EP1805419B1 - Compresseur rotatif - Google Patents

Compresseur rotatif Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1805419B1
EP1805419B1 EP04793577.0A EP04793577A EP1805419B1 EP 1805419 B1 EP1805419 B1 EP 1805419B1 EP 04793577 A EP04793577 A EP 04793577A EP 1805419 B1 EP1805419 B1 EP 1805419B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
driving shaft
valve
rotary compressor
suction
fluid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP04793577.0A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1805419A1 (fr
Inventor
Ji Young Bae
Chul Gi Daedong APT. 123-2204 ROH
Kyoung Jun LG Electronics PARK
Chang Yong Bulim APT. 101-1005 JANG
Jong Bong Hyundai APT. 105-1201 KIM
Young Hwan c/o LG Electronics D.A. Co. KO
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LG Electronics Inc
Original Assignee
LG Electronics Inc
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1805419A1 publication Critical patent/EP1805419A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1805419B1 publication Critical patent/EP1805419B1/fr
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04C18/00—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04C18/30—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids having the characteristics covered by two or more of groups F04C18/02, F04C18/08, F04C18/22, F04C18/24, F04C18/48, or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members
    • F04C18/34—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids having the characteristics covered by two or more of groups F04C18/02, F04C18/08, F04C18/22, F04C18/24, F04C18/48, or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members having the movement defined in group F04C18/08 or F04C18/22 and relative reciprocation between the co-operating members
    • F04C18/356—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids having the characteristics covered by two or more of groups F04C18/02, F04C18/08, F04C18/22, F04C18/24, F04C18/48, or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members having the movement defined in group F04C18/08 or F04C18/22 and relative reciprocation between the co-operating members with vanes reciprocating with respect to the outer member
    • F04C18/3562—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids having the characteristics covered by two or more of groups F04C18/02, F04C18/08, F04C18/22, F04C18/24, F04C18/48, or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members having the movement defined in group F04C18/08 or F04C18/22 and relative reciprocation between the co-operating members with vanes reciprocating with respect to the outer member the inner and outer member being in contact along one line or continuous surfaces substantially parallel to the axis of rotation
    • F04C18/3564—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids having the characteristics covered by two or more of groups F04C18/02, F04C18/08, F04C18/22, F04C18/24, F04C18/48, or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members having the movement defined in group F04C18/08 or F04C18/22 and relative reciprocation between the co-operating members with vanes reciprocating with respect to the outer member the inner and outer member being in contact along one line or continuous surfaces substantially parallel to the axis of rotation the surfaces of the inner and outer member, forming the working space, being surfaces of revolution
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04C28/00—Control of, monitoring of, or safety arrangements for, pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04C28/04—Control of, monitoring of, or safety arrangements for, pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for elastic fluids specially adapted for reversible pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04C28/00—Control of, monitoring of, or safety arrangements for, pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04C28/10—Control of, monitoring of, or safety arrangements for, pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for elastic fluids characterised by changing the positions of the inlet or outlet openings with respect to the working chamber
    • F04C28/14—Control of, monitoring of, or safety arrangements for, pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for elastic fluids characterised by changing the positions of the inlet or outlet openings with respect to the working chamber using rotating valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04C23/00—Combinations of two or more pumps, each being of rotary-piston or oscillating-piston type, specially adapted for elastic fluids; Pumping installations specially adapted for elastic fluids; Multi-stage pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04C23/008—Hermetic pumps

