Scroll compressor

Abstract

Provided is a scroll compressor including: a housing; a frame; a fixed scroll, an orbiting scroll including a boss portion; a shaft including an eccentric portion insertable into the boss and an oil passage; a bearing member couplable to the shaft, configured to rotate together with the shaft, and including a boss receiving groove in which the boss portion is insertable; a first bearing between the frame and the bearing member; and a second bearing between the boss portion and the eccentric portion, the second bearing configured to overlap at least partially with the first bearing in a radial direction of the first bearing, wherein the frame includes an oil discharge passage and based on the eccentric portion being inserted into the boss portion, the oil discharge passage is formed to pass through a portion of the frame such that oil is discharged.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation application of international application No. PCT / KR2025 / 013261, filed on Aug. 29, 2025, which claims priority under 35 U. S. C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0123565, filed on Sep. 10, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0003] A scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll having a fixed wrap and an orbiting scroll having an orbiting wrap corresponding to the wrap of the fixed scroll, and the orbiting scroll performs an orbiting motion relative to the fixed scroll to form a compression chamber that continuously move between the fixed wrap and the orbiting wrap, thereby intaking and compressing a refrigerant.

[0004] Such a scroll compressor have superior characteristics in terms of vibration and noise generated during operation compared to other types of compressors since intake, compression, and discharge are performed continuously.

[0005] Scroll compressors may be used in various technical fields and products. For example, the scroll compressor may be used as a compressor for an air conditioner.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a scroll compressor with improved efficiency by reducing flow loss caused by contact between oil and a rotating structure.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a scroll compressor with improved efficiency by improving an oil discharge passage.

[0008] The technical objectives of the disclosure are not limited to the above, and other objectives that are not described above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description.Technical Solution

[0009] A scroll compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: a housing; a frame fixed inside the housing; a fixed scroll couplable to the frame and fixable inside the housing; an orbiting scroll configured to perform orbiting motion relative to the fixed scroll and including a boss portion; a shaft including an eccentric portion insertable into the boss portion to transmit rotational force to the boss portion, and an oil passage; a bearing member couplable to the shaft, configured to rotate together with the shaft, and including a boss receiving groove in which the boss portion is insertable; a first bearing between the frame and the bearing member to rotatably support the bearing member; and a second bearing between the boss portion and the eccentric portion to rotatably support the eccentric portion, the second bearing configured to overlap at least partially with the first bearing in a radial direction of the first bearing, wherein the frame includes an oil discharge passage and based on the eccentric portion being inserted into the boss portion, the oil discharge passage is formed to pass through at least a portion of the frame such that oil is discharged from the boss receiving groove to a side surface of the frame.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of section A in FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of some components of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a frame in a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the inside of a housing in a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of section B in FIG. 7.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of section C in FIG. 9.MODES OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The embodiments described in the disclosure and the configurations shown in the drawings are only examples of the disclosure, and various modifications may be made at the time of filing of the disclosure to replace the embodiments and drawings of the disclosure.

[0021] In the description of the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the drawings.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The terms of “˜part”, “˜module” and “˜member” may be implemented in hardware or software. In some embodiments, a plurality of “˜parts”, “˜modules” and “˜members” may be implemented as a single component. In some embodiments, a single “˜part”, “˜module” and “˜member” may include a plurality of components.

[0025] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to restrict and / or to limit the disclosure. The singular expressions herein may include plural expressions, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, the terms “comprises”, “includes”, and “has” are intended to indicate that there are features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0026] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. used in the disclosure may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The term “and / or” includes combinations of one or all of a plurality of associated listed items.

[0027] When one (e.g., a first) element is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., a second element with or without the term “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the one element is connected to the other element directly, wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Meanwhile, the terms such as “up-down direction,”“front-rear direction,” and the like used in the following description are defined based on the accompanying drawings, and the shapes and positions of the respective components are not limited by these terms.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, a scroll compressor 1 may include a housing 10. The housing 10 may form the external appearance of the scroll compressor 1. The housing 10 may be referred to by other terms such as a casing, a case, or a body.

[0034] The housing 10 may form an enclosed space therein. The housing 10 may be formed as a sealed container. The housing 10 may include a refrigerant inlet port into which or to which in which a refrigerant inlet pipe 14 is inserted or connected. The housing 10 may include a refrigerant discharge port into which or to which in which a refrigerant discharge pipe 15 is inserted or connected. Refrigerant may flow into the inside of the housing 10 through the refrigerant inlet pipe 14. Refrigerant inside the housing 10 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the refrigerant discharge pipe 15.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the scroll compressor 1 may be installed in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The scroll compressor 1 may form a refrigeration cycle together with a condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The refrigerant inlet pipe 14 may be connected to the evaporator, and the refrigerant discharge pipe 15 may be connected to the condenser.

[0036] The housing 10 may include a cylindrical body 11 with open top and bottom surfaces, and an upper cap 12 and a lower cap 13 mounted on an upper portion and a lower portion of the body 11 respectively to seal the inside of the main body 11. Connection portions between the main body 11 and the upper cap 12 and the lower cap 13 may be sealed to enclose such that the inside of the housing 10.

[0037] A low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant may flow in through the refrigerant inlet pipe 14. The refrigerant may be introduced into the inside of the housing 10 through the refrigerant inlet pipe 14.

[0038] A high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by a compression portion of the scroll compressor 1 may be discharged through the refrigerant discharge pipe 15. Refrigerant may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the refrigerant discharge pipe 15.

[0039] A base 16 that supports the housing 10 may be provided at a lower side of the housing 10. The base 16 may be coupled to the lower cap 13. The scroll compressor 1 may be installed vertically with respect to the floor or a support surface by the base 16.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of section A in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of some components of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a frame in a scroll compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the inside of a housing in a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, a scroll compressor 1 according to an embodiment may include a housing 10, a frame 20, a fixed scroll 30, an orbiting scroll 40, a shaft 50, and a drive motor 70.

[0042] The housing 10 forms the external appearance of the scroll compressor 1 and may be an approximately cylindrical sealed container. A refrigerant inlet pipe 14 and a refrigerant discharge pipe 15 may be connected to the housing 10.

[0043] The housing 10 may be formed by coupling a main body 11, an upper cap 12, and a lower cap 13. Except for the inflow and discharge of refrigerant through the refrigerant inlet pipe 14 and the refrigerant discharge pipe 15, the inside of the housing 10 may be sealed. In other words, the housing 10 has a sealed interior such that refrigerant may only enter the interior of the housing 10 through the refrigerant inlet pipe 14, and may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the refrigerant discharge pipe 15.

[0044] A sump 17 configured to store oil may be formed at a lower side of the housing 10. The sump 17 may refer to at least a portion of a lower space inside the housing 10. Oil stored in the sump 17 may be supplied to bearings through an oil passage 53 to be described below.

[0045] The frame 20 may be installed inside the housing 10. The frame 20 may be installed to be fixed inside the housing 10. The frame 20 may be provided to support the fixed scroll 30 and the orbiting scroll 40. The frame 20 may support the fixed scroll 30 such that the fixed scroll 30 is fixed inside the housing 10. The frame 20 may support the orbiting scroll 40 such that the orbiting scroll 40 may orbit relative to the frame 20 and the fixed scroll 30. The frame may include a frame hole 21 into which a bearing member 60 is inserted. The frame hole 21 may be formed to vertically pass through a central portion of the frame 20. The frame 20 may rotatably support the bearing member 60 such that the bearing member 60 may rotate inside the frame hole 21.

[0046] The fixed scroll 30 may be installed to be fixed inside the housing 10. The fixed scroll 30 may be fixed inside the housing 10 by being coupled to the frame 20. In other words, after the frame 20 is installed to be fixed inside the housing 10, the fixed scroll 30 may be coupled to the frame 20 fixed inside the housing 10. Through this, the fixed scroll 30 may be fixed inside the housing 10.

[0047] The fixed scroll 30 may be installed at an upper side of the frame 20. When the fixed scroll 30 is coupled to the frame 20, a lower surface of the fixed scroll 30 may be configured to contact an upper surface of the frame 20. The fixed scroll 30 may be coupled to the frame 20 through a fastening member. For example, the fixed scroll 30 may be coupled to the frame 20 by a plurality of bolts configured to spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the fixed scroll 30.

[0048] The fixed scroll 30 may include a wrap receiving portion 31, a flange portion 32 protruding in the radial direction of the wrap receiving portion 31 along the circumference of the wrap receiving portion 31, and a fixed wrap 34 provided in an internal space 33 of the wrap receiving portion 31. The wrap receiving portion 31 may have a container shape with at least a portion of a lower surface being open. The internal space 33 may refer to a space inside the open lower surface of the wrap receiving portion 31.

[0049] The fixed wrap 34 may be formed to extend or protrude vertically downward from an upper surface 33a of the internal space 33 of the wrap receiving portion 31. When the fixed scroll 30 is viewed from below, the fixed wrap 34 may be formed to have a spiral shape. The height of the fixed wrap 34 may be uniform along the spiral shape. The height of the fixed wrap 34 may refer to a length of the fixed wrap 34 in the vertical direction. The fixed wrap 34 may form a compression chamber 35 together with an orbiting wrap 42 to be described below.

[0050] The orbiting scroll 40 may be disposed below the fixed scroll 30. The orbiting scroll 40 may be disposed above the frame 20. The orbiting scroll 40 may be disposed in a space formed between the frame 20 and the fixed scroll 30. The orbiting scroll 40 may be configured to orbit with respect to the frame 20 and the fixed scroll 30. The orbiting scroll 40 may be supported by a thrust surface 22 of the frame 20.

