Scroll compressor

Abstract

To provide a scroll compressor in which lubricating oil tends to accumulate in the mechanical compartment. [Solution] The compression mechanism 30 includes a fixed scroll 31 and an orbiting scroll 32 that together with the fixed scroll 31 form a compression chamber C3; a drive shaft 40 connected to the orbiting scroll 32 via a drive bearing 72; an electric motor 50 positioned below the orbiting scroll 32 to rotate the drive shaft 40; a main bearing 71 positioned between the electric motor 50 and the orbiting scroll 32 to pivotally support the drive shaft 40; and a bearing seal member 91 provided on the lower surface of the main bearing 71. A mechanical chamber C5 housing the drive bearing 72 and the main bearing 71 is formed between the orbiting scroll 32 and the bearing seal member 91, and an oil supply passage 32a1 connecting the mechanical chamber C5 and the compression chamber C3 is formed in the orbiting scroll 32.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a scroll compressor.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in Patent Document 1, a horizontally placed scroll compressor is disclosed in which lubricating oil remaining in the compression chamber is guided to the mechanical chamber through an oil supply passage provided in the end plate of the orbiting scroll, and the bearing portion and the engaging portion are lubricated by the lubricating oil accumulated in the mechanical chamber.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When attempting to use the scroll compressor of Patent Document 1, which is used horizontally, in an inclined position (for example, when attempting to use it vertically), the lubricating oil is directly discharged into the space below through the bearing portion. In that case, it is difficult for the lubricating oil to accumulate in the mechanical chamber, and there is a possibility that a sufficient amount of lubricating oil cannot be supplied to the bearing portion and the engaging portion.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a scroll compressor in which lubricating oil easily accumulates in the mechanical chamber.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the scroll compressor of the present disclosure employs the following means. A scroll compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a compression mechanism having a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll that together with the fixed scroll form a compression chamber; a drive shaft connected to the orbiting scroll via a transmission unit; a drive unit disposed below the orbiting scroll for rotating the drive shaft; a bearing unit disposed between the drive unit and the orbiting scroll for pivotally supporting the drive shaft; and a seal member provided on the surface of the bearing unit facing the drive unit, wherein a mechanical chamber housing the transmission unit and the bearing unit is formed between the orbiting scroll and the seal member, and an oil supply passage is formed in the orbiting scroll that connects the mechanical chamber and the compression chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a scroll compressor in which lubricating oil tends to accumulate in the mechanical chamber. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a view of the support member from above. [Figure 3] This is a view of the support member from above. [Figure 4] This is a view of the support member from above. [Figure 5] This is a view of the support member from above (modified example 1). [Figure 6] A partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (modified example 2). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A scroll compressor according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Scroll compressor 1 is a compressor that constitutes an air conditioning system installed in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. As shown in Figure 1, the scroll compressor 1 comprises a housing 10 with a space formed inside, a compression mechanism 30 for compressing the refrigerant R, a drive shaft 40 extending in the direction of the axis X1, and an electric motor (drive unit) 50 for rotating the drive shaft 40. Axis X is, for example, aligned in the vertical direction.

[0011] The housing 10 is a container having a circumferential wall with axis X1 as its central axis and closed at both ends. Inside the housing 10, a space is formed for housing the compression mechanism 30, the drive shaft 40, and the electric motor 50.

[0012] The housing 10 may be composed of multiple parts. In Figure 1, the housing 10 consists of a cylindrical main case 11 with openings at both ends and extending in the direction of axis X1, an upper case 12 that closes the upper opening of the main case 11, and a lower case 13 that closes the lower opening of the main case 11.

[0013] A support member 60 is provided in the housing 10 (main case 11). The support member 60 is a portion or part that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the housing 10 toward the center. The support member 60 may be integrally formed with the housing 10 as a single part, or it may be attached to the housing 10 as a separate part.

[0014] The central part of the support member 60 is designated as the bearing holding portion 61. The outer ring of the main bearing (bearing portion) 71 is fitted into the bearing holder 61. This holds the main bearing 71 in place on the support member 60. The bearing retaining portion 61, which corresponds to the center of the support member 60, is located below the peripheral portion of the support member 60. In other words, the upper surface of the main bearing 71 is located below the peripheral portion of the support member 60.

