ELECTRIC COMPRESSION AND EXPANSION APPARATUS AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an electric compression and expansion apparatus comprising a main housing comprising a motor chamber, a motor part housed in the motor chamber, a rotary shaft part extending in a length direction and coupled to the motor part, a compression part coupled to one side of the rotary shaft part in the length direction, and an expansion part coupled to another side of the rotary shaft part in the length direction. The rotary shaft part is configured to rotate integrally with the motor part, and the compression part is configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part to compress refrigerant. The expansion part is configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part to expand the compressed refrigerant.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0058928, filed on May 20, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an electric compression and expansion apparatus and an air conditioning system including the same, and more particularly, to an electric compression and expansion apparatus capable of operating a compressor for compressing refrigerant and an expander for expanding refrigerant using one power source and an air conditioning system including the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

Compressors serving to compress refrigerant in air conditioning systems for vehicle have been developed in various forms. In recent years, electric compressors (motor-operated compressors) driven by electric power using motors have been actively developed due to the tendency of electrification of vehicle components.

A motor-operated compressor generally employs a scroll-compression method which is suitable for a high compression ratio operation. Such a scroll-type motor-operated compressor (hereinafter, referred to as “motor-operated compressor”) includes a motor part, a compression part, and a rotating shaft connecting the motor part and the compression part.

Specifically, the motor part is configured as a rotary motor or the like, and installed inside a hermetic casing. The compression part is located at one side of the motor part, and is provided with a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll. The rotating shaft is configured to transmit rotational force of the motor part to the compression part.

The refrigerant compressed in the compression part is exhausted to outside of the electric compressor through an exhaust port. The exhausted refrigerant is utilized for operating an air conditioning system for vehicle.

A vehicle air conditioning system includes various devices for exchanging heat through phase change of refrigerant in addition to the above-described electric compressor.

That is, referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioning system 1000 according to the related art includes a compressor 1100 for compressing refrigerant, a condenser 1200 for condensing refrigerant, an expander 1300 for expanding refrigerant, an evaporator 1400 for evaporating refrigerant, and the like. The components form a refrigerant cycle for driving a vehicle air conditioning system.

Among the components, the expander 1300 serves to expand high-temperature high-pressure refrigerant having passed through the condenser 1200 and convert the expansion of the refrigerant into shaft power. It is preferable that a rate at which the expander 1300 expands refrigerant should depend on the rotational rate of the compressor 1100.

That is, the expansion of the refrigerant by the expander 1300 to correspond to the rate at which the refrigerant is compressed in the compressor 1100 is advantageous for improving the air conditioning efficiency of the air conditioning system 1000.

However, it is difficult for conventional expanders to operate according to the refrigerant compression rate of an electric compressor that changes in real time. This is due to the complexity of a manufacturing process and the increase in manufacturing cost.

Accordingly, typically, conventional expanders are operated at constant rate having the best expansion efficiency rather than depending on the refrigerant compression rate of an electric compressor.

Such a driving scheme can secure expansion efficiency to some extent, but it is hard to say that it always has a favorable effect on improving the air conditioning efficiency of the overall air conditioning system. This is because in addition to the refrigerant expansion rate of an expander, there are many variables to consider when the air conditioning system is driven.

Korean Patent No. 10-1764158 discloses an integral compressor-expander. In detail, the document discloses an integral compressor-expander having a structure that connects a compressor and an expander by one shaft such that the expander may be rotated according to an operating mode of the compressor.

However, this type of integral compressor-expander has a disadvantage in that an apparatus for providing power to drive the compressor and the expander should be located outside a casing thereof. This can lead to an increase in volume throughout the system. That is, there is a limitation in that it is difficult to apply to a vehicle air conditioning system for which product miniaturization is important.

Furthermore, in the case of the above type of integral compressor-expander, refrigerant may be moved between a compressor and an expander housed in the same casing. Also, there is another limitation in which no means for resolving a reduction in compression efficiency and a reduction in expansion efficiency which may be caused in this case is considered.

Korean Patent No. 10-1764158 discloses a combined scroll expander-compressor. In detail, this document discloses a combined scroll expander-having a structure in which the rotation of a scroll expander is interlocked with the rotation of a scroll compressor by connecting an orbiting scroll of the scroll expander and an orbiting scroll of the scroll compressor through a power transfer means.

However, this type of combined scroll compressor-expander has a limitation in that an apparatus for providing power to rotate a scroll expander and a scroll compressor should be located outside a casing thereof. This causes an increase in volume throughout the system, and thus the combined scroll compressor-expander also has a limitation in that it is difficult to apply to a vehicle air conditioning system.

Furthermore, in the case of the above type of combined scroll expander-compressor, a structure for enabling a back-pressure chamber of a scroll compressor to communicate with a back-pressure chamber of a scroll expander is considered. However, there is a limitation in that no means for preventing unintended effects from occurring between refrigerants housed in the back pressure chambers is considered.

RELATED ART DOCUMENTS

Patent Documents

• (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent No. 10-1764158 (Aug. 14, 2017)
• (Patent Document 2) Korean Patent No. 10-0842301 (Jun. 30, 2008)

SUMMARY

Therefore, an aspect of the detailed description is to provide an electric compression and expansion apparatus capable of solving the above problems and an air conditioning system including the same.

First, the present disclosure is directed to providing an electric compression and expansion apparatus and an air conditioning system structured not to require an excessive increase in size in order to have both of a compression part for compressing refrigerant and an expansion part for expanding refrigerant.

Also, the present disclosure is directed to providing an electric compression and expansion apparatus structured to minimize the sizes of elements constituting an air conditioning system and the size of the air conditioning system, and an air conditioning system including the same.

Also, the present disclosure is directed to providing an electric compression and expansion apparatus and an air conditioning system structured to enable a rate at which refrigerant is compressed in the compression part to interoperate with a rate at which refrigerant is expanded in the expansion part.

Also, the present disclosure is directed to providing an electric compression and expansion apparatus structured to provide power for a compression part to compress refrigerant and power for an expansion part to expand refrigerant by using a single power source, and an air conditioning system including the same.

Also, the present disclosure is directed to providing an electric compression and expansion apparatus structured to decrease power required to operate an air conditioning system, and an air conditioning system including the same.

Also, the present disclosure is directed to providing an electric compression and expansion apparatus structured to enable a back pressure chamber of a compression part and a back pressure chamber of an expansion part to communicate with each other, and an air conditioning system including the same.

Also, the present disclosure is directed to providing an electric compression and expansion apparatus structured to adjust whether to allow communication between back pressure chambers of a compression part and an expansion part depending on pressures in the back pressure chambers, and an air conditioning system including the same.

In order to achieve the objectives of the present disclosure, there is provided an electric compression and expansion apparatus comprising a main housing comprising a motor chamber; a motor part housed in the motor chamber; a rotary shaft part extending in a length direction and coupled to the motor part, wherein the rotary shaft part is configured to rotate integrally with the motor part; a compression part coupled to one side of the rotary shaft part in the length direction, wherein the compression part is configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part to compress refrigerant; and an expansion part coupled to another side of the rotary shaft part in the length direction, wherein the expansion part is configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part to expand the compressed refrigerant.

Also, the main housing of the electric compression and expansion apparatus may comprise an intake port configured to introduce the refrigerant into the main housing, and a rear housing comprising an exhaust port located on one side of the compression part opposite to the main housing, the exhaust port being configured to discharge the compressed refrigerant.

Also, the compression part of the electric compression and expansion apparatus may comprise a first orbiting scroll coupled to the rotary shaft part and configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part; and a first fixed scroll located on one side of the first orbiting scroll opposite to the main housing, wherein the first fixed scroll is configured to be brought into contact with the first orbiting scroll with a predetermined space formed therein, and wherein the first fixed scroll is configured to compress the refrigerant. The expansion part may comprise a second orbiting scroll coupled to the rotary shaft part and configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part; and a second fixed scroll located on one side of the second orbiting scroll opposite to the main housing, wherein the second fixed scroll is configured to be brought into contact with the second orbiting scroll with a predetermined space formed therein, and wherein the second fixed scroll is configured to expand the compressed refrigerant. The second fixed scroll may comprise an intake hole configured to introduce the compressed refrigerant into the predetermined space.

Also, the electric compression and expansion apparatus may further comprise a first main frame located between the main housing and the compression part, the first main frame being configured to couple the main housing to and in fluid communication with the compression part; and a second main frame located between the main housing and the expansion part, the second main frame being configured to support another side of the rotary shaft part facing the expansion part.

Also, the first main frame of the electric compression and expansion apparatus may comprise a first bearing surrounding an outer circumference on one side of the rotary shaft part facing the compression part, the first bearing being configured to support the one side of the rotary shaft part. The second main frame may comprise a second bearing surrounding the outer circumference on the another side of the rotary shaft part facing the expansion part, the second bearing being configured to support the another side of the rotary shaft part. The first bearing may have a smaller inner diameter than the second bearing.

Also, a refrigerant communication flow path may be formed through the rotary shaft part in the length direction, one side of the refrigerant communication flow path facing the compression part may be in communication with an inner space of the first main frame, and another side of the refrigerant communication flow path facing the expansion part may be in communication with an inner space of the second main frame.

Also, the first main frame may comprise a first balance weight configured to rotate together with the rotary shaft part and the compression part, and one side of the first balance weight may be coupled to one end of the rotary shaft part facing the compression part and another side of the first balance weight opposite to the one side may be coupled to the compression part.

Also, the first balance weight of the electric compression and expansion apparatus may comprise a first body part comprising one side configured to be brought into contact with one end of the rotary shaft part; a first eccentric part extending from the first body part; and a first space part formed through the first body part, wherein a first fastening pin for coupling the first balance weight to the one end of the rotary shaft is configured to be inserted into the first space part. The one side of the first body part may comprise a first communication hole recessed and configured to form a space to enable the inner space of the first main frame and the refrigerant communication flow path to communicate with each other.

Also, a second balance weight may be located inside the second main frame, the second balance weight being configured to rotate together with the rotary shaft part and the expansion part. One side of the second balance weight may be coupled to another end of the rotary shaft part facing the expansion part and another side coupled to the expansion part and opposite to the one side.

Also, the refrigerant communication flow path may comprise a check valve configured to restrict a flow of refrigerant inside the refrigerant communication flow path to a direction from the first main frame to the second main frame.

Also, the second balance weight of the electric compression and expansion apparatus may comprise a second body part having one side configured to be brought into contact with the another end of the rotary shaft part; and a second eccentric part extending from the second body part. The one side of the second body part may comprise a second communication hole recessed and configured to form a space to enable the inner space of the second main frame and the refrigerant communication flow path to communicate with each other.

Also, the second balance weight of the electric compression and expansion apparatus may comprise a second body part having one side configured to be brought into contact with the another end of the rotary shaft part; a second protrusion part protruding a predetermined distance from the another side of the second body part opposite to the one side of the second body part; and a second eccentric part extending from the second body part. The second protrusion part may comprise a second space part recessed a predetermined distance from the one side of the second body part, wherein a second fastening pin for coupling the protrusion part to the other end of the rotary shaft part is configured to be inserted into the second space part; and a closed surface located on one side of the second protrusion part opposite to the one side of the second body part, the closed surface being configured to close the second space part.

Also, when the pressure in the first main frame is greater than or equal to the pressure in the second main frame, the second balance weight of the electric compression and expansion apparatus is configured to move a predetermined distance toward the expansion part such that the refrigerant communication flow path communicates with the inner space of the second main frame, and when the pressure in the first main frame is smaller than the pressure in the second main frame, the second balance weight of the electric compression and expansion apparatus is configured to move a predetermined distance toward the main housing such that the communication between the refrigerant communication flow path and the inner space of the second main frame is blocked.

Also, there is provided an air conditioning system comprising an electric compression and expansion apparatus configured to be driven by power and configured to compress or expand refrigerant; a condenser coupled to and in fluid communication with the electric compression and expansion apparatus, the condenser being configured to condense refrigerant compressed in the electric compression and expansion apparatus; and an evaporator coupled to and in fluid communication with the electric compression and expansion apparatus, the evaporator being configured to evaporate refrigerant expanded in the electric compression and expansion apparatus. The electric compression and expansion apparatus may comprise a main housing comprising a motor chamber; a motor part housed in the motor chamber; a rotary shaft part extending in a length direction and coupled to the motor part, wherein the rotary shaft part is configured to rotate integrally with the motor part; a compression part coupled to one side of the rotary shaft part in the length direction, wherein the compression part is configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part to compress refrigerant; and an expansion part coupled to the another side of the rotary shaft part in the length direction, wherein the expansion part is configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part to expand the compressed refrigerant.

Also, the electric compression and expansion apparatus of the air conditioning system may comprise a first main frame located between the main housing and the compression part, the first main frame being configured to couple the main housing to and in fluid communication with the compression part; and a second main frame located between the main housing and the expansion part, the second main frame being configured to support the other side of the rotary shaft part facing the expansion part, and a refrigerant communication flow path formed through the rotary shaft part in the length direction thereof. One side of the refrigerant communication flow path facing the compression part may be in communication with an inner space of the first main frame, and another side of the refrigerant communication flow path facing the expansion part may be in communication with an inner space of the second main frame.

According to the present disclosure, the following effects can be obtained.

First, the compression part and the expansion part may be housed in the first main frame and the second main frame, respectively. The main housing may just have a space to occupy the motor chamber for housing the motor part, and thus it may be possible for the main housing to decrease in size. The first main frame and the second main frame may just house the compression part and the expansion part, respectively, and thus it may be possible to decrease the size of the main frames.

