spiral compressor

Abstract

A discharge casing circumferential wall has an inner surface that defines an annular passage. The inner surface has a lower section located vertically below the axis of a rotary shaft of a scroll compressor. When considering the annular passage in the axial direction of the rotary shaft, a region of the annular passage located vertically below the fourth straight line is a liquid refrigerant reservoir. The liquid refrigerant reservoir is configured to store liquid refrigerant generated by condensation of refrigerant within the annular passage, while the intake of liquid refrigerant from the annular passage into a compression chamber is limited by a second suction port. The second suction port is located in a section of the stationary circumferential wall positioned vertically above the liquid refrigerant reservoir.

Description

Background 1. Area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a spiral compressor. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] JP 2022-152796 discloses an example of a scroll compressor comprising a rotating shaft, a compression mechanism, and a casing. The compression mechanism is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft. The compression mechanism includes a compression chamber for compressing refrigerant. The casing includes a suction chamber, a discharge chamber, and a suction port. Refrigerant is drawn into the suction chamber from the outside. The refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber is discharged to the discharge chamber. The refrigerant in the suction chamber is drawn back into the compression chamber through the suction port.

[0003] The compression mechanism comprises a stationary spiral and a rotating spiral. The stationary spiral is fixed to the housing. It has a stationary base plate, a stationary spiral wall, and a stationary circumferential wall. The stationary spiral wall extends from the stationary base plate in the axial direction of the rotating shaft. The stationary circumferential wall extends from the stationary base plate in the axial direction of the rotating shaft and surrounds the stationary spiral wall. The rotating spiral has a rotating base plate and a rotating spiral wall. The rotating base plate is opposite the stationary base plate. The rotating spiral wall extends from the rotating base plate to the stationary base plate. The rotating spiral wall engages with the stationary spiral wall.The compression chamber is bounded by the stationary base plate, the stationary spiral wall, the rotating base plate, and the rotating spiral wall. As the rotating shaft turns, the rotating spiral runs within the stationary circumferential wall.

[0004] The housing comprises a shaft support housing element and a dispensing housing element. The shaft support housing element is located on the opposite side of the rotating base plate from the stationary base plate. The shaft support housing element supports the rotating shaft. The dispensing housing element comprises a dispensing end wall and a dispensing circumferential wall. The dispensing circumferential wall is cylindrical and extends from the dispensing end wall. The dispensing circumferential wall surrounds the stationary circumferential wall. The dispensing housing element defines the dispensing chamber between the dispensing end wall and the stationary base plate.

[0005] The suction passage comprises a first suction hole, an annular passage, and a second suction hole. The first suction hole is located in the shaft support housing element and is connected to the suction chamber. The annular passage is located between the stationary circumferential wall and the discharge housing circumferential wall and is connected to the first suction hole. The second suction hole is located in the stationary circumferential wall and is connected to the annular passage. The refrigerant in the suction chamber is drawn into the compression chamber through the first suction hole, the annular passage, and the second suction hole.

[0006] In the scroll compressor disclosed in the publication described above, the refrigerant in the annular passage can be cooled and condensed when the scroll compressor stops. When the liquid refrigerant produced by the condensation in the annular passage is drawn into the compression chamber through the second suction port when the scroll compressor starts, liquid compression can occur in the compression chamber. If liquid compression occurs in the compression chamber, the pressure in the compression chamber can become abnormally high. In this case, the durability of the compression mechanism is impaired, leading to a reduction in the reliability of the scroll compressor. Summary

[0007] This summary is intended to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to serve as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] A scroll compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a rotary shaft, a compression mechanism configured to be driven by a rotation of the rotary shaft, the compression mechanism comprising a compression chamber configured to compress refrigerant, and a housing rotatably supporting the rotary shaft, the housing comprising a suction chamber into which refrigerant is drawn from an outside, a discharge chamber from which the refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber is discharged, and a suction passage through which the refrigerant drawn from the suction chamber into the compression chamber passes.The compression mechanism comprises a stationary spiral fixed to the housing, wherein the stationary spiral has a stationary base plate, a stationary spiral wall extending from the stationary base plate in an axial direction of the rotating shaft, and a stationary circumferential wall extending from the stationary base plate in the axial direction of the rotating shaft and surrounding the stationary spiral wall, and a rotating spiral configured to rotate within the stationary circumferential wall in response to a rotation of the rotating shaft, wherein the rotating spiral has a rotating base plate opposite the stationary base plate and a rotating spiral wall extending from the rotating base plate towards the stationary base plate and engaging with the stationary spiral wall.The compression chamber is bounded by the stationary base plate, the stationary spiral wall, the rotating base plate, and the rotating spiral wall. The casing comprises a shaft support housing element located on the opposite side of the rotating base plate from the stationary base plate, supporting the rotating shaft, and a discharge housing element comprising a discharge housing end wall and a cylindrical discharge housing circumferential wall extending from the discharge housing end wall to surround the stationary circumferential wall, the discharge housing element bounding the discharge chamber between the discharge housing end wall and the stationary base plate.The suction passage comprises a first suction hole located in the shaft support housing element and connected to the suction chamber, an annular passage located between the stationary circumferential wall and the discharge housing circumferential wall and connected to the first suction hole, and a second suction hole located in the stationary circumferential wall and connected to the annular passage. The discharge housing circumferential wall has an inner surface that bounds the annular passage. The inner surface has a lower section that is located vertically below an axis of the rotating shaft. When viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, a straight line that intersects the axis of the rotating shaft and extends vertically is the first straight line.When viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, a straight line that intersects the axis of the rotating shaft and extends circumferentially at a 30° angle to one side relative to the first straight line is a second straight line. When viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, a straight line that intersects the axis of the rotating shaft and extends circumferentially at a 30° angle to the other side relative to the first straight line is a third straight line. When viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the intersection point of the lower section of the inner surface and the second straight line is a first intersection point. When viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, the intersection point of the lower section of the inner surface and the third straight line is a second intersection point.When viewed along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, a straight line passing through the first and second intersection points and extending horizontally constitutes a fourth straight line. When viewing the annular passage along the axial direction of the rotating shaft, a region of the annular passage located vertically below this fourth straight line is a liquid refrigerant reservoir. The liquid refrigerant reservoir is configured to store liquid refrigerant generated by condensation within the annular passage, while the intake of liquid refrigerant from the annular passage into the compression chamber is limited by the second suction port. The second suction port is located in a section of the fixed circumferential wall positioned vertically above the liquid refrigerant reservoir.