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a rotary compressor, and more particularly, to a mechanism for changing compression capacity of a rotary compressor.
  • compressors are machines that are supplied power from a power generator such as electric motor, turbine or the like and apply compressive work to a working fluid, such as air or refrigerant to elevate the pressure of the working fluid.
  • a power generator such as electric motor, turbine or the like
  • Such compressors are widely used in a variety of applications, from electric home appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators and the like to industrial plants.
  • the compressors are classified into two types according to their compressing methods: a positive displacement compressor, and a dynamic compressor (a turbo compressor).
  • the positive displacement compressor is widely used in industry fields and configured to increase pressure by reducing its volume.
  • the positive displacement compressors can be further classified into a reciprocating compressor and a rotary compressor.
  • the reciprocating compressor is configured to compress the working fluid using a piston that linearly reciprocates in a cylinder.
  • the reciprocating compressor has an advantage of providing high compression efficiency with a simple structure.
  • the reciprocation compressor has a limitation in increasing its rotational speed due to the inertia of the piston and a disadvantage in that a considerable vibration occurs due to the inertial force.
  • the rotary compressor is configured to compress working fluid using a roller eccentrically revolving along an inner circumference of the cylinder, and has an advantage of obtaining high compression efficiency at a low speed compared with the reciprocating compressor, thereby reducing noise and vibration.
  • compressors having at least two compression capacities have been developed. These compressors have compression capacities different from each other according to the rotation directions (i.e., clockwise direction and counterclockwise direction) by using a partially modified compression mechanism. Since compression capacity can be adjusted differently according to loads required by these compressors, such a compressor is widely used to increase an operation efficiency of several equipments requiring the compression of working fluid, especially household electric appliances such as a refrigerator which uses a refrigeration cycle.
  • a conventional rotary compressor has separately a suction portion and a discharge portion which communicate with a cylinder.
  • the roller rolls from the suction port to the discharge portion along an inner circumference of the cylinder, so that the working fluid is compressed. Accordingly, when the roller rolls in an opposite direction (i.e., from the discharge port to the suction port), the working fluid is not compressed.
  • the conventional rotary compressor cannot have different compression capacities if the rotation direction is changed. Accordingly, there is a need for development of a rotary compressor having variable compression capacity as well as the aforementioned inherent advantages.
  • US 4,598,559 describes a reversible fixed vane rotary compressor having a reversing disc which carries the suction port.
  • the rotary compressor comprises a crankcase, a crankshaft being rotatably clockwise and counterclockwise and having an eccentric of a predetermined size.
  • a rolling piston is driven by eccentric so as to roll about the circumference of a piston chamber making line contact therewith.
  • a vane is installed elastically in the crankcase to contact the rolling piston.
  • an upper bearing cap and a lower bearing cap are installed respectively in upper and lower portions of the crankcase for supporting the crankshaft.
  • an oil pickup tube is located and an oil galley extends along the axis of the crankshaft having radial bearing oil feed holes.
  • Plenums are provided in the crankcase at the circumference of the piston chamber, each containing a discharge valve, respectively having valve stops, respectively.
  • the discharge valves and the valve stops are configured to control passages between the fluid chamber and the respective plenum.
  • a slot in a reversing disc is mounted beneath the crankcase to provide a communication with the piston chamber and the respective plenum.
  • the reversing disc is rotated together with the crankshaft in clockwise or counterclockwise direction whereby the slot is rotated and provides a communication with one of the plenums.
  • this plenum serves as suction plenum and the other plenum serves as discharge plenum and vise versa.
  • JP 63/050693 discloses a reversible compressor comprises a driving shaft being rotable clockwise and counterclockwise and having an eccentric portion of a predetermined size and a cylinder forming a predetermined inner volume.
  • a roller is installed rotatably on an outer circumference of the eccentric portion so as to contact an inner circumference of the cylinder and performs a rolling motion along the inner circumference and forming a fluid chamber to suck and compress fluid along with the inner circumference.
  • a vane is installed elastically in the cylinder to contact the roller continuously. Two ports being spaced apart from the vane by predetermined angles, respectively, are provided in the cylinder and communicate with the fluid chamber. By providing different angels, the compression capacity can be varied according to the rotational direction of the driving shaft, wherein one port serves as a suction port and the other port as a discharge port according to the rotational direction of the driving shaft.
  • the present invention is directed to a rotary compressor that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a rotary compressor in which the compressing stroke is possibly performed to both of the clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of a driving shaft.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a rotary compressor of which compression capacity can be varied.
  • Still another object of the present invention is to provide a rotary compressor having a lubricating mechanism adapted for a capacity variation mechanism.
  • a rotary compressor according to claim 1 is provided.
  • a rotary compressor includes: a driving shaft being rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise, and having an eccentric portion of a predetermined size; a cylinder forming a predetermined inner volume; a roller installed rotatably on an outer circumference of the eccentric portion so as to contact an inner circumference of the cylinder, performing a rolling motion along the inner circumference and forming a fluid chamber to suck and compress fluid along with the inner circumference; a vane installed elastically in the cylinder to contact the roller continuously; upper and lower bearings installed respectively in upper and lower portions of the cylinder, for supporting the driving shaft rotatably and sealing the inner volume hermetically; an oil path configured to allow oil to uniformly flow between the bearings and the driving shaft; discharge ports provided at the upper bearing and communicating with the fluid chamber; suction ports provided at the lower bearing and communicating with the fluid chamber and being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined angle; and a valve assembly provided between the cylinder and the lower bearing for selectively opening any one of the suction ports according to rotation direction of the
  • the discharge ports comprise a first discharge port and a second discharge port that are positioned facing each other with respect to the vane.
  • the suction ports comprise a first suction port positioned in the vicinity of the vane and a second suction port positioned spaced apart from the first suction port by a predetermined angle.
  • the suction ports further comprises a third suction port positioned between the second suction port and the vane.
  • the valve assembly comprises a first valve installed rotatably between the cylinder and the bearing and a second valve guiding a rotary motion of the first valve.
  • the first valve comprises a disk member contacting the eccentric portion of the driving shaft and rotating in the rotation direction of the driving shaft.
  • the first valve comprises a first opening communicating with the first suction port when the driving shaft rotates in any one of the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction and a second opening communicating with the second suction port when the driving shaft rotates in the other of the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction.
  • the first valve further comprises a third opening for opening the third suction port simultaneously with opening the second suction port.
  • the first valve comprises the first opening for opening the third suction port simultaneously with opening the second suction port.
  • the second valve is fixed between the cylinder and the bearing and comprises a seat portion for receiving the first valve.
  • the valve assembly further comprises means for controlling a rotation angle of the first valve such that corresponding suction ports are opened accurately.
  • the control means comprises a curved groove formed at the first valve and having a predetermined length and a stopper formed on the bearing and inserted into the curved groove.
  • control means comprises a projection formed on the first valve and projecting in a radial direction of the first valve and a groove formed on the second valve, for receiving the projection movably.
  • control means comprises a projection formed on the second valve and projecting in a radial direction of the second valve and a groove formed on the first valve, for receiving the projection movably.
  • control means comprises a projection formed on the second valve and projecting toward a center of the second valve and a cut-away portion formed on the first valve, for receiving the projection movably.
  • the oil path is configured to allow the oil to flow between the driving shaft and the bearings in both of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the driving shaft.
  • the oil path comprises a single straight groove formed at any one of the bearings and allowing the oil to flow therein regardless of rotational directions of the driving shaft.
  • the oil path comprises first and second helical grooves formed at any one of the bearings and each configured to allow the oil to flow therein in corresponding rotation of the driving shaft. The first and second helical grooves extend in opposite directions and do not intersect with each other.
  • the oil path is provided to any one of the bearings and is positioned where an eccentricity of the driving shaft is small.
  • the oil path is formed at any one of the bearings to be spaced apart from the vane in clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
  • the single straight groove is preferably spaced apart from the vane by a range of 170°-210° in clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and more preferably spaced apart from the vane by 190° in clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
  • the first and second helical grooves are spaced apart from the vane respectively by 130°-190° and 190°-250° in clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