[0015] The main bearing 71 is a bearing that supports the shaft body 41 of the drive shaft 40. The main bearing 71 is disposed between the compression mechanism 30 and the electric motor 50. A bearing seal member 91 is provided on the lower surface of the main bearing 71 (the surface facing the electric motor 50). The bearing seal member 91 is a member for closing the gap (the space accommodating the rolling elements) between the outer ring and the inner ring of the main bearing 71 from below.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper surface of the peripheral portion of the support member 60 is a thrust surface 62 that is substantially orthogonal to the axis X1. The turning end plate 32a of the turning scroll 32, which will be described later, is placed on the thrust surface 62. Thereby, the support member 60 receives the thrust load of the turning scroll 32. The thrust surface 62 corresponding to the upper surface of the peripheral portion of the support member 60 is located above the bearing holding portion 61 corresponding to the central portion of the support member 60. That is, the thrust surface 62 is located above the upper surface of the main bearing 71.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the support member 60 divides the internal space of the housing 10 in the direction of the axis X. At this time, the space below the support member 60 is defined as the lower chamber C1, and the space above the support member 60 is defined as the upper chamber C2.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of communication passages 63 penetrating the support member 60 in the direction of the axis X1 are formed in a portion of the peripheral portion of the support member 60 that is more outer than the thrust surface 62. Each communication passage 63 communicates the lower chamber C1 and the upper chamber C2. Thereby, the refrigerant R introduced into the lower chamber C1 through a port (not shown) for sucking the refrigerant R (Rs) is led to the upper chamber C2. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of communication passages 63 are arranged, for example, around the axis X1. In the case of FIG. 2, six communication passages 63 are arranged at equal angular intervals.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, an electronic equipment housing section 20 is attached to the lower part of the housing 10 (lower case 13). The electronic equipment housing section 20 houses electronic equipment (such as an inverter) used for operating and controlling the scroll compressor 1.

[0020] The compression mechanism 30 is a mechanism for compressing the refrigerant R. The compression mechanism 30 is located in the upper chamber C2. The compression mechanism 30 includes a fixed scroll 31 and a rotating scroll 32.

[0021] The fixed scroll 31 has a disc-shaped fixed end plate 31a that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis X1, and a spiral-shaped fixed wrap 31b that is erected from the fixed end plate 31a in the direction of axis X1 and has teeth that point downward. The periphery of the fixed end plate 31a is fixed to the housing 10 (upper case 12).

[0022] The orbital scroll 32 has a disc-shaped orbital end plate 32a that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis X1, and a spiral-shaped orbital wrap 32b that is erected from the orbital end plate 32a in the direction of the axis X1 and has teeth pointing upward. The periphery of the swivel end plate 32a is placed on the thrust surface 62 of the support member 60. Alternatively, a plate with excellent sliding properties may be interposed between the swivel end plate 32a and the thrust surface 62.

[0023] The orbiting wrap 32b of the orbiting scroll 32 engages with the fixed wrap 31b of the fixed scroll 31 to form a compression chamber C3.

[0024] A discharge port 31a1 is formed in the center of the fixed end plate 31a, penetrating the fixed end plate 31a in the direction of axis X1. The discharge port 31a1 connects the compression chamber C3 to a space defined by the upper surface of the fixed end plate 31a and the housing 10 (upper case 12) (this space is defined as the "discharge chamber C4"). As a result, the refrigerant R compressed in the compression chamber C3 is guided to the discharge chamber C4. The housing 10 (upper case 12) defining the discharge chamber C4 is provided with a port (not shown) for discharging the compressed refrigerant R (Rd).

[0025] The outer ring of the drive bearing (transmission unit) 72 is fitted into the center of the lower surface of the swivel end plate 32a. This holds the drive bearing 72 in place on the swivel scroll 32. A balance weight 80 is fitted into the inner ring of the drive bearing 72, which is held by the orbiting scroll 32. The crankpin 42 of the drive shaft 40 is fitted inside the balance weight 80. As a result, the orbital scroll 32 is connected to the drive shaft 40 via the balance weight 80 and the drive bearing 72.

[0026] The space formed between the lower surface of the swivel end plate 32a and the bearing seal member 91, and surrounded around the axis X1 by the support member 60, is defined as the mechanical chamber C5. The mechanical chamber C5 will house the main bearing 71, the drive bearing 72, and the balance weight 80.

[0027] The drive shaft 40 is a shaft-shaped member extending in the direction of the axis X1, and has a shaft body 41 and a crank pin 42. The shaft body 41 is an axial portion with axis X1 as its central axis, with its upper end located in the mechanical chamber C5 and its lower end located in the lower chamber C1. A crank pin 42 is provided at the upper end of the shaft body 41, with an axis X2 that is eccentric with respect to axis X1 as its central axis. As described above, the upper part of the shaft body 41 is supported by the main bearing 71, and the crankpin 42 is fitted into the balance weight 80. The lower part of the shaft body 41 is supported by a sub-bearing 73 held in the housing 10 (lower case 13).

