compressor

Abstract

A compressor may include: a lower and upper cylinder each including: a compression chamber configured so that a refrigerant is compressed in the compression chamber and the compressed refrigerant is discharged from the compression chamber, a lower muffler on a lower side of the lower cylinder, and configured to receive, and reduce noise of, the refrigerant discharged from the lower cylinder and discharge the refrigerant to an accommodation space, and a separation muffler in an upper side of the upper cylinder, and configured to receive, and reduce noise of, the refrigerant discharged from the upper cylinder to the accommodation space, wherein the separation muffler is divided from a flow path along which refrigerant from the lower muffler is discharged so that, before reaching the accommodation space, the refrigerant discharged from the lower muffler is divided from the refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. § 111(a), of International Application No. PCT / KR2025 / 002355, filed Feb. 19, 2025, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0055723, filed Apr. 25, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates to a compressor.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] A compressor is a mechanical device that receives power from a power generation device, such as an electric motor or a turbine, and compresses air, refrigerant, or other various types of working gases to increase the pressure. Compressors are widely used in home appliances, such as a refrigerator, an air conditioner, and a clothes dryer, as well as various industries.

[0004] The types of compressors include reciprocating compressors, scroll compressors, and rotary compressors. A reciprocating compressor compresses working gas by forming a compression space between a piston and a cylinder in which the working gas is admitted and discharged, as the piston moves linearly back and forth inside the cylinder. A scroll compressor compresses working gas by forming a compression space between an orbiting scroll and a fixed scroll in which the working gas is admitted and discharged, as the orbiting scroll rotates along the fixed scroll. A rotary compressor compresses working gas by forming a compression space between an eccentrically rotating rolling piston and a cylinder in which the working gas is admitted and discharged, as the rolling piston eccentrically rotates along the inner wall of the cylinder.

[0005] A compressor includes a compressing portion in which compression of refrigerant is performed, and a driving part that provides power for the compression of the refrigerant. The compressing portion may be provided with a muffler to reduce noise generated when the compressed refrigerant is discharged.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0006] One aspect of the disclosure provides a compressor having an improved structure in which discharge flow paths of refrigerant compressed from each of an upper cylinder and a lower cylinder are separated.

[0007] One aspect of the disclosure provides a compressor having an improved structure to prevent pressure drop caused by flow interference between refrigerant discharged from an upper cylinder and refrigerant discharged from a lower cylinder.

[0008] One aspect of the disclosure provides a compressor having an improved structure to prevent a portion of discharged refrigerant from flowing backward.

[0009] The technical objectives of the disclosure are not limited to the above, and other objectives that are not described above may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the following descriptions.Technical Solution

[0010] In accordance with the present disclosure, a compressor may include: a lower cylinder including: a lower compression chamber, the lower compression chamber configured so that refrigerant is compressed in the lower compression chamber, and the compressed refrigerant in the lower compression chamber is discharged from the lower compression chamber; an upper cylinder including: an upper compression chamber, the upper compression chamber configured so that refrigerant is compressed in the upper compression chamber, and the compressed refrigerant in the upper compression chamber is discharged from the upper compression chamber; a lower muffler on a lower side of the lower compression chamber, and configured to receive, and reduce noise of, the refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber and discharged the refrigerant received from the lower compression chamber and having the reduced noise to an accommodation space of the compressor; and a separation muffler on an upper side of the upper compression chamber, and configured to receive, and reduce noise of, the refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber and discharge the refrigerant received from the upper compression chamber and having the reduced noise to the accommodation space. The separation muffler may be divided from a flow path extending upward from the lower muffler and along which refrigerant from the lower muffler is discharged so that, before reaching the accommodation space, the refrigerant discharged from the lower muffler travels along the flow path and is divided from the refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler.

[0011] The compressor may further include: a connection muffler on an upper side of the upper compression chamber and configured to receive the refrigerant discharged from the lower muffler that travels along the flow path.

[0012] The separation muffler may include a first discharge hole through which the refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler is discharged to the accommodation space. The connection muffler may include a second discharge hole through which the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler is discharged to the accommodation space. The flow path may extend from the lower muffler through an inside of the connection muffler to the second discharge hole.

[0013] The compressor may further include: a rotatable shaft, a lower roller inside the lower compression chamber and configured to be rotated by rotation of the rotatable shaft to compress the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber, and discharge the refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber, and an upper roller inside the upper compression chamber and configured to be rotated by rotation of the rotatable shaft to compress the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber, and discharge the refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber. A distance between the rotatable shaft and the first discharge hole may be shorter than a distance between the rotatable shaft and the second discharge hole.

[0014] The compressor may further include: a rotatable shaft, a lower roller inside the lower compression chamber and configured to be rotated by rotation of the rotatable shaft to compress the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber, and discharge the refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber, and an upper roller inside the upper compression chamber and configured to be rotated by rotation of the rotatable shaft to compress the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber, and discharge the refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber. A distance between the rotatable shaft and the first discharge hole may be longer than a distance between the rotatable shaft and the second discharge hole.

[0015] The first discharge hole may be configured so that the refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler is discharged upward. The second discharge hole may be configured so that the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler upward.

[0016] The first discharge hole may be configured so that the refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler is discharged in a horizontal direction or in a first direction inclined at a first predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction. The second discharge hole may be configured so that the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler is discharged in the horizontal direction or in a second direction inclined at a second predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0017] The compressor may further include: a connection hole through which the refrigerant from the lower muffler travels along the flow path from the lower muffler to the connection muffler. The connection hole and the second discharge hole may be spaced apart in a horizontal direction.

[0018] The flow path may extend through an area between the separation muffler and the connection muffler.

[0019] The separation muffler and the connection muffler may be coupled to each other.

[0020] The compressor may further include: an upper cylinder cover on an upper side of the upper cylinder and having an upper inlet hole through which the refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber is discharged to the separation muffler. The separation muffler may include a discharge hole through which the refrigerant received from the upper compression chamber and having the reduced noise is discharged to the accommodation space, and the upper inlet hole and the discharge hole may be spaced apart in a horizontal direction.

[0021] The compressor may further include: an outlet pipe through which the flow path extends and configured to discharge the refrigerant from the lower muffler upward.

[0022] The compressor may further include: an upper cylinder cover on an upper side of the upper compression chamber and including an upper cover hole, wherein the outlet pipe may extend upward from the upper cover hole.

[0023] The outlet pipe may pass through the separation muffler.

[0024] The accommodation space may be on an upper side of the separation muffler. The separation muffler may include a discharge hole through which the refrigerant received from the upper compression chamber and having the reduced noise is discharged to the accommodation space. The refrigerant discharged through the discharge hole and the refrigerant discharged from the lower muffler along the flow path may be mixed in the accommodation space.

[0025] A compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: a lower cylinder including a lower compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a upper cylinder including a upper compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a lower muffler configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber and disposed on a lower side of the lower cylinder; and an upper muffler disposed on an upper side of the upper cylinder. The upper muffler may include a separation muffler configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber, and a connection muffler connected to the lower muffler and divided from the separation muffler.

[0026] A compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a lower cylinder including a lower compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a upper cylinder including a upper compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a lower muffler configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber and disposed on a lower side of the lower cylinder; an outlet pipe configured to discharge refrigerant in the lower muffler upward; and an upper muffler disposed on an upper side of the upper cylinder, the upper muffler being configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber and divided from the outlet pipe.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an air conditioner including a compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a cut-away longitudinal sectional view of a compressor and an accumulator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, a cylinder, a roller, a cylinder cover, and a muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which is viewed from the top.

[0030] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, a cylinder, a roller, a cylinder cover, and a muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which is viewed from the bottom.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a cut-away longitudinal sectional view of some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, a cylinder, a roller, a cylinder cover, and a muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, being introduced through an upper cylinder cover according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, a separation muffler, a connection muffler, and a lower muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being introduced into a separation muffler chamber and discharged through a first discharge hole.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating refrigerant from a lower muffler chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being introduced into a connection muffler chamber and discharged through a second discharge hole.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, a separation muffler, a connection muffler, and a lower muffler according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being introduced into a separation muffler chamber and discharged through a first discharge hole.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating refrigerant from a lower muffler chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being introduced into a connection muffler chamber and discharged through a second discharge hole.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, an upper muffler, a lower muffler, and an outlet pipe according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor being discharged through an upper muffler chamber and a discharge hole, and refrigerant in a lower muffler chamber being discharged through a connection flow path and an outlet pipe according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor being discharged through an upper muffler chamber and a discharge hole, and refrigerant in a lower muffler chamber being discharged through a connection flow path and an outlet pipe, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, a separation muffler, a connection muffler, and a lower muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 17 is a view of refrigerant from a lower muffler chamber of a compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being introduced into a connection muffler chamber and discharged through a second discharge hole.

[0044] FIG. 18 is a view of refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being introduced into a separation muffler chamber and discharged through a first discharge hole.MODES OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Various embodiments of the present document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments.

[0046] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0047] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or a plurality of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0048] In this document, phrases, such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B,”“A, B or C,”“at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C”, may include any one or all possible combinations of items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0049] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items.

[0050] Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish a component from other components, without limiting the component in other aspects e.g., importance or order.

[0051] It will be understood that when the terms “includes,”“comprises,”“including,” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

[0052] It will be understood that when a certain component is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another component, it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component. When a component is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another component, it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component through a third component.

[0053] It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as being “on” another component, it may be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be present.

[0054] Further, as used in the disclosure, the terms “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like are defined with reference to the drawings, and are not intended to limit the shape and position of each component.

[0055] Among the expressions used in the description below, “upper˜”, “lower˜”, etc. may be used to distinguish components by considering the relative positions between the components, and these expressions may be replaced with expressions such as “first˜”, “second˜”.

[0056] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a drawing schematically illustrating an air conditioner including a compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 1, a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be included in an air conditioner 1.

[0059] The air conditioner 1 may absorb heat from the indoors and release heat to the outdoors for cooling a space to be air-conditioned, i.e., an indoor space. In addition, the air conditioner 1 may absorb heat from the outdoors and release heat to the indoors for heating the indoor space. The air conditioner 1 may include an outdoor unit 10 configured to exchange heat with outdoor air and an indoor unit 20 configured to exchange heat with indoor air. For example, the outdoor unit 10 may be installed in the outdoor space and may exchange heat with outdoor air, and the indoor unit 20 may be installed in the indoor space and may exchange heat with indoor air.

[0060] The air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment may be a separate air conditioner in which the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are installed separately from each other. Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment may be an integrated air conditioner in which the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are installed together in one cabinet.

[0061] The outdoor unit 10 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (for example, evaporation or condensation). For example, the outdoor unit 10 may release the heat of the refrigerant to the outdoor air by utilizing the condensation of the refrigerant. In addition, the outdoor unit 10 may absorb the heat of the outdoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing the evaporation of the refrigerant.

[0062] The outdoor unit 10 may include a compressor 11 configured to compress refrigerant gas, and an outdoor heat exchanger 12 configured to perform heat exchange between the outdoor air and the refrigerant.

[0063] The indoor unit 20 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, the indoor unit 20 may cool the indoor space by absorbing the heat of the indoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing the evaporation of the refrigerant. In addition, the indoor unit 20 may heat the indoor space by releasing the heat of the refrigerant into the indoor air by utilizing the condensation of the refrigerant.

[0064] The indoor unit 20 may include an indoor heat exchanger 22 configured to perform heat exchange between the indoor air and the refrigerant.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 may include a refrigerant circulation circuit for transferring heat between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 using a refrigerant as a medium.

[0066] The refrigerant circulation circuit may include a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, an expansion device 13, and an indoor heat exchanger 22. The refrigerant may be circulated in the order of the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 12, the expansion device 13, and the indoor heat exchanger 22, or may be circulated in the order of the compressor 11, the indoor heat exchanger 22, the expansion device 13, and the outdoor heat exchanger 12.

[0067] The compressor 11 may compress refrigerant gas and discharge the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas. For example, the compressor 11 may include a motor and a compression mechanism, and the compression mechanism may compress the refrigerant gas by a torque of the motor. The detailed structure of the compressor 11 will be described below.

[0068] In the outdoor heat exchanger 12, heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air may be performed. For example, during the cooling operation, high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 12, and while the refrigerant is being condensed, the refrigerant may release heat to the outdoor air. During the cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 12 may discharge refrigerant liquid. In addition, during a heating operation, low-temperature, low-voltage refrigerant liquid is evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 12, and while the refrigerant is being evaporated, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outdoor air. During a heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 12 may discharge refrigerant gas.

[0069] An outdoor fan 16 may be provided adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger 12. The outdoor fan 16 may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 12 to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0070] The expansion device 13 may expand the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid using, for example, the throttling effect. In addition, the expansion device 13 may discharge low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid. The expansion device 13 may include an orifice that may reduce the cross-sectional area of the flow path.

[0071] The expansion device 13 may be connected to the indoor unit 20. The expansion devices 13 may be provided corresponding in number to the number of indoor units 20.

[0072] In the indoor heat exchanger 22, heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air may be performed. For example, during a cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 22 evaporates low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant liquid, and while the refrigerant is being evaporated, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the indoor air. As a result, the indoor space may be cooled. During a cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 22 may discharge refrigerant gas. In addition, during the heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 22 condenses high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas, and while the refrigerant is being condensed, the refrigerant may release heat to the indoor air. With such a configuration, the indoor space may be heated. During the heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 22 may discharge the refrigerant liquid.

[0073] Depending on the embodiment, a separate expansion device (not shown) or capillary tube (not shown) may be provided on an inlet side of the indoor heat exchanger 22. The separate expansion valve or capillary tube may expand the refrigerant liquid and provide the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid to the indoor heat exchanger 22.

[0074] An indoor fan 26 may be provided adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger 22. The indoor fan 26 may blow indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 22 to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0075] In addition, the refrigerant circulation circuit may further include a flow switching valve 14. The flow switching valve 14 may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow switching valve 14 may be connected to a refrigerant discharge port of the compressor 11.

[0076] The flow switching valve 14 may switch a circulation flow path of the refrigerant depending on the operation mode (e.g., a cooling operation or a heating operation) of the air conditioner 1. For example, during the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1, the flow switching valve 14 may guide the refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor 11 to the outdoor heat exchanger 12 such that the refrigerant may circulate in the order of the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 12, the expansion device 13, and the indoor heat exchanger 22. In addition, during the heating operation of the air conditioner 1, the flow switching valve 14 may guide the refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor 11 to the indoor heat exchanger 22 such that the refrigerant may circulate in the order of the compressor 11, the indoor heat exchanger 22, the expansion device 13, and the outdoor heat exchanger 12.

[0077] In addition, the refrigerant circulation circuit may further include an accumulator 15. The accumulator 15 may be connected to a refrigerant inlet port of the compressor 11.

[0078] The accumulator 15 may receive low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 22 or the outdoor heat exchanger 12. For example, during a cooling operation, low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 22 may be introduced into the accumulator 15. During a heating operation, low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 12 may be introduced into the accumulator 15.

[0079] Depending on the load, the refrigerant may be incompletely evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 22 or the outdoor heat exchanger 12, and a mixed refrigerant of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas may be introduced into the accumulator 15. The accumulator 15 may, upon introduction of the mixed refrigerant of the refrigerant liquid and the refrigerant gas, separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas, and provide the refrigerant gas, in which the refrigerant liquid has been separated, to the compressor 11.

[0080] For example, the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 12, the outdoor fan 16, the expansion device 13, the flow switching valve 14, and the accumulator 15 may be disposed in the outdoor unit 10. The indoor heat exchanger 22 and the indoor fan 26 may be disposed in the indoor unit 20. However, the location of the expansion device 13 is not limited to the outdoor unit 10, and according to various embodiments, the expansion device 13 may be disposed in the indoor unit 20.

[0081] In FIG. 1, an example in which a single outdoor unit 10 and a single indoor unit 20 are connected to each other is illustrated, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and a single outdoor unit 10 may be connected to two or more indoor units 20, or two or more outdoor units 10 may be connected to a single indoor unit 20, or two or more outdoor units 10 may be connected to two or more indoor units 20.

[0082] The air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 1 is only an example of a device to which a compressor according to the concept of the disclosure may be applied, and the concept of the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0083] FIG. 2 is a cut-away longitudinal sectional view of a compressor and an accumulator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 2, a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a compressing portion (including components, such as cylinders 110 and 210, rollers 120 and 220 configured to compress refrigerant, a drive motor 40 provided to supply power to the compressing portion, and a housing 30 that accommodates the compressing portion and the drive motor 40.

[0085] The housing 30 may form the external appearance of the compressor 11. An accommodation space S in which the compressing portion and the drive motor 40 are accommodated may be formed inside the housing 30. Oil may be stored in an inner lower portion of the housing 30 to reduce friction between various members of the compressor 11 and cool the members.

[0086] A compressor inlet pipe PI may be connected to an inlet side of the housing 30. The housing 30 may be connected to the accumulator 15 by the compressor inlet pipe PI. The compressor inlet pipe PI may be provided to guide the refrigerant introduced into the housing 30 from the accumulator 15. The compressor inlet pipe PI may include an upper cylinder inlet pipe PI1 connected to an upper cylinder 110 described below, and a lower cylinder inlet pipe PI2 connected to a lower cylinder 210 described below. A portion of the refrigerant in the accumulator 15 may flow into an upper compression chamber 111, see FIG. 5 in the upper cylinder 110 through the upper cylinder inlet pipe PI1. Another portion of the refrigerant in the accumulator 15 may flow into a lower compression chamber 211, see FIG. 5 in the lower cylinder 210 through the lower cylinder inlet pipe PI2.

[0087] For example, the compressor inlet pipe PI may be connected to the lower portion of the housing 30.

[0088] A compressor outlet pipe PO may be connected to an outlet side of the housing 30. The compressor outlet pipe PO may be provided to guide the refrigerant compressed in the housing 30 to be discharged outside the housing 30. The compressor outlet pipe PO may be provided to guide the refrigerant in the accommodation space S of the housing 30 to be discharged outside the housing 30.

[0089] For example, the compressor outlet pipe PO may be connected to the upper portion of the housing 30.

[0090] The drive motor 40 may convert electromagnetic force into mechanical rotational force. The drive motor 40 may include a stator 41 fixed to the housing 30 and a rotor 42 having magnetism and configured to rotate relative to the stator 41 by electromagnetic force. The stator 41 may include a core and a coil wound around the core. The rotor 42 may be provided to be rotatable inside the stator 41.

[0091] The compressor 11 may include a rotating shaft 43 configured to transmit power generated from a drive motor 40 to the compressing portion. The rotating shaft 43 may be connected to the rotor 42 to provide power to an upper roller 120 and a lower roller 220 to be described below. The rotating shaft 43 may be fixed to the rotor 42 and configured to rotate together with the rotor 42. The rotating shaft 43 may be coupled to the rotor 42 by a fitting or press-fitting method.

[0092] The rotating shaft 43 may extend along the vertical direction of the compressor 11. That is, the rotating shaft 43 may extend along the direction of gravity. The rotational axis direction of the drive motor 40 and the rotational axis directions of each of the upper roller 120 and the lower roller 220 to be described below may be parallel to the rotating shaft 43.

[0093] The rotating shaft 43 may vertically pass through each component of the compressing portion described below, such as, for example, an upper muffler 300, an upper cylinder cover 130, an upper cylinder 110, an upper roller 120, a mid-plate 60, a lower cylinder 210, a lower roller 220, a lower cylinder cover 230, a lower muffler 400, and the like.

[0094] The drive motor 40 may be coupled to the housing 30. The stator 41 of the drive motor 40 may be coupled to the inner surface of the housing 30. For example, the stator 41 may be coupled to the inside of the housing 30 by a fitting or press-fitting method.

[0095] For example, the drive motor 40 may be disposed on the upper side of the compressing portion.

[0096] The compressing portion of the compressor 11 may include an upper cylinder 110 including an upper compression chamber 111, see FIG. 5 and a lower cylinder 210 including a lower compression chamber 211, see FIG. 5. The upper compression chamber 111 may be provided inside the upper cylinder 110. The lower compression chamber 211 may be provided inside the lower cylinder 210.