[0051] The orbiting scroll 40 may include a plate 41 having a disk shape, an orbiting wrap 42 protruding from one side surface of the plate 41, and a boss portion 43 protruding from the other side surface of the plate 41.

[0052] The plate 41 may be formed in a disk shape. An upper surface of the plate 41 configured to contact the fixed wrap 34 of the fixed scroll 30 may be formed as a mirror-finished surface to minimize friction with the fixed wrap 34.

[0053] The orbiting wrap 42 may be formed to extend or protrude vertically upward from the upper surface of the plate 41. The orbiting wrap 42 may be formed in a spiral shape. When the orbiting scroll 40 is viewed from the above, the orbiting wrap 42 may be formed to have a spiral shape. The height of the orbiting wrap 42 may be uniform along the spiral shape. The height of the orbiting wrap 42 may refer to the length of the orbiting wrap 42 in the vertical direction. The orbiting wrap 42 may be formed to engage with the fixed wrap 34. The upper surface of the plate 41, the orbiting wrap 42, the fixed wrap 34, and the internal space 33 of the fixed scroll 30 may form a compression chamber 35. The plate 41, the orbiting wrap 42, the fixed wrap 34, and the internal space 33 that form the compression chamber 35 are collectively referred to as a compression portion.

[0054] The fixed wrap 34 and the orbiting wrap 42 may be accommodated in the wrap receiving portion 31 of the fixed scroll 30. In the internal space 33 of the wrap receiving portion 31, the fixed wrap 34 of the fixed scroll 30 and the orbiting wrap 42 of the orbiting scroll 40 may mesh to form the compression chamber 35. The compression chamber 35 may be provided such that the volume thereof gradually decreases by the orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll 40. As a result, refrigerant flowing into the compression chamber 35 may be compressed by the orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll 40.

[0055] The boss portion 43 may be formed to extend or protrude vertically downward from the lower surface of the plate 41. The boss portion 43 may be formed at the center of the lower surface of the plate 41. The shaft 50 may be inserted into the internal space 43a of the boss portion 43. More specifically, an eccentric portion 52 of the shaft 50 may be inserted into the internal space 43a of the boss portion 43.

[0056] The lower surface of the plate 41 in which the boss portion 43 is formed may be supported by the thrust surface 22 of the frame 20. The lower surface of the plate 41 supported by the thrust surface 22 of the frame 20 may be formed as a mirror-finished surface to minimize friction with the thrust surface 22.

[0057] The fixed wrap 34 and the orbiting wrap 42 that mesh with each other may form a plurality of compression pockets. When the orbiting scroll 40 performs an orbiting motion, the a plurality of compression pockets may move toward the center of the wrap receiving portion 31 while compressing the refrigerant introduced into an inlet of the fixed scroll 30 and discharging the compressed refrigerant to an outlet of the fixed scroll 30.

[0058] An Oldham ring 44 may be provided between the orbiting scroll 40 and the frame 20 to prevent the orbiting scroll 40 from rotating on its own axis. The Oldham ring 44 may prevent the orbiting scroll 40 from rotating on its own axis such that the orbiting scroll 40 performs an orbiting motion with respect to the frame 20 without rotating on its own axis.

[0059] The orbiting scroll 40 may perform an orbiting motion by the shaft 50. The eccentric portion 52 formed at the upper end of the shaft 50 may be coupled to the boss portion 43 of the orbiting scroll 40. As the shaft 50 rotates by the drive motor 70, the orbiting scroll 40 may perform an orbiting motion.

[0060] The drive motor 70 may include a stator 71 and a rotor 72. The stator 71 may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing 10. The rotor 72 may be rotatably provided on an inner side of the stator 71.

[0061] The shaft 50 may be inserted into a hollow of the rotor 72 such that at least a portion of the shaft 50 penetrates the rotor 72. The shaft 50 may be coupled to the rotor 72 to rotate together with the rotor 72. When the rotor 72 rotates as the drive motor 70 operates, the shaft 50 may rotate together with the rotor 72.

[0062] The shaft 50 may include a main shaft 51 that is fitted to the rotor 72 and an eccentric portion 52 provided at the upper portion of the main shaft 51. The main shaft 51 of the shaft 50 may be fitted to the rotor 72 to rotate together with the rotor 72. A central axis of the main shaft 51 and a central axis of the eccentric portion 52 may be spaced apart from each other. The central axis of the eccentric portion 52 may be horizontally spaced from the central axis of the main shaft 51.

[0063] A bearing member 60 may be inserted around the main shaft 51 of the shaft 50. The bearing member 60 may be coupled to the upper side of the main shaft 51. The bearing member 60 may be coupled to the main shaft 51 of the shaft 50 to rotate together with the shaft 50.

[0064] The bearing member 60 may be configured to be rotatable on the inner side of the frame hole 21. A first bearing 73 that rotatably supports the bearing member 60 may be provided on the inner side of the frame hole 21. The first bearing 73 may be installed on the inner side of the frame hole 21 to rotatably support the bearing member 60. By the first bearing 73, the bearing member 60 and the shaft 50 may be allowed to rotate relative to the frame 20 on the inner side of the frame hole 21. For example, the first bearing 73 may include bearing metal.

[0065] The bearing member 60 may be coupled to the upper side of the shaft 50. The bearing member 60 may be coupled to the main shaft 51 of the shaft 50 to rotate together with the shaft 50. The bearing member 60 may be coupled to the main shaft 51 of the shaft 50 by press fitting or welding. For example, the bearing member 60 may be coupled to the main shaft 51 of the shaft 50 through thermal press fitting or a mechanical press fitting.

[0066] The bearing member 60 may include a boss receiving groove 61 configured to accommodate the boss portion 43. The boss receiving groove 61 may be formed by at least a portion of the upper surface of the bearing member 60 being recessed downward. The boss portion 43 of the orbiting scroll 40 may perform an orbiting motion together with the eccentric portion 52 of the shaft 50 within the boss receiving groove 61. The boss receiving groove 61 may accommodate oil. The boss receiving groove 61 may be configured to accommodate oil supplied through the oil passage 53 provided in the shaft 50. The boss receiving groove 61 may be referred to as an oil pocket.

[0067] The bearing member 60 may include a balance portion 63. The balance portion 63 may be provided below the boss receiving groove 61. The balance portion 63 may compensate for the eccentricity of the center of gravity of the shaft 50 caused by the eccentric portion 52 provided at the upper portion of the shaft 50. For this, the balance portion 63 may be arranged toward a side opposite to the eccentric portion 52. For example, when the eccentric portion 52 is arranged to be biased toward one side from the center of the shaft 50, the balance portion 63 may be arranged to be biased toward the other side from the center of the shaft 50. By providing the balance portion 63, vibration generated during rotation of the shaft 50 and the bearing member 60 may be reduced.

[0068] The eccentric portion 52 may form the upper end of the shaft 50. The eccentric portion 52 may be formed to protrude vertically upward from the upper surface of the main shaft 51. The eccentric portion 52 may be inserted into the boss portion 43 of the orbiting scroll 40. A second bearing 74 may be installed between the eccentric portion 52 of the shaft 50 and the boss portion 43 of the orbiting scroll 40. The second bearing 74 may be provided between the eccentric portion 52 and the boss portion 43 to rotatably support the eccentric portion 52. The second bearing 74 may support the eccentric portion 52 to rotate relative to the boss portion 43 on the inner side of the boss portion 43. For example, the second bearing 74 may include bearing metal.

[0069] In the scroll compressor 1 according to the present disclosure, at least a portion of the first bearing 73 may be arranged to overlap with the second bearing 74 in the radial direction of the first bearing 73. In other words, at least a portion of the second bearing 74 may be arranged to overlap with the first bearing 73 in the radial direction of the second bearing 74. For example, an upper end of the first bearing 73 may be arranged radially outside the second bearing 74, and the upper end of the first bearing 73 may be arranged above a lower end of the second bearing 74. A lower end of the second bearing 74 may be arranged radially inside the first bearing 73, and the lower end of the second bearing 74 may be disposed below an upper end of the first bearing 73.

[0070] In a structure in which the first bearing and the second bearing are spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction, the shaft is subjected to a relatively large eccentric load, which increases the load applied to the second bearing. When the load applied to the second bearing increases, friction loss between the boss portion of the orbiting scroll and the eccentric portion of the shaft increases, and the efficiency of the compressor decreases. In addition, noise of the compressor increases, the reliability of the bearing decreases, and since the frame has an elongated structure in the axial direction, the length of the compressor also increases.

[0071] As described above, in the scroll compressor 1 according to the present disclosure, as the first bearing 73 and the second bearing 74 are arranged to overlap in the radial direction of the shaft 50, the eccentric load received by the second bearing 74 is reduced, and friction loss in the first bearing 73 and noise of the scroll compressor 1 may be reduced. In addition, the reliability of the first bearing 73 and the second bearing 74 may be improved, and the scroll compressor 1 may be miniaturized.

[0072] A lower portion of the main shaft 51 may be rotatably supported by a lower frame 76 installed in the housing 10. The lower frame 76 may be fixed to a lower portion inside the housing 10. The lower frame 76 may be spaced from the frame 20 in the up-down direction or in the vertical direction. The lower frame 76 may be arranged below the frame 20 to be spaced from the frame 20.

[0073] The lower frame 76 may have a lower frame hole 76a formed to allow insertion of the main shaft 51 of the shaft 50 The lower frame hole 76a may be formed to vertically pass through the central portion of the lower frame 76. A third bearing 75 that rotatably supports a lower portion of the main shaft 51 may be provided on the inner side of the lower frame hole 76a. The third bearing 75 may rotatably support the main shaft 51 such that the main shaft 51 rotates relative to the lower frame 76 on the inner side of the lower frame hole 76a. For example, the third bearing 75 may include bearing metal.