[0009] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a sectional view of a spiral compressor according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the spiral compressor, which is located in Fig. 1 is shown, which is taken along a different plane.

[0010] Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, the same reference symbols refer to the same elements. The drawings need not be to scale, and the relative size, proportions, and representation of elements may be exaggerated in the drawings for clarity, illustration, and practicality. Detailed description

[0011] This description assumes a comprehensive understanding of the processes, devices, and / or systems described. Modifications and equivalents of the processes, devices, and / or systems described are obvious to a person skilled in the art. Sequences of operations are exemplary and, as is obvious to a person skilled in the art, may be modified, with the exception of operations that necessarily occur in a certain order. Descriptions of functions and designs that are well known to a person skilled in the art may be omitted.

[0012] Exemplary embodiments can take different forms and are not limited to the examples described. However, the described examples are complete and convey to the person skilled in the art the full scope of the disclosure.

[0013] In this description, “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B or both A and B”.

[0014] One embodiment of a spiral compressor is now described in relation to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described. The spiral compressor of the present embodiment is used, for example, in a vehicle air conditioning system. Basic configuration of the spiral compressor

[0015] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the scroll compressor 10 has a cylindrical housing 11. The housing 11 comprises a motor housing element 12, a shaft support housing element 13, and a discharge housing element 14. The motor housing element 12, the shaft support housing element 13, and the discharge housing element 14 are made of metal. For example, the motor housing element 12, the shaft support housing element 13, and the discharge housing element 14 are made of aluminum. The scroll compressor 10 has a rotating shaft 15. The rotating shaft 15 is housed in the housing 11.

[0016] The motor housing element 12 has a plate-shaped motor housing end wall 12a and a cylindrical motor housing circumferential wall 12b. The cylindrical motor housing circumferential wall 12b extends from the outer circumference of the motor housing end wall 12a. The axial direction of the motor housing circumferential wall 12b coincides with the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15.

[0017] The motor housing element 12 has a suction port 12h. Refrigerant is drawn in from an outer surface through the suction port 12h. The suction port 12h is located in a section of the motor housing circumferential wall 12b that is relatively close to the motor housing end wall 12a. The suction port 12h connects the inner and outer surfaces of the motor housing element 12.

[0018] The motor housing element 12 has a cylindrical projection 12d. The projection 12d extends from a central section of the inner surface of the motor housing end wall 12a. The rotating shaft 15 has a first end, which is one end in its axial direction, and a second end, which is the other end in the axial direction. The first end of the rotating shaft 15 is inserted into the projection 12d.

[0019] The spiral compressor 10 has a bearing 16. The bearing 16 is, for example, a rolling element bearing. The bearing 16 is arranged between the inner circumferential surface of the extension 12d and the outer circumferential surface of the first end of the rotating shaft 15. The first end of the rotating shaft 15 is rotatably supported by the motor housing element 12 via a bearing 16.

[0020] The shaft support housing element 13 has a plate-shaped shaft support housing end wall 17 and a cylindrical shaft support housing circumferential wall 18. The cylindrical shaft support housing circumferential wall 18 extends from the outer circumference of the shaft support housing end wall 17. The axial direction of the shaft support housing circumferential wall 18 coincides with the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15.

[0021] The shaft support housing element 13 has an annular flange wall 19. The flange wall 19 extends outwards in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 15 from an end of the outer surface of the shaft support housing circumferential wall 18, which is located opposite the shaft support housing end wall 17.

[0022] The shaft support housing element 13 has a circular insertion hole 17a. The insertion hole 17a is located in a central section of the shaft support housing end wall 17. The insertion hole 17a extends through the shaft support housing end wall 17 in its thickness direction. The rotating shaft 15 extends through the insertion hole 17a. The second end of the rotating shaft 15 has an end surface 15e. The end surface 15e is located within the shaft support housing circumferential wall 18.

[0023] The spiral compressor 10 has a bearing 21. The bearing 21 is, for example, a rolling element bearing. The bearing 21 is located between the inner surface of the shaft support housing circumferential wall 18 and the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 15. The rotating shaft 15 is rotatably supported by the shaft support housing element 13 via the bearing 21. Accordingly, the shaft support housing element 13 rotatably supports the rotating shaft 15. Thus, the housing 11 rotatably supports the rotating shaft 15.

[0024] The spiral compressor 10 has a motor chamber 20. The motor chamber 20 is bounded by the motor housing element 12 and the shaft support housing element 13. In particular, the motor chamber 20 is bounded by the opening in the motor housing circumferential wall 12b, which is closed by the shaft support housing element 13. Consequently, when the opening in the motor housing circumferential wall 12b is closed by the shaft support housing element 13, the motor housing element 12 together with the shaft support housing element 13 bounds the motor chamber 20. Thus, the housing 11 comprises the motor chamber 20. The motor chamber 20 is connected to the suction port 12h. Refrigerant is drawn into the motor chamber 20 through the suction port 12h. Thus, the motor chamber 20 is a suction chamber into which refrigerant is drawn from an external source.