[0097] The upper compression chamber 111 and the lower compression chamber 211 may each be provided to compress refrigerant. The compressing portion may include an upper roller 120 that is rotatably provided inside the upper cylinder 110. The upper roller 120 may be provided to compress refrigerant in the upper compression chamber 111 by rotating inside the upper cylinder 110. The compressing portion may include a lower roller 220 that is rotatably provided inside the lower cylinder 210. The lower roller 220 may be provided to compress the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber 211 by rotating inside the lower cylinder 210. Each of the upper roller 120 and the lower roller 220 may be provided to receive power from the rotating shaft 43 and rotate.

[0098] That is, the compressor 11 according to an embodiment may include a rotary compressor.

[0099] Hereinafter, components related to the compressing portion among the components of the compressor 11 according to an embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 18.

[0100] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, a cylinder, a roller, a cylinder cover, and a muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which is viewed from the top. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, a cylinder, a roller, a cylinder cover, and a muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which is viewed from the bottom. FIG. 5 is a cut-away longitudinal sectional view of some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, a cylinder, a roller, a cylinder cover, and a muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 6 is a view illustrating refrigerant flowing through an upper cylinder cover in an upper compression chamber of a compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an upper cylinder 110 including an upper compression chamber 111 and a lower cylinder 210 including a lower compression chamber 211.

[0102] The upper compression chamber 111 may be formed inward of the circumference of the upper cylinder 110. For example, the upper cylinder 110 may have an approximately ring shape, and the upper compression chamber 111 may be formed in a portion inside the ring shape of the upper cylinder 110.

[0103] The central axis of the inner space of the upper cylinder 110 may be approximately coincident with the rotation axis of the rotating shaft 43 (which is identical to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43). For example, the upper cylinder 110 may be provided in a ring shape that has the rotation axis of the rotating shaft 43 as a central axis.

[0104] The upper cylinder 110 may include an upper refrigerant inlet 112 provided to allow refrigerant to be introduced into the upper compression chamber 111. The upper refrigerant inlet 112 may be connected to the upper cylinder inlet pipe PI1. The refrigerant flowing along the upper cylinder inlet pipe PI1 from the accumulator 15 may be introduced into the upper cylinder 110 through the upper refrigerant inlet 112.

[0105] The upper roller 120 may be rotatably provided on the inside of the upper cylinder 110. The outer diameter of the upper roller 120 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the upper cylinder 110. The upper roller 120 may rotate while in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the upper cylinder 110.

[0106] The rotation axis of the upper roller 120 may be parallel to the vertical direction of the compressor 11. The rotation axis of the upper roller 120 may be parallel to the direction of gravity. The rotation axis of the upper roller 120 may be parallel to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43, but the central axis of the upper roller 120 may be eccentric to one side from the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. The central axis of the upper roller 120 may be eccentric to one side in the radial direction from the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. The central axis of the upper roller 120 may be eccentric to one side in the radial direction from the rotation axis of the upper roller 120.

[0107] In detail, an upper cam 51 that comes into contact with the upper roller 120 may be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 43. The upper cam 51 may come into contact with an inner circumferential surface of the upper roller 120 to transmit rotational power to the upper roller 120. The upper cam 51 may be coupled to the upper roller 120. The upper cam 51 may be fixed to the upper roller 120. The upper cam 51 may, during rotation of the rotating shaft 43, rotate using the central axis of the rotating shaft 43 as a rotational axis. In this case, the central axis of the upper cam 51 may be eccentric to one side in the radial direction from the central axis of the rotating shaft 43.

[0108] For example, the upper roller 120 may have an approximately ring shape. The upper cam 51 may be disposed in an inner portion of the ring shape of the upper roller 120. The outer circumferential surface of the upper cam 51 may be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the upper roller 120. Most of the outer circumferential surface of the upper cam 51 may be in contact with most of the inner circumferential surface of the upper roller 120. The upper cam 51 may be fitted and coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the upper roller 120.

[0109] As described above, since the upper cam 51 is disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43, the upper roller 120 in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the upper cam 51 may also be disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. Since the upper roller 120 is disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43, the upper roller 120 may compress the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber 111 by rotating inside the upper cylinder 110.

[0110] An upper vane 115 may be movably installed in the upper cylinder 110. The upper vane 115 may be connected to an elastic member E and may come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the upper roller 120 by elastic force regardless of the position of the upper roller 120 inside the upper cylinder 110. As the upper vane 115 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the upper roller 120, the inner space of the upper cylinder 110 may be divided into an intake space into refrigerant is introduced through the upper refrigerant inlet 112 and an upper compression chamber 111 in which the refrigerant is compressed. The upper compression chamber 111 may be defined as a space surrounded by the outer circumferential surface of the upper roller 120, the inner circumferential surface of the upper cylinder 110, and the upper vane 115. More specifically, the upper compression chamber 111 may be defined as a space surrounded by the outer circumferential surface of the upper roller 120, the inner circumferential surface of the upper cylinder 110, the upper vane 115, the upper cylinder cover 130 to be described below, and the mid-plate 60 to be described below.

[0111] The compressor 11 may include an upper cylinder cover 130. The upper cylinder cover 130 may cover the upper side of the upper cylinder 110. The upper cylinder cover 130 may cover the upper side of the upper compression chamber 111. The upper cylinder cover 130 may support the upper cylinder 110.

[0112] The upper cylinder cover 130 may include an upper cover body 131. The upper cover body 131 may cover the upper side of the upper cylinder 110. The upper cover body 131 may be in contact with the upper side of the upper cylinder 110. The upper cover body 131 may support the upper cylinder 110. The upper cover body 131 may be coupled to the upper cylinder 110. For example, the upper cover body 131 may be coupled to the upper cylinder 110 by a fastening member, such as a screw.

[0113] The upper cylinder cover 130 may include a first shaft support portion 132 that supports the rotating shaft 43. The first shaft support portion 132 may allow the rotating shaft 43 to pass therethrough. The first shaft support portion 132 may serve as a bearing that rotatably supports the rotating shaft 43. The first shaft support portion 132 may support the upper portion of the rotating shaft 43.

[0114] The first shaft support portion 132 may extend from the upper cover body 131. For example, the first shaft support portion 132 may extend upward from the upper cover body 131. For example, the upper cover body 131 and the first shaft support portion 132 may be provided as one part.

[0115] The lower compression chamber 211 may be formed inward of the circumference of the lower cylinder 210. For example, the lower cylinder 210 may have an approximately ring shape, and the lower compression chamber 211 may be formed in a portion inside the ring shape of the lower cylinder 210.

[0116] The central axis of the inner space of the lower cylinder 210 may be approximately coincident with the rotation axis of the rotating shaft 43 (which is identical to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43). For example, the lower cylinder 210 may be provided in a ring shape that has the rotation axis of the rotating shaft 43 as a central axis.

[0117] The lower cylinder 210 may include a lower refrigerant inlet 212 provided to allow refrigerant to be introduced into the lower compression chamber 211. The lower refrigerant inlet 212 may be connected to the lower cylinder inlet pipe PI2. The refrigerant flowing along the lower cylinder inlet pipe PI2 from the accumulator 15 may be introduced into the lower cylinder 210 through the lower refrigerant inlet 212.

[0118] The lower roller 220 may be rotatably provided on the inside of the lower cylinder 210. The outer diameter of the lower roller 220 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the lower cylinder 210. The lower roller 220 may rotate while in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the lower cylinder 210.

[0119] The rotation axis of the lower roller 220 may be parallel to the vertical direction of the compressor 11. The rotation axis of the lower roller 220 may be parallel to the direction of gravity. The rotation axis of the lower roller 220 may be parallel to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43, but the central axis of the lower roller 220 may be eccentric to one side from the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. The central axis of the lower roller 220 may be eccentric to one side in the radial direction from the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. The central axis of the lower roller 220 may be eccentric to one side in the radial direction from the rotation axis of the lower roller 220.

[0120] In detail, a lower cam 52 that comes into contact with the lower roller 220 may be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 43. The lower cam 52 may come into contact with an inner circumferential surface of the lower roller 220 to transmit rotational power to the lower roller 220. The lower cam 52 may be coupled to the lower roller 220. The lower cam 52 may be fixed to the lower roller 220. The lower cam 52 may, during rotation of the rotating shaft 43, rotate using the central axis of the rotating shaft 43 as a rotational axis. In this case, the central axis of the lower cam 52 may be eccentric to one side in the radial direction from the central axis of the rotating shaft 43.

[0121] For example, the lower roller 220 may have an approximately ring shape. The lower cam 52 may be disposed in an inner portion of the ring shape of the lower roller 220. The outer circumferential surface of the lower cam 52 may be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the lower roller 220. Most of the outer circumferential surface of the lower cam 52 may be in contact with most of the inner circumferential surface of the lower roller 220. The lower cam 52 may be fitted and coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the lower roller 220.

[0122] As described above, since the lower cam 52 is disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43, the lower roller 220 in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the lower cam 52 may also be disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. Since the lower roller 220 is disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43, the lower roller 220 may compress the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber 211 by rotating inside the lower cylinder 210.

[0123] In one embodiment, the upper cam 51 and the lower cam 52 may be eccentric in the opposite directions with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. In addition, the upper roller 120 and the lower roller 220 may be eccentric in the opposite directions with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. Accordingly, the phase when the refrigerant is compressed by the upper roller 120 in the upper compression chamber 111 and the phase when the refrigerant is compressed by the lower roller 220 in the lower compression chamber 211 may be opposite to each other.

[0124] A lower vane 215 may be movably installed in the lower cylinder 210. The lower vane 215 may be connected to an elastic member E and may come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the lower roller 220 by elastic force regardless of the position of the lower roller 220 inside the lower cylinder 210. As the lower vane 215 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the lower roller 220, the inner space of the lower cylinder 210 may be divided into an intake space into which refrigerant is introduced through the lower refrigerant inlet 212 and a lower compression chamber 211 in which the refrigerant is compressed. The lower compression chamber 211 may be defined as a space surrounded by the outer circumferential surface of the lower roller 220, the inner circumferential surface of the lower cylinder 210, and the lower vane 215. More specifically, the lower compression chamber 211 may be defined as a space surrounded by the outer circumferential surface of the lower roller 220, the inner circumferential surface of the lower cylinder 210, the lower vane 215, the lower cylinder cover 230 to be described below, and the mid-plate 60 to be described below.

[0125] The compressor 11 may include a lower cylinder cover 230. The lower cylinder cover 230 may cover the lower side of the lower cylinder 210. The lower cylinder cover 230 may cover the lower side of the lower compression chamber 211. The lower cylinder cover 230 may support the lower cylinder 210.

[0126] The lower cylinder cover 230 may include a lower cover body 231. The lower cover body 231 may cover the lower side of the lower cylinder 210. The lower cover body 231 may be in contact with the lower side of the lower cylinder 210. The lower cover body 231 may support the lower cylinder 210. The lower cover body 231 may be coupled to the lower cylinder 210. For example, the lower cover body 231 may be coupled to the lower cylinder 210 by a fastening member, such as a screw.

[0127] The lower cylinder cover 230 may include a second shaft support portion 232 that supports the rotating shaft 43. The second shaft support portion 232 may allow the rotating shaft 43 to pass therethrough. The second shaft support portion 232 may serve as a bearing that rotatably supports the rotating shaft 43. The second shaft support portion 232 may support the lower portion of the rotating shaft 43.

[0128] The second shaft support portion 232 may extend from the lower cover body 231. For example, the second shaft support portion 232 may extend downward from the lower cover body 231. For example, the lower cover body 231 and the second shaft support portion 232 may be provided as one part.

[0129] The compressor 11 may include a mid-plate 60 that is disposed between the upper cylinder 110 and the lower cylinder 210.

[0130] The mid-plate 60 may be disposed on the lower side of the upper cylinder 110. The mid-plate 60 may cover the lower side of the upper cylinder 110. The mid-plate 60 may cover the lower side of the upper compression chamber 111. The mid-plate 60 may support the upper cylinder 110. The mid-plate 60 may be coupled to the upper cylinder 110. For example, the mid-plate 60 may be coupled to the upper cylinder 110 by a fastening member, such as a screw.

[0131] The mid-plate 60 may be disposed on the upper side of the lower cylinder 210. The mid-plate 60 may cover the upper side of the lower cylinder 210. The mid-plate 60 may cover the upper side of the lower compression chamber 211. The mid-plate 60 may support the lower cylinder 210. The mid-plate 60 may be coupled to the lower cylinder 210. For example, the mid-plate 60 may be coupled to the lower cylinder 210 by a fastening member, such as a screw.

[0132] The mid-plate 60 may divide the upper compression chamber 111 from the lower compression chamber 211.

[0133] The refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber 111 may be discharged to the inside of the upper muffler 300 to be described below through the upper cylinder cover 130. The upper cylinder cover 130 may include an upper inlet hole 131b connecting the inside of the upper compression chamber 111 and the inside of the upper muffler 300. Specifically, the upper inlet hole 131b may connect the upper compression chamber 111 to a separation muffler chamber 301. The refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber 111 may be introduced into the separation muffler chamber 301 through the upper inlet hole 131b.

[0134] The upper inlet hole 131b may be provided on the upper side of the upper compression chamber 111. The refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber 111 may be discharged upward through the upper inlet hole 131b and introduced into the separation muffler chamber 301.

[0135] The upper cylinder cover 130 may include an upper cover groove 131a. The upper cover groove 131a may be formed by a portion of an upper surface of the upper cover body 131 being sunken downward. The upper inlet hole 131b may be provided in the upper cover groove 131a.

[0136] In the upper cover groove 131a, an upper valve 71 provided to open and close the upper inlet hole 131b may be installed. The upper valve 71 may open the upper inlet hole 131b based on the pressure of the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber 111 being higher than or equal to a certain level, and may close the upper inlet hole 131b based on the pressure being lower than the certain level. An upper valve guide 72 that is provided to prevent the upper valve 71 from opening excessively upward may be installed in the upper cover groove 131a.

[0137] The refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber 211 may be discharged to the inside of the lower muffler 400 to be described below through the lower cylinder cover 230. The lower cylinder cover 230 may include a lower inlet hole 231b that connects the inside of the lower compression chamber 211 to the inside of the lower muffler 400. Specifically, the lower inlet hole 231b may connect the lower compression chamber 211 and the lower muffler chamber 401. The refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber 211 may be introduced into the lower muffler chamber 401 through the lower inlet hole 231b.

[0138] The lower inlet hole 231b may be provided on the lower side of the lower compression chamber 211. The refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber 211 may be discharged downward through the lower inlet hole 231b and introduced into the lower muffler chamber 401.

[0139] The lower cylinder cover 230 may include a lower cover groove 231a. The lower cover groove 231a may be formed by a portion of a lower surface of the lower cover body 231 being sunken upward. The lower inlet hole 231b may be provided in the lower cover groove 231a.

[0140] In the lower cover groove 231a, a lower valve 81 provided to open and close the lower inlet hole 231b may be installed. The lower valve 81 may open the lower inlet hole 231b based on the pressure of the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber 211 being higher than or equal to a certain level, and may close the lower inlet hole 231b based on the pressure being lower than the certain level. A lower valve guide 82 that is provided to prevent the lower valve 81 from opening excessively downward may be installed in the lower cover groove 231a.

[0141] With these configurations, the refrigerant may be compressed in each of the upper compression chamber 111 and the lower compression chamber 211, and the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber 111 and the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber 211 may be discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 and the lower compression chamber 211 through the upper inlet hole 131b and the lower inlet hole 213b, respectively.

[0142] Meanwhile, when high-pressure refrigerant is discharged at high speed from the compression chambers 111 and 211 through the upper inlet hole 131b and the lower inlet hole 231b with a narrow diameter, the flow noise of the refrigerant may be excessively loud. Therefore, in order to reduce the noise of the refrigerant, the compressor 11 may include an upper muffler 300 and a lower muffler 400 that are provided to reduce the noise of the refrigerant discharged from the compression chambers 111 and 211.

[0143] The upper muffler 300 may be disposed on the upper side of the upper compression chamber 111. The upper muffler 300 may be disposed on the upper side of the upper cylinder 110. The upper muffler 300 may be disposed on the upper side of the upper cylinder cover 130. The upper muffler 300 may be coupled to the upper cylinder cover 130. The upper muffler 300 may be coupled to the upper cylinder 110. For example, the upper muffler 300 may be coupled to the upper cylinder cover 130 and / or the upper cylinder 110 by a fastening member, such as a screw.

[0144] The upper muffler 300 may be provided to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber 111. The upper muffler 300 may include a separation muffler chamber 301 provided to reduce the noise of the refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber 111. The separation muffler chamber 301 may also be referred to as a term, such as a “first upper muffler chamber 301.” As illustrated in FIG. 5, the separation muffler chamber 301 is formed to have a larger width and volume than the upper compression chamber 111 and the upper inlet hole 131b, and as the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber 111 is introduced into the separation muffler chamber 301 through the upper inlet hole 131b, the speed and pressure of the refrigerant are reduced such that the flow noise of the refrigerant may be reduced.

[0145] The upper muffler 300 may include a first discharge hole 312 provided to discharge the refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 301. The refrigerant, which has noise reduced by passing through the separation muffler chamber 301, may be discharged to the outside of the upper muffler 300 through the first discharge hole 312. The first discharge hole 312 may be provided to discharge the refrigerant inside the separation muffler 310 that has been introduced from the upper compression chamber 111.

[0146] The lower muffler 400 may be disposed on the lower side of the lower compression chamber 211. The lower muffler 400 may be disposed on the lower side of the lower cylinder 210. The lower muffler 400 may be disposed on the lower side of the lower cylinder cover 230. The lower muffler 400 may be coupled to the lower cylinder cover 230. The lower muffler 400 may be coupled to the lower cylinder 210. For example, the lower muffler 400 may be coupled to the lower cylinder cover 230 and / or the lower cylinder 210 by a fastening member, such as a screw.

[0147] The lower muffler 400 may be provided to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber 211. The lower muffler 400 may include a lower muffler chamber 401 provided to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber 211. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the lower muffler chamber 401 is formed to have a larger width and volume than the lower compression chamber 211 and the lower inlet hole 231b, and as the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber 211 flows into the lower muffler chamber 401 through the lower inlet hole 231b, the speed and pressure of the refrigerant are reduced such that the flow noise of the refrigerant may be reduced.

[0148] Meanwhile, since a predetermined amount of oil is stored in the lower portion of the housing 30 of the compressor 11, there may be a limitation in forming a discharge hole in the lower muffler 400 to directly discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 to the outside. Therefore, a flow path F extending upward from the lower muffler chamber 401 and configured to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may be provided to discharge the refrigerant upward from the lower muffler chamber 401. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the flow path F may extend upward from the lower muffler chamber 401.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may move along the flow path F and be discharged at a side of the upper muffler 300. The upper muffler 300 may include a connection muffler chamber 302 provided to reduce noise of the refrigerant from the lower muffler chamber 401, and a second discharge hole 322 provided to discharge the refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 302. The connection muffler chamber 302 may be referred to as a term, such as a “second upper muffler chamber 302.” The connection muffler chamber 302 may form a part of the flow path F for discharging the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401. The second discharge hole 322 may be provided to discharge refrigerant in a connection muffler 320 that has been introduced from the lower muffler 400.

[0150] The flow path F may include a connection flow path FC for connecting the upper muffler 300 and the lower muffler 400. The connection flow path FC may connect the connection muffler 320 and the lower muffler 400. The connection flow path FC may connect the lower muffler chamber 401 and the connection muffler chamber 302. The refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may move to the connection muffler chamber 302 through the connection flow path FC.

[0151] For example, the connection flow path FC may be formed by components disposed between the lower muffler 400 and the upper muffler 300. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the lower cylinder cover 230 may include a lower cover hole 231c, the lower cylinder 210 may include a lower cylinder hole 213, the mid-plate 60 may include a mid-plate hole 61, the upper cylinder 110 may include an upper cylinder hole 113, the upper cylinder cover 130 may include an upper cover hole 131c, and the upper muffler 300 may include a muffler hole 314. The lower cover hole 231c, the lower cylinder hole 213, the mid pate hole 61, the upper cylinder hole 113, the upper cover hole 131c, and the muffler hole 314 may be disposed one above the other, thereby forming the connection flow path FC.

[0152] The holes described above correspond to holes that connect the lower muffler chamber 401 and the connection muffler chamber 302, and are provided to allow the refrigerant from the lower muffler chamber 401 to enter the connection muffler chamber 302 through the connection flow path FC, and may be collectively referred to as “a connection hole”.

