U.S. patent application number 13/498004 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-18 for scroll fluidic device.
Invention is credited to Kazuhiko Gotou, Jiro Iizuka, Kiyoshi Terauchi.
Application Number | 20120263615 13/498004 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43875977 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120263615 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Iizuka; Jiro ; et
al. |
October 18, 2012 |
Scroll Fluidic Device
Abstract
Provided is a scroll fluidic device that is capable of reducing
suction pressure loss as well as suppressing discharge pulsations
and reducing noise. The scroll fluidic device is characterized in
that a fixed scroll member is integrally formed with a center
housing on the inside of the center housing disposed between a
front housing and a rear housing; the end surface of the outer
shell of the center housing is positioned lower than the height of
a scroll lap of the fixed scroll member, with an end plate of the
fixed scroll member served as a reference of position in the height
direction; and a corridor-like space extending in the device
circumferential direction, which is surrounded by an outer shell
forming portion of the center housing, the inner surface of an
outer shell of the front housing, the scroll lap of the fixed
scroll member, and the end plate of a movable scroll member, is
formed.
Inventors: |
Iizuka; Jiro; (Isesaki-shi,
JP) ; Gotou; Kazuhiko; (Isesaki-shi, JP) ;
Terauchi; Kiyoshi; (Isesaki-shi, JP) |
Family ID: |
43875977 |
Appl. No.: |
13/498004 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
October 12, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2010/006064 |
371 Date: |
March 23, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
418/55.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01C 21/10 20130101;
F04C 29/0035 20130101; F04C 29/068 20130101; F04C 29/12 20130101;
F04C 18/0215 20130101; F04C 18/0276 20130101; F04C 2240/30
20130101; F04C 18/0269 20130101; F04C 29/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
418/55.3 |
International
Class: |
F04C 18/00 20060101
F04C018/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 15, 2009 |
JP |
2009-238234 |
Claims
1. A scroll fluidic device wherein a scroll lap is formed on an end
plate of a fixed scroll member integrally with the end plate, a
scroll lap is formed on an end plate of a movable scroll member
integrally with the end plate, both scroll members are disposed so
that angles of both scroll laps are shifted from each other and
side walls of both scroll laps are partially brought into contact
with each other, and a volume of a fluid pocket, which is a closed
space formed between both scroll laps, is changed by moving said
fluid pocket from an outer end section of the scroll laps toward a
center section of the scroll laps or from the center section of the
scroll laps toward the outer end section of the scroll laps by
revolving said movable scroll member on a circular orbit at a
condition preventing rotation of said movable scroll member,
characterized in that said fixed scroll member is integrally formed
with a center housing, which is disposed between a front housing
and a rear housing of the scroll fluidic device, in said center
housing; an end surface of an outer shell of said center housing is
positioned lower than a height of said scroll lap of said fixed
scroll member, with said end plate of said fixed scroll member
served as a reference of position in a height direction; and a
corridor-like space extending in a device circumferential
direction, which is surrounded by an outer shell forming portion of
said center housing, an inner surface of an outer shell of said
front housing, said scroll lap of said fixed scroll member, and
said end plate of said movable scroll member, is formed.
2. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 1, wherein, at a
phase angle at which a distance between an inner surface of an
outer circumferential end of said scroll lap of said movable scroll
member and an outer surface of said scroll lap of said fixed scroll
member facing to said inner surface of said outer circumferential
end of said scroll lap of said movable scroll member becomes
maximum, a cross-sectional area A1 of said corridor-like space
satisfies the following relationship with a sectional area A2 of a
port provided on said front housing. A2/2<A1<A2
3. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 1, wherein said
corridor-like space is always opened to a suction chamber of
suction fluid or a discharge chamber of expansion fluid which is
positioned at a side opposite to a side of said fixed scroll member
with reference to said end plate of said movable scroll member.
4. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 1, wherein a port
directly fronting said corridor-like space is provided to said
front housing.
5. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 1, wherein, on an
outer surface side of said outer shell of said center housing, a
recessed outer surface of said outer shell having a predetermined
thickness is formed relatively to a wall forming a wall surface,
which contributes to change of volume of said fluid pocket, and a
wall forming a wall surface, which faces said corridor-like space,
of said scroll lap of said fixed scroll member.
6. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 1, wherein, on an
inner surface side of said outer shell of said center housing, a
cup-like thickness relief portion extending in the same direction
as said height direction of said scroll lap of said fixed scroll
member is provided between a wall forming a wall surface, which
contributes to change of volume of said fluid pocket, of said
scroll lap of said fixed scroll member, and a wall forming an outer
surface of said outer shell.
7. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 6, wherein said
thickness relief portion opens toward a side of said rear
housing.
8. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 7, wherein said
thickness relief portion forms a second discharge chamber
communicating with a first discharge chamber formed in said rear
housing via a throttled portion to form a scroll compressor.
9. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 8, wherein a
discharge port from said second discharge chamber is provided to
said center housing.
10. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 8, wherein said
throttled portion is formed by an inner outline of a gasket sealing
between said center housing and said rear housing and an outline of
an opening portion of said second discharge chamber.
11. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 8, wherein a
discharge port from said second discharge chamber is provided to
said rear housing.
12. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 7, wherein said
thickness relief portion forms an oil storage chamber communicating
with a discharge chamber formed in said rear housing for storing
oil present in said discharge chamber to form a scroll
compressor.
13. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 12, wherein a
filter is provided between said oil storage chamber and said
discharge chamber.
14. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 12, wherein said
oil storage chamber and said corridor-like space are communicated
with each other through an orifice.
15. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 7, wherein a
discharge chamber and a suction chamber are formed via a partition
wall in said rear housing, and said suction chamber communicates
with said corridor-like space through said thickness relief
portion, to form a scroll compressor.
16. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 6, wherein said
thickness relief portion opens toward a side of said front
housing.
17. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 16, wherein a
cross-sectional area of said thickness relief portion changes in
said device circumferential direction.
18. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 16, wherein said
thickness relief portion communicates with said corridor-like
space.
19. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 18, wherein a
suction port to said corridor-like space is provided to said center
housing to form a scroll compressor.
20. The scroll fluidic device according to claim 1, wherein said
scroll fluidic device is used as a compressor for an air
conditioning system for a vehicle.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a scroll fluidic device
usable as a compressor or an expander, and specifically, to a
structure of a device housing portion thereof.
BACKGROUND ART OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A scroll fluidic device is well known wherein a scroll lap
is formed on an end plate of a fixed scroll member integrally with
the end plate, a scroll lap is formed on an end plate of a movable
scroll member integrally with the end plate, both scroll members
are disposed so that angles of both scroll laps are shifted from
each other and side walls of both scroll laps are partially brought
into contact with each other, a volume of a fluid pocket, which is
a closed space formed between both scroll laps, is changed by
moving the fluid pocket from an outer end section of the scroll
laps toward a center section of the scroll laps in case of a
compressor or from the center section of the scroll laps toward the
outer end section of the scroll laps in case of an expander by
revolving the movable scroll member on a circular orbit at a
condition preventing rotation of the movable scroll member, and the
fluid taken in the fluid pocket is compressed or expanded
accompanying with the volume change of the fluid pocket.
[0003] In such a scroll fluidic device, in particular, in a scroll
compressor, it is strongly desired to achieve reduction of suction
pressure loss (for example, Patent document 1) or reduction of
discharge pulsation and noise (for example, Patent document 2), and
further, small-sized and lightened structure in case of use for an
air conditioning system for vehicles, etc. (Patent documents 1 and
2).
[0004] In Patent document 1, a structure is disclosed wherein a
fixed scroll member is integrally formed with a center housing in
the center housing, an outer end portion of the scroll lap of the
fixed scroll member is formed integrally with the housing so as to
be connected to the inner circumferential surface of the housing,
thereby forming a large width portion, and to this large width
portion, provided is a communication path for communication between
a suction chamber and the fluid pocket. In this structure, the end
surface of the outer shell of the center housing connected to a
front housing is located at a position higher than the height of
the scroll lap of the fixed scroll member in an axial direction,
and it is structured so that the outer shell of the center housing
completely envelops the fixed scroll member.
[0005] In Patent document 2, a structure is disclosed wherein a
sub-housing is provided to an outer circumferential side of the
center housing, therein a second discharge chamber communicating
with a first discharge chamber through a communication path is
provided, and by providing a discharge port relatively to the
second discharge port, discharge pulsation is suppressed and noise
is reduced.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS
Patent Documents
[0006] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3,144,611 [0007]
Patent document 2: Japanese Patent No. 3,206,221
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0008] There is no proposal of pulsation reduction means for a case
of compressor in Patent document 1, and for discharge pulsation,
separately Patent document 2 discloses a structure devised with a
discharge chamber as described above. However, the location of the
second discharge chamber provided on the outer circumferential side
of the center housing proposed in Patent document 2 and the
location of the communication path proposed in Patent document 1
are present at positions interfering with each other or at
positions close to each other. Therefore, if the volume of the
second discharge chamber in Patent Document 2 is tried to be made
larger in order to enhance suppression of discharge pulsation and
reduction of noise, the cross-sectional area of the communication
path provided to the fixed scroll member is to be decreased, and
undesired suction pressure loss may occur. Therefore, from these
both proposals, it is difficult to achieve reduction of suction
pressure loss as well as suppression of discharge pulsation and
reduction of noise, and it is further difficult to achieve those
while trying to make the compressor smaller in size and lighter in
weight.
[0009] Accordingly, paying attention to the above-described
problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a scroll
fluidic device which can achieve suppression of discharge pulsation
as well as reduction of noise.
[0010] Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a
scroll fluidic device which, while achieving both of the
above-described matters, desirably, can achieve to make the device
smaller in size and lighter in weight, and in addition, can realize
those by a simple improved structure as well as can stably obtain a
good product quality.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0011] To achieve the above objects, a scroll fluid device
according to the present invention wherein a scroll lap is formed
on an end plate of a fixed scroll member integrally with the end
plate, a scroll lap is formed on an end plate of a movable scroll
member integrally with the end plate, both scroll members are
disposed so that angles of both scroll laps are shifted from each
other and side walls of both scroll laps are partially brought into
contact with each other, and a volume of a fluid pocket, which is a
closed space formed between both scroll laps, is changed by moving
the fluid pocket from an outer end section of the scroll laps
toward a center section of the scroll laps or from the center
section of the scroll laps toward the outer end section of the
scroll laps by revolving the movable scroll member on a circular
orbit at a condition preventing rotation of the movable scroll
member, is characterized in that the fixed scroll member is
integrally formed with a center housing, which is disposed between
a front housing and a rear housing of the scroll fluidic device, in
the center housing; an end surface of an outer shell of the center
housing is positioned lower than a height of the scroll lap of the
fixed scroll member, with the end plate of the fixed scroll member
served as a reference of position in a height direction; and a
corridor-like space extending in a device circumferential
direction, which is surrounded by an outer shell forming portion of
the center housing, an inner surface of an outer shell of the front
housing, the scroll lap of the fixed scroll member, and the end
plate of the movable scroll member, is formed. This scroll fluidic
device according to the present invention is formed as a scroll
compressor in case where the fluid pocket is moved from the outer
end section toward the center section, and formed as a scroll
expander is moved from the center section toward the outer end
section of the scroll laps.