  • the oil path substantially comprises a bearing path formed at any one of the bearings.
  • the bearing path is formed at the upper bearing al least.
  • the bearing path is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the bearing and continuously extends from an upper end to a lower end of the bearing.
  • the oil path further comprises an auxiliary path formed at any one of journals in the driving shaft.
  • the auxiliary path is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the journal.
  • the auxiliary path is preferably configured to allow the oil to flow between the driving shaft and the bearings in both of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the driving shaft.
  • the auxiliary path comprises a single straight groove allowing the oil to flow therein regardless of rotational directions of the driving shaft.
  • the auxiliary path comprises first and second helical grooves each configured to allow the oil to flow therein in corresponding rotation of the driving shaft.
  • the compressor preferably further comprises a suction plenum for preliminarily storing fluid to be compressed, the suction plenum being connected with the suction ports.
  • the suction plenum accommodates oil extracted from the stored fluid, and is installed at a lower portion of the bearing in the vicinity of the suction port. It is desirable that the suction plenum has 100 - 400 % a volume as large as the fluid chamber.
  • FIG. 1 is a partial longitudinal sectional view illustrating structure of a rotary compressor according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a compressing unit of a rotary compressor according to the present invention.
  • a rotary compressor of the present invention includes a case 1, a power generator 10 positioned in the case 1 and a compressing unit 20.
  • the power generator 10 is positioned on the upper portion of the rotary compressor and the compressing unit 20 is positioned on the lower portion of the rotary compressor.
  • An upper cap 3 and a lower cap 5 are installed on the upper portion and the lower portion of the case 1 respectively to define a sealed inner space.
  • a suction pipe 7 for sucking working fluid is installed on a side of the case 1 and connected to an accumulator 8 for separating lubricant from refrigerant.
  • a discharge tube 9 for discharging the compressed fluid is installed on the center of the upper cap 3.
  • a predetermined amount of the lubricant "0" is filled in the lower cap 5 so as to lubricate and cool members that are moving frictionally.
  • an end of a driving shaft 13 is dipped in the lubricant.
  • the power generator 10 includes a stator 11 fixed in the case 1, a rotor 12 rotatable supported in the stator 11 and the driving shaft 13 inserted forcibly into the rotor 12.
  • the rotor 12 is rotated due to electromagnetic force, and the driving shaft 13 delivers the rotation force of the rotor to the compressing unit 20.
  • a terminal 4 is installed in the upper cap 3.
  • the compressing unit 20 includes a cylinder 21 fixed to the case 1, a roller 22 positioned in the cylinder 21 and upper and lower bearings 24 and 25 respectively installed on upper and lower portions of the cylinder 21.
  • the compressing unit 20 also includes a valve assembly 100 installed between the lower bearing 25 and the cylinder 21. The compressing unit 20 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 , 3 and 4 .
  • the cylinder 21 has a predetermined inner volume and strength enough to endure the pressure of the fluid.
  • the cylinder 21 accommodates an eccentric portion 13a formed on the driving shaft 13 in the inner volume.
  • the eccentric portion 13a is a kind of an eccentric cam and has a center spaced by a predetermined distance from its rotation center.
  • the cylinder 21 has a groove 21b extending by a predetermined depth from its inner circumference. A vane 23 to be described below is installed on the groove 21b.
  • the groove 21b is long enough to accommodate the vane 23 completely.
  • the roller 22 is a ring member that has an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the cylinder 21. As shown in FIG. 4 , the roller 22 contacts the inner circumference of the cylinder 21 and rotatably coupled with the eccentric portion 13a. Accordingly, the roller 22 performs rolling motion on the inner circumference of the cylinder 21 while spinning on the outer circumference of the eccentric portion 13a when the driving shaft 13 rotates.
  • the roller 22 revolves spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the rotation center '0' due to the eccentric portion 13a while performing the rolling motion. Since the outer circumference of the roller 22 always contacts the inner circumference due to the eccentric portion 13a, the outer circumference of the roller 22 and the inner circumference of the cylinder form a separate fluid chamber 29 in the inner volume.
  • the fluid chamber 29 is used to suck and compress the fluid in the rotary compressor.
  • the vane 23 is installed in the groove 21b of the cylinder 21 as described above.
  • An elastic member 23a is installed in the groove 21b to elastically support the vane 23.
  • the vane 23 continuously contacts the roller 22.
  • the elastic member 23 a has one end fixed to the cylinder 21 and the other end coupled with the vane 23, and pushes the vane 23 to the side of the roller 22. Accordingly, the vane 23 divides the fluid chamber 29 into two separate spaces 29a and 29b as shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the driving shaft 13 rotate or the roller 22 revolves, the volumes of the spaces 29a and 29b change complementarily. In other words, if the roller 22 rotates clockwise, the space 29a gets smaller but the other space 29b gets larger.
  • the total volume of the spaces 29a and 29b is constant and approximately same as that of the predetermined fluid chamber 29.
  • One of the spaces 29a and 29b works as a suction chamber for sucking the fluid and the other one works as a compression chamber for compressing the fluid relatively when the driving shaft 13 rotates in one direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). Accordingly, as described above, the compression chamber of the spaces 29a and 29b gets smaller to compress the previously sucked fluid and the suction chamber expands to suck the new fluid relatively according to the rotation of the roller 22. If the rotation direction of the roller 22 is reversed, the functions of the spaces 29a and 29b are exchanged. In the other words, if the roller 22 revolves counterclockwise, the right space 29b of the roller 22 becomes a compression chamber, but if the roller 22 revolves clockwise, the left space 29a of the roller 22 becomes a discharge unit.
  • the upper bearing 24 and the lower bearing 25 are, as shown in FIG. 2 , installed on the upper and lower portions of the cylinder 21 respectively, and rotatably support the driving shaft 12 using a sleeve and the penetrating holes 24b and 25b formed inside the sleeve. More particularly, the upper bearing 24, the lower bearing 25 and the cylinder 21 include a plurality of coupling holes 24a, 25a and 21a formed to correspond to each other respectively. The cylinder 21, the upper bearing 24 and the lower bearing 25 are coupled with one another to seal the cylinder inner volume, especially the fluid chamber 29 using coupling members such as bolts and nuts.
  • the discharge ports 26a and 26b are formed on the first bearing 24.
  • the discharge ports 26a and 26b communicate with the fluid chamber 29 so that the compressed fluid can be discharged.
  • the discharge ports 26a and 26b can communicate directly with the fluid chamber 29 or can communicate with the fluid chamber 29 through a predetermined fluid passage 21 d formed in the cylinder 21 and the first bearing 24.
  • Discharge valves 26c and 26d are installed on the first bearing 24 so as to open and close the discharge ports 26a and 26b. The discharge valves 26c and 26d selectively open the discharge ports 26a and 26b only when the pressure of the chamber 29 is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure.
  • the discharge valves 26c and 26d are leaf springs of which one end is fixed in the vicinity of the discharge ports 26 and 26b and the other end can be deformed freely.
  • a retainer for limiting the deformable amount of the leaf spring may be installed on the upper portion of the discharge valves 26c and 26d so that the valves can operate stably.
  • a muffler (not shown) can be installed on the upper portion of the first bearing 24 to reduce a noise generated when the compressed fluid is discharged.
  • the suction ports 27a, 27b and 27c communicating with the fluid chamber 29 are formed on the lower bearing 25.
  • the suction ports 27a, 27b and 27c guide the compressed fluid to the fluid chamber 29.
  • the suction ports 27a, 27b and 27c are connected to the suction pipe 7 so that the fluid outside of the compressor can flow into the chamber 29. More particularly, the suction pipe 7 is branched into a plurality of auxiliary tubes 7a and is connected to suction ports 27 respectively. If necessary, the discharge ports 26a, and 26b may be formed on the lower bearing 25 and the suction ports 27a, 27b and 27c may be formed on the upper bearing 24.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a cylinder coupled with the lower bearing 25 without a valve assembly 100 to show the suction ports 27.
  • the compressor of the present invention includes at least two discharge ports 26a and 26b.
  • a discharge port should exist between the suction port and vane 23 positioned in the revolution path to discharge the compressed fluid. Accordingly, one discharge port is necessary for each rotation direction. It causes the compressor of the present invention to discharge the fluid independent of the revolution direction of the roller 22 (that is, the rotation direction of the driving shaft 13). Meanwhile, as described above, the compression chamber of the spaces 29a and 29b gets smaller to compress the fluid as the roller 22 approaches the vane 23. Accordingly, the discharge ports 26a and 26b are preferably formed facing each other in the vicinity of the vane 23 to discharge the maximum compressed fluid. In other word, as shown in the drawings, the discharge ports 26a and 26b are positioned on both sides of the vane 23 respectively. The discharge ports 26a and 26b are preferably positioned in the vicinity of the vane 23 if possible.
  • the suction port 27 is positioned properly so that the fluid can be compressed between the discharge ports 26a and 26b and the roller 22.
  • the fluid is compressed from a suction port to a discharge port positioned in the revolution path of the roller 22.
  • the relative position of the suction port for the corresponding discharge port determines the compression capacity and accordingly two compression capacities can be obtained using different suction ports 27 according to the rotation direction.
  • the compression of the present invention has first and second suction ports 27a and 27b corresponding to two discharge ports 26a and 26b respectively and the suction ports are separated by a predetermined angle from each other with respect to the center 0 for two different compression capacities.