[0153] Unlike those shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, according to an embodiment, the components secured to each other may be formed as one part. For example, at least some of the upper muffler 300, the upper cylinder cover 130, the upper cylinder 110, the mid-plate 60, the lower cylinder 210, the lower cylinder cover 230, and the lower muffler 400 may be formed as one part, or at least some of the rotating shaft 43, the upper cam 51, the upper roller 120, the lower cam 52, and the lower roller 220 may be formed as one part.

[0154] Meanwhile, since a flow path through which a refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber 211 is discharged extends upward, when the flow path overlaps a flow path through which a refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber 111 is discharged, interference may occur between the refrigerants flowing along each flow path, and in this case, the discharge pressure of the refrigerant may be reduced. In addition, as described above, the phase when the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 and the phase when the refrigerant is discharged from the lower compression chamber 211 may be opposite to each other, and when the refrigerant discharge flow paths overlap each other, some of the refrigerant may flow backwards. This may lower the overall performance of the compressor 11.

[0155] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, a separation muffler, a connection muffler, and a lower muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 8 is a view illustrating refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, flowing into a separation muffler chamber and discharged through a first discharge hole. FIG. 9 is a view illustrating refrigerant from a lower muffler chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, flowing into a connection muffler chamber and discharged through a second discharge hole.

[0156] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, in order to resolve the above-described issues, the compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be provided such that a flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 is divided from a flow path through which refrigerant is discharged from the lower compression chamber 211. The separation muffler chamber 301 may be divided from the flow path F provided to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401.

[0157] In detail, the separation muffler chamber 301 and the connection muffler chamber 302 may be divided from each other. Since the separation muffler chamber 301 connected to the upper compression chamber 111 and the connection muffler chamber 302 connected to the lower muffler chamber 401 are divided from each other, the flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 and the flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the lower compression chamber 211 may be divided from each other.

[0158] The upper muffler 300 may include the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320. The separation muffler 310 may be referred to as a term, such as a “first upper muffler 310”. The connection muffler 320 may be referred to as a term, such as a “second upper muffler 320”.

[0159] The separation muffler chamber 301 may be defined inside the separation muffler 310. The connection muffler chamber 302 may be defined inside the connection muffler 320. The expression “the separation muffler chamber 301 and the connection muffler chamber 302 are divided from each other” may be replaced with the expression “the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320 are divided from each other.” In addition, the expression “the separation muffler chamber 301 and the connection muffler chamber 302 are divided from each other” may be replaced with the expression “the inside of the separation muffler 310 and the inside of the connection muffler 320 are divided from each other.”

[0160] The separation muffler 310 may cover the upper side of the separation muffler chamber 301. The separation muffler chamber 301 may be formed between the separation muffler 310 and the upper cylinder cover 130. Specifically, the separation muffler 310 may include a first space forming portion 311 that covers the upper side of the upper inlet hole 131b, and the separation muffler chamber 301 may be formed between the first space forming portion 311 and the upper cylinder cover 130. The separation muffler310 may include a first coupling portion 313 that is in contact with the upper cover body 131 and coupled to the upper cover body 131, and the first space forming portion 311 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the first coupling portion 313.

[0161] The first space forming portion 311 may be in contact with the first shaft support portion 132 of the upper cylinder cover 130. For example, a hole may be formed in the center of the first space forming portion 311, and the hole of the first space forming portion 311 may allow the first shaft support portion 132 to pass therethrough. The outer circumferential surface of the first shaft support portion 132 may be in contact with the periphery of the hole of the first space forming portion 311.

[0162] The connection muffler 320 may cover the upper side of the connection muffler chamber 302. The connection muffler chamber 302 may be formed between the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320. Specifically, the connection muffler 320 may include a second space forming portion 321 covering the upper side of the connection flow path FC, and the connection hole to the muffler hole 314, and the connection muffler chamber 302 may be formed between the second space forming portion 321 and the separation muffler 310. The connection muffler 320 may include a second coupling portion 323 that is in contact with the first coupling portion 313 and coupled to the first coupling portion 313, and the second space forming portion 321 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the second coupling portion 323.

[0163] For example, the second coupling portion 323 may cover the first coupling portion 313 above the first coupling portion 313.

[0164] For example, the muffler hole 314 may be formed in the first coupling portion 313 of the separation muffler 310.

[0165] The first space forming portion 311 of the separation muffler 310 and the second space forming portion 321 of the connection muffler 320 may be in contact with each other. For example, a hole may be formed in the center of the second space forming portion 321, and at least a portion of the first space forming portion 311 may pass through the hole of the second space forming portion 321. At least a portion of the outer surface of the first space forming portion 311 may be in contact with the periphery of the hole of the second space forming portion 321.

[0166] With such a structure of the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320, the separation muffler chamber 301 and the connection muffler chamber 302 may be divided from each other.

[0167] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320 may be coupled to each other. For example, the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320 may be coupled to each other by a fastening member, such as a screw. Alternatively, the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320 may be provided as one part.

[0168] The refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 301 may be discharged through the first discharge hole 312. The first discharge hole 312 may be formed in the separation muffler 310. The flow path through which the refrigerant from the upper compression chamber 111 is discharged from may extend from the upper compression chamber 111 through the separation muffler chamber 301 to the first discharge hole 312. For example, the first discharge hole 312 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 301 is discharged upward.

[0169] The first discharge hole 312 may be formed in the first space forming portion 311. For example, the first discharge hole 312 may be formed in at least a portion of the first space forming portion 311 that passes through the second space forming portion 321. The first discharge hole 312 may be positioned above the second space forming portion 321. For example, the first discharge hole 312 may be formed on the upper surface of the first space forming portion 311.

[0170] The first discharge hole 312 may be formed between the first shaft support portion 132 and the separation muffler 310. The first discharge hole 312 may be formed in a space between the periphery of the hole of the first space forming portion 311 and the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft support portion 132 passing through the hole of the first space forming portion 311.

[0171] The upper inlet hole 131b and the first discharge hole 312 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The refrigerant introduced into the separation muffler chamber 301 through the upper inlet hole 131b may move not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction and may be discharged through the first discharge hole 312. As a result, the noise reduction efficiency of the refrigerant may be further improved.

[0172] For example, the first discharge hole 312 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof. Alternatively, the first discharge hole 312 may be provided as a single unit thereof.

[0173] The refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 302 may be discharged through the second discharge hole 322. The second discharge hole 322 may be formed in the connection muffler 320. A flow path F through which refrigerant from the lower muffler chamber 401 is discharged may extend from the lower muffler chamber 401 through the connection muffler chamber 302 to the second discharge hole 322. The flow path F may extend from the lower muffler 400 through the interior of the connection muffler 320 to the second discharge hole 322. The connection muffler chamber 302 may form a part of the flow path F. For example, the second discharge hole 322 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 302 is discharged upward.

[0174] The second discharge hole 322 may be formed in the second space forming portion 321. For example, the second discharge hole 322 may be formed on the upper surface of the second space forming portion 321.

[0175] The upper cover hole 131c, the connecting hole, such as the muffler hole 314, and the second discharge hole 322 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The refrigerant introduced into the connection muffler chamber 302 through the connection hole may move not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction and may be discharged through the second discharge hole 322. As a result, the noise reduction efficiency of the refrigerant may be further improved.

[0176] For example, the second discharge hole 322 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof. Alternatively, the second discharge hole 322 may be provided as a single unit thereof.

[0177] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the first discharge hole 312 may be disposed adjacent to the rotating shaft 43. The second discharge hole 322 may be disposed relatively far from the rotating shaft 43. That is, the distance between the rotating shaft 43 and the first discharge hole 312 may be shorter than the distance between the rotating shaft 43 and the second discharge hole 322.

[0178] With such a structure, the refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber 111 may be introduced into the separation muffler chamber 301 of the upper muffler 300 through the upper inlet hole 131b, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced in the separation muffler chamber 301. The refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 301 may be discharged from the separation muffler chamber 301 through the first discharge hole 312 formed in the separation muffler 310.

[0179] In addition, the refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber 211 may be introduced into the lower muffler chamber 401 of the lower muffler 400 through the lower inlet hole 231b, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced in the lower muffler chamber 401. The refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may be introduced into the connection muffler chamber 302, which is divided from the separation muffler chamber 301, through the connection flow path FC, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced once again in the connection muffler chamber 302. The refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 302 may be discharged from the connection muffler chamber 302 through the second discharge hole 322 formed in the connection muffler 320.

[0180] As described above, the structure of the upper muffler 300 according to the embodiment may allow the flow path of the refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 to be divided from the flow path of the refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber 211.

[0181] Although the flow path in which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 and the flow path in which the refrigerant is discharged from the lower compression chamber 211 are divided from each other, the refrigerants discharged along each flow path may be mixed again inside the housing 30. The compressor 11 according to an embodiment may be configured such that the refrigerant discharged through the first discharge hole 312 from the separation muffler 310 and the refrigerant discharged through the flow path F are mixed at the upper side of the separation muffler 310. The refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler 310 through the first discharge hole 312 and the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler 320 through the second discharge hole 322 may be configured to be mixed at the upper side of the separation muffler 310. That is, the refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler 310 through the first discharge hole 312 and the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler 320 through the second discharge hole 322 may be mixed with each other in the accommodation space S of the housing 300. Since the volume of the accommodation space S is significantly large compared to the volumes of each of the separation muffler chamber 301 and the connection muffler chamber 302, even when the refrigerants are mixed with each other in the accommodation space S, the degree to which the flow interference between the refrigerants affects the pressure loss may be minimal. Accordingly, the refrigerant discharged through the first discharge hole 312 from the separation muffler 310 and the refrigerant discharged through the second discharge hole 322 from the connection muffler 320 may be mixed in the accommodation space S and then discharged to the outside of the compressor 11 through the compressor outlet pipe PO.

[0182] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, a separation muffler, a connection muffler, and a lower muffler according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 11 is a view illustrating refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, flowing into a separation muffler chamber and discharged through a first discharge hole. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating refrigerant from a lower muffler chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, flowing into a connection muffler chamber and discharged through a second discharge hole.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, components of a compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure are described. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0184] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an upper muffler 1300 including a separation muffler chamber 1301 provided to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from an upper compression chamber 111, and a lower muffler 400 including a lower muffler chamber 401 provided to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from a lower compression chamber 211. The refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may move toward the upper muffler 1300 through a connection flow path FC. The upper muffler 1300 may include a connection muffler chamber 1302 connected to the lower muffler chamber 401.

[0185] A flow path through which the refrigerant from the upper compression chamber 111 is discharged and a flow path through which the refrigerant from the lower compression chamber 211 is discharged may be divided from each other. The separation muffler chamber 1301 may be divided from a flow path F provided to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401. Specifically, the separation muffler chamber 1301 and the connection muffler chamber 1302 may be divided from each other.

[0186] The upper muffler 1300 may include the separation muffler 1310 and the connection muffler 1320.

[0187] The separation muffler 1310 may cover the upper side of the separation muffler chamber 1301. The separation muffler chamber 1301 may be formed between the separation muffler 1310 and the upper cylinder cover 130. Specifically, the separation muffler 1310 may include a first space forming portion 1311 covering the upper side of the upper inlet hole 131b, and the separation muffler chamber 1301 may be formed between the first space forming portion 1311 and the upper cylinder cover 130. The separation muffler 1310 may include a first coupling portion 1313 that is in contact with the upper cover body 131 and coupled to the upper cover body 131, and the first space forming portion 1311 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the first coupling portion 1313.

[0188] The first space forming portion 1311 may be in contact with the first shaft support portion 132 of the upper cylinder cover 130. For example, a hole may be formed in the center of the first space forming portion 1311, and the hole of the first space forming portion 1311 may allow the first shaft support portion 132 to pass therethrough. The outer circumferential surface of the first shaft support portion 132 may be in contact with the periphery of the hole of the first space forming portion 1311.

[0189] The connection muffler 1320 may cover the upper side of the connection muffler chamber 1302. The connection muffler chamber 1302 may be formed between the separation muffler 1310 and the connection muffler 1320. In detail, the connection muffler 1320 may include a second space forming portion 1321 covering the upper side of the connection flow path FC, and the connection hole to the muffler hole 1314, and the connection muffler chamber 1302 may be formed between the second space forming portion 1321 and the separation muffler 1310. The connection muffler 1320 may include a second coupling portion 1323 that is in contact with the first coupling portion 1313 and is coupled to the first coupling portion 1313, and the second space forming portion 1321 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the second coupling portion 1323.

[0190] With such a structure, the flow path F may pass between the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320.

[0191] For example, the second coupling portion 1323 may cover the first coupling portion 1313 above the first coupling portion 1313.

[0192] For example, the muffler hole 1314 may be formed in the first coupling portion 1313 of the separation muffler 1310.

[0193] The first space forming portion 1311 of the separation muffler 1310 and the second space forming portion 1321 of the connection muffler 1320 may be in contact with each other. For example, a hole may be formed in the center of the second space forming portion 1321, and at least a portion of the first space forming portion 1311 may pass through the hole of the second space forming portion 1321. The outer surface of at least a portion of the first space forming portion 1311 may be in contact with the periphery of the hole of the second space forming portion 1321.

[0194] With such a structure of the separation muffler 1310 and the connection muffler 1320, the separation muffler chamber 1301 and the connection muffler chamber 1302 may be divided from each other.

[0195] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the separation muffler 1310 and the connection muffler 1320 may be coupled to each other. For example, the separation muffler 1310 and the connection muffler 1320 may be coupled to each other by a fastening member, such as a screw. Alternatively, the separation muffler 1310 and the connection muffler 1320 may be provided as one part.

[0196] The refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 1301 may be discharged through the first discharge hole 1312. The first discharge hole 1312 may be formed in the separation muffler 1310. The flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 may extend from the upper compression chamber 111 through the separation muffler chamber 1301 to the first discharge hole 1312. For example, the first discharge hole 1312 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 1301 is discharged in a horizontal direction.

[0197] Considering that other components, such as a drive motor 40, may be disposed above the upper muffler 1300, the first discharge hole 1312 may be provided to discharge the refrigerant in a horizontal direction instead of a vertical direction, as in the present embodiment, thereby preventing the discharge of the refrigerant from being obstructed by the components. In addition, the first discharge hole 1312 may be provided to discharge the refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 1301 in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0198] The first discharge hole 1312 may be formed in the first space forming portion 1311. For example, the first discharge hole 1312 may be formed in at least a portion of the first space forming portion 1311 that passes through the second space forming portion 1321. The first discharge hole 1312 may be disposed above the second space forming portion 1321. For example, the first discharge hole 1312 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first space forming portion 1311.

[0199] The upper inlet hole 131b and the first discharge hole 1312 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The refrigerant introduced into the separation muffler chamber 1301 through the upper inlet hole 131b may move not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction and may be discharged through the first discharge hole 1312. As a result, the noise reduction efficiency of the refrigerant may be further improved.

[0200] For example, the first discharge hole 1312 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof. Alternatively, the first discharge hole 1312 may be provided as a single unit thereof.

[0201] The refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 1302 may be discharged through the second discharge hole 1322. The second discharge hole 1322 may be formed in the connection muffler 1320. The flow path F through which the refrigerant from the lower muffler chamber 401 is discharged may be extended from the lower muffler chamber 401 through the connection muffler chamber 1302 to the second discharge hole 1322. For example, the second discharge hole 1322 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 1302 is discharged in a horizontal direction.

[0202] Considering that other components, such as a drive motor 40, may be disposed above the upper muffler 1300, the second discharge hole 1322 may be provided to discharge the refrigerant in a horizontal direction instead of a vertical direction, as in the present embodiment, thereby preventing the discharge of the refrigerant from being obstructed by other components. In addition, the second discharge hole 1322 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 1302 is discharged in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0203] The second discharge hole 1322 may be formed in the second space forming portion 1321. For example, the second discharge hole 1322 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second space forming portion 1321.

[0204] The upper cover hole 131c, the connection hole, such as the muffler hole 1314, and the second discharge hole 1322 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The refrigerant introduced into the connection muffler chamber 1302 through the connection hole may move not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction and may be discharged through the second discharge hole 1322. As a result, the noise reduction efficiency of the refrigerant may be further improved.

[0205] For example, the second discharge hole 1322 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof. Alternatively, the second discharge hole 1322 may be provided as a single unit thereof.

[0206] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the distance between the rotating shaft 43 and the first discharge hole 1312 may be shorter than the distance between the rotating shaft 43 and the second discharge hole 1322.

[0207] With such a structure, the refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber 111 may be introduced into the separation muffler chamber 1301 of the upper muffler 1300 through the upper inlet hole 131b, and the flow rate of the refrigerant separation may be reduced in the separation muffler chamber 1301. The refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 1301 may be discharged from the separation muffler chamber 1301 through the first discharge hole 1312 formed in the separation muffler 1310.

[0208] In addition, the refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber 211 may be introduced into the lower muffler chamber 401 of the lower muffler 400 through the lower inlet hole 231b, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced in the lower muffler chamber 401. The refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may be introduced into the connection muffler chamber 1302, which is divided from the separation muffler chamber 1301, through the connection flow path FC, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced once again in the connection muffler chamber 1302. The refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 1302 may be discharged from the connection muffler chamber 1302 through the second discharge hole 1322 formed in the connection muffler 1320.

[0209] As described above, the structure of the upper muffler 1300 according to the embodiment may allow the flow path in which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 to be divided from the flow path in which the refrigerant is discharged from the lower compression chamber 211.

[0210] The refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler 1310 through the first discharge hole 1312 and the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler 1320 through the second discharge hole 1322 may be mixed at the upper side of the separation muffler 1310. The refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler 1310 through the first discharge hole 1312 and the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler 1320 through the second discharge hole 1322 may be mixed in the accommodation space S of the housing 30.

[0211] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, an upper muffler, a lower muffler, and an outlet pipe according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being discharged through an upper muffler chamber and a discharge hole, and refrigerant in a lower muffler chamber being discharged through a connection flow path and an outlet pipe. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being discharged through an upper muffler chamber and a discharge hole, and refrigerant in a lower muffler chamber being discharged through a connection flow path and an outlet pipe.

[0212] With reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, components of a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure are described. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0213] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an upper muffler 2310 provided to reduce the noise of refrigerant discharged from an upper compression chamber 111, and a lower muffler 400 provided to reduce the noise of refrigerant discharged from a lower compression chamber 211.

[0214] The upper muffler 2310 may include an upper muffler chamber 2301 provided to reduce the noise of the refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber 111, and a discharge hole 2312 provided to discharge the refrigerant in the upper muffler chamber 2301.

[0215] The upper muffler 2310 may be referred to as a “separation muffler 2310”. The upper muffler chamber 2301 may be referred to as a “separation muffler chamber 2301”.

[0216] The upper muffler 2310 may include a space forming portion 2311 covering the upper side of the upper muffler chamber 2301. The upper muffler chamber 2301 may be formed between the space forming portion 2311 and the upper cover body 131. The space forming portion 2311 may cover the upper side of the upper inlet hole 131b.

[0217] The upper muffler 2310 may include a coupling portion 2313 that is in contact with the upper cover body 131 and is coupled to the upper cover body 131. The space forming portion 2311 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the coupling portion 2313.

[0218] The space forming portion 2311 may be in contact with the first shaft support portion 132 of the upper cylinder cover 130. For example, a hole may be formed in the center of the space forming portion 2311, and the hole of the space forming portion 2311 may allow the first shaft support portion 132 to pass therethrough. The outer circumferential surface of the first shaft support portion 132 may be in contact with the periphery of the hole of the space forming portion 2311.

[0219] The refrigerant in the upper muffler chamber 2301 may be discharged through the discharge hole 2312. A flow path through which the refrigerant from the upper compression chamber 111 is discharged may extend from the upper compression chamber 111 through the upper muffler chamber 2301 to the discharge hole 2312.

[0220] As an example, the discharge hole 2312 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the upper muffler chamber 2301 is discharged in the vertical direction. Alternatively, as an example, the discharge hole 2312 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the upper muffler chamber 2301 is discharged in the horizontal direction.

[0221] The discharge hole 2312 may be formed in the space forming portion 2311.

