TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a scroll compressor particularly used for a refrigeration
machine such as an air conditioner, a water heater, and a refrigera tor.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In a refrigeration apparatus and an air conditioner, a compressor is used which sucks
a gas refrigerant evaporated by an evaporator, compresses the gas refrigerant to a
pressure required for condensation by a condenser, and sends high-temperature high-pressure
gas refrigerant to a refrigerant circuit. Thus, a scroll compressor is provided with
two expansion valves between the condenser and the evaporator and injects an intermediate-pressure
refrigerant flowing between the two expansion valves to a compression chamber during
a compression process, thereby aiming to reduce power consumption and improve capacity
of a refrigeration cycle.
[0003] That is, the refrigerant circulating in the condenser is increased by the amount
of the injected refrigerant. In the air conditioner, heating capacitor is improved.
Further, since the injected refrigerant is in an intermediate pressure state, and
power required for compression ranges from the intermediate pressure to the high pressure,
a coefficient of performance (COP) can be improved and power consumption can be reduced,
as compared to a case where the same function is provided without injection.
[0004] The amount of the refrigerant flowing in the condenser is equal to a sum of the amount
of the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator and the amount of the injected refrigerant,
and a ratio of the amount of the injected refrigerant to the amount of the refrigerant
flowing in the condenser is an injection rate.
[0005] To increase an effect of injection, the injection rate may increase. Thus, the refrigerant
is injected due to a pressure difference between the pressure of the injected refrigerant
and the internal pressure of a compression chamber. To increase the injection rate,
it is necessary to increase the pressure of the injected refrigerant.
[0006] However, when the pressure of the injected refrigerant increases, a liquid refrigerant
is injected to the compression chamber, which causes a decrease in heating capacity
and a decrease in reliability of the compressor.
[0007] In the refrigerant introduced into the compression chamber from an injection pipe,
the gas refrigerant is preferentially extracted from a gas-liquid separator and is
fed. However, when balance of intermediate pressure control is broken or when a transient
condition is changed, in a state in which the liquid refrigerant is mixed with the
gas refrigerant, the mixture is introduced from the injection pipe. In the compression
chamber having many sliding parts, in order to keep a sliding state good, an appropriate
amount of oil is fed and is compressed together with the refrigerant. However, when
the liquid refrigerant is mixed, the oil in the compression chamber is washed by the
liquid refrigerant. Thus, the sliding state deteriorates, components are worn or burned.
Thus, it is important that the liquid refrigerant introduced from the injection pipe
is not fed to the compression chamber as far as possible and only the gas refrigerant
is guided to an injection port.
[0008] The intermediate pressure is controlled by adjusting an opening degree of the expansion
valves respectively provided upstream or downstream of the gas-liquid separator, and
an injected refrigerant is fed into the compression chamber by a pressure difference
between the intermediate pressure and the internal pressure of the compression chamber
in the compressor to which the injection pipe is finally connected. Therefore, when
the intermediate pressure is adjusted high, the injection rate increases. Meanwhile,
the higher the intermediate pressure, the smaller a gas-phase component ratio of the
refrigerant flowing from the condenser via the upstream expansion valve to the gas-liquid
separator. Thus, when the intermediate pressure excessively increases, the liquid
refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator increases, and the liquid refrigerant flows
into the injection pipe, resulting in a decrease in heating capacity and a decrease
in reliability of the compressor.
[0009] Thus, a configuration which obtains a large amount of the injected refrigerant using
the intermediate pressure as low as possible is desirable as the compressor, and a
scroll type having a slow compression rate is suitable as a compression method.
[0010] In particular, a symmetric scroll compressor in which compression chambers having
the same volume are formed at the same timing outside and inside a wrap of the orbiting
scroll has a feature in which mechanical balance is excellent in a low vibration state
due to symmetry of the compression chambers. Thus, the scroll compressor has been
used for various fields such as air conditioning.
[0011] Meanwhile, regarding the injection, in the scroll compressor according to the related
art, opening ranges of the injection port and the bypass port are disclosed (see,
for example, PTL 1). Accordingly, the scroll compressor is provided which can cope
with various operation modes including the injection with high performance.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0012] PTL 1: Japanese Patent No.
3764261
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In the symmetric scroll compressor, a compression start timing of a first compression
chamber formed outside a wrap of the orbiting scroll and a compression start timing
of a second compression chamber formed inside the wrap of the orbiting scroll are
equal to each other. Thus, it is difficult for one injection port to always send the
same amount of the injected refrigerant to the first compression chamber and the second
compression chamber.
[0014] Further, in PTL 1, a relationship between opening sections of the bypass port and
the injection port is disclosed. However, a relationship between the amount of injection
to the first compression chamber and the second compression chamber and the bypass
port is not disclosed.
[0015] The present invention relates to a scroll compressor that can prevent an excessive
compression operation due to a difference between injection amounts occurring in a
symmetric scroll compressor, can cope with the operation even at a higher injection
rate to maximize an original effect of an injection cycle, and can expand a capacity
improvement amount.
[0016] The scroll compressor according to the present invention includes a fixed scroll
including a first spiral wrap standing up from a first end plate of the fixed scroll
and an orbiting scroll including a second spiral wrap standing up from a second end
plate of the orbiting scroll, wherein the first spiral wrap of the fixed scroll is
engaged with the second spiral wrap of the orbiting scroll to define a compression
chamber between the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll. Further, the compression
chamber includes a first compression chamber on an outer wall side of the second spiral
wrap of the orbiting scroll and a second compression chamber on an inner wall side
of the second spiral wrap of the orbiting scroll, the suction volume of the first
compression chamber is substantially equal to the suction volume of the second compression
chamber. Further, the first end plate of the fixed scroll includes a central portion
having a discharge port through which a refrigerant compressed in the compression
chamber is discharged. The scroll compressor further comprises a discharge bypass
port through which the refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber is discharged
before the compression chamber communicates with the discharge port is provided. Further,
the scroll compressor comprises at least one injection port through which an intermediate-pressure
refrigerant is injected into the first compression chamber, the at least one injection
port penetrating the first end plate of the fixed scroll at a position where the injection
port is open to the first compression chamber or the second compression chamber during
a compression stroke after a suction refrigerant is introduced and closed. Further,
the scroll compressor comprises the discharge bypass port is disposed such that a
volume ratio is smaller in one compression chamber of the first compression chamber
and the second compression chamber, which has the large amount of the refrigerant
injected from the injection port, than in the other compression chamber, the volume
ratio of the suction volume to the discharge volume of the compression chamber at
which the refrigerant in the compression chamber can be discharged.
