Patent Description:
A compressor adopted to a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator, an air conditioner, etc. performs a function of compressing and transmitting refrigerant gas to a condenser. A rotary compressor or a scroll compressor is applied to an air conditioner.

The scroll compressor may be classified into a hermetic scroll compressor in which a driving unit (or a motor part) and a compression unit are included together in a casing, and an open-type scroll compressor in which a driving unit (or a motor part) is included outside a casing and only a compression unit is included in the casing.

The scroll compressor may be classified into a top compression type scroll compressor and a bottom compression type scroll compressor according to locations of a driving motor, constituting a driving unit or a motor part, and a compression unit. The top compression type scroll compressor is a compressor type in which a compressor is located above a driving motor, and the bottom compression type scroll compressor is a compressor type in which a compression unit is located below a driving motor. This classification is based on an example in which a casing is installed as a vertical type or a standing type. When a casing is installed as a horizontal type, a left side may be classified as an upper side and a right side may be classified as a lower side for convenience.

The scroll compressor may be respectively classified into a low-pressure type scroll compressor in which an inner space of a casing including a compression unit provides suction pressure and a high-pressure type scroll compressor providing discharge pressure. The top compression type scroll compressor may be configured as a low-pressure type or a high-pressure type. However, the bottom compression type scroll compressor is generally configured as a high-pressure type scroll compressor in consideration of a position of a refrigerant suction pipe.

The high-pressure type scroll compressor is directly connected to a suction pressure chamber constituting a compression chamber such that a refrigerant suction pipe penetrates through a casing. As the suction pressure chamber is provided at an edge of a fixed scroll, the edge of the fixed scroll adjacent to a refrigerant suction pipe is contact with cold refrigerant and shrinks. whereas a center portion far apart from the refrigerant suction pipe constitutes a discharge pressure chamber and is expanded by high-temperature refrigerant. Thus, the fixed scroll is bent in a direction in which the center portion is far apart from an orbiting scroll, and a suction end of the fixed wrap and a suction end of the orbiting wrap both constituting a suction pressure chamber may be in excessively close contact, and thus, damaged.

Accordingly, patent document <NUM> (Korean Patent Publication <CIT>) discloses providing of a type of a friction-avoidance groove such as a chamfer in some sections of a fixed wrap and an orbiting wrap. However, this may cause complex wrap machining and deteriorated wrap strength in the corresponding sections.

In addition, in the patent document <NUM>, an end (a suction end) of the fixed wrap is provided on a side surface of a fixed scroll to fully pass through a suction port in a radial direction. However, since a length of the fixed wrap having a small thickness is elongated, rigidity at a suction side of the fixed scroll may not be ensured. In addition, when the compressor stops, refrigerant in a compression chamber flows back. Thus, when load near the suction end greatly increases, it would be difficult to ensure reliability.

Additionally, as described above with respect to the patent document <NUM>, an end (a suction end) of the fixed wrap is provided on a side surface of the fixed scroll to fully pass through a suction port in a radial direction. However, since refrigerant passing through the suction port moves along a wrap providing direction toward a starting end (a discharge end) of the fixed wrap (a discharge end), suction loss due to vortex may occur at an opposite side of a suction direction of the refrigerant.

In addition, according to the patent document <NUM>, when the compressor stops operation, the refrigerant in a discharge pressure chamber flows back toward a suction pressure chamber. Thus, reverse rotation of an orbiting scroll may occur, and dead volume may increase and performance of the compressor may deteriorate due to lack of oil.

Therefore, the present disclosure describes a scroll compressor capable of increasing rigidity at a suction side of a fixed scroll.

The present disclosure also describes a scroll compressor that may facilitate machining of a fixed wrap and increase rigidity at a suction side of a fixed scroll.

The present disclosure also describes a scroll compressor that may increase rigidity at a suction side of a fixed scroll and suppress suction loss.

The present disclosure also describes a scroll compressor that may increase rigidity at a suction side of a fixed scroll and suppress refrigerant or oil in a compression chamber from flowing back to the suction side.

In order to achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a scroll compressor including a casing, a driving motor, a rotating shaft, a fixed scroll. and a refrigerant suction pipe. The driving motor is included inside the casing. The rotating shaft is coupled to a rotor of the driving motor. An orbiting scroll is coupled to the rotating shaft in the casing and includes an orbiting wrap to perform an orbiting. The fixed scroll is included in the casing, and includes a fixed wrap engaged with the orbiting wrap to provide a compression chamber. A suction port extends through the fixed scroll from an outer circumferential surface to an inner circumferential surface toward an outer side surface of the fixed wrap to communicate with the compression chamber. A refrigerant suction pipe penetrates through the casing and is inserted into an inlet end of the suction pipe. A reinforcing unit is provided between an outlet end of the suction port and an outer circumferential surface of the fixed wrap facing the outlet end of the suction port, and extends from the outlet end of the suction port toward an outer circumferential surface of the fixed wrap. The reinforcing unit overlaps a part of the outlet end of the suction port in a radial direction from a view of an axial direction. Accordingly, rigidity of a suction side of the fixed wrap is increased, and thus, deformation of the suction side of the fixed wrap during operation of the scroll compressor may be suppressed to increase reliability of the scroll compressor.

A discharge port may be provided in a center portion of the fixed scroll. The reinforcing unit may extend along a circumference of the suction port from a downstream end of the outlet end of the suction port to an upstream end at an opposite side of the downstream end, the downstream end being an end spaced farther apart from the discharge port than the upstream end, along a direction in which the fixed wrap extends spirally. Accordingly, rigidity of a suction side of the fixed wrap is increased and occurrence of vortex near the outlet end of the suction port may be suppressed. Therefore, reduction in volumetric efficiency may be suppressed.

In detail, the reinforcing unit may overlap the suction port in correspondence with <NUM>% of an inner diameter of the suction port or less. In other words, a length in which the reinforcing unit overlaps the suction port in the radial direction is <NUM>% of an inner diameter of the suction port or less. Accordingly, rigidity of a suction side of the fixed wrap may be increased and suction resistance may be minimized. Therefore, high volumetric efficiency may be ensured.

As another example, the reinforcing unit may be provided with a suction guide groove recessed from the outlet end of the suction port toward the outer circumferential surface of the fixed wrap. Accordingly, rigidity of a suction side of the fixed wrap may be increased and a large suction port area may be ensured. Therefore, volumetric efficiency may be increased.

In detail, the suction guide groove may be provided to be inclined from one side of the outlet end of the suction port toward the fixed wrap. Accordingly, suction refrigerant may be guided to be smoothly sucked, and thus, volumetric efficiency may be increased.

In detail, the suction guide groove may be provided to have a conical shape. Accordingly, the suction guide groove may be easily machined and suction refrigerant may be guided to be smoothly sucked. Thus, volumetric efficiency may be increased.

In addition, the suction guide groove may be radially recessed at the outlet end of the suction port to a preset depth. Accordingly, a suction port area may be enlarged, and thus, volumetric efficiency may be increased.

In detail, the suction guide groove may be provided to have a cylindrical surface. Accordingly, the reinforcing unit may be provided, and meanwhile a suction port area may be enlarged at maximum. Thus, rigidity of the fixed wrap may be enhanced and volumetric efficiency may be increased.