  • the first suction port 27a is positioned in the vicinity of the vane 23. Accordingly, the roller 22 compresses the fluid from the first suction port 27a to the second discharge port 26b positioned across the vane 23 in its rotation in one direction (counterclockwise in the drawing). The roller 22 compress the fluid due to the first suction port 27a by using the overall chamber 29 and accordingly the compressor has a maximum compression capacity in the counterclockwise rotation. In other words, the fluid as much as overall volume of the chamber 29 is compressed.
  • the first suction port 27a is actually separated by an angle ⁇ 1 of 10° clockwise or counterclockwise from the vane 23 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A .
  • the drawings of the present invention illustrates the first suction port 27a separated by the angle ⁇ 1 counterclockwise. At this separating angle ⁇ 1, the overall fluid chamber 29 can be used to compress the fluid without interference of the vane 23.
  • the second suction port 27b is separated by a predetermined angle from the first suction port 27a with respect to the center.
  • the roller 20 compresses the fluid from the second suction port 27b to the first discharge port 26a in its rotation in counterclockwise direction. Since the second suction port 27b is separated by a considerable angle clockwise from the vane 23, the roller 22 compresses the fluid by using a portion of the chamber 29 and accordingly the compressor has the less compression capacity than that of counterclockwise rotary motion. In other words, the fluid as much as a portion volume of the chamber 29 is compressed.
  • the second suction port 27b is preferably separated by an angle ⁇ 2 of a range of 90 - 180° clockwise or counterclockwise from the vane 23.
  • the second suction port 27b is preferably positioned facing the first suction port 27a so that the difference between compression capacities can be made properly and the interference can be avoid for each rotation direction. In the middle of the night, power of attorney will be
  • the suction ports 27a and 27b are generally in circular shapes whose diameters are, preferably, 6 - 15 mm. In order to increase a suction amount of fluid, the suction ports 27a and 27b can also be provided in several shapes, including a rectangle. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B , the suction ports 27a and 27b can be in rectangular shapes having predetermined curvature. In this case, an interference with adjacent other parts, especially the roller 22, can be minimized in operation.
  • suction ports that are available in any one of rotation directions should be single. If there are two suction ports in rotation path of the roller 22, the compression does not occur between the suction ports. In other words, if the first suction port 27a is opened, the second suction port 27b should be closed, and vice versa. Accordingly, for the purpose of electively opening only one of the suction ports 27a and 27b according to the revolution direction of the roller 22, the valve assembly 100 is installed in the compressor of the present invention.
  • the valve assembly 100 includes first and second valves 110 and 120, which are installed between the cylinder 21 and the lower bearing 25 so as to allow it to be adjacent to the suction ports. If the suction ports 27a, 27b and 27c are formed on the upper bearing 24, the first and second valves 110 and 120 are installed between the cylinder 21 and the upper bearing 24.
  • the first valve 110 is a disk member installed so as to contact the eccentric portion 13a more accurately than the driving shaft 13. Accordingly, if the driving shaft 13 rotates (that is, the roller 22 revolves), the first valve 110 rotates in the same direction.
  • the first valve 110 has a diameter larger than an inner diameter of the cylinder 21.
  • the cylinder 21 supports a portion (i.e., an outer circumference) of the first valve 110 so that the first valve 110 can rotate stably.
  • the first valve 110 is 0.5 - 5 mm thick.
  • the first valve 110 includes first and second openings 111 and 112 respectively communicating with the first and second suction ports 27a and 27b in specific rotation direction, and a penetration hole 110a into which the driving shaft 13 is inserted.
  • the first opening 111 communicates with the first suction port 27a by the rotation of the first valve 110
  • the second suction port 27b is closed by the body of the first valve 110.
  • the second opening 112 communicates with the second suction port 27b.
  • the first suction port 27a is closed by the body of the first valve 110.
  • first and second openings 111 and 112 can be in circular or polygonal shapes. In case the openings 111 and 112 are the circular shapes, it is desired that the openings 111 and 112 are 6 - 15 mm in diameter. Additionally, the openings 111 and 112 can be rectangular shapes having predetermined curvature as shown in FIG. 7A , or cut-away portions as shown in FIG. 7B . As a result, the openings are enlarged, such that fluid is sucked smoothly. If these openings 111 and 112 are formed adjacent to a center of the first valve 110, a probability of interference between the roller 22 and the eccentric portion 13a becomes increasing.
  • the openings 111 and 112 communicate with a space between the roller 22 and the eccentric portion 13a.
  • the openings 111 and 112 are positioned in the vicinity of the outer circumference of the first valve.
  • the first opening 111 may open each of the first and second suction ports 27a and 27b at each rotation direction by adjusting the rotation angle of the first valve 110. In other words, when the driving shaft 13 rotates in any one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, the first opening 111 communicates with the first suction port 27a while closing the second suction port 27b.
  • the first opening 111 communicates with the second suction port 27b while closing the first suction port 27a. It is desirable to control the suction ports using such a single opening 111, since the structure of the first valve 110 is simplified much more.
  • the second valve 120 is fixed between the cylinder 21 and the lower bearing 25 so as to guide a rotary motion of the first valve 110.
  • the second valve 120 is a ring-shaped member having a site portion 121 which receives rotatably the first valve 110.
  • the second valve 120 further includes a coupling hole 120a through which it is coupled with the cylinder 21 and the upper and lower bearings 24 and 25 by a coupling member.
  • the second valve 120 has the same thickness as the first valve 110 in order for a prevention of fluid leakage and a stable support.
  • the first valve 110 since the first valve 110 is partially supported by the cylinder 21, the first valve 110 may have a thickness slightly smaller than the second valve 120 in order to form a gap for the smooth rotation of the second valve 120.
  • a region V becomes a vacuum state.
  • the vacuum region V causes a power loss of the driving shaft 13 and a loud noise.
  • a third suction port 27c is provided at the lower bearing 25.
  • the third suction port 27c is formed between the second suction port 27b and the vane 23, supplying fluid to the space between the roller 22 and the vane 23 so as not to form the vacuum state before the roller 22 passes through the second suction port 27b.
  • the third suction port 27c is formed in the vicinity of the vane 23 so as to remove quickly the vacuum state.
  • the third suction port 27c is positioned to face the first suction port 27a since the third suction port 27c operates at a different rotation direction from the first suction port 27a.
  • the third suction port 27c is positioned spaced by an angle ( ⁇ 3) of approximately 10° from the vane 23 clockwise or counterclockwise.
  • the third suction port 27c can be circular shapes or curved rectangular shapes.
  • the first valve 110 further includes a third opening configured to communicate with the third suction port 27c at the same time when the second suction port 27b is opened.
  • the third opening 113 can be formed independently, which is represented with a dotted line in FIG. 6A .
  • the first and third suction ports 27a and 27c are adjacent to each other, it is desirable to open both the first and third suction ports 27a and 27c according to the rotation direction of the first opening 111 by increasing the rotation angle of the first valve 110.
  • the first valve 110 may open the suction ports 27a, 27b and 27c according to the rotation direction of the roller 22, but the corresponding suction ports should be opened accurately in order to obtain desired compression capacity.
  • the accurate opening of the suction ports can be achieved by controlling the rotation angle of the first valve.
  • the valve assembly 100 further includes means for controlling the rotation angle of the first valve 110, which will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11.
  • FIGS. 8 to 11 illustrate the valve assembly connected with the lower bearing 25 in order to clearly explain the control means.
  • the control means includes a groove 114 formed at the first valve and having a predetermined length, and a stopper 114a formed on the lower bearing 25 and inserted into the groove 114.
  • the groove 114 and the stopper 114a are illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6 .
  • the groove 114 serves as locus of the stopper 114a and can be a straight groove or a curved groove. If the groove 114 is exposed to the chamber 29 during operation, it becomes a dead volume causing a re-expansion of fluid. Accordingly, it is desirable to make the groove 114 adjacent to a center of the first valve 110 so that large portion of the groove 114 can be covered by the revolving roller 22.
  • an angle ( ⁇ ) between both ends of the groove 114 is of 30 - 120° in the center of the first valve 110.
  • a thickness T2 of the stopper 114a is equal to a thickness T1 of the valve 110, as shown in FIG. 8C .
  • a width L of the stopper 114a is equal to a width of the groove 114, such that the first valve rotates stably.
  • the first valve 110 rotates counterclockwise together with the eccentric portion 13a of the driving shaft when the driving shaft 13 rotates counterclockwise.
  • the stopper 114a is then latched to one end of the groove 114 to thereby stop the first valve 10.
  • the first opening 111 accurately communicates with the first suction port 27a, and the second and third suction ports 27b and 27c are closed.
  • fluid is introduced into the cylinder through the first suction port 27a and the first opening 111, which communicate with each other.
  • the driving shaft 13 rotates clockwise, the first valve 110 also rotates clockwise.
  • the first and second openings 111 and 112 also rotate clockwise, as represented with a dotted arrow in FIG. 8A .
  • FIG. 8B if the stopper 114a is latched to the other end of the groove 114, the first and second openings 111 and 112 are opened together with the third and second suction ports 27c and 27b. Then, the first suction port 27a is closed by the first valve 110. Accordingly, fluid is introduced through the second suction port 27b/the second opening 112 and the third suction port 27c/the first opening 111, which communicate with each other.
  • the control means can be provided with a projection 115 formed on the first valve 110 and projecting in a radial direction of the first valve, and a groove 123 formed on the second valve 220 and receiving the projection movably.
  • the groove 123 is formed on the second valve 220 so that it is not exposed to the inner volume of the cylinder 21. Therefore, a dead volume is not formed inside the cylinder.