[0017] In this way, as more injection is injected into a compression chamber having a small
volume ratio, an injection rate increases, so that an effect of an injection cycle
can be maximized, and efficiency improvement and capacity expansion effect can be
obtained more than the related art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a refrigeration cycle including a scroll compressor according
to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the scroll compressor according to
the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a main part of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing an internal pressure of the compression chamber of the scroll
compressor when an injection operation is not accompanied.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for illustrating a positional relationship between an oil supplying
passage and a sealing member accompanying an orbiting movement of the scroll compressor
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for illustrating an opening state of the oil supplying passage
and an injection port accompanying the orbiting movement of the scroll compressor
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a scroll compressor according to
a second embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
[0019] Hereinafter, a scroll compressor according to a first embodiment of the present invention
will be described. The present invention is not limited to the following present embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a refrigeration cycle including the scroll compressor
according to the first embodiment.
[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a refrigeration cycle device including the scroll compressor
according to the present embodiment includes compressor 91 that is the scroll compressor,
condenser 92, evaporator 93, expansion valves 94a and 94b, injection pipe 95, and
gas-liquid separator 96.
[0022] A refrigerant, which is a working fluid condensed by condenser 92, is depressurized
to an intermediate pressure by expansion valve 94a on an upstream side, and gas-liquid
separator 96 separates the refrigerant at the intermediate pressure into a gas-phase
component (a gas refrigerant) and a liquid-phase component (a liquid refrigerant).
The liquid refrigerant depressurized to the intermediate pressure further passes through
expansion valve 94b, becomes a low-pressure refrigerant, and is guided to evaporator
93.
[0023] The liquid refrigerant sent to evaporator 93 is evaporated by heat exchange and is
discharged as the gas refrigerant or the gas refrigerant partially mixed with the
liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant discharged from evaporator 93 is incorporated
in the compression chamber of compressor 91.
[0024] Meanwhile, the gas refrigerant separated by gas-liquid separator 96 and being at
an intermediate pressure passes through injection pipe 95 and is guided to the compression
chamber in compressor 91. Although not illustrated, a closure valve or an expansion
valve may be provided in injection pipe 95 and may be configured to adjust and stop
the injection pressure.
[0025] Compressor 91 compresses a low-pressure refrigerant flowing from evaporator 93, injects
the refrigerant in gas-liquid separator 96 at an intermediate pressure to the compression
chamber in a compression process to compress the refrigerant, and sends the high-temperature
high-pressure refrigerant from a discharge tube to condenser 92.
[0026] In a ratio of the liquid-phase component to the gas-phase component separated by
gas-liquid separator 96, as a pressure difference between an inlet-side pressure and
an outlet-side pressure of expansion valve 94a provided on the upstream side increases,
the amount of the gas-phase component increases. Further, as a supercooling degree
of the refrigerant at an outlet of condenser 92 decreases or a depletion degree thereof
increases, the amount of the gas-phase component increases.
[0027] Meanwhile, the amount of the refrigerant sucked through injection pipe 95 by compressor
91 increases as the intermediate pressure increases. Thus, when the refrigerant of
which the ratio of the gas-phase component is more than the ratio of the gas-phase
component of the refrigerant separated by gas-liquid separator 96 is sucked from injection
pipe 95, the gas refrigerant in gas-liquid separator 96 is depleted, and the liquid
refrigerant flows to injection pipe 95. It is preferable that in order to maximize
capacity of compressor 91, the gas refrigerant separated by gas-liquid separator 96
is sucked from injection pipe 95 to compressor 91. However, when the refrigerant escapes
from this balanced state, the liquid refrigerant flows from injection pipe 95 to compressor
91. Thus, even in this case, it is necessary that compressor 91 is configured to maintain
high reliability.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the scroll compressor according to
the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a main part of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a view taken along line
4-4 of FIG. 4.
[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 2, compressor 91 includes compression mechanism 2, motor unit
3, and oil reservoir 20 inside sealed container 1.
[0030] Compression mechanism 2 includes main bearing member 11 fixed to sealed container
1 through welding or shrink fitting, fixed scroll (a compression chamber partitioning
member) 12 fixed to main bearing member 11 through a bolt, and orbiting scroll 13
engaged with fixed scroll 12. Shaft 4 is pivotally supported by main bearing member
11.
[0031] Rotation restraining mechanism 14 such as an Oldham ring, which prevents rotation
of orbiting scroll 13 and guides orbiting scroll 13 to perform a circular orbiting
movement, is provided between orbiting scroll 13 and main bearing member 11.
[0032] Orbiting scroll 13 is eccentrically driven by eccentric shaft portion 4a at an upper
end of shaft 4 and circularly orbits by rotation restraining mechanism 14.
[0033] Compression chamber 15 is formed between fixed scroll 12 and orbiting scroll 13.
[0034] Suction pipe 16 penetrates sealed container 1 to the outside, and suction port 17
is provided at an outer circumferential portion of fixed scroll 12. The working fluid
(the refrigerant) sucked from suction pipe 16 is guided from suction port 17 to compression
chamber 15. Compression chamber 15 moves from an outer circumferential side to a central
portion while the volume thereof is reduced. The working fluid that reaches a predetermined
pressure in compression chamber 15 is discharged from discharge port 18 provided at
a central portion of fixed scroll 12 to discharge chamber 31. Discharge reed valve
19 is provided in discharge port 18. The working fluid that reaches the predetermined
pressure in compression chamber 15 pushes and opens discharge reed valve 19 to be
discharged to discharge chamber 31. The working fluid discharged to discharge chamber
31 is discharged to the outside of sealed container 1.