Accordingly, even though both of the compression part and the expansion part are provided, the electric compression and expansion apparatus may not excessively increase in size.

Also, among the elements constituting the air conditioning system, the compression part and the expansion part may be integrated in the electric compression and expansion apparatus. The electric compression and expansion apparatus may not increase in size although it can perform both compression and expansion of refrigerant.

Accordingly, the number of elements constituting the air conditioning system may decrease, and also an element for compressing or expanding refrigerant may decrease in size. As a result, it may be possible to minimize the air conditioning system compared to a case where the compressor and the expander are separately provided.

Also, the first orbiting scroll of the compression part and the second orbiting scroll of the expansion part may be coupled to the same rotary shaft. When the rotary shaft is rotated by the motor part, the first orbiting scroll and the second orbiting scroll may be rotated at the same rate as those of the rotary shaft and the motor part.

Therefore, a rate at which refrigerant is compressed in the compression part and a rate at which refrigerant is expanded in the expansion part may be interoperable. As a result, the refrigerant expansion rate of the expansion part may interoperate with the refrigerant compression rate of the compression part, and thus it may be possible to improve the air conditioning efficiency of the air conditioning system.

Also, the rotary shaft to which the first orbiting scroll of the compression part and the second orbiting scroll of the expansion part are connected may be driven by the single motor part.

Accordingly, no separate power sources may be required for driving the first orbiting scroll and the second orbiting scroll. As a result, it may be possible to reduce power required to drive the electric compression and expansion apparatus. Accordingly, the entire power consumption of the air conditioning system may be reduced, and thus it may be possible to improve air conditioning efficiency.

Also, the refrigerant communication flow path may be formed on the rotary shaft. The refrigerant communication flow path may communicate with a first back pressure chamber of the compression part located in the first main frame and a second back pressure chamber of the expansion part located in the second main frame.

Accordingly, high-pressure refrigerant staying in the first back pressure chamber may be introduced into the second back pressure chamber through the refrigerant communication flow path. Accordingly, it may be possible to quickly form a back pressure necessary for the expansion part to expand refrigerant. As a result, it may be possible to improve expansion efficiency at which the expansion part expands refrigerant.

Also, the check valve may be provided in the refrigerant communication flow path of the rotary shaft. The check value may control refrigerant flow such that refrigerant can flow from the first back pressure chamber to the second back pressure chamber when the pressure in the first back pressure chamber is greater than the pressure in the second back pressure chamber.

Accordingly, when the pressure in the first back pressure chamber is smaller than the pressure in the second back pressure chamber, refrigerant may be prevented from flowing from the second back pressure chamber to the first back pressure chamber. Accordingly, a back pressure sufficient to compress refrigerant may be formed in the first back pressure chamber of the compression part, and thus it may be possible to improve the compression efficiency of the refrigerant.

Also, the closed surface may be provided in the second balance weight coupled to the second end of the rotary shaft facing the expansion part. When the pressure in the first back pressure chamber is greater than the pressure in the second back pressure chamber, the second balance weight may be spaced apart from the second end of the rotary shaft. Accordingly, the refrigerant communication flow path may communicate with the second back pressure flow path.

Also, when the pressure in the first back pressure chamber is smaller than the pressure in the second back pressure chamber, the second balance weight may be brought into contact with the second end of the rotary shaft. Accordingly, the refrigerant communication flow path may be blocked by the closed surface, and the refrigerant communication flow path and the second back pressure chamber may not communicate with each other.

Accordingly, only when the pressure in the first back pressure chamber is greater than the pressure in the second back pressure chamber, the first back pressure chamber, the second back pressure chamber, and the refrigerant communication flow path may communicate with each other. Accordingly, a back pressure sufficient to compress refrigerant may be formed in the first back pressure chamber of the compression part, and thus it may be possible to improve the compression efficiency of the refrigerant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning cycle according to a related art.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an electric compression and expansion apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electric compression and expansion apparatus of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an electric compression and expansion apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is another cross-sectional view of the electric compression and expansion apparatus of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a balance weight provided in the electric compression and expansion apparatus of FIGS. 4A and 4B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is another perspective view of the balance weight provided in the electric compression and expansion apparatus of FIGS. 4A and 4B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an electric compression and expansion apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is another cross-sectional view of the electric compression and expansion apparatus of FIG. 6A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a balance weight provided in a refrigerant expansion part of the electric compression and expansion apparatus of FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is another perspective view of the balance weight provided in a refrigerant expansion part of the electric compression and expansion apparatus of FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a flow of refrigerant when a first back pressure chamber and a second back pressure chamber communicate with each other in the electric compression and expansion apparatus of FIGS. 4A and 4B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a flow of refrigerant when a first back pressure chamber and a second back pressure chamber do not communicate with each other in the electric compression and expansion apparatus of FIGS. 4A and 4B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a flow of refrigerant when a first back pressure chamber and a second back pressure chamber communicate with each other in the electric compression and expansion apparatus of FIGS. 6A and 6B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a flow of refrigerant when a first back pressure chamber and a second back pressure chamber do not communicate with each other in the electric compression and expansion apparatus of FIGS. 6A and 6B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the components of a refrigerant cycle for driving a vehicle air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An electric compression and expansion apparatus and an air conditioning system including the same according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, some elements may be omitted so as to clarify the features of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show cross-sectional views according to the same embodiment, but are presented as a plurality of drawings.

Likewise, FIGS. 6A and 6B show cross-sectional views according to the same embodiment, but are presented as a plurality of drawings.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected with” another element, the element can be connected with the another element or intervening elements may also be present.

In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected with” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

A singular representation may include a plural representation unless it represents a definitely different meaning from the context.

The term “refrigerant” as used herein refers to any medium that takes heat away from a low-temperature object and transport the heat to a high-temperature object. In an embodiment, the refrigerant may include carbon dioxide (CO2), R134a, R1234yf, and the like.

The terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left” as used herein will be understood with reference to the coordinate systems shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as an element of an air conditioning system 1 to be described below. The electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 may comprise a compression part 600 for compressing refrigerant and an expansion part 700 for expanding refrigerant. Accordingly, it may be possible to simplify the structure of and miniaturize the size of the air conditioning system 1.

In the following description, the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described first, and then the air conditioning system 1 including the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a main housing 100, a rear housing 200, a motor part 300, a rotary shaft part 400, a frame part 500, the compression part 600, and the expansion part 700, and a refrigerant flow adjustment part 800.

The main housing 100 may form a portion of the external appearance of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10. Also, the main housing 100 may form the body of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 and may have a space formed therein.

In an embodiment, the motor part 300, the rotary shaft part 400, and other devices for driving the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 may be housed in the space. In the shown embodiment, the compression part 600 and the expansion part 700 may be located outside the main housing 100. Alternatively, the compression part 600 and the expansion part 700 may be located inside the main housing 100.

In an embodiment, the main housing 100 may comprise the frame part 500 to be described below. That is, the frame part 500 may not be separately provided, and the main housing 100 may function as the frame part 500.

In the above embodiment, the size of the main housing 100 may be increased by the size of the frame part 500 compared to the shown embodiment.

The main housing 100 may have a circular cross-section and may have a cylindrical shape extending lengthwise. The main housing 100 may have any shape capable of housing the motor part 300 and the rotary shaft part 400.

However, considering that the motor part 300 can be rotated inside the main housing 100 to compress refrigerant, the main housing 100 may be formed to have a circular cross shape with high pressure resistance.

A first main frame 510 of the frame part 500 may be located on one side of the main housing, that is, on the front side in the shown embodiment. Also, a second main frame 520 of the frame part 500 may be located on the other side of the main housing 100 opposite to the one side, that is, on the rear side in the shown embodiment.

The main housing 100 may communicate with the first main frame 510. Refrigerant introduced into the main housing 100 may be moved toward the compression part 600 through the first main frame 510.

The main housing 100 may communicate with the second main frame 520. Thus, refrigerant introduced into the expansion part 700 may be partially introduced into the main housing 100 to prevent excessive pressure from occurring in the expansion part 700.

Alternatively, the main housing 100 may not be configured to communicate with the second main frame 520. In this case, a separate sealing member for preventing communication between the main housing 100 and the second main frame 520 may be provided at a portion where the main housing 100 and the second main frame 520 communicate with each other.

The main housing 100 may comprise a motor chamber 110 and an intake port 120.

The motor chamber 110 may be a space where the motor part 300 is rotatably housed. The motor chamber 110 may be defined as an inner space of the main housing 100. The outer circumferential surface of the motor chamber 110 may be defined by the inner circumferential surface of the main housing 100.

Alternatively, a separate housing (not shown) may be provided to form the motor chamber 110. The housing (not shown) may be housed in the main housing 100. In this case, the outer circumferential surface of the housing (not shown) may be brought into contact with the main circumferential surface of the main housing 100.

When the motor part 300 is housed in the motor chamber 110, the outer circumferential surface of a stator 310 forming the outside of the motor part 300 may be brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the motor chamber 110. Accordingly, the stator 310 may be fixed in the motor chamber 110 and remain stationary regardless of the rotation of a rotor 320.

In an embodiment that is not shown, a protrusion (not shown) may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the motor chamber 110, and a blind hole (not shown) may be recessed from the outer circumferential surface of the stator 310. In the above embodiment, the motor part 300 may be housed in the motor chamber 110 such that the protrusion (not shown) can be fitted into the blind hole (not shown).

The intake port 120 may enable the inside and outside of the main housing 100 to communicate with each other. Refrigerant outside the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 may be introduced into the main housing 100 through the intake port 120.

The introduced refrigerant may be compressed through the first main frame 510 and the compression part 600. The compressed refrigerant may be discharged to the outside of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 through an exhaust port 212 of the rear housing 200.

The intake port 120 may be located on the outer circumferential surface of the main housing 100. The intake port 120 may be in the form of a through-hole passing through the main housing 100.

The rear housing 200 may form a portion of the external appearance of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10. In detail, the rear housing 200 may form a portion of the external appearance on one side of the main housing 100, that is, on the front side in the shown embodiment.

In the shown embodiment, the first main frame 510 of the frame part 500 and a first fixed scroll 620 of the compression part 600 may be located between the rear housing 200 and the main housing 100. That is, the first main frame 510, the first fixed scroll 620, and the rear housing 200 may be sequentially located in a direction from the main housing 100 toward the front side.

In the embodiment in which the first main frame 510 is included in the main housing 100 and the compression part 600 is housed in the main housing 100 as described above, the rear housing 200 may be located in contact with the main housing 100.

The rear housing 200 may communicate with the main housing 100. In detail, the rear housing 200 may communicate with the first fixed scroll 620 and the first main frame 510. The refrigerant compressed in the compression part 600 through the main housing 100 and the first main frame 510 may be discharged through the exhaust port 212 of the rear housing 200.

In the shown embodiment, the rear housing 200 has the shape of a cap having a circular cross-section. The rear housing 200 may have any shape capable of coupling to the first fixed scroll 620.

The rear housing 200 may comprise an exhaust flow path 210, an oil discharge flow path 220, and a discharge chamber 230.

The exhaust flow path 210 may be a passage through which the refrigerant compressed in the compression part 600 can be discharged. The exhaust flow path 210 may communicate with the discharge chamber 230.

The exhaust port 212 configured to enable the inside and outside of the rear housing 200 to communicate with each other may be formed on one end of the exhaust flow path 210, that is, an upper end of the exhaust flow path 210 in the shown embodiment. In an embodiment, the exhaust port 212 may be provided in the form of a through-hole for enabling the inside and outside of the rear housing 200 to communicate with each other.

The compressed refrigerant may flow toward the exhaust flow path 210 via the discharge chamber 230. The refrigerant having entered the exhaust flow path 210 may be discharged to the outside of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 through the exhaust port 212.

In this case, the refrigerant introduced into the exhaust flow path 210 may be mixed with oil. When oil remains in the refrigerant discharged through the exhaust port 212, there may be a possibility that the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system 1 may fall. Furthermore, the oil remaining in the refrigerant may damage some apparatuses included in the air conditioning system 1.

Thus, a cyclone apparatus (not shown) or the like configured to separate oil from refrigerant may be provided inside the exhaust flow path 210.

The oil discharge flow path 220 may be a flow path through which the oil separated from the refrigerant can move. The oil discharge flow path 220 may communicate with the exhaust flow path 210. A residual mixture of the refrigerant and the oil and the oil separated from the refrigerant in the exhaust flow path 210 may move to a lower side of the rear housing 200 through the oil discharge flow path 220.

The oil discharge flow path 220 may communicate with an oil flow path part (not shown) outside the rear housing 200. The residual mixture of the refrigerant and the coil or the oil having moved to the lower side of the rear housing 200 may flow back to the compression part 600 through the oil flow path part (not shown).

The discharge chamber 230 may be a space through which the refrigerant compressed in the compression part 600 can pass before being discharged through the exhaust port 212. The discharge chamber 230 may be formed on one side of the rear housing 200 adjacent to the first main frame 510. The refrigerant compressed in the compression part 600 may be under high pressure. When high-pressure refrigerant is directly discharged to the outside of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 through the exhaust port 212, other devices included in the air conditioning system 1 may be damaged.

Thus, the discharge chamber 230 may be configured such that the pressure of the compressed refrigerant moves toward the exhaust port 212 and becomes a predetermined pressure.

The discharge chamber 230 may communicate with the compression part 600. The compressed refrigerant may be introduced into the discharge chamber 230. Also, the discharge chamber 230 may communicate with the exhaust flow path 210. The refrigerant discharged from the discharge chamber 230 may flow into the exhaust flow path 210.