As another example, the fixed scroll may include a fixed end plate and a fixed side wall. The fixed end plate may include a discharge port in a center portion. The fixed side wall may be provided on one side surface of the fixed end plate to have an annular shape and surround the fixed wrap. An arc surface may connect a suction end of the fixed wrap to an inner circumferential surface of the fixed side wall. The arc surface meets the suction guide groove at an inflection point. This inflection point may be located within a circumferential range of the suction port. In other words, the inflection point may be disposed spaced farther apart from the discharge port than a first center line passing through a center of the suction port, along a direction in which the fixed wrap extends spirally. Accordingly, a length of the fixed wrap may be reduced and a thickness of the suction port may be increased. Thus, rigidity of the fixed wrap may be increased.

In detail, the inflection point may be provided in a portion spaced far apart from the discharge port with reference to a first center line passing through a center of the suction port. Accordingly, rigidity of the fixed wrap may be enhanced and suction refrigerant may smoothly move toward a compression chamber. Thus, volumetric efficiency may be increased.

In detail, the inflection point may be provided in a position such that an overlapping length from an end of the reinforcing unit to an end of the suction port located far apart from the discharge port is <NUM>% of an inner diameter of the suction port or less. In other words, the inflection point may be disposed such that an overlapping length, which is a shortest length from the inflection point to a virtual line extending radially inward from the downstream end of the outlet end of the suction port, is <NUM>% of an inner diameter of the suction port or less. Accordingly, the fixed wrap may be connected to the suction port and a suction port area may be ensured. Thus, rigidity of the fixed wrap may be enhanced and deterioration of volumetric efficiency may be suppressed.

As still another example, the suction port may include a suction valve configured to open or close the suction port. Accordingly, rigidity of the fixed wrap may be enhanced and refrigerant or oil may be suppressed from flowing back when the compressor stops operation. Thus, reverse rotation of an orbiting scroll may be suppressed, and deterioration of compressor performance due to refrigerant or oil flowing back may be suppressed.

In detail, the suction valve may include a valve pipe and a valve member. The valve pipe may open toward the compression chamber and be inserted into the suction port. The valve member may be hinged to the valve pipe to be detachably attached to an end of the valve pipe and configured to open or close the suction port. Accordingly, the reinforcing unit may be provided, and meanwhile the suction valve may be easily installed at the suction port to suppress the refrigerant or oil from flowing back.

In detail, the suction valve may include a valve pipe and a valve member. The valve pipe may include a suction through hole open toward the compression chamber to be inserted into the suction port. The valve member may be slidably inserted into the valve pipe to open or close the suction through hole and configured to open or close the suction port. Accordingly, the reinforcing unit is provided, and meanwhile the suction valve may be easily installed at the suction port and reliability of operation of the suction valve may be enhanced. Thus, the refrigerant or oil may be effectively suppressed from flowing back.

As still another example, the suction port may be provided in a circumferential direction with reference to an axial center of the rotating shaft. In other words, the suction port may be disposed being in parallel with a virtual line extending radially from an axial center of the rotating shaft. Accordingly, a length of the suction port may be minimized, and thus, the suction port may be easily machined.

As still another example, the suction port may be provided to be inclined in a direction toward a center of the fixed scroll with reference to a wrap providing direction of the fixed wrap off the axial center of the rotating shaft. In other words, the suction port may be disposed to be inclined with respect to a virtual line extending radially from an axial center of the rotating shaft. Accordingly, a structure of the suction port may be simplified, and meanwhile a suction port area may be enlarged. Thus, volumetric efficiency may be increased.

As still another example, the suction port may include a first suction unit constituting the inlet end and the second suction unit constituting the outlet end. A cross-sectional area of the second suction unit may be provided to be larger than a cross-sectional area of the first suction unit. Accordingly, the suction port may be provided in a radial direction, and meanwhile an area of an outlet of the suction port may be enlarged. Thus, volumetric efficiency may be increased.

Description will now be given in detail of a scroll compressor disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, a description of some components may be omitted to clarify features of the present disclosure.

In addition, the term "upper side" used in the following description refers to a direction away from a support surface for supporting a scroll compressor according to an implementation of the present disclosure, that is, a direction toward a driving unit (motor part or driving motor) when viewed based on the driving unit (motor part or driving motor) and a compression part. The term "lower side" refers to a direction toward the support surface, that is, a direction toward the compression part when viewed based on the driving unit (motor part or driving motor) and the compression part.

The term "axial direction" used in the following description refers to a lengthwise (longitudinal) direction of a rotating shaft. The "axial direction" may be understood as an up and down (or vertical) direction. The term "radial direction" refers to a direction that intersects the rotating shaft.

Hereinafter, a hermetic scroll compressor in which a driving unit (or a motor part or a driving motor) and a compression unit are included in a casing is described as an example of the scroll compressor. However, an open-type compressor in which a driving unit (a motor part or a driving motor) is included outside the casing and connected to a compression unit in the casing may be also adopted as the scroll compressor.

In addition, hereinafter, a compressor which is a vertical-type scroll compressor, in which a motor part and a compression unit are arranged in a longitudinal axial direction, and also a bottom compression type scroll compressor, in which a compression unit is located below a driving unit (or a motor part or a driving motor), is described as an example. However, the description may be also applied to not only a horizontal type scroll compressor in which a driving unit (a motor part or a driving motor) and a compression unit are arranged in a left-right direction, but also a top compression type scroll compressor in which a compression unit is arranged above a driving unit (a motor part or a driving motor) are arranged.

In addition, hereinafter, a bottom compression type and high pressure scroll compressor in which a refrigerant suction pipe constituting a suction passage is directly connected to a compression unit and a refrigerant discharge pipe communicates with an inner space of a casing so that the inner space of the casing provides discharge pressure is described as an example.

<FIG> is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an inner structure of a scroll compressor in accordance with this implementation.

Referring to <FIG>, a high-pressure and bottom-compression type scroll compressor (hereinafter, referred to as a scroll compressor) according to an implementation may include a driving motor <NUM> constituting a motor part disposed in an upper portion of a casing <NUM>, and a main frame <NUM>, a fixed scroll <NUM>, an orbiting scroll <NUM>, and a discharge cover <NUM> sequentially disposed below the driving motor <NUM>. In general, the driving motor <NUM> may constitute the motor part, as described above, and the main frame <NUM>, the fixed scroll <NUM>, the orbiting scroll <NUM>, and the discharge cover <NUM> may constitute a compression part C.

The driving motor <NUM> constituting the motor part is coupled to an upper end of a rotating shaft <NUM> to be described later, and the compression part C is coupled to a lower end of the rotating shaft <NUM>. Accordingly, the compressor <NUM> constitutes the bottom-compression type structure described above, and the compression part C is connected to the driving motor <NUM> by the rotating shaft <NUM> to operate according to rotational force of the driving motor <NUM>. Thus, the driving motor <NUM> may be understood as a driving unit configured to drive the compression unit C. Hereinafter, in the description, a driving motor may be also referred as a motor part or a driving unit.

Referring to <FIG>, the casing <NUM> according to the implementation may include a cylindrical shell <NUM>, an upper shell <NUM>, and a lower shell <NUM>. The cylindrical shell <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape with upper and lower ends open. The upper shell <NUM> may be coupled to cover the open upper end of the cylindrical shell <NUM>. The lower shell <NUM> may be coupled to cover the open lower end of the cylindrical shell <NUM>. Accordingly, the inner space 110a of the casing <NUM> may be sealed. The sealed inner space 110a of the casing <NUM> may be divided into a lower space S1 and an upper space S2 based on the driving motor <NUM>.

The lower space S1 may be a space defined below the driving motor <NUM>. The lower space S1 may be further divided into an oil storage space S11 and an outflow passage S12 with the compression part C therebetween.