[0074] The upper portion of the shaft 50 may be supported by the frame 20, and the lower portion of the shaft 50 may be supported by the lower frame 76. More specifically, the bearing member 60 coupled to the upper portion of the main shaft 51 may be rotatably supported by the first bearing 73 provided on the inner side of the frame hole 21, and the lower portion of the main shaft 51 may be rotatably supported by the third bearing 75 provided on the inner side of the lower frame hole 76a.

[0075] The shaft 50 may include an oil passage 53 that supplies oil from the sump 17 to at least one of the first bearing 73, the second bearing 74, and the third bearing 75. The oil passage 53 may be formed to pass through the shaft 50 in the direction in which the shaft 50 extends. The direction in which the shaft 50 extends may refer to the up-down direction or the vertical direction or the direction of the rotation axis of the shaft 50.

[0076] The oil passage 53 may be formed to pass through the main shaft 51 and eccentric portion 52 of the shaft 50. An outlet 54 of the oil passage 53 may be formed at the upper end or upper surface of the eccentric portion 52. An inlet 55 of the oil passage 53 may be formed at the lower end or lower surface of the main shaft 51.

[0077] Oil may move upward from below within the oil passage 53 due to a pressure difference. Therefore, oil from the sump 17 may flow into the oil passage 53 through the inlet 55 located at the lower end of the oil passage 53, move upward, and then be discharged through the outlet 54 located at the upper end of the oil passage 53. At least a portion of the oil discharged through the outlet 54 of the oil passage 53 may be supplied to the second bearing 74. The oil supplied to the second bearing 74 may move downward by gravity and be accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61.

[0078] A portion of the oil moving upward along the oil passage 53 may be supplied to the third bearing 75. The shaft 50 may include a third bearing passage 53c that supplies at least a portion of oil from the oil passage 53 to the third bearing 75.

[0079] The third bearing passage 53c may connect the oil passage 53 to a side surface of the main shaft 51 located on the inner side the third bearing 75. Through the third bearing passage 53c, a portion of oil from the oil passage 53 may be discharged to the side surface of the main shaft 51 located on the inner side of the third bearing 75. Accordingly, oil may be supplied to the third bearing 75.

[0080] A portion of oil moving upward along the oil passage 53 may be supplied to the second bearing 74. The shaft 50 may include a second bearing passage 53b that supplies at least a portion of oil from the oil passage 53 to the second bearing 74.

[0081] The second bearing passage 53b may connect the oil passage 53 to a side surface of the eccentric portion 52 located on the inner side of the second bearing 74. The second bearing passage 53b may connect one side of the oil passage 53 to a side surface of the shaft 50 that overlaps with the second bearing 74 in the radial direction of the second bearing 74. Through the second bearing passage 53b, a portion of oil from the oil passage 53 may be discharged to the side surface of the eccentric portion 52 located on the inner side of the second bearing 74. Accordingly, oil may be supplied to the second bearing 74.

[0082] According to an embodiment, a portion of oil accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61 through the oil passage 53 may be supplied to the first bearing 73. The bearing member 60 may include a first bearing passage 62 that supplies at least a portion of oil accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61 to the first bearing 73.

[0083] Oil discharged to the upper surface of the eccentric portion 52 through the outlet 54 of the oil passage 53 may move to the boss receiving groove 61 and be accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61. Oil supplied to the second bearing 74 through the second bearing passage 53b may move downward by gravity and be accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61.

[0084] The first bearing passage 62 may be formed to pass through an inner surface of the bearing member 60 that forms the boss receiving groove 61 and an outer surface of the bearing member 60 that forms the boss receiving groove 61. In other words, the first bearing passage 62 may connect an inner side surface of the bearing member 60 that forms the boss receiving groove 61 and an outer side surface of the bearing member 60 on which the first bearing 73 is arranged. Through the first bearing passage 62, at least a portion of oil accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61 may be discharged to a side surface of the bearing member 60 located on the inner side the first bearing 73. The first bearing passage 62 may discharge oil accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61 to the side surface of the bearing member 60, thereby supplying oil to the first bearing 73.

[0085] According to the present disclosure, the scroll compressor 1 may include an oil discharge passage 23 that discharges oil accommodated in the oil pocket or the boss receiving groove 61 to the side surface of the frame 20.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, the oil discharge passage 23 may be formed to pass through an inner side surface of the frame 20 on which the first bearing 73 is installed and an outer side surface of the frame 20. The oil discharge passage 23 may discharge oil from the boss receiving groove 61 or the oil pocket to the side surface of the frame 20.

[0087] When oil accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61 fills the boss receiving groove 61, the oil inside the boss receiving groove 61 may flow over the upper surface of the bearing member 60 and the upper surface of the first bearing 73 and may be introduced into the oil discharge passage 23. The oil introduced into the oil discharge passage 23 may move laterally along the oil discharge passage 23 and be discharged to the side surface of the frame 20.

[0088] The oil discharge passage 23 may include an inlet portion 23a formed by at least a portion of the inner side surface of the frame 20 being recessed radially outward of the frame 20. Due to the inlet portion 23a, a space may be formed between the first bearing 73 and the inner side surface of the frame 20. Since the first bearing 73 is thermally press-fitted or mechanically press-fitted to the inner side surface of the frame 20, no space is formed between the first bearing 73 and the inner side surface of the frame 20 on which the first bearing 73 is mounted. By providing the inlet portion 23a formed as at least a portion of the inner side surface of the frame 20 being recessed, a space may be formed between the first bearing 73 and the inlet portion 23a, and oil may flow into the space. In other words, the inlet portion 23a of the oil discharge passage 23 may form a space into which oil may flow between the first bearing 73 and the inner side surface of the frame 20.

[0089] The oil discharge passage 23 may include a connection portion 23b that guides oil introduced through the inlet portion 23a to the outer side surface of the frame 20. According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the connection portion 23b may horizontally connect a lower end of the inlet portion 23a to the outer side surface of the frame 20. The diameter of the connection portion 23b may be formed smaller than the width or height of the inlet portion 23a. The width of the inlet portion 23a may refer to the length of the inlet portion 23a in the horizontal direction. The height of the inlet portion 23a may refer to the length of the inlet portion 23a in the vertical direction.

[0090] The oil discharge passage 23 may include an discharge portion 23c. The inlet portion 23a may be connected to one end of the connection portion 23b, and the discharge portion 23c may be connected to the other end of the connection portion 23b. The discharge portion 23c may be formed by at least a portion of the outer side surface of the frame 20 being recessed radially inward of the frame 20.

[0091] The discharge portion 23c may form a space into which oil may be discharged, similar to the inlet portion 23b. The frame 20 may be thermally press-fitted or mechanically press-fitted to the main body 11 to be fixed inside the main body 11 of the housing 10. When the frame 20 is fixed inside the main body 11, no space is formed between the inner surface of the main body 11 and the outer side surface of the frame 20. By providing the discharge portion 23c formed as at least a portion of the outer side surface of the frame 20 being recessed, a space may be formed between the outer side surface of the frame 20 and the inner surface of the main body 11, and oil may be discharged into the space. In other words, the discharge portion 23c of the oil discharge passage 23 may form a space into which oil may be discharged between the outer side surface of the frame 20 and the inner side surface of the main body 11.

[0092] As described above, the oil discharge passage 23 may include the inlet portion 23a that forms a space between the first bearing 73 and the inner side surface of the frame 20 to allow oil in the boss receiving groove 61 to flow into the inner side surface of the frame 20, the connection portion 23b that guides the oil introduced into the inlet portion 23a toward the outer side surface of the frame 20, and the discharge portion 23cc that forms a space into oil discharged through the connection portion 23b is discharged between the outer side surface of the frame 20 and the inner side surface of the main body 11. Oil accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61 may flow into the inlet portion 23a past the upper surface of the boss receiving groove 61 and the upper surface of the first bearing 73. The oil introduced into the inlet portion 23a may move to the discharge portion 23cc along the connection portion 23b. The oil discharged to the discharge portion 23cc may move downward by gravity and be stored again in the sump 17.

[0093] According to the present disclosure, the scroll compressor 1 may include the oil discharge passage 23, thereby reducing flow loss caused by oil coming into contact with rotating structures. By reducing the flow loss, the efficiency of the scroll compressor 1 may be improved.

[0094] When the oil discharge passage 23 that discharges oil to the outer side surface of the frame 20 is not provided, oil stored in the boss receiving groove 61 is supplied to the first bearing 73 and then falls below the first bearing 73 by gravity. Although oil that falls below the first bearing 73 is eventually collected in the sump 17, the oil contacts the balance portion 63 of the bearing member 60 or contacts the rotor 72 of the drive motor 70 in the process of moving to the sump 17. In the process in which oil contacts or collides with the rotating structures inside the housing 10, including the balance portion 63 and the rotor 72, energy loss of rotating structures may occur.

[0095] The scroll compressor 1 according to the present disclosure may reduce the amount of oil discharged below the first bearing 73 by discharging at least a portion of oil stored in the boss receiving groove 61 through the oil discharge passage 23. By reducing the amount of oil discharged below the first bearing 73, energy loss caused by collision between rotating structures and oil may be reduced.