A discharge flow path member 231 may be provided in the discharge chamber 230. The discharge flow path member 231 may form a flow path through which the compressed refrigerant can be moved from the compression part 600 to the exhaust flow path 210.

In the shown embodiment, the discharge flow path member 231 may be formed to protrude toward the compression part 600. The discharge flow path member 231 may be provided in any form capable of forming a flow path of the compressed refrigerant flowing in the discharge chamber 230.

The motor part 300 may provide power used by the compression part 600 to compress refrigerant and power used by the expansion part 700 to expand refrigerant. The motor part 300 may be configured to receive power and a control signal from a control unit (not shown) outside the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 and operate according to the power and control signal. To this end, the motor part 300 may be electrically conductively connected to the control unit (not shown).

In an embodiment, the control unit (not shown) may be provided inside the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10. Even in this case, the motor part 300 may be electrically conductively connected to the control unit (not shown) and configured to receive power and a control signal.

The motor part 300 may be connected to the compression part 600 and the expansion part 700.

In detail, the motor part 300 may be connected to a first orbiting scroll 610 of the compression part 600. When the motor part 300 is rotated, the first orbiting scroll 610 may be rotated integrally with the motor part 300 by the rotary shaft part 400.

Also, the motor part 300 may be connected to a second orbiting scroll 710 of the expansion part 700. When the motor part 300 is rotated, the second orbiting scroll 710 may be rotated integrally with the motor part 300 by the rotary shaft part 400.

The motor part 300 may be housed in the main housing 100. In detail, the motor part 300 may be housed in the motor chamber 110 such that the outer circumferential surface of the stator 310 forming the outside of the motor part 300 is brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the motor chamber 110.

With the above configuration, the stator 310 may be located in the main housing 100 while remaining stationary regardless of the rotation of the rotor 320.

The motor part 300 may comprise the stator 310 and the rotor 320. Also, the motor part 300 may comprise an input part (not shown) for receiving power and a control signal from an external control part (not shown).

The stator 310 may form an electromagnetic field according to the received power and control signal. The electromagnetic field formed by the stator 310 may exert an electromagnetic force on a magnet included in the rotor 320. Accordingly, when the rotor 320 is rotated, the first orbiting scroll 610 and the second orbiting scroll 710 may be rotated.

The stator 310 may comprise a plurality of coils (not shown). The coils (not shown) may be wound around the stator 310. The coils may be configured such that currents of different phases flow therethrough. In an embodiment, each coil (not shown) may be configured such that an electric current having any one of U phase, V phase, and W phase flows therethrough.

The stator 310 may form the outside of the motor part 300. That is, the stator 310 may be a portion at which the motor part 300 is exposed to the outside. When the motor part 300 is housed in the motor chamber 110, the outer circumferential surface of the stator 310 may be brought into contact with the motor chamber 110, that is, the inner circumferential surface of the main housing 100.

The stator 310 may be fixed in the motor chamber 110. When the power and control signal are applied to the motor part 300, the plurality of coils of the stator 310 may form an electromagnetic field. Thus, the stator 310 may remain stationary although the rotor 320 is rotated.

In the shown embodiment, the stator 310 may have a circular cross-section and may have a cylindrical shape extending lengthwise (in the front-rear direction). The shape of the stator 310 may be changed to correspond to the shape of the main housing 100.

A hollow portion may be formed inside the stator 310. The rotor 320 may be rotatably housed in the hollow portion. The rotor 320 may be housed in the hollow portion such that the rotor 320 is spaced a predetermined distance from the stator 310.

That is, the stator 310 and the rotor 320 may not be in contact with each other. Accordingly, the rotor 320 may be rotated relative to the stator 310, and the stator 310 may remain stationary regardless of the rotation of a rotor 320.

In the shown embodiment, the hollow portion may have a cylindrical shape extending in the length direction (the front-rear direction) of the stator 310. The hollow portion may have any shape capable of housing the rotor 320.

The rotor 320 may be rotated by an electromagnetic field formed by the plurality of coils of the stator 310. The rotor 320 may comprise a plurality of magnets (not shown).

When the plurality of coils (not shown) of the stator 310 form an electromagnetic field, the plurality of magnets (not shown) of the rotor 320 may be subjected to an electromagnetic force. By the electromagnetic force, the rotor 320 may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise.

The rotor 320 may be rotatably housed in the hollow portion formed inside the stator 310. The rotor 320 may be disposed in the hollow portion and spaced a predetermined distance from the stator 310. That is, the outer circumferential surface of the rotor 320 and an inner circumferential surface of the stator 310 may not be in contact with each other.

The rotary shaft part 400 may be installed through and coupled to the rotor 320. The rotor 320 and the rotary shaft part 400 may be coaxially arranged.

When the rotor 320 is rotated, the rotary shaft part 400 may be rotated integrally with the rotor 320. Accordingly, when the first orbiting scroll 610 and the second orbiting scroll 710 coupled to the rotary shaft part 400 may be rotated integrally with the rotor 320.

A balance weight may be provided on both sides in the length direction of the rotor 320, that is, on the front surface or the rear surface in the shown embodiment. The balance weight may be configured to compensate for the center of gravity moved when the first orbiting scroll 610 and the second orbiting scroll 710 are eccentrically rotated.

In the shown embodiment, the balance weight is shown as being provided on the front side of the rotor 320. However, the balance weight may also be provided on the rear side of the rotor 320.

The rotary shaft part 400 may deliver a rotational force generated by the motor part 300 to the compression part 600 and the expansion part 700.

The rotary shaft part 400 may be installed through and coupled to the motor part 300. In this case, the rotary shaft part 400 may be integrally rotatably coupled to the motor part 300.

The first orbiting scroll 610 of the compression part 600 may be coupled to one side of the rotary shaft part 400, that is, to the front side in the shown embodiment. When the rotary shaft part 400 is rotated, the first orbiting scroll 610 may be rotated integrally with the rotary shaft part 400.

The second orbiting scroll 710 of the expansion part 700 may be coupled to the other side of the rotary shaft part 400, that is, to the rear side in the shown embodiment. When the rotary shaft part 400 is rotated, the second orbiting scroll 710 may be rotated integrally with the rotary shaft part 400.

The rotary shaft part 400 may be disposed to have the same central axis as the motor part 300.

The rotary shaft part 400 may serve to support the rotor 320. That is, while the rotary shaft part 400 is inserted through and coupled to the rotor 320, one side in the length direction and the other side opposite to the one side may be rotatably coupled to a first bearing unit 513 and a second bearing unit 523, respectively.

The rotary shaft part 400 may comprise a first end 410, a second end 420, a pin insertion part, a pin 440, and a refrigerant communication flow path 450.

The first end 410 may be defined as one side of the rotary shaft part 400 facing the compression part 600. The first end 410 may be rotatably coupled to the first bearing unit 513 of the first main frame 510. In other words, the first end 410 may be rotatably supported by the first bearing unit 513.

Thus, the rotary shaft part 400 may be rotated relative to the first bearing unit 513.

A first balance weight 810 of the refrigerant flow adjustment part 800 may be coupled to the first end 410. In detail, the first end 410 may be inserted into and coupled to a first insertion part 813 of the first balance weight 810.

The second end 420 may be defined as the other side of the rotary shaft part 400 facing the expansion part 700. The second end is opposite to the first end 410. The second end 420 may be rotatably coupled to the second bearing unit 523 of the second main frame 520. In other words, the second end 420 may be rotatably supported by the second bearing unit 523.

Accordingly, the rotary shaft part 400 may be rotated relative to the second bearing unit 523.

A second balance weight 820 of the refrigerant flow adjustment part 800 may be coupled to the second end 420. In detail, the second end 420 may be inserted into and coupled to a second insertion part 823 of the second balance weight 820.

The pin insertion part 430 may be a space into which pins 440a and 440b for fastening the balance weights 810 and 820 to the ends 410 and 420 are to be inserted. The pin insertion part 430 may be located eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotary shaft part 400.

The pin insertion part 430 may comprise a first pin insertion part 430a and a second pin insertion part 430b.

The first pin insertion part 430a may be formed on the first end 410. In detail, the first pin insertion part 430a may be recessed a predetermined distance from an end surface of the first end 410. The shape and recessed distance of the first pin insertion part 430a may be determined according to the shape and length of the first pin 440a.

The second pin insertion part 430b may be formed on the second end 420. In detail, the second pin insertion part 430b may be recessed a predetermined distance from an end surface of the second end 420. The shape and recessed distance of the second pin insertion part 430b may be determined according to the shape and length of the second pin 440b.

The central axes of the pin insertion parts 430a and 430b may be located eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotary shaft part 400. That is, the pin insertion parts 430a and 430b may be disposed to have a central axis different from that of the rotary shaft part 400.

Thus, when the rotary shaft part 400 is rotated, the first orbiting scroll 610 and the second orbiting scroll 710 may be rotated eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotary shaft part 400.

The pin 440 may fasten the ends 410 and 420 to the balance weights 810 and 820, respectively. The pin 440 may comprise the first pin 440a and the second pin 440b.

The first pin 440a may couple the first end 410 to the first balance weight 810. In detail, the first pin 440a may be inserted through and coupled to a first pin coupling part 815 of the first balance weight 810 and may be inserted into and coupled to the first pin insertion part 430a of the first end 410.

Likewise, the second pin 440b may couple the second end 420 to the second balance weight 820. In detail, the second pin 440b may be inserted through and coupled to a second pin coupling part 825 of the second balance weight 820 and may be inserted into and coupled to the second pin insertion part 430b of the second end 420.

Accordingly, the rotary shaft part 400, the first balance weight 810, and the second balance weight 820 may be integrally rotated. Also, the balance weights 810 and 820 coupled by the pins 440a and 440b may be brought into contact with the end surfaces of the ends 410 and 420.

The first balance weight 810 coupled to the first end 410 by the first pin 440a may be rotatably coupled to a compression bearing 530 of the frame part 500. Also, the second balance weight 820 coupled to the second end 420 by the second pin 440b may be rotatably coupled to an expansion bearing 540 of the frame part 500.

The electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may use the second balance weight 820 to control a flow of refrigerant.

In the above embodiment, the second insertion part 823 of the second balance weight 820 may be formed not as a through-hole but as a kind of blind hole, which may be recessed by a predetermined distance. The second pin 440b may be inserted into and coupled to the second pin coupling part 825. That is, the second pin 440b may not be exposed to the outside.

Also, in the above embodiment, the refrigerant communication flow path 450 formed in the rotary shaft part 400 may be open or closed by the movement of the second balance weight 820. This will be described in detail below.

The refrigerant communication flow path 450 may enable a first back pressure chamber 511 of the first main frame 510 to communicate with a second back pressure chamber 521 of the second main frame 520. Refrigerant may flow through the refrigerant communication flow path 450. Refrigerant staying in the first back pressure chamber 511 may flow into the second back pressure chamber 521 through the refrigerant communication flow path 450.

The refrigerant communication flow path may be formed as a through-hole in the length direction of the rotary shaft part 400. In the shown embodiment, the refrigerant communication flow path 450 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the central axis of the rotary shaft part 400. The refrigerant communication flow path 450 may be formed at any location capable of communicating with a first communication part 816 or a second communication part 826.

One side in the length direction of the refrigerant communication flow path 450 facing the compression part 600, that is, the front side in the shown embodiment may communicate with the first back pressure chamber 511. Also, the other side in the length direction of the refrigerant communication flow path 450 facing the expansion part 700, that is, the rear side in the shown embodiment may communicate with the second back pressure chamber 521.

As a result, the refrigerant communication flow path 450, the first back pressure chamber 511, and the second back pressure chamber 521 may be configured to communicate with one another.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a check valve 830 of the refrigerant flow adjustment part 800 may be provided in the refrigerant communication flow path 450. The check valve 830 may control a flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant communication flow path 450 to be directed from the first back pressure chamber 511 to the second back pressure chamber 521.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, it may be determined by the second balance weight 820 whether the refrigerant communication flow path 450 communicates with the second back pressure chamber 521.

In the above embodiment, a process of controlling communication between the refrigerant communication flow path 450 and the first back pressure chamber 511 and the second back pressure chamber 521 will be described in detail below.

The frame part 500 may be located between the main housing 100 and the compression part 600 and between the main housing 100 and the expansion part 700. The frame part 500 may communicate with the compression part 600 and the expansion part 700.

The frame part 500 may communicate with the main housing 100 and the compression part 600. Accordingly, refrigerant introduced into the main housing may be moved to the compression part 600 through the frame part 500.

The frame part 500 may be configured to enable the main housing 100 and the expansion part 700 to or not to communicate with each other. In an embodiment in which the main housing and the expansion part 700 communicate with each other, a sealing member (not shown) may be provided at a location where the frame part 500 is coupled to the main housing 100.

Also, the frame part 500 may rotatably support the rotary shaft part 400. This can be achieved by the first bearing unit 513 and the second bearing unit 523.

The frame part 500 may comprise the first main frame 510, the second main frame 520, the compression bearing 530, and the expansion bearing 540.

The first main frame 510 may be located on one side of the main housing 100 facing the compression part 600, that is, on the front side in the shown embodiment. The first main frame 510 may be communicatively coupled to the main housing 100.

The compression part 600 may be located on one side of the first main frame 510 opposite to the main housing 100, that is, on the front side in the shown embodiment. The first main frame 510 and the compression part 600 may be communicatively coupled to each other.

That is, the first main frame 510 may communicate with the main housing 100 and the compression part 600. As a result, the main housing 100, the compression part 600, and the first main frame may communicate with one another.