[0222] The upper inlet hole 131b and the discharge hole 2312 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0223] As an example, the discharge hole 2312 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof. Alternatively, the discharge hole 2312 may be provided as a single unit thereof.

[0224] As illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, the compressor 11 may include an outlet pipe 500 provided to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 upwardly. A flow path F provided to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may extend from the lower muffler chamber 401 toward the outlet pipe 500.

[0225] The outlet pipe 500 may take the form of a pipe with a substantially hollow shape. The outlet pipe 500 may be provided inside thereof with a flow path through which refrigerant may flow.

[0226] For example, the outlet pipe 500 may extend vertically. The outlet pipe 500 may discharge refrigerant upward.

[0227] The outlet pipe 500 may be connected to the lower muffler chamber 401. The outlet pipe 500 may be connected to a connection flow path FC. The refrigerant inside the lower muffler chamber 401 may flow upward along the connection flow path FC and then be discharged through the outlet pipe 500.

[0228] The outlet pipe 500 may be extended from the upper cover hole 131c of the upper cylinder cover 130. For example, the outlet pipe 500 may be extended upward from the upper cover hole 131c. The outlet pipe 500 may be connected to the connection flow path FC through the upper cover hole 131c.

[0229] As described above, since the outlet pipe 500 is structured to extend upward from the upper cover hole 131c, it is possible to prevent oil stored in the housing 30 from entering the connection flow path FC.

[0230] The flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 and the flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the lower compression chamber 211 may be divided from each other. The upper muffler chamber 2301 may be divided from the flow path F provided to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401. That is, the outlet pipe 500 and the upper muffler chamber 2301 may be divided from each other.

[0231] The outlet pipe 500 may pass through the upper muffler 2310 such that the outlet pipe 500 may be divided from the upper muffler chamber 2301 while being connected to the connection flow path FC to guide the discharge of the refrigerant. For example, a muffler hole 2314 may be formed in the coupling portion 2313 of the upper muffler 2310. The outlet pipe 500 may be connected to the connection flow path FC by passing through the muffler hole 2314.

[0232] The outlet pipe 500 may be coupled to the upper cylinder cover 130. The outlet pipe 500 may be connected to the connection flow path FC by being coupled to the upper cylinder cover 130 through the upper cover hole 131c.

[0233] According to the embodiment of FIG. 14, one end of the outlet pipe 500 connected to the connection flow path FC, i.e., a lower end of the outlet pipe 500, may be disposed to be almost parallel to the upper surface of the upper cylinder cover 130. For example, the outlet pipe 500 may be coupled to the upper cylinder cover 130 by welding the lower end to the upper surface of the upper cylinder cover 130.

[0234] According to the embodiment of FIG. 15, a lower portion of the outlet pipe 500 may be inserted into the upper cover hole 131c of the upper cylinder cover 130. For example, the outlet pipe 500 may be coupled to the upper cylinder cover 130 by press-fitting the lower portion of the outlet pipe 500 to the upper cover hole 131c. Alternatively, the outlet pipe 500 may be coupled to the upper cylinder cover 130 by fastening to the upper cylinder cover 130 using a fastening member, such as a screw while the lower portion of the outlet pipe 500 is inserted into the upper cover hole 131c.

[0235] Alternatively, the outlet pipe 500 and the upper cylinder cover 130 may be provided as one part.

[0236] With such a structure of the upper muffler 2310 and the outlet pipe 500 according to an embodiment, the flow path of the refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 and the flow path of the refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber 211 may be divided from each other.

[0237] The refrigerant discharged from the upper muffler 2310 through the discharge hole 2312 and the refrigerant discharged from the outlet pipe 500 may be mixed at the upper side of the upper muffler 2310. The refrigerant discharged from the upper muffler 2310 through the discharge hole 2312 and the refrigerant discharged from the outlet pipe 500 may be mixed in the accommodation space S of the housing 30.

[0238] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, a separation muffler, a connection muffler, and a lower muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 17 is a view of refrigerant from a lower muffler chamber of a compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure, flowing into a connection muffler chamber and discharged through a second discharge hole. FIG. 18 is a view of refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, flowing into a separation muffler chamber and discharged through a first discharge hole.

[0239] With reference to FIGS. 16 to 18, components of a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure are described. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0240] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an upper muffler 3300 including a separation muffler chamber 3301 provided to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from an upper compression chamber 111, and a lower muffler 400 including a lower muffler chamber 401 provided to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from a lower compression chamber 211. The refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may move toward the upper muffler 3300 through a connection flow path FC. The upper muffler 3300 may include a connection muffler chamber 3302 connected to the lower muffler chamber 401.

[0241] The flow path through which the refrigerant from the upper compression chamber 111 is discharged and the flow path through which the refrigerant from the lower compression chamber 211 is discharged may be divided from each other. The separation muffler chamber 3301 may be divided from the flow path F provided to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401. Specifically, the separation muffler chamber 3301 and the connection muffler chamber 3302 may be divided from each other.

[0242] The upper muffler 3300 may include the separation muffler 3310 and the connection muffler 3320.

[0243] The separation muffler 3310 may cover the upper side of the separation muffler chamber 3301. The separation muffler chamber 3301 may be formed between the separation muffler 3310 and the connection muffler 3320. Specifically, the separation muffler 3310 may include a first space forming portion 3311 covering an upper side of an upper inlet hole 131b, and the separation muffler chamber 3301 may be formed between the first space forming portion 3311 and the connection muffler 3320. The separation muffler 3310 may include a first coupling portion 3313, and the first space forming portion 3311 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the first coupling portion 3313. The first coupling portion 3313 may be in contact with a second coupling portion 3323 of the connection muffler 3320 and may be coupled to the second coupling portion 3323.

[0244] The connection muffler 3320 may cover the upper side of the connection muffler chamber 3302. The connection muffler chamber 3302 may be formed between the connection muffler 3320 and the upper cylinder cover 130. Specifically, the connection muffler 3320 may include a second space forming portion 3321 that covers the upper side of the connection flow path FC, and the connection hole to the upper cover hole 131c, and the connection muffler chamber 3302 may be formed between the second space forming portion 3321 and the upper cylinder cover 130. The connection muffler 3320 may include a second coupling portion 3323 that is in contact with the upper cover body 131 and coupled to the upper cover body 131, and the second space forming portion 3321 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the second coupling portion 3323.

[0245] The second space forming portion 3321 may be in contact with the first shaft support portion 132 of the upper cylinder cover 130. For example, a hole may be formed in the center of the second space forming portion 3321, and the hole of the second space forming portion 3321 may allow the first shaft support portion 132 to pass therethrough. The outer circumferential surface of the first shaft support portion 132 may be in contact with the periphery of the hole of the second space forming portion 3321.

[0246] The first space forming portion 3311 and the second space forming portion 3321 may be in contact with each other. For example, a hole may be formed in the center of the first space forming portion 3311, and at least a portion of the second space forming portion 3321 may pass through the hole of the first space forming portion 3311. An outer surface of at least a portion of the second space forming portion 3321 may be in contact with the periphery of the hole of the first space forming portion 3311.

[0247] For example, the first coupling portion 3313 may cover the second coupling portion 3323 above the second coupling portion 3323.

[0248] The second coupling portion 3323 may have a muffler hole 3324 that connects the upper inlet hole 131b to the separation muffler chamber 3301. The muffler hole 3324 may at least correspond to the upper inlet hole 131b. As illustrated in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the muffler hole 3324 may correspond to the upper cover groove 131a. The muffler hole 3324 may be covered by the first space forming portion 3311. As the muffler hole 3324 is formed in the second coupling portion 3323, the refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 through the upper inlet hole 131b may flow into the separation muffler chamber 3301 through the muffler hole 3324 as shown in FIG. 18.

[0249] The muffler hole 3324 may be divided from the connection muffler chamber 3302 by the second space forming portion 3321.

[0250] With such a structure of the separation muffler 3310 and the connection muffler 3320, the separation muffler chamber 3301 and the connection muffler chamber 3302 may be divided from each other.

[0251] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the separation muffler 3310 and the connection muffler 3320 may be coupled to each other. For example, the separation muffler 3310 and the connection muffler 3320 may be connected to each other by a fastening member, such as a screw. Alternatively, the separation muffler 3310 and the connection muffler 3320 may be provided as one part.

[0252] The refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 3301 may be discharged through the first discharge hole 3312. The first discharge hole 3312 may be formed in the separation muffler 3310. The flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 may extend from the upper compression chamber 111 through the separation muffler chamber 3301 to the first discharge hole 3312. For example, the first discharge hole 3312 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 3301 is discharged in a vertical direction. Alternatively, the first discharge hole 3312 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 3301 is discharged in a horizontal direction or in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0253] The first discharge hole 3312 may be formed in the first space forming portion 3311. For example, the first discharge hole 3312 may be formed on the upper surface of the first space forming portion 3311.

[0254] The upper inlet hole 131b and the first discharge hole 3312 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The refrigerant introduced into the separation muffler chamber 3301 through the upper inlet hole 131b may move not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction and may be discharged through the first discharge hole 3312. As a result, the noise reduction efficiency of the refrigerant may be further improved.

[0255] For example, the first discharge hole 3312 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof. Alternatively, the first discharge hole 3312 may be provided as a single unit thereof.

[0256] The refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 3302 may be discharged through the second discharge hole 3322. The second discharge hole 3322 may be formed in the connection muffler 3320. A flow path F through which the refrigerant from the lower muffler chamber 401 is discharged may extend from the lower muffler chamber 401 through the connection muffler chamber 3302 to the second discharge hole 3322. For example, the second discharge hole 3322 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 3302 is discharged upward. Alternatively, the second discharge hole 3322 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 3302 is discharged in a horizontal direction or in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0257] The second discharge hole 3322 may be formed in the second space forming portion 3321. For example, the second discharge hole 3322 may be formed in at least a portion of the second space forming portion 3322 that passes through the first space forming portion 3311. The second discharge hole 3322 may be disposed above the first space forming portion 3311. For example, the second discharge hole 3322 may be formed on the upper surface of the second space forming portion 3321.

[0258] The second discharge hole 3322 may be formed between the first shaft support portion 132 and the connection muffler 3320. The second discharge hole 3322 may be formed in a space between the periphery of the hole of the second space forming portion 3321 and the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft support portion 132 passing through the hole of the second space forming portion 3321.

[0259] The connection hole, such as the upper cover hole 131c, and the second discharge hole 3322 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The refrigerant introduced into the connection muffler chamber 3302 through the connection hole may move not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction and may be discharged through the second discharge hole 3322. As a result, the noise reduction efficiency of the refrigerant may be further improved.

[0260] For example, the second discharge hole 3322 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof. Alternatively, the second discharge hole 3322 may be provided as a single unit thereof.

[0261] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the second discharge hole 3322 may be disposed adjacent to the rotating shaft 43. The first discharge hole 3312 may be disposed relatively far from the rotating shaft 43. That is, the distance between the rotating shaft 43 and the first discharge hole 3312 may be longer than the distance between the rotating shaft 43 and the second discharge hole 3322.

[0262] With such a structure, the refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber 111 may be introduced into the separation muffler chamber 3301 of the upper muffler 3300 through the upper inlet hole 131b, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced in the separation muffler chamber 3301. The refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 3301 may be discharged from the separation muffler chamber 3301 through the first discharge hole 3312 formed in the separation muffler 3310.

[0263] In addition, the refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber 211 may be introduced into the lower muffler chamber 401 of the lower muffler 400 through the lower inlet hole 231b, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced in the lower muffler chamber 401. The refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may be introduced into the connection muffler chamber 3302, which is divided from the separation muffler chamber 3301, through the connection flow path FC, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced once again in the connection muffler chamber 3302. The refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 3302 may be discharged from the connection muffler chamber 3302 through the second discharge hole 3322 formed in the connection muffler 3320.

[0264] As described above, the structure of the upper muffler 3300 according to the embodiment may allow the flow path in which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 to be divided from the flow path in which the refrigerant is discharged from the lower compression chamber 211.

[0265] The refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler 3310 through the first discharge hole 3312 and the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler 3320 through the second discharge hole 3322 may be mixed at the upper side of the separation muffler 3310. The refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler 3310 through the first discharge hole 3312 and the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler 3320 through the second discharge hole 3322 may be mixed in the accommodation space S of the housing 30.

[0266] A compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: a lower cylinder including a lower compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a upper cylinder including a upper compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a lower muffler disposed on a lower side of the lower compression chamber, and configured to reduce noise of the refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber; and a separation muffler disposed on an upper side of the upper cylinder, and configured to reduce noise of the refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber. The separation muffler may be divided from a flow path extending upward from the lower muffler and configured to discharge refrigerant in the lower muffler.

[0267] The compressor may further include a connection muffler connected to an inside of the lower muffler and divided from the separation muffler.

[0268] The separation muffler may include a first discharge hole configured to discharge the refrigerant in the separation muffler. The connection muffler may include a second discharge hole configured to discharge the refrigerant in the connection muffler. The flow path may extend from the lower muffler through an inside of the connection muffler to the second discharge hole.

[0269] The compressor may further include: a lower roller configured to be rotatable on the inside of the lower cylinder, and configured to compress the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber while rotating; an upper roller configured to be rotatable on the inside of the upper cylinder, and configured to compress the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber while rotating; and a rotating shaft configured to provide power to the lower roller and the upper roller. A distance between the rotating shaft and the first discharge hole may be shorter than a distance between the rotating shaft and the second discharge hole.

[0270] The compressor may further include: a lower roller configured to be rotatable on the inside of the lower cylinder, and configured to compress the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber while rotating; an upper roller configured to be rotatable on the inside of the upper cylinder, and configured to compress the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber while rotating; and a rotating shaft configured to provide power to the lower roller and the upper roller. A distance between the rotating shaft and the first discharge hole may be longer than a distance between the rotating shaft and the second discharge hole.

[0271] The first discharge hole may be formed such that the refrigerant in the separation muffler is discharged upward through the first discharge hole. The second discharge hole may be formed such that the refrigerant in the connection muffler is discharged upward through the second discharge hole.

[0272] The first discharge hole may be formed such that the refrigerant in the separation muffler is discharged in the horizontal direction or in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction through the first discharge hole. The second discharge hole may be formed such that the refrigerant in the connection muffler is discharged in the horizontal direction or in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction through the second discharge hole.

[0273] The compressor may further include a connection hole provided such that the refrigerant from the lower muffler is introduced from the connection muffler. The connection hole and the second discharge hole may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0274] The flow path may pass through an area between the separation muffler and the connection muffler.

[0275] The separation muffler and the connection muffler may be coupled to each other.

[0276] The compressor may further include an upper inlet hole through which the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber is introduced into the separation muffler. The separation muffler may further include a discharge hole through which the refrigerant in the separation muffler is discharged. The upper inlet hole and the discharge hole may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0277] The compressor may further include an outlet pipe configured to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler upward. The flow path may extend from the lower muffler toward the outlet pipe.

[0278] The compressor may further include an upper cylinder cover configured to cover an upper side of the upper compression chamber and including an upper cover hole. The outlet pipe may extend upward from the upper cover hole.

[0279] The outlet pipe may pass through the separation muffler.

[0280] The separation muffler may include a discharge hole through which the refrigerant from the upper compression chamber is discharged. The compressor may be configured so that the refrigerant discharged through the discharge hole and the refrigerant discharged through the flow path may be mixed on an upper side of the separation muffler.

[0281] A compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: a lower cylinder including a lower compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a upper cylinder including a upper compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a lower muffler configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber and disposed on a lower side of the lower cylinder; and an upper muffler disposed on an upper side of the upper cylinder. The upper muffler may include a separation muffler configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber, and a connection muffler connected to the lower muffler and divided from the separation muffler.

[0282] The separation muffler may include a first discharge hole provided to discharge refrigerant inside the separation muffler that has been introduced from the upper compression chamber. The connection muffler may include a second discharge hole provided to discharge refrigerant inside the connection muffler that has been introduced from the lower muffler.

[0283] The compressor may further include an upper roller rotatably provided inside the upper cylinder and configured to compress refrigerant in the upper compression chamber while rotating, a rotating shaft configured to provide power to the upper roller, and a shaft support portion configured to support the rotating shaft, and an upper cylinder cover configured to cover an upper side of the upper compression chamber. The rotating shaft may pass through the shaft support portion and the connection muffler. The first discharge hole may be formed between the shaft support portion and the connection muffler.

[0284] A compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a lower cylinder including a lower compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a upper cylinder including a upper compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a lower muffler configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber and disposed on a lower side of the lower cylinder; an outlet pipe configured to discharge refrigerant in the lower muffler upward; and an upper muffler disposed on an upper side of the upper cylinder, the upper muffler being configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber and divided from the outlet pipe.

[0285] The compressor may further include an upper cylinder cover configured to cover the upper compression chamber above the upper compression chamber and including an upper cover hole. The outlet pipe may extend upward from the upper cover hole.

[0286] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the lower muffler chamber is divided from the upper muffler chamber, and thus the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the upper cylinder and the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the lower cylinder can be divided from each other.

[0287] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the separation muffler chamber connected to the upper compression chamber and the connection muffler chamber connected to the lower muffler chamber are divided from each other, and thus the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the upper cylinder and the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the lower cylinder can be divided from each other.

[0288] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the upper muffler chamber connected to the upper compression chamber is divided from the outlet pipes configured to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber, and thus the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the upper cylinder and the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the lower cylinder can be divided from each other.

[0289] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the upper cylinder and the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the lower cylinder are divided from each other, and thus flow interference between the refrigerants and pressure drop caused thereby can be prevented.

[0290] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the upper cylinder and the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the lower cylinder are divided from each other, to prevent a portion of discharged refrigerant from flowing backward.

[0291] The effects of the disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects that are not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description.

[0292] Although the disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to exemplary embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the disclosure pertains should be able to understand that various modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the technical spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0045]Various embodiments of the present document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments.

[0046]In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0047]The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or a plurality of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0048]In this document, phrases, such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B,”“A, B or C,”“at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C”, may include any one or all possible combinations of items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0049]As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed item...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. § 111(a), of International Application No. PCT / KR2025 / 002355, filed Feb. 19, 2025, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0055723, filed Apr. 25, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure relates to a compressor.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] A compressor is a mechanical device that receives power from a power generation device, such as an electric motor or a turbine, and compresses air, refrigerant, or other various types of working gases to increase the pressure. Compressors are widely used in home appliances, such as a refrigerator, an air conditioner, and a clothes dryer, as well as various industries.

[0004] The types of compressors include reciprocating compressors, scroll compressors, and rotary compressors. A reciprocating compressor compresses working gas by forming a compression space between a piston and a cylinder in which the working gas is admitted and discharged, as the piston moves linearly back and forth inside the cylinder. A scroll compressor compresses working gas by forming a compression space between an orbiting scroll and a fixed scroll in which the working gas is admitted and discharged, as the orbiting scroll rotates along the fixed scroll. A rotary compressor compresses working gas by forming a compression space between an eccentrically rotating rolling piston and a cylinder in which the working gas is admitted and discharged, as the rolling piston eccentrically rotates along the inner wall of the cylinder.

[0005] A compressor includes a compressing portion in which compression of refrigerant is performed, and a driving part that provides power for the compression of the refrigerant. The compressing portion may be provided with a muffler to reduce noise generated when the compressed refrigerant is discharged.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0006] One aspect of the disclosure provides a compressor having an improved structure in which discharge flow paths of refrigerant compressed from each of an upper cylinder and a lower cylinder are separated.

[0007] One aspect of the disclosure provides a compressor having an improved structure to prevent pressure drop caused by flow interference between refrigerant discharged from an upper cylinder and refrigerant discharged from a lower cylinder.

[0008] One aspect of the disclosure provides a compressor having an improved structure to prevent a portion of discharged refrigerant from flowing backward.