[0096] According to the present disclosure, the scroll compressor 1 may include a guide member 80 configured to guide oil discharged through the oil discharge passage 23. The guide member 80 may be disposed below the discharge portion 23c.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, the guide member 80 may include a first guide portion 81 that is arranged below the discharge portion 23cc and is positioned inside the discharge portion 23c in a radial direction of the main body 11, and a second guide portion 82 that is connected to a lower end of the first guide portion 81 and extends obliquely from the lower end of the first guide portion 81 in a radially outward direction of the main body 11. The guide member 80 may further include a third guide portion 83 connected to a lower end of the second guide portion 82. The third guide portion 83 may extend in a substantially vertical direction

[0098] The guide member 80 may guide oil such that oil discharged through the oil discharge passage 23 does not flow to the inner side of the drive motor 70. As described above, when oil flows to the inner side of the drive motor 70 and contacts rotating structures, energy loss may occur. The guide member 80 may guide oil such that oil discharged through the oil discharge passage 23 does not move toward the rotor 72 of the drive motor 70.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 5, the inlet portion 23a of the frame 20 may have a cross-sectional shape that is approximately an arc or semicircle. For example, the inlet portion 23a may be formed by a cutting processing. The inlet portion 23a may be formed by cutting at least a portion of the inner side surface of the frame 20 by a rotating structure. Due to the characteristics of such cutting processes, the cross-sectional shape of the inlet portion 23a formed through the cutting process may be an arc or semicircle. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The inlet portion 23a may have various processes and various cross-sectional shapes.

[0100] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of section B in FIG. 7.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a scroll compressor 1 according to an embodiment may include an oil discharge passage 24 configured to slope downward toward the radially outward direction of the frame 20. Since an inlet portion 24a and an discharge portion 24c are the same as the inlet portion 23a and the discharge portion 23c described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the oil discharge passage 24 may include a connection portion 24b that extends to be inclined downward toward the radially outward direction of the frame 20. By providing the connection portion 24b to slope downward, oil inside the connection portion 24b may move relatively rapidly along the connection portion 24b by gravity.

[0103] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of section C in FIG. 9.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an oil discharge passage 25 of a scroll compressor 1 according to an embodiment may include a first passage 25a and 25c formed to pass through the frame 20 in a first direction, and a second passage 25b extending in a second direction within the frame 20. A stopper 26 may be provided in the first passage 25a and 25c to block at least a portion of the first passage 25a and 25c. The first direction may be an oblique direction. The second direction may be a horizontal direction. The first direction may be a direction that is inclined downward toward a radially outward direction of the frame 20.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the oil discharge passage 25 may include the first passage 25a and 25c formed to pass through the frame 20 in a diagonal direction and the second passage 25b extending in a horizontal direction within the frame 20.

[0106] The first passage 25a and 25c may pass through the frame 20 to be inclined downward toward the radially outward direction of the frame 20. One end of the first passage 25a and 25c may be connected to the first bearing 73. Specifically, the one end of the first passage 25a and 25c may be connected to an upper surface of the first bearing 73.

[0107] The other end of the first passage 25a and 25c may be connected to a lower surface of the frame 20. The stopper 26 may be provided in a region adjacent to the other end of the first passage 25a and 25c to prevent oil from being discharged through the other end of the first passage 25a and 25c. As the stopper 26 is provided, oil may not be discharged through the other end of the first passage 25a and 25c connected to the lower surface of the frame 20.

[0108] The second passage 25b may extend horizontally within the frame 20. One side of the second passage 25b may be connected to the first passage 25a and 25c. The other side of the second passage 25b may be connected to an discharge portion 25d. Since the discharge portion 25d is the same as the discharge portion 23c described above, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy.

[0109] Oil flowing from the boss receiving groove 61 past the upper surface of the first bearing 73 into the first passage 25a and 25c may move to the discharge portion 25d by the second passage 25b. As described above, since the stopper 26 is provided in the first passage 25a and 25c, oil flowing into the first passage 25a and 25c is not discharged to the lower surface of the frame 20 but moves along the second passage 25b and is discharged to the discharge portion 25d provided on the outer side surface of the frame 20.

[0110] For example, the first passage 25a and 25c and the second passage 25b may be formed in the frame 20 through a process of machining bolt holes. Since bolt holes may be formed relatively easily in the frame 20 using various tools, the first passage 25a and 25c and the second passage 25b may be easily formed in the frame 20. The stopper 26, which is provided on the first passage 25a and 25c, to block the first passage 25a and 25c may be, for example, a part or all of a fastening member having threads formed on the outer circumferential surface.

[0111] A scroll compressor according to an embodiment includes a housing; a frame fixed inside the housing; a fixed scroll coupled to the frame to be fixed inside the housing; an orbiting scroll configured to perform orbiting motion relative to the fixed scroll and including a boss portion; a shaft including an eccentric portion inserted into the boss portion to transmit rotational force to the boss portion, and an oil passage; a bearing member coupled to the shaft to rotate together with the shaft and including a boss receiving groove into which the boss portion is inserted; a first bearing provided between the frame and the bearing member to rotatably support the bearing member; and a second bearing provided between the boss portion and the eccentric portion to rotatably support the eccentric portion, the second bearing configured to overlap at least partially with the first bearing in a radial direction of the first bearing. The frame includes an oil discharge passage formed to pass through at least a portion of the frame to discharge oil from the boss receiving groove to a side surface of the frame.

[0112] The housing may have a sump formed at a lower side thereof to store oil.

[0113] The oil passage may extend from a lower surface of the shaft to an upper surface of the shaft to guide oil from the sump to the upper surface of the shaft.

[0114] The bearing member may further include a first bearing passage configured to supply oil to the first bearing.

[0115] The first bearing passage may connect an inner side surface of the bearing member forming the boss receiving groove and an outer side surface of the bearing member configured to contact the first bearing.

[0116] The shaft may further include a second bearing passage configured to supply oil to the second bearing.

[0117] The second bearing passage may connect one side of the oil passage and a side surface of the eccentric portion provided to contact the second bearing.

[0118] The oil discharge passage may include an inlet portion configured to form a space between the first bearing and the frame such that oil from the boss receiving groove may be introduced into an area between the first bearing and an inner side surface of the frame.

[0119] The inlet portion may be formed by at least a portion of the inner side surface of the frame being recessed radially outward of the frame.

[0120] A cross-sectional shape of the inlet portion may be a semicircle or an arc.

[0121] The oil discharge passage may further include a connection portion configured to connect the inlet portion and an outer side surface of the frame to guide oil from the inlet portion to the outer side surface of the frame.

[0122] The oil discharge passage may further include an discharge portion configured to form a space between the outer side surface of the frame and an inner side surface of the housing such that oil introduced into one side of the connection portion via the inlet portion is discharged to an area between the inner side surface of the housing and the outer side surface of the frame.

[0123] The discharge portion may be formed by at least a portion of the outer side surface of the frame being recessed radially inward of the frame.

[0124] The connection portion may be formed to pass through the frame in a radial direction of the frame to connect one side of the inlet portion and one side of the discharge portion.

[0125] The connection portion may be formed to pass through the frame to connect one side of the inlet portion and one side of the discharge portion.

[0126] The connection portion may be configured to slope downward in a direction toward a radially outer side of the frame.

[0127] The scroll compressor may further include a guide member arranged below the frame to guide oil discharged through the oil discharge passage radially outward of the frame.

[0128] The guide member may further include a first guide portion arranged below the discharge portion and positioned inside the discharge portion in a radial direction of the frame.

[0129] The guide member may further include a second guide portion connected to a lower end of the first guide portion and configured to slope downward from the lower end of the first guide portion toward a radially outer side of the frame.

[0130] The guide member may further include a third guide portion connected to a lower end of the second guide portion and extending vertically from the lower end of the second guide portion.

[0131] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a scroll compressor with improved efficiency by reducing flow loss caused by contact between oil and a rotating structure can be provided.

[0132] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a scroll compressor with improved efficiency by improving an oil discharge passage can be provided.

[0133] Although the disclosure has been shown and described in relation to specific embodiments, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]The embodiments described in the disclosure and the configurations shown in the drawings are only examples of the disclosure, and various modifications may be made at the time of filing of the disclosure to replace the embodiments and drawings of the disclosure.

[0021]In the description of the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the drawings.

[0022]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.

[0023]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.

[0024]The terms of “˜part”, “˜module” and “˜member” may be implemented in hardware or software. In some embodiments, a plurality of “˜parts”, “˜module...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation application of international application No. PCT / KR2025 / 013261, filed on Aug. 29, 2025, which claims priority under 35 U. S. C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0123565, filed on Sep. 10, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0003] A scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll having a fixed wrap and an orbiting scroll having an orbiting wrap corresponding to the wrap of the fixed scroll, and the orbiting scroll performs an orbiting motion relative to the fixed scroll to form a compression chamber that continuously move between the fixed wrap and the orbiting wrap, thereby intaking and compressing a refrigerant.

[0004] Such a scroll compressor have superior characteristics in terms of vibration and noise generated during operation compared to other types of compressors since intake, compression, and discharge are performed continuously.

[0005] Scroll compressors may be used in various technical fields and products. For example, the scroll compressor may be used as a compressor for an air conditioner.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a scroll compressor with improved efficiency by reducing flow loss caused by contact between oil and a rotating structure.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a scroll compressor with improved efficiency by improving an oil discharge passage.

[0008] The technical objectives of the disclosure are not limited to the above, and other objectives that are not described above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description.Technical Solution

[0009] A scroll compressor according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: a housing; a frame fixed inside the housing; a fixed scroll couplable to the frame and fixable inside the housing; an orbiting scroll configured to perform orbiting motion relative to the fixed scroll and including a boss portion; a shaft including an eccentric portion insertable into the boss portion to transmit rotational force to the boss portion, and an oil passage; a bearing member couplable to the shaft, configured to rotate together with the shaft, and including a boss receiving groove in which the boss portion is insertable; a first bearing between the frame and the bearing member to rotatably support the bearing member; and a second bearing between the boss portion and the eccentric portion to rotatably support the eccentric portion, the second bearing configured to overlap at least partially with the first bearing in a radial direction of the first bearing, wherein the frame includes an oil discharge passage and based on the eccentric portion being inserted into the boss portion, the oil discharge passage is formed to pass through at least a portion of the frame such that oil is discharged from the boss receiving groove to a side surface of the frame.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of section A in FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of some components of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a frame in a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the inside of a housing in a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of section B in FIG. 7.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of section C in FIG. 9.MODES OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The embodiments described in the disclosure and the configurations shown in the drawings are only examples of the disclosure, and various modifications may be made at the time of filing of the disclosure to replace the embodiments and drawings of the disclosure.