[0012] In such a scroll fluidic device according to the present
invention, by setting the condition where the end surface of the
outer shell of the center housing is positioned lower than the
height of the scroll lap of the fixed scroll member, as shown in
the respective embodiments described later, it becomes possible to
efficiently form a corridor-like space extending the device
circumferential direction at a position of the end plate side of
the movable scroll member or the inner surface side of the front
housing in the outer circumferential side of the scroll lap of the
fixed scroll member. Namely, it becomes possible to efficiently
form a corridor-like space extending the device circumferential
direction at a place which has not been paid attention to at all.
Since this corridor-like space is located at a halfway position (a
route position) of a flow path of suction fluid from a suction
chamber to a fluid pocket in case where the scroll fluidic device
is formed as a scroll compressor, it can contribute to reduce the
suction pressure loss by being formed in an adequate shape, and
since it is located at a halfway position (a route position) of a
flow path of expansion fluid from a fluid pocket to a discharge
chamber in case where the scroll fluidic device is formed as a
scroll expander, it can contribute to reduce the discharge pressure
loss and to reduce the discharge pulsations by being formed in an
adequate shape. Further, since this corridor-like space is formed
by effectively utilizing a place at the front housing side in the
outer circumferential side of the scroll lap of the fixed scroll
member, for this corridor-like space, with respect to a place at
the outer circumferential side of the scroll lap of the fixed
scroll member and at the rear housing side (namely, a place which
is located at the rear housing side relatively to the corridor-like
space and at a position which does not interfere with the
corridor-like space forming place and which is different in the
device axial direction), it becomes possible to employ various
designs. For example, as described later, it becomes possible to
efficiently form a second discharge chamber in this place without
particularly making a compressor large-sized, and by forming such a
second discharge chamber, reduction of discharge pulsation and
reduction of noise become possible. Further, it also becomes
possible to form a wall of the center housing at this place
appropriately small (thin), namely, to provide an adequate
thickness relief portion, thereby efficiently making the device
small in size and light in weight. Furthermore, it becomes also
possible to form the above-described second discharge chamber by
utilizing such a thickness relief portion.
[0013] Further, in the scroll fluidic device according to the
present invention, a structure may be employed wherein, at a phase
angle at which a distance between an inner surface of an outer
circumferential end of the scroll lap of the movable scroll member
and an outer surface of the scroll lap of the fixed scroll member
facing to the inner surface of the outer circumferential end of the
scroll lap of the movable scroll member becomes maximum, a
cross-sectional area A1 of the corridor-like space satisfies the
following relationship with a sectional area A2 of a port provided
on the front housing.
A2/2<A1<A2
Although a pair of fluid pockets whose shift angles are shifted
from each other by about 180 degrees are formed between the scroll
laps of the fixed scroll member and the movable scroll member, if
supposed is a suction route of a compressor wherein suction fluid
is taken into the fluid pockets from a suction port provided on the
front housing through the corridor-like space, if it is considered
that the suction fluid from the suction port is taken into the pair
of fluid pockets respectively in one rotation, in order to avoid
increase of suction pressure loss caused by compression of the
fluid when passing through the corridor-like space, it is preferred
that the cross-sectional area A1 of the corridor-like space is 1/2
or more of the sectional area A2 of the suction port. Further,
because an amount of fluid more than the amount of fluid sucked
from the suction port is never taken into the respective fluid
pockets, it is enough that the cross-sectional area A1 of the
corridor-like space has an area corresponding to the sectional area
A2 of the suction port at largest. Therefore, the above-described
relationship is preferably satisfied in order to maintain the
small-sized and light-weight property of the whole of the device
without unnecessarily making the corridor-like space large while
obtaining the aforementioned advantages due to forming of the
corridor-like space. Also in case of a scroll expander, the flow
direction of fluid is only reversed, and the above-described
preferable relationship is same.
[0014] Further, in the scroll fluidic device according to the
present invention, a structure can be employed wherein the
corridor-like space is always opened to a suction chamber of
suction fluid or a discharge chamber of expansion fluid which is
positioned at a side opposite to a side of the fixed scroll member
with reference to the end plate of the movable scroll member. In
such a structure, because the corridor-like space is always opened
to a suction chamber of suction fluid or a discharge chamber of
expansion fluid, it becomes possible to move the fluid without
generating a large pressure loss or pulsation therebetween, and a
stable operation can be realized.
[0015] Further, a structure can also be employed wherein a port
directly fronting the corridor-like space is provided to the front
housing. In such a structure, for example, the fluid sucked from
the suction port always flows directly into the corridor-like space
as it is, and therethrough it is taken into the fluid pocket.
Therefore, a desirable suction route is always formed stably, and a
stable operation becomes possible.