[0025] The spiral compressor 10 has a motor 22. The motor 22 is housed in the motor chamber 20. Thus, the motor chamber 20 accommodates the motor 22. The motor 22 has a cylindrical stator 23 and a cylindrical rotor 24. The rotor 24 is arranged inside the stator 23. The rotor 24 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 15. The stator 23 surrounds the rotor 24. The rotor 24 has a rotor core 24a, which is fixed to the rotating shaft 15, and permanent magnets (not shown) arranged on the rotor core 24a.

[0026] The stator 23 has a cylindrical stator core 23a and a motor coil 23b. The stator core 23a is fixed to the inner surface of the motor housing circumferential wall 12b. The motor coil 23b is wound around the stator core 23a. When power controlled by an inverter (not shown) is supplied to the motor coil 23b, the rotor 24 rotates. This rotates the rotating shaft 15 simultaneously with the rotor 24. Thus, the motor 22 rotates the rotating shaft 15.

[0027] The spiral compressor 10 has a compression mechanism C1. The compression mechanism C1 has a stationary spiral 25 and a rotating spiral 26. The compression mechanism C1 is of a spiral design. The compression mechanism C1 is driven by a rotation of the rotating shaft 15.

[0028] The stationary spiral 25 has a stationary base plate 25a, a stationary spiral wall 25b, and a stationary circumferential wall 25c. The stationary base plate 25a is disk-shaped. The stationary base plate 25a has a discharge port 25h at its center. The discharge port 25h is circular. The discharge port 25h extends through the stationary base plate 25a in its thickness direction. The stationary spiral wall 25b extends from the stationary base plate 25a in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15. The stationary circumferential wall 25c extends from the outer circumference of the stationary base plate 25a in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15. The stationary circumferential wall 25c surrounds the stationary spiral wall 25b.

[0029] The spiral compressor 10 has a valve mechanism 25v. The valve mechanism 25v is attached to an end face of the stationary base plate 25a, which is located opposite the stationary spiral wall 25b. The valve mechanism 25v is configured to alternately open and close the discharge port 25h.

[0030] The rotating spiral 26 has a rotating base plate 26a and a rotating spiral wall 26b. The rotating base plate 26a is disc-shaped. The rotating base plate 26a faces the stationary base plate 25a. The rotating spiral wall 26b extends from the rotating base plate 26a towards the stationary base plate 25a. The rotating spiral wall 26b engages with the stationary spiral wall 25b. The rotating spiral 26 is located within the stationary circumferential wall 25c. In response to a rotation of the rotating shaft 15, the rotating spiral 26 rotates within the stationary circumferential wall 25c. The stationary spiral wall 25b has a distal surface that is in contact with the rotating base plate 26a. The rotating spiral wall 26b has a distal surface that is in contact with the stationary base plate 25a.

[0031] The scroll compressor 10 has a compression chamber 27. The compression chamber 27 is bounded by the stationary base plate 25a, the stationary spiral wall 25b, the recirculating base plate 26a, and the recirculating spiral wall 26b. Accordingly, the compression chamber 27 is bounded between the stationary spiral 25 and the recirculating spiral 26. Thus, the compression mechanism C1 includes the compression chamber 27. The compression chamber 27 draws in the refrigerant from an outside and compresses it.

[0032] The rotating base plate 26a has a cylindrical projection 26c. The projection 26c extends from an end face 26e of the rotating base plate 26a on the side opposite the stationary base plate 25a, towards the inside of the shaft support housing circumferential wall 18 of the shaft support housing element 13. The shaft support housing element 13 is located on the side opposite the rotating base plate 26a from the stationary base plate 25a. The axial direction of the projection 26c coincides with the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15. The rotating base plate 26a has grooves 26d. The grooves 26d are located around the projection 26c in the end face 26e of the rotating base plate 26a. The grooves 26d are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 15. For illustrative purposes, in Fig. Figure 1 shows only one of the grooves 26d. An annular ring element 28 is fitted into each groove 26d. A pin 29 is inserted into each ring element 28. Each pin 29 projects from the end surface 13e of the shaft support housing element 13, which faces the spiral winding 26, into the ring element 28.

[0033] The spiral compressor 10 has an annular elastic plate 30. The outer circumference of the elastic plate 30 is held between an opening end face of the stationary circumferential wall 25c and the end face 13e of the shaft support housing element 13. The elastic plate 30 pre-tensions the rotating spiral 26 continuously in the direction of the stationary spiral 25.

[0034] The spiral compressor 10 has an eccentric shaft 31. The eccentric shaft 31 projects from a position on the end face 15e of the rotating shaft 15, which is eccentric to the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15, in the direction of the spiral 26. The eccentric shaft 31 is formed integrally with the rotating shaft 15. The axial direction of the eccentric shaft 31 coincides with the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15. The eccentric shaft 31 is inserted in the projection 26c.

[0035] The spiral compressor 10 has a counterweight 32 and a bushing 33. The bushing 33 is pressed onto an outer circumferential surface of the eccentric shaft 31. The counterweight 32 is integrated with the bushing 33. The counterweight 32 and the bushing 33 are formed integrally. The counterweight 32 is accommodated in a space provided in the shaft support housing circumferential wall 18. The spiral volute 26 is supported by the eccentric shaft 31 via the bushing 33 and the rolling element bearing 34, enabling it to rotate with respect to the eccentric shaft 31.