[0021] In the description of the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the drawings.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The terms of “˜part”, “˜module” and “˜member” may be implemented in hardware or software. In some embodiments, a plurality of “˜parts”, “˜modules” and “˜members” may be implemented as a single component. In some embodiments, a single “˜part”, “˜module” and “˜member” may include a plurality of components.

[0025] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to restrict and / or to limit the disclosure. The singular expressions herein may include plural expressions, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, the terms “comprises”, “includes”, and “has” are intended to indicate that there are features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0026] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. used in the disclosure may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The term “and / or” includes combinations of one or all of a plurality of associated listed items.

[0027] When one (e.g., a first) element is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., a second element with or without the term “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the one element is connected to the other element directly, wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Meanwhile, the terms such as “up-down direction,”“front-rear direction,” and the like used in the following description are defined based on the accompanying drawings, and the shapes and positions of the respective components are not limited by these terms.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, a scroll compressor 1 may include a housing 10. The housing 10 may form the external appearance of the scroll compressor 1. The housing 10 may be referred to by other terms such as a casing, a case, or a body.

[0034] The housing 10 may form an enclosed space therein. The housing 10 may be formed as a sealed container. The housing 10 may include a refrigerant inlet port into which or to which in which a refrigerant inlet pipe 14 is inserted or connected. The housing 10 may include a refrigerant discharge port into which or to which in which a refrigerant discharge pipe 15 is inserted or connected. Refrigerant may flow into the inside of the housing 10 through the refrigerant inlet pipe 14. Refrigerant inside the housing 10 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the refrigerant discharge pipe 15.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the scroll compressor 1 may be installed in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The scroll compressor 1 may form a refrigeration cycle together with a condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The refrigerant inlet pipe 14 may be connected to the evaporator, and the refrigerant discharge pipe 15 may be connected to the condenser.

[0036] The housing 10 may include a cylindrical body 11 with open top and bottom surfaces, and an upper cap 12 and a lower cap 13 mounted on an upper portion and a lower portion of the body 11 respectively to seal the inside of the main body 11. Connection portions between the main body 11 and the upper cap 12 and the lower cap 13 may be sealed to enclose such that the inside of the housing 10.

[0037] A low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant may flow in through the refrigerant inlet pipe 14. The refrigerant may be introduced into the inside of the housing 10 through the refrigerant inlet pipe 14.

[0038] A high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by a compression portion of the scroll compressor 1 may be discharged through the refrigerant discharge pipe 15. Refrigerant may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the refrigerant discharge pipe 15.

[0039] A base 16 that supports the housing 10 may be provided at a lower side of the housing 10. The base 16 may be coupled to the lower cap 13. The scroll compressor 1 may be installed vertically with respect to the floor or a support surface by the base 16.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of section A in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of some components of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a frame in a scroll compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the inside of a housing in a scroll compressor according to an embodiment.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, a scroll compressor 1 according to an embodiment may include a housing 10, a frame 20, a fixed scroll 30, an orbiting scroll 40, a shaft 50, and a drive motor 70.

[0042] The housing 10 forms the external appearance of the scroll compressor 1 and may be an approximately cylindrical sealed container. A refrigerant inlet pipe 14 and a refrigerant discharge pipe 15 may be connected to the housing 10.

[0043] The housing 10 may be formed by coupling a main body 11, an upper cap 12, and a lower cap 13. Except for the inflow and discharge of refrigerant through the refrigerant inlet pipe 14 and the refrigerant discharge pipe 15, the inside of the housing 10 may be sealed. In other words, the housing 10 has a sealed interior such that refrigerant may only enter the interior of the housing 10 through the refrigerant inlet pipe 14, and may be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the refrigerant discharge pipe 15.

[0044] A sump 17 configured to store oil may be formed at a lower side of the housing 10. The sump 17 may refer to at least a portion of a lower space inside the housing 10. Oil stored in the sump 17 may be supplied to bearings through an oil passage 53 to be described below.

[0045] The frame 20 may be installed inside the housing 10. The frame 20 may be installed to be fixed inside the housing 10. The frame 20 may be provided to support the fixed scroll 30 and the orbiting scroll 40. The frame 20 may support the fixed scroll 30 such that the fixed scroll 30 is fixed inside the housing 10. The frame 20 may support the orbiting scroll 40 such that the orbiting scroll 40 may orbit relative to the frame 20 and the fixed scroll 30. The frame may include a frame hole 21 into which a bearing member 60 is inserted. The frame hole 21 may be formed to vertically pass through a central portion of the frame 20. The frame 20 may rotatably support the bearing member 60 such that the bearing member 60 may rotate inside the frame hole 21.

[0046] The fixed scroll 30 may be installed to be fixed inside the housing 10. The fixed scroll 30 may be fixed inside the housing 10 by being coupled to the frame 20. In other words, after the frame 20 is installed to be fixed inside the housing 10, the fixed scroll 30 may be coupled to the frame 20 fixed inside the housing 10. Through this, the fixed scroll 30 may be fixed inside the housing 10.

[0047] The fixed scroll 30 may be installed at an upper side of the frame 20. When the fixed scroll 30 is coupled to the frame 20, a lower surface of the fixed scroll 30 may be configured to contact an upper surface of the frame 20. The fixed scroll 30 may be coupled to the frame 20 through a fastening member. For example, the fixed scroll 30 may be coupled to the frame 20 by a plurality of bolts configured to spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the fixed scroll 30.

[0048] The fixed scroll 30 may include a wrap receiving portion 31, a flange portion 32 protruding in the radial direction of the wrap receiving portion 31 along the circumference of the wrap receiving portion 31, and a fixed wrap 34 provided in an internal space 33 of the wrap receiving portion 31. The wrap receiving portion 31 may have a container shape with at least a portion of a lower surface being open. The internal space 33 may refer to a space inside the open lower surface of the wrap receiving portion 31.

[0049] The fixed wrap 34 may be formed to extend or protrude vertically downward from an upper surface 33a of the internal space 33 of the wrap receiving portion 31. When the fixed scroll 30 is viewed from below, the fixed wrap 34 may be formed to have a spiral shape. The height of the fixed wrap 34 may be uniform along the spiral shape. The height of the fixed wrap 34 may refer to a length of the fixed wrap 34 in the vertical direction. The fixed wrap 34 may form a compression chamber 35 together with an orbiting wrap 42 to be described below.

[0050] The orbiting scroll 40 may be disposed below the fixed scroll 30. The orbiting scroll 40 may be disposed above the frame 20. The orbiting scroll 40 may be disposed in a space formed between the frame 20 and the fixed scroll 30. The orbiting scroll 40 may be configured to orbit with respect to the frame 20 and the fixed scroll 30. The orbiting scroll 40 may be supported by a thrust surface 22 of the frame 20.

[0051] The orbiting scroll 40 may include a plate 41 having a disk shape, an orbiting wrap 42 protruding from one side surface of the plate 41, and a boss portion 43 protruding from the other side surface of the plate 41.

[0052] The plate 41 may be formed in a disk shape. An upper surface of the plate 41 configured to contact the fixed wrap 34 of the fixed scroll 30 may be formed as a mirror-finished surface to minimize friction with the fixed wrap 34.

[0053] The orbiting wrap 42 may be formed to extend or protrude vertically upward from the upper surface of the plate 41. The orbiting wrap 42 may be formed in a spiral shape. When the orbiting scroll 40 is viewed from the above, the orbiting wrap 42 may be formed to have a spiral shape. The height of the orbiting wrap 42 may be uniform along the spiral shape. The height of the orbiting wrap 42 may refer to the length of the orbiting wrap 42 in the vertical direction. The orbiting wrap 42 may be formed to engage with the fixed wrap 34. The upper surface of the plate 41, the orbiting wrap 42, the fixed wrap 34, and the internal space 33 of the fixed scroll 30 may form a compression chamber 35. The plate 41, the orbiting wrap 42, the fixed wrap 34, and the internal space 33 that form the compression chamber 35 are collectively referred to as a compression portion.

[0054] The fixed wrap 34 and the orbiting wrap 42 may be accommodated in the wrap receiving portion 31 of the fixed scroll 30. In the internal space 33 of the wrap receiving portion 31, the fixed wrap 34 of the fixed scroll 30 and the orbiting wrap 42 of the orbiting scroll 40 may mesh to form the compression chamber 35. The compression chamber 35 may be provided such that the volume thereof gradually decreases by the orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll 40. As a result, refrigerant flowing into the compression chamber 35 may be compressed by the orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll 40.

[0055] The boss portion 43 may be formed to extend or protrude vertically downward from the lower surface of the plate 41. The boss portion 43 may be formed at the center of the lower surface of the plate 41. The shaft 50 may be inserted into the internal space 43a of the boss portion 43. More specifically, an eccentric portion 52 of the shaft 50 may be inserted into the internal space 43a of the boss portion 43.

[0056] The lower surface of the plate 41 in which the boss portion 43 is formed may be supported by the thrust surface 22 of the frame 20. The lower surface of the plate 41 supported by the thrust surface 22 of the frame 20 may be formed as a mirror-finished surface to minimize friction with the thrust surface 22.