  • the control means can be provided with a projection 124 formed on the second valve 120 and projecting in a radial direction of the second valve 120, and a groove 116 formed on the first valve 110 and receiving the projection 124 movably.
  • the projections 115 and 124 are latched to one end of each groove 123 and 116 if the driving shaft 13 rotates counterclockwise. Accordingly, the first opening 111 communicates with the first suction port 27a so as to allow the suction of fluid, and the second and third suction ports 27b and 27c are closed.
  • the projections 115 and 124 are latched to the other end of each groove 123 and 116, and the first and second openings 111 and 112 simultaneously open the third and second suction ports 27c and 27b so as to allow the suction of fluid.
  • the first suction port 27a is closed by the first valve 110.
  • control means can be provided with a projection 125 formed on the second valve 120 and projecting toward a center of the second valve 120, and a cut-away portion 117 formed on the first valve 110 and receiving the projection 125 movably.
  • a gap between the projection 125 and the cut-away portion 117 can open the first and second suction ports 27a and 27b by forming the cut-away portion 117 largely in a properly large size. Accordingly, the control means decreases substantially in volume since the grooves of the above-described control means are omitted.
  • the projection 125 has an angle ⁇ 1 of approximately 10° between both ends thereof and the cut-away portion 117 has an angle ⁇ 2 of 30 - 120° between both ends thereof.
  • the suction ports 27a, 27b and 27c are individually connected with a plurality of suction pipes 7a so as to supply fluid to the fluid chamber 29 installed inside the cylinder 21.
  • the number of parts increases due to these suction pipes 7a, thus making the structure complicated.
  • fluid may not be properly supplied to the cylinder 21 due to a change in a compression state of the suction pipes 7b separated during operation. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , it is desirable to include a suction plenum 200 for preliminarily storing fluid to be sucked by the compressor.
  • the suction plenum 200 directly communicates with all of the suction ports 27a, 27b and 27c so as to supply the fluid. Accordingly, the suction plenum 200 is installed in a lower portion of the lower bearing 25 in the vicinity of the suction ports 27a, 27b and 27c. Although there is shown in the drawing that the suction ports 27a, 27b and 27c are formed at the lower bearing 25, they can be formed at the upper bearing 24 if necessary. In this case, the suction plenum 200 is installed in the upper bearing 24.
  • the suction plenum 200 can be directly fixed to the bearing 25 by a welding.
  • a coupling member can be used to couple the suction plenum 200 with the cylinder 21, the upper and lower bearings 24 and 25 and the valve assembly 100.
  • the suction plenum 200 includes a penetration hole 200a for the sleeve.
  • the suction plenum 200 has 100 - 400 % a volume as large as the fluid chamber 29 so as to supply the fluid stably.
  • the suction plenum 200 is also connected with the suction pipe 7 so as to store the fluid.
  • the suction plenum 200 can be connected with the suction pipe 7 through a predetermined fluid passage. In this case, as shown in FIG.
  • the fluid passage penetrates the cylinder 21, the valve assembly 100 and the lower bearing 25.
  • the fluid passage includes a suction hole 21c of the cylinder 21, a suction hole 122 of the second valve, and a suction hole 25c of the lower bearing.
  • Such a suction plenum 200 forms a space in which a predetermined amount of fluid is always stored, so that a compression variation of the sucked fluid is buffered to stably supply the fluid to the suction ports 27a, 27b and 27c.
  • the suction plenum 200 can accommodate oil extracted from the stored fluid and thus assist or substitute for the accumulator 8.
  • FIGS. 14A to 14C are cross-sectional views illustrating an operation of the rotary compressor when the roller revolves in the counterclockwise direction.
  • FIG. 14A there are shown states of respective elements inside the cylinder when the driving shaft 13 rotates in the counterclockwise direction.
  • the first suction port 27a communicates with the first opening 111, and the remainder second suction port 27b and third suction port 27c are closed.
  • Detailed description on the state of the suction ports in the counterclockwise direction will be omitted since it has been described with reference to FIGS. 8A , 9A , 10A and 11A .
  • the roller 22 revolves counterclockwise with performing a rolling motion along the inner circumference of the cylinder due to the rotation of the driving shaft 13.
  • the size of the space 29b is reduced as shown in FIG. 14B and the fluid that has been sucked is compressed.
  • the vane 23 moves up and down elastically by the elastic member 23a to thereby partition the fluid chamber 29 into the two sealed spaces 29a and 29b.
  • new fluid is continuously sucked into the space 29a through the first suction port 27 so as to be compressed in a next cycle.
  • the second discharge valve 26d shown in FIG. 2 When the fluid pressure in the space 29b is above a predetermined value, the second discharge valve 26d shown in FIG. 2 is opened. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 14C , the fluid is discharged through the second discharge port 26b. As the roller 22 continues to revolve, all the fluid in the space 29b is discharged through the second discharge port 26b. After the fluid is completely discharged, the second discharge valve 26d closes the second discharge port 26c by its self-elasticity.
  • the roller 22 continues to revolve counterclockwise and discharges the fluid by repeating the same cycle.
  • the roller 22 compresses the fluid with revolving from the first suction port 27a to the second discharge port 26b.
  • the first suction port 27a and the second discharge port 27b are positioned in the vicinity of the vane 23 to face each other, the fluid is compressed using the overall volume of the fluid chamber 29 in the counterclockwise cycle, so that a maximal compression capacity is obtained.
  • FIGS. 15A to 15C are cross-sectional views an operation sequence of a rotary compressor according to the present invention when the roller revolves clockwise.
  • FIG. 15A there are shown states of respective elements inside the cylinder when the driving shaft 13 rotates in the clockwise direction.
  • the first suction port 27a is closed, and the second suction port 27b and third suction port 27c communicate with the second opening 112 and the first opening 111 respectively. If the first valve 110 has the third opening 113 additionally (refer to FIG. 6 ), the third suction port 27c communicates with the third opening 113.
  • FIGS. 8B , 9B , 10B and 11B Detailed description on the state of the suction ports in the clockwise direction will be omitted since it has been described with reference to FIGS. 8B , 9B , 10B and 11B .
  • the roller 22 begins to revolve clockwise with performing a rolling motion along the inner circumference of the cylinder due to the clockwise rotation of the driving shaft 13.
  • the fluid sucked until the roller 22 reaches the second suction port 27b is not compressed but is forcibly exhausted outside the cylinder 21 by the roller 22 through the second suction port 27b as shown in FIG. 15A .
  • the fluid begins to be compressed after the roller 22 passes the second suction port 27b as shown in FIG. 15B .
  • a space between the second suction port 27b and the vane 23, i.e., the space 29b is made in a vacuum state.
  • the third suction port 27c communicates with the first opening 111 (or third opening 113) and thus is opened so as to suck the fluid. Accordingly, the vacuum state of the space 29b is removed by the sucked fluid, so that generation of noise and power loss are constrained.
  • the first discharge valve 26c shown in FIG. 2 is opened and accordingly the fluid is discharged through the first discharge port 26a. After the fluid is completely discharged, the first discharge valve 26c closes the first discharge port 26a by its self-elasticity.
  • the roller 22 continues to revolve clockwise and discharges the fluid by repeating the same stroke.
  • the roller 22 compresses the fluid with revolving from the second suction port 27b to the first discharge port 26a. Accordingly, the fluid is compressed using a part of the overall fluid chamber 29 in the counterclockwise stroke, so that a compression capacity smaller than the compression capacity in the clockwise direction.
  • the present invention provides an oil path as such lubricating mechanism configured to supply oil, i.e. lubricant "O" to driving elements in the compressor, and this oil path will be specifically described as follows, referring relevant drawings.
  • FIG. 16 is a front view showing the oil path of the rotary compressor according to the present invention.
  • FIGS. 17A-17C are drawings each illustrating a first embodiment of a bearing path included in the oil path
  • FIGS. 18A-18C are drawings each illustrating a second embodiment of a bearing path.
  • the lubricating mechanism i.e. the oil path 300 is formed along the driving shaft 13 and the bearings 24, 25.
  • Journals 13b, 13c of the driving shaft 13 are surrounded by the upper and lower bearings 24, 25 respectively, and substantially form radial bearings supporting load normal to a center axis of the driving shaft.
  • collars 13d, 13e form together with the bearings 24, 25 thrust bearings supporting load in axial direction.
  • the oil path 300 mainly comprises a shaft path 310 (hereinafter, referred to as "a first path") formed within the driving shaft 13.
  • the first path 310 extends from a lower end of the driving shaft 13 to an upper end, and thus substantially passes through the driving shaft in a length direction thereof.
  • an oil pump 311 is mounted at a lower end of the first path 310.
  • This oil pump 310 is a sort of a centrifugal pump, and includes an oil pickup 311 a and a propeller 311 b inserted into the oil pickup 311 a.
  • the oil pump 311 is dipped in the lubricant, i.e. the oil "O" in a bottom portion of the compressor (see FIG. 1 ), and thus the oil can flows in the first path 310 through the oil pump 311.
  • the oil is pumped along the first path 130 and is dispersed at the upper end of the driving shaft 13 in order to be supplied to corresponding driving parts.
  • the first path 310 further includes holes 312a, 312b formed at an upper portion and a lower portion of the eccentric portion 13a respectively to communicate with the first path 310.
  • the oil is first supplied into the cylinder 21 though the holes 312a, 312b so as to lubricate the roller 22 and the eccentric portion 13a.
  • the holes 312a, 312b also allows the oil to be supplied to the upper and lower bearings 24, 25 and the driving shaft 13, accurately the journals 13b, 13c.
  • the oil path 300 in the present invention has a bearing path 320 (hereinafter, referred to as "a second path") formed at any one of the bearings 24, 25 as shown in FIG. 16 , FIGS. 17A-17B , and FIGS. 18A-18B .
  • the second path 320 is substantially formed as a groove formed on an inner circumferential surface in any one of the bearings.