[0009] The technical objectives of the disclosure are not limited to the above, and other objectives that are not described above may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the following descriptions.Technical Solution

[0010] In accordance with the present disclosure, a compressor may include: a lower cylinder including: a lower compression chamber, the lower compression chamber configured so that refrigerant is compressed in the lower compression chamber, and the compressed refrigerant in the lower compression chamber is discharged from the lower compression chamber; an upper cylinder including: an upper compression chamber, the upper compression chamber configured so that refrigerant is compressed in the upper compression chamber, and the compressed refrigerant in the upper compression chamber is discharged from the upper compression chamber; a lower muffler on a lower side of the lower compression chamber, and configured to receive, and reduce noise of, the refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber and discharged the refrigerant received from the lower compression chamber and having the reduced noise to an accommodation space of the compressor; and a separation muffler on an upper side of the upper compression chamber, and configured to receive, and reduce noise of, the refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber and discharge the refrigerant received from the upper compression chamber and having the reduced noise to the accommodation space. The separation muffler may be divided from a flow path extending upward from the lower muffler and along which refrigerant from the lower muffler is discharged so that, before reaching the accommodation space, the refrigerant discharged from the lower muffler travels along the flow path and is divided from the refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler.

[0011] The compressor may further include: a connection muffler on an upper side of the upper compression chamber and configured to receive the refrigerant discharged from the lower muffler that travels along the flow path.

[0012] The separation muffler may include a first discharge hole through which the refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler is discharged to the accommodation space. The connection muffler may include a second discharge hole through which the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler is discharged to the accommodation space. The flow path may extend from the lower muffler through an inside of the connection muffler to the second discharge hole.

[0013] The compressor may further include: a rotatable shaft, a lower roller inside the lower compression chamber and configured to be rotated by rotation of the rotatable shaft to compress the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber, and discharge the refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber, and an upper roller inside the upper compression chamber and configured to be rotated by rotation of the rotatable shaft to compress the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber, and discharge the refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber. A distance between the rotatable shaft and the first discharge hole may be shorter than a distance between the rotatable shaft and the second discharge hole.

[0014] The compressor may further include: a rotatable shaft, a lower roller inside the lower compression chamber and configured to be rotated by rotation of the rotatable shaft to compress the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber, and discharge the refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber, and an upper roller inside the upper compression chamber and configured to be rotated by rotation of the rotatable shaft to compress the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber, and discharge the refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber. A distance between the rotatable shaft and the first discharge hole may be longer than a distance between the rotatable shaft and the second discharge hole.

[0015] The first discharge hole may be configured so that the refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler is discharged upward. The second discharge hole may be configured so that the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler upward.

[0016] The first discharge hole may be configured so that the refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler is discharged in a horizontal direction or in a first direction inclined at a first predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction. The second discharge hole may be configured so that the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler is discharged in the horizontal direction or in a second direction inclined at a second predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0017] The compressor may further include: a connection hole through which the refrigerant from the lower muffler travels along the flow path from the lower muffler to the connection muffler. The connection hole and the second discharge hole may be spaced apart in a horizontal direction.

[0018] The flow path may extend through an area between the separation muffler and the connection muffler.

[0019] The separation muffler and the connection muffler may be coupled to each other.

[0020] The compressor may further include: an upper cylinder cover on an upper side of the upper cylinder and having an upper inlet hole through which the refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber is discharged to the separation muffler. The separation muffler may include a discharge hole through which the refrigerant received from the upper compression chamber and having the reduced noise is discharged to the accommodation space, and the upper inlet hole and the discharge hole may be spaced apart in a horizontal direction.

[0021] The compressor may further include: an outlet pipe through which the flow path extends and configured to discharge the refrigerant from the lower muffler upward.

[0022] The compressor may further include: an upper cylinder cover on an upper side of the upper compression chamber and including an upper cover hole, wherein the outlet pipe may extend upward from the upper cover hole.

[0023] The outlet pipe may pass through the separation muffler.

[0024] The accommodation space may be on an upper side of the separation muffler. The separation muffler may include a discharge hole through which the refrigerant received from the upper compression chamber and having the reduced noise is discharged to the accommodation space. The refrigerant discharged through the discharge hole and the refrigerant discharged from the lower muffler along the flow path may be mixed in the accommodation space.

[0025] A compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: a lower cylinder including a lower compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a upper cylinder including a upper compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a lower muffler configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber and disposed on a lower side of the lower cylinder; and an upper muffler disposed on an upper side of the upper cylinder. The upper muffler may include a separation muffler configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber, and a connection muffler connected to the lower muffler and divided from the separation muffler.

[0026] A compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a lower cylinder including a lower compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a upper cylinder including a upper compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a lower muffler configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber and disposed on a lower side of the lower cylinder; an outlet pipe configured to discharge refrigerant in the lower muffler upward; and an upper muffler disposed on an upper side of the upper cylinder, the upper muffler being configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber and divided from the outlet pipe.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an air conditioner including a compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a cut-away longitudinal sectional view of a compressor and an accumulator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, a cylinder, a roller, a cylinder cover, and a muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which is viewed from the top.

[0030] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, a cylinder, a roller, a cylinder cover, and a muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which is viewed from the bottom.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a cut-away longitudinal sectional view of some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, a cylinder, a roller, a cylinder cover, and a muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, being introduced through an upper cylinder cover according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, a separation muffler, a connection muffler, and a lower muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being introduced into a separation muffler chamber and discharged through a first discharge hole.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating refrigerant from a lower muffler chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being introduced into a connection muffler chamber and discharged through a second discharge hole.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, a separation muffler, a connection muffler, and a lower muffler according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being introduced into a separation muffler chamber and discharged through a first discharge hole.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating refrigerant from a lower muffler chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being introduced into a connection muffler chamber and discharged through a second discharge hole.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, an upper muffler, a lower muffler, and an outlet pipe according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor being discharged through an upper muffler chamber and a discharge hole, and refrigerant in a lower muffler chamber being discharged through a connection flow path and an outlet pipe according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor being discharged through an upper muffler chamber and a discharge hole, and refrigerant in a lower muffler chamber being discharged through a connection flow path and an outlet pipe, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, a separation muffler, a connection muffler, and a lower muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 17 is a view of refrigerant from a lower muffler chamber of a compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being introduced into a connection muffler chamber and discharged through a second discharge hole.

[0044] FIG. 18 is a view of refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being introduced into a separation muffler chamber and discharged through a first discharge hole.MODES OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Various embodiments of the present document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments.

[0046] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0047] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or a plurality of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0048] In this document, phrases, such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B,”“A, B or C,”“at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C”, may include any one or all possible combinations of items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0049] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items.

[0050] Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish a component from other components, without limiting the component in other aspects e.g., importance or order.

[0051] It will be understood that when the terms “includes,”“comprises,”“including,” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

[0052] It will be understood that when a certain component is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another component, it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component. When a component is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another component, it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component through a third component.

[0053] It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as being “on” another component, it may be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be present.

[0054] Further, as used in the disclosure, the terms “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like are defined with reference to the drawings, and are not intended to limit the shape and position of each component.

[0055] Among the expressions used in the description below, “upper˜”, “lower˜”, etc. may be used to distinguish components by considering the relative positions between the components, and these expressions may be replaced with expressions such as “first˜”, “second˜”.

[0056] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a drawing schematically illustrating an air conditioner including a compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 1, a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be included in an air conditioner 1.

[0059] The air conditioner 1 may absorb heat from the indoors and release heat to the outdoors for cooling a space to be air-conditioned, i.e., an indoor space. In addition, the air conditioner 1 may absorb heat from the outdoors and release heat to the indoors for heating the indoor space. The air conditioner 1 may include an outdoor unit 10 configured to exchange heat with outdoor air and an indoor unit 20 configured to exchange heat with indoor air. For example, the outdoor unit 10 may be installed in the outdoor space and may exchange heat with outdoor air, and the indoor unit 20 may be installed in the indoor space and may exchange heat with indoor air.

[0060] The air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment may be a separate air conditioner in which the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are installed separately from each other. Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment may be an integrated air conditioner in which the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are installed together in one cabinet.

[0061] The outdoor unit 10 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (for example, evaporation or condensation). For example, the outdoor unit 10 may release the heat of the refrigerant to the outdoor air by utilizing the condensation of the refrigerant. In addition, the outdoor unit 10 may absorb the heat of the outdoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing the evaporation of the refrigerant.

[0062] The outdoor unit 10 may include a compressor 11 configured to compress refrigerant gas, and an outdoor heat exchanger 12 configured to perform heat exchange between the outdoor air and the refrigerant.

[0063] The indoor unit 20 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, the indoor unit 20 may cool the indoor space by absorbing the heat of the indoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing the evaporation of the refrigerant. In addition, the indoor unit 20 may heat the indoor space by releasing the heat of the refrigerant into the indoor air by utilizing the condensation of the refrigerant.

[0064] The indoor unit 20 may include an indoor heat exchanger 22 configured to perform heat exchange between the indoor air and the refrigerant.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 may include a refrigerant circulation circuit for transferring heat between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 using a refrigerant as a medium.

[0066] The refrigerant circulation circuit may include a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, an expansion device 13, and an indoor heat exchanger 22. The refrigerant may be circulated in the order of the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 12, the expansion device 13, and the indoor heat exchanger 22, or may be circulated in the order of the compressor 11, the indoor heat exchanger 22, the expansion device 13, and the outdoor heat exchanger 12.

[0067] The compressor 11 may compress refrigerant gas and discharge the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas. For example, the compressor 11 may include a motor and a compression mechanism, and the compression mechanism may compress the refrigerant gas by a torque of the motor. The detailed structure of the compressor 11 will be described below.

[0068] In the outdoor heat exchanger 12, heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air may be performed. For example, during the cooling operation, high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 12, and while the refrigerant is being condensed, the refrigerant may release heat to the outdoor air. During the cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 12 may discharge refrigerant liquid. In addition, during a heating operation, low-temperature, low-voltage refrigerant liquid is evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 12, and while the refrigerant is being evaporated, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outdoor air. During a heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 12 may discharge refrigerant gas.

[0069] An outdoor fan 16 may be provided adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger 12. The outdoor fan 16 may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 12 to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0070] The expansion device 13 may expand the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid using, for example, the throttling effect. In addition, the expansion device 13 may discharge low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid. The expansion device 13 may include an orifice that may reduce the cross-sectional area of the flow path.

[0071] The expansion device 13 may be connected to the indoor unit 20. The expansion devices 13 may be provided corresponding in number to the number of indoor units 20.

[0072] In the indoor heat exchanger 22, heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air may be performed. For example, during a cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 22 evaporates low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant liquid, and while the refrigerant is being evaporated, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the indoor air. As a result, the indoor space may be cooled. During a cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 22 may discharge refrigerant gas. In addition, during the heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 22 condenses high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas, and while the refrigerant is being condensed, the refrigerant may release heat to the indoor air. With such a configuration, the indoor space may be heated. During the heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 22 may discharge the refrigerant liquid.

[0073] Depending on the embodiment, a separate expansion device (not shown) or capillary tube (not shown) may be provided on an inlet side of the indoor heat exchanger 22. The separate expansion valve or capillary tube may expand the refrigerant liquid and provide the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid to the indoor heat exchanger 22.

[0074] An indoor fan 26 may be provided adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger 22. The indoor fan 26 may blow indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 22 to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0075] In addition, the refrigerant circulation circuit may further include a flow switching valve 14. The flow switching valve 14 may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow switching valve 14 may be connected to a refrigerant discharge port of the compressor 11.

[0076] The flow switching valve 14 may switch a circulation flow path of the refrigerant depending on the operation mode (e.g., a cooling operation or a heating operation) of the air conditioner 1. For example, during the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1, the flow switching valve 14 may guide the refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor 11 to the outdoor heat exchanger 12 such that the refrigerant may circulate in the order of the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 12, the expansion device 13, and the indoor heat exchanger 22. In addition, during the heating operation of the air conditioner 1, the flow switching valve 14 may guide the refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor 11 to the indoor heat exchanger 22 such that the refrigerant may circulate in the order of the compressor 11, the indoor heat exchanger 22, the expansion device 13, and the outdoor heat exchanger 12.

[0077] In addition, the refrigerant circulation circuit may further include an accumulator 15. The accumulator 15 may be connected to a refrigerant inlet port of the compressor 11.

[0078] The accumulator 15 may receive low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 22 or the outdoor heat exchanger 12. For example, during a cooling operation, low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 22 may be introduced into the accumulator 15. During a heating operation, low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 12 may be introduced into the accumulator 15.

[0079] Depending on the load, the refrigerant may be incompletely evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 22 or the outdoor heat exchanger 12, and a mixed refrigerant of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas may be introduced into the accumulator 15. The accumulator 15 may, upon introduction of the mixed refrigerant of the refrigerant liquid and the refrigerant gas, separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas, and provide the refrigerant gas, in which the refrigerant liquid has been separated, to the compressor 11.

[0080] For example, the compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 12, the outdoor fan 16, the expansion device 13, the flow switching valve 14, and the accumulator 15 may be disposed in the outdoor unit 10. The indoor heat exchanger 22 and the indoor fan 26 may be disposed in the indoor unit 20. However, the location of the expansion device 13 is not limited to the outdoor unit 10, and according to various embodiments, the expansion device 13 may be disposed in the indoor unit 20.

[0081] In FIG. 1, an example in which a single outdoor unit 10 and a single indoor unit 20 are connected to each other is illustrated, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and a single outdoor unit 10 may be connected to two or more indoor units 20, or two or more outdoor units 10 may be connected to a single indoor unit 20, or two or more outdoor units 10 may be connected to two or more indoor units 20.

[0082] The air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 1 is only an example of a device to which a compressor according to the concept of the disclosure may be applied, and the concept of the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0083] FIG. 2 is a cut-away longitudinal sectional view of a compressor and an accumulator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 2, a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a compressing portion (including components, such as cylinders 110 and 210, rollers 120 and 220 configured to compress refrigerant, a drive motor 40 provided to supply power to the compressing portion, and a housing 30 that accommodates the compressing portion and the drive motor 40.

[0085] The housing 30 may form the external appearance of the compressor 11. An accommodation space S in which the compressing portion and the drive motor 40 are accommodated may be formed inside the housing 30. Oil may be stored in an inner lower portion of the housing 30 to reduce friction between various members of the compressor 11 and cool the members.

[0086] A compressor inlet pipe PI may be connected to an inlet side of the housing 30. The housing 30 may be connected to the accumulator 15 by the compressor inlet pipe PI. The compressor inlet pipe PI may be provided to guide the refrigerant introduced into the housing 30 from the accumulator 15. The compressor inlet pipe PI may include an upper cylinder inlet pipe PI1 connected to an upper cylinder 110 described below, and a lower cylinder inlet pipe PI2 connected to a lower cylinder 210 described below. A portion of the refrigerant in the accumulator 15 may flow into an upper compression chamber 111, see FIG. 5 in the upper cylinder 110 through the upper cylinder inlet pipe PI1. Another portion of the refrigerant in the accumulator 15 may flow into a lower compression chamber 211, see FIG. 5 in the lower cylinder 210 through the lower cylinder inlet pipe PI2.

[0087] For example, the compressor inlet pipe PI may be connected to the lower portion of the housing 30.

[0088] A compressor outlet pipe PO may be connected to an outlet side of the housing 30. The compressor outlet pipe PO may be provided to guide the refrigerant compressed in the housing 30 to be discharged outside the housing 30. The compressor outlet pipe PO may be provided to guide the refrigerant in the accommodation space S of the housing 30 to be discharged outside the housing 30.

[0089] For example, the compressor outlet pipe PO may be connected to the upper portion of the housing 30.

[0090] The drive motor 40 may convert electromagnetic force into mechanical rotational force. The drive motor 40 may include a stator 41 fixed to the housing 30 and a rotor 42 having magnetism and configured to rotate relative to the stator 41 by electromagnetic force. The stator 41 may include a core and a coil wound around the core. The rotor 42 may be provided to be rotatable inside the stator 41.

[0091] The compressor 11 may include a rotating shaft 43 configured to transmit power generated from a drive motor 40 to the compressing portion. The rotating shaft 43 may be connected to the rotor 42 to provide power to an upper roller 120 and a lower roller 220 to be described below. The rotating shaft 43 may be fixed to the rotor 42 and configured to rotate together with the rotor 42. The rotating shaft 43 may be coupled to the rotor 42 by a fitting or press-fitting method.

[0092] The rotating shaft 43 may extend along the vertical direction of the compressor 11. That is, the rotating shaft 43 may extend along the direction of gravity. The rotational axis direction of the drive motor 40 and the rotational axis directions of each of the upper roller 120 and the lower roller 220 to be described below may be parallel to the rotating shaft 43.

[0093] The rotating shaft 43 may vertically pass through each component of the compressing portion described below, such as, for example, an upper muffler 300, an upper cylinder cover 130, an upper cylinder 110, an upper roller 120, a mid-plate 60, a lower cylinder 210, a lower roller 220, a lower cylinder cover 230, a lower muffler 400, and the like.

[0094] The drive motor 40 may be coupled to the housing 30. The stator 41 of the drive motor 40 may be coupled to the inner surface of the housing 30. For example, the stator 41 may be coupled to the inside of the housing 30 by a fitting or press-fitting method.

[0095] For example, the drive motor 40 may be disposed on the upper side of the compressing portion.

[0096] The compressing portion of the compressor 11 may include an upper cylinder 110 including an upper compression chamber 111, see FIG. 5 and a lower cylinder 210 including a lower compression chamber 211, see FIG. 5. The upper compression chamber 111 may be provided inside the upper cylinder 110. The lower compression chamber 211 may be provided inside the lower cylinder 210.

[0097] The upper compression chamber 111 and the lower compression chamber 211 may each be provided to compress refrigerant. The compressing portion may include an upper roller 120 that is rotatably provided inside the upper cylinder 110. The upper roller 120 may be provided to compress refrigerant in the upper compression chamber 111 by rotating inside the upper cylinder 110. The compressing portion may include a lower roller 220 that is rotatably provided inside the lower cylinder 210. The lower roller 220 may be provided to compress the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber 211 by rotating inside the lower cylinder 210. Each of the upper roller 120 and the lower roller 220 may be provided to receive power from the rotating shaft 43 and rotate.

[0098] That is, the compressor 11 according to an embodiment may include a rotary compressor.

[0099] Hereinafter, components related to the compressing portion among the components of the compressor 11 according to an embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 18.

[0100] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, a cylinder, a roller, a cylinder cover, and a muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which is viewed from the top. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, a cylinder, a roller, a cylinder cover, and a muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which is viewed from the bottom. FIG. 5 is a cut-away longitudinal sectional view of some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, a cylinder, a roller, a cylinder cover, and a muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 6 is a view illustrating refrigerant flowing through an upper cylinder cover in an upper compression chamber of a compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an upper cylinder 110 including an upper compression chamber 111 and a lower cylinder 210 including a lower compression chamber 211.

[0102] The upper compression chamber 111 may be formed inward of the circumference of the upper cylinder 110. For example, the upper cylinder 110 may have an approximately ring shape, and the upper compression chamber 111 may be formed in a portion inside the ring shape of the upper cylinder 110.

[0103] The central axis of the inner space of the upper cylinder 110 may be approximately coincident with the rotation axis of the rotating shaft 43 (which is identical to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43). For example, the upper cylinder 110 may be provided in a ring shape that has the rotation axis of the rotating shaft 43 as a central axis.

[0104] The upper cylinder 110 may include an upper refrigerant inlet 112 provided to allow refrigerant to be introduced into the upper compression chamber 111. The upper refrigerant inlet 112 may be connected to the upper cylinder inlet pipe PI1. The refrigerant flowing along the upper cylinder inlet pipe PI1 from the accumulator 15 may be introduced into the upper cylinder 110 through the upper refrigerant inlet 112.

[0105] The upper roller 120 may be rotatably provided on the inside of the upper cylinder 110. The outer diameter of the upper roller 120 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the upper cylinder 110. The upper roller 120 may rotate while in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the upper cylinder 110.

[0106] The rotation axis of the upper roller 120 may be parallel to the vertical direction of the compressor 11. The rotation axis of the upper roller 120 may be parallel to the direction of gravity. The rotation axis of the upper roller 120 may be parallel to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43, but the central axis of the upper roller 120 may be eccentric to one side from the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. The central axis of the upper roller 120 may be eccentric to one side in the radial direction from the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. The central axis of the upper roller 120 may be eccentric to one side in the radial direction from the rotation axis of the upper roller 120.