[0057] The fixed wrap 34 and the orbiting wrap 42 that mesh with each other may form a plurality of compression pockets. When the orbiting scroll 40 performs an orbiting motion, the a plurality of compression pockets may move toward the center of the wrap receiving portion 31 while compressing the refrigerant introduced into an inlet of the fixed scroll 30 and discharging the compressed refrigerant to an outlet of the fixed scroll 30.

[0058] An Oldham ring 44 may be provided between the orbiting scroll 40 and the frame 20 to prevent the orbiting scroll 40 from rotating on its own axis. The Oldham ring 44 may prevent the orbiting scroll 40 from rotating on its own axis such that the orbiting scroll 40 performs an orbiting motion with respect to the frame 20 without rotating on its own axis.

[0059] The orbiting scroll 40 may perform an orbiting motion by the shaft 50. The eccentric portion 52 formed at the upper end of the shaft 50 may be coupled to the boss portion 43 of the orbiting scroll 40. As the shaft 50 rotates by the drive motor 70, the orbiting scroll 40 may perform an orbiting motion.

[0060] The drive motor 70 may include a stator 71 and a rotor 72. The stator 71 may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing 10. The rotor 72 may be rotatably provided on an inner side of the stator 71.

[0061] The shaft 50 may be inserted into a hollow of the rotor 72 such that at least a portion of the shaft 50 penetrates the rotor 72. The shaft 50 may be coupled to the rotor 72 to rotate together with the rotor 72. When the rotor 72 rotates as the drive motor 70 operates, the shaft 50 may rotate together with the rotor 72.

[0062] The shaft 50 may include a main shaft 51 that is fitted to the rotor 72 and an eccentric portion 52 provided at the upper portion of the main shaft 51. The main shaft 51 of the shaft 50 may be fitted to the rotor 72 to rotate together with the rotor 72. A central axis of the main shaft 51 and a central axis of the eccentric portion 52 may be spaced apart from each other. The central axis of the eccentric portion 52 may be horizontally spaced from the central axis of the main shaft 51.

[0063] A bearing member 60 may be inserted around the main shaft 51 of the shaft 50. The bearing member 60 may be coupled to the upper side of the main shaft 51. The bearing member 60 may be coupled to the main shaft 51 of the shaft 50 to rotate together with the shaft 50.

[0064] The bearing member 60 may be configured to be rotatable on the inner side of the frame hole 21. A first bearing 73 that rotatably supports the bearing member 60 may be provided on the inner side of the frame hole 21. The first bearing 73 may be installed on the inner side of the frame hole 21 to rotatably support the bearing member 60. By the first bearing 73, the bearing member 60 and the shaft 50 may be allowed to rotate relative to the frame 20 on the inner side of the frame hole 21. For example, the first bearing 73 may include bearing metal.

[0065] The bearing member 60 may be coupled to the upper side of the shaft 50. The bearing member 60 may be coupled to the main shaft 51 of the shaft 50 to rotate together with the shaft 50. The bearing member 60 may be coupled to the main shaft 51 of the shaft 50 by press fitting or welding. For example, the bearing member 60 may be coupled to the main shaft 51 of the shaft 50 through thermal press fitting or a mechanical press fitting.

[0066] The bearing member 60 may include a boss receiving groove 61 configured to accommodate the boss portion 43. The boss receiving groove 61 may be formed by at least a portion of the upper surface of the bearing member 60 being recessed downward. The boss portion 43 of the orbiting scroll 40 may perform an orbiting motion together with the eccentric portion 52 of the shaft 50 within the boss receiving groove 61. The boss receiving groove 61 may accommodate oil. The boss receiving groove 61 may be configured to accommodate oil supplied through the oil passage 53 provided in the shaft 50. The boss receiving groove 61 may be referred to as an oil pocket.

[0067] The bearing member 60 may include a balance portion 63. The balance portion 63 may be provided below the boss receiving groove 61. The balance portion 63 may compensate for the eccentricity of the center of gravity of the shaft 50 caused by the eccentric portion 52 provided at the upper portion of the shaft 50. For this, the balance portion 63 may be arranged toward a side opposite to the eccentric portion 52. For example, when the eccentric portion 52 is arranged to be biased toward one side from the center of the shaft 50, the balance portion 63 may be arranged to be biased toward the other side from the center of the shaft 50. By providing the balance portion 63, vibration generated during rotation of the shaft 50 and the bearing member 60 may be reduced.

[0068] The eccentric portion 52 may form the upper end of the shaft 50. The eccentric portion 52 may be formed to protrude vertically upward from the upper surface of the main shaft 51. The eccentric portion 52 may be inserted into the boss portion 43 of the orbiting scroll 40. A second bearing 74 may be installed between the eccentric portion 52 of the shaft 50 and the boss portion 43 of the orbiting scroll 40. The second bearing 74 may be provided between the eccentric portion 52 and the boss portion 43 to rotatably support the eccentric portion 52. The second bearing 74 may support the eccentric portion 52 to rotate relative to the boss portion 43 on the inner side of the boss portion 43. For example, the second bearing 74 may include bearing metal.

[0069] In the scroll compressor 1 according to the present disclosure, at least a portion of the first bearing 73 may be arranged to overlap with the second bearing 74 in the radial direction of the first bearing 73. In other words, at least a portion of the second bearing 74 may be arranged to overlap with the first bearing 73 in the radial direction of the second bearing 74. For example, an upper end of the first bearing 73 may be arranged radially outside the second bearing 74, and the upper end of the first bearing 73 may be arranged above a lower end of the second bearing 74. A lower end of the second bearing 74 may be arranged radially inside the first bearing 73, and the lower end of the second bearing 74 may be disposed below an upper end of the first bearing 73.

[0070] In a structure in which the first bearing and the second bearing are spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction, the shaft is subjected to a relatively large eccentric load, which increases the load applied to the second bearing. When the load applied to the second bearing increases, friction loss between the boss portion of the orbiting scroll and the eccentric portion of the shaft increases, and the efficiency of the compressor decreases. In addition, noise of the compressor increases, the reliability of the bearing decreases, and since the frame has an elongated structure in the axial direction, the length of the compressor also increases.

[0071] As described above, in the scroll compressor 1 according to the present disclosure, as the first bearing 73 and the second bearing 74 are arranged to overlap in the radial direction of the shaft 50, the eccentric load received by the second bearing 74 is reduced, and friction loss in the first bearing 73 and noise of the scroll compressor 1 may be reduced. In addition, the reliability of the first bearing 73 and the second bearing 74 may be improved, and the scroll compressor 1 may be miniaturized.

[0072] A lower portion of the main shaft 51 may be rotatably supported by a lower frame 76 installed in the housing 10. The lower frame 76 may be fixed to a lower portion inside the housing 10. The lower frame 76 may be spaced from the frame 20 in the up-down direction or in the vertical direction. The lower frame 76 may be arranged below the frame 20 to be spaced from the frame 20.

[0073] The lower frame 76 may have a lower frame hole 76a formed to allow insertion of the main shaft 51 of the shaft 50 The lower frame hole 76a may be formed to vertically pass through the central portion of the lower frame 76. A third bearing 75 that rotatably supports a lower portion of the main shaft 51 may be provided on the inner side of the lower frame hole 76a. The third bearing 75 may rotatably support the main shaft 51 such that the main shaft 51 rotates relative to the lower frame 76 on the inner side of the lower frame hole 76a. For example, the third bearing 75 may include bearing metal.

[0074] The upper portion of the shaft 50 may be supported by the frame 20, and the lower portion of the shaft 50 may be supported by the lower frame 76. More specifically, the bearing member 60 coupled to the upper portion of the main shaft 51 may be rotatably supported by the first bearing 73 provided on the inner side of the frame hole 21, and the lower portion of the main shaft 51 may be rotatably supported by the third bearing 75 provided on the inner side of the lower frame hole 76a.

[0075] The shaft 50 may include an oil passage 53 that supplies oil from the sump 17 to at least one of the first bearing 73, the second bearing 74, and the third bearing 75. The oil passage 53 may be formed to pass through the shaft 50 in the direction in which the shaft 50 extends. The direction in which the shaft 50 extends may refer to the up-down direction or the vertical direction or the direction of the rotation axis of the shaft 50.

[0076] The oil passage 53 may be formed to pass through the main shaft 51 and eccentric portion 52 of the shaft 50. An outlet 54 of the oil passage 53 may be formed at the upper end or upper surface of the eccentric portion 52. An inlet 55 of the oil passage 53 may be formed at the lower end or lower surface of the main shaft 51.

[0077] Oil may move upward from below within the oil passage 53 due to a pressure difference. Therefore, oil from the sump 17 may flow into the oil passage 53 through the inlet 55 located at the lower end of the oil passage 53, move upward, and then be discharged through the outlet 54 located at the upper end of the oil passage 53. At least a portion of the oil discharged through the outlet 54 of the oil passage 53 may be supplied to the second bearing 74. The oil supplied to the second bearing 74 may move downward by gravity and be accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61.

[0078] A portion of the oil moving upward along the oil passage 53 may be supplied to the third bearing 75. The shaft 50 may include a third bearing passage 53c that supplies at least a portion of oil from the oil passage 53 to the third bearing 75.

[0079] The third bearing passage 53c may connect the oil passage 53 to a side surface of the main shaft 51 located on the inner side the third bearing 75. Through the third bearing passage 53c, a portion of oil from the oil passage 53 may be discharged to the side surface of the main shaft 51 located on the inner side of the third bearing 75. Accordingly, oil may be supplied to the third bearing 75.