[0036] Rotation of the rotating shaft 15 is transmitted to the spiral coil 26 via the eccentric shaft 31, the bushing 33, and the rolling element bearing 34. This causes the spiral coil 26 to rotate. When each pin 29 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the corresponding ring element 28, the rotation of the spiral coil 26 is inhibited, while only its circular motion is permitted. Thus, the spiral coil 26 rotates while the spiral coil wall 26b is in contact with the stationary coil wall 25b. As the spiral coil 26 completes a circular motion, the volume of each compression chamber 27 is reduced, compressing the refrigerant in the compression chamber 27. In response to rotation of the rotating shaft 15, the spiral coil 26 rotates within the stationary circumferential wall 25c. The counterweight 32 compensates the centrifugal force that acts on the spiral 26 when the spiral 26 rotates.This reduces the size of an imbalance in the orbital spiral 26.

[0037] The dispensing housing element 14 has a plate-shaped dispensing housing end wall 14a and a cylindrical dispensing housing circumferential wall 14b. The cylindrical dispensing housing circumferential wall 14b extends from the outer circumference of the dispensing housing end wall 14a. The axial direction of the dispensing housing circumferential wall 14b coincides with the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15. The dispensing housing circumferential wall 14b surrounds the stationary circumferential wall 25c. Accordingly, the dispensing housing circumferential wall 14b surrounds the stationary spiral 25. Thus, the stationary spiral 25 is received in the housing 11.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the dispensing housing element 14 has screw insertion holes 14c. The dispensing housing element 14 has six screw insertion holes 14c. Each screw insertion hole 14c extends through the dispensing housing circumferential wall 14b in the axial direction of the dispensing housing circumferential wall 14b.

[0039] A screw B1, inserted into each screw insertion hole 14c, extends through the flange wall 19 and is screwed into the motor housing element 12. Thus, the shaft support housing element 13, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the motor housing element 12 is coupled to the motor housing circumferential wall 12b, and the discharge housing element 14 is coupled to the motor housing circumferential wall 12b by the flange wall 19 of the shaft support housing element 13. The motor housing element 12, the shaft support housing element 13, and the discharge housing element 14 are arranged in this order in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15. The flange wall 19 of the shaft support housing element 13 is positioned between the discharge housing circumferential wall 14b and the motor housing circumferential wall 12b.

[0040] The fixed circumferential wall 25c of the fixed spiral 25 is connected by an axial force of each screw B1 in the axial direction of the dispensing housing circumferential wall 14b between the dispensing housing end wall 14a and the shaft support housing element 13. Thus, when the fixed circumferential wall 25c is connected by an axial force of each screw B1 in the axial direction of the dispensing housing circumferential wall 14b between the dispensing housing end wall 14a and the shaft support housing element 13, the fixed spiral 25 is fixed in the housing 11.

[0041] The spiral compressor 10 has a discharge chamber 40. The discharge chamber 40 is bounded between the discharge housing end wall 14a and the stationary base plate 25a. Accordingly, the discharge housing element 14 bounds the discharge chamber 40 between the discharge housing end wall 14a and the stationary base plate 25a. Thus, the housing 11 includes the discharge chamber 40. The refrigerant, which is compressed in the compression chamber 27, is discharged to the discharge chamber 40 through the discharge port 25h. A section around the discharge chamber 40, located between the discharge housing end wall 14a of the discharge housing element 14 and the stationary base plate 25a, is sealed by a gasket 41.

[0042] The discharge housing element 14 has a discharge port 14h. The discharge port 14h is located in the discharge housing end wall 14a. The discharge port 14h is connected to the discharge chamber 40. Refrigerant is discharged from the discharge chamber 40 through the discharge port 14h. Counterpressure chamber

[0043] A back-pressure chamber 45 is bounded between the rotating base plate 26a of the rotating spiral 26 and the shaft support housing element 13. Within the housing 11, the back-pressure chamber 45 is located on the opposite side of the rotating base plate 26a from the stationary base plate 25a. The shaft support housing element 13 separates the back-pressure chamber 45 from the motor chamber 20. The inner surface of the shaft support housing circumferential wall 18 forms part of the back-pressure chamber 45. The gap between the elastic plate 30 and the shaft support housing element 13 also forms part of the back-pressure chamber 45.

[0044] The rotating spiral 26 has an air supply passage 46. The first end of the air supply passage 46 is open in the distal end of the rotating spiral wall 26b. The first end of the air supply passage 46 can be connected to the compression chamber 27. The second end of the air supply passage 46 is connected to the counter-pressure chamber 45. The air supply passage 46 passes through an inner end of the rotating spiral wall 26b, which converges spirally towards the center of the rotating spiral 26, and the rotating base plate 26a.

[0045] The air inlet 46 supplies a portion of the refrigerant to the counter-pressure chamber 45, where it is compressed in the compression chamber 27. The pressure in the counter-pressure chamber 45 is therefore higher than that in the motor chamber 20. This increased pressure in the counter-pressure chamber 45 pre-tensions the circulating coil 26 towards the stationary coil 25, so that the distal end of the circulating coil wall 26b is pressed against the stationary base plate 25a. Thus, the refrigerant is introduced into the counter-pressure chamber 45 to pre-tension the circulating coil 26 towards the stationary coil 25. Suction passage

[0046] The housing 11 has a suction passage 50. The refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 is drawn into the compression chamber 27 through the suction passage 50. The suction passage 50 has a suction groove 51, a first suction hole 52, an annular passage 54, and a second suction hole 55.

[0047] Several suction grooves 51 are arranged in the inner surface of the motor housing circumferential wall 12b of the motor housing element 12. Each suction groove 51 is located in an opening end section of the inner surface of the motor housing circumferential wall 12b. Each suction groove is open at one opening end of the motor housing circumferential wall 12b.

