressure path includes a passage and the relief valve, the passage being located within the compression device body between the intake volume and the back pressure bag.

16. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 15, wherein: The discharge valve is coupled between the exhaust volume and the back-pressure bag to control flow of refrigerant between the back-pressure bag and the intake volume according to a pressure difference between the exhaust volume and the back-pressure bag.

17. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 1, wherein: The compression device body includes a thrust body, and the back pressure bag is at least partially formed by the thrust body.

18. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 17, wherein: The electric scroll compressor also includes a back-pressure regulator valve, which is connected between the intake volume and the back-pressure bag and is at least partially located within the thrust body. The back-pressure regulator valve is configured to change the flow of pressure refrigerant from the exhaust volume to the back-pressure bag through the first pressure path according to the pressure difference between the intake volume and the back-pressure bag.

19. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 18, wherein: The second pressure path includes a passage and the relief valve, wherein the passage is located within the thrust body between the intake volume and the back pressure bag.

20. The electric scroll compressor according to claim 19, wherein: The discharge valve is coupled between the exhaust volume and the back-pressure bag to control flow of refrigerant between the back-pressure bag and the intake volume according to a pressure difference between the exhaust volume and the back-pressure bag.

21. An electric scroll compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, comprising: a housing including a center housing and a front cover and defining an intake volume and an exhaust volume, the exhaust volume being at least partially formed by the center housing and the front cover; a refrigerant inlet port coupled to the housing and configured to introduce refrigerant into the intake volume; a refrigerant outlet port coupled to the housing and configured to allow compressed refrigerant to exit the electric scroll compressor from the exhaust volume; an inverter module mounted inside the housing and adapted to convert direct current into alternating current; a motor mounted inside the housing; a drive shaft coupled to the motor; a compression device coupled to the drive shaft for receiving refrigerant from the intake volume and compressing the refrigerant when the drive shaft is rotated by the motor, the compression device comprising: a compression device body comprising a thrust body, the back pressure bag being at least partially formed by said thrust body, a fixed scroll disposed within the housing and fixed relative to the compression device body; as well as, an orbiting scroll coupled to the drive shaft, the orbiting scroll and the non-orbiting scroll forming a compression chamber for receiving refrigerant from the intake volume and compressing the refrigerant as the drive shaft rotates about a central axis, the compression device forming the back-pressure pocket; and A vortex back pressure system is at least partially located within the compression device body, the vortex back pressure system comprising: a first pressure path between the exhaust volume and the back-pressure bag, the first pressure path being configured to allow pressurized refrigerant in the exhaust volume to be introduced into the back-pressure bag, the first pressure path being at least partially formed in the compression device body, wherein the compression device body includes a thrust body, the back-pressure bag is at least partially formed by the thrust body, the first pressure path being formed through the front cover, the center housing and the thrust body, wherein the first pressure path has a first pressure path end connected to the refrigerant outlet port, a second pressure path end connected to the back-pressure bag, and a fixed orifice for limiting the flow of pressurized refrigerant from the exhaust volume to the back-pressure bag, and a second pressure path between the back-pressure bag and the intake volume, the second pressure path including a purge valve for controllably discharging pressurized refrigerant in the back-pressure bag into the intake volume, wherein the purge valve is configured to maintain a fixed pressure differential between the back-pressure bag and the intake volume and is at least partially located within the thrust body.

22. An electric scroll compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, comprising: a housing defining an intake volume and an exhaust volume; a refrigerant inlet port coupled to the housing and configured to introduce refrigerant into the intake volume; a refrigerant outlet port coupled to the housing and configured to allow compressed refrigerant to exit the electric scroll compressor from the exhaust volume; An inverter section comprising: Inverter housing, an inverter back cover connected to the inverter housing and forming an inverter cavity, an inverter module installed inside the inverter cavity and adapted to convert direct current into alternating current; The motor section includes: a drive shaft within the housing having a first end and a second end and defining a central axis, and a motor positioned within the housing to controllably rotate the drive shaft about the central axis; a compression device coupled to the drive shaft for receiving refrigerant from the intake volume and compressing the refrigerant when the drive shaft is rotated by the motor, the compression device comprising: a compression device body comprising a thrust body, the back pressure bag being at least partially formed by said thrust body, a fixed scroll located in the housing and fixed relative to the thrust body; an orbiting scroll coupled to the drive shaft, the orbiting scroll and the non-orbiting scroll forming a compression chamber for receiving refrigerant from the intake volume and compressing the refrigerant as the drive shaft rotates about the central axis; and A vortex back pressure system is at least partially located within the compression device body, the vortex back pressure system comprising: a first pressure path between the exhaust volume and the back-pressure bag, the first pressure path being configured to allow pressurized refrigerant in the exhaust volume to be introduced into the back-pressure bag, the first pressure path being at least partially formed in the thrust body, a second pressure path between the back-pressure bag and the intake volume, the second pressure path including a valve for controllably releasing pressurized refrigerant in the back-pressure bag into the intake volume, and A back-pressure regulator valve connected between the intake volume and the back-pressure bag and at least partially located within the thrust body, the back-pressure regulator valve being configured to change the flow of pressure refrigerant from the exhaust volume to the back-pressure bag through the first pressure path according to the pressure difference between the intake volume and the back-pressure bag, wherein the second pressure path includes a channel and the discharge valve, the channel being located within the compression device body between the intake volume and the back-pressure bag, the discharge valve being connected between the exhaust volume and the back-pressure bag to control the flow of refrigerant between the back-pressure bag and the intake volume according to the pressure difference between the exhaust volume and the back-pressure bag.

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