[0035] Meanwhile, the working fluid at the intermediate pressure, guided from injection
pipe 95, flows to intermediate pressure chamber 41, opens check valve 42 provided
in injection port 43, is injected into compression chamber 15 after working fluid
is enclosed, and is discharged from discharge port 18 into sealed container 1 together
with the working fluid sucked from suction port 17.
[0036] Pump 25 is provided at a lower end of shaft 4. Pump 25 is disposed such that a suction
port thereof exists in oil reservoir 20.
[0037] Pump 25 is driven by shaft 4 and can certainly pump up oil 6 in oil reservoir 20
provided at a bottom portion of sealed container 1 regardless of a pressure condition
and an operation speed. Thus, a concern about shortage of oil 6 is alleviated. Oil
6 pumped up by pump 25 is supplied to compression mechanism 2 through oil supplying
hole 26 formed in shaft 4. Before and after oil 6 is pumped up by pump 25, when foreign
substances are removed from oil 6 by an oil filter or the like, the foreign substances
can be prevented from being introduced into compression mechanism 2, and reliability
can be further improved.
[0038] The pressure of oil 6 guided to compression mechanism 2 is substantially the same
as a discharge pressure of the scroll compressor and serves as a back pressure source
for orbiting scroll 13. Accordingly, orbiting scroll 13 stably exhibits a predetermined
compression function without being separated from or colliding with fixed scroll 12.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 3, ring-shaped sealing member 78 is disposed on rear surface
13e of an end plate of orbiting scroll 13.
[0040] High-pressure area 30 is formed inside sealing member 78, and back-pressure chamber
29 is formed outside sealing member 78. Back-pressure chamber 29 is set to a pressure
between a high pressure and a low pressure. Since high-pressure area 30 and back-pressure
chamber 29 can be separated from each other using sealing member 78, application of
the pressure from rear surface 13e of orbiting scroll 13 can be stably controlled.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 6 which is a view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3, compression chamber
15 having fixed scroll 12 and orbiting scroll 13 includes first compression chamber
15a formed on an outer wall side of a wrap of orbiting scroll 13 and second compression
chamber 15b formed on an inner wall side of the wrap.
[0042] Connection passage 55 from high-pressure area 30 to back-pressure chamber 29 and
supply passage 56 from back-pressure chamber 29 to second compression chamber 15b
are provided as an oil supplying passage from oil reservoir 20 illustrated in FIG.
3. As connection passage 55 from high-pressure area 30 to back-pressure chamber 29
is provided, oil 6 can be supplied to a sliding portion of rotation restraining mechanism
14 and a thrust sliding portion of fixed scroll 12 and orbiting scroll 13.
[0043] One first opening end 55a of connection passage 55 is formed on rear surface 13e
of orbiting scroll 13 and travels between the inside and the outside of sealing member
78, and the other second opening end 55b is always open to high-pressure area 30.
Accordingly, intermittent oil supplying can be realized.
[0044] A part of oil 6 enters a fitting portion between eccentric shaft portion 4a and orbiting
scroll 13 and bearing portion 66 between shaft 4 and main bearing member 11 so as
to obtain an escape area by supply pressure or self weight, falls after lubricating
each component, and returns to oil reservoir 20.
[0045] In the scroll compressor according to the present embodiment, the oil supplying passage
to compression chamber 15 is configured with passage 13a formed inside orbiting scroll
13 and recess 12a formed in a wrap side end plate of fixed scroll 12. Third opening
end 56a of passage 13a is formed at wrap tip end 13c and is periodically opened to
recess 12a according to the orbiting movement. Further, fourth opening end 56b of
passage 13a is always open to back-pressure chamber 29. Accordingly, back-pressure
chamber 29 and second compression chamber 15b can intermittently communicate with
each other.
[0046] Injection port 43 for injecting the refrigerant at the intermediate pressure is provided
to penetrate the end plate of fixed scroll 12. Injection port 43 is sequentially open
to first compression chamber 15a and second compression chamber 15b. Injection port
43 is provided at a position where injection port 43 is open during a compression
process after the refrigerant is introduced into and closed in first compression chamber
15a and second compression chamber 15b.
[0047] Discharge bypass port 21 through which the refrigerant compressed in compression
chamber 15 is discharged before discharge bypass port 21 communicates with discharge
port 18 is provided in the end plate of fixed scroll 12.
[0048] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, compressor 91 according to the present embodiment
is provided with intermediate pressure chamber 41 that guides an intermediate pressure
working fluid fed from injection pipe 95 and before being injected into compression
chamber 15.
[0049] Intermediate pressure chamber 41 is formed with fixed scroll 12 that is a compression
chamber partitioning member, intermediate pressure plate 44, and intermediate pressure
cover 45. Intermediate pressure chamber 41 and compression chamber 15 face each other
with fixed scroll 12 interposed therebetween. Intermediate pressure chamber 41 has
intermediate pressure chamber inlet 41a into which the intermediate pressure working
fluid flows and liquid reservoir 41b formed at a position lower than intermediate
pressure chamber inlet 41a and injection port inlet 43a of injection port 43 through
which the intermediate pressure working fluid is injected into compression chamber
15.
[0050] Liquid reservoir 41b is formed on an upper surface of the end plate of fixed scroll
12.
[0051] Intermediate pressure plate 44 is provided with check valve 42 that prevents backflow
of the refrigerant from compression chamber 15 to intermediate pressure chamber 41.
In a section in which injection port 43 is open to compression chamber 15, when the
internal pressure of compression chamber 15 is higher than the intermediate pressure
of injection port 43, the refrigerant flows backward from compression chamber 15 to
intermediate pressure chamber 41. Thus, check valve 42 is provided to prevent the
backflow of the refrigerant.