The oil storage space S11 may be a space defined below the compression part C to store oil or mixed oil in which liquid refrigerant is mixed. The outflow passage S12 may be a space defined between an upper surface of the compression part C and a lower surface of the driving motor <NUM>. Refrigerant compressed in the compression part C or mixed refrigerant in which oil is contained may be discharged into the outflow passage S12.

The upper space S2 may be a space defined above the driving motor <NUM> to form an oil separating space in which oil is separated from refrigerant discharged from the compression part C. The upper space S2 may communicate with the refrigerant discharge pipe.

The driving motor <NUM> and the main frame <NUM> may be fixedly inserted into the cylindrical shell <NUM>. An outer circumferential surface of the driving motor <NUM> and an outer circumferential surface of the main frame <NUM> may be respectively provided with an oil return passages Po1 and Po2 each spaced apart from an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical shell <NUM> by a predetermined distance.

A refrigerant suction pipe <NUM> may be coupled through a side surface of the cylindrical shell <NUM>. Accordingly, the refrigerant suction pipe <NUM> may be coupled through the cylindrical shell <NUM> forming the casing <NUM> in a radial direction.

The refrigerant suction pipe <NUM> may be formed in an L-like shape. One end of the refrigerant suction pipe <NUM> may be inserted through the cylindrical shell <NUM> to directly communicate with a suction port <NUM> of the fixed scroll <NUM>, which configures the compression part C. Accordingly, refrigerant can be introduced directly into a compression chamber V through the refrigerant suction pipe <NUM>. The suction port <NUM> to which the refrigerant suction pipe <NUM> is connected will be described later together with the fixed scroll <NUM>.

An inner end of the refrigerant discharge pipe <NUM> may be coupled through an upper portion of the upper shell <NUM> to communicate with the inner space 110a of the casing <NUM>, specifically, the upper space S2 defined above the driving motor <NUM>.

The refrigerant discharge pipe <NUM> may be provided therein with an oil separator (not shown) for separating oil from refrigerant discharged from the compressor <NUM> to the condenser <NUM>, or a check valve (not shown) for suppressing refrigerant discharged from the compressor <NUM> from flowing back into the compressor <NUM>.

One end portion of an oil circulation pipe (not illustrated) may be coupled through a lower end portion of the lower shell <NUM>. Both ends of the oil circulation pipe may be open, and another end portion of the oil circulation pipe may be coupled through the refrigerant suction pipe <NUM>. An oil circulation valve (not illustrated) may be installed in a middle portion of the oil circulation pipe.

Hereinafter, a driving motor constituting the motor part will be described.

Referring to <FIG>, the driving motor <NUM> according to the implementation may include a stator <NUM> and a rotor <NUM>. The stator <NUM> may be fixed onto the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical shell <NUM>, and the rotor <NUM> may be rotatably disposed in the stator <NUM>.

The stator <NUM> may include a stator core <NUM> and a stator coil <NUM>.

The stator core <NUM> may be formed in an annular shape or a hollow cylindrical shape and may be shrink-fitted onto the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical shell <NUM>.

A rotor accommodating portion 1211a may be formed in a circular shape through a central portion of the stator core <NUM> such that the rotor <NUM> can be rotatably inserted therein. A plurality of stator-side return grooves 1211b may be recessed or cut out in a D-cut shape at an outer circumferential surface of the stator core <NUM> along the axial direction and disposed at preset distances along a circumferential direction.

A plurality of teeth 1211c and slots 1211d may be alternately formed on an inner circumferential surface of the rotor accommodating portion 1211a in the circumferential direction, and the stator coil <NUM> may be wound on each tooth 1211c by passing through the slots 1211d at both sides of the tooth 1211c.

Each slot (precisely, a space between adjacent stator coils in the circumferential direction) 1211d may define an inner passage 120a, and a gap passage 120b may be defined between an inner circumferential surface of the stator core <NUM> and an outer circumferential surface of the rotor core <NUM>. Each of the oil return grooves 1211b may define an outer passage 120c. The inner passages 120a and the gap passage 120b may define a passage through which refrigerant discharged from the compression part C moves to the upper space S2, and the outer passages 120c may define a first oil return passage Po1 through which oil separated in the upper space S2 is returned to the oil storage space S11.

The stator coil <NUM> may be wound around the stator core <NUM> and may be electrically connected to an external power source through a power cable <NUM> that is coupled through the casing <NUM>. An insulator <NUM>, which is an insulating member, may be inserted between the stator core <NUM> and the stator coil <NUM>.

The insulator <NUM> may be provided at an outer circumferential side and an inner circumferential side of the stator coil <NUM> to accommodate a bundle of the stator coil <NUM> in the radial direction, and may extend to both sides in the axial direction of the stator core <NUM>.

The rotor <NUM> may include a rotor core <NUM> and permanent magnets <NUM>.

The rotor core <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape to be accommodated in the rotor accommodating portion 1211a defined in the central portion of the stator core <NUM>.

Specifically, the rotor core <NUM> may be rotatably inserted into the rotor accommodating portion 1211a of the stator core <NUM> with a predetermined gap 120a therebetween. The permanent magnets <NUM> may be embedded in the rotor core <NUM> at preset intervals along the circumferential direction.

A balance weight <NUM> may be coupled to a lower end of the rotor core <NUM>. Alternatively, the balance weight <NUM> may be coupled to the rotating shaft. This implementation will be described based on an example in which the balance weight <NUM> is coupled to the rotating shaft <NUM>. The balance weight <NUM> may be disposed on each of a lower end side and an upper end side of the rotor, and the two balance weights <NUM> may be installed symmetrically to each other.

The rotating shaft <NUM> may be coupled to the center of the stator core <NUM>. An upper end portion of the rotating shaft <NUM> may be press-fitted to the rotor <NUM>, and a lower end portion of the rotating shaft <NUM> may be rotatably inserted into the main frame <NUM> to be supported in the radial direction.

The main frame <NUM> may be provided with a main bearing <NUM> configured as a bush bearing to support the lower end portion of the rotating shaft <NUM>. Accordingly, a portion, which is inserted into the main frame <NUM>, of the lower end portion of the rotating shaft <NUM> may smoothly rotate inside the main frame <NUM>.

The rotating shaft <NUM> may transfer a rotational force of the driving motor <NUM> to an orbiting scroll <NUM> constituting the compression part C. Accordingly, the orbiting scroll <NUM> eccentrically coupled to the rotating shaft <NUM> may perform an orbiting motion with respect to the fixed scroll <NUM>.

An oil supply passage <NUM> having a hollow shape is provided in the rotating shaft <NUM>, and an oil pick up <NUM> configured to pump oil filled in the oil storage space S11 may be coupled to a lower end of the rotating shaft <NUM>. Accordingly, during rotation of the rotating shaft <NUM>, the oil filled in the oil storage space S11 is sucked into an upper end of the rotating shaft <NUM> through the oil pickup <NUM> and the oil supply passage <NUM> to lubricate a sliding unit.

Then, the compression unit C is described.

Referring to <FIG>, the compression unit C according to this implementation includes the main frame <NUM>, the fixed scroll <NUM>, and the orbiting scroll <NUM>.

The main frame <NUM> may include a frame end plate <NUM>, a frame side wall <NUM>, and a main bearing portion <NUM>.

The frame end plate <NUM> may be formed in an annular shape and installed below the driving motor <NUM>. The frame side wall <NUM> may extend in a cylindrical shape from an edge of a lower surface of the frame end plate <NUM>, and an outer circumferential surface of the frame side wall <NUM> may be fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical shell <NUM> in a shrink-fitting or welding manner. Accordingly, the oil storage space S11 and the outflow space S12 constituting the lower space S1 of the casing <NUM> may be separated from each other by the frame end plate <NUM> and the frame side wall <NUM>.