[0016] Further, in the scroll fluidic device according to the
present invention, a structure can be employed wherein, on an outer
surface side of the outer shell of the center housing, a recessed
outer surface of the outer shell having a predetermined thickness
is formed relatively to a wall forming a wall surface, which
contributes to change of volume of the fluid pocket, and a wall
forming a wall surface, which faces the corridor-like space, of the
scroll lap of the fixed scroll member. In such a structure, since
the recessed outer surface is formed on the outer surface of the
outer shell of the center housing so as to be adjacent to the
corridor-like space, by an amount corresponding to the recessed
outer surface, the device can be made small in size and light in
weight.
[0017] Although the above-described recessed outer surface has a
form opened toward outside of the device in a radial direction, in
the scroll fluidic device according to the present invention, it is
also possible to provide an internal-type space. For example, a
structure can be employed wherein, on an inner surface side of the
outer shell of the above-described center housing, a cup-like
thickness relief portion extending in the same direction as the
height direction of the scroll lap of the fixed scroll member is
provided between a wall forming a wall surface, which contributes
to change of volume of the fluid pocket, of the scroll lap of the
fixed scroll member, and a wall forming an outer surface of the
outer shell. By forming such a thickness relief portion on the
inner surface side of the outer shell of the above-described center
housing, lightening becomes possible by an amount corresponding to
the thickness relief portion. Further, it is also possible to give
various functions to this thickness relief portion by employing
various structures as follows.
[0018] As the above-described thickness relief portion, a structure
may be employed wherein the portion opens toward a side of the rear
housing. At that time, it can be formed as a device interior space
which is not directly opened to outside of the device, thereby
giving various functions.
[0019] For example, in case of a scroll compressor, a structure can
be employed wherein the above-described thickness relief portion
forms a second discharge chamber communicating with a first
discharge chamber (a discharge chamber for the fluid compressed by
the scroll laps) formed in the rear housing via a throttled
portion. By forming such a second discharge chamber following the
first discharge chamber on the route of discharge fluid, a buffer
function relative to pulsation of the fluid in the discharge route
and a silencer function can be given to the second discharge
chamber, and it becomes possible to obtain an excellent effect for
reducing discharge pulsation and reducing noise.
[0020] For example, in case of a scroll compressor, a structure can
be employed wherein the thickness relief portion forms a second
discharge chamber communicating with a first discharge chamber
formed in the rear housing (a discharge chamber for the fluid
compressed by scroll laps) via a throttled portion. By forming such
a second discharge chamber following the first discharge chamber on
the route of discharge fluid, a buffer function relative to
pulsation of the fluid in the discharge route and a silencer
function can be given to the second discharge chamber, and it
becomes possible to obtain an excellent effect for reducing
discharge pulsation and reducing noise.
[0021] Further, although the structure of the above-described
throttled portion is not particularly restricted, for example, a
structure can be employed wherein the above-described throttled
portion is formed by an inner outline of a gasket sealing between
the center housing and the rear housing and an outline of an
opening portion of the second discharge chamber. In such a
structure, it is not necessary to add a special member for forming
the throttled portion.
[0022] Further, in case where the thickness relief portion opening
toward the rear housing side is provided as described above, a
structure may be employed wherein the thickness relief portion
forms an oil storage chamber communicating with a discharge chamber
formed in the rear housing for storing oil present in the discharge
chamber. In such a structure, an oil storing space can be formed
substantially in the discharge chamber, and by employing a
structure in which the stored oil can be adequately returned to a
drive section of suction side, a desired compressor lubrication
state can be realized.
[0023] In case of such a structure, it is preferred that a filter
is provided between the oil storage chamber and the discharge
chamber. By providing a filter, it can be prevented that foreign
materials and the like flow in at the time of oil returning.
Further, it is preferred that the oil storage chamber and the
corridor-like space are communicated with each other through an
orifice. By interposing the orifice, it becomes possible to ensure
an adequate amount of oil returning.
[0024] Further, in case where the thickness relief portion opening
toward the rear housing side is provided as described above, a
structure can also be employed wherein a discharge chamber and a
suction chamber are formed via a partition wall in the rear
housing, and the suction chamber communicates with the
corridor-like space through the thickness relief portion. Namely, a
space similar to the above-described second discharge chamber is
formed by the thickness relief portion, and this space portion is
used as a part of the suction route. For example, it is an
effective structure in case where it is necessary to provide a
suction port and a discharge port to the rear housing from
limitation of disposition of equipment, and even in such a case,
the corridor-like space can be formed as an effective space for
reducing the suction pressure loss before the fluid is taken into
the fluid pocket.
[0025] Furthermore, in case where the aforementioned cup-like
thickness relief portion is provided, a structure can also be
employed wherein the thickness relief portion opens toward a side
opposite to the rear housing side, namely, toward a side of the
front housing. In this case, since the thickness relief portion
formed adjacent to the corridor-like space is to open toward the
corridor-like space, it becomes possible to realize a structure
wherein this thickness relief portion communicates with the
corridor-like space, and a fluid route comprising a space formed by
the thickness relief portion and the following corridor-like space
is formed. Further, in this case, with respect to the thickness
relief portion extending in the device circumferential direction
with an appropriate length, a structure can also be employed
wherein a cross-sectional area of the thickness relief portion
changes in the device circumferential direction. By adequately
changing the cross-sectional area in the device circumferential
direction, for example, in case where a fluid suction route
comprising a space formed by the thickness relief portion and the
following corridor-like space is formed, it becomes possible to
carry out the taking of the suction fluid into the corridor-like
space and taking of the fluid from the corridor-like space into the
fluid pockets more smoothly. Further, by smoothly changing the
cross-sectional area, a further reduction of suction pressure loss
may be possible. Furthermore, since the cup-like thickness relief
portion opening toward the front housing side is provided to the
center housing, for example, in a case a scroll compressor, it is
possible to provide a suction port into this thickness relief
portion to the center housing (on the outer shell of the center
housing).