[0052] In compressor 91 according to the present embodiment, check valve 42 is configured
with reed valve 42a lifted to compression chamber 15 side and causing compression
chamber 15 and intermediate pressure chamber 41 to communicate with each other. Check
valve 42 causes compression chamber 15 and intermediate pressure chamber 41 to communicate
with each other only when the internal pressure of compression chamber 15 is lower
than the pressure of intermediate pressure chamber 41. By using reed valve 42a, the
number of sliding portions in a movable portion becomes small, sealing performance
can be maintained for a long time, and a flow passage area can be easily enlarged
as needed. When check valve 42 is not provided or check valve 42 is provided in injection
pipe 95, the refrigerant in compression chamber 15 flows backward to injection pipe
95, and unnecessary compression power is consumed. Check valve 42 according to the
present embodiment is provided in intermediate pressure plate 44 close to compression
chamber 15 to suppress the backflow from compression chamber 15.
[0053] The upper surface of the end plate of fixed scroll 12 is located closer to intermediate
pressure chamber inlet 41a, and the upper surface of the end plate of fixed scroll
12 is provided with liquid reservoir 41b in which the working fluid in a liquid-phase
component is collected. Further, injection port inlet 43a is provided at a position
higher than the height of intermediate pressure chamber inlet 41a. Thus, among the
intermediate pressure working fluid, the working fluid in a gas-phase component is
guided to injection port 43. Since the working fluid in the liquid-phase component
collected in liquid reservoir 41b is evaporated in the surface of fixed scroll 12
in a high-temperature state, it is difficult for the working fluid in the liquid-phase
component to flow into compression chamber 15.
[0054] Further, intermediate pressure chamber 41 and discharge chamber 31 are provided adjacent
to each other through intermediate pressure plate 44. It is possible to suppress an
increase in the temperature of the high-pressure refrigerant of discharge chamber
31 while evaporation when the working fluid in the liquid-phase component flows into
intermediate pressure chamber 41 is promoted. Thus, operation can be performed even
in a high discharge pressure condition by that degree.
[0055] The intermediate pressure working fluid guided to injection port 43 pushes and opens
reed valve 42a by a pressure difference between injection port 43 and compression
chamber 15 and is joined to a low-pressure working fluid sucked by suction port 17
in compression chamber 15. However, the intermediate pressure working fluid remaining
in injection port 43 between check valve 42 and compression chamber 15 is repeatedly
expanded and compressed again, which causes a decrease in efficiency of compressor
91. Thus, the thickness of valve stop 42b (see FIG. 5) for regulating a maximum displacement
of reed valve 42a is changed according to the lift regulation point of reed valve
42a, and the volume of injection port 43 downstream of reed valve 42a is small.
[0056] Further, reed valve 42a and valve stop 42b illustrated in FIG. 5 are fixed to intermediate
pressure plate 44 through fixing member 46 having a bolt. A fixing hole of fixing
member 46 provided in valve stop 42b is opened only to the insertion side of fixing
member 46 without penetrating valve stop 42b. As a result, fixing member 46 is configured
to be open only in intermediate pressure chamber 41.
[0057] Accordingly, leakage of the working fluid between intermediate pressure chamber 41
and compression chamber 15 through a gap of fixing member 46 can be suppressed, so
that the injection rate can be improved.
[0058] Intermediate pressure chamber 41 illustrated in FIG. 3 has a suction volume that
is equal to or more than a suction volume of compression chamber 15 to be able to
perform sufficient supplying to compression chamber 15 by an injection amount. Herein,
the suction volume is the volume of compression chamber 15 at a time point when the
working fluid guided from suction port 17 is introduced into and closed in compression
chamber 15, that is, at a time point when a suction process is completed, and is the
total volume of first compression chamber 15a and second compression chamber 15b.
In compressor 91 according to the present embodiment, intermediate pressure chamber
41 is provided to be spread on a flat surface of the end plate of fixed scroll 12
so as to expand the volume thereof. However, when a part of oil 6 enclosed in compressor
91 goes out from compressor 91 together with a discharge refrigerant, and returns
to intermediate pressure chamber 41 through injection pipe 95 from gas-liquid separator
96, if the amount of oil 6 remaining in liquid reservoir 41b is too large, oil 6 in
oil reservoir 20 runs short. Thus, it is not appropriate that the volume of intermediate
pressure chamber 41 is too large. Because of this, it is preferable that the volume
of intermediate pressure chamber 41 is equal to or more than the suction volume of
compression chamber 15, and is equal to or less than a half of the oil volume of enclosed
oil 6.
[0059] FIG. 6 is a view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.
[0060] FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which orbiting scroll 13 is engaged with fixed
scroll 12 when viewed from rear surface 13e side of orbiting scroll 13. As illustrated
in FIG. 6, in a state in which fixed scroll 12 and orbiting scroll 13 are engaged
with each other, the number of winding of the spiral wrap of fixed scroll 12 is equal
to the number of winding of the spiral wrap of orbiting scroll 13.
[0061] Compression chamber 15 formed with fixed scroll 12 and orbiting scroll 13 includes
first compression chamber 15a formed on an outer wall side of the wrap of orbiting
scroll 13 and second compression chamber 15b formed on an inner wall side of the wrap
of orbiting scroll 13.
[0062] A timing when the working fluid is confined in first compression chamber 15a is substantially
the same as a timing when the working fluid is confined in second compression chamber
15b, and compression of first compression chamber 15a and second compression chamber
15b simultaneously starts. Accordingly, a pressure balance between first compression
chamber 15a and second compression chamber 15b is maintained, and behavior of orbiting
scroll 13 is stabilized.
[0063] In FIG. 7, R is a pressure curve showing the internal pressure of the compression
chamber of the scroll compressor when an injection operation is not accompanied.
[0064] When the injection operation is not accompanied, pressure increasing rates of first
compression chamber 15a and second compression chamber 15b according to a crank rotation
angle are equal to each other. However, when the amounts of the injection to first
compression chamber 15a and second compression chamber 15b differ from each other,
the pressure increasing rates according to the amounts of the injection differ from
each other.
