US 6,086,335 A · Capacity modulated scroll machine having one or more pin members movably disposed for restricting the radius of the orbiting scroll member

Abstract

A scroll-type machine is disclosed which is particularly well suited for use as a compressor in refrigeration and air conditioning systems and incorporates a unique arrangement for modulating the capacity thereof. In one group of embodiments the capacity of the scroll-type machine is modulated by relative axial movement between the scroll members so as to form a leakage path across the wrap tips and opposed end plates. In another group of embodiments, modulation is achieved by reducing the orbital radius of one of the scroll members to thereby form a leakage path across the flank surfaces of the wraps. In the second group, a plurality of pin members are moveable from a first and second positions. In a first position the plurality of pin members operably enable the scroll members to orbit and in a second position the pin members restrict the orbiting motion of the first scroll members. Both types of scroll separation may be accomplished in a time pulsed manner to thereby enable a full range of modulation with the duration of the loading and unloading periods being selected to maximize the efficiency of the overall system. A motor control arrangement is also disclosed which may be used with either of the modulation methods mentioned above to increase the efficiency of the motor during periods of reduced load. Additionally, either of the modulation arrangements mentioned above may be combined with a delayed suction form of capacity modulation with or without the motor control feature to thereby achieve better operating efficiency under certain conditions.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A scroll-type compressor comprising:

a first scroll member movably supported on said bearing housing, said first scroll member including a first end plate and a first spiral wrap provided on one side thereof;
a second scroll member supported on said bearing housing, said second scroll member including a second end plate and a second spiral wrap provided on one side thereof;
a drive member;
a radially compliant coupling drivingly connecting said drive member to said first scroll member whereby said drive member operates to orbit said first scroll member with respect to said second scroll member at a first orbiting radius wherein said first and second spiral wraps are intermeshed and define sealed moving fluid pockets which decrease in size as they move from a radially outer position to a radially inward position;
a chamber;
a pin member movably disposed in said chamber, said pin member being movable from a first position at which said first scroll member orbits at said first orbiting radius and a second position in which said pin member restricts the orbiting radius of said first scroll member to a magnitude less than said first radius whereby leakage paths are formed between said moving fluid pockets;
and
a drive system for reciprocating said pin between said first and second positions to thereby modulate the capacity of said compressor.

5 more elements

A scroll-type compressor comprising:

a hermetic shell;
a bearing housing supported within said shell;
a first scroll member movably supported on said bearing housing, said first scroll member including a first end plate and a first spiral wrap provided on one side thereof;
a second scroll member supported on said bearing housing, said second scroll member including a second end plate and a second spiral wrap provided on one side thereof;
a drive shaft rotatably supported by said bearing housing, said drive shaft including an eccentric;
a radially compliant coupling for drivingly connecting said drive shaft to said first scroll member whereby rotation of said drive shaft operates to orbit said first scroll member with respect to said second scroll member at a first orbiting radius with said first and second spiral wraps intermeshed and defining sealed moving fluid pockets which decrease in size as they move from a radially outer position to a radially inward position;
a plurality of chambers provided in spaced relationship in said bearing housing;
a plurality of pin members, one of said plurality of pin members being movably disposed in each of said chambers, said pin members being movable from a first position at which said first scroll member orbits at said first orbiting radius and a second position in which said pin members restrict the orbiting radius of said first scroll member to a magnitude less than said first radius whereby leakage paths are formed between said moving fluid pockets;
and
a drive system for reciprocating said pins between said first and second positions in a time pulsed manner to thereby modulate the capacity of said compressor.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Capacity modulated scroll machine having one or more pin members movably disposed for restricting the radius of the orbiting scroll member

Life of this patent

Capacity modulated scroll machine having one or more pin members movably disposed for restricting the radius of the orbiting scroll member

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15