[0028] The electric motor 50 is a device for rotating the drive shaft 40. The electric motor 50 is located in the lower chamber C1. The electric motor 50 has a stator 51 and a rotor 52. The stator 51 is fixed to the housing 10 (lower case 13). The rotor 52 is fixed to the shaft body 41 of the drive shaft 40 between the main bearing 71 and the sub bearing 73.

[0029] The support member 60 and the swivel end plate 32a are provided with a known anti-rotation mechanism 75. This allows the swivel scroll 32, driven by the drive shaft 40, to revolve around the fixed scroll 31 without rotating on its own axis. When the orbiting scroll 32 is in orbital motion, the orbiting end plate 32a slides against the thrust surface 62.

[0030] A lubrication passage 32a1 is formed around the swivel end plate 32a, penetrating the swivel end plate 32a in the direction of axis X1. The lubrication passage 32a1 connects the compression chamber C3 and the mechanical chamber C5. This allows the lubricating oil remaining in the compression chamber C3 to be guided into the mechanical chamber C5.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the support member 60 has a plurality of discharge passages 62a that extend radially from the inside to the outside with respect to the axis X1. Each discharge passage 62a is, for example, a groove formed in the thrust surface 62. Each discharge passage 62a is located in a position corresponding to at least one of the communication passages 63. The inner end of each discharge passage 62a is in communication with the mechanical chamber C5. On the other hand, the outer end of the discharge passage 62a does not have to reach the communication passage 63 as shown in Figures 2 and 3, or it may reach the communication passage 63 as shown in Figure 4. However, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, if the discharge passage 62a does not reach the communication passage 63, the dimensions of the discharge passage 62a are designed so that the upper part of the outer end of the discharge passage 62a is opened at some point during the orbital motion of the orbiting scroll 32. In either case, the discharge passage 62a will connect the mechanical chamber C5 and the upper chamber C2 (more specifically, the space surrounding the compression mechanism 30).

[0032] [effect] A mechanical chamber C5 housing the drive bearing 72 and the main bearing 71 is formed between the orbiting scroll 32 and the bearing seal member 91. An oil supply passage 32a1 connecting the mechanical chamber C5 and the compression chamber C3 is formed in the orbiting scroll 32, so that the lubricating oil remaining in the compression chamber C3 can be guided into the mechanical chamber C5. This allows the drive bearing 72 and the main bearing 71 housed in the mechanical chamber C5 to be lubricated with the lubricating oil. Furthermore, the bearing seal member 91 makes it difficult for the lubricating oil guided into the mechanical chamber C5 to flow out into the lower chamber C1. As a result, lubricating oil accumulates more easily in the mechanical chamber C5, allowing the drive bearing 72 and the main bearing 71 to be lubricated effectively.

[0033] If the support member 60 has at least one discharge passage 62a that connects the mechanical chamber C5 and the space surrounding the compression mechanism 30, the lubricating oil accumulated in the mechanical chamber C5 can be guided to the compression mechanism 30. This allows the compression mechanism 30 to be lubricated effectively.

[0034] If the discharge passage 62a is formed only at a position corresponding to the communication passage 63, the lubricating oil can be concentrated and guided to the communication passage 63 through which the refrigerant R heading towards the upper chamber C2 passes. This allows the lubricating oil accumulated in the mechanical chamber C5 to be guided to the compression mechanism 30 more efficiently.

[0035] If a discharge passage 62a is formed at a position corresponding to the communication passage 63, and the discharge passage 62a reaches the communication passage 63, the lubricating oil discharged from the discharge passage 62a is more easily drawn up by the refrigerant R heading towards the upper chamber C2 via the communication passage 63. This allows the lubricating oil accumulated in the mechanical chamber C5 to be guided to the compression mechanism 30 more efficiently.

[0036] [Example 1] In Figure 5, the rotation direction of the balance weight 80 is indicated by the arrow Aw. Each discharge passage 62a may be inclined in the direction of rotation of the balance weight 80. Specifically, the outer end of each discharge passage 62a may be positioned in front of the inner end of each discharge passage 62a in the direction of rotation of the balance weight 80. By inclining each discharge passage 62a, the direction in which the lubricating oil accumulated in the mechanical chamber C5 is pushed out by the balance weight 80 can be made to roughly coincide with the direction in which each discharge passage 62a extends. This makes it easier for the lubricating oil to flow into each discharge passage 62a.