A frame outflow hole (hereinafter, a second outflow hole) <NUM> forming a part of an outflow passage may be formed through the frame side wall <NUM> in the axial direction. The second outflow hole <NUM> may be formed to correspond to a scroll outflow hole (first outflow hole) <NUM> of the fixed scroll <NUM> to be described later, to define a refrigerant outflow passage (no reference numeral given) together with the first outflow hole <NUM>.

The second outflow hole <NUM> may be elongated in the circumferential direction, or may be provided in plurality disposed at preset distances along the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the second outflow hole <NUM> can secure a volume of a compression chamber relative to the same diameter of the main frame <NUM> by maintaining a minimum radial width with securing an outflow area. This may equally be applied to the first outflow hole <NUM> that is formed in the fixed scroll <NUM> to define a part of the outflow passage.

The main bearing portion <NUM> may protrude upward from an upper surface of a central portion of the frame end plate <NUM> toward the driving motor <NUM>. The main bearing portion <NUM> may be provided with a main bearing hole <NUM> formed therethrough in a cylindrical shape along the axial direction. The first bearing portion <NUM> of the rotating shaft <NUM> may be inserted into the main bearing hole <NUM> to be supported in the radial direction.

Hereinafter, the fixed scroll will be described.

Referring to <FIG>, the fixed scroll <NUM> according to the implementation may include a fixed end plate <NUM>, a fixed side wall <NUM>, a sub bearing portion <NUM>, and a fixed wrap <NUM>.

The fixed end plate <NUM> may be formed in a disk shape having a plurality of concave portions on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a sub bearing hole <NUM> defining the sub bearing portion <NUM> to be described later may be formed through a center of the fixed end plate <NUM> in the vertical direction. Discharge ports <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed around the sub bearing hole <NUM>. The discharge ports <NUM> and <NUM> may communicate with a discharge pressure chamber Vd so that compressed refrigerant is moved into the muffler space 160a of the discharge cover <NUM> to be explained later.

Although not illustrated, only one discharge port may be provided to communicate with both of a first compression chamber V1 and a second compression chamber V2 to be described later. In the implementation, however, a first discharge port (no reference numeral given) may communicate with the first compression chamber V1 and a second discharge port (no reference numeral given) may communicate with the second compression chamber V2. Accordingly, refrigerant compressed in the first compression chamber V1 and refrigerant compressed in the second compression chamber V2 may be independently discharged through the different discharge ports.

The fixed side wall <NUM> may extend in an annular shape from an edge of an upper surface of the fixed end plate <NUM> in the vertical direction. The fixed side wall <NUM> may be coupled to face the frame side wall <NUM> of the main frame <NUM> in the vertical direction.

The fixed side wall <NUM> may be provided with a suction port <NUM> formed through the fixed side wall <NUM> in the radial direction. As aforementioned, an end portion of the refrigerant suction pipe <NUM> inserted through the cylindrical shell <NUM> may be inserted into the suction port <NUM>.

The suction port <NUM> is provided to be inserted through an outer circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM> into an inner circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM>. The suction port <NUM> is provided such that inner diameters at both ends are identical to each other. However, in some cases, inner diameters at both the ends of the suction port <NUM> may be different from each other.

The refrigerant suction pipe <NUM> is connected to an outer end of the suction port <NUM>, and an inner end of the suction port <NUM> communicates with the suction pressure chamber Vs. Accordingly, refrigerant is directly sucked into the suction pressure chamber Vs through the refrigerant suction pipe <NUM> and the suction port <NUM>. The suction port <NUM> will be described later together with a reinforcing unit <NUM>.

A scroll outflow hole (hereinafter, first outflow hole) <NUM> may be formed through the fixed side wall <NUM> in the axial direction. The first outflow hole <NUM> may be elongated in the circumferential direction, or may be provided in plurality disposed at preset distances along the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the first outflow hole <NUM> can secure a volume of a compression chamber relative to the same diameter of the fixed scroll <NUM> by maintaining a minimum radial width with securing a discharge area.

The first outflow hole <NUM> may communicate with the second outflow hole <NUM> in a state in which the fixed scroll <NUM> is coupled to the cylindrical shell <NUM>. Accordingly, the first outflow hole <NUM> can define a refrigerant outflow passage together with the second outflow hole <NUM>.

The sub bearing portion <NUM> may extend in the axial direction from a central portion of the fixed end plate <NUM> toward the discharge cover <NUM>. A sub bearing hole <NUM> having a cylindrical shape may be formed through a center of the sub bearing portion <NUM> in the axial direction, and a lower end portion of the rotating shaft <NUM> may be inserted into the sub bearing hole <NUM> to be supported in the radial direction.

The fixed wrap <NUM> may extend from the upper surface of the fixed end plate <NUM> toward the orbiting scroll <NUM> in the axial direction. The fixed wrap <NUM> may be engaged with an orbiting wrap <NUM> to be described later to define the compression chamber V.

The fixing wrap <NUM> may be formed in an involute shape. However, the fixed wrap <NUM> and the orbiting wrap <NUM> may be formed in various shapes other than the involute shape.

For example, the fixed wrap <NUM> may be formed in a substantially elliptical shape in which a plurality of arcs having different diameters and origins are connected and the outermost curve may have a major axis and a minor axis. The orbiting wrap <NUM> may also be formed in a similar manner.

An inner end of the fixed wrap <NUM> may be provided in a central portion of the fixed end plate <NUM>, and a through hole (no reference numeral) is provided to axially penetrate through the central portion of the fixed end plate <NUM>. The through hole communicates with the sub bearing <NUM> described above such that the rotating shaft <NUM> is rotatably inserted into the through hole.

Hereinafter, the orbiting scroll will be described.

Referring to <FIG>, the orbiting scroll <NUM> according to the implementation may include an orbiting end plate <NUM>, an orbiting wrap <NUM>, and a rotating shaft coupling portion <NUM>.

The orbiting end plate <NUM> may be formed in a disk shape and accommodated in the main frame <NUM>. An upper surface of the orbiting end plate <NUM> may be supported in the axial direction by the main frame <NUM> with interposing a back pressure sealing member (no reference numeral given) therebetween.

The orbiting wrap <NUM> may extend from a lower surface of the orbiting end plate <NUM> toward the fixed scroll <NUM>. The orbiting wrap <NUM> may be engaged with the fixed wrap <NUM> to define the compression chamber V.

Since the orbiting wrap <NUM> has a shape corresponding to the shape of the fixed wrap <NUM> described above, a description of the orbiting wrap <NUM> will be replaced with the description of the fixed wrap <NUM>. However, an inner end portion of the orbiting wrap <NUM> may be formed at a central portion of the orbiting end plate <NUM>, and the rotating shaft coupling portion <NUM> may be formed through the central portion of the orbiting end plate <NUM> in the axial direction.

The rotating shaft <NUM> may be rotatably inserted and coupled into the rotating shaft coupling portion <NUM>. An outer circumferential part of the rotating shaft coupling portion <NUM> may be connected to the orbiting wrap <NUM> to define the compression chamber V together with the fixed wrap <NUM> during a compression process.