[0026] As aforementioned, the structure of the scroll fluidic
device according to the present invention can be applied to any of
a scroll compressor and a scroll expander, and in particular, it is
suitable as a compressor for an air conditioning system for
vehicles to which reduction of suction pressure loss, reduction of
discharge pulsations, reduction of noise, and further, making small
in size and light in weight are strongly required.
Effect According to the Invention
[0027] Thus, in the scroll fluidic device according to the present
invention, in case where it is used as a compressor, reduction of
suction pressure loss, and suppression of discharge pulsations and
reduction of noise, can be both realized. Further, even in case
where it is used not only as a compressor but also as an expander,
the pressure loss at the discharge side, in particular, at the
outer circumferential end of the movable side scroll lap and its
vicinity, can be suppressed to be small.
[0028] Further, since the above-described improvement of
performance can be efficiently achieved by forming the
corridor-like space by effectively utilizing the section including
the outer shell of the center housing which has not been paid
attention to in the conventional technology, the aimed object can
be achieved while realizing to make the center housing small in
size and light in weight, ultimately, to make the whole of the
device in size and light in weight, as compared with the
aforementioned conventional structure.
[0029] Further, by forming the recessed outer surface or the
thickness relief portion on the center housing, it becomes possible
to make the center housing further light in weight. Further, since
a thick portion can be abolished and the respective portions can be
formed relatively thin and uniform in thickness, the center
housing, ultimately, the whole of the device, can be made to be
further light in weight. Further, in case where the center housing
is formed by casting, etc., defects such as blow holes can be
hardly generated because of the structure having a uniform
thickness, and therefore, the quality for production is
stabilized.
[0030] Furthermore, the above-described thickness relief portion
can be utilized as a portion exhibiting various functions, it can
contribute to suppression of discharge pulsations and reduction of
noise, forming of an oil storage space, stable lubrication due to
stable oil returning to drive sections, etc.
BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a vertical sectional view of a scroll fluidic
device according to a first embodiment of the present invention
(FIG. 1(A)), and a cross-sectional view thereof as viewed along
arrows Y-Y of (A) (FIG. 1(B)).
[0032] FIG. 2 shows a vertical sectional view of a scroll fluidic
device according to a second embodiment of the present invention
(FIG. 2(A)), and a cross-sectional view thereof as viewed along
arrows Y-Y of (A) (FIG. 2(B)).
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a vertical sectional view of a scroll fluidic
device according to a third embodiment of the present invention
(FIG. 3(A)), and cross-sectional view thereof as viewed along
arrows Y-Y of (A) (FIG. 3(B)).
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a vertical sectional view of a scroll fluidic
device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention
(FIG. 4(A)), and a cross-sectional view thereof as viewed along
arrows Y-Y of (A) (FIG. 4(B)).
[0035] FIG. 5 shows a vertical sectional view of a scroll fluidic
device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention
(FIG. 5(A)), and a cross-sectional view thereof as viewed along
arrows Y-Y of (A) (FIG. 5(B)).
[0036] FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of a scroll fluidic
device according to a sixth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of a scroll fluidic
device according to a seventh embodiment of the present
invention.
[0038] FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of a scroll fluidic
device according to an eighth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view of a scroll fluidic
device according to a ninth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0040] FIG. 10 shows a vertical sectional view of a scroll fluidic
device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention
(FIG. 10(A)), and a cross-sectional view thereof as viewed along
arrows Y-Y of (A) (FIG. 10(B)).
[0041] FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view of a scroll fluidic
device according to an eleventh embodiment of the present
invention.
EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
explained referring to figures. Where, although the following
embodiments will be explained as to a case where the present
invention is applied to a scroll compressor, as aforementioned, the
present invention can be basically applied also to a scroll
expander.
[0043] FIG. 1 shows a scroll compressor as a scroll fluidic device
according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In a
scroll compressor 1 depicted in FIG. 1, a scroll lap 2b is formed
on an end plate 2a of a fixed scroll member 2 integrally with the
end plate 2a, and a scroll lap 3b is formed on an end plate 3a of a
movable scroll member 3 integrally with the end plate 3a. Both
scroll members 2, 3 are disposed so that the angles of both scroll
laps 2b, 3b are shifted from each other and side walls of both
scroll laps 2b, 3b are partially brought into contact with each
other. The movable scroll member 3 is revolved on a circular orbit
at a condition preventing rotation of the movable scroll member 3,
and the volume of a fluid pocket 5 (fluid pockets formed as a pair
form), which is a closed space formed between both scroll laps 2b,
3b, is changed in a direction contracting the volume of the fluid
pocket 5 by moving the fluid pocket 5 from an outer end section of
the scroll laps toward a center section of the scroll laps (in a
case of an expander, it is reversely moved from a center section
toward an outer end section), and the fluid (for example,
refrigerant gas) taken from the outer end side of the scroll laps
into the fluid pocket 5 is compressed.