[0037] [Differentiation 2] As shown in Figure 6, the support member 60 is provided with a cover portion 64. The cover portion 64 is the part that covers the lower surface of the main bearing 71. The cover portion 64 is distinguished from the bearing seal member 91. The cover portion 64 may be integrally formed with the support member 60 as a single part, or it may be attached to the support member 60 as a separate part. By providing the cover portion 64, the lubricating oil guided into the mechanical chamber C5 is further prevented from flowing out into the lower chamber C1. As a result, lubricating oil accumulates more easily in the mechanical chamber C5, allowing the drive bearing 72 and the main bearing 71 to be lubricated effectively.

[0038] Alternatively, a shaft seal member (sub-seal member) 92 may be provided between the inner end of the cover portion 64 and the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft 40. By providing a sub-seal member, lubricating oil is less likely to leak out from the gap between the cover portion 64 and the outer surface of the drive shaft 40. As a result, lubricating oil is more likely to accumulate in the mechanical chamber C5, allowing the drive bearing 72 and the main bearing 71 to be effectively lubricated.

[0039] [Difference 3] The electric motor 50 may be omitted, and the lower end of the drive shaft 40 may be directly or indirectly connected to a drive source located outside the scroll compressor 1.

[0040] [Differentiation Example 4] The axis X1 may be tilted in the vertical direction to the extent that it does not coincide with the horizontal direction.

[0041] [Note] The scroll compressor according to the embodiment described above can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0042] A scroll compressor (1) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a compression mechanism (30) having a fixed scroll (31) and an orbiting scroll (32) that together with the fixed scroll form a compression chamber (C3); a drive shaft (40) connected to the orbiting scroll via a transmission unit (72); a drive unit (50) positioned below the orbiting scroll and rotating the drive shaft; a bearing unit (71) positioned between the drive unit and the orbiting scroll and supporting the drive shaft; and a seal member (91) provided on the surface of the bearing unit facing the drive unit, wherein a mechanical chamber (C3) housing the transmission unit and the bearing unit is formed between the orbiting scroll and the seal member, and an oil supply passage (32a1) connecting the mechanical chamber and the compression chamber is formed in the orbiting scroll.

[0043] A mechanical chamber housing the transmission and bearing sections is formed between the orbiting scroll and the sealing member. The orbiting scroll has a lubrication passage connecting the mechanical chamber and the compression chamber, allowing lubricating oil remaining in the compression chamber to be guided into the mechanical chamber. This allows the transmission and bearing sections housed in the mechanical chamber to be lubricated with the lubricating oil. Furthermore, the sealing component prevents the lubricating oil guided into the mechanical chamber from leaking into the space where the drive unit is located. This allows lubricating oil to accumulate more easily in the mechanical chamber, enabling effective lubrication of the transmission and bearing sections.

[0044] A scroll compressor according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, includes a support member (60) that holds the bearing portion and receives the thrust load of the orbiting scroll, and the support member has at least one discharge passage (62a) that connects the mechanical chamber and the space surrounding the compression mechanism.

[0045] The support member has at least one discharge passage that connects the mechanical chamber and the space surrounding the compression mechanism, allowing lubricating oil accumulated in the mechanical chamber to be guided to the compression mechanism. This enables effective lubrication of the compression mechanism.

[0046] In a scroll compressor according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the second aspect, at least one communication passage (63) is formed in the support member that connects the space in which the drive unit is arranged and into which the refrigerant is drawn with the space in which the compression mechanism is arranged, and the discharge passage is formed only at a position corresponding to the communication passage.

[0047] Since the discharge passage is formed only at positions corresponding to the communication passage, the lubricating oil can be concentrated and guided to the communication passage through which the refrigerant heading towards the space where the compression mechanism is located passes. This allows the lubricating oil accumulated in the mechanical room to be guided to the compression mechanism more efficiently.

[0048] In a scroll compressor according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the second aspect, at least one communication passage is formed in the support member that connects the space in which the drive unit is arranged and a refrigerant is drawn in with the space in which the compression mechanism is arranged, the discharge passage is formed at a position corresponding to the communication passage, and the discharge passage reaches the communication passage.

[0049] A discharge passage is formed at a position corresponding to the communication passage, and since the discharge passage reaches the communication passage, the lubricating oil discharged from the discharge passage is more easily drawn up by the refrigerant heading towards the space where the compression mechanism is located via the communication passage. This allows the lubricating oil accumulated in the mechanical room to be guided to the compression mechanism more efficiently.