  • the second path 320 communicates the driving shaft 13, more accurately any one of the holes 312a, 312b adjacent thereto in order to be provided with the oil by the first path 310.
  • the second path 320 preferably extends continuously between an upper end and a lower end of the inner circumferential surface. Therefore, the oil is supplied to the second path 320 by any one of the holes 312a, 312b, and then flows between both ends of the inner circumferential surface along the second path 320.
  • the oil path 300 is configured to allow the oil to uniformly flow between the bearings 24, 25 and the driving shaft 13. The oil then spreads equally on the frictional surfaces, and forms the oil films entirely in order to effectively prevent the abrasion.
  • Such second path 320 is formed at the upper bearing 24 at least. This is because in the lower bearing, the oil can flows downward to some extent by gravity from the holes 312b. However, it is more desirable for suitable lubrication that the second paths 320 are formed at both of the upper and lower bearings 24, 25 respectively.
  • the second path 320 should be able to allow the oil to flow therein in both rotational directions of the compressor.
  • the second path 320 might be formed as a helical groove. This helical groove expands a substantial flow passage and enables a sufficient oil supply.
  • the helical groove can allow the oil to flow therein in any one direction of the rotations of the driving shaft 13 due to its geometric characteristic. More specifically, the helical groove can allow the oil to flow and ascend therein only when it extends in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the driving shaft 13.
  • the second path 320 comprises a single straight groove as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B .
  • the straight groove is not affected by the geometrical characteristic contrary to the helical groove, and can allow the oil to flow therein by centrifugal force generated by the driving shaft 13 regardless of the rotational direction of the driving shaft.
  • the second path 320 comprises first and second helical grooves 320a, 320b as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B .
  • the helical groove can allow the oil to flow therein only in any one of the rotational directions of the driving shaft 13 as explain above. Therefore, two helical grooves corresponding to the rotational direction respectively are applied to the present invention, and these grooves extend in opposite directions (the clockwise and counterclockwise directions).
  • first and second helical grooves 320a, 320b intersect each other on the inner circumferential surfaces of the bearings 24, 25, the oil flowing in one helical groove leaks into the other helical groove. As such a leakage causes the bearings 24, 25 and the journals 13b, 13c not to be entirely lubricated, it is important for an optimal lubrication that the helical grooves 320a, 320b do not intersect each other.
  • clearances C with predetermined sizes are formed between the bearings 24, 25 and the driving shaft 13 (more accurately, the journals 13b, 13c), and the oil fills such clearances C using the second paths 320 to form the oil films therein.
  • the driving shaft 13 is subject to pressure from the compressed working fluid during the operation of the compressor, and thus rotates eccentric from centers O of the bearings 24, 25.
  • the second paths 320 damage the inner circumferential surfaces of the bearings continuously along their length directions, the clearances C are increased around the second paths 320 and the sufficient oil films are not formed around the second paths 320 due to the increased clearances C.
  • the driving shaft 13 may be in contact with the inner circumferential surfaces of the bearings 24, 25.
  • the abrasion between the bearings 24, 25 and the driving shaft 13 may occur, and simultaneously, nose may be made during the operation of the compressor.
  • the power loss of the driving shat 13 may occur due to the excessive abrasion. Therefore, it is preferable for the second paths 320 to be positioned where the eccentricity of the driving shaft 13 is small.
  • FIGS. 17C and 18C show experimental results considered for the optimal positions in the first and second embodiments of the second path 320, respectively.
  • FIGS. 17C and 18C are graphs each showing change of an eccentricity ratio to an angle.
  • the angle is set to be 0° at the vane 23 positioned beneath and above the bearings 24, 25, and is also set to increase in the direction of rotation in which the maximum compression capacity is generated.
  • the compressor was set to generate the maximum compression capacity in the counterclockwise rotation in the experiment, and thus the angle was set to increase in the counterclockwise direction as show.
  • the eccentricity ratio is defined as a ratio of an eccentric distance (i.e. a distance from the bearing center O to a center of the driving shaft) to the clearance C. This eccentricity ratio is a dimensionless index showing how much the driving shaft 13 is close to the inner circumferential surfaces of the bearings 24, 25.
  • the great eccentricity ratio means that the driving shaft has a great amount of the eccentricity and is close to the inner circumferential surfaces of the bearings 24, 25.
  • the eccentricity ratios were also measured with regard to both of the maximum and minimum compression capacities.
  • the eccentricity ratio in the maximum capacity was measured in the counterclockwise rotation of the driving shaft 13 as described above, and the eccentricity ration in the minimum capacity was measured in the clockwise rotation. Due to differences in various operational conditions as well as in compression capacities according to the rotational directions, the eccentricity ratios in the maximum and minimum capacities have different phases. As a result of the experiment, such eccentricity ratios were not greatly changed and rather showed almost identical tendencies, with regard to various specifications of the compressors subject to the experiment.
  • both eccentricity ratios of the maximum and minimum capacities have relatively great values at 0° (360°), i.e. at the vane 23, as shown in FIGS. 17C and 18C .
  • the second path 230 is positioned above or beneath the vane 23, the working fluid having the maximum pressure near the vane 23 may leak into such second path 230.
  • the second paths 230 according to the first and second embodiments are basically spaced apart from the vane 23 in the clock or counterclockwise direction with reference to the center O.
  • the eccentricity ratios in the maximum and minimum capacities have relatively small values in a range of 170° - 210°, as shown in FIG. 17C .
  • the single straight groove according to the first embodiment is preferably spaced apart from the vane 23 by an angle A of 170° - 210° in the counterclockwise direction.
  • the compressor of the present invention could be designed to have the maximum compression capacity in the clockwise rotation (i.e. the minimum compression capacity in the counterclockwise rotation). Even in this case, it would be appreciated that the same result as FIG. 17C is obtained, when the angle is set to increase in the clockwise direction in which the maximum capacity is obtained, to be opposite to FIG 17A .
  • the single straight groove could be spaced apart from the vane 23 by the angle of 170° - 210° in the counterclockwise or clockwise direction.
  • the eccentric ratios in the maximum and minimum capacities have the same small value at 190°. That is, chances to be contact with shaft are minimized in both of the clockwise and counterclockwise rotations. Accordingly, it is most preferable for the angle A to be 190°.
  • the second path 320 comprises the first and second helical grooves 320a, 320b, it is important for these grooves 320a, 320b to be disposed respectively within angle ranges having relatively small eccentricity ratios so as not to interfere with each other. Referring to FIG.
  • the eccentricity ratios have relatively small values in the ranges of angle in the vicinity of 190°.
  • the first and second helical grooves 320a, 320b are spaced apart from the vane 23 by a first angle B1 and a second angle B2 respectively in the clockwise or counterclockwise directions, and these angles B1, B2 have ranges of 130° - 190° and 190° - 250°, respectively.
  • the second path 230 has appropriate width w and depth d in order to allow the sufficient amount of the oil to flow therein as well as to reduce the damage on the inner circumferential surfaces of the bearings interrupting a formation of the oil films. These width w and depth d are preferably 3.8mm and 1.67mm respectively, although they are slightly varied according to the specifications of the compressors.
  • the oil path 300 additionally includes an auxiliary path 330 as shown in FIGS. 17A , 18A and FIGS. 19A-19B .
  • This auxiliary path 330 comprises grooves formed along the journals 13b, 13c, and preferably extends over entire lengths of the journals 13b, 13c.
  • the auxiliary path 330 is configured to allow the oil to flow therein in all the rotational directions of the driving shaft 13. Accordingly, the auxiliary path 330 comprises a single straight groove as shown in FIGS. 17A and 19A , or two helical grooves 330a, 330b as shown in FIGS. 18A and 19B .
  • the rotary compressor of the present invention can compress the fluid without regard to the rotation directions of the driving shaft and have the compression capacity that is variable according to the rotation directions of the driving shaft. Further, since the rotary compressor of the present invention have the suction and discharge ports arranged properly, and a simple valve assembly for selectively opening the suction ports according to the rotation directions, an overall designed refrigerant chamber can be used to compress the fluid. In addition, the compressor of the present invention has a lubricating mechanism supplying oil between a driving shaft and bearings thereof under severest operational environment in order to support a capacity variation mechanism.
  • the rotary compressor as mentioned above provides following advantages.
  • the dual-capacity compression can be achieved using only one compressor.
  • the present invention can achieve the dual-capacity compression by changing parts of the conventional rotary compressor to the minimum.
  • the conventional compressor having a single compression capacity cannot provide the compression capacity that is adaptable for various operation conditions of air conditioner or refrigerator. In this case, power consumption may be wasted unnecessarily.
  • the present invention can provide a compression capacity that is adaptable for the operation conditions of equipments.
  • an overall designed fluid chamber is used to provide the dual-compression capacity. It means that the compressor of the present invention has at least the same compression capacity as the conventional rotary compressor having the same cylinder and fluid chamber in size.
  • the rotary compressor of the present invention can substitute for the conventional rotary compressor without modifying designs of basic parts, such as a size of the cylinder. Accordingly, the rotary compressor of the present invention can be freely applied to required systems without any consideration of the compression capacity and any increase in unit cost of production.