[0080] A portion of oil moving upward along the oil passage 53 may be supplied to the second bearing 74. The shaft 50 may include a second bearing passage 53b that supplies at least a portion of oil from the oil passage 53 to the second bearing 74.

[0081] The second bearing passage 53b may connect the oil passage 53 to a side surface of the eccentric portion 52 located on the inner side of the second bearing 74. The second bearing passage 53b may connect one side of the oil passage 53 to a side surface of the shaft 50 that overlaps with the second bearing 74 in the radial direction of the second bearing 74. Through the second bearing passage 53b, a portion of oil from the oil passage 53 may be discharged to the side surface of the eccentric portion 52 located on the inner side of the second bearing 74. Accordingly, oil may be supplied to the second bearing 74.

[0082] According to an embodiment, a portion of oil accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61 through the oil passage 53 may be supplied to the first bearing 73. The bearing member 60 may include a first bearing passage 62 that supplies at least a portion of oil accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61 to the first bearing 73.

[0083] Oil discharged to the upper surface of the eccentric portion 52 through the outlet 54 of the oil passage 53 may move to the boss receiving groove 61 and be accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61. Oil supplied to the second bearing 74 through the second bearing passage 53b may move downward by gravity and be accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61.

[0084] The first bearing passage 62 may be formed to pass through an inner surface of the bearing member 60 that forms the boss receiving groove 61 and an outer surface of the bearing member 60 that forms the boss receiving groove 61. In other words, the first bearing passage 62 may connect an inner side surface of the bearing member 60 that forms the boss receiving groove 61 and an outer side surface of the bearing member 60 on which the first bearing 73 is arranged. Through the first bearing passage 62, at least a portion of oil accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61 may be discharged to a side surface of the bearing member 60 located on the inner side the first bearing 73. The first bearing passage 62 may discharge oil accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61 to the side surface of the bearing member 60, thereby supplying oil to the first bearing 73.

[0085] According to the present disclosure, the scroll compressor 1 may include an oil discharge passage 23 that discharges oil accommodated in the oil pocket or the boss receiving groove 61 to the side surface of the frame 20.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, the oil discharge passage 23 may be formed to pass through an inner side surface of the frame 20 on which the first bearing 73 is installed and an outer side surface of the frame 20. The oil discharge passage 23 may discharge oil from the boss receiving groove 61 or the oil pocket to the side surface of the frame 20.

[0087] When oil accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61 fills the boss receiving groove 61, the oil inside the boss receiving groove 61 may flow over the upper surface of the bearing member 60 and the upper surface of the first bearing 73 and may be introduced into the oil discharge passage 23. The oil introduced into the oil discharge passage 23 may move laterally along the oil discharge passage 23 and be discharged to the side surface of the frame 20.

[0088] The oil discharge passage 23 may include an inlet portion 23a formed by at least a portion of the inner side surface of the frame 20 being recessed radially outward of the frame 20. Due to the inlet portion 23a, a space may be formed between the first bearing 73 and the inner side surface of the frame 20. Since the first bearing 73 is thermally press-fitted or mechanically press-fitted to the inner side surface of the frame 20, no space is formed between the first bearing 73 and the inner side surface of the frame 20 on which the first bearing 73 is mounted. By providing the inlet portion 23a formed as at least a portion of the inner side surface of the frame 20 being recessed, a space may be formed between the first bearing 73 and the inlet portion 23a, and oil may flow into the space. In other words, the inlet portion 23a of the oil discharge passage 23 may form a space into which oil may flow between the first bearing 73 and the inner side surface of the frame 20.

[0089] The oil discharge passage 23 may include a connection portion 23b that guides oil introduced through the inlet portion 23a to the outer side surface of the frame 20. According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the connection portion 23b may horizontally connect a lower end of the inlet portion 23a to the outer side surface of the frame 20. The diameter of the connection portion 23b may be formed smaller than the width or height of the inlet portion 23a. The width of the inlet portion 23a may refer to the length of the inlet portion 23a in the horizontal direction. The height of the inlet portion 23a may refer to the length of the inlet portion 23a in the vertical direction.

[0090] The oil discharge passage 23 may include an discharge portion 23c. The inlet portion 23a may be connected to one end of the connection portion 23b, and the discharge portion 23c may be connected to the other end of the connection portion 23b. The discharge portion 23c may be formed by at least a portion of the outer side surface of the frame 20 being recessed radially inward of the frame 20.

[0091] The discharge portion 23c may form a space into which oil may be discharged, similar to the inlet portion 23b. The frame 20 may be thermally press-fitted or mechanically press-fitted to the main body 11 to be fixed inside the main body 11 of the housing 10. When the frame 20 is fixed inside the main body 11, no space is formed between the inner surface of the main body 11 and the outer side surface of the frame 20. By providing the discharge portion 23c formed as at least a portion of the outer side surface of the frame 20 being recessed, a space may be formed between the outer side surface of the frame 20 and the inner surface of the main body 11, and oil may be discharged into the space. In other words, the discharge portion 23c of the oil discharge passage 23 may form a space into which oil may be discharged between the outer side surface of the frame 20 and the inner side surface of the main body 11.

[0092] As described above, the oil discharge passage 23 may include the inlet portion 23a that forms a space between the first bearing 73 and the inner side surface of the frame 20 to allow oil in the boss receiving groove 61 to flow into the inner side surface of the frame 20, the connection portion 23b that guides the oil introduced into the inlet portion 23a toward the outer side surface of the frame 20, and the discharge portion 23cc that forms a space into oil discharged through the connection portion 23b is discharged between the outer side surface of the frame 20 and the inner side surface of the main body 11. Oil accommodated in the boss receiving groove 61 may flow into the inlet portion 23a past the upper surface of the boss receiving groove 61 and the upper surface of the first bearing 73. The oil introduced into the inlet portion 23a may move to the discharge portion 23cc along the connection portion 23b. The oil discharged to the discharge portion 23cc may move downward by gravity and be stored again in the sump 17.

[0093] According to the present disclosure, the scroll compressor 1 may include the oil discharge passage 23, thereby reducing flow loss caused by oil coming into contact with rotating structures. By reducing the flow loss, the efficiency of the scroll compressor 1 may be improved.

[0094] When the oil discharge passage 23 that discharges oil to the outer side surface of the frame 20 is not provided, oil stored in the boss receiving groove 61 is supplied to the first bearing 73 and then falls below the first bearing 73 by gravity. Although oil that falls below the first bearing 73 is eventually collected in the sump 17, the oil contacts the balance portion 63 of the bearing member 60 or contacts the rotor 72 of the drive motor 70 in the process of moving to the sump 17. In the process in which oil contacts or collides with the rotating structures inside the housing 10, including the balance portion 63 and the rotor 72, energy loss of rotating structures may occur.

[0095] The scroll compressor 1 according to the present disclosure may reduce the amount of oil discharged below the first bearing 73 by discharging at least a portion of oil stored in the boss receiving groove 61 through the oil discharge passage 23. By reducing the amount of oil discharged below the first bearing 73, energy loss caused by collision between rotating structures and oil may be reduced.

[0096] According to the present disclosure, the scroll compressor 1 may include a guide member 80 configured to guide oil discharged through the oil discharge passage 23. The guide member 80 may be disposed below the discharge portion 23c.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, the guide member 80 may include a first guide portion 81 that is arranged below the discharge portion 23cc and is positioned inside the discharge portion 23c in a radial direction of the main body 11, and a second guide portion 82 that is connected to a lower end of the first guide portion 81 and extends obliquely from the lower end of the first guide portion 81 in a radially outward direction of the main body 11. The guide member 80 may further include a third guide portion 83 connected to a lower end of the second guide portion 82. The third guide portion 83 may extend in a substantially vertical direction

[0098] The guide member 80 may guide oil such that oil discharged through the oil discharge passage 23 does not flow to the inner side of the drive motor 70. As described above, when oil flows to the inner side of the drive motor 70 and contacts rotating structures, energy loss may occur. The guide member 80 may guide oil such that oil discharged through the oil discharge passage 23 does not move toward the rotor 72 of the drive motor 70.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 5, the inlet portion 23a of the frame 20 may have a cross-sectional shape that is approximately an arc or semicircle. For example, the inlet portion 23a may be formed by a cutting processing. The inlet portion 23a may be formed by cutting at least a portion of the inner side surface of the frame 20 by a rotating structure. Due to the characteristics of such cutting processes, the cross-sectional shape of the inlet portion 23a formed through the cutting process may be an arc or semicircle. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The inlet portion 23a may have various processes and various cross-sectional shapes.

[0100] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of section B in FIG. 7.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a scroll compressor 1 according to an embodiment may include an oil discharge passage 24 configured to slope downward toward the radially outward direction of the frame 20. Since an inlet portion 24a and an discharge portion 24c are the same as the inlet portion 23a and the discharge portion 23c described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the oil discharge passage 24 may include a connection portion 24b that extends to be inclined downward toward the radially outward direction of the frame 20. By providing the connection portion 24b to slope downward, oil inside the connection portion 24b may move relatively rapidly along the connection portion 24b by gravity.

[0103] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of section C in FIG. 9.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an oil discharge passage 25 of a scroll compressor 1 according to an embodiment may include a first passage 25a and 25c formed to pass through the frame 20 in a first direction, and a second passage 25b extending in a second direction within the frame 20. A stopper 26 may be provided in the first passage 25a and 25c to block at least a portion of the first passage 25a and 25c. The first direction may be an oblique direction. The second direction may be a horizontal direction. The first direction may be a direction that is inclined downward toward a radially outward direction of the frame 20.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the oil discharge passage 25 may include the first passage 25a and 25c formed to pass through the frame 20 in a diagonal direction and the second passage 25b extending in a horizontal direction within the frame 20.