[0050] A scroll compressor according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in any of the second to fourth aspects, comprises a balance weight (80) provided on the drive shaft, the balance weight is housed in the mechanical chamber, and the discharge passage is inclined in the direction of rotation of the balance weight.

[0051] Since the balance weight is housed in the mechanical chamber and the discharge passage is inclined in the direction of the balance weight's rotation, the direction in which the lubricating oil accumulated in the mechanical chamber is pushed out by the balance weight can be made to roughly coincide with the direction in which the discharge passage extends. This makes it easier for the lubricating oil to flow into the discharge passage.

[0052] In the scroll compressor according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, in any of the second to fifth aspects, a cover portion (64) that covers the surface of the bearing portion facing the drive portion is provided on the support member.

[0053] Since a cover portion is provided on the support member that covers the surface of the bearing portion facing the drive portion, the lubricating oil guided into the mechanical chamber is further prevented from leaking into the space where the drive portion is located. As a result, lubricating oil accumulates more easily in the mechanical chamber, allowing for effective lubrication of the transmission portion and the bearing portion.

[0054] A scroll compressor according to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, in a sixth aspect, includes a subseal member (92) provided between the cover portion and the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft.

[0055] Because a sub-seal member is provided between the cover and the outer surface of the drive shaft, lubricating oil is less likely to leak out from the gap between the cover and the outer surface of the drive shaft. As a result, lubricating oil can accumulate more easily in the mechanical chamber, allowing for effective lubrication of the transmission and bearing sections. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1. Scroll Compressor 10 Housing 11 Main Case 12 Upper Case 13 Lower Case 20 Electronic equipment housing 30 Compression mechanism 31 Fixed Scroll 31a Fixed end plate 31a1 Discharge port 31b Fixing wrap 32 Swivel Scroll 32a Swivel end plate 32a1 Fueling passage 32b Turning lap 40 Drive shaft 41 Shaft Body 42 Crankpin 50 Electric motor (drive unit) 51 Stator 52 rotors 60 Support Members 61 Bearing retaining part 62 Thrust surface 62a Discharge passage 63 Communication passage 64 Cover section 71 Main bearing (bearing section) 72 Drive bearing (transmission section) 73 Sub-bearing 75 Anti-rotation mechanism 80 Balance Weights 91 Bearing seal member (seal member) 92. Shaft sealing member (sub-seal member) C1 lower chamber C2 upper chamber C3 Compression Chamber C4 Discharge Chamber C5 Mechanical Room X1 axis X2 axis

Claims

1. A compression mechanism having a fixed scroll and a revolving scroll that together with the fixed scroll forms a compression chamber, A drive shaft connected to the orbital scroll via a transmission unit, A drive unit positioned below the orbital scroll and rotating the drive shaft, A bearing portion is disposed between the drive unit and the orbiting scroll and supports the drive shaft, A sealing member provided on the surface of the bearing portion facing the drive portion, Equipped with, A mechanical chamber housing the transmission unit and the bearing unit is formed between the orbiting scroll and the sealing member. The orbiting scroll has a lubrication passage that connects the mechanical chamber and the compression chamber. Scroll compressor.

2. The bearing portion is held and a support member is provided to receive the thrust load of the orbiting scroll, The support member has at least one discharge passage that connects the mechanical chamber and the space surrounding the compression mechanism. The scroll compressor according to claim 1.

3. At least one communication passage is formed in the support member that connects the space in which the drive unit is arranged and into which the refrigerant is drawn, and the space in which the compression mechanism is arranged. The discharge passage is formed only at a position corresponding to the aforementioned communication passage. The scroll compressor according to claim 2.

4. At least one communication passage is formed in the support member that connects the space in which the drive unit is arranged and into which the refrigerant is drawn, and the space in which the compression mechanism is arranged. The discharge passage is formed at a position corresponding to the aforementioned communication passage. The discharge passage reaches the communication passage. The scroll compressor according to claim 2.

5. The drive shaft is equipped with a balance weight, The balance weight is housed in the mechanical chamber. The discharge passage is inclined in the direction of rotation of the balance weight. The scroll compressor according to claim 2.

6. A cover portion is provided on the support member that covers the surface of the bearing portion facing the drive portion. The scroll compressor according to claim 2.

7. The cover portion and the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft are provided with a sub-seal member. The scroll compressor according to claim 6.

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