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Claims (21)

  1. Compresseur rotatif comprenant :
    - un arbre d'entraînement (13) qui peut être mis en rotation dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre et dans le sens inverse aux aiguilles d'une montre, et ayant une portion excentrique (13a) d'une taille prédéterminée ;
    - un cylindre (21) formant un volume intérieur prédéterminé ;
    - un galet (22) installé en rotation sur une circonférence extérieure de la portion excentrique (13a) de manière à venir en contact avec une circonférence intérieure du cylindre (21), en exécutant un mouvement de roulement le long de la circonférence intérieure et formant une chambre à fluide (27) pour aspirer et comprimer du fluide ensemble avec la circonférence intérieure ;
    - une aube (23) installée élastiquement dans le cylindre (21) pour venir continuellement en contact avec le galet (22) ;
    - un palier supérieur et un palier inférieur (24, 25) installés respectivement dans une portion supérieure et une portion inférieure du cylindre (21), pour supporter l'arbre d'entraînement (13) en rotation et pour fermer hermétiquement le volume intérieur ; et
    - un trajet à huile (300) configuré pour permettre à de l'huile de s'écouler uniformément entre les paliers (24, 25) et l'arbre d'entraînement (13) ;
    caractérisé en ce que le compresseur rotatif comprend en outre :
    - des orifices de décharge (26a, 26b) prévus au niveau du palier supérieur (24) et communiquant avec la chambre à fluide (29) ;
    - des orifices de succion (27a, 27b, 27c) prévus au niveau du palier inférieur (25) et communiquant avec la chambre à fluide (29), et espacés les uns des autres d'un angle prédéterminé ; et
    - un ensemble formant valve (100) prévu entre le cylindre (21) et le palier inférieur (25) pour ouvrir sélectivement l'un quelconque des orifices de succion (27a, 27b, 27c) en accord avec le sens de rotation de l'arbre d'entraînement (13), dans lequel des espaces de compression qui ont des volumes différents les uns des autres sont formés dans la chambre à fluide (29) en accord avec le sens de rotation de l'arbre d'entraînement (13), de sorte que deux capacités de compression différentes sont formées.
  2. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le galet (22) comprime le fluide en utilisant uniquement la chambre à fluide global (29) quand l'arbre d'entraînement (13) est en rotation dans un sens quelconque parmi le sens des aiguilles d'une montre et le sens inverse aux aiguilles d'une montre, et le galet (22) comprime le fluide en utilisant une portion de la chambre à fluide (29) quand l'arbre d'entraînement (13) est en rotation dans l'autre sens parmi le sens des aiguilles d'une montre et le sens inverse aux aiguilles d'une montre.
  3. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les orifices de décharge (26a, 26b) comprennent un premier orifice de décharge (26a) et un second orifice de décharge (26b) qui sont positionnés en face l'un de l'autre par rapport à l'aube (23).
  4. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les orifices de succion (27a, 27b, 27c) comprennent :
    - un premier orifice de succion (27a) positionné au voisinage de l'aube (23) ; et
    - un second orifice de succion (27b) positionné écarté vis-à-vis du premier orifice de succion (27a) d'un angle prédéterminé.
  5. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 1 ou 4, dans lequel l'ensemble formant valve (100) comprend :
    - une première valve (110) installée en rotation entre le cylindre (21) et le palier inférieur (25) ; et
    - une seconde valve (120) guidant un mouvement rotatif de la première valve (110).
  6. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 5, dans lequel la première valve (110) comprend un élément en disque en contact avec la portion excentrique (13a) de l'arbre d'entraînement (13) et en rotation dans le sens de rotation de l'arbre d'entraînement (13).
  7. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 5, dans lequel la première valve (110) comprend :
    - une première ouverture (111) en communication avec le premier orifice de succion (27a) quand l'arbre d'entraînement (13) est en rotation dans un sens quelconque parmi le sens des aiguilles d'une montre et le sens inverse aux aiguilles d'une montre, et
    - une seconde ouverture (112) en communication avec le second orifice de succion (27b) quand l'arbre d'entraînement (13) est en rotation dans l'autre sens parmi le sens des aiguilles d'une montre et le sens inverse aux aiguilles d'une montre.
  8. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 5, dans lequel la seconde valve (120) est fixée entre le cylindre (21) et le palier inférieur (25) et comprend une portion formant siège (121) pour recevoir la première valve (110).
  9. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 7, dans lequel l'orifice de succion (27a, 27b, 27c) comprend en outre un troisième orifice de succion (27c) positionné entre le second orifice de succion (27b) et l'aube (23).
  10. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 9, dans lequel la première valve (110) comprend en outre une troisième ouverture (113) pour ouvrir le troisième orifice de succion (27c) simultanément avec l'ouverture du second orifice de succion (27b).
  11. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 5, dans lequel l'ensemble formant valve (100) comprend en outre un moyen pour commander un angle de rotation de la première valve (110) de sorte que des orifices de succion correspondants (27a, 27b, 27c) sont ouverts de manière fiable.
  12. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 11, dans lequel le moyen de commande comprend :
    - une rainure incurvée (114) formée au niveau de la première valve (110) et ayant une longueur prédéterminée ; et
    - un arrêt (114a) formé sur le palier inférieur (25) et inséré dans la rainure incurvée (114).
  13. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 11, dans lequel le moyen de commande comprend :
    - une projection (115) formée sur la première valve (110) et en projection dans une direction radiale de la première valve (110) ; et
    - une rainure (123) formée sur la seconde valve (120), pour recevoir la projection (115) de manière mobile.
  14. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un plénum de succion (200) pour stocker de façon préliminaire le fluide à comprimer, le plénum de succion (200) étant connecté aux orifices de succion (27a, 27b, 27c).
  15. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 14,
    dans lequel le plénum de succion (200) reçoit de l'huile extraite depuis le fluide stocké.
  16. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 14, dans lequel le plénum de succion (200) est connecté à un tube de succion (7a) via un passage à fluide qui pénètre dans le cylindre (21), l'ensemble formant valve (100) et le palier inférieur (25), le tube de succion (7a) alimentant le fluide à comprimer.
  17. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 5, dans lequel la première valve (110) comprend une ouverture unique (111) qui communique avec le premier orifice de succion (27a) quand l'arbre d'entraînement (13) est en rotation dans un sens quelconque parmi le sens des aiguilles d'une montre et le sens inverse aux aiguilles d'une montre, et qui communique avec le second orifice de succion (27b) quand l'arbre d'entraînement (13) est en rotation dans l'autre sens parmi le sens des aiguilles d'une montre et le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre.
  18. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le trajet à huile (300) comprend une unique rainure rectiligne (300) formée au niveau de l'un quelconque des paliers (24, 25) et permettant à l'huile de s'écouler à l'intérieur indépendamment des sens de rotation de l'arbre d'entraînement (13).
  19. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le trajet à huile (300) comprend une première et une seconde rainure hélicoïdale (300a, 320b) formées au niveau de l'un quelconque des paliers (24, 25) et configurées chacune pour permettre à l'huile de s'écouler à l'intérieur dans une rotation correspondante de l'arbre d'entraînement (13), et la première et la seconde rainure hélicoïdale (320a, 320b) s'étendent dans des directions opposées.
  20. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le trajet à huile (300) comprend en outre un trajet d'arbre (310) formé dans l'arbre d'entraînement (13) et configuré pour alimenter l'huile à des parties d'entraînement du compresseur.
  21. Compresseur rotatif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le trajet à huile (300) comprend en outre un trajet auxiliaire (330) formé au niveau de l'un quelconque des paliers (13b, 13c) dans l'arbre d'entraînement (13), et le trajet auxiliaire (330) est formé sur une surface circonférentielle extérieure du palier (13b, 13c).
EP04793577.0A 2004-10-26 2004-10-26 Compresseur rotatif Not-in-force EP1805419B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/KR2004/002719 WO2006046784A1 (fr) 2004-10-26 2004-10-26 Compresseur rotatif