[0044] The housing of compressor 1 comprises a front housing 6, a
rear housing 7, and a center housing 8 disposed therebetween. In
this embodiment, the above-described suction fluid is introduced
from a suction port 9 provided to front housing 6 into a suction
chamber 10, and therefrom, a part thereof is taken into the
above-described fluid pocket 5 through a corridor-like space
described later, and it is served to compression. The compressed
fluid is discharged into a discharge chamber 12 formed in rear
housing 7, through a discharge hole 11 formed in the central part
of end plate 2a of fixed scroll member 2, and therefrom, it is
discharged to outside through a discharge port 13.
[0045] Symbol 14 shows a drive shaft, and a rotation drive force
transmitted to a pulley 15 is transmitted to one end of the drive
shaft 14 via an electromagnetic clutch 15, thereby rotating and
driving the drive shaft 14. A crank mechanism 17 is formed on the
other end of drive shaft 14, and movable scroll member 3 is driven
so as to realize an orbital movement.
[0046] Fixed scroll member 2 is formed integrally with center
housing 8 in the center housing 8 disposed between front housing 6
and rear housing 7. Then, the height of the position of an end
surface 8b of an outer shell 8a of center housing 8 is set lower
than the height of scroll lap 2b of fixed scroll member 2, with the
end plate 2a of fixed scroll member 2 served as a reference of
position in the height direction. Formed is a corridor-like space
18 extending in the device circumferential direction, which is
surrounded by a forming portion of outer shell 8a of this center
housing 8, the inner surface of an outer shell 6a of front housing
6, scroll lap 2b of fixed scroll member 2, and end plate 3a of
movable scroll member 3. In this embodiment, this corridor-like
space 18 communicates with suction chamber 10 which is positioned
at a side opposite to a side of fixed scroll member 2 with
reference to end plate 3a of movable scroll member 3.
[0047] Further, in this embodiment, on the inner surface side of
outer shell 8a of center housing 8, a cup-like thickness relief
portion 19 extending in the same direction as the height direction
of scroll lap 2b of fixed scroll member 2 is provided between a
wall forming a wall surface, which contributes to change of the
volume of fluid pocket 5, of scroll lap 2b of fixed scroll member
2, and a wall forming the outer surface of outer shell 8a. In this
embodiment, this thickness relief portion 19 opens toward the side
of rear housing 7, and communicates with discharge chamber 12
formed in rear housing 7.
[0048] In the scroll compressor 1 thus constructed, by setting the
height of the position of end surface 8b of outer shell 8a of
center housing 8 lower than the height of scroll lap 2b of fixed
scroll member 2, at the outer circumferential side of scroll lap 2b
of fixed scroll member 2, corridor-like space 18 extending in the
device circumferential direction can be efficiently formed in a
position at the inner surface side of front housing 6 by
effectively utilizing a place which has not been paid attention to
at all so far. It becomes possible to take the suction fluid into
fluid pocket 5 from suction chamber 10 through this corridor-like
space 18, and because the corridor-like space 18 is positioned on
the way of the suction route, it becomes possible to reduce the
suction pressure loss.
[0049] Further, since the above-described corridor-like space 18 is
formed by utilizing a part of the portion occupied by center
housing 8 as viewed in the device axial direction, by utilizing the
remaining portion, it becomes possible to form thickness relief
portion 19 as shown in the figure, adjacent to the corridor-like
space 18. This thickness relief portion 19 is possible to be formed
without particularly making the outline of the device larger, as
compared with the aforementioned conventional structure wherein the
second discharge chamber is formed by providing the sub housing.
Therefore, as compared with such a conventional structure, it
becomes possible to surely make the device small in size and light
in weight. Because the volume of discharge chamber 12 can be
increased by forming thickness relief portion 19 as depicted in the
figure, reduction of discharge pulsations can be realized, thereby
realizing reduction of noise. Furthermore, since a particular thick
portion does not exist in center housing 8 and it becomes possible
to make the thicknesses of the respective portions uniform, in case
where center housing 8 is formed by casting, etc., defects such as
blow holes can be prevented to be generated, and therefore, the
quality for production can be stabilized.
[0050] FIG. 2 shows a scroll compressor as a scroll fluidic device
according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In
scroll compressor 21 depicted in FIG. 2, as compared with scroll
compressor 1 depicted in FIG. 1, a cup-like thickness relief
portion 23 formed in a center housing 22 opens toward the side of a
front housing 24. A corridor-like space 25 is formed so as to
communicate with the opening side of this cup-like thickness relief
portion 23. Then, in this embodiment, a structure is employed
wherein the cross-sectional area of thickness relief portion 23
extending in the device circumferential direction with an
appropriate length changes in the device circumferential direction,
and for example, in FIG. 2 (B), the portion greater in width of
thickness relief portion 23 is formed deeper than the portion
smaller in width. Since thickness relief portion 23 and
corridor-like space 25 are communicated with each other so that
their opening portions face to each other, the structure is formed
so that the cross-sectional area of corridor-like space 25 is
substantially enlarged, and so that the cross-sectional area of
corridor-like space 25 changes in the device circumferential
direction. Because the other structures are similar to those in the
aforementioned first embodiment, explanation is omitted by
providing the same symbols as those in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2.
[0051] In the scroll compressor 21 thus constructed, as compared
with the aforementioned first embodiment, it becomes possible to
more smoothly perform the suction of the suction fluid through
corridor-like space 25 whose cross-sectional area is adequately
changed, thereby further reducing the suction pressure loss.