The rotating shaft coupling portion <NUM> may be formed at a height at which it overlaps the orbiting wrap <NUM> on the same plane. That is, the rotating shaft coupling portion <NUM> may be disposed at a height at which the eccentric portion (no reference numeral) of the rotating shaft <NUM> overlaps the orbiting wrap <NUM> on the same plane. Accordingly, repulsive force and compressive force of refrigerant can cancel each other while being applied to the same plane based on the orbiting end plate <NUM>, and thus inclination of the orbiting scroll <NUM> due to interaction between the compressive force and the repulsive force can be suppressed.

On the other hand, the compression chamber V may be formed in a space defined by the fixed end plate <NUM>, the fixed wrap <NUM>, the orbiting end plate <NUM>, and the orbiting wrap <NUM>. The compression chamber V may include a first compression chamber V1 defined between an inner surface of the fixed wrap <NUM> and an outer surface of the orbiting wrap <NUM>, and a second compression chamber V2 defined between an outer surface of the fixed wrap <NUM> and an inner surface of the orbiting wrap <NUM>.

In the drawings, unexplained reference numeral <NUM> denotes a discharge cover that guides refrigerant discharged from the compression chamber to the upper space, 160a denotes a muffler space as an inner space of the discharge cover, <NUM> denotes an Oldham ring, and <NUM> denotes a flow path guide for separating discharged refrigerant and returned oil from each other.

The scroll compressor according to the implementation of the present disclosure may operate as follows.

That is, when power is applied to the motor part <NUM>, rotational force may be generated and the rotor <NUM> and the rotating shaft <NUM> may rotate accordingly. As the rotating shaft <NUM> rotates, the orbiting scroll <NUM> eccentrically coupled to the rotating shaft <NUM> may perform an orbiting motion relative to the fixed scroll <NUM> by the Oldham ring <NUM>.

Accordingly, the volume of the compression chamber V may decrease gradually along a suction pressure chamber Vs defined at an outer side of the compression chamber V, an intermediate pressure chamber Vm continuously formed toward a center, and a discharge pressure chamber Vd defined in a central portion.

Then, refrigerant which has passed through the condenser (not illustrated), an expander (not illustrated), and an evaporator (not illustrated) of a refrigeration cycle device, may be suctioned toward the suction pressure chamber Vs defining the compression chamber V through an accumulator (not illustrated) and the refrigerant suction pipe <NUM>.

The refrigerant suctioned into the suction pressure chamber Vs may be compressed while moving to the discharge pressure chamber Vd via the intermediate pressure chamber Vm along a movement trajectory of the compression chamber V. The compressed refrigerant may be discharged from the discharge pressure chamber Vd to the muffler space 160a of the discharge cover <NUM> through the discharge ports <NUM> and <NUM>.

Then, the refrigerant (refrigerant is oil-mixed refrigerant but in description, mixed refrigerant or refrigerant will all be used) that has been discharged to the muffler space 160a of the discharge cover <NUM> may move to the outflow space S12 defined between the main frame <NUM> and the driving motor <NUM> through the muffler space 160a of the discharge cover <NUM> and the first outflow hole <NUM> of the fixed scroll <NUM>. The mixed refrigerant may pass through the driving motor <NUM> to move to the upper space S2 of the casing <NUM> defined above the driving motor <NUM>.

The mixed refrigerant moved to the upper space S2 is separated into refrigerant and oil in the upper space S2. The refrigerant (or some mixed refrigerant from which oil is not separated) may flow out of the casing <NUM> through the refrigerant discharge pipe <NUM> so as to move sequentially through a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator, which constitutes a refrigeration cycle, along the refrigerant pipe.

On the other hand, the oil separated from the refrigerant in the upper space S2 (or mixed oil with liquid refrigerant) may move to the lower space S1 along the first oil return passage Po1 between the inner circumferential surface of the casing <NUM> and the stator <NUM>. The oil moved to the lower space S1 may be returned to the oil storage space S11 defined in the lower portion of the compression part C along the second oil return passage Po2 between the inner circumferential surface of the casing <NUM> and the outer circumferential surface of the compression part C.

This oil may thusly be supplied to each bearing surface (not illustrated) through the oil supply passage <NUM>, and partially supplied into the compression chamber V. Oil supplied to bearing surfaces and the compression chamber V may be discharged to the discharge cover <NUM> together with refrigerant and then returned. This series of processes may be repeatedly performed.

As described above, a fixed scroll connected to a refrigerant suction pipe may be damaged by head deflection generated during operation of the compressor. Particularly, since a fixed wrap is provided such that a wrap thickness is small at a suction end located at an edge than at a discharge end located in a central portion, the fixed wrap may be vulnerable to lateral load.

In addition, when the suction end of the fixed wrap is provided to have a great length to ensure suction volume, the suction end of the fixed wrap may be easily damaged in a case of thermal deformation of the fixed scroll as described above and a suction pressure chamber is elongated in a direction from a center of a suction port to be apart from the discharge port. Thus, as vortex is generated, a suction loss may increase.

Accordingly, in this implementation, a length of a fixed wrap may be reduced so that a suction end of the fixed wrap overlaps a suction port. Thus, rigidity of the fixed wrap may be ensured and a damage to the fixed wrap may be suppressed. In addition, elongation in a direction opposite to a direction that refrigerant is suctioned may be minimized, and thus, vortex in a suction pressure chamber may be suppressed to minimize a suction loss.

Hereinafter, for description, the suction end of the fixed wrap is defined as an end of the fixed wrap, that is, a circular arc surface facing a suction end of an orbiting wrap when a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll are assembled to be aligned. Accordingly, an outlet end of the suction port may be understood as a same surface as a side surface of the suction pressure chamber extending from the circular arc surface to outside.

<FIG> is a detached perspective view of a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll both shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a bottom view of the fixed scroll of <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged bottom view of one implementation of a reinforcing unit of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line "IX-IX" of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the scroll compressor according to this implementation includes the fixed scroll <NUM> fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the casing <NUM>. As described above with respect to the compression unit C, the fixed scroll <NUM> includes the fixed end plate <NUM>, the fixed side wall <NUM>, the sub bearing <NUM>, and the fixed wrap <NUM>. Among the fixed end plate <NUM>, the fixed side wall <NUM>, the sub bearing <NUM>, and the fixed wrap <NUM>, the suction port <NUM> is provided in the fixed side wall <NUM>, and the reinforcing unit <NUM> configured to reinforce rigidity of the fixed wrap <NUM> is provided between the fixed side wall <NUM> and the fixed wrap <NUM>.

In detail, the suction port <NUM> according to this implementation includes an inlet end 1421a and an outlet end 1421b. The inlet end 1421a may be provided to penetrate through an outer circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM>, and the outlet end 1421b may be provided to penetrate through an inner circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM>. The refrigerant suction pipe <NUM> may be connected into the inlet end 1421a of the suction end <NUM>. The outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> may penetrate through the inner circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM> to communicate with the suction pressure chamber Vs. Accordingly, the inner circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM> may be understood as a suction pressure chamber side surface 142a. In other words, the inner circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM> or the suction pressure chamber side surface 142a may be understood as a surface extending from the suction end 144a of the fixed wrap <NUM> to outside, on the contrary to the outer circumferential surface of the fixed wrap <NUM> extending from the suction end 144a of the fixed wrap <NUM> to inside.

The suction port <NUM> may be provided to have a cylindrical shape in which an inner diameter D1 of the inlet end 1421a is nearly identical to an inner diameter D2 of the outlet end 1421b. However, the suction port <NUM> may not necessarily have a cylindrical shape such that inner diameters of the inlet end 1421a and the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> are identical to each other. For example, the suction port <NUM> may be provided such that the inner diameter D1 of the inlet end 1421a is longer than the inner diameter D2 of the outlet end 1421b, or vice versa.