In the shown embodiment, the first main frame 510 may have a circular cross-section and may have a cylindrical shape extending lengthwise, that is, in the front-rear direction. Also, the first main frame 510 may be formed to have the same outer diameter as those of the main housing 100 and the first fixed scroll 620. Accordingly, the outer circumferential surfaces of the main housing 100, the first main frame 510, and the first fixed scroll 620 may be coplanar.

The first main frame 510 may comprise a first back pressure chamber 511, a first fence part 512, and a first bearing unit 513.

The first back pressure chamber 511 may be a space into which a portion of the refrigerant compressed in the compression part 600 can be introduced. The first back pressure chamber 511 may communicate with the compression part 600. In detail, the first back pressure chamber 511 may communicate with a first refrigerant intake port 613 of the first orbiting scroll 610.

The first back pressure chamber 511 may be formed inside the first main frame 510 by a space adjacent to the rotary shaft part 400. The first back pressure chamber 511 may be defined as a space surrounded by the rotary shaft part 400, the first fence part 512, and the compression part 600.

The refrigerant introduced into the first back pressure chamber 511 may apply back pressure to the first orbiting scroll 610. That is, the refrigerant introduced into the first back pressure chamber 511 may apply pressure to the first orbiting scroll 610 in a direction toward the first fixed scroll 620.

As the compression of the refrigerant proceeds in the compression part 600, the first orbiting scroll 610 may be pushed by the pressure of the compressed refrigerant in a direction opposite to the first fixed scroll 620.

In this case, an end surface of a first orbiting wrap 612 of the first orbiting scroll 610 may be spaced apart from a first fixed end plate part 621 of the first fixed scroll 620. Also, a first orbiting end plate part 611 of the first orbiting scroll 610 may be spaced apart from an end surface of a first fixed wrap 622 of the first fixed scroll 620.

In this state, the refrigerant introduced into the compression part 600 may be leaked into a space formed by the first orbiting scroll 610 and the first fixed scroll 620 spaced apart from each other. As a result, it may be difficult to reach a desired pressure even when the refrigerant is compressed.

Thus, the compressed refrigerant housed in the first back pressure chamber 511 may apply pressure to the first orbiting scroll 610 in a direction toward the first fixed scroll 620. Accordingly, the first orbiting scroll 610 may remain in contact with the first fixed scroll 620, and thus the refrigerant may be effectively compressed without leaking.

The first back pressure chamber 511 may communicate with the refrigerant communication flow path 450 of the rotary shaft part 400. In detail, the first back pressure chamber 511 may communicate with the refrigerant communication flow path 450 by means of a first communication part 816 formed in the first balance weight 810. The compressed refrigerant staying in the first back pressure chamber 511 may be introduced into the second back pressure chamber 521 through the first communication part 816 and the refrigerant communication flow path 450.

The first fence part 512 may be formed inside the first main frame 510. The first fence part 512 may partition the first back pressure chamber 511. In detail, the first back pressure chamber 511 may be defined by a space surrounded by the first fence part 512. The first fence part 512 may be formed as a partition.

The first fence part 512 may be brought into contact with the compression part 600. In detail, the first fence part 512 may be brought into contact with the first orbiting end plate part 611 of the first orbiting scroll 610. In the relationship with the compression part 600, the first fence part 512 may be configured to seal the first back pressure chamber 511 except for the first refrigerant intake port 613.

Therefore, the compressed refrigerant may be introduced into the first back pressure chamber 511 through only the first refrigerant intake port 613 formed in the first orbiting scroll 610.

The first fence part 512 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the rotary shaft part 400 and configured to surround the outer circumference of the rotary shaft part 400. In the relationship with the rotary shaft part 400, the first fence part 512 may be configured to seal the first back pressure chamber 511 except for the first communication part 816 of the first balance weight 810.

Therefore, the compression part 600, the first fence part 512, and the refrigerant communication flow path 450 may communicate with one another by only the first refrigerant intake port 613 and the first communication part 816.

The first bearing unit 513 may be provided at a portion where the first fence part 512 and the rotary shaft part 400 can be brought into contact with each other. Although the rotary shaft part 400 may be rotated, the first fence part 512 may not be rotated by the first bearing unit 513.

The first bearing unit 513 may prevent the first fence part 512 from being rotated regardless of the rotation of the rotary shaft part 400. The first bearing unit 513 may be located at a portion where the rotary shaft part 400 and the first fence part 512 may be in contact with each other, that is, at the first end 410.

The first bearing unit 513 may be provided as any member capable of preventing any one of two or more different elements from being rotated regardless of the rotation of the other elements. In an embodiment, the first bearing unit 513 may be provided as a ball bearing.

The first bearing unit 513 may rotatably support the rotary shaft part 400. The rotary shaft part 400 may be installed through and coupled to the first bearing unit 513. The inner circumferential surface of the first bearing unit 513 may be brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the first end 410 of the rotary shaft part 400. The outer circumferential surface of the first bearing unit 513 may be brought into contact with the first fence part 512.

The first bearing unit 513 may be configured to block communication between the first back pressure chamber 511 and another space of the first main frame 510.

The second main frame 520 may be located on the other side of the main housing 100 facing the expansion part 700, that is, on the rear side in the shown embodiment. The second main frame 520 may be coupled to the main housing 100 in a communicative manner or in a non-communicative manner.

In an embodiment in which the second main frame 520 does not communicate with the main housing 100, a sealing member for preventing communication of refrigerant may be provided at a portion where the second main frame 520 and the main housing 100 are coupled to each other.

The expansion part 700 may be located on one side of the second main frame 520 opposite to the main housing 100, that is, on the rear side in the shown embodiment. The second main frame 520 and the expansion part 700 may be communicatively coupled to each other.

In the shown embodiment, the second main frame 520 may have a circular cross-section and may have a cylindrical shape extending lengthwise, that is, in the front-rear direction. Also, the second main frame 520 may be formed to have the same outer diameter as those of the main housing 100 and a second fixed scroll 720. Accordingly, the outer circumferential surfaces of the main housing 100, the second main frame 520, and the second fixed scroll 720 may be coplanar.

The second main frame 520 may comprise a second back pressure chamber 521, a second fence part 522, and a second bearing unit 523.

The second back pressure chamber 521 may be a space into which a portion of the refrigerant introduced into and expanded in the expansion part 700 can be introduced. The second back pressure chamber 521 may communicate with the expansion part 700. In detail, the second back pressure chamber 521 may communicate with a second refrigerant intake port 713 of the second orbiting scroll 710.

The second back pressure chamber 521 may be formed inside the second main frame 520 by a space adjacent to the rotary shaft part 400. The second back pressure chamber 521 may be defined as a space surrounded by the rotary shaft part 400, the second fence part 522, and the expansion part 700.

The refrigerant introduced into the second back pressure chamber 521 may apply back pressure to the second orbiting scroll 710. That is, the refrigerant introduced into the second back pressure chamber 521 may apply pressure to the second orbiting scroll 710 in a direction toward the second fixed scroll 720.

When the compressed refrigerant is introduced into the expansion part 700, the second orbiting scroll 710 may be pushed by the pressure of the compressed refrigerant in a direction opposite to the second fixed scroll 720.

In this case, an end surface of a second orbiting wrap 712 of the second orbiting scroll 710 may be spaced apart from a second fixed end plate part 721 of the second fixed scroll 720. Likewise, a second orbiting end plate part 711 of the second orbiting scroll 710 may be spaced apart from an end surface of a second fixed wrap 722 of the second fixed scroll 720.

In this state, the refrigerant introduced into the expansion part 700 may be leaked into a space formed by the second orbiting scroll 710 and the second fixed scroll 720 spaced apart from each other. As a result, any element housed in the second main frame 520 and the expansion part 700 may be damaged by high-pressure refrigerant.

Also, the refrigerant may be discharged to the outside of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 without being sufficiently expanded. As a result, the efficiency of the air conditioning system 1 may be reduced, and also other devices included in the air conditioning system 1 may be damaged.

Thus, the expanded refrigerant housed in the second back pressure chamber 521 may apply pressure to the second orbiting scroll 710 in a direction toward the second fixed scroll 720. Accordingly, the second orbiting scroll 710 may remain in contact with the second fixed scroll 720, and thus the refrigerant may be effectively expanded without leaking.

The second back pressure chamber 521 may communicate with the refrigerant communication flow path 450 of the rotary shaft part 400. In detail, the second back pressure chamber 521 may communicate with the refrigerant communication flow path 450 by means of a second communication part 826 formed in the second balance weight 820. Accordingly, the compressed refrigerant staying in the first back pressure chamber 511 may be introduced into the second back pressure chamber 521 through the refrigerant communication flow path 450 and the second communication part 826.

The electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured such that the refrigerant staying in the first back pressure chamber 511 may be moved to the second back pressure chamber 521 while the refrigerant staying in the second back pressure chamber 521 is not moved to the first back pressure chamber 511. This will be described in detail below.

The second fence part 522 may be formed inside the second main frame 520. The second fence part 522 may partition the second back pressure chamber 521. In detail, the second back pressure chamber 521 may be defined by a space surrounded by the second fence part 522. The second fence part 522 may be formed as a partition.

The second fence part 522 may be brought into contact with the expansion part 700. In detail, the second fence part 522 may be brought into contact with the second orbiting end plate part 711 of the second orbiting scroll 710. In the relationship with the expansion part 700, the second fence part 522 may be configured to seal the second back pressure chamber 521 except for the second refrigerant intake port 713.

Therefore, the expanded refrigerant may be introduced into the second back pressure chamber 521 through only the second refrigerant intake port 713 formed in the second orbiting scroll 710.

The second fence part 522 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the rotary shaft part 400 and configured to surround the outer circumference of the rotary shaft part 400. In the relationship with the rotary shaft part 400, the second fence part 522 may be configured to seal the second back pressure chamber 521 except for the second communication part 826 of the second balance weight 820.

Also, in another embodiment in which the second balance weight 820 is moved to open or close the refrigerant communication flow path 450, the second fence part 522 may be configured to seal the second back pressure chamber 521 except for the refrigerant communication flow path 450.

The second bearing unit 523 may be provided at a portion where the second fence part 522 and the rotary shaft part 400 are brought into contact with each other. Although the rotary shaft part 400 may be rotated, the second fence part 522 may not be rotated by the second bearing unit 523.

The second bearing unit 523 may prevent the second fence part 522 from being rotated regardless of the rotation of the rotary shaft part 400. The second bearing unit 523 may be located at a portion where the rotary shaft part 400 and the second fence part 522 are in contact with each other, that is, at the second end 420.

The second bearing unit 523 may be provided as any member capable of preventing any one of two or more different elements from being rotated regardless of the rotation of the other elements. In an embodiment, the second bearing unit 523 may be provided as a ball bearing.

The second bearing unit 523 may rotatably support the rotary shaft part 400. The rotary shaft part 400 may be installed through and coupled to the second bearing unit 523. The inner circumferential surface of the second bearing unit 523 may be brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the second end 420 of the rotary shaft part 400. The outer circumferential surface of the second bearing unit 523 may be brought into contact with the second fence part 522.

The second bearing unit 523 may be configured to block communication between the main housing 100 and the second back pressure chamber 521. In this case, a sealing member may be provided between the second bearing unit 523 and the second main frame 520.

Alternatively, the second bearing unit 523 may be configured to enable the main housing 100 and the second back pressure chamber 521 to communicate with each other. In this case, a predetermined space for communication of refrigerant may be formed between the second bearing unit 523 and the second fence part 522.

The compression bearing 530 may rotatably support the first balance weight 810 inserted into and coupled to the first pin 440a. The compression bearing 530 may be located in contact with the first orbiting scroll 610.

In detail, the outer circumferential surface of the compression bearing 530 may be located in contact with the inner circumferential surface of a compression bearing coupling part 614 protruding from one surface of the first orbiting end plate part 611 opposite to the first orbiting wrap 612. The compression bearing 530 may be fixed and coupled to the first orbiting scroll 610.

The outer circumferential surface of the first protrusion part 812 of the first balance weight 810 may be brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the compression bearing 530. When the first balance weight 810 is rotated along with the rotation of the rotary shaft part 400, the first orbiting scroll 610 may be rotated together with the rotary shaft part 400.

The expansion bearing 540 may rotatably support the second balance weight 820 inserted into and coupled to the second pin 440b. The expansion bearing 540 may be located in contact with the second orbiting scroll 710.

In detail, the outer circumferential surface of the expansion bearing 540 may be located in contact with the inner circumferential surface of an expansion bearing coupling part 714 protruding from one surface of the second orbiting end plate part 711 opposite to the second orbiting wrap 712. The expansion bearing 540 may be fixed and coupled to the second orbiting scroll 710.

The outer circumferential surface of the second protrusion part 822 of the second balance weight 820 may be brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the expansion bearing 540. When the second balance weight 820 is rotated along with the rotation of the rotary shaft part 400, the second orbiting scroll 710 may be rotated together with the rotary shaft part 400.

The compression part 600 may be rotated by a rotational force generated by the motor part 300 to substantially serve to compress refrigerant. The compression part 600 may be connected to the motor part 300 by the rotary shaft part 400. The compression part 600 may be rotated integrally with the motor part 300 and the rotary shaft part 400.

The compression part 600 may be located on one side of the first main frame 510 opposite to the main housing 100, that is, on the front side in the shown embodiment. The rear housing 200 may be located on one side of the compression part 600 opposite to the first main frame 510, that is, on the front side in the shown embodiment.