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1805419A1 EP1805419A1 (fr) 2007-07-11
EP1805419B1 true EP1805419B1 (fr) 2015-07-22

Family

ID=36228003

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04793577.0A Not-in-force EP1805419B1 (fr) 2004-10-26 2004-10-26 Compresseur rotatif

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1805419B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2006046784A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109154298A (zh) * 2016-04-06 2019-01-04 三电国际（新加坡）私人有限公司 旋转叶片式压缩机及其制造和操作方法

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102472276A (zh) 2009-08-10 2012-05-23 Lg电子株式会社 压缩机
KR101681585B1 (ko) * 2009-12-22 2016-12-01 엘지전자 주식회사 복식 로터리 압축기
DE202021102758U1 (de) 2021-05-19 2022-08-23 Bernd Niethammer Rotationspumpe zum Fördern eines Fluids

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS58158393A (ja) * 1982-03-16 1983-09-20 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 横型回転圧縮機の給油装置
US4598559A (en) 1985-05-31 1986-07-08 Carrier Corporation Reversible fixed vane rotary compressor having a reversing disk which carries the suction port
JPS623180A (ja) * 1985-06-29 1987-01-09 Toshiba Corp 可逆冷凍サイクル用の圧縮機
JPS6332192A (ja) * 1986-07-23 1988-02-10 Toshiba Corp 可逆圧縮機
JPS6350693A (ja) 1986-08-20 1988-03-03 Toshiba Corp 可逆式コンプレツサ
EP0652372B1 (fr) * 1993-10-27 1998-07-01 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Compresseur rotatif commutable

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109154298A (zh) * 2016-04-06 2019-01-04 三电国际（新加坡）私人有限公司 旋转叶片式压缩机及其制造和操作方法
CN109154298B (zh) * 2016-04-06 2021-10-19 三电国际（新加坡）私人有限公司 旋转叶片式压缩机及其制造和操作方法

Also Published As

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WO2006046784A1 (fr) 2006-05-04
EP1805419A1 (fr) 2007-07-11

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