[0107] In detail, an upper cam 51 that comes into contact with the upper roller 120 may be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 43. The upper cam 51 may come into contact with an inner circumferential surface of the upper roller 120 to transmit rotational power to the upper roller 120. The upper cam 51 may be coupled to the upper roller 120. The upper cam 51 may be fixed to the upper roller 120. The upper cam 51 may, during rotation of the rotating shaft 43, rotate using the central axis of the rotating shaft 43 as a rotational axis. In this case, the central axis of the upper cam 51 may be eccentric to one side in the radial direction from the central axis of the rotating shaft 43.

[0108] For example, the upper roller 120 may have an approximately ring shape. The upper cam 51 may be disposed in an inner portion of the ring shape of the upper roller 120. The outer circumferential surface of the upper cam 51 may be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the upper roller 120. Most of the outer circumferential surface of the upper cam 51 may be in contact with most of the inner circumferential surface of the upper roller 120. The upper cam 51 may be fitted and coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the upper roller 120.

[0109] As described above, since the upper cam 51 is disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43, the upper roller 120 in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the upper cam 51 may also be disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. Since the upper roller 120 is disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43, the upper roller 120 may compress the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber 111 by rotating inside the upper cylinder 110.

[0110] An upper vane 115 may be movably installed in the upper cylinder 110. The upper vane 115 may be connected to an elastic member E and may come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the upper roller 120 by elastic force regardless of the position of the upper roller 120 inside the upper cylinder 110. As the upper vane 115 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the upper roller 120, the inner space of the upper cylinder 110 may be divided into an intake space into refrigerant is introduced through the upper refrigerant inlet 112 and an upper compression chamber 111 in which the refrigerant is compressed. The upper compression chamber 111 may be defined as a space surrounded by the outer circumferential surface of the upper roller 120, the inner circumferential surface of the upper cylinder 110, and the upper vane 115. More specifically, the upper compression chamber 111 may be defined as a space surrounded by the outer circumferential surface of the upper roller 120, the inner circumferential surface of the upper cylinder 110, the upper vane 115, the upper cylinder cover 130 to be described below, and the mid-plate 60 to be described below.

[0111] The compressor 11 may include an upper cylinder cover 130. The upper cylinder cover 130 may cover the upper side of the upper cylinder 110. The upper cylinder cover 130 may cover the upper side of the upper compression chamber 111. The upper cylinder cover 130 may support the upper cylinder 110.

[0112] The upper cylinder cover 130 may include an upper cover body 131. The upper cover body 131 may cover the upper side of the upper cylinder 110. The upper cover body 131 may be in contact with the upper side of the upper cylinder 110. The upper cover body 131 may support the upper cylinder 110. The upper cover body 131 may be coupled to the upper cylinder 110. For example, the upper cover body 131 may be coupled to the upper cylinder 110 by a fastening member, such as a screw.

[0113] The upper cylinder cover 130 may include a first shaft support portion 132 that supports the rotating shaft 43. The first shaft support portion 132 may allow the rotating shaft 43 to pass therethrough. The first shaft support portion 132 may serve as a bearing that rotatably supports the rotating shaft 43. The first shaft support portion 132 may support the upper portion of the rotating shaft 43.

[0114] The first shaft support portion 132 may extend from the upper cover body 131. For example, the first shaft support portion 132 may extend upward from the upper cover body 131. For example, the upper cover body 131 and the first shaft support portion 132 may be provided as one part.

[0115] The lower compression chamber 211 may be formed inward of the circumference of the lower cylinder 210. For example, the lower cylinder 210 may have an approximately ring shape, and the lower compression chamber 211 may be formed in a portion inside the ring shape of the lower cylinder 210.

[0116] The central axis of the inner space of the lower cylinder 210 may be approximately coincident with the rotation axis of the rotating shaft 43 (which is identical to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43). For example, the lower cylinder 210 may be provided in a ring shape that has the rotation axis of the rotating shaft 43 as a central axis.

[0117] The lower cylinder 210 may include a lower refrigerant inlet 212 provided to allow refrigerant to be introduced into the lower compression chamber 211. The lower refrigerant inlet 212 may be connected to the lower cylinder inlet pipe PI2. The refrigerant flowing along the lower cylinder inlet pipe PI2 from the accumulator 15 may be introduced into the lower cylinder 210 through the lower refrigerant inlet 212.

[0118] The lower roller 220 may be rotatably provided on the inside of the lower cylinder 210. The outer diameter of the lower roller 220 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the lower cylinder 210. The lower roller 220 may rotate while in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the lower cylinder 210.

[0119] The rotation axis of the lower roller 220 may be parallel to the vertical direction of the compressor 11. The rotation axis of the lower roller 220 may be parallel to the direction of gravity. The rotation axis of the lower roller 220 may be parallel to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43, but the central axis of the lower roller 220 may be eccentric to one side from the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. The central axis of the lower roller 220 may be eccentric to one side in the radial direction from the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. The central axis of the lower roller 220 may be eccentric to one side in the radial direction from the rotation axis of the lower roller 220.

[0120] In detail, a lower cam 52 that comes into contact with the lower roller 220 may be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 43. The lower cam 52 may come into contact with an inner circumferential surface of the lower roller 220 to transmit rotational power to the lower roller 220. The lower cam 52 may be coupled to the lower roller 220. The lower cam 52 may be fixed to the lower roller 220. The lower cam 52 may, during rotation of the rotating shaft 43, rotate using the central axis of the rotating shaft 43 as a rotational axis. In this case, the central axis of the lower cam 52 may be eccentric to one side in the radial direction from the central axis of the rotating shaft 43.

[0121] For example, the lower roller 220 may have an approximately ring shape. The lower cam 52 may be disposed in an inner portion of the ring shape of the lower roller 220. The outer circumferential surface of the lower cam 52 may be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the lower roller 220. Most of the outer circumferential surface of the lower cam 52 may be in contact with most of the inner circumferential surface of the lower roller 220. The lower cam 52 may be fitted and coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the lower roller 220.

[0122] As described above, since the lower cam 52 is disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43, the lower roller 220 in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the lower cam 52 may also be disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. Since the lower roller 220 is disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43, the lower roller 220 may compress the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber 211 by rotating inside the lower cylinder 210.

[0123] In one embodiment, the upper cam 51 and the lower cam 52 may be eccentric in the opposite directions with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. In addition, the upper roller 120 and the lower roller 220 may be eccentric in the opposite directions with respect to the central axis of the rotating shaft 43. Accordingly, the phase when the refrigerant is compressed by the upper roller 120 in the upper compression chamber 111 and the phase when the refrigerant is compressed by the lower roller 220 in the lower compression chamber 211 may be opposite to each other.

[0124] A lower vane 215 may be movably installed in the lower cylinder 210. The lower vane 215 may be connected to an elastic member E and may come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the lower roller 220 by elastic force regardless of the position of the lower roller 220 inside the lower cylinder 210. As the lower vane 215 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the lower roller 220, the inner space of the lower cylinder 210 may be divided into an intake space into which refrigerant is introduced through the lower refrigerant inlet 212 and a lower compression chamber 211 in which the refrigerant is compressed. The lower compression chamber 211 may be defined as a space surrounded by the outer circumferential surface of the lower roller 220, the inner circumferential surface of the lower cylinder 210, and the lower vane 215. More specifically, the lower compression chamber 211 may be defined as a space surrounded by the outer circumferential surface of the lower roller 220, the inner circumferential surface of the lower cylinder 210, the lower vane 215, the lower cylinder cover 230 to be described below, and the mid-plate 60 to be described below.

[0125] The compressor 11 may include a lower cylinder cover 230. The lower cylinder cover 230 may cover the lower side of the lower cylinder 210. The lower cylinder cover 230 may cover the lower side of the lower compression chamber 211. The lower cylinder cover 230 may support the lower cylinder 210.

[0126] The lower cylinder cover 230 may include a lower cover body 231. The lower cover body 231 may cover the lower side of the lower cylinder 210. The lower cover body 231 may be in contact with the lower side of the lower cylinder 210. The lower cover body 231 may support the lower cylinder 210. The lower cover body 231 may be coupled to the lower cylinder 210. For example, the lower cover body 231 may be coupled to the lower cylinder 210 by a fastening member, such as a screw.

[0127] The lower cylinder cover 230 may include a second shaft support portion 232 that supports the rotating shaft 43. The second shaft support portion 232 may allow the rotating shaft 43 to pass therethrough. The second shaft support portion 232 may serve as a bearing that rotatably supports the rotating shaft 43. The second shaft support portion 232 may support the lower portion of the rotating shaft 43.

[0128] The second shaft support portion 232 may extend from the lower cover body 231. For example, the second shaft support portion 232 may extend downward from the lower cover body 231. For example, the lower cover body 231 and the second shaft support portion 232 may be provided as one part.

[0129] The compressor 11 may include a mid-plate 60 that is disposed between the upper cylinder 110 and the lower cylinder 210.

[0130] The mid-plate 60 may be disposed on the lower side of the upper cylinder 110. The mid-plate 60 may cover the lower side of the upper cylinder 110. The mid-plate 60 may cover the lower side of the upper compression chamber 111. The mid-plate 60 may support the upper cylinder 110. The mid-plate 60 may be coupled to the upper cylinder 110. For example, the mid-plate 60 may be coupled to the upper cylinder 110 by a fastening member, such as a screw.

[0131] The mid-plate 60 may be disposed on the upper side of the lower cylinder 210. The mid-plate 60 may cover the upper side of the lower cylinder 210. The mid-plate 60 may cover the upper side of the lower compression chamber 211. The mid-plate 60 may support the lower cylinder 210. The mid-plate 60 may be coupled to the lower cylinder 210. For example, the mid-plate 60 may be coupled to the lower cylinder 210 by a fastening member, such as a screw.

[0132] The mid-plate 60 may divide the upper compression chamber 111 from the lower compression chamber 211.

[0133] The refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber 111 may be discharged to the inside of the upper muffler 300 to be described below through the upper cylinder cover 130. The upper cylinder cover 130 may include an upper inlet hole 131b connecting the inside of the upper compression chamber 111 and the inside of the upper muffler 300. Specifically, the upper inlet hole 131b may connect the upper compression chamber 111 to a separation muffler chamber 301. The refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber 111 may be introduced into the separation muffler chamber 301 through the upper inlet hole 131b.

[0134] The upper inlet hole 131b may be provided on the upper side of the upper compression chamber 111. The refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber 111 may be discharged upward through the upper inlet hole 131b and introduced into the separation muffler chamber 301.

[0135] The upper cylinder cover 130 may include an upper cover groove 131a. The upper cover groove 131a may be formed by a portion of an upper surface of the upper cover body 131 being sunken downward. The upper inlet hole 131b may be provided in the upper cover groove 131a.

[0136] In the upper cover groove 131a, an upper valve 71 provided to open and close the upper inlet hole 131b may be installed. The upper valve 71 may open the upper inlet hole 131b based on the pressure of the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber 111 being higher than or equal to a certain level, and may close the upper inlet hole 131b based on the pressure being lower than the certain level. An upper valve guide 72 that is provided to prevent the upper valve 71 from opening excessively upward may be installed in the upper cover groove 131a.

[0137] The refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber 211 may be discharged to the inside of the lower muffler 400 to be described below through the lower cylinder cover 230. The lower cylinder cover 230 may include a lower inlet hole 231b that connects the inside of the lower compression chamber 211 to the inside of the lower muffler 400. Specifically, the lower inlet hole 231b may connect the lower compression chamber 211 and the lower muffler chamber 401. The refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber 211 may be introduced into the lower muffler chamber 401 through the lower inlet hole 231b.

[0138] The lower inlet hole 231b may be provided on the lower side of the lower compression chamber 211. The refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber 211 may be discharged downward through the lower inlet hole 231b and introduced into the lower muffler chamber 401.

[0139] The lower cylinder cover 230 may include a lower cover groove 231a. The lower cover groove 231a may be formed by a portion of a lower surface of the lower cover body 231 being sunken upward. The lower inlet hole 231b may be provided in the lower cover groove 231a.

[0140] In the lower cover groove 231a, a lower valve 81 provided to open and close the lower inlet hole 231b may be installed. The lower valve 81 may open the lower inlet hole 231b based on the pressure of the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber 211 being higher than or equal to a certain level, and may close the lower inlet hole 231b based on the pressure being lower than the certain level. A lower valve guide 82 that is provided to prevent the lower valve 81 from opening excessively downward may be installed in the lower cover groove 231a.

[0141] With these configurations, the refrigerant may be compressed in each of the upper compression chamber 111 and the lower compression chamber 211, and the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber 111 and the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber 211 may be discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 and the lower compression chamber 211 through the upper inlet hole 131b and the lower inlet hole 213b, respectively.

[0142] Meanwhile, when high-pressure refrigerant is discharged at high speed from the compression chambers 111 and 211 through the upper inlet hole 131b and the lower inlet hole 231b with a narrow diameter, the flow noise of the refrigerant may be excessively loud. Therefore, in order to reduce the noise of the refrigerant, the compressor 11 may include an upper muffler 300 and a lower muffler 400 that are provided to reduce the noise of the refrigerant discharged from the compression chambers 111 and 211.

[0143] The upper muffler 300 may be disposed on the upper side of the upper compression chamber 111. The upper muffler 300 may be disposed on the upper side of the upper cylinder 110. The upper muffler 300 may be disposed on the upper side of the upper cylinder cover 130. The upper muffler 300 may be coupled to the upper cylinder cover 130. The upper muffler 300 may be coupled to the upper cylinder 110. For example, the upper muffler 300 may be coupled to the upper cylinder cover 130 and / or the upper cylinder 110 by a fastening member, such as a screw.

[0144] The upper muffler 300 may be provided to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber 111. The upper muffler 300 may include a separation muffler chamber 301 provided to reduce the noise of the refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber 111. The separation muffler chamber 301 may also be referred to as a term, such as a “first upper muffler chamber 301.” As illustrated in FIG. 5, the separation muffler chamber 301 is formed to have a larger width and volume than the upper compression chamber 111 and the upper inlet hole 131b, and as the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber 111 is introduced into the separation muffler chamber 301 through the upper inlet hole 131b, the speed and pressure of the refrigerant are reduced such that the flow noise of the refrigerant may be reduced.

[0145] The upper muffler 300 may include a first discharge hole 312 provided to discharge the refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 301. The refrigerant, which has noise reduced by passing through the separation muffler chamber 301, may be discharged to the outside of the upper muffler 300 through the first discharge hole 312. The first discharge hole 312 may be provided to discharge the refrigerant inside the separation muffler 310 that has been introduced from the upper compression chamber 111.

[0146] The lower muffler 400 may be disposed on the lower side of the lower compression chamber 211. The lower muffler 400 may be disposed on the lower side of the lower cylinder 210. The lower muffler 400 may be disposed on the lower side of the lower cylinder cover 230. The lower muffler 400 may be coupled to the lower cylinder cover 230. The lower muffler 400 may be coupled to the lower cylinder 210. For example, the lower muffler 400 may be coupled to the lower cylinder cover 230 and / or the lower cylinder 210 by a fastening member, such as a screw.

[0147] The lower muffler 400 may be provided to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber 211. The lower muffler 400 may include a lower muffler chamber 401 provided to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber 211. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the lower muffler chamber 401 is formed to have a larger width and volume than the lower compression chamber 211 and the lower inlet hole 231b, and as the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber 211 flows into the lower muffler chamber 401 through the lower inlet hole 231b, the speed and pressure of the refrigerant are reduced such that the flow noise of the refrigerant may be reduced.

[0148] Meanwhile, since a predetermined amount of oil is stored in the lower portion of the housing 30 of the compressor 11, there may be a limitation in forming a discharge hole in the lower muffler 400 to directly discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 to the outside. Therefore, a flow path F extending upward from the lower muffler chamber 401 and configured to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may be provided to discharge the refrigerant upward from the lower muffler chamber 401. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the flow path F may extend upward from the lower muffler chamber 401.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may move along the flow path F and be discharged at a side of the upper muffler 300. The upper muffler 300 may include a connection muffler chamber 302 provided to reduce noise of the refrigerant from the lower muffler chamber 401, and a second discharge hole 322 provided to discharge the refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 302. The connection muffler chamber 302 may be referred to as a term, such as a “second upper muffler chamber 302.” The connection muffler chamber 302 may form a part of the flow path F for discharging the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401. The second discharge hole 322 may be provided to discharge refrigerant in a connection muffler 320 that has been introduced from the lower muffler 400.

[0150] The flow path F may include a connection flow path FC for connecting the upper muffler 300 and the lower muffler 400. The connection flow path FC may connect the connection muffler 320 and the lower muffler 400. The connection flow path FC may connect the lower muffler chamber 401 and the connection muffler chamber 302. The refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may move to the connection muffler chamber 302 through the connection flow path FC.

[0151] For example, the connection flow path FC may be formed by components disposed between the lower muffler 400 and the upper muffler 300. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the lower cylinder cover 230 may include a lower cover hole 231c, the lower cylinder 210 may include a lower cylinder hole 213, the mid-plate 60 may include a mid-plate hole 61, the upper cylinder 110 may include an upper cylinder hole 113, the upper cylinder cover 130 may include an upper cover hole 131c, and the upper muffler 300 may include a muffler hole 314. The lower cover hole 231c, the lower cylinder hole 213, the mid pate hole 61, the upper cylinder hole 113, the upper cover hole 131c, and the muffler hole 314 may be disposed one above the other, thereby forming the connection flow path FC.

[0152] The holes described above correspond to holes that connect the lower muffler chamber 401 and the connection muffler chamber 302, and are provided to allow the refrigerant from the lower muffler chamber 401 to enter the connection muffler chamber 302 through the connection flow path FC, and may be collectively referred to as “a connection hole”.

[0153] Unlike those shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, according to an embodiment, the components secured to each other may be formed as one part. For example, at least some of the upper muffler 300, the upper cylinder cover 130, the upper cylinder 110, the mid-plate 60, the lower cylinder 210, the lower cylinder cover 230, and the lower muffler 400 may be formed as one part, or at least some of the rotating shaft 43, the upper cam 51, the upper roller 120, the lower cam 52, and the lower roller 220 may be formed as one part.

[0154] Meanwhile, since a flow path through which a refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber 211 is discharged extends upward, when the flow path overlaps a flow path through which a refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber 111 is discharged, interference may occur between the refrigerants flowing along each flow path, and in this case, the discharge pressure of the refrigerant may be reduced. In addition, as described above, the phase when the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 and the phase when the refrigerant is discharged from the lower compression chamber 211 may be opposite to each other, and when the refrigerant discharge flow paths overlap each other, some of the refrigerant may flow backwards. This may lower the overall performance of the compressor 11.

[0155] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, a separation muffler, a connection muffler, and a lower muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 8 is a view illustrating refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, flowing into a separation muffler chamber and discharged through a first discharge hole. FIG. 9 is a view illustrating refrigerant from a lower muffler chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, flowing into a connection muffler chamber and discharged through a second discharge hole.

[0156] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, in order to resolve the above-described issues, the compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be provided such that a flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 is divided from a flow path through which refrigerant is discharged from the lower compression chamber 211. The separation muffler chamber 301 may be divided from the flow path F provided to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401.

[0157] In detail, the separation muffler chamber 301 and the connection muffler chamber 302 may be divided from each other. Since the separation muffler chamber 301 connected to the upper compression chamber 111 and the connection muffler chamber 302 connected to the lower muffler chamber 401 are divided from each other, the flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 and the flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the lower compression chamber 211 may be divided from each other.

[0158] The upper muffler 300 may include the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320. The separation muffler 310 may be referred to as a term, such as a “first upper muffler 310”. The connection muffler 320 may be referred to as a term, such as a “second upper muffler 320”.

[0159] The separation muffler chamber 301 may be defined inside the separation muffler 310. The connection muffler chamber 302 may be defined inside the connection muffler 320. The expression “the separation muffler chamber 301 and the connection muffler chamber 302 are divided from each other” may be replaced with the expression “the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320 are divided from each other.” In addition, the expression “the separation muffler chamber 301 and the connection muffler chamber 302 are divided from each other” may be replaced with the expression “the inside of the separation muffler 310 and the inside of the connection muffler 320 are divided from each other.”

[0160] The separation muffler 310 may cover the upper side of the separation muffler chamber 301. The separation muffler chamber 301 may be formed between the separation muffler 310 and the upper cylinder cover 130. Specifically, the separation muffler 310 may include a first space forming portion 311 that covers the upper side of the upper inlet hole 131b, and the separation muffler chamber 301 may be formed between the first space forming portion 311 and the upper cylinder cover 130. The separation muffler310 may include a first coupling portion 313 that is in contact with the upper cover body 131 and coupled to the upper cover body 131, and the first space forming portion 311 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the first coupling portion 313.