[0065] FIG. 7 shows a difference in a compression rate due to a difference in the amount
of the injection. The compression chamber where the amount of the injection is large
reaches a discharge pressure in a short compression section from start of compression.
In the present embodiment, since the amount of the refrigerant injected into first
compression chamber 15a increases, the pressure increasing rate of first compression
chamber 15a as indicated by pressure curve P is faster than the pressure increasing
rate of second compression chamber 15b as indicated by pressure curve Q. In FIG. 7,
when discharge bypass port 21 is provided according to the internal pressure of the
compression chamber having a small injection amount indicated by pressure curve Q,
the internal pressure of the compression chamber having a large amount of the injection
indicated by pressure curve P reaches the discharge pressure faster than the internal
pressure indicated by pressure curve Q. However, even after the pressure reaches the
discharge pressure, first compression chamber 15a that has been continuously compressed
without an escape area is excessively compressed. After first compression chamber
15a communicates with discharge bypass port 21, the excessive compression is alleviated.
That is, an additional compression power corresponding to area A in the drawing is
required. Thus, in the present invention, discharge bypass port 21 is provided at
a position where first compression chamber 15a having a large amount of the injection
can perform the discharge at an earlier timing than second compression chamber 15b.
[0066] That is, the internal pressure of the compression chamber having a large amount of
the injection increases due to the injection refrigerant, and the pressure of the
compression chamber having a low injection amount or without the injection increases
slower than the other compression chamber. In other words, the compression chamber
having a large amount of the injection is required to be brought in a dischargeable
state at an earlier timing than the other compression chamber. However, in the symmetric
scroll compression in which the amounts of the injection are necessarily different
from each other, when the injection operation is performed without considering this
fact, efficiency deteriorates. In the present embodiment, discharge bypass port 21
is provided at a position where first compression chamber 15a having a large amount
of injection can perform discharge at an earlier timing than second compression chamber
15b. As a result, a volume ratio is defined by a ratio of a suction volume of the
compression chamber to a volume of the compression chamber which communicates with
the discharge port and discharge bypass port 21. A volume ratio of first compression
chamber 15a having a large injection amount is equal to or less than that of second
compression chamber 15b.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, an opening section of injection port 43 to second compression
chamber 15b overlaps with at least a partial section of an oil supplying section from
back-pressure chamber 29 to second compression chamber 15b. An overlapping section
in which the oil supplying section overlaps with the opening section is a partial
section of the second half of the oil supplying section. Injection port 43 is open
to the second half of the oil supplying section, so that the opening section starts.
[0068] Further, a slope shape is provided at wrap tip end 13c of orbiting scroll 13 from
a winding start portion that is a central portion to a winding end portion that is
an outer circumferential portion based on a result obtained by measuring a temperature
distribution during operation such that a wing height gradually increases. Accordingly,
a dimensional change due to heat expansion is absorbed, and local sliding is easily
prevented.
[0069] FIG. 8 is a diagram for illustrating a positional relationship between an oil supplying
passage and a sealing member accompanying an orbiting movement of the scroll compressor
according to the present embodiment.
[0070] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a state in which orbiting scroll 13 is engaged with
fixed scroll 12 when viewed from rear surface 13e side of orbiting scroll 13, in which
the phases of orbiting scroll 13 are sequentially shifted by 90 degrees.
[0071] First opening end 55a of connection passage 55 is formed on rear surface 13e of orbiting
scroll 13.
[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 8, rear surface 13e of orbiting scroll 13 is partitioned into
high-pressure area 30 on an inner side and back-pressure chamber 29 on an outer side
by sealing member 78.
[0073] In a state of FIG. 8(B), since first opening end 55a is open to back-pressure chamber
29 that is an outer side of sealing member 78, oil 6 is supplied.
[0074] In contrast, in FIGS. 8(A), 8(C), and 8(D), since first opening end 55a is open to
an inside of sealing member 78, oil is not supplied.
[0075] That is, although first opening end 55a of connection passage 55 travels between
high-pressure area 30 and back-pressure chamber 29, oil 6 is supplied to back-pressure
chamber 29 only when a pressure difference occurs between first opening end 55a and
second opening end 55b of connection passage 55. With this configuration, since the
amount of the supplied oil can be adjusted at a rate of time when first opening end
55a travels between the inside and the outside of sealing member 78, the passage diameter
of connection passage 55 can be configured to be 10 times or more the size of the
oil filter. Accordingly, since there is no risk that foreign substances are caught
by passage 13a and passage 13a is blocked, the scroll compressor can be provided in
which the back pressure can be stably applied and lubrication of the thrust sliding
portion, rotation restraining mechanism 14 can be maintained in a good state, and
high efficiency and high reliability can be realized. In the present embodiment, a
case where second opening end 55b is always located in high-pressure area 30 and first
opening end 55a travels between high-pressure area 30 and back-pressure chamber 29
has been described as an example. However, even when second opening end 55b travels
between high-pressure area 30 and back-pressure chamber 29, and first opening end
55a is always located in back-pressure chamber 29, a pressure difference occurs between
first opening end 55a and second opening end 55b. Thus, intermittent oil supplying
can be realized and similar effects can be obtained.
[0076] FIG. 9 is a diagram for illustrating an opening state of the oil supplying passage
and an injection port accompanying the orbiting movement of the scroll compressor
according to the present embodiment.
[0077] FIG. 9 shows a state in which orbiting scroll 13 is engaged with fixed scroll 12,
in which the phases of fixed scroll 12 are sequentially shifted by 90 degrees.
[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 9, intermittent communication is realized by periodically
opening third opening end 56a of passage 13a formed in wrap tip end 13c to recess
12a formed in the end plate of fixed scroll 12.
[0079] In a state of FIG. 9(D), third opening end 56a is open to recess 12a. In this state,
oil 6 is supplied from back-pressure chamber 29 to second compression chamber 15b
through supply passage 56 or passage 13a. In this way, the oil supplying passage by
third opening end 56a is provided at a position that is open to second compression
chamber 15b during a compression stroke after the suction refrigerant is introduced
and closed.