The suction port <NUM> may be penetrated in a radial direction. For example, the suction port <NUM> may be radially provided such that a first center line CL1 passing through a center of the inlet end <NUM> and a center of the outlet end <NUM> passes through an axial center O of the rotating shaft <NUM>. Accordingly, a length of the suction inlet <NUM> may be reduced, and machining may be facilitated.

The reinforcing unit <NUM> according to this implementation is provided between the suction port <NUM> and the fixed wrap <NUM>, that is, the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> and the suction end 144a of the fixed wrap <NUM> facing the outlet end 1421b. Accordingly, the reinforcing unit <NUM> connects the outlet end 1421b of the suction end <NUM> to the suction end 144a of the fixed wrap <NUM> facing the outlet end 1421b.

In other words, when being axially projected, the reinforcing unit <NUM> is provided to radially overlap a part of the outlet end 1421b of the suction end <NUM>. Accordingly, when being axially projected, the reinforcing unit <NUM> is arranged between the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> and the outer circumferential surface of the fixed wrap <NUM> to be circumferentially in parallel with the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM>.

In detail, the reinforcing unit <NUM> is provided to radially overlap the suction port <NUM>, and extends along a circumference of the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> from a downstream end 1421b2 of the outlet end 1421b toward an upstream end 1421b1 of the outlet end <NUM> at an opposite side, the downstream end 1421b2 of the outlet end 1421b being an end spaced far apart from the discharge ports <NUM> and <NUM> along a wrap providing direction of the fixed wrap <NUM>, i.e., a same direction as that of providing the compression chamber V. In other words, the reinforcing unit <NUM> is provided to be located at an opposite side of the discharge ports <NUM> and <NUM> with reference to the first center line CL1. Accordingly, the reinforcing unit <NUM> is provided between the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> and the outer circumferential surface of the fixed wrap <NUM>, and meanwhile, refrigerant passing through the suction port <NUM> may be smoothly sucked along the compression chamber V having a helical form toward a center portion (a discharge port).

The reinforcing unit <NUM> described above may be defined by a circular arc surface 144b. That is, the reinforcing unit <NUM> may be provided such that an inflection point P of the circular arc surface 144b is located within a range of a circumferential direction of the suction port <NUM>, the inflection point P connecting the suction end 144a of the fixed wrap <NUM> to the suction pressure chamber side surface 142a, i.e., the inner circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM>. Thus, it is understood that, when the fixed scroll <NUM> is viewed in an axial direction, the circular arc surface 144b constituting the reinforcing unit <NUM> overlaps a part of the suction port <NUM> to block the part of the suction port <NUM>.

In this case, the inflection point P may be provided at a portion far apart from the discharge ports <NUM> and <NUM> with reference to the first center line CL1. For example, the inflection point P may be provided in a position such that an overlapping length L is less than an inner diameter D of the suction port <NUM>, the overlapping length L being a length from a circumferential end of the circular arc surface 144b, constituting an end of the reinforcing unit <NUM>, to the downstream 144b2 of the suction port <NUM> located at the portion far apart from the discharge ports <NUM> and <NUM>. Accordingly, rigidity of the reinforcing unit <NUM> may be reinforced, and an excessive increase in suction loss may be suppressed. This will be explained later with reference to <FIG>.

A suction guide groove <NUM> may be provided in a surface of the reinforcing unit <NUM> facing the suction port <NUM>. The suction guide groove <NUM> may be provided to be inclined from the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> toward the outer circumferential surface of the fixed wrap <NUM>.

In detail, the suction guide groove <NUM> may be provided to be inclined in a direction from the farthest end 1421b2 of the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> (the downstream end of the suction port) apart from the discharge ports <NUM> and <NUM>, with reference to the wrap providing direction of the fixed wrap <NUM> (or a direction of providing a compress chamber), toward the fixed wrap <NUM> to be close to the discharge ports <NUM> and <NUM>. Accordingly, even when the reinforcing unit <NUM> overlaps the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> in a certain section, the discharge end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> may have a fully open shape at the suction pressure chamber side surface 142a. Thus, a suction loss due to the reinforcing unit <NUM> may be minimized.

The suction guide groove <NUM> may be provided to be inclined to have a plane shape or a conical shape (accurately, a semi-conical shape). In this implementation, an example in which the suction guide groove <NUM> is inclined to have a conical shape progressively narrowing from the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> toward the fixed wrap <NUM> is illustrated. Accordingly, the suction port <NUM> and the suction guide groove <NUM> may be easily machined using drill machining.

As described above, when the reinforcing unit <NUM> is arranged between the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> and the outer circumferential surface of the fixed wrap <NUM> facing the outlet end 1421b, an effect such as a reduction in a length of the suction end 144a of the fixed wrap <NUM> or an increase in thickness thereof may occur. Thus, rigidity of the fixed wrap <NUM> may be increased in correspondence thereto. Accordingly, when the compressor operates, even when the fixed scroll <NUM> is heat deflected, deformation of the fixed wrap <NUM> is suppressed to minimum. Thus, reliability may be enhanced.

In addition, since a length of an end portion of the suction end 144a of the fixed wrap <NUM> is reduced, refrigerant passing through the suction end <NUM> may be obstructed from flowing toward an opposite direction of the discharge ports <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, vortex in the suction pressure chamber Vs may be suppressed, and suction loss due to the vortex may be reduced. Therefore, rigidity of the fixed wrap <NUM> may be reinforced, and meanwhile, the suction loss may be reduced.

The reinforcing unit <NUM> may be provided such that the overlapping length L with the suction port <NUM> (hereinafter, an overlapping length of the reinforcing unit or an overlapping length of a wrap end) is about <NUM>% of the inner diameter D of the outlet end of the suction port <NUM> or less (for convenience of description, defined as an inner diameter of the suction port). In other words, the overlapping length L of the reinforcing unit <NUM> with the suction port <NUM> (accurately, an outlet end of the suction port), from the downstream 1421b2 of the suction port <NUM> to the upstream 1421b1 of the suction port <NUM> facing the downstream 1421b2, may be about a half or less the inner diameter D of the suction port <NUM>. Accordingly, the reinforcing unit <NUM> may reinforce rigidity of the fixed wrap <NUM>, and suction loss due to the reinforcing unit <NUM> may be reduced.

This may be explained with reference to <FIG> is a graph illustrating a comparison of stress on a fixed wrap with volumetric efficiency of a compression chamber, with respect to a reinforcing unit in this implementation. This shows a comparison of a stress on the fixed wrap with volumetric efficiency of the compression chamber, with respect to a value obtained by dividing the overlapping length L of the reinforcing unit <NUM> by the inner diameter D of the suction port <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, stress on the fixed wrap <NUM> according to this implementation gently decreases when the stress passes about <NUM>%, and the volumetric efficiency at the suction port <NUM> greatly decreases when approximating to <NUM>%. Thus, it may be understood that, when the overlapping L of the reinforcing unit <NUM> (or an overlapping length at a wrap end) is set to <NUM>% of the inner diameter D of the suction port <NUM> or more, deterioration of the volumetric efficiency excessively increases compared to an effect of reinforcing rigidity. Accordingly, the overlapping length L of the reinforcing unit <NUM> may be desirably provided to be about <NUM>% of the inner diameter D of the suction port <NUM> or less.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of another implementation of a reinforcing unit.

That is, in the implementations described above, a suction guide groove is inclinedly provided in a reinforcing unit. However, in some cases, the suction guide groove may be provided to be radially recessed.