The compression part 600 may be communicatively coupled to the rear housing 200. Also, the compression part 600 may be communicatively coupled to the first main frame 510. Thus, the compression part 600, the rear housing 200, and the first main frame 510 may be communicatively coupled to one another.

The compression part 600 may comprise the first orbiting scroll 610 and the first fixed scroll 620.

The first orbiting scroll 610 may be configured to orbit along with the rotation of the motor part 300. The first orbiting scroll 610 may be coupled to the rotary shaft part 400. In detail, the first orbiting scroll 610 may be coupled to the first balance weight 810 coupled to the rotary shaft part 400 by the first pin 440a. When the first balance weight 810 is rotated, the first orbiting scroll 610 may also be rotated.

Accordingly, when the rotary shaft part 400 is rotated, the first orbiting scroll 610 may be rotated.

The rotational axis of the first orbiting scroll 610 may be eccentric with respect to the central axis of the rotary shaft part 400. That is, the first pin insertion part 430a into which the first pin 440a is inserted may be formed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotary shaft part 400. Thus, the rotational axis of the first orbiting scroll 610 may be eccentric with respect to the central axis of the rotary shaft part 400.

On the contrary, the first fixed scroll 620 may be configured to have the same central axis as the rotary shaft part 400. That is, the first orbiting scroll 610 may be rotated eccentrically with respect to even the first fixed scroll 620.

By the eccentric rotation of the first orbiting scroll 610, refrigerant may be compressed in a space between the first orbiting wrap 612 and the first fixed wrap 622.

One side of the first orbiting scroll 610 adjacent to the first main frame 510, that is, the rear side in the shown embodiment may be rotatably coupled to the first main frame 510. In detail, the rear side of the first orbiting scroll 610 may be brought into contact with the first fence part 512 of the first main frame 510.

Accordingly, the first back pressure chamber 511 may be formed between the first orbiting scroll 610 and the first fence part 512.

The compression bearing coupling part 614 for supporting the compression bearing 530 may be formed to protrude from one side of the first orbiting scroll 610 adjacent to the first main frame 510, that is, from the rear side in the shown embodiment. The inner circumferential surface of the compression bearing coupling part 614 may be brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the compression bearing 530.

The diameter of the first orbiting scroll 610 may be smaller than the diameter of the first fixed scroll 620. Accordingly, the first orbiting scroll 610 may be fully housed in the first fixed scroll 620.

The first orbiting scroll 610 may comprise the first orbiting end plate part 611, the first orbiting wrap 612, the first refrigerant intake port 613, and the compression bearing coupling part 614.

The first orbiting end plate part 611 may form the body of the first orbiting scroll 610. In the shown embodiment, the first orbiting end plate part 611 may be located adjacent to the first main frame 510.

One surface of the first orbiting end plate part 611 facing the first main frame 510, that is, the rear surface in the shown embodiment may be brought into contact with the first fence part 512 of the first main frame 510. Also, the other surface of the first orbiting end plate part 611 opposite to the one surface, that is, the front surface in the shown embodiment may be brought into contact with an end surface of the first fixed wrap 622 of the first fixed scroll 620.

The first orbiting wrap 612 may be coupled to the first fixed wrap 622 of the first fixed scroll 620 with a predetermined space formed therebetween. In an embodiment, the first orbiting wrap 612 may be coupled to the first fixed wrap 622 such that the first orbiting wrap 612 and the first fixed wrap 622 are spaced a predetermined distance from and engaged with each other.

While the first orbiting wrap 612 is coupled to the first fixed wrap 622, the first orbiting scroll 610 may be rotated eccentrically with respect to the rotary shaft part 400. Accordingly, refrigerant may be compressed in a space between the first orbiting wrap 612 and the first fixed wrap 622.

The first orbiting wrap 612 may be formed to protrude from the first orbiting end plate part 611. In detail, the first orbiting wrap 612 may be formed to protrude toward one side of the first orbiting end plate part 611 facing the rear housing 200, that is, from the front side in the shown embodiment.

The first orbiting wrap 612 may be spirally formed. The first fixed wrap 622 may also be spirally formed. When the first orbiting wrap 612 and the first fixed wrap 622 are coupled to each other, a predetermined space for compressing refrigerant may be formed therebetween.

The first refrigerant intake port 613 may be a passage through which the refrigerant compressed in the space between the first orbiting wrap 612 and the first fixed wrap 622 (hereinafter referred to as a compression space C.S) can be introduced into the first back pressure chamber 511. The first refrigerant intake port 613 may enable the compression space C.S to communicate with the first back pressure chamber 511.

The first refrigerant intake port 613 may be formed through the first orbiting end plate part 611. A portion of the refrigerant compressed in the compression space C.S may be introduced into the first back pressure chamber 511 through the first refrigerant intake port 613.

The compression bearing coupling part 614 rotatably supports the compression bearing 530. The compression bearing coupling part 614 may be formed in a donut shape having a hollow portion formed therein.

The compression bearing coupling part 614 may be formed to protrude from one side of the first orbiting end plate part 611 facing the first main frame 510, that is, from the rear side in the shown embodiment. The inner circumferential surface of the compression bearing coupling part 614 may be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the compression bearing 530.

The first fixed scroll 620 may be configured to compress refrigerant along with the relative rotation of the first orbiting scroll 610. The first fixed scroll 620 may not be rotated regardless of the rotation of the first orbiting scroll 610.

The first fixed scroll 620 may be located between the rear housing 200 and the first main frame 510. Also, the outer circumferential surface of the first fixed scroll 620 may be exposed to the outside. In another embodiment, the first fixed scroll 620 may be housed in the first main frame 510 or the main housing 100.

The first fixed scroll 620 may have a circular cross-section and has a cylindrical shape extending lengthwise. The outer circumferential surface of the first fixed scroll 620 may be coplanar with the outer circumferential surfaces of the first main frame 510 and the rear housing 200.

The first fixed scroll 620 may communicate with the first main frame 510. Also, the first fixed scroll 620 may communicate with the discharge chamber 230 of the rear housing 200.

The first fixed scroll 620 may comprise the first fixed end plate part 621, the first fixed wrap 622, a discharge valve 623, and a discharge port 624.

The first fixed end plate part 621 may form the body of the first fixed scroll 620. In the shown embodiment, the first fixed end plate part 621 may be located adjacent to the rear housing 200.

One surface of the first fixed end plate part 621 facing the rear housing 200, that is, the front surface in the shown embodiment may form a predetermined space and may be brought into contact with one surface of the rear housing 200. The discharge chamber 230 may be defined by the space.

Also, the other surface of the first fixed end plate part 621 opposite to the one surface, that is, the rear surface in the shown embodiment may be brought into contact with an end surface of the first orbiting wrap 612 of the first orbiting scroll 610.

The first fixed wrap 622 may be coupled to the first orbiting wrap 612 of the first orbiting scroll 610 with a compression space C.S formed therebetween. While the first fixed wrap 622 and the first orbiting wrap 612 are coupled to each other, the first orbiting scroll 610 may be rotated eccentrically with respect to the rotary shaft part 400. Accordingly, refrigerant may be compressed in the compression space C.S.

The first fixed wrap 622 may be formed to protrude from the first fixed end plate part 621. In detail, the first fixed wrap 622 may be formed to protrude toward one side of the first fixed end plate part 621 facing the first orbiting scroll 610, that is, toward the rear side in the shown embodiment.

The first fixed wrap 622 may be spirally formed and may be coupled to the first orbiting wrap 612 with the compression space C.S formed therebetween.

The discharge valve 623 may be configured to open or close the discharge port 624, which may be a passage through which the compressed refrigerant can be introduced, by a relative rotation between the first orbiting scroll 610 and the first fixed scroll 620.

The discharge valve 623 may be configured to enable the discharge port 624 and the discharge chamber 230 to communicate with each other when the pressure of refrigerant having flowed into the discharge port 624 is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure. In an embodiment, the discharge valve 623 may be provided as a check valve such as a reed valve for restricting a flow of fluid in a specific direction depending on the pressure.

The discharge valve 623 may be provided on one surface of the first fixed end plate part 621 facing the rear housing 200, that is, the front surface in the shown embodiment. The discharge valve 623 may be configured to cover the discharge port 624.

The discharge port 624 may enable the compression part 600 and the discharge chamber 230 to communicate with each other. The refrigerant compressed in the compression part 600 may flow into the discharge chamber 230 through the discharge port 624.

The discharge port 624 may be open or closed by the discharge valve 623. When the pressure of the refrigerant having entered the discharge port 624 is less than or equal to a predetermined pressure, the discharge valve 623 may close the discharge port 624. When the pressure of the refrigerant having entered the discharge port 624 exceeds a predetermined pressure, the discharge valve 623 may open the discharge port 624.

The compressed refrigerant having entered the discharge chamber 230 through the discharge port 624 may be discharged to the outside of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 through the exhaust port 212 via the exhaust flow path 210.

The expansion part 700 may be rotated by a rotational force generated by the motor part 300 to substantially serve to expand refrigerant. The expansion part 700 may be connected to the motor part 300 by the rotary shaft part 400. The expansion part 700 may be rotated integrally with the motor part 300 and the rotary shaft part 400.

The expansion part 700 may be located on one side of the second main frame 520 opposite to the main housing 100, that is, on the rear side in the shown embodiment.

The expansion part 700 may be communicatively coupled to the second main frame 520. Refrigerant introduced into and expanded in the expansion part 700 may be introduced into the second main frame 520.

The expansion part 700 may comprise the second orbiting scroll 710 and the second fixed scroll 720.

The second orbiting scroll 710 may be configured to orbit along with the rotation of the motor part 300. The second orbiting scroll 710 may be coupled to the rotary shaft part 400. In detail, the second orbiting scroll 710 may be coupled to the second balance weight 820 coupled to the rotary shaft part 400 by the second pin 440b. When the second balance weight 820 is rotated, the second orbiting scroll 710 may also be rotated.

Accordingly, when the rotary shaft part 400 is rotated, the second orbiting scroll 710 may be rotated.

The central axis of the second orbiting scroll 710 may be eccentric with respect to the central axis of the rotary shaft part 400. That is, the second pin insertion part 430b into which the second pin 440b is inserted may be formed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotary shaft part 400. Thus, the rotational axis of the second orbiting scroll 710 may be eccentric with respect to the central axis of the rotary shaft part 400.

On the contrary, the second fixed scroll 720 may be configured to have the same central axis as the rotary shaft part 400. That is, the second orbiting scroll 710 may be rotated eccentrically with respect to even the second fixed scroll 720.

By the eccentric rotation of the second orbiting scroll 710, refrigerant may be expanded in a space between the second orbiting wrap 712 and the second fixed wrap 722 (hereinafter referred to as an expansion space E.S).

The front surface of the second orbiting scroll 710 may be brought into contact with the second fence part 522 of the second main frame 520.

Accordingly, the second back pressure chamber 521 may be formed between the second orbiting scroll 710 and the second fence part 522.

The expansion bearing coupling part 714 for supporting the expansion bearing 540 may be formed to protrude from one side of the second orbiting scroll 710 adjacent to the second main frame 520, that is, from the front side in the shown embodiment. The inner circumferential surface of the expansion bearing coupling part 714 may be brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the expansion bearing 540.

The diameter of the second orbiting scroll 710 may be smaller than the diameter of the second fixed scroll 720. Accordingly, the second orbiting scroll 710 may be fully housed in the second fixed scroll 720.

The second orbiting scroll 710 may comprise the second orbiting end plate part 711, the second orbiting wrap 712, the second refrigerant intake port 713, and the expansion bearing coupling part 714.

The second orbiting end plate part 711 may form the body of the second orbiting scroll 710. In the shown embodiment, the second orbiting end plate part 711 may be located adjacent to the second main frame 520.

One surface of the second orbiting end plate part 711 facing the second main frame 520, that is, the front surface in the shown embodiment may be brought into contact with the second fence part 522 of the second main frame 520. Also, the other surface of the second orbiting end plate part 711 opposite to the one surface, that is, the rear surface in the shown embodiment may be brought into contact with an end surface of the second fixed wrap 722 of the second fixed scroll 720.

The second orbiting wrap 712 may be coupled to the second fixed wrap 722 of the second fixed scroll 720 with a predetermined space formed therebetween. In an embodiment, the second orbiting wrap 712 may be coupled to the second fixed wrap 722 such that the second orbiting wrap 712 and the second fixed wrap 722 are spaced a predetermined distance from and engaged with each other.

While the second orbiting wrap 712 is coupled to the second fixed wrap 722, the second orbiting scroll 710 may be rotated eccentrically with respect to the rotary shaft part 400. Accordingly, refrigerant may be expanded in the expansion space E.S between the second orbiting wrap 712 and the second fixed wrap 722.

The second orbiting wrap 712 may be formed to protrude from the second orbiting end plate part 711. In detail, the second orbiting wrap 712 may be formed to protrude toward one side of the second orbiting end plate part 711 facing the second fixed scroll 720, that is, toward the rear surface in the shown embodiment.

The second orbiting wrap 712 may be spirally formed. The second fixed wrap 722 may also be spirally formed. When the second orbiting wrap 712 and the second fixed wrap 722 are coupled to each other, the expansion space E.S may be formed therebetween.

The second refrigerant intake port 713 may be a passage through which the refrigerant expanded in the expansion space E.S can be introduced into the second back pressure chamber 521. The second refrigerant intake port 713 may enable the expansion space E.S to communicate with the second back pressure chamber 521.

The second refrigerant intake port 713 may be formed through the second orbiting end plate part 711. A portion of the refrigerant expanded in the expansion space E.S may be introduced into the second back pressure chamber 521 through the second refrigerant intake port 713.