[0161] The first space forming portion 311 may be in contact with the first shaft support portion 132 of the upper cylinder cover 130. For example, a hole may be formed in the center of the first space forming portion 311, and the hole of the first space forming portion 311 may allow the first shaft support portion 132 to pass therethrough. The outer circumferential surface of the first shaft support portion 132 may be in contact with the periphery of the hole of the first space forming portion 311.

[0162] The connection muffler 320 may cover the upper side of the connection muffler chamber 302. The connection muffler chamber 302 may be formed between the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320. Specifically, the connection muffler 320 may include a second space forming portion 321 covering the upper side of the connection flow path FC, and the connection hole to the muffler hole 314, and the connection muffler chamber 302 may be formed between the second space forming portion 321 and the separation muffler 310. The connection muffler 320 may include a second coupling portion 323 that is in contact with the first coupling portion 313 and coupled to the first coupling portion 313, and the second space forming portion 321 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the second coupling portion 323.

[0163] For example, the second coupling portion 323 may cover the first coupling portion 313 above the first coupling portion 313.

[0164] For example, the muffler hole 314 may be formed in the first coupling portion 313 of the separation muffler 310.

[0165] The first space forming portion 311 of the separation muffler 310 and the second space forming portion 321 of the connection muffler 320 may be in contact with each other. For example, a hole may be formed in the center of the second space forming portion 321, and at least a portion of the first space forming portion 311 may pass through the hole of the second space forming portion 321. At least a portion of the outer surface of the first space forming portion 311 may be in contact with the periphery of the hole of the second space forming portion 321.

[0166] With such a structure of the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320, the separation muffler chamber 301 and the connection muffler chamber 302 may be divided from each other.

[0167] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320 may be coupled to each other. For example, the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320 may be coupled to each other by a fastening member, such as a screw. Alternatively, the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320 may be provided as one part.

[0168] The refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 301 may be discharged through the first discharge hole 312. The first discharge hole 312 may be formed in the separation muffler 310. The flow path through which the refrigerant from the upper compression chamber 111 is discharged from may extend from the upper compression chamber 111 through the separation muffler chamber 301 to the first discharge hole 312. For example, the first discharge hole 312 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 301 is discharged upward.

[0169] The first discharge hole 312 may be formed in the first space forming portion 311. For example, the first discharge hole 312 may be formed in at least a portion of the first space forming portion 311 that passes through the second space forming portion 321. The first discharge hole 312 may be positioned above the second space forming portion 321. For example, the first discharge hole 312 may be formed on the upper surface of the first space forming portion 311.

[0170] The first discharge hole 312 may be formed between the first shaft support portion 132 and the separation muffler 310. The first discharge hole 312 may be formed in a space between the periphery of the hole of the first space forming portion 311 and the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft support portion 132 passing through the hole of the first space forming portion 311.

[0171] The upper inlet hole 131b and the first discharge hole 312 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The refrigerant introduced into the separation muffler chamber 301 through the upper inlet hole 131b may move not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction and may be discharged through the first discharge hole 312. As a result, the noise reduction efficiency of the refrigerant may be further improved.

[0172] For example, the first discharge hole 312 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof. Alternatively, the first discharge hole 312 may be provided as a single unit thereof.

[0173] The refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 302 may be discharged through the second discharge hole 322. The second discharge hole 322 may be formed in the connection muffler 320. A flow path F through which refrigerant from the lower muffler chamber 401 is discharged may extend from the lower muffler chamber 401 through the connection muffler chamber 302 to the second discharge hole 322. The flow path F may extend from the lower muffler 400 through the interior of the connection muffler 320 to the second discharge hole 322. The connection muffler chamber 302 may form a part of the flow path F. For example, the second discharge hole 322 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 302 is discharged upward.

[0174] The second discharge hole 322 may be formed in the second space forming portion 321. For example, the second discharge hole 322 may be formed on the upper surface of the second space forming portion 321.

[0175] The upper cover hole 131c, the connecting hole, such as the muffler hole 314, and the second discharge hole 322 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The refrigerant introduced into the connection muffler chamber 302 through the connection hole may move not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction and may be discharged through the second discharge hole 322. As a result, the noise reduction efficiency of the refrigerant may be further improved.

[0176] For example, the second discharge hole 322 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof. Alternatively, the second discharge hole 322 may be provided as a single unit thereof.

[0177] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the first discharge hole 312 may be disposed adjacent to the rotating shaft 43. The second discharge hole 322 may be disposed relatively far from the rotating shaft 43. That is, the distance between the rotating shaft 43 and the first discharge hole 312 may be shorter than the distance between the rotating shaft 43 and the second discharge hole 322.

[0178] With such a structure, the refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber 111 may be introduced into the separation muffler chamber 301 of the upper muffler 300 through the upper inlet hole 131b, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced in the separation muffler chamber 301. The refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 301 may be discharged from the separation muffler chamber 301 through the first discharge hole 312 formed in the separation muffler 310.

[0179] In addition, the refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber 211 may be introduced into the lower muffler chamber 401 of the lower muffler 400 through the lower inlet hole 231b, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced in the lower muffler chamber 401. The refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may be introduced into the connection muffler chamber 302, which is divided from the separation muffler chamber 301, through the connection flow path FC, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced once again in the connection muffler chamber 302. The refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 302 may be discharged from the connection muffler chamber 302 through the second discharge hole 322 formed in the connection muffler 320.

[0180] As described above, the structure of the upper muffler 300 according to the embodiment may allow the flow path of the refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 to be divided from the flow path of the refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber 211.

[0181] Although the flow path in which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 and the flow path in which the refrigerant is discharged from the lower compression chamber 211 are divided from each other, the refrigerants discharged along each flow path may be mixed again inside the housing 30. The compressor 11 according to an embodiment may be configured such that the refrigerant discharged through the first discharge hole 312 from the separation muffler 310 and the refrigerant discharged through the flow path F are mixed at the upper side of the separation muffler 310. The refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler 310 through the first discharge hole 312 and the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler 320 through the second discharge hole 322 may be configured to be mixed at the upper side of the separation muffler 310. That is, the refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler 310 through the first discharge hole 312 and the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler 320 through the second discharge hole 322 may be mixed with each other in the accommodation space S of the housing 300. Since the volume of the accommodation space S is significantly large compared to the volumes of each of the separation muffler chamber 301 and the connection muffler chamber 302, even when the refrigerants are mixed with each other in the accommodation space S, the degree to which the flow interference between the refrigerants affects the pressure loss may be minimal. Accordingly, the refrigerant discharged through the first discharge hole 312 from the separation muffler 310 and the refrigerant discharged through the second discharge hole 322 from the connection muffler 320 may be mixed in the accommodation space S and then discharged to the outside of the compressor 11 through the compressor outlet pipe PO.

[0182] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, a separation muffler, a connection muffler, and a lower muffler according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 11 is a view illustrating refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, flowing into a separation muffler chamber and discharged through a first discharge hole. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating refrigerant from a lower muffler chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, flowing into a connection muffler chamber and discharged through a second discharge hole.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, components of a compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure are described. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0184] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an upper muffler 1300 including a separation muffler chamber 1301 provided to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from an upper compression chamber 111, and a lower muffler 400 including a lower muffler chamber 401 provided to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from a lower compression chamber 211. The refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may move toward the upper muffler 1300 through a connection flow path FC. The upper muffler 1300 may include a connection muffler chamber 1302 connected to the lower muffler chamber 401.

[0185] A flow path through which the refrigerant from the upper compression chamber 111 is discharged and a flow path through which the refrigerant from the lower compression chamber 211 is discharged may be divided from each other. The separation muffler chamber 1301 may be divided from a flow path F provided to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401. Specifically, the separation muffler chamber 1301 and the connection muffler chamber 1302 may be divided from each other.

[0186] The upper muffler 1300 may include the separation muffler 1310 and the connection muffler 1320.

[0187] The separation muffler 1310 may cover the upper side of the separation muffler chamber 1301. The separation muffler chamber 1301 may be formed between the separation muffler 1310 and the upper cylinder cover 130. Specifically, the separation muffler 1310 may include a first space forming portion 1311 covering the upper side of the upper inlet hole 131b, and the separation muffler chamber 1301 may be formed between the first space forming portion 1311 and the upper cylinder cover 130. The separation muffler 1310 may include a first coupling portion 1313 that is in contact with the upper cover body 131 and coupled to the upper cover body 131, and the first space forming portion 1311 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the first coupling portion 1313.

[0188] The first space forming portion 1311 may be in contact with the first shaft support portion 132 of the upper cylinder cover 130. For example, a hole may be formed in the center of the first space forming portion 1311, and the hole of the first space forming portion 1311 may allow the first shaft support portion 132 to pass therethrough. The outer circumferential surface of the first shaft support portion 132 may be in contact with the periphery of the hole of the first space forming portion 1311.

[0189] The connection muffler 1320 may cover the upper side of the connection muffler chamber 1302. The connection muffler chamber 1302 may be formed between the separation muffler 1310 and the connection muffler 1320. In detail, the connection muffler 1320 may include a second space forming portion 1321 covering the upper side of the connection flow path FC, and the connection hole to the muffler hole 1314, and the connection muffler chamber 1302 may be formed between the second space forming portion 1321 and the separation muffler 1310. The connection muffler 1320 may include a second coupling portion 1323 that is in contact with the first coupling portion 1313 and is coupled to the first coupling portion 1313, and the second space forming portion 1321 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the second coupling portion 1323.

[0190] With such a structure, the flow path F may pass between the separation muffler 310 and the connection muffler 320.

[0191] For example, the second coupling portion 1323 may cover the first coupling portion 1313 above the first coupling portion 1313.

[0192] For example, the muffler hole 1314 may be formed in the first coupling portion 1313 of the separation muffler 1310.

[0193] The first space forming portion 1311 of the separation muffler 1310 and the second space forming portion 1321 of the connection muffler 1320 may be in contact with each other. For example, a hole may be formed in the center of the second space forming portion 1321, and at least a portion of the first space forming portion 1311 may pass through the hole of the second space forming portion 1321. The outer surface of at least a portion of the first space forming portion 1311 may be in contact with the periphery of the hole of the second space forming portion 1321.

[0194] With such a structure of the separation muffler 1310 and the connection muffler 1320, the separation muffler chamber 1301 and the connection muffler chamber 1302 may be divided from each other.

[0195] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the separation muffler 1310 and the connection muffler 1320 may be coupled to each other. For example, the separation muffler 1310 and the connection muffler 1320 may be coupled to each other by a fastening member, such as a screw. Alternatively, the separation muffler 1310 and the connection muffler 1320 may be provided as one part.

[0196] The refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 1301 may be discharged through the first discharge hole 1312. The first discharge hole 1312 may be formed in the separation muffler 1310. The flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 may extend from the upper compression chamber 111 through the separation muffler chamber 1301 to the first discharge hole 1312. For example, the first discharge hole 1312 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 1301 is discharged in a horizontal direction.

[0197] Considering that other components, such as a drive motor 40, may be disposed above the upper muffler 1300, the first discharge hole 1312 may be provided to discharge the refrigerant in a horizontal direction instead of a vertical direction, as in the present embodiment, thereby preventing the discharge of the refrigerant from being obstructed by the components. In addition, the first discharge hole 1312 may be provided to discharge the refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 1301 in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0198] The first discharge hole 1312 may be formed in the first space forming portion 1311. For example, the first discharge hole 1312 may be formed in at least a portion of the first space forming portion 1311 that passes through the second space forming portion 1321. The first discharge hole 1312 may be disposed above the second space forming portion 1321. For example, the first discharge hole 1312 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first space forming portion 1311.

[0199] The upper inlet hole 131b and the first discharge hole 1312 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The refrigerant introduced into the separation muffler chamber 1301 through the upper inlet hole 131b may move not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction and may be discharged through the first discharge hole 1312. As a result, the noise reduction efficiency of the refrigerant may be further improved.

[0200] For example, the first discharge hole 1312 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof. Alternatively, the first discharge hole 1312 may be provided as a single unit thereof.

[0201] The refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 1302 may be discharged through the second discharge hole 1322. The second discharge hole 1322 may be formed in the connection muffler 1320. The flow path F through which the refrigerant from the lower muffler chamber 401 is discharged may be extended from the lower muffler chamber 401 through the connection muffler chamber 1302 to the second discharge hole 1322. For example, the second discharge hole 1322 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 1302 is discharged in a horizontal direction.

[0202] Considering that other components, such as a drive motor 40, may be disposed above the upper muffler 1300, the second discharge hole 1322 may be provided to discharge the refrigerant in a horizontal direction instead of a vertical direction, as in the present embodiment, thereby preventing the discharge of the refrigerant from being obstructed by other components. In addition, the second discharge hole 1322 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 1302 is discharged in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0203] The second discharge hole 1322 may be formed in the second space forming portion 1321. For example, the second discharge hole 1322 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second space forming portion 1321.

[0204] The upper cover hole 131c, the connection hole, such as the muffler hole 1314, and the second discharge hole 1322 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The refrigerant introduced into the connection muffler chamber 1302 through the connection hole may move not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction and may be discharged through the second discharge hole 1322. As a result, the noise reduction efficiency of the refrigerant may be further improved.

[0205] For example, the second discharge hole 1322 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof. Alternatively, the second discharge hole 1322 may be provided as a single unit thereof.

[0206] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the distance between the rotating shaft 43 and the first discharge hole 1312 may be shorter than the distance between the rotating shaft 43 and the second discharge hole 1322.

[0207] With such a structure, the refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber 111 may be introduced into the separation muffler chamber 1301 of the upper muffler 1300 through the upper inlet hole 131b, and the flow rate of the refrigerant separation may be reduced in the separation muffler chamber 1301. The refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 1301 may be discharged from the separation muffler chamber 1301 through the first discharge hole 1312 formed in the separation muffler 1310.

[0208] In addition, the refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber 211 may be introduced into the lower muffler chamber 401 of the lower muffler 400 through the lower inlet hole 231b, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced in the lower muffler chamber 401. The refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may be introduced into the connection muffler chamber 1302, which is divided from the separation muffler chamber 1301, through the connection flow path FC, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced once again in the connection muffler chamber 1302. The refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 1302 may be discharged from the connection muffler chamber 1302 through the second discharge hole 1322 formed in the connection muffler 1320.

[0209] As described above, the structure of the upper muffler 1300 according to the embodiment may allow the flow path in which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 to be divided from the flow path in which the refrigerant is discharged from the lower compression chamber 211.

[0210] The refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler 1310 through the first discharge hole 1312 and the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler 1320 through the second discharge hole 1322 may be mixed at the upper side of the separation muffler 1310. The refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler 1310 through the first discharge hole 1312 and the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler 1320 through the second discharge hole 1322 may be mixed in the accommodation space S of the housing 30.

[0211] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, an upper muffler, a lower muffler, and an outlet pipe according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being discharged through an upper muffler chamber and a discharge hole, and refrigerant in a lower muffler chamber being discharged through a connection flow path and an outlet pipe. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, being discharged through an upper muffler chamber and a discharge hole, and refrigerant in a lower muffler chamber being discharged through a connection flow path and an outlet pipe.

[0212] With reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, components of a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure are described. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0213] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an upper muffler 2310 provided to reduce the noise of refrigerant discharged from an upper compression chamber 111, and a lower muffler 400 provided to reduce the noise of refrigerant discharged from a lower compression chamber 211.

[0214] The upper muffler 2310 may include an upper muffler chamber 2301 provided to reduce the noise of the refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber 111, and a discharge hole 2312 provided to discharge the refrigerant in the upper muffler chamber 2301.

[0215] The upper muffler 2310 may be referred to as a “separation muffler 2310”. The upper muffler chamber 2301 may be referred to as a “separation muffler chamber 2301”.

[0216] The upper muffler 2310 may include a space forming portion 2311 covering the upper side of the upper muffler chamber 2301. The upper muffler chamber 2301 may be formed between the space forming portion 2311 and the upper cover body 131. The space forming portion 2311 may cover the upper side of the upper inlet hole 131b.

[0217] The upper muffler 2310 may include a coupling portion 2313 that is in contact with the upper cover body 131 and is coupled to the upper cover body 131. The space forming portion 2311 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the coupling portion 2313.

[0218] The space forming portion 2311 may be in contact with the first shaft support portion 132 of the upper cylinder cover 130. For example, a hole may be formed in the center of the space forming portion 2311, and the hole of the space forming portion 2311 may allow the first shaft support portion 132 to pass therethrough. The outer circumferential surface of the first shaft support portion 132 may be in contact with the periphery of the hole of the space forming portion 2311.

[0219] The refrigerant in the upper muffler chamber 2301 may be discharged through the discharge hole 2312. A flow path through which the refrigerant from the upper compression chamber 111 is discharged may extend from the upper compression chamber 111 through the upper muffler chamber 2301 to the discharge hole 2312.

[0220] As an example, the discharge hole 2312 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the upper muffler chamber 2301 is discharged in the vertical direction. Alternatively, as an example, the discharge hole 2312 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the upper muffler chamber 2301 is discharged in the horizontal direction.

[0221] The discharge hole 2312 may be formed in the space forming portion 2311.

[0222] The upper inlet hole 131b and the discharge hole 2312 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0223] As an example, the discharge hole 2312 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof. Alternatively, the discharge hole 2312 may be provided as a single unit thereof.

[0224] As illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, the compressor 11 may include an outlet pipe 500 provided to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 upwardly. A flow path F provided to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may extend from the lower muffler chamber 401 toward the outlet pipe 500.

[0225] The outlet pipe 500 may take the form of a pipe with a substantially hollow shape. The outlet pipe 500 may be provided inside thereof with a flow path through which refrigerant may flow.

[0226] For example, the outlet pipe 500 may extend vertically. The outlet pipe 500 may discharge refrigerant upward.

[0227] The outlet pipe 500 may be connected to the lower muffler chamber 401. The outlet pipe 500 may be connected to a connection flow path FC. The refrigerant inside the lower muffler chamber 401 may flow upward along the connection flow path FC and then be discharged through the outlet pipe 500.

[0228] The outlet pipe 500 may be extended from the upper cover hole 131c of the upper cylinder cover 130. For example, the outlet pipe 500 may be extended upward from the upper cover hole 131c. The outlet pipe 500 may be connected to the connection flow path FC through the upper cover hole 131c.

[0229] As described above, since the outlet pipe 500 is structured to extend upward from the upper cover hole 131c, it is possible to prevent oil stored in the housing 30 from entering the connection flow path FC.

[0230] The flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 and the flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the lower compression chamber 211 may be divided from each other. The upper muffler chamber 2301 may be divided from the flow path F provided to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401. That is, the outlet pipe 500 and the upper muffler chamber 2301 may be divided from each other.

[0231] The outlet pipe 500 may pass through the upper muffler 2310 such that the outlet pipe 500 may be divided from the upper muffler chamber 2301 while being connected to the connection flow path FC to guide the discharge of the refrigerant. For example, a muffler hole 2314 may be formed in the coupling portion 2313 of the upper muffler 2310. The outlet pipe 500 may be connected to the connection flow path FC by passing through the muffler hole 2314.

[0232] The outlet pipe 500 may be coupled to the upper cylinder cover 130. The outlet pipe 500 may be connected to the connection flow path FC by being coupled to the upper cylinder cover 130 through the upper cover hole 131c.

[0233] According to the embodiment of FIG. 14, one end of the outlet pipe 500 connected to the connection flow path FC, i.e., a lower end of the outlet pipe 500, may be disposed to be almost parallel to the upper surface of the upper cylinder cover 130. For example, the outlet pipe 500 may be coupled to the upper cylinder cover 130 by welding the lower end to the upper surface of the upper cylinder cover 130.

[0234] According to the embodiment of FIG. 15, a lower portion of the outlet pipe 500 may be inserted into the upper cover hole 131c of the upper cylinder cover 130. For example, the outlet pipe 500 may be coupled to the upper cylinder cover 130 by press-fitting the lower portion of the outlet pipe 500 to the upper cover hole 131c. Alternatively, the outlet pipe 500 may be coupled to the upper cylinder cover 130 by fastening to the upper cylinder cover 130 using a fastening member, such as a screw while the lower portion of the outlet pipe 500 is inserted into the upper cover hole 131c.