[0106] The first passage 25a and 25c may pass through the frame 20 to be inclined downward toward the radially outward direction of the frame 20. One end of the first passage 25a and 25c may be connected to the first bearing 73. Specifically, the one end of the first passage 25a and 25c may be connected to an upper surface of the first bearing 73.

[0107] The other end of the first passage 25a and 25c may be connected to a lower surface of the frame 20. The stopper 26 may be provided in a region adjacent to the other end of the first passage 25a and 25c to prevent oil from being discharged through the other end of the first passage 25a and 25c. As the stopper 26 is provided, oil may not be discharged through the other end of the first passage 25a and 25c connected to the lower surface of the frame 20.

[0108] The second passage 25b may extend horizontally within the frame 20. One side of the second passage 25b may be connected to the first passage 25a and 25c. The other side of the second passage 25b may be connected to an discharge portion 25d. Since the discharge portion 25d is the same as the discharge portion 23c described above, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy.

[0109] Oil flowing from the boss receiving groove 61 past the upper surface of the first bearing 73 into the first passage 25a and 25c may move to the discharge portion 25d by the second passage 25b. As described above, since the stopper 26 is provided in the first passage 25a and 25c, oil flowing into the first passage 25a and 25c is not discharged to the lower surface of the frame 20 but moves along the second passage 25b and is discharged to the discharge portion 25d provided on the outer side surface of the frame 20.

[0110] For example, the first passage 25a and 25c and the second passage 25b may be formed in the frame 20 through a process of machining bolt holes. Since bolt holes may be formed relatively easily in the frame 20 using various tools, the first passage 25a and 25c and the second passage 25b may be easily formed in the frame 20. The stopper 26, which is provided on the first passage 25a and 25c, to block the first passage 25a and 25c may be, for example, a part or all of a fastening member having threads formed on the outer circumferential surface.

[0111] A scroll compressor according to an embodiment includes a housing; a frame fixed inside the housing; a fixed scroll coupled to the frame to be fixed inside the housing; an orbiting scroll configured to perform orbiting motion relative to the fixed scroll and including a boss portion; a shaft including an eccentric portion inserted into the boss portion to transmit rotational force to the boss portion, and an oil passage; a bearing member coupled to the shaft to rotate together with the shaft and including a boss receiving groove into which the boss portion is inserted; a first bearing provided between the frame and the bearing member to rotatably support the bearing member; and a second bearing provided between the boss portion and the eccentric portion to rotatably support the eccentric portion, the second bearing configured to overlap at least partially with the first bearing in a radial direction of the first bearing. The frame includes an oil discharge passage formed to pass through at least a portion of the frame to discharge oil from the boss receiving groove to a side surface of the frame.

[0112] The housing may have a sump formed at a lower side thereof to store oil.

[0113] The oil passage may extend from a lower surface of the shaft to an upper surface of the shaft to guide oil from the sump to the upper surface of the shaft.

[0114] The bearing member may further include a first bearing passage configured to supply oil to the first bearing.

[0115] The first bearing passage may connect an inner side surface of the bearing member forming the boss receiving groove and an outer side surface of the bearing member configured to contact the first bearing.

[0116] The shaft may further include a second bearing passage configured to supply oil to the second bearing.

[0117] The second bearing passage may connect one side of the oil passage and a side surface of the eccentric portion provided to contact the second bearing.

[0118] The oil discharge passage may include an inlet portion configured to form a space between the first bearing and the frame such that oil from the boss receiving groove may be introduced into an area between the first bearing and an inner side surface of the frame.

[0119] The inlet portion may be formed by at least a portion of the inner side surface of the frame being recessed radially outward of the frame.

[0120] A cross-sectional shape of the inlet portion may be a semicircle or an arc.

[0121] The oil discharge passage may further include a connection portion configured to connect the inlet portion and an outer side surface of the frame to guide oil from the inlet portion to the outer side surface of the frame.

[0122] The oil discharge passage may further include an discharge portion configured to form a space between the outer side surface of the frame and an inner side surface of the housing such that oil introduced into one side of the connection portion via the inlet portion is discharged to an area between the inner side surface of the housing and the outer side surface of the frame.

[0123] The discharge portion may be formed by at least a portion of the outer side surface of the frame being recessed radially inward of the frame.

[0124] The connection portion may be formed to pass through the frame in a radial direction of the frame to connect one side of the inlet portion and one side of the discharge portion.

[0125] The connection portion may be formed to pass through the frame to connect one side of the inlet portion and one side of the discharge portion.

[0126] The connection portion may be configured to slope downward in a direction toward a radially outer side of the frame.

[0127] The scroll compressor may further include a guide member arranged below the frame to guide oil discharged through the oil discharge passage radially outward of the frame.

[0128] The guide member may further include a first guide portion arranged below the discharge portion and positioned inside the discharge portion in a radial direction of the frame.

[0129] The guide member may further include a second guide portion connected to a lower end of the first guide portion and configured to slope downward from the lower end of the first guide portion toward a radially outer side of the frame.

[0130] The guide member may further include a third guide portion connected to a lower end of the second guide portion and extending vertically from the lower end of the second guide portion.

[0131] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a scroll compressor with improved efficiency by reducing flow loss caused by contact between oil and a rotating structure can be provided.

[0132] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a scroll compressor with improved efficiency by improving an oil discharge passage can be provided.

[0133] Although the disclosure has been shown and described in relation to specific embodiments, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]The embodiments described in the disclosure and the configurations shown in the drawings are only examples of the disclosure, and various modifications may be made at the time of filing of the disclosure to replace the embodiments and drawings of the disclosure.

[0021]In the description of the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the drawings.

[0022]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.

[0023]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.

[0024]The terms of “˜part”, “˜module” and “˜member” may be implemented in hardware or software. In some embodiments, a plurality of “˜parts”, “˜module...

Claims

1. A scroll compressor comprising:a housing;a frame fixed inside the housing;a fixed scroll couplable to the frame and fixable inside the housing;an orbiting scroll configured to perform orbiting motion relative to the fixed scroll and including a boss portion;a shaft including an eccentric portion insertable into the boss portion to transmit rotational force to the boss portion, and an oil passage;a bearing member couplable to the shaft, configured to rotate together with the shaft, and including a boss receiving groove in which the boss portion is insertable;a first bearing between the frame and the bearing member to rotatably support the bearing member; anda second bearing between the boss portion and the eccentric portion to rotatably support the eccentric portion, the second bearing configured to overlap at least partially with the first bearing in a radial direction of the first bearing,wherein the frame includes an oil discharge passage and based on the eccentric portion being inserted into the boss portion, the oil discharge passage is formed to pass through at least a portion of the frame such that oil is discharged from the boss receiving groove to a side surface of the frame.

2. The scroll compressor of claim 1, whereinthe housing has a sump formed at a lower side configured to store the oil, andthe oil passage extends from a lower surface of the shaft to an upper surface of the shaft to guide the oil from the sump to the upper surface of the shaft.

3. The scroll compressor of claim 1, whereinthe bearing member further includes a first bearing passage configured to supply the oil to the first bearing; andthe first bearing passage connects an inner side surface of the bearing member forming the boss receiving groove and an outer side surface of the bearing member configured to contact the first bearing.

4. The scroll compressor of claim 3, whereinthe shaft further includes a second bearing passage configured to supply the oil to the second bearing, andthe second bearing passage connects a side of the oil passage and a side surface of the eccentric portion provided to contact the second bearing.

5. The scroll compressor of claim 1, whereinthe oil discharge passage includes an inlet portion configured to form a space between the first bearing and the frame such that the oil from the boss receiving groove is introduced into an area between the first bearing and an inner side surface of the frame.

6. The scroll compressor of claim 5, whereinthe inlet portion is formed by at least a portion of the inner side surface of the frame being recessed radially outward of the frame, anda cross-sectional shape of the inlet portion is a semicircle or an arc.

7. The scroll compressor of claim 5, whereinthe oil discharge passage further includes a connection portion configured to connect the inlet portion and an outer side surface of the frame to guide the oil from the inlet portion to the outer side surface of the frame.

8. The scroll compressor of claim 7, whereinthe oil discharge passage further includes a discharge portion configured to form a space between the outer side surface of the housing and an inner side surface of the housing such that the oil introduced into one side of the connection portion via the inlet portion is discharged to an area between the inner side surface of the housing and the outer side surface of the frame.

9. The scroll compressor of claim 8, whereinthe discharge portion is formed by at least a portion of the outer side surface of the frame being recessed radially inward of the frame.

10. The scroll compressor of claim 8, whereinthe connection portion is formed to pass through the frame in a radial direction of the frame to connect a side of the inlet portion and a side of the discharge portion.

11. The scroll compressor of claim 8, whereinthe connection portion is formed to pass through the frame to connect a side of the inlet portion and a side of the discharge portion, andthe connection portion is configured to slope downward in a direction toward a radially outer side of the frame.

12. The scroll compressor of claim 1, further comprising a guide member arranged below the frame to guide the oil discharged through the oil discharge passage radially outward of the frame.

13. The scroll compressor of claim 12, whereinthe guide member further includes a first guide portion arranged below the oil discharge passage and positioned inside the oil discharge passage in a radial direction of the frame.

14. The scroll compressor of claim 13, whereinthe guide member further includes a second guide portion connected to a lower end of the first guide portion and configured to slope downward from the lower end of the first guide portion toward a radially outer side of the frame.

15. The scroll compressor of claim 14, whereinthe guide member further includes a third guide portion connected to a lower end of the second guide portion and extending vertically from the lower end of the second guide portion.

Images