The expansion bearing coupling part 714 may rotatably support the expansion bearing 540. The expansion bearing coupling part 714 may be formed in a donut shape having a hollow portion formed therein.

The expansion bearing coupling part 714 may be formed to protrude from one side of the second orbiting end plate part 711 facing the second main frame 520, that is, from the front side in the shown embodiment. The inner circumferential surface of the expansion bearing coupling part 714 may be brought into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the expansion bearing 540.

The second fixed scroll 720 may be located behind the second orbiting scroll 710 and the second main frame 520. Also, the outer surface of the second fixed scroll 720 may be exposed to the outside. In another embodiment, the second fixed scroll 720 may be housed in the second main frame 520 or the main housing 100.

The second fixed scroll 720 may have a circular cross-section and has a cylindrical shape extending lengthwise. The outer circumferential surface of the second fixed scroll 720 may be coplanar with the outer circumferential surfaces of the second main frame 520 and the main housing 100.

The second fixed scroll 720 may communicate with the second main frame 520. Also, in an embodiment, the second fixed scroll 720 may be configured to communicate with even the main housing 100.

The second fixed scroll 720 may comprise the second fixed end plate part 721, the second fixed wrap 722, an outer surface 723, a refrigerant intake opening 724, a discharge chamber 725, and a refrigerant discharge opening 726.

The second fixed end plate part 721 may form the body of the second fixed scroll 720. In the shown embodiment, the second fixed end plate part 721 may form the rear side of the second fixed scroll 720. The end surface of the second orbiting wrap 712 may be brought into contact with the one surface of the second fixed end plate part 721.

The second fixed wrap 722 may be coupled to the second orbiting wrap 712 of the second orbiting scroll 710 with the expansion space E.S formed therebetween. While the second fixed wrap 722 and the second orbiting wrap 712 are coupled to each other, the second orbiting scroll 710 may be rotated eccentrically with respect to the rotary shaft part 400. Accordingly, refrigerant may be expanded in the expansion space E.S.

The second fixed wrap 722 may be formed to protrude from the second fixed end plate part 721. In detail, the second fixed wrap 722 may be formed to protrude toward one side of the second fixed end plate part 721 facing the second orbiting scroll 710, that is, toward the front side in the shown embodiment.

The second fixed wrap 722 may be spirally formed and may be coupled to the second orbiting wrap 712 with the expansion space E.S formed therebetween.

The outer surface 723 may be a planar surface where the second fixed scroll 720 is exposed to the outside. The outer surface 723 may be defined as one surface of the second fixed scroll 720 opposite to the second orbiting scroll 710. In the shown embodiment, the outer surface 723 may be the rear surface of the second fixed scroll 720.

The refrigerant intake opening 724 may be formed through the outer surface 723.

The refrigerant intake opening 724 may be a passage through which the compressed refrigerant can be introduced into the expansion part 700. The refrigerant intake opening 724 may be formed through the outer surface 723 and configured to enable the inside and outside of the expansion part 700 to communicate with each other.

In the shown embodiment, the refrigerant intake opening 724 may be formed at a center portion of the outer surface 723. This may be to prevent the rotation of the second orbiting scroll 710 from being affected by the introduction of the refrigerant.

The refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant intake opening 724 may be expanded via the expansion space E.S and may flow into the second back pressure chamber 521 or the discharge chamber 725.

The discharge chamber 725 may be a space where the expanded refrigerant stays before being discharged. The discharge chamber 725 may be defined as a space formed inside the second fixed scroll 720.

The discharge chamber 725 may communicate with the expansion space E.S. Also, the discharge chamber 725 may communicate with the refrigerant discharge opening 726. The refrigerant expanded in the expansion space E.S may flow to the refrigerant discharge opening 726 via the discharge chamber 725.

The refrigerant discharge opening 726 may form a flow path through the expanded refrigerant can be discharged. The refrigerant discharge opening 726 may communicate with the discharge chamber 725. Also, the refrigerant discharge opening 726 may communicate with the outside of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10.

The expanded refrigerant staying in the discharge chamber 725 may be discharged to the outside of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 through the refrigerant discharge opening 726.

The refrigerant flow adjustment part 800 may be configured to adjust the flow of the refrigerant between the compression part 600 and the expansion part 700. In detail, the refrigerant flow adjustment part 800 may adjust communication between the first back pressure chamber 511 and the second back pressure chamber 521 and may adjust the flow of the refrigerant staying in the back pressure chambers 511 and 521.

As described above, the refrigerant may be adjusted to flow in only a direction from the first back pressure chamber 511 to the second back pressure chamber 521. To this end, the refrigerant flow adjustment part 800 may comprise members for forming or blocking the communication between the first back pressure chamber 511 and the second back pressure chamber 521.

The refrigerant flow adjustment part 800 may comprise the first balance weight 810, the second balance weight 820, and the check valve 830.

The first balance weight 810 may be coupled to the first end 410 of the rotary shaft part 400. The first balance weight 810 may be configured to resolve an imbalance caused by the rotation of the first orbiting scroll 610.

In detail, the first orbiting scroll 610 may be rotated eccentrically with respect to the rotary shaft part 400. This may result in an imbalance of mass and thus an imbalance of moment.

The first balance weight 810 may resolve an imbalance caused by the eccentric rotation of the first orbiting scroll 610. To this end, the first balance weight 810 may be formed to have an asymmetric mass with respect to the central axis of the rotary shaft part 400.

Further referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first balance weight 810 may comprise a first body part 811, a first protrusion part 812, a first insertion part 813, a first eccentric part 814, a first pin coupling part 815, and a first communication part 816.

The first body part 811 may form the body of the first balance weight 810. In the shown embodiment, the first body part 811 may be provided in a disk shape, but the shape may be changeable.

When the first balance weight 810 is coupled to the first end 410 of the rotary shaft part 400, one surface of the first body part 811 where the first insertion part 813 is formed may be brought into contact with an end surface of the first end 410.

The first protrusion part 812 may be formed to protrude from the first body part 811. In detail, the first protrusion part 812 may be formed to protrude from one surface of the first body part 811 opposite to the first insertion part 813.

In the shown embodiment, the first protrusion part 812 may have a circular cross-section and may have a cylindrical shape extending lengthwise. This may be to rotatably couple to the first bearing unit 513 of the first main frame 510.

The first protrusion part 812 may be rotatably coupled to the first bearing unit 513. Even though the first balance weight 810 is rotated along with the rotary shaft part 400, the first main frame 510 coupled to the first bearing unit 513 may not be rotated.

The first insertion part 813 may be a space where the first balance weight 810 is coupled to the first end 410 of the rotary shaft part 400. That is, the first end 410 may be inserted into and coupled to the first insertion part 813.

The first insertion part 813 may be defined by one surface of the first body part 811 and a first inner circumferential surface 814a of the first eccentric part 814. The first insertion part 813 may be formed on one side of the first body part 811 opposite to the first protrusion part 812.

The first eccentric part 814 may substantially serve to resolve an imbalance caused by the eccentric rotation of the first orbiting scroll 610. That is, the first eccentric part 814 may be configured such that the first balance weight 810 has an asymmetric mass distribution with respect to the rotary shaft part 400.

In the shown embodiment, the first eccentric part 814 may have a fan shape extending radially outward from the first body part 811. Also, the first eccentric part 814 may be formed to protrude a predetermined distance in a direction toward the rotary shaft part 400.

Accordingly, the first eccentric part 814 may have a larger mass than the other portions of the first balance weight 810 in which the first eccentric part 814 is not formed.

A portion of the first eccentric part 814 formed to protrude in the direction toward the rotary shaft part 400 may have a closed arc shape. That is, the portion may comprise a first inner circumferential surface 814a adjacent to the first body part 811 and a first inner circumferential surface 814b spaced apart from the first body part 811.

The first inner circumferential surface 814a may form the inner circumference of the first insertion part 813. The first inner circumferential surface 814b may form the outer circumference of the first eccentric part 814.

The shape of the first inner circumferential surface 814a may be determined to correspond to the shape of the outer circumference of the first end 410 of the rotary shaft part 400. Accordingly, when the first balance weight 810 is coupled to the first end 410, the first end 410 may be stably inserted into the first insertion part 813.

The first pin coupling part 815 may be a space into which the first pin 440a can be inserted. The first pin coupling part 815 may be formed lengthwise through the first body part 811 and the first protrusion part 812. The shape of the first pin coupling part 815 may be determined to correspond to the shape of the first pin 440a.

The first pin coupling part 815 may be disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the first body part 811 and the first protrusion part 812. Also, the first pin coupling part 815 may be disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotary shaft part 400.

Accordingly, the first balance weight 810 coupled to the first end 410 by the first pin 440a and the first orbiting scroll 610 coupled to the first balance weight 810 may be rotated eccentrically with respect to the rotary shaft part 400.

The first communication part 816 may be configured to enable the first back pressure chamber 511 and the refrigerant communication flow path 450 to communicate with each other. The first communication part 816 may be recessed a predetermined distance from one side of the first body part 811, that is, from one surface facing the first insertion part 813.

In the shown embodiment, the first communication part 816 may be formed to extend from the outer circumference of the first body part 811 to the first pin coupling part 815. The first communication part 816 should just be formed to extend such that the first back pressure chamber 511 can communicate with the refrigerant communication flow path 450.

When the first balance weight 810 is coupled to the first bearing unit 513 and the first end 410, the end of the first communication part 816, that is, a portion of the first communication part 816 formed on the outer circumference of the first body part may communicate with the first back pressure chamber 511.

Also, a portion extending radially inward from a portion of the first communication part 816 adjacent to the first pin coupling part 815, that is, a portion of the first communication part 816 communicating with the first back pressure chamber 511 may communicate with the refrigerant communication flow path 450.

Accordingly, the flow path of refrigerant may be formed along the first back pressure chamber 511, the first communication part 816, and the refrigerant communication flow path 450.

The second balance weight 820 may be coupled to the second end 420 of the rotary shaft part 400. The second balance weight 820 may be configured to resolve an imbalance caused by the rotation of the second orbiting scroll 710.

In detail, the second orbiting scroll 710 may be rotated eccentrically with respect to the rotary shaft part 400, which may cause an imbalance of mass and an imbalance of moment.

The second balance weight 820 may be formed to have an asymmetric mass with respect to the central axis of the rotary shaft part 400 and may be configured to solve an imbalance caused by the eccentric rotation of the second orbiting scroll 710.

As described below, the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be adjusted by the check valve or the second balance weight 820 to enable the refrigerant communication flow path 450 and the second back pressure chamber 521 to or not to communicate with each other.

In an embodiment in which the flow of refrigerant is controlled by the check valve 830, the second balance weight 820 may have the same structure and function as the first balance weight 810.

That is, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the second balance weight 820 may comprise a second body part 821, a second protrusion part 822, a second insertion part 823, a second eccentric part 824, the second pin coupling part 825, and the second communication part 826.

The second body part 821 may form the body of the second balance weight 820. In the shown embodiment, the second body part 821 may be provided in a disk shape, but the shape may be changeable.

When the second balance weight 820 may be coupled to the second end 420 of the rotary shaft part 400, one surface of the second body part 821 where the second insertion part 823 is formed may be brought into contact with an end surface of the second end 420.

The second protrusion part 822 may be formed to protrude from the second body part 821. In detail, the second protrusion part 822 may be formed to protrude from one surface of the second body part 821 opposite to the second insertion part 823.

In the shown embodiment, the second protrusion part 822 may have a circular cross-section and may have a cylindrical shape extending lengthwise. This may be to rotatably couple to the second bearing unit 523 of the second main frame 520.

The second protrusion part 822 may be rotatably coupled to the second bearing unit 523. Even though the second balance weight 820 is rotated along with the rotary shaft part 400, the second main frame 520 coupled to the second bearing unit 523 may not be rotated.

The second insertion part 823 may be a space where the second balance weight 820 is coupled to the second end 420 of the rotary shaft part 400. That is, the second end 420 may be inserted into and coupled to the second insertion part 823.

The second insertion part 823 may be defined by one surface of the second body part 821 and a second inner circumferential surface 824a of the second eccentric part 824. The second insertion part 823 may be formed on one side of the second body part 821 opposite to the second protrusion part 822.

The second eccentric part 824 may substantially serve to resolve an imbalance caused by the eccentric rotation of the second orbiting scroll 710. That is, the second eccentric part 824 may be configured such that the second balance weight 820 has an asymmetric mass distribution with respect to the rotary shaft part 400.

In the shown embodiment, the second eccentric part 824 may have a fan shape extending radially outward from the second body part 821. Also, the second eccentric part 824 may be formed to protrude a predetermined distance in the direction toward the rotary shaft part 400.

Accordingly, the second eccentric part 824 may have a larger mass than the other portions of the second balance weight 820 in which the second eccentric part 824 is not formed.

A portion of the second eccentric part 824 formed to protrude in the direction toward the rotary shaft part 400 may have a closed arc shape. That is, the portion may comprise a second inner circumferential surface 824a adjacent to the second body part 821 and a second inner circumferential surface 824b spaced apart from the second body part 821.

The second inner circumferential surface 824a may form the inner circumference of the second insertion part 823. The second inner circumferential surface 824b may form the outer circumference of the second eccentric part 824.

The shape of the second inner circumferential surface 824a may be determined to correspond to the shape of the outer circumference of the second end 420 of the rotary shaft part 400. Accordingly, when the second balance weight 820 is coupled to the second end 420, the second end 420 may be stably inserted into the second insertion part 823.