[0235] Alternatively, the outlet pipe 500 and the upper cylinder cover 130 may be provided as one part.

[0236] With such a structure of the upper muffler 2310 and the outlet pipe 500 according to an embodiment, the flow path of the refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 and the flow path of the refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber 211 may be divided from each other.

[0237] The refrigerant discharged from the upper muffler 2310 through the discharge hole 2312 and the refrigerant discharged from the outlet pipe 500 may be mixed at the upper side of the upper muffler 2310. The refrigerant discharged from the upper muffler 2310 through the discharge hole 2312 and the refrigerant discharged from the outlet pipe 500 may be mixed in the accommodation space S of the housing 30.

[0238] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a compressor, such as a rotating shaft, an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, a lower cylinder cover, a separation muffler, a connection muffler, and a lower muffler, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 17 is a view of refrigerant from a lower muffler chamber of a compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure, flowing into a connection muffler chamber and discharged through a second discharge hole. FIG. 18 is a view of refrigerant in an upper compression chamber of a compressor, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, flowing into a separation muffler chamber and discharged through a first discharge hole.

[0239] With reference to FIGS. 16 to 18, components of a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure are described. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0240] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, a compressor 11 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an upper muffler 3300 including a separation muffler chamber 3301 provided to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from an upper compression chamber 111, and a lower muffler 400 including a lower muffler chamber 401 provided to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from a lower compression chamber 211. The refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may move toward the upper muffler 3300 through a connection flow path FC. The upper muffler 3300 may include a connection muffler chamber 3302 connected to the lower muffler chamber 401.

[0241] The flow path through which the refrigerant from the upper compression chamber 111 is discharged and the flow path through which the refrigerant from the lower compression chamber 211 is discharged may be divided from each other. The separation muffler chamber 3301 may be divided from the flow path F provided to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401. Specifically, the separation muffler chamber 3301 and the connection muffler chamber 3302 may be divided from each other.

[0242] The upper muffler 3300 may include the separation muffler 3310 and the connection muffler 3320.

[0243] The separation muffler 3310 may cover the upper side of the separation muffler chamber 3301. The separation muffler chamber 3301 may be formed between the separation muffler 3310 and the connection muffler 3320. Specifically, the separation muffler 3310 may include a first space forming portion 3311 covering an upper side of an upper inlet hole 131b, and the separation muffler chamber 3301 may be formed between the first space forming portion 3311 and the connection muffler 3320. The separation muffler 3310 may include a first coupling portion 3313, and the first space forming portion 3311 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the first coupling portion 3313. The first coupling portion 3313 may be in contact with a second coupling portion 3323 of the connection muffler 3320 and may be coupled to the second coupling portion 3323.

[0244] The connection muffler 3320 may cover the upper side of the connection muffler chamber 3302. The connection muffler chamber 3302 may be formed between the connection muffler 3320 and the upper cylinder cover 130. Specifically, the connection muffler 3320 may include a second space forming portion 3321 that covers the upper side of the connection flow path FC, and the connection hole to the upper cover hole 131c, and the connection muffler chamber 3302 may be formed between the second space forming portion 3321 and the upper cylinder cover 130. The connection muffler 3320 may include a second coupling portion 3323 that is in contact with the upper cover body 131 and coupled to the upper cover body 131, and the second space forming portion 3321 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the second coupling portion 3323.

[0245] The second space forming portion 3321 may be in contact with the first shaft support portion 132 of the upper cylinder cover 130. For example, a hole may be formed in the center of the second space forming portion 3321, and the hole of the second space forming portion 3321 may allow the first shaft support portion 132 to pass therethrough. The outer circumferential surface of the first shaft support portion 132 may be in contact with the periphery of the hole of the second space forming portion 3321.

[0246] The first space forming portion 3311 and the second space forming portion 3321 may be in contact with each other. For example, a hole may be formed in the center of the first space forming portion 3311, and at least a portion of the second space forming portion 3321 may pass through the hole of the first space forming portion 3311. An outer surface of at least a portion of the second space forming portion 3321 may be in contact with the periphery of the hole of the first space forming portion 3311.

[0247] For example, the first coupling portion 3313 may cover the second coupling portion 3323 above the second coupling portion 3323.

[0248] The second coupling portion 3323 may have a muffler hole 3324 that connects the upper inlet hole 131b to the separation muffler chamber 3301. The muffler hole 3324 may at least correspond to the upper inlet hole 131b. As illustrated in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the muffler hole 3324 may correspond to the upper cover groove 131a. The muffler hole 3324 may be covered by the first space forming portion 3311. As the muffler hole 3324 is formed in the second coupling portion 3323, the refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 through the upper inlet hole 131b may flow into the separation muffler chamber 3301 through the muffler hole 3324 as shown in FIG. 18.

[0249] The muffler hole 3324 may be divided from the connection muffler chamber 3302 by the second space forming portion 3321.

[0250] With such a structure of the separation muffler 3310 and the connection muffler 3320, the separation muffler chamber 3301 and the connection muffler chamber 3302 may be divided from each other.

[0251] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the separation muffler 3310 and the connection muffler 3320 may be coupled to each other. For example, the separation muffler 3310 and the connection muffler 3320 may be connected to each other by a fastening member, such as a screw. Alternatively, the separation muffler 3310 and the connection muffler 3320 may be provided as one part.

[0252] The refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 3301 may be discharged through the first discharge hole 3312. The first discharge hole 3312 may be formed in the separation muffler 3310. The flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 may extend from the upper compression chamber 111 through the separation muffler chamber 3301 to the first discharge hole 3312. For example, the first discharge hole 3312 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 3301 is discharged in a vertical direction. Alternatively, the first discharge hole 3312 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 3301 is discharged in a horizontal direction or in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0253] The first discharge hole 3312 may be formed in the first space forming portion 3311. For example, the first discharge hole 3312 may be formed on the upper surface of the first space forming portion 3311.

[0254] The upper inlet hole 131b and the first discharge hole 3312 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The refrigerant introduced into the separation muffler chamber 3301 through the upper inlet hole 131b may move not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction and may be discharged through the first discharge hole 3312. As a result, the noise reduction efficiency of the refrigerant may be further improved.

[0255] For example, the first discharge hole 3312 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof. Alternatively, the first discharge hole 3312 may be provided as a single unit thereof.

[0256] The refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 3302 may be discharged through the second discharge hole 3322. The second discharge hole 3322 may be formed in the connection muffler 3320. A flow path F through which the refrigerant from the lower muffler chamber 401 is discharged may extend from the lower muffler chamber 401 through the connection muffler chamber 3302 to the second discharge hole 3322. For example, the second discharge hole 3322 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 3302 is discharged upward. Alternatively, the second discharge hole 3322 may be provided such that the refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 3302 is discharged in a horizontal direction or in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0257] The second discharge hole 3322 may be formed in the second space forming portion 3321. For example, the second discharge hole 3322 may be formed in at least a portion of the second space forming portion 3322 that passes through the first space forming portion 3311. The second discharge hole 3322 may be disposed above the first space forming portion 3311. For example, the second discharge hole 3322 may be formed on the upper surface of the second space forming portion 3321.

[0258] The second discharge hole 3322 may be formed between the first shaft support portion 132 and the connection muffler 3320. The second discharge hole 3322 may be formed in a space between the periphery of the hole of the second space forming portion 3321 and the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft support portion 132 passing through the hole of the second space forming portion 3321.

[0259] The connection hole, such as the upper cover hole 131c, and the second discharge hole 3322 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The refrigerant introduced into the connection muffler chamber 3302 through the connection hole may move not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction and may be discharged through the second discharge hole 3322. As a result, the noise reduction efficiency of the refrigerant may be further improved.

[0260] For example, the second discharge hole 3322 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof. Alternatively, the second discharge hole 3322 may be provided as a single unit thereof.

[0261] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the second discharge hole 3322 may be disposed adjacent to the rotating shaft 43. The first discharge hole 3312 may be disposed relatively far from the rotating shaft 43. That is, the distance between the rotating shaft 43 and the first discharge hole 3312 may be longer than the distance between the rotating shaft 43 and the second discharge hole 3322.

[0262] With such a structure, the refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber 111 may be introduced into the separation muffler chamber 3301 of the upper muffler 3300 through the upper inlet hole 131b, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced in the separation muffler chamber 3301. The refrigerant in the separation muffler chamber 3301 may be discharged from the separation muffler chamber 3301 through the first discharge hole 3312 formed in the separation muffler 3310.

[0263] In addition, the refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber 211 may be introduced into the lower muffler chamber 401 of the lower muffler 400 through the lower inlet hole 231b, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced in the lower muffler chamber 401. The refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber 401 may be introduced into the connection muffler chamber 3302, which is divided from the separation muffler chamber 3301, through the connection flow path FC, and the flow rate of the refrigerant may be reduced once again in the connection muffler chamber 3302. The refrigerant in the connection muffler chamber 3302 may be discharged from the connection muffler chamber 3302 through the second discharge hole 3322 formed in the connection muffler 3320.

[0264] As described above, the structure of the upper muffler 3300 according to the embodiment may allow the flow path in which the refrigerant is discharged from the upper compression chamber 111 to be divided from the flow path in which the refrigerant is discharged from the lower compression chamber 211.

[0265] The refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler 3310 through the first discharge hole 3312 and the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler 3320 through the second discharge hole 3322 may be mixed at the upper side of the separation muffler 3310. The refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler 3310 through the first discharge hole 3312 and the refrigerant discharged from the connection muffler 3320 through the second discharge hole 3322 may be mixed in the accommodation space S of the housing 30.

[0266] A compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: a lower cylinder including a lower compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a upper cylinder including a upper compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a lower muffler disposed on a lower side of the lower compression chamber, and configured to reduce noise of the refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber; and a separation muffler disposed on an upper side of the upper cylinder, and configured to reduce noise of the refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber. The separation muffler may be divided from a flow path extending upward from the lower muffler and configured to discharge refrigerant in the lower muffler.

[0267] The compressor may further include a connection muffler connected to an inside of the lower muffler and divided from the separation muffler.

[0268] The separation muffler may include a first discharge hole configured to discharge the refrigerant in the separation muffler. The connection muffler may include a second discharge hole configured to discharge the refrigerant in the connection muffler. The flow path may extend from the lower muffler through an inside of the connection muffler to the second discharge hole.

[0269] The compressor may further include: a lower roller configured to be rotatable on the inside of the lower cylinder, and configured to compress the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber while rotating; an upper roller configured to be rotatable on the inside of the upper cylinder, and configured to compress the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber while rotating; and a rotating shaft configured to provide power to the lower roller and the upper roller. A distance between the rotating shaft and the first discharge hole may be shorter than a distance between the rotating shaft and the second discharge hole.

[0270] The compressor may further include: a lower roller configured to be rotatable on the inside of the lower cylinder, and configured to compress the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber while rotating; an upper roller configured to be rotatable on the inside of the upper cylinder, and configured to compress the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber while rotating; and a rotating shaft configured to provide power to the lower roller and the upper roller. A distance between the rotating shaft and the first discharge hole may be longer than a distance between the rotating shaft and the second discharge hole.

[0271] The first discharge hole may be formed such that the refrigerant in the separation muffler is discharged upward through the first discharge hole. The second discharge hole may be formed such that the refrigerant in the connection muffler is discharged upward through the second discharge hole.

[0272] The first discharge hole may be formed such that the refrigerant in the separation muffler is discharged in the horizontal direction or in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction through the first discharge hole. The second discharge hole may be formed such that the refrigerant in the connection muffler is discharged in the horizontal direction or in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction through the second discharge hole.

[0273] The compressor may further include a connection hole provided such that the refrigerant from the lower muffler is introduced from the connection muffler. The connection hole and the second discharge hole may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0274] The flow path may pass through an area between the separation muffler and the connection muffler.

[0275] The separation muffler and the connection muffler may be coupled to each other.

[0276] The compressor may further include an upper inlet hole through which the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber is introduced into the separation muffler. The separation muffler may further include a discharge hole through which the refrigerant in the separation muffler is discharged. The upper inlet hole and the discharge hole may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0277] The compressor may further include an outlet pipe configured to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler upward. The flow path may extend from the lower muffler toward the outlet pipe.

[0278] The compressor may further include an upper cylinder cover configured to cover an upper side of the upper compression chamber and including an upper cover hole. The outlet pipe may extend upward from the upper cover hole.

[0279] The outlet pipe may pass through the separation muffler.

[0280] The separation muffler may include a discharge hole through which the refrigerant from the upper compression chamber is discharged. The compressor may be configured so that the refrigerant discharged through the discharge hole and the refrigerant discharged through the flow path may be mixed on an upper side of the separation muffler.

[0281] A compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: a lower cylinder including a lower compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a upper cylinder including a upper compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a lower muffler configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber and disposed on a lower side of the lower cylinder; and an upper muffler disposed on an upper side of the upper cylinder. The upper muffler may include a separation muffler configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber, and a connection muffler connected to the lower muffler and divided from the separation muffler.

[0282] The separation muffler may include a first discharge hole provided to discharge refrigerant inside the separation muffler that has been introduced from the upper compression chamber. The connection muffler may include a second discharge hole provided to discharge refrigerant inside the connection muffler that has been introduced from the lower muffler.

[0283] The compressor may further include an upper roller rotatably provided inside the upper cylinder and configured to compress refrigerant in the upper compression chamber while rotating, a rotating shaft configured to provide power to the upper roller, and a shaft support portion configured to support the rotating shaft, and an upper cylinder cover configured to cover an upper side of the upper compression chamber. The rotating shaft may pass through the shaft support portion and the connection muffler. The first discharge hole may be formed between the shaft support portion and the connection muffler.

[0284] A compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a lower cylinder including a lower compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a upper cylinder including a upper compression chamber on the inside thereof that is configured to compress refrigerant; a lower muffler configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber and disposed on a lower side of the lower cylinder; an outlet pipe configured to discharge refrigerant in the lower muffler upward; and an upper muffler disposed on an upper side of the upper cylinder, the upper muffler being configured to reduce noise of refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber and divided from the outlet pipe.

[0285] The compressor may further include an upper cylinder cover configured to cover the upper compression chamber above the upper compression chamber and including an upper cover hole. The outlet pipe may extend upward from the upper cover hole.

[0286] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged from the lower muffler chamber is divided from the upper muffler chamber, and thus the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the upper cylinder and the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the lower cylinder can be divided from each other.

[0287] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the separation muffler chamber connected to the upper compression chamber and the connection muffler chamber connected to the lower muffler chamber are divided from each other, and thus the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the upper cylinder and the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the lower cylinder can be divided from each other.

[0288] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the upper muffler chamber connected to the upper compression chamber is divided from the outlet pipes configured to discharge the refrigerant in the lower muffler chamber, and thus the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the upper cylinder and the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the lower cylinder can be divided from each other.

[0289] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the upper cylinder and the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the lower cylinder are divided from each other, and thus flow interference between the refrigerants and pressure drop caused thereby can be prevented.

[0290] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the upper cylinder and the discharge flow path of the refrigerant compressed in the lower cylinder are divided from each other, to prevent a portion of discharged refrigerant from flowing backward.

[0291] The effects of the disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects that are not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description.

[0292] Although the disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to exemplary embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the disclosure pertains should be able to understand that various modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the technical spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0045]Various embodiments of the present document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments.

[0046]In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0047]The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or a plurality of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0048]In this document, phrases, such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B,”“A, B or C,”“at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C”, may include any one or all possible combinations of items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0049]As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed item...

Claims

1. A compressor comprising:a lower cylinder including a lower compression chamber, the lower compression chamber configured so that refrigerant is compressed in the lower compression chamber, and the compressed refrigerant in the lower compression chamber is discharged from the lower compression chamber;an upper cylinder including an upper compression chamber, the upper compression chamber configured so that refrigerant is compressed in the upper compression chamber, and the compressed refrigerant in the upper compression chamber is discharged from the upper compression chamber;a lower muffler on a lower side of the lower compression chamber, and configured to receive, and reduce noise of, the refrigerant discharged from the lower compression chamber and discharge the refrigerant received from the lower compression chamber and having the reduced noise to an accommodation space of the compressor; anda separation muffler on an upper side of the upper compression chamber, and configured to receive, and reduce noise of, the refrigerant discharged from the upper compression chamber and discharge the refrigerant received from the upper compression chamber and having the reduced noise to the accommodation space,wherein the separation muffler is divided from a flow path extending upward from the lower muffler and along which refrigerant from the lower muffler is discharged so that, before reaching the accommodation space, the refrigerant discharged from the lower muffler travels along the flow path and is divided from the refrigerant discharged from the separation muffler.

2. The compressor of claim 1, further comprising a connection muffler connected to an inside of the lower muffler and divided from the separation muffler.

3. The compressor of claim 2, whereinthe separation muffler includes a first discharge hole through which the refrigerant from the separation muffler is discharged to the accommodation space,the connection muffler includes a second discharge hole through which the refrigerant from the connection muffler is discharged to the accommodation space, andthe flow path extends from the lower muffler through an inside of the connection muffler to the second discharge hole.

4. The compressor of claim 3, further comprising:a rotatable shaft;a lower roller inside the lower compression chamber and configured to be rotated by rotation of the rotatable shaft to compress the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber, and discharge the refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber; andan upper roller inside the upper compression chamber and configured to be rotated by rotation of the rotatable shaft to compress the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber, and discharge the refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber,wherein a distance between the rotatable shaft and the first discharge hole is shorter than a distance between the rotatable shaft and the second discharge hole.

5. The compressor of claim 3, further comprising:a rotatable shaft;a lower roller inside the lower compression chamber and configured to be rotated by rotation of the rotatable shaft to compress the refrigerant in the lower compression chamber, and discharge the refrigerant compressed in the lower compression chamber; andan upper roller inside the upper compression chamber and configured to be rotated by rotation of the rotatable shaft to compress the refrigerant in the upper compression chamber, and discharge the refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber,wherein a distance between the rotatable shaft and the first discharge hole is longer than a distance between the rotatable shaft and the second discharge hole.

6. The compressor of claim 3, whereinthe first discharge hole is configured so that the refrigerant from the separation muffler is discharged upward, andthe second discharge hole is configured so that the refrigerant from the connection muffler upward.

7. The compressor of claim 3, whereinthe first discharge hole is configured so that the refrigerant from the separation muffler is discharged in a horizontal direction or in a first direction inclined at a first predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction, andthe second discharge hole is configured so that the refrigerant from the connection muffler is discharged in the horizontal direction or in a second direction inclined at a second predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

8. The compressor of claim 3, further comprising:a connection hole through which the refrigerant from the lower muffler travels along the flow path from the lower muffler to the connection muffler, andthe connection hole and the second discharge hole are spaced apart in a horizontal direction.

9. The compressor of claim 2, wherein the flow path extends through an area between the separation muffler and the connection muffler.

10. The compressor of claim 2, wherein the separation muffler and the connection muffler are coupled to each other.

11. The compressor of claim 1, further comprising:an upper cylinder cover on an upper side of the upper cylinder and having an upper inlet hole through which the refrigerant compressed in the upper compression chamber is discharged to the separation muffler,wherein the separation muffler includes a discharge hole through which the refrigerant received from the upper compression chamber and having the reduced noise is discharged to the accommodation space, andthe upper inlet hole and the discharge hole are spaced apart in a horizontal direction.

12. The compressor of claim 1, further comprising: an outlet pipe through which the flow path extends and configured to discharge the refrigerant from the lower muffler upward.

13. The compressor of claim 12, further comprising:an upper cylinder cover on an upper side of the upper compression chamber and including an upper cover hole,wherein the outlet pipe extends upward from the upper cover hole.

14. The compressor of claim 12, wherein the outlet pipe passes through the separation muffler.

15. The compressor of claim 1, whereinthe accommodation space is on an upper side of the separation muffler,the separation muffler includes a discharge hole through which the refrigerant received from the upper compression chamber and having the reduced noise is discharged to the accommodation space, andthe refrigerant discharged through the discharge hole and the refrigerant discharged from the lower muffler along the flow path are mixed in the accommodation space.

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