[0048] A first suction hole 52 is provided on the outer circumference of the flange wall 19 of the shaft support housing element 13. Accordingly, the first suction hole 52 is located in the shaft support housing element 13. The first suction hole 52 extends through the flange wall 19 in its thickness direction. The first suction hole 52 is connected to one of the suction grooves 51. Thus, the first suction hole 52 is connected to the motor chamber 20 via the suction groove 51.

[0049] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, several connecting grooves 53 are arranged in the inner surface of the dispensing housing circumferential wall 14b. Fig. As shown in Figure 2, one of the connecting grooves 53 is connected to the first suction hole 52. The annular passage 54 is located between the fixed circumferential wall 25c and the discharge housing circumferential wall 14b. The connecting grooves 53, together with the fixed circumferential wall 25c, define the annular passage 54. The annular passage 54 is connected to the first suction hole 52.

[0050] A second suction hole 55 is provided in the fixed circumferential wall 25c. This second suction hole 55 is designed to extend through the wall 25c in its thickness direction. It is connected to the annular passage 54 and to the outermost circumferential section of the compression chamber 27. Thus, the suction passage 50 connects the engine chamber 20 to the compression chamber 27.

[0051] In relation to Fig. 1. The refrigerant in the motor chamber 20 is drawn into the compression chamber 27 through the suction groove 51, the first suction hole 52, the annular passage 54, and the second suction hole 55. The refrigerant drawn into the compression chamber 27 is compressed in the compression chamber 27 by a rotary motion of the spiral 26.

[0052] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the straight line that, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, intersects the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and extends vertically is designated as a first straight line L11. The straight line that, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, intersects the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and extends circumferentially around the rotating shaft 15 at an angle of 30° to one side relative to the first straight line L11 is designated as a second straight line L12. The straight line that, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, intersects the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and extends circumferentially around the rotating shaft 15 at an angle of 30° to the other side relative to the first straight line L11 is designated as a third straight line L13. Fig. 2. The second straight line L12 is inclined clockwise with respect to the first straight line L11. The third straight line L13 is inclined counterclockwise with respect to the first straight line L11.

[0053] The dispensing housing circumferential wall 14b has an inner surface that bounds the annular passage 54. The inner surface of the dispensing housing circumferential wall 14b has a lower section located vertically below the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and an upper section located vertically above the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15. The intersection point of the lower section of the inner surface of the dispensing housing circumferential wall 14b and the second straight line L2, viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, is defined as a first intersection point P1. The intersection point of the lower section of the inner surface of the dispensing housing circumferential wall 14b and the third straight line L13, viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, is defined as a second intersection point P2.The straight line which, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, passes through the first intersection point P1 and the second intersection point P2 and extends in the horizontal direction, is defined as a fourth straight line L14.

[0054] The straight line that, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, intersects the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and extends horizontally is designated as a fifth straight line L15. The intersection point of the upper section of the inner surface of the discharge housing circumferential wall 14b and the second straight line L12, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, is defined as a third intersection point P3. The intersection point of the upper section of the inner surface of the discharge housing circumferential wall 14b and the third straight line L13, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, is defined as a fourth intersection point P4. The straight line that, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, passes through the third intersection point P3 and the fourth intersection point P4 and extends horizontally is defined as a sixth straight line L16.

[0055] The first suction hole 52 is connected to one of the connecting grooves 53, which is located vertically above the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and between the second straight line L12 and the third straight line L13. The second suction hole 55 is located in a section of the fixed circumferential wall 25c, which is positioned vertically above the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and between the second straight line L12 and below the third straight line L13. opening

[0056] The spiral wall 26b has an inner end that converges spirally towards the center of the spiral wall 26, and a wrapping end 26f of the spiral wall 26b on the opposite side of the inner end. An opening 56 is provided between the stationary spiral wall 25b and the wrapping end 26f of the spiral wall 26b. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a hypothetical circle C11 hypothetically marks a trajectory along which the wrapping end 26f of the spiral wall 26b passes as the spiral 26 orbits. The hypothetical circle C11 is located vertically above the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and between the second straight line L12 and the third straight line L13. Thus, as the spiral 26 orbits, the wrapping end 26f of the spiral wall 26b is positioned vertically above the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and between the second straight line L12 and the third straight line L13. Consequently, the opening 56 is located vertically above the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and between the second straight line L12 and the third straight line L13. Liquid refrigerant reservoir

[0057] The spiral compressor 10 has a liquid refrigerant reservoir 57. The liquid refrigerant reservoir 57 is located in the annular passage 54. The liquid refrigerant reservoir 57 stores liquid refrigerant generated by condensation of the refrigerant in the annular passage 54, while the intake of liquid refrigerant from the annular passage 54 through the second suction port 55 into the compression chamber 27 is limited. The region of the annular passage 54 that lies vertically below the sixth straight line L16 when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15 is the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57.Accordingly, the region of the annular passage 54 which, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, lies vertically below the fifth straight line L15, is the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57. Thus, the region of the annular passage 54 which, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, lies vertically below the fourth straight line L14, is the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57.

[0058] The second suction hole 55 is located in a section of the fixed circumferential wall 25c, which is positioned vertically above the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57. The first suction hole 52 is located in a section of the shaft support housing element 13, which is positioned vertically above the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57. Oil inlet passage

[0059] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the lower section of the motor chamber 20 is an oil reservoir 58. The oil reservoir 58 stores oil contained in the refrigerant. The scroll compressor 10 has an oil inlet passage 59. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the oil inlet passage 59 has a reduced-diameter hole 60 and an oil suction port 61. The reduced-diameter hole 60 is located in the shaft support housing element 13. The reduced-diameter hole 60 connects the oil reservoir 58 to the annular passage 54.

[0060] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 2, the reduced-diameter hole 60 is connected to one of the connecting grooves 53, which is located vertically below the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and between the second straight line L12 and the third straight line L13. The reduced-diameter hole 60 is connected to the region of the annular passage 54, which, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, is located vertically below the fourth straight line L14.