[0052] FIG. 3 shows a scroll compressor as a scroll fluidic device
according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and shows
another lightening structure different from the above-described one
due to the thickness relief portion in the center housing in the
present invention, and a relationship between the cross-sectional
areas of the corridor-like space and the suction port. In scroll
compressor 31 depicted in FIG. 3, as compared with scroll
compressor 1 depicted in FIG. 1, a structure is employed wherein,
on the outer surface side of an outer shell 32a of a center housing
32, a recessed outer surface 34 of the outer shell 32a having a
predetermined thickness is formed relatively to a wall 33a forming
a wall surface, which contributes to the change of volume of fluid
pocket 5, and a wall 33b forming a wall surface, which faces
corridor-like space 18, of scroll lap 2b of fixed scroll member 2.
In such a structure, since recessed outer surface 34 is formed on
the outer surface of outer shell 32a of center housing 32 so as to
be adjacent to corridor-like space 18, it becomes possible to make
the device small in size and light in weight by an amount
corresponding to this recessed outer surface 34.
[0053] Further, a desirable relationship between the
cross-sectional areas of corridor-like space 18 and suction port 9
in the present invention will be explained utilizing FIG. 3.
Namely, it is preferred that, when movable scroll member 3 is
positioned at a phase angle at which a distance between an inner
surface of the outer circumferential end of scroll lap 3b of
movable scroll member 3 and an outer surface of scroll lap 2b of
fixed scroll member 2 facing to the inner surface of the outer
circumferential end of scroll lap 3b of movable scroll member 3
becomes maximum, the relationship between a cross-sectional area A1
of the corridor-like space and a sectional area A2 of suction port
9 provided on front housing 6 satisfies the following
relationship.
A2/2<A1<A2
In such a structure, as aforementioned, by corridor-like space 18
having an adequate size, a smooth operation can be ensured, and
reduction of suction pressure loss can be realized. Because it is
not necessary to make corridor-like space 18 unnecessarily, it can
be accelerated to make the whole of the device small in size and
light in weight. Because the other structures are similar to those
in the aforementioned first embodiment, explanation is omitted by
providing the same symbols as those in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows a scroll compressor as a scroll fluidic device
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In
scroll compressor 41 depicted in FIG. 4, as compared with scroll
compressor 1 depicted in FIG. 1, a suction port 44 directly
fronting a corridor-like space 43 is provided to a front housing
42. Symbol 42a in FIG. 4(B) shows the inner circumference of front
housing 42. In such a structure, the fluid sucked from suction port
44 can always flow directly into corridor-like space 43 as it is,
and therefrom, it is taken into fluid pocket 5, and therefore, a
desired suction route can be always formed stably, and a stable
suction operation becomes possible. Because the other structures
are similar to those in the aforementioned first embodiment,
explanation is omitted by providing the same symbols as those in
FIG. 1 to FIG. 4.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows a scroll compressor as a scroll fluidic device
according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In scroll
compressor 51 depicted in FIG. 5, as compared with scroll
compressor 41 depicted in FIG. 4, in a case of providing thickness
relief portion 19 opening toward the side of rear housing 7 and
communicating with discharge chamber 12 formed in rear housing 7,
the thickness relief portion 19 is positioned at a lower side in
the posture installed with compressor 1, and the thickness relief
portion 19 is formed so as to form an oil storage chamber 52 for
storing oil in discharge chamber 12. Then, a filter 53 is provided
between oil storage chamber 52 and discharge chamber 12, and by the
filter 53, foreign matters and the like can be prevented from
flowing in at the time of oil returning. Further, oil storage
chamber 52 and corridor-like space 18 are communicated with each
other through an orifice 54 (a small hole), and an adequate amount
of oil is returned to the suction side, in particular, to a driving
section in the suction side. In such a structure, an oil storage
space can be efficiently formed substantially in discharge chamber
12 without making the compressor large-sized especially, the stored
oil can be adequately returned to the drive section of the suction
side, and a desirable lubrication state for the compressor can be
realized. Because the other structures are similar to those in the
aforementioned first embodiment, explanation is omitted by
providing the same symbols as those in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5.
[0056] FIGS. 6-8 show scroll compressors as scroll fluidic devices
according to sixth to eighth embodiments of the present invention.
In scroll compressors 61, 71, 81 depicted in FIGS. 6-8, cup-like
thickness relief portions 62, 72, 82 opening toward the side of
rear housing 7 are formed, and the thickness relief portions 62,
72, 82 form second discharge chambers communicating with first
discharge chambers 63, 73, 83 formed in rear housing 7 (discharge
chambers for the fluid compressed by the scroll lap) via throttled
portions 64, 74, 84. By forming such second discharge chambers 62,
72, 82 in the route of discharge fluid following first discharge
chambers 63, 73, 83, the second discharge chambers 62, 72, 82 can
be given with a buffer function against fluid pulsations in the
discharge route, and a silencer function, and it becomes possible
to obtain excellent effects for reducing discharge pulsations and
reducing noise.
[0057] In scroll compressor 61 depicted in FIG. 6, a discharge port
65 discharging the compressed fluid from second discharge chamber
62 to outside of the device is provided to a center housing 66. In
scroll compressor 71 depicted in FIG. 7, a discharge port 75 from
second discharge chamber 72 is provided to a center housing 76, and
the above-describe throttled portion 74 is formed by the inner
outline of a gasket 77 sealing between center housing 76 and rear
housing 7 and the outline of the opening portion of second
discharge chamber 72, and by this, it becomes unnecessary to add a
particular member for forming throttled portion 74. In scroll
compressor 81 depicted in FIG. 8, a discharge port 85 is provided
to the rear housing side not to the side of a center housing 86,
and the fluid from second discharge chamber 82 is discharged to
outside from the discharge port 85 through a communication hole 87.
