Refrigerant scroll compressor for motor vehicle air conditioning systems

Abstract

A refrigerant scroll compressor for a motor vehicle air conditioning system having a fixed scroll, an orbiting scroll engaging with the fixed scroll, wherein the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll cooperate to compress a refrigerant gas. An intermediate pressure chamber is disposed adjacent the orbiting scroll, an oil return duct provides fluid communication between the intermediate pressure chamber and a high pressure area of the refrigerant scroll compressor, and at least one intermediate pressure duct is formed in one of the orbiting scroll and fixed scroll and is in fluid communication with the intermediate pressure chamber.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to German Non-Provisional Patent Application Serial No. DE 10 2012 104 045.1 filed May 9, 2012, hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a refrigerant scroll compressor for vehicle air-conditioning systems and in this context particularly a design with efficient oil recirculation within the refrigerant circuit while controlling the intermediate pressure level optimally.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The use of refrigerant scroll compressors in motor vehicle air-conditioning systems is highly desirable, since this type of compressor has a robust structural design and can also be produced and used cost-effectively. Scroll compressors moreover operate radially to the inside, which results in a relatively short axial installation length for the compressor. An electrical refrigerant compressor can thus be designed without requiring any additio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a refrigerant scroll compressor for motor vehicle air-conditioning systems, which ensures stable oil return and well-controlled sealing force for sealing the fixed scroll to the orbiting scroll. The patent describes an intermediate pressure duct that can be designed cost-effectively and can be formed on the bottom of the orbiting scroll. This duct allows for stable oil return and management of the sealing force between the scrolls, resulting in improved functional reliability of the compressor. By using this design, the invention overcomes the disadvantage of inaccurate and complicated control and management of the intermediate pressure by a mixture of refrigerant oil and refrigerant gas. The invention provides a stable intermediate pressure in the intermediate pressure chamber and ensures the axial sealing force during the compression of the refrigerant gas between the scrolls. These technical effects improve the performance and reliability of the scroll compressor for air-conditioning systems.

Problems solved by technology

Scroll compressors moreover operate radially to the inside, which results in a relatively short axial installation length for the compressor.

A known problem with refrigerant scroll compressors consists of the fact that the oil return must be designed for process safety and at the same time must be able to develop a sufficient sealing force with reference to the orbiting scroll by controlling the intermediate pressure.

This design from the prior art has the disadvantage, however, that the oil return and the intermediate pressure can only be poorly controlled.

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