[0061] The oil suction port 61 is located in the fixed circumferential wall 25c. Specifically, the oil suction port 61 is located in a section of the fixed circumferential wall 25c that is positioned in a region which, when viewed along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, lies vertically below the fourth straight line L14. The oil suction port 61 extends through the fixed circumferential wall 25c in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 15. The oil suction port 61 connects the annular passage 54 to the inner surface of the fixed circumferential wall 25c. The oil inlet passage 59 introduces the oil stored in the oil reservoir 58 to the inner surface of the fixed circumferential wall 25c. Operating mode of the embodiment

[0062] The operating mode of the present embodiment will now be described.

[0063] In the present embodiment of the scroll compressor 10, the refrigerant can be cooled and condensed in the annular passage 54 when the scroll compressor 10 is stopped. The liquid refrigerant generated in the annular passage 54 is stored in the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57 located within the annular passage 54. In the present embodiment, the second suction port 55 is located in the section of the fixed circumferential wall 25c that is positioned vertically above the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57. This limits situations in which the liquid refrigerant generated in the annular passage 54 is drawn through the second suction port 55 into the compression chamber 27. Thus, the occurrence of liquid compression in the compression chamber 27 is limited.Furthermore, the introduction of liquid refrigerant from the compression chamber 27 through the air supply passage 46 into the counter-pressure chamber 45 is limited.

[0064] A pressure difference between the pressure in the annular passage 54 and the pressure within the stationary circumferential wall 25c increases and decreases as the rotating spiral 26 rotates. When the internal pressure of the stationary circumferential wall 25c decreases, oil from the oil reservoir 58 is supplied to the annular passage 54 through the reduced-diameter hole 60. The oil supplied to the annular passage 54 is then drawn from the oil suction port 61 and reaches the inner surface of the stationary circumferential wall 25c. In this way, the oil in the oil reservoir 58 is intermittently introduced to the inner surface of the stationary circumferential wall 25c through the oil inlet passage 59. This improves lubrication between the stationary spiral 25 and the rotating spiral 26.

[0065] Even if, for example, liquid refrigerant accumulates in the lower section of the motor chamber 20, the liquid refrigerant flows intermittently through the oil inlet passage 59 to the inside of the fixed circumferential wall 25c. Thus, even if the scroll compressor 10 has the oil inlet passage 59, the intake of liquid refrigerant into the compression chamber 27 is limited. Advantages of the design

[0066] The embodiment described above offers the following advantages. (1) The liquid refrigerant produced by the condensation of the refrigerant in the annular passage 54 is stored in the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57, which is located within the annular passage 54. In the present embodiment, the second suction hole 55 is located in the section of the fixed circumferential wall 25c that is positioned vertically above the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57. This limits situations in which the liquid refrigerant produced in the annular passage 54 is drawn through the second suction hole 55 into the compression chamber 27. Accordingly, the occurrence of liquid compression in the compression chamber 27 is limited, thus preventing an abnormal increase in pressure in the compression chamber 27. This limits the deterioration of the durability of the compression mechanism C1.As a result, the reliability of the spiral compressor 10 has been improved. (2) The scroll compressor 10 is configured, regardless of the design of the air supply passage 46 in the spiral 26, to limit situations in which the liquid refrigerant generated in the annular passage 54 is drawn through the second suction hole 55 into the compression chamber 27. This limits situations in which liquid refrigerant flows from the compression chamber 27 through the air supply passage 46 into the back-pressure chamber 45. As a result, an excessive increase in pressure in the back-pressure chamber 45, which would be caused by evaporation of the liquid refrigerant in the back-pressure chamber 45, is limited. (3) The second suction hole 55 is located in the section of the stationary circumferential wall 25c that is positioned vertically above the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and between the second straight line L12 and the third straight line L13. The opening 56, which is provided between the stationary spiral wall 25b and the wrapping end 26f of the rotating spiral wall 26b, is located vertically above the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and between the second straight line L12 and the third straight line L13. This facilitates the flow of the refrigerant drawn from the second suction hole 55 into the opening 56, which is provided between the stationary spiral wall 25b and the wrapping end 26f of the rotating spiral wall 26b. This allows the refrigerant to be efficiently drawn into the compression chamber 27, thereby improving the compression efficiency of the scroll compressor 10. (4) The first suction hole 52 is located in the section of the shaft support housing element 13 that is positioned vertically above the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57. Accordingly, the flow of the liquid refrigerant generated when refrigerant condenses in the motor chamber 20 is more easily restricted by the first suction hole 52 into the annular passage 54. This further limits situations in which liquid refrigerant is drawn into the compression chamber 27. (5) The lower section of the motor chamber 20 is the oil reservoir 58, which stores oil contained in the refrigerant. The scroll compressor 10 has the oil inlet passage 59, which introduces the oil stored in the oil reservoir 58 to the inner surface of the stationary circumferential wall 25c. This allows the oil stored in the lower section of the oil reservoir 58 to be introduced through the oil inlet passage 59 to the inner surface of the stationary circumferential wall 25c. This improves lubrication between the stationary scroll 25 and the rotating scroll 26. (6) The pressure difference between the pressure in the annular passage 54 and the pressure inside the stationary circumferential wall 25c increases and decreases as the spiral 26 rotates. When the internal pressure of the stationary circumferential wall 25c decreases, oil from the oil reservoir 58 is supplied to the annular passage 54 through the reduced-diameter hole 60. The oil supplied to the annular passage 54 is then drawn from the oil suction port 61 and reaches the inner surface of the stationary circumferential wall 25c. In this way, the oil stored in the oil reservoir 58 is intermittently supplied to the inner surface of the stationary circumferential wall 25c through the oil inlet passage 59. Even if, for example, liquid refrigerant accumulates in the lower section of the motor chamber 20, the liquid refrigerant flows intermittently through the oil inlet passage 59 to the inside of the fixed circumferential wall 25c.Thus, even when the spiral compressor 10 has the oil inlet passage 59, the intake of liquid refrigerant into the compression chamber 27 is limited. This improves lubrication between the stationary spiral 25 and the rotating spiral 26, while limiting the occurrence of liquid compression in the compression chamber 27. (7) The region of the annular passage 54 which, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, lies vertically below the fifth straight line L15, is the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57. Accordingly, the liquid refrigerant produced by the condensation of refrigerant in the annular passage 54 is more readily stored in the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57, which is located within the annular passage 54. Thus, situations in which the liquid refrigerant produced in the annular passage 54 is drawn into the compression chamber 27 through the second suction hole 55 are more effectively limited. As a result, the occurrence of liquid pressure in the compression chamber 27 is more effectively limited. (8) The region of the annular passage 54 which, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, lies vertically below the sixth straight line L16, is the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57. Accordingly, the liquid refrigerant produced by the condensation of refrigerant in the annular passage 54 is more readily stored in the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57, which is located within the annular passage 54. Thus, situations in which the liquid refrigerant produced in the annular passage 54 is drawn into the compression chamber 27 through the second suction hole 55 are more effectively limited. As a result, the occurrence of liquid pressure in the compression chamber 27 is more effectively limited. Modifications