<FIG> is an enlarged bottom view of another implementation of the reinforcing unit of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line "X-X" of <FIG>,.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fixed scroll <NUM> according to this implementation may be provided nearly identically to the fixed scroll in the above-described implementation. For example, the fixed scroll <NUM> according to this implementation includes the fixed end plate <NUM>, the fixed side wall <NUM>, the sub bearing <NUM>, and the fixed wrap <NUM>, like the above-described implementation. The suction port <NUM> may be radially provided in the fixed side wall <NUM>, and the reinforcing unit <NUM> may be provided between the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> and an outer circumferential surface of the fixed wrap <NUM> facing the outlet end 1421b. A basic configuration and an effect of the fixed end plate <NUM>, the fixed side wall <NUM>, the sub bearing <NUM>, the fixed wrap <NUM>, and the reinforcing unit <NUM> are identical to those of the implementation described above. Thus, with respect to a description thereof, the description about the above-described implementation may be referred to.

However, the suction guide groove <NUM> may be provided in the reinforcing unit <NUM> according to this implementation, and have a cylindrical shape. For example, the suction guide groove <NUM> may be provided to be radially recessed, and have a cylindrical shape (accurately, a semi-cylindrical shape) with a same inner diameter as that of the suction port <NUM>. Accordingly, the suction guide groove <NUM> may be provided to have a rectangular shape in which a radial side surface 1451a constitutes approximately a plane.

In this case, a portion of the reinforcing unit <NUM> other than the groove guide groove <NUM> connects the suction pressure chamber side surface 142a, constituting the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> to the outer circumferential surface of the fixed wrap <NUM>. Thus, a length of the fixed wrap <NUM> may be reduced or a thickness of the fixed wrap <NUM> may be increased. Accordingly, since rigidity of the suction end 144a of the fixed wrap <NUM> is increased, even when the fixed scroll <NUM> is heat-deflected, deformation of the suction end 144a of the fixed wrap <NUM> may be suppressed or minimized.

Also, as the suction guide groove <NUM> is radially recessed in the reinforcing unit <NUM>, the outlet end 1421b of the substantial suction port <NUM> extends to the radial side surface 1451a of the suction guide groove <NUM>. Thus, the reinforcing unit <NUM> may be provided to overlap the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM>, and meanwhile, a large suction port area may be also ensured. Therefore, reduction in volumetric efficiency may be suppressed.

Although not illustrated, the reinforcing unit <NUM> may be provided to extend directly from the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM>. In other words, the reinforcing unit <NUM> may be provided to have a same cross-sectional area in a radial direction other than the suction guide groove <NUM>. In this case, an area of the reinforcing unit <NUM> increases in correspondence thereto, and thus, rigidity of the fixed wrap <NUM> may be increased. However, in this case, since the suction guide groove <NUM> is not included, the reinforcing unit <NUM> blocks a part of the suction port <NUM>. Thus, an overlapping distance of the reinforcing unit <NUM> may be adjusted to prevent excessive occurrence of suction loss.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of another implementation of a suction port.

That is, in the above-described implementation, a suction port is provided in a radial direction. However, in some cases, a suction port may be provided in a direction crossing the radial direction.

<FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating another implementation with respect to a suction port of this implementation.

Referring to <FIG>, the suction port <NUM> according to this implementation includes the inlet end 1421a and the outlet end 1421b. Like the implementation described above with reference to <FIG>, the inlet end 1421a may be provided to be inserted through an outer circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM>, and the outlet end 1421b may be provided to be inserted through an inner circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM>. A basic shape and an effect of the suction port are identical to those in the above-described implementation. Thus, with respect to a description thereof, the description about the above-described implementation may be referred to.

However, the suction port <NUM> according to this implementation is provided in a direction crossing a radial direction. In other words, the suction port <NUM> is inclinedly provided such that the first center line CL1 passing through a center of the inlet end 1421a and a center of the outlet end 1421b crosses a radial center line CL1' radially passing through the axial center O of the rotating shaft <NUM>. For example, the suction port <NUM> may be inclinedly provided in a direction in which the outlet end 1421b is close to the discharge ports <NUM> and <NUM>, i.e., a direction in which the outlet end 1421b is far apart from the suction end 144a of the fixed wrap <NUM>. Accordingly, since oil flow resistance at the suction port <NUM> is reduced, suction refrigerant may be quickly and smoothly sucked.

In this implementation, the reinforcing unit <NUM> described above may be provided between the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> and the outer circumferential surface of the fixed wrap <NUM> facing the outlet end 1421b. and the suction guide groove <NUM> described above may be provided in the reinforcing unit <NUM>. In regard to a description of the reinforcing unit <NUM> and the suction guide groove <NUM>, the description about the above-described implementations may be referred to.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of still another implementation of the suction port.

That is, in the above-described implementation, both ends of a suction port are provided to include a same inner diameter. However, in some cases, both ends of the suction port may have different inner diameters.

<FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating still another implementation with respect to a suction port of this implementation.

Referring to <FIG>, the suction port <NUM> according to this implementation includes the inlet end 1421a and the outlet end 1421b. Like the implementation described above with reference to <FIG>, the inlet end 1421a may be inserted through an outer circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM>, and the outlet end 1421b may be inserted through an inner circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM>. A basic shape and an effect of the suction port <NUM> are identical to those in the above-described implementation. Thus, in regards to a description thereof, the description about the above-described implementation may be referred to.

However, the suction port <NUM> according to this implementation may be provided such that an inner diameter of the inlet end 1421a is greater than an inner diameter of the outlet end 1421b. For example, the suction port <NUM> may include a first suction unit <NUM> and a second suction unit <NUM>. The first suction unit <NUM> corresponds to a portion from the inlet end 1421a of the suction port <NUM> to an arbitrary point in a radial direction, and the second suction unit <NUM> corresponds to a portion from the arbitrary point to the outlet end 1421b.

A center of the first suction unit <NUM> may be located on a same center line as that of the second suction unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the suction unit <NUM> may be provided to have a multi-stage shape having two (or more) inner diameters, and the suction port <NUM> may be also easily machined.

When an inner diameter of the first suction unit <NUM> is a first diameter D1 and an inner diameter of the second suction unit <NUM> is a second diameter D2, the second diameter D2 may be provided to be greater than the first diameter D1. Thus, a cross-sectional area of the suction port <NUM> may increase at the outlet end 1421b.

In this case, the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM>, in other words, the suction end 144a of the fixed wrap <NUM> may be provided such that the reinforcing unit <NUM> radially overlaps the suction port <NUM>. Since the reinforcing unit <NUM> are identical to that in the above-described implementations, a detailed description thereof is not provided here.

However, in this implementation, the second suction unit <NUM> constituting the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> is provided in the reinforcing unit <NUM> to have an approximate cylindrical shape (accurately, an approximate semi-cylindrical shape). the reinforcing unit <NUM> is provided between the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> and the fixed wrap <NUM>, and occurrence of oil flow resistance due to the reinforcing unit <NUM> may be also suppressed or reduced. Therefore, volumetric efficiency may be enhanced.

Although not illustrated in the drawing, the first and second suction units <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided to be located on different center lines. For example, the suction port <NUM> may be provided eccentrically to the discharge ports <NUM> and <NUM> compared to the first suction unit <NUM>. By doing so, a substantial suction port area of the suction port <NUM> may be enlarged, and a rear side area of the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> may be also reduced. Thus, the suction port area of the suction port <NUM> may be enlarged, and meanwhile, occurrence of vortex near the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> may be suppressed.

