Fixed-Scroll Check Valve Assembly for Scroll Compressor Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scroll compressors face issues with efficiency and reliability deterioration due to refrigerant and oil backflow when restarted, noise generation from reverse orbiting scroll rotation, and complex assembly processes that increase manufacturing costs and risk sealing function loss.
Innovation Solution
A scroll compressor with a check valve featuring a hinge structure installed directly on the fixed scroll's side surface, allowing for simple assembly without additional machining or cost, using a screw-coupled valve fixing part and a plate member that rotates to block refrigerant backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a check valve is installed in the suction port of the fixed scroll, then refrigerant backflow is suppressed and reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is divided into separate components: a valve body with inlet/outlet ports, a plate member that rotates to block flow, and a hinge structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly into the fixed scroll's suction port.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate member is designed to rotate dynamically around the hinge axis rather than being a fixed blocking structure. This dynamic design allows the valve to automatically open during normal operation and close during backflow conditions, providing reliable protection while maintaining flow efficiency.
2Reliability
If the check valve is integrated into the fixed scroll body, then sealing function is maintained, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve components are manufactured separately from the fixed scroll body and then assembled together. The valve body includes external threading that engages with threaded holes in the fixed scroll, allowing for separate manufacturing of complex components while maintaining reliable sealing through the threaded connection and gasket interface.
Solution Approach 2:
A gasket is introduced as an intermediary sealing element between the valve body and the fixed scroll body. This gasket provides reliable sealing without requiring complex precision machining or interference fits, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the sealing function.
3Reliability
If additional machining is performed on the fixed scroll for valve installation, then valve integration is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Threaded holes are pre-formed in the fixed scroll body during the casting or machining of the main component, before valve assembly. The valve body is pre-assembled with the plate member and hinge structure. These preliminary actions enable quick installation without requiring additional complex machining operations during final assembly, improving both integration and productivity.
4Reliability
If the plate member is made to rotate freely, then backflow prevention is improved, but control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate member is designed with an asymmetric shape relative to the hinge axis, with a larger surface area on one side than the other. This asymmetry creates a natural tendency for the plate to close completely during backflow while maintaining a precise sealing edge, improving both backflow prevention and control precision through the geometric design rather than complex mechanical constraints.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively suppresses refrigerant and oil backflow, reduces noise, and maintains efficiency and reliability by preventing reverse rotation, while enabling mass production compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
when the compressor stops operating, high-pressure refrigerant and oil in a discharge space move to the suction part
Implementation Method 2
a plate member that rotates to block refrigerant backflow
Data Source
AI summary
A scroll compressor including a casing forming the exterior; a driving unit installed in the casing and generates a drive power; a rotary shaft installed in the driving unit to be rotatable; a compression portion including an orbiting scroll installed on the rotary shaft to be capable of orbiting, and a fixed scroll which is coupled to be engaged with the orbiting scroll so as to form a compression chamber between the orbiting scroll and the fixed scroll; and a check valve including a valve portion which is arranged so that one side thereof faces the compression chamber and guides suction of a refrigerant when being opened and is closed when the driving of the compressor is stopped so as to prevent the refrigerant from flowing backward, and a valve fixing portion which is installed on the side surface provided in the suction port of the fixed scroll.