The second pin coupling part 825 may be a space into which the second pin 440b is to be inserted. The second pin coupling part 825 may be formed lengthwise through the second body part 821 and the second protrusion part 822. The shape of the second pin coupling part 825 may be determined to correspond to the shape of the second pin 440b.

The second pin coupling part 825 may be disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the second body part 821 and the second protrusion part 822. Also, the second pin coupling part 825 may be disposed eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the rotary shaft part 400.

Accordingly, the second balance weight 820 coupled to the second end 420 by the second pin 440b and the second orbiting scroll 710 coupled to the second balance weight 820 may be rotated eccentrically with respect to the rotary shaft part 400.

The second communication part 826 may be configured to enable the second back pressure chamber 521 and the refrigerant communication flow path 450 to communicate with each other. The second communication part 826 may be recessed a predetermined distance from one side of the second body part 821, that is, from one surface facing the second insertion part 823.

In the shown embodiment, the second communication part 826 may be formed to extend from the outer circumference of the second body part 821 to the second pin coupling part 825. The second communication part 826 may just be formed to extend such that the second back pressure chamber 521 can communicate with the refrigerant communication flow path 450.

When the second balance weight 820 is coupled to the second bearing unit 523 and the second end 420, the end of the second communication part 826, that is, a portion of the second communication part 826 formed on the outer circumference of the second body part may communicate with the second back pressure chamber 521.

Also, a portion extending radially inward from a portion of the second communication part 826 adjacent to the second pin coupling part 825, that is, a portion of the second communication part 826 communicating with the second back pressure chamber 521 may communicate with the refrigerant communication flow path 450.

Accordingly, the flow path of refrigerant may be formed along the second back pressure chamber 521, the second communication part 826, and the refrigerant communication flow path 450.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B and 7A-7B again, an embodiment in which the flow of the refrigerant may be controlled by a second balance weight 820′.

The second balance weight 820′ according to this embodiment may be configured to open or close the refrigerant communication flow path 450. Accordingly, the refrigerant communication flow path 450 may or may not communicate with the second back pressure chamber 521.

The following description focuses on the difference between the above second balance weight 820 and the second balance weight 820′ according to this embodiment.

A second body part 821′, a second protrusion part 822′, a second insertion part 823′, and a second eccentric part 824′ of the second balance weight 820′ may be same as the second body part 821, the second protrusion part 822, the insertion part 823, and the second eccentric part 824, which have been described above, respectively.

The second pin 440b may be inserted into the second pin coupling part 825′. The second pin coupling part 825′ may be recessed a predetermined distance from one surface of the second body part 821′ facing the second insertion part 823′. That is, in this embodiment, the second pin coupling part 825′ may not be formed through the second body part 821′ and the second protrusion part 822′.

The second pin 440b may be movably inserted into the second pin coupling part 825′. That is, while the second pin 440b is inserted into the second pin coupling part 825′, the second balance weight 820′ may move a predetermined distance lengthwise, that is, in the front-rear direction in the shown embodiment.

When the second balance weight 820′ is moved lengthwise toward the expansion part 700, the refrigerant communication flow path 450 may communicate with the second back pressure chamber 521. On the contrary, when the second balance weight 820′ is moved lengthwise toward the rotary shaft part 400 and the second body part 821′ is brought into contact with the end portion of the second end 420, the refrigerant communication flow path 450 and the second back pressure chamber 521 may not communicate with each other.

A closed surface 827 may form one surface of the second protrusion part 822′. In detail, the closed surface 827 may form one surface of the second protrusion part 822′ opposite to the second body part 821′.

When the second balance weight 820′ is coupled to the second end 420 by the second pin 440b, the closed surface 827 may be configured to surround the second pin 440b facing the expansion part 700. Accordingly, it may be possible to ensure the blocking of communication between the refrigerant communication flow path 450 and the second back pressure chamber 521.

Also, a second communication part 826′ may not be formed in the second balance weight 820′ according to this embodiment. That is, the communication between the refrigerant communication flow path 450 and the second back pressure chamber 521 may be adjusted by the second body part 821′ and the closed surface 827.

The flow of refrigerant according to the embodiments will be described later.

The air conditioning system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to cool or heat air through heat exchange with refrigerant.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the air conditioning system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise an air conditioning part 900 in addition to the above-described electric compression and expansion apparatus 10.

The air conditioning part 900 may be configured such that refrigerant compressed or expanded by the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 exchanges heat with air. The air having exchanged heat with the refrigerant may be cooled or heated according to a user's request.

The air conditioning part 900 may comprise a compressed-refrigerant flow path 910, a condensed-refrigerant flow path 920, an expanded-refrigerant flow path 930, an evaporated-refrigerant flow path 940, a condenser 950, and an evaporator 960.

The compressed-refrigerant flow path 910 may fluidly connect the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 to the condenser 950. In detail, the compressed-refrigerant flow path 910 may be a passage through which refrigerant compressed in the compression part 600 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 flows toward the condenser 950.

The compressed-refrigerant flow path 910 may communicate with the exhaust port 212 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10. The compressed refrigerant may be discharged through the exhaust port 212 and introduced into the condenser 950.

The condensed-refrigerant flow path 920 may connect the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 to and in fluid communication with the expansion apparatus 10. In detail, the condensed-refrigerant flow path 920 may be a passage through which high-pressure refrigerant condensed in the condenser 950 flows toward the expansion part 700 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10.

The condensed-refrigerant flow path 920 may communicate with the refrigerant intake opening 724 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10. The refrigerant condensed in the condenser 950 may be moved to and expanded in the expansion part 700 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10.

The expanded-refrigerant flow path 930 may connect the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 to and in fluid communication with the evaporator 960. In detail, the expanded-refrigerant flow path 930 may be a passage through which refrigerant expanded in the expansion part 700 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 flows toward the evaporator 960.

The expanded-refrigerant flow path 930 may communicate with the refrigerant discharge opening 726 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10. The refrigerant expanded in the expansion part 700 may be discharged and flows toward the evaporator 960.

The evaporated-refrigerant flow path 940 may connect the evaporator 960 to and in fluid communication with the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10. In detail, the evaporated-refrigerant flow path 940 may be a passage through which low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator 960 flows toward the compression part 600 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10.

The evaporated-refrigerant flow path 940 may communicate with the intake port 120 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10. The refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator 960 may be moved to and compressed in the compression part 600 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10.

The refrigerant compressed in the compression part 600 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 may be introduced into the condenser 950. The condenser 950 may communicate with the compression part 600 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 by means of the compressed-refrigerant flow path 910.

The condenser 950 may be configured to enable heat exchange between air and compressed high-temperature high-pressure refrigerant to heat the air. The refrigerant having exchanged heat with the air may be changed to a high-pressure low-temperature state.

The high-pressure low-temperature refrigerant may be introduced into and expanded in the expansion part 700 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10. The condenser 950 may communicate with the expansion part 700 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 by means of the condensed-refrigerant flow path 920.

The refrigerant expanded in the expansion part 700 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 may be introduced into the evaporator 960. The evaporator 960 may communicate with the expansion part 700 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 by means of the expanded-refrigerant flow path 930.

The evaporator 960 may be configured to enable heat exchange between air and expanded compressed low-temperature low-pressure refrigerant to heat the refrigerant. The refrigerant having exchanged heat with the air may be changed to a high-temperature low-pressure state.

That is, the air conditioning system 1 of the present disclosure may be configured such that refrigerant circulates through the compression part 600 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10, the condenser 950, the expansion part 700 of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10, and the evaporator 960 to exchange heat with air.

With the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it may be possible to perform both compression and expansion of refrigerant in a single apparatus. That is, the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 may comprise the compression part 600 for compressing refrigerant and the expansion part 700.

The first back pressure chamber 511 may be formed in the first main frame 510 adjacent to the compression part 600. Also, the second back pressure chamber 521 may be formed in the second main frame adjacent to the expansion part 700. Some of the compressed refrigerant or the expanded refrigerant may be introduced into the back pressure chambers 511 and 521 to form back pressure.

The electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may enable the first back pressure chamber 511 and the second back pressure chamber 521 to communicate with each other by means of the refrigerant communication flow path 450 of the rotary shaft part 400.

In this case, the refrigerant may travel in a direction from the first back pressure chamber 511 to the second back pressure chamber 521 while the refrigerant should not travel in a direction from the second back pressure chamber 521 to the first back pressure chamber 511.

This may be because when the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 is driven, the stable operation of the compression part 600 for compressing refrigerant is of great importance. When a back pressure inside the first back pressure chamber 511 changes due to refrigerant introduced from the second back pressure chamber 521, the stable driving of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 may become difficult.

Accordingly, the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to adjust the flow of refrigerant to be formed in only a direction from the first back pressure chamber 511 to the second back pressure chamber 521. The adjustment may be achieved by the check valve 830 and the second balance weight 820′.

The process of adjusting the flow of refrigerant between the back pressure chambers 511 and 512 in the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11.

The process of adjusting a flow of refrigerant by means of the check valve 830 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 shows that the check valve 830 is open and the flow path of the refrigerant is formed in a direction from the first back pressure chamber 511 toward the second back pressure chamber 521.

In the shown state, a back pressure formed by refrigerant staying in the first back pressure chamber 511 may be greater than a back pressure formed by refrigerant staying in the second back pressure chamber 521.

Due to the difference between the back pressures, the refrigerant may flow out of the first back pressure chamber 511 and flow into the refrigerant communication flow path 450 through the first communication part 816 of the first balance weight 810.

The check valve 830 may be configured to allow flow only when the pressure of the first back pressure chamber 511 is higher than that of the second back pressure chamber 521. Since the shown situation meets a condition for the check valve 830 to open, the check valve 830 may be open.

Thus, the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant communication flow path 450 may be moved to the expansion part 700 via the check valve 830.

The second communication part 826 communicating with the second back pressure chamber 521 and the refrigerant communication flow path 450 may be formed in the second balance weight 820 coupled to the second end 420 of the rotary shaft part 400. The refrigerant may flow to the second back pressure chamber 521 through the second communication part 826.

Accordingly, the refrigerant may communicate between the first back pressure chamber 511 and the second back pressure chamber 521 and the back pressures of the back pressure chambers 511 and 521 may be shared.

As a result, the back pressure formed by operation of the compression part 600 may be formed in the second back pressure chamber 521. Furthermore, the compression part 600 and the expansion part 700 may be operated by the same motor part 300.

Accordingly, the expansion part 700 may operate to correspond to the operation of the compression part 600, and thus it may be possible to improve expansion efficiency.

FIG. 9 shows that the check valve 830 is closed and the communication between the first back pressure chamber and the second back pressure chamber is blocked. In the shown state, a back pressure formed by refrigerant staying in the first back pressure chamber 511 may be smaller than or equal to a back pressure formed by refrigerant staying in the second back pressure chamber 521.

Due to the difference between the back pressures, the refrigerant may flow out of the second back pressure chamber 521 and flow into the refrigerant communication flow path 450 through the second communication part 826.

In this case, the check valve 830 may be configured to open only when the back pressure of the first back pressure chamber 511 is greater than the back pressure of the second back pressure chamber 521. Accordingly, in the shown embodiment, the check valve 830 may be closed to prevent the refrigerant of the second back pressure chamber 521 from flowing toward the first back pressure chamber 511.

Therefore, the back pressure caused by the refrigerant staying in the first back pressure chamber 511 may not be disturbed by the refrigerant staying in the second back pressure chamber 521. As a result, the operation of the compression part 600 may be stably performed, and thus it may be possible to improve compression efficiency.

The process of adjusting a flow of refrigerant by means of the second balance weight 820′ will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 10 shows that the second balance weight 820′ may move a predetermined distance toward the expansion part 700 so that a refrigerant flow path is formed in a direction from the first back pressure chamber 511 to the second back pressure chamber 521.

In the shown state, a back pressure formed by refrigerant staying in the first back pressure chamber 511 may be greater than a back pressure formed by refrigerant staying in the second back pressure chamber 521.

Due to the difference between the back pressures, the refrigerant may flow out of the first back pressure chamber 511 and flow into the refrigerant communication flow path 450 through the first communication part 816 of the first balance weight 810.

The second balance weight 820′ may move a predetermined distance toward the expansion part 700 by a hydraulic pressure generated by the refrigerant that has flowed in the refrigerant communication flow path 450 and that moves from one side facing the compression part 600 to the other side facing the expansion part 700.

Accordingly, the refrigerant communication flow path 450 may communicate with the second back pressure chamber 521. As a result, the refrigerant having flown out of the first back pressure chamber 511 may be introduced into the second back pressure chamber 521 through the refrigerant communication flow path 450.

Accordingly, the refrigerant may communicate between the first back pressure chamber 511 and the second back pressure chamber 521 and the back pressures of the back pressure chambers 511 and 521 may be shared.

As a result, the back pressure formed by operation of the compression part 600 may be formed in the second back pressure chamber 521. Furthermore, the compression part 600 and the expansion part 700 may be operated by the same motor part 300.

Accordingly, the expansion part 700 may operate to correspond to the operation of the compression part 600, and thus it may be possible to improve expansion efficiency.

FIG. 11 shows that the second balance weight 820′ may be coupled to and in close contact with one side of the rotary shaft part 400 facing the expansion part 700, that is, the end surface of the second end 420.

In the shown state, an opening of the refrigerant communication flow path 450 facing the expansion part 700 may be closed by the second body part 821′ of the second balance weight 820′.

Due to the difference between the back pressures, the refrigerant may flow out of the second back pressure chamber 521 and move in a direction toward the second communication part 826.