That is, in the above-described implementations, the suction port is always open. However, in some cases, a check valve may be installed at the suction port, and reverse rotation of an orbiting scroll during a stop of the compressor may be suppressed, and refrigerant or oil may be suppressed from flowing back.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating one implementation of a suction valve included in a suction port in this implementation.

Referring to <FIG>, the suction port <NUM> according to this implementation includes the inlet end 1421a and the outlet end 1421b. Like the above-described implementations of <FIG> and <FIG>, the inlet end 1421a may be provided to be inserted through an outer circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM>, and the outlet end 1421b may be provided to be inserted through an inner circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM>. A basic shape and an effect of the suction port <NUM> are identical to those in the above-described implementation. Thus, in regard to a description thereof, the description about the above-described implementation may be referred to.

However, in this implementation, a valve pipe <NUM> having a hollow shape with both ends being open may be inserted into the suction port <NUM>, and include a suction valve <NUM> configured to selectively open or close the suction port <NUM> by opening or closing the valve pipe <NUM>. For example, the suction valve <NUM> may be hinged to an end of the valve pipe <NUM> adjacent to the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM>. Thus, when the compressor stops, the suction valve <NUM> closes the end of the valve pipe <NUM> due to a pressure difference to block a suction flow. Accordingly, the orbiting wrap <NUM> or the fixed wrap engaged therewith may be suppressed from being damaged due to reverse rotation of the orbiting scroll <NUM>, and refrigerant and oil in the discharge pressure chamber Vd or the intermediate pressure chamber Vm may be suppressed from flowing back to the suction pressure chamber Vs and thus being spilled into the refrigerant suction pipe <NUM>.

In addition, in this case, the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM>, in other words, the suction end 144a of the fixed wrap <NUM> is provided such that the reinforcing unit <NUM> radially overlaps the suction port <NUM>. Since the reinforcing unit <NUM> are identical to that in the above-described implementations, a detailed description thereof is not provided here.

In addition, in this case, a suction guide groove <NUM> may be provided in the reinforcing unit <NUM>. Like the implementation described above with reference to <FIG>, the suction guide groove <NUM> may be elongated in a radial direction (or a direction toward the fixed wrap <NUM>), and a cross-sectional area of the suction guide groove <NUM> may be provided to be larger than that of the suction valve <NUM> to accommodate the suction valve <NUM>. Thus, the suction valve <NUM> hinged to the valve pipe <NUM> may rotate at an end of the valve pipe <NUM> toward the suction guide groove <NUM> to smoothly open or close the end of the valve pipe <NUM>, i.e., the suction port <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of another implementation of a suction valve.

That is, in the above-described implementation, a hinge-type suction valve is provided at a suction port. However, in some cases, a piston-type valve may be installed at a suction port.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating another implementation with respect to a suction valve included in a suction port of this implementation.

Referring to <FIG>, the suction port <NUM> according to this implementation includes the inlet end 1421a and the outlet end 1421b. Like the implementations described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the inlet end 1421a may be provided to be inserted through an outer circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM>, and the outlet end 1421b may be provided to be inserted through an inner circumferential surface of the fixed side wall <NUM>. A basic shape and an effect of the suction port <NUM> are identical to those in the above-described implementation. Thus, with respect to a description thereof, the description about the above-described implementation may be referred to.

However, in this implementation, like the implementation described above with reference to <FIG>, the suction valve <NUM> is included in the suction port <NUM>, but in this implementation, the suction valve <NUM> may be included in the valve pipe <NUM>. Accordingly, since the suction valve <NUM> may smoothly and quickly operate, when the compressor stops, reverse rotation of an orbiting scroll during a stop of the compressor may be suppressed, and refrigerant or oil may be also quickly suppressed from flowing back.

In detail, in this implementation, the valve pipe <NUM> having a hollow shape may be inserted into the suction port <NUM>, and an end of the valve pipe <NUM> connected to the refrigerant suction pipe <NUM> may be fully open and another end thereof at an opposite side may have a partially or fully closed shape. A refrigerant through hole 146a having an open side is provided near the other end of the valve pipe <NUM>. The refrigerant through hole 146a is located between the outlet end 1421b of the suction port <NUM> and the outer circumferential surface of the fixed wrap <NUM> facing the outlet end 1421b. Accordingly, the refrigerant through hole 146a in the valve pipe <NUM> may communicate with the suction pressure chamber Vs.

The suction valve <NUM> may be slidably inserted into the valve pipe <NUM> in a longitudinal direction of the valve pipe <NUM>. Thus, the suction valve <NUM> slides along the valve pipe <NUM> due to a pressure difference between both sides to thereby open or close the refrigerant through hole 146a.

An elastic member <NUM> such as a compression coil spring may be provided at a rear side of the suction valve <NUM>, that is, between the other side of the valve pipe <NUM> and a rear surface of the suction valve <NUM> facing the other side of the valve pipe <NUM>. Thus, when the compressor stops, the suction valve <NUM> quickly moves toward the refrigerant suction pipe <NUM> to quickly block the refrigerant through hole 146a. Thus, the orbiting wrap <NUM> or the fixed wrap engaged therewith may be suppressed from being damaged due to reverse rotation of the orbiting scroll <NUM>, and refrigerant and oil in the discharge pressure chamber Vd or the intermediate pressure chamber Vm may be also suppressed from flowing back into the suction pressure chamber Vs, and thus being spilled into the refrigerant suction pipe <NUM>.

In addition, in this case, the suction guide groove <NUM> may be provided in the reinforcing unit <NUM>. Like the above-described implementations of <FIG> and <FIG>, the suction guide groove <NUM> is elongated in a radial direction (or a direction toward the fixed wrap <NUM>), and a cross-sectional area of the suction guide groove <NUM> may be provided to be nearly equal to a cross-sectional area of the suction valve <NUM> to accommodate the suction valve <NUM>. Accordingly, as an end of the valve pipe <NUM> equipped with the suction valve <NUM> is inserted deep into the valve accommodating groove <NUM>, an area of the refrigerant through hole 146a is ensured at maximum, and thus, suction loss may be minimized.

Claim 1:
A scroll compressor comprising:
a casing (<NUM>);
a driving motor (<NUM>) comprised inside the casing (<NUM>);
a rotating shaft (<NUM>) coupled to a rotor of the driving motor (<NUM>);
an orbiting scroll (<NUM>) coupled to the rotating shaft (<NUM>) in the casing (<NUM>) and comprising an orbiting wrap (<NUM>) to perform an orbiting motion;
a fixed scroll (<NUM>) which is comprised in the casing (<NUM>), which comprises a fixed wrap (<NUM>) engaged with the orbiting wrap (<NUM>) to provide a compression chamber, and through which a suction port (<NUM>) extends from an outer circumferential surface to an inner circumferential surface of the fixed scroll (<NUM>) toward an outer side surface of the fixed wrap (<NUM>) to communicate with the compression chamber; and
a refrigerant suction pipe (<NUM>) penetrating through the casing (<NUM>) and inserted into an inlet end of the suction port (<NUM>),
characterised in that a reinforcing unit (<NUM>) is provided between an outlet end (1421b) of the suction port (<NUM>) and an outer circumferential surface of the fixed wrap (<NUM>) facing the outlet end of the suction port (<NUM>), and extends from the outlet end (1421b) of the suction port (<NUM>) toward the outer circumferential surface of the fixed wrap (<NUM>), and
the reinforcing unit (<NUM>) overlaps a part of the outlet end (1421b) of the suction port (<NUM>) in a radial direction from a view of an axial direction.