[0067] The embodiment described above can be modified as follows. The embodiment described above and the following modifications can be combined, provided that the combined modifications remain technically consistent with each other.

[0068] In this embodiment, the second suction hole 55 can be located in the section of the fixed circumferential wall 25c that, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, is positioned between the fifth straight line L15 and the sixth straight line L16. In this case, the first suction hole 52 can be connected to one of the connecting grooves 53 located between the fifth straight line L15 and the sixth straight line L16, corresponding to the second suction hole 55. Even in such a case, the region of the annular passage 54, which, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, is vertically below the fifth straight line L15, is the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57.

[0069] In this embodiment, the second suction hole 55 can be located in the section of the stationary circumferential wall 25c that, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, is positioned between the fourth straight line L14 and the fifth straight line L15. In this case, the first suction hole 52 can be connected to one of the connecting grooves 53 located between the fourth straight line L14 and the fifth straight line L15, corresponding to the second suction hole 55. Even in such a case, the region of the annular passage 54, which, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, is vertically below the fourth straight line L14, is the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57.This means that the second suction hole 55 does not need to be located in the section of the fixed circumferential wall 25c that is positioned vertically above the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and between the second straight line L12 and the third straight line L13. The second suction hole 55 only needs to be located in the section of the fixed circumferential wall 25c that is positioned vertically above the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57. Considering the annular passage 54 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 15, at least the region that is vertically below the fourth straight line L14 must be the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57.

[0070] In this embodiment, the second suction hole 55 need not be located in the section of the stationary circumferential wall 25c that is positioned vertically above the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and between the second straight line L12 and the third straight line L13. In this case, the opening 56, which is provided between the stationary spiral wall 25b and the wrapping end 26f of the rotating spiral wall 26b, need not be located vertically above the axis L1 of the rotating shaft 15 and between the second straight line L12 and the third straight line L13.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first suction hole 52 need not be located in the section of the shaft support housing element 13 that is positioned vertically above the liquid refrigerant reservoir 57.

[0072] In this embodiment, the oil inlet passage 59 need not have the oil suction port 61. For example, the first end of the reduced-diameter hole 60 can be connected to the oil reservoir 58, and the second end of the reduced-diameter hole 60 can be connected to the inside of the fixed circumferential wall 25c.

[0073] In this embodiment, the spiral compressor 10 does not need to have the oil inlet passage 59.

[0074] In this embodiment, the number of first suction holes 52 is not specifically limited.

[0075] In this embodiment, the number of second suction holes 55 is not specifically limited.

[0076] In this embodiment, the spiral compressor 10 does not need to be driven by the motor 22 and can, for example, be driven by the engine of a vehicle.

[0077] In the embodiment described above, the scroll compressor 10 is used in the vehicle air conditioning system. However, the scroll compressor 10 can be used in other devices. The scroll compressor 10 can be any type of compressor that compresses refrigerant, and its application can be varied.

[0078] Various modifications to the form and details of the above examples can be made without departing from the core and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation. Descriptions of features in each example are to be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results can be obtained if processes are carried out in a different sequence and / or if components in a described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined differently and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. The scope of disclosure is defined not by the detailed description but by the claims and their equivalents.All variations within the scope of the patent claims and their equivalents are included in the disclosure. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2022-152796

[0002]