[0080] In contrast, in FIGS. 9(A), 9(B), and 9(C), since third opening end 56a is not open
to recess 12a, oil 6 is not supplied from back-pressure chamber 29 to second compression
chamber 15b. Hereinabove, since oil 6 in back-pressure chamber 29 is intermittently
guided to second compression chamber 15b through the oil supplying passage, a fluctuation
in the pressure of back-pressure chamber 29 can be suppressed, and control can be
performed to a predetermined pressure. Further, similarly, oil 6 supplied to second
compression chamber 15b serves to improve the sealing property and the lubricity during
the compression.
[0081] In FIG. 9(C) showing a time point when first compression chamber 15a is closed, injection
port 43 is open to first compression chamber 15a.
[0082] On the other hand, in a state of FIG. 9(A) showing a state in which the compression
is progressed, injection port 43 is open to second compression chamber 15b. Accordingly,
even though the opening section of injection port 43 is substantially the same as
a section between first compression chamber 15a and second compression chamber 15b,
a larger amount of the injection refrigerant is sent to first compression chamber
15a that performs injection to the compression chamber having a low pressure immediately
after the compression starts, and an increase in the pressure of first compression
chamber 15a is quickened with respect to second compression chamber 15b. Further,
in any compression chamber, since the injection refrigerant can be compressed without
flowing back to suction port 17, it is easy to increase the amount of a circulating
refrigerant and it is possible to perform a highly efficient injection operation.
[0083] In this way, injection port 43 is provided at a position where injection port 43
is sequentially open to first compression chamber 15a and second compression chamber
15b. Further, injection port 43 is provided to penetrate the end plate of fixed scroll
12 at a position where injection port 43 is open to first compression chamber 15a
during the compression stroke after the suction refrigerant is introduced and closed
as illustrated in FIGS. 9(C) and 9(D) or at a position where injection port 43 is
open to second compression chamber 15b during the compression stroke after the suction
refrigerant is introduced and closed as illustrated in FIG. 9(A) and FIG. 9(B).
[0084] In FIG. 9, the oil supplying section starts from FIG. 9(C) to FIG. 9(D). Injection
port 43 is later open to second compression chamber 15b between FIG. 9(A) and FIG.
9(B), and the opening section of injection port 43 has an overlapping section between
the opening section and the oil supplying section. In the present embodiment, the
oil supplying section is the same as an opening of third opening end 56a to recess
12a. The pressure of back-pressure chamber 29 depends on the internal pressure of
compression chamber 15 at an end of the oil supplying section, and the injection refrigerant
is sent to compression chamber 15 from a middle of the oil supplying section. Thus,
the pressure of back-pressure chamber 29 increases only during the injection operation,
and it is possible to suppress destabilization of the behavior of orbiting scroll
13. Further, the reason why start of the opening of injection port 43 to compression
chamber 15 is not hastened until the first half of the oil supplying section is as
follows. That is, when the internal pressure of compression chamber 15 increases due
to the injection refrigerant from an early stage of the oil supplying section, the
internal pressure of compression chamber 15 and the pressure of back-pressure chamber
29 become equal to each other before the oil is sufficiently supplied to compression
chamber 15 from back-pressure chamber 29. Thus, a possibility that a problem occurs
in reliability of compressor that lacks oil supplying increases.
[0085] At least a part of the oil supplying section to compression chamber 15 is configured
to overlap with an opening section of injection port 43. Thus, application of the
pressure from rear surface 13e to orbiting scroll 13 increases together with the internal
pressure of compression chamber 15 during the oil supplying section as the intermediate
pressure of the injection refrigerant increases. Therefore, orbiting scroll 13 is
more stably pressed against fixed scroll 12, so that stable operation can be performed
while leakage from back-pressure chamber 29 to compression chamber 15 is reduced.
Accordingly, the behavior of orbiting scroll 13 can more stably realize optimum performance,
and can further improve an injection rate.
[0086] In FIG. 9, at a central portion of the end plate of fixed scroll 12, discharge port
18 through which the refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber is discharged
is provided, and discharge bypass port 21a provided at a position communicating with
first compression chamber 15a and discharge bypass port 21b provided at a position
communicating with second compression chamber 15b are provided as discharge bypass
port 21.
[0087] First compression chamber 15a closes the suction refrigerant in a state of FIG. 9(C),
and discharge bypass port 21a is open to first compression chamber 15a in a state
of FIG. 9(D).
[0088] On the other hand, although second compression chamber 15b closes the suction refrigerant
in a state of FIG. 9(C), discharge bypass port 21b does not yet communicate with second
compression chamber 15b in the states of FIG. 9(D) and FIG. 9(A) and communicates
with second compression chamber 15b in a state of FIG. 9(B).
[0089] Accordingly, even when first compression chamber 15a receives a larger amount of
the injection refrigerant than that of second compression chamber 15b, first compression
chamber 15a is not over-compressed, and an effect of the injection cycle can be exhibited.
[0090] In this way, even when discharge bypass port 21a communicating with first compression
chamber 15a and discharge bypass port 21b communicating with second compression chamber
15b are provided, a volume ratio, which is a ratio of the suction volume to the discharge
volume of compression chamber 15 at which the refrigerant in compression chamber 15
can be discharged, can be smaller in first compression chamber 15a than in second
compression chamber 15b.
[0091] Therefore, even in a maximum injection state, an excessive increase in the pressure
of first compression chamber 15a can be suppressed.
Second Embodiment
[0092] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a scroll compressor according to
a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0093] In the present embodiment, first injection port 48a that is open only to first compression
chamber 15a and second injection port 48b that is open only to second compression
chamber 15b are included. First injection port 48a is provided with first check valve
47a, and second injection port 48b is provided with second check valve 47b. Since
the other configuration is the same as the configuration of the embodiment, the same
reference numerals are designated, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0094] In the present embodiment, as the port diameter of first injection port 48a is more
than the port diameter of second injection port 48b, the amount of the refrigerant
injected from first injection port 48a into first compression chamber 15a is more
than the amount of the refrigerant injected from second injection port 48b into second
compression chamber 15b.