It can be appropriately selected at which position the discharge
port is disposed, depending upon disposition environment of
compressor or circumstances relative to other equipment and the
like. Because the other structures are similar to those in the
aforementioned first embodiment, explanation is omitted by
providing the same symbols as those in FIG. 1 to FIGS. 6-8.
[0058] FIG. 9 shows a scroll compressor as a scroll fluidic device
according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In scroll
compressor 91 depicted in FIG. 9, thickness relief portion 19
opening toward the side of rear housing 7 in scroll compressor 41
depicted in FIG. 4 is not communicated with discharge chamber 12
formed in rear housing 7 as shown in FIG. 4, but is formed as a
part of the suction route. Namely, a structure is employed wherein
discharge chamber 12 and a suction chamber 93 are formed via a
partition wall 92 in rear housing 7, and the suction chamber 93
communicates with corridor-like space 18 via a communication path
94 through the above-described thickness relief portion 19. In rear
housing 7, a suction port 95 communicating with suction chamber 93
is provided, and at another position, a discharge port 96
communicating with discharge chamber 12 is provided. Such a
structure is effective particularly in a case where it is necessary
to both of suction port 95 and discharge port 96 to rear housing 7
from the relationship with equipment disposed around it, etc. Even
in such a case, corridor-like space 18 can be utilized as a space
effective for reducing the suction pressure loss before the fluid
is taken into fluid pocket 5. Because the other structures are
similar to those in the aforementioned first embodiment,
explanation is omitted by providing the same symbols as those in
FIG. 1 to FIG. 9.
[0059] FIG. 10 shows a scroll compressor as a scroll fluidic device
according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. In scroll
compressor 101 depicted in FIG. 10, cup-like thickness relief
portion 23 opening toward the side of front housing 24 in scroll
compressor 21 depicted in FIG. 2 is formed as a part of a suction
path 102, and a suction port 104 directly communicating with the
inside of the suction space formed by thickness relief portion 23
is provided to a center housing 103. The suction path 102 can be
efficiently formed by this thickness relief portion 23 and
corridor-like space 25. Thus, the structure of suction path 102 can
also be designed with a great freedom. Because the other structures
are similar to those in the aforementioned first embodiment,
explanation is omitted by providing the same symbols as those in
FIG. 1 to FIG. 10.
[0060] FIG. 11 shows a scroll compressor as a scroll fluidic device
according to a eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
Although scroll compressor 111 depicted in FIG. 11 has a structure
similar to that of scroll compressor 31 depicted in FIG. 3, in this
eleventh embodiment, a mount boss 112 for mounting the compressor
111 at a predetermined place is disposed at a position farther from
a clutch portion, in the example shown in the figure, from the
position of pulley 15. Namely, a distance L between pulley 15 and
mount boss 112 is set greater. On the contrary, it is possible to
set the distance L smaller. Thus, the compressor 111 can also be
designed freely in consideration of convenience in mounting.
Because the other structures are similar to those in the
aforementioned first embodiment, explanation is omitted by
providing the same symbols as those in FIG. 1 to FIG. 11.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF THE INVENTION
[0061] The structure of the scroll fluidic device according to the
present invention can be applied basically to any of scroll
compressor and scroll expander, and in particular, it is suitable
as a compressor for an air conditioning system for vehicles to
which reduction of suction pressure loss, reduction of discharge
pulsations, reduction of noise, and further, making small in size
and light in weight are strongly required.
EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
[0062] 1, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111: scroll
compressor as scroll fluidic device [0063] 2: fixed scroll member
[0064] 2a: end plate of fixed scroll member [0065] 2b: scroll lap
of fixed scroll member [0066] 3: movable scroll member [0067] 3a:
end plate of movable scroll member [0068] 3b: scroll lap of movable
scroll member [0069] 4: rotation preventing mechanism [0070] 5:
fluid pocket [0071] 6, 24, 42: front housing [0072] 7: rear housing
[0073] 8, 22, 32, 66, 76, 86, 103: center housing [0074] 8a, 32a:
outer shell of center housing [0075] 8b: end plate of outer shell
of center housing [0076] 9, 44, 95, 104: suction port [0077] 10,
93: suction chamber [0078] 11: discharge hole [0079] 12: discharge
chamber [0080] 13, 65, 75, 85, 96: discharge port [0081] 14: drive
shaft [0082] 15: pulley [0083] 16: electromagnetic clutch [0084]
17: crank mechanism [0085] 18, 25, 43: corridor-like space [0086]
19, 23, 62, 72, 82: thickness relief portion [0087] 33a, 33b: wall
[0088] 34: recessed outer surface [0089] 42a: inner circumference
of front housing [0090] 52: oil storage chamber [0091] 53: filter
[0092] 54: orifice [0093] 62, 72, 82: second discharge chamber
formed by thickness relief portion [0094] 63, 73, 83: first
discharge chamber [0095] 64, 74, 84: throttled portion [0096] 77:
gasket [0097] 87: communication hole [0098] 92: partition wall
[0099] 94: communication path [0100] 102: suction path [0101] 112:
mount boss
* * * * *