In this case, the second balance weight 820′ may be axially movably coupled to the second pin 440b. A hydraulic pressure formed by the flow of the refrigerant may move the second balance weight 820′ toward the rotary shaft part 400.

As described above, a separate second communication part 826 may not be formed in the second balance weight 820′ according to this embodiment. Accordingly, when the second body part 821′ is in close contact with the second end 420, the opening of the refrigerant communication flow path 450 formed at the second end 420 may be closed by the second balance weight 820′.

Accordingly, the refrigerant having stayed in the second back pressure chamber 521 may not be introduced into the refrigerant communication flow path 450 because the refrigerant communication flow path 450 may be closed. As a result, the communication between the second back pressure chamber 521 and the first back pressure chamber 511 may be blocked.

Therefore, the back pressure caused by the refrigerant staying in the first back pressure chamber 511 may not be disturbed by the refrigerant staying in the second back pressure chamber 521. As a result, the operation of the compression part 600 may be stably performed, and thus it may be possible to improve compression efficiency.

The electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise both the compression part 600 and the expansion part 700. The compression part 600 and the expansion part 700 may be partially housed in the first main frame 510 and the second main frame 520, respectively.

Accordingly, the main housing 100 may just have a space for housing the motor part 300 formed therein, and thus the size of the main housing 100 may be reduced.

Also, the first fixed scroll 620 of the compression part 600 and the second fixed scroll 720 of the expansion part 700 may be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, the first main frame 510 and the second main frame 520 may not require spaces for housing the fixed scrolls 620 and 720.

Therefore, it may be possible to perform both compression and expansion of refrigerant in a sing apparatus, and it may also be possible to minimize the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10.

The air conditioning system 1 may comprise the condenser 950 and the evaporator 960. Also, an element of the air conditioning system 1 for compressing and expanding refrigerant may be implemented by the single electric compression and expansion apparatus 10.

As described above, the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be minimized while being configured to perform both compression and expansion of refrigerant.

Accordingly, the volume of the air conditioning system 1 including the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10 may be reduced. Accordingly, a large space may not be required when the air conditioning system 1 is provided in vehicles, refrigerators needing air conditioning, and clothing processing apparatuses.

The first orbiting scroll 610 of the compression part 600 and the second orbiting scroll 710 of the expansion part 700 may be coupled to the sample rotary shaft part 400. When the motor part 300 is operated, the rotary shaft part 400, the first orbiting scroll 610, and the second orbiting scroll 710 may be configured to rotate together.

Therefore, a rate at which the refrigerant is compressed in the compression part 600 and a rate at which the refrigerant is expanded in the expansion part 700 may be interoperable. Accordingly, it may be possible to improve the air conditioning efficiency of the air conditioning system.

The first orbiting scroll 610 of the compression part 600 and the second orbiting scroll 710 of the expansion part 700 may be driven by the single motor part 300 connected to the rotary shaft part 400.

Therefore, since a separate power source for driving the compression part 600 and the expansion part 700 is not required, it may be possible to improve the power efficiency of the electric compression and expansion apparatus 10.

The refrigerant communication flow path 450 may be formed through the rotary shaft part 400. The refrigerant communication flow path 450 may communicate with the first back pressure chamber 511 at the compression part 600 side and the second back pressure chamber 521 at the expansion part 700 side.

Accordingly, when the compression of the refrigerant in the compression part 600 is being performed, a back pressure generated in the first back pressure chamber 511 may be delivered to the second back pressure chamber 521 through the refrigerant communication flow path 450. This may be achieved by refrigerant flowing from the first back pressure chamber 511 to the second back pressure chamber 521.

Therefore, the high back pressure generated in the compression part 600 may be quickly formed in the second back pressure chamber 521. Accordingly, it may be possible to improve expansion efficiency at which the expansion part 700 expands refrigerant.

In an embodiment, the check valve 830 may be provided in the refrigerant communication flow path 450. The check valve 830 may be configured to allow the flow of refrigerant only when the back pressure of the first back pressure chamber 511 is higher than that of the second back pressure chamber 521.

That is, refrigerant may move from the first back pressure chamber 511 to the second back pressure chamber 521 when the back pressure of the first back pressure chamber 511 is higher than the back pressure of the second back pressure chamber 521. On the contrary, the flow of refrigerant may be blocked when the back pressure of the first back pressure chamber 511 is lower than the back pressure of the second back pressure chamber 521.

In another embodiment, the second balance weight 820′ may move a predetermined distance in an axial direction of the second pin 440b to open or close the refrigerant communication flow path 450 at the second end 420 side.

That is, when the back pressure of the first back pressure chamber 511 is higher than the back pressure of the second back pressure chamber 521, the second balance weight 820′ may move a predetermined distance toward the expansion part 700. Accordingly, the refrigerant communication flow path 450 may communicate with the second back pressure chamber 521, and thus the refrigerant staying in the first back pressure chamber 511 may be introduced into the second back pressure chamber 521.

On the contrary, when the back pressure of the first back pressure chamber 511 is lower than the back pressure of the second back pressure chamber 521, the second balance weight 820′ may move a predetermined distance toward the second end 420. Thus, the refrigerant communication flow path 450 may be closed, and thus the communication between the first back pressure chamber 511 and the second back pressure chamber 521 may be blocked.

Therefore, the back pressure of the first back pressure chamber 511 may affect the back pressure of the second back pressure chamber 521, but the back pressure of the second back pressure chamber 521 may not affect the back pressure of the first back pressure chamber 511. Accordingly, the stable operation of the compression part 600 may be possible, and also it may be possible to improve the compression efficiency of refrigerant.

The foregoing description has been given of the preferred embodiments, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electric compression and expansion apparatus comprising:

a main housing comprising a motor chamber;

a motor part housed in the motor chamber;

a rotary shaft part extending in a length direction and coupled to the motor part, wherein the rotary shaft part is configured to rotate integrally with the motor part;

a compression part coupled to one side of the rotary shaft part in the length direction, wherein the compression part is configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part to compress refrigerant; and

an expansion part coupled to another side of the rotary shaft part in the length direction, wherein the expansion part is configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part to expand the compressed refrigerant.

2. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the main housing comprises an intake port configured to introduce the refrigerant into the main housing, and a rear housing comprising an exhaust port located on one side of the compression part opposite to the main housing, the exhaust port being configured to discharge the compressed refrigerant.

3. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 1, wherein,

the compression part comprises:

a first orbiting scroll coupled to the rotary shaft part and configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part; and

a first fixed scroll located on one side of the first orbiting scroll opposite to the main housing, wherein the first fixed scroll is configured to be brought into contact with the first orbiting scroll with a predetermined space formed therein, and wherein the first fixed scroll is configured to compress the refrigerant,

the expansion part comprises:

a second orbiting scroll coupled to the rotary shaft part and configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part; and

a second fixed scroll located on one side of the second orbiting scroll opposite to the main housing, wherein the second fixed scroll is configured to be brought into contact with the second orbiting scroll with a predetermined space formed therein, and wherein the second fixed scroll is configured to expand the compressed refrigerant, and

the second fixed scroll comprises an intake hole configured to introduce the compressed refrigerant into the predetermined space.

4. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a first main frame located between the main housing and the compression part, the first main frame being configured to couple the main housing to and in fluid communication with the compression part; and

a second main frame located between the main housing and the expansion part, the second main frame being configured to support another side of the rotary shaft part facing the expansion part.

5. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 4, wherein:

the first main frame comprises a first bearing surrounding an outer circumference on one side of the rotary shaft part facing the compression part, the first bearing being configured to support the one side of the rotary shaft part,

the second main frame comprises a second bearing surrounding the outer circumference on the another side of the rotary shaft part facing the expansion part, the second bearing being configured to support the another side of the rotary shaft part, and

the first bearing has a smaller inner diameter than the second bearing.

6. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 4, wherein:

a refrigerant communication flow path is formed through the rotary shaft part in the length direction,

one side of the refrigerant communication flow path facing the compression part is in communication with an inner space of the first main frame, and

another side of the refrigerant communication flow path facing the expansion part is in communication with an inner space of the second main frame.

7. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first main frame comprises a first balance weight configured to rotate together with the rotary shaft part and the compression part, wherein one side of the first balance weight is coupled to one end of the rotary shaft part facing the compression part and another side of the first balance weight opposite to the one side is coupled to the compression part.

8. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 7, wherein:

the first balance weight comprises:

a first body part comprising one side configured to be brought into contact with one end of the rotary shaft part;

a first eccentric part extending from the first body part; and

a first space part formed through the first body part, wherein a first fastening pin for coupling the first balance weight to the one end of the rotary shaft is configured to be inserted into the first space part, and

the one side of the first body part comprises a first communication hole recessed and configured to form a space to enable the inner space of the first main frame and the refrigerant communication flow path to communicate with each other.

9. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 6, wherein a second balance weight is located inside the second main frame, the second balance weight being configured to rotate together with the rotary shaft part and the expansion part, and wherein one side of the second balance weight is coupled to another end of the rotary shaft part facing the expansion part and the another side coupled to the expansion part and opposite to the one side.

10. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 9, wherein the refrigerant communication flow path comprises a check valve configured to restrict a flow of refrigerant inside the refrigerant communication flow path to a direction from the first main frame to the second main frame.

11. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 10, wherein:

the second balance weight comprises:

a second body part having one side configured to be brought into contact with the another end of the rotary shaft part; and

a second eccentric part extending from the second body part, and

the one side of the second body part comprises a second communication hole recessed and configured to form a space to enable the inner space of the second main frame and the refrigerant communication flow path to communicate with each other.

12. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 9, wherein:

the second balance weight comprises:

a second body part having one side configured to be brought into contact with the another end of the rotary shaft part;

a second protrusion part protruding a predetermined distance from the another side of the second body part opposite to the one side of the second body part; and

a second eccentric part extending from the second body part, and

the second protrusion part comprises:

a second space part recessed a predetermined distance from the one side of the second body part, wherein a second fastening pin for coupling the protrusion part to the other end of the rotary shaft part is configured to be inserted into the second space part; and

a closed surface located on one side of the second protrusion part opposite to the one side of the second body part, the closed surface being configured to close the second space part.

13. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 12, wherein:

when the pressure in the first main frame is greater than or equal to the pressure in the second main frame, the second balance weight is configured to move a predetermined distance toward the expansion part such that the refrigerant communication flow path communicates with the inner space of the second main frame, and

when the pressure in the first main frame is smaller than the pressure in the second main frame, the second balance weight is configured to move a predetermined distance toward the main housing such that the communication between the refrigerant communication flow path and the inner space of the second main frame is blocked.

14. An air conditioning system comprising:

an electric compression and expansion apparatus configured to be driven by power and configured to compress or expand refrigerant;

a condenser coupled to and in fluid communication with the electric compression and expansion apparatus, the condenser being configured to condense refrigerant compressed in the electric compression and expansion apparatus; and

an evaporator coupled to and in fluid communication with the electric compression and expansion apparatus, the evaporator being configured to evaporate refrigerant expanded in the electric compression and expansion apparatus,

wherein the electric compression and expansion apparatus comprises:

a main housing comprising a motor chamber;

a motor part housed in the motor chamber;

a rotary shaft part extending in a length direction and coupled to the motor part, wherein the rotary shaft part is configured to rotate integrally with the motor part;

a compression part coupled to one side of the rotary shaft part in the length direction, wherein the compression part is configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part to compress refrigerant; and

an expansion part coupled to another side of the rotary shaft part in the length direction, wherein the expansion part is configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part to expand the compressed refrigerant.

15. The air conditioning system of claim 14, wherein:

the electric compression and expansion apparatus comprises:

a first main frame located between the main housing and the compression part, the first main frame being configured to couple the main housing to and in fluid communication with the compression part; and

a second main frame located between the main housing and the expansion part, the second main frame being configured to support the other side of the rotary shaft part facing the expansion part,

a refrigerant communication flow path is formed through the rotary shaft part in the length direction thereof,

one side of the refrigerant communication flow path facing the compression part is in communication with an inner space of the first main frame, and

another side of the refrigerant communication flow path facing the expansion part is in communication with an inner space of the second main frame.

16. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 2, wherein the intake port comprises a through-hole passing through an outer circumferential surface of the main housing.

17. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a discharge chamber formed on one side of the rear housing, wherein the discharge chamber comprises a space through which the compressed refrigerant passes before being discharged through the exhaust port.

18. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first fixed scroll comprises:

a first fixed end plate part located adjacent to the rear housing;

a first fixed wrap coupled to the first orbiting scroll with a space formed therebetween;

a discharge port; and

a discharge valve configured to open or close the discharge port.

19. An electric compression and expansion apparatus comprising:

a main housing comprising a motor chamber, a first through-hole configured to introduce a refrigerant into the main housing;

a motor part housed in the motor chamber;

a rotary shaft part extending in a length direction and coupled to the motor part, wherein the rotary shaft part is configured to rotate integrally with the motor part;

a compression part coupled to one side of the rotary shaft part in the length direction, wherein the compression part is configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part to compress the refrigerant; and

an expansion part coupled to another side of the rotary shaft part in the length direction, wherein the expansion part is configured to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft part to expand the compressed refrigerant; and

a rear housing comprising a second through-hole located on one side of the compression part opposite to the main housing, the second through-hole being configured to discharge the compressed refrigerant.

20. The electric compression and expansion apparatus of claim 19, further comprising:

a first main frame located between the main housing and the compression part, the first main frame being configured to couple the main housing to the compression part; and

a second main frame located between the main housing and the expansion part, the second main frame being configured to support another side of the rotary shaft part facing the expansion part.