[0095] In this way, as first injection port 48a that is open only to first compression chamber
15a and second injection port 48b that is open only to second compression chamber
15b are provided, the amounts of the injection to first compression chamber 15a and
second compression chamber 15b can be individually adjusted. In addition, the refrigerant
can be always injected into first compression chamber 15a and second compression chamber
15b or can be simultaneously injected into first compression chamber 15a and second
compression chamber 15b. Thus, it is effective to achieve a high injection rate under
a condition in which a pressure difference in the refrigeration cycle is large. Further,
since the degree of freedom in setting the oil supplying section from back-pressure
chamber 29 increases, a pressure adjusting function can be effectively utilized in
back-pressure chamber 29, and addition of the pressure from rear surface 13e of orbiting
scroll 13 can be stably controlled.
[0096] In the present embodiment, a case where first injection port 48a has a larger port
diameter than second injection port 48b has been shown. However, with this configuration
or instead of this configuration, the opening section in which first injection port
48a is open to first compression chamber 15a may be longer than the opening section
in which second injection port 48b is open to second compression chamber 15b. Further,
a pressure difference between the intermediate pressure in first injection port 48a
and the internal pressure of first compression chamber 15a when first injection port
48a is open to first compression chamber 15a may be more than a pressure difference
between the intermediate pressure in second injection port 48b and the internal pressure
of second compression chamber 15b when second injection port 48b is open to second
compression chamber 15b.
[0097] Further, in the present embodiment, first injection port 48a and second injection
port 48b respectively open only to first compression chamber 15a and second compression
chamber 15b have been described. However, using an injection port open to both first
compression chamber 15a and second compression chamber 15b shown in the first embodiment
or a combination of first injection port 48a and second injection port 48b respectively
open only to first compression chamber 15a and second compression chamber 15b shown
in the present embodiment, the amount of the injection into first compression chamber
15a may be more than the amount of the injection into second compression chamber 15b.
[0098] When R32 or carbon dioxide, in which the temperature of a discharged refrigerant
is easy to be high, is used as a refrigerant that is a working fluid, an effect of
suppressing an increase in the temperature of the discharged refrigerant is exhibited.
Thus, deterioration of a resin material such as an insulating material of motor unit
3 (see FIG. 2) can be suppressed, and a compressor that is reliable for a long time
can be provided.
[0099] Meanwhile, when a refrigerant having a double bond between carbons or a refrigerant
including the refrigerant and having a global warming potential (GWP; a global warming
factor) of 500 or less is used, a refrigerant decomposition reaction is likely to
occur at high temperatures. Thus, an effect for long-term stability of the refrigerant
is exhibited according to the effect of suppressing the increase in the temperature
of the discharge refrigerant.
[0100] As described above, in the scroll compressor according to the first disclosure, at
the central portion of the first end plate of the fixed scroll, the discharge port
through which the refrigerant compressed in the compression chamber is discharged
is included, and the discharge bypass port through which the refrigerant compressed
in the compression chamber is discharged before the compression chamber communicates
with the discharge port is provided.
[0101] Further, at least one injection port through which an intermediate-pressure refrigerant
is injected into the first compression chamber or the second compression chamber is
provided to penetrate the end plate of the fixed scroll at a position where the injection
port is open to the first compression chamber or the second compression chamber during
the compression stroke after the suction refrigerant is introduced and closed. Further,
the discharge bypass port is disposed such that a volume ratio is made smaller in
one compression chamber among the first compression chamber and the second compression
chamber, which has the large amount of the refrigerant injected from the injection
port than in the other compression chamber, the volume ratio being a ratio of the
suction volume to the discharge volume of the compression chamber at which the refrigerant
in the compression chamber can be discharged. According to the present disclosure,
in the scroll compressor in which the discharge volume and the suction volume are
equal to each other in the first compression chamber and the second compression chamber,
the volume ratios of the first compression chamber and the second compression chamber
are also equal to each other. However, as more injection to one compression chamber
is performed, the internal pressure of the compression chamber reaches the discharge
pressure in a shorter compression section of compression chamber than that of the
other compression chamber. Even when the internal pressure of the compression chamber
reaches the discharge pressure, if the dischargeable port and the compression chamber
do not communicate with each other, excessive compression occurs. Not only an extra
compression power is required, but also a force for separating the orbiting scroll
from the fixed scroll is generated. Thus, compression motion deteriorates. The discharge
bypass port is disposed such that the volume ratio is smaller in the one compression
chamber having the large amount of the injected refrigerant than in the other compression
chamber. Thus, even in a maximum injection state, an excessive increase in the pressure
can be suppressed. That is, according to the present embodiment, the discharge bypass
port early communicates with the compression chamber having the large amount of the
injection, and the volume ratio is reduced. Thus, excessive compression can be prevented
even during operation at a high injection rate, the injection cycle effect can be
maximized, and efficiency improvement and capacity expansion effect can be obtained
more than the related art.
[0102] According to a second disclosure, in the scroll compressor according to the first
disclosure, the injection port is provided with a check valve which allows flow of
the refrigerant to the compression chamber and suppresses flow of the refrigerant
from the compression chamber.
[0103] According to the present disclosure, as the check valve and the compression chamber
are provided close to each other, even when the internal pressure of the compression
chamber increases to the intermediate pressure or more in a section in which the injection
port is open to the compression chamber, the compression of the refrigerant in a space
that is ineffective for compression, such as the injection pipe can be minimized,
and the injection rate can be increased to a condition in which theoretical performance
of the injection cycle can be exhibited to maximum.
[0104] According to a third disclosure, in the scroll compressor according to the first
disclosure or the second disclosure, the oil reservoir in which the oil is stored
is formed in the sealed container including the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll
therein, and the high-pressure area and the back-pressure chamber are formed on the
rear surface of the orbiting scroll.