Claims

Spiral compressor (10) comprising: a rotary shaft (15); a compression mechanism (C1) configured to be driven by a rotation of the rotary shaft (15), the compression mechanism (C1) having a compression chamber (27) configured to compress a refrigerant; and a housing (11) rotatably supporting the rotating shaft (15), the housing (11) having a suction chamber (20) into which refrigerant is drawn from an outside, a discharge chamber (40) from which the refrigerant is discharged, which is compressed in the compression chamber (27), and a suction passage (50) through which the refrigerant passes, which is drawn from the suction chamber (20) into the compression chamber (27), the compression mechanism (C1) comprising: a stationary spiral (25) which is fixed to the housing (11), the stationary spiral (25) comprising a stationary base plate (25a), a stationary spiral wall (25b),extending from the stationary base plate (25a) in an axial direction of the rotating shaft (15), and having a stationary circumferential wall (25c) extending from the stationary base plate (25a) in the axial direction of the rotating shaft (15) and surrounding the stationary spiral wall (25b); and a rotating spiral (26) configured to rotate within the stationary circumferential wall (25c) in response to a rotation of the rotating shaft (15), the rotating spiral (26) having a rotating base plate (26a) opposite the stationary base plate (25a) and a rotating spiral wall (26b) extending from the rotating base plate (26a) towards the stationary base plate (25a) and engaging with the stationary spiral wall (25b), the compression chamber (27) being bounded by the stationary base plate (25a), the stationary spiral wall (25b), the rotating base plate (26a) and the rotating spiral wall (26b),the housing (11) comprises: a shaft support housing element (13) which is arranged on a side of the rotating base plate (26a) opposite the stationary base plate (25a) and supports the rotating shaft (15); and a dispensing housing element (14) comprising a dispensing housing end wall (14a) and a cylindrical dispensing housing circumferential wall (14b) extending from the dispensing housing end wall (14a) to surround the stationary circumferential wall (25c), wherein the dispensing housing element (14) delimits the dispensing chamber (40) between the dispensing housing end wall (14a) and the stationary base plate (25a), the suction passage (50) comprising: a first suction hole (52) located in the shaft support housing element (13) and connected to the suction chamber (20); an annular passage (54) located between the stationary circumferential wall (25c) and the dispensing housing circumferential wall (14b) and connected to the first suction hole (52); and a second suction hole (55),which is located in the fixed circumferential wall (25c) and is connected to the annular passage (54), the dispensing housing circumferential wall (14b) has an inner surface that bounds the annular passage (54), the inner surface having a lower section that is located vertically below an axis (L1) of the rotating shaft (15), when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft (15), a straight line that intersects the axis (L1) of the rotating shaft (15) and extends vertically is a first straight line (L11), a straight line that intersects the axis (L1) of the rotating shaft (15) and extends circumferentially with respect to the first straight line (L11) at an inclination of 30 degrees to one side, is a second straight line (L12), a straight line,which intersects the axis (L1) of the rotating shaft (15) and extends with respect to the first straight line (L11) at an inclination of 30 degrees to the other side in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft (15), is a third straight line (L13), is a first intersection point (P1) of the lower section of the inner surface and the second straight line (L12), is a second intersection point (P2) of the lower section of the inner surface and the third straight line (L13), is a straight line passing through the first intersection point (P1) and the second intersection point (P2) and extending in the horizontal direction, is a fourth straight line (L14), is, when considering the annular passage (54) in the axial direction of the rotating shaft (15), a region of the annular passage (54) that is located vertically below the fourth straight line (L14), a liquid refrigerant reservoir (57) is the liquid refrigerant reservoir (57) is configured,to store liquid refrigerant generated by condensation of the refrigerant in the annular passage (54), while the intake of the liquid refrigerant from the annular passage (54) through the second suction hole (55) into the compression chamber (27) is limited, and the second suction hole (55) is located in a section of the fixed circumferential wall (25c) positioned vertically above the liquid refrigerant reservoir (57). Spiral compressor (10) according to claim 1, wherein a counter-pressure chamber (45), into which refrigerant is introduced for pre-tensioning the circulating spiral (26) in the direction of the stationary spiral (25), is limited between the circulating base plate (26a) and the shaft support housing element (13), and the circulating spiral (26) has a feed passage (46) configured to supply a portion of the refrigerant being compressed in the compression chamber (27) to the counter-pressure chamber (45). Spiral compressor (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second suction hole (55) is located in a section of the stationary circumferential wall (25c) which is positioned vertically above the axis (L1) of the rotating shaft (15) and between the second straight line (L12) and the third straight line (L13), and an opening (56) between the stationary spiral wall (25b) and a wrapping end (26f) of the rotating spiral wall (26b) is located vertically above the axis (L1) of the rotating shaft (15) and between the second straight line (L12) and the third straight line (L13). Spiral compressor (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first suction hole (52) is located in a section of the shaft support housing element (13) which is positioned vertically above the liquid refrigerant reservoir (57). Spiral compressor (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a lower section of the suction chamber (20) is an oil reservoir (58) that stores oil contained in the refrigerant, and the spiral compressor (10) further comprises an oil inlet passage (59) configured to introduce the oil stored in the oil reservoir (58) to an inside of the fixed circumferential wall (25c). Spiral compressor (10) according to claim 5, wherein the oil inlet passage (59) comprises: a reduced-diameter hole (60) located in the shaft support housing element (13), wherein the reduced-diameter hole (60) connects the oil reservoir (58) to the annular passage (54); and an oil suction port located in the fixed circumferential wall, wherein the oil suction port connects the annular passage to the inside of the fixed circumferential wall. Spiral compressor (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft (15), a straight line which crosses the axis (L1) of the rotating shaft (15) and extends in the horizontal direction is a fifth straight line (L15), and when viewed in the axial direction of the annular passage (54), a region of the annular passage (54) which is below the fifth straight line (L15) in the vertical direction is the liquid refrigerant reservoir (57). Spiral compressor (10) according to claim 7, wherein the inner surface of the discharge housing circumferential wall (14b) has an upper section located vertically above the axis (L1) of the rotating shaft (15), an intersection point of the upper section of the inner surface and the second straight line (L12) is a third intersection point (P3), an intersection point of the upper section of the inner surface and the third straight line (L13) is a fourth intersection point (P4), a straight line passing through the third intersection point (P3) and the fourth intersection point (P4) and extending vertically is a sixth straight line (L16), and, when considering the annular passage (54) in the axial direction of the rotating shaft (15), a region of the annular passage (54) located vertically below the sixth straight line (L16) is the liquid refrigerant reservoir (57).

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