Further, the oil supplying passage through which the oil is supplied from the oil
reservoir to the compression chamber passes through the back-pressure chamber, and
the oil supplying passage through which the back-pressure chamber communicates with
the first compression chamber and the second compression chamber is provided at a
position open to the first compression chamber or the second compression chamber during
the compression stroke after the suction refrigerant is introduced and closed.
[0105] Further, at least a partial section of the oil supplying section in which the oil
supplying passage communicates with the first compression chamber or the second compression
chamber overlaps with the opening section in which the injection port is open to the
first compression chamber or the second compression chamber.
[0106] When the intermediate-pressure refrigerant is injected into the compression chamber,
the pressure of the compression chamber more quickly increases than in a case where
the intermediate-pressure refrigerant is not injected. Thus, a force for separating
the orbiting scroll from the fixed scroll increases more than in the related art.
According to the present disclosure, a force for pressing the orbiting scroll against
the fixed scroll interlocks with the pressure of the compression chamber with which
the oil supplying passage communicates. Therefore, as the intermediate-pressure refrigerant
is injected into the compression chamber, the force for pressing the orbiting scroll
against the fixed scroll increases, and stable operation can be performed while the
orbiting scroll is not separated from the fixed scroll.
[0107] According to a fourth disclosure, in the scroll compressor according to the third
disclosure, the overlapping section where the oil supplying section overlaps with
the opening section is a part of the latter half of the oil supplying section.
[0108] According to the present disclosure, since the pressure of the back-pressure chamber
interlocks with the internal pressure of the compression chamber in the second half
of the overlapping section, the pressure of the back-pressure chamber can be set according
to the internal pressure of the compression chamber in a state in which the injection
is completed or in a state in which the injection is further performed.
[0109] Accordingly, under a condition in which a separation force of the orbiting scroll
by the injection is large, the pressure of the back-pressure chamber is high and stable
orbiting movement is possible. On the other hand, under a condition in which the injection
amount is small, the pressure of the back-pressure chamber is low, and an excessive
pressing force against the fixed scroll can be prevented.
[0110] According to a fifth disclosure, in the scroll compressor according to any one embodiment
of the first disclosure to the fourth disclosure, at least one injection port is provided
at a position where the injection port is sequentially open to the first compression
chamber and the second compression chamber.
[0111] According to the present disclosure, since the injection port can be shared when
the injection into both the first and second compression chambers is performed, miniaturization
and a reduction in the number of components can be achieved, and the injection rate
increases so that the injection cycle effect can be maximized. Further, in general,
in the scroll compressor, compression start timings of the first compression chamber
and the second compression chamber are different from each other by 180 degrees. Thus,
immediately after start of the compression from one injection port even to any compression
chamber, the injection port may be provided at a position where the injection is performed,
and is suitable for realizing a high injection rate.
[0112] According to a sixth disclosure, in the scroll compressor according to any one embodiment
of the first disclosure to the fourth disclosure, the injection port includes the
first injection port that is open only to the first compression chamber and the second
injection port that is open only to the second compression chamber. Further, one of
the following configurations (1) to (3) is added.
- (1) Further, the first injection port has a larger port diameter than the second injection
port. (2) The opening section in which the first injection port is open to the first
compression chamber is longer than the opening section in which the second injection
port is open to the second compression chamber. (3) the pressure difference between
the intermediate pressure in the first injection port and the internal pressure of
the first compression chamber when the first injection port is open to the first compression
chamber is more than the pressure difference between the intermediate pressure of
the second injection port and the internal pressure of the second compression chamber
when the second injection port is open to the second compression chamber.
[0113] According to the present disclosure, the amount of injection into the first compression
chamber having a large volume and a slow pressure increase rate can be certainly increased,
and efficient distribution of the amount of the injected refrigerant can be achieved.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0114] The scroll compressor is useful for a refrigeration cycle apparatus, such as a hot
water heater, an air conditioner, a water heater, and a refrigerator, in which an
evaporator is used in a low temperature environment.
REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS
[0115]
1 SEALED CONTAINER
2 COMPRESSION MECHANISM
3 MOTOR UNIT
4 SHAFT
4a ECCENTRIC SHAFT PORTION
6 OIL
11 MAIN BEARING MEMBER
12 FIXED SCROLL
12a RECESS
13 ORBITING SCROLL
13c WRAP TIP END
13e REAR SURFACE
14 ROTATION RESTRAINING MECHANISM
15 COMPRESSION CHAMBER
15a FIRST COMPRESSION CHAMBER
15b SECOND COMPRESSION CHAMBER
16 SUCTION PIPE
17 SUCTION PORT
18 DISCHARGE PORT
19 DISCHARGE REED VALVE
20 OIL RESERVOIR
21, 21a, 21b DISCHARGE BYPASS PORT
25 PUMP
26 OIL SUPPLYING HOLE
29 BACK-PRESSURE CHAMBER
30 HIGH-PRESSURE AREA
31 DISCHARGE CHAMBER
41 INTERMEDIATE-PRESSURE CHAMBER
41a INTERMEDIATE-PRESSURE CHAMBER INLET
41b LIQUID RESERVOIR
42 CHECK VALVE
42a REED VALVE
42b VALVE STOP
43 INJECTION PORT
43a INJECTION PORT INLET
44 INTERMEDIATE-PRESSURE PLATE (INTERMEDIATE PRESSURE CHAMBER PARTITION MEMBER)
45 INTERMEDIATE-PRESSURE COVER (INTERMEDIATE PRESSURE CHAMBER PARTITION MEMBER)
46 FIXING MEMBER
47a FIRST CHECK VALVE
47b SECOND CHECK VALVE
48 INJECTION PORT
48a FIRST INJECTION PORT
48b SECOND INJECTION PORT
55 CONNECTION PASSAGE
55a FIRST OPENING END
55b SECOND OPENING END
56 SUPPLY PASSAGE
56a THIRD OPENING END
56b FOURTH OPENING END
66 BEARING PORTION
78 SEALING MEMBER
91 COMPRESSOR
92 CONDENSER
93 EVAPORATOR
94a, 94b EXPANSION VALVES
95 INJECTION PIPE
96 GAS-LIQUID SEPARATOR