Driving assembly and compressor comprising same

Abstract

A compressor (100) includes a housing (104), a scroll assembly (120), and a drive shaft (132). The scroll assembly includes an orbiting scroll (122) including an orbiting spiral wrap (162) and a second opening (164), the second opening (164) including a drive bearing (166) disposed in the second opening (164). And the driving bearing is axially aligned with the movable spiral scroll. The compressor includes an unloader (200) rotatably connected to the drive shaft body (134) and rotatably supported by the main bearing (150).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 18 / 186,281, filed on March 20, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The field relates generally to systems and methods for drive shaft assemblies and compressors, and more particularly to a through-the-shaft drive shaft assembly including an unloader assembly for use in a compressor. Background Art

[0004] A scroll compressor compresses refrigerant using a scroll assembly that includes a fixed scroll member and an orbiting scroll member. The fixed and orbiting scroll members cooperate to form a sealed cavity between the fixed and orbiting scroll members. During operation of the scroll compressor, the movement of the orbiting scroll relative to the fixed scroll member continuously changes the volume of the sealed cavity, compressing the refrigerant therein.

[0005] A scroll compressor typically includes one or more bearings that support the rotation of a drive shaft assembly, and a drive bearing that transfers the drive shaft's rotational motion into orbital motion of the scroll member. The drive bearing is positioned between the orbiting scroll's drive coupling and the eccentric body of the drive shaft. The drive bearing enables the eccentric body to rotate, thereby applying a driving force to the drive coupling, causing the orbiting scroll member to orbit relative to the fixed scroll member, compressing the fluid.

[0006] During operation, the drive shaft is typically exposed to various loads due to the rotation of the orbiting scroll, the counterweight, rotor torque, and bearing reaction forces. These loads can cause the drive shaft to deflect. The magnitude of drive shaft deflection can depend on the compressor's rotational speed and operating conditions. Under these applied loads, drive shaft deflection can lead to bearing wear and / or compressor failure.

[0007] Efficient and reliable operation of the compressor is desired to ensure that the climate control system in which the compressor is installed can effectively and efficiently provide cooling and / or heating effects as needed. In addition, reducing the wear on the components of the scroll compressor, such as the bearing assembly, can extend the life of the compressor and the climate control system.

[0008] This background section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be relevant to the various aspects of the present disclosure that are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In one aspect, a compressor includes a housing and a scroll assembly disposed within the housing. The scroll assembly includes a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll, the fixed scroll being connected to the housing and including a first opening, the orbiting scroll including a spiral wrap and a second opening, the second opening including a drive bearing disposed in the second opening, wherein the drive bearing is axially aligned with the spiral wrap. The compressor includes a drive shaft, the drive shaft including a drive shaft body and an eccentric body. The eccentric body is disposed within the second opening and drivingly engaged with the orbiting scroll. The compressor includes a main bearing disposed within the first opening of the fixed scroll, and an unloader rotatably connected to the drive shaft body and rotatably supported by the main bearing. In another aspect, the compressor includes a housing and a scroll assembly disposed within the housing. The scroll assembly includes a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll, the fixed scroll being connected to the housing and including a first opening, the orbiting scroll including a spiral wrap and a second opening, the second opening including a drive bearing disposed in the second opening, wherein the drive bearing is axially aligned with the spiral wrap. The compressor includes a drive shaft, the drive shaft including a drive shaft body and an eccentric body. The eccentric body is disposed within the second opening and drivingly engaged with the orbiting scroll. The compressor includes a main bearing connected to the housing and axially displaced relative to the fixed scroll, and an unloader rotationally connected to the drive shaft body and rotationally supported by the main bearing.

[0010] Various refinements exist with respect to the features noted in the above-mentioned aspects. Other features may also be incorporated into the above-mentioned aspects. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For example, the various features discussed below with respect to any of the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated into any of the above-described aspects individually or in any combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The following figures illustrate various aspects of the disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of an embodiment of a scroll compressor.

[0013] Figure 2A is an embodiment including a drive assembly Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor is shown in FIG.

[0014] Figure 2B An embodiment including an unloader Figure 1 A horizontal cross-section of a scroll compressor is shown in FIG.

[0015] Figure 2C Another embodiment includes an unloader Figure 1 A horizontal cross-section of a scroll compressor is shown in FIG.

[0016] Figure 3 is another embodiment including a drive assembly Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor is shown in FIG.

[0017] Figure 4 is another embodiment including a drive assembly Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor is shown in FIG.

[0018] Figure 5 is another embodiment including a drive assembly Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor is shown in FIG.

[0019] Figure 6 is another embodiment including a drive assembly Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor is shown in FIG.

[0020] Figure 7 is another embodiment including a drive assembly Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor is shown in FIG.

[0021] Figure 8 is another embodiment including a drive assembly Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor is shown in FIG.

[0022] Figure 9 is another embodiment including a drive assembly Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor is shown in FIG.

[0023] Figure 10 is another embodiment including a drive assembly Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor is shown in FIG.

[0024] Figure 11 is another embodiment including a drive assembly Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor is shown in FIG.

[0025] Figure 12 is another embodiment including a drive assembly Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor is shown in FIG.

[0026] Figure 13 is another embodiment including a drive assembly Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a scroll compressor is shown in FIG.

[0027] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Reference Figure 1A compressor, an exemplary scroll compressor, is generally designated 100. Compressor 100 includes a compressor housing 102 that forms at least one sealed chamber within which refrigerant compression is achieved. Compressor housing 102 includes an outer shell 104, an end cap 106 disposed at a first end of outer shell 104, and a base 110 disposed at an opposite second end of outer shell 104. Compressor 100 includes an inlet 112 attached to compressor housing 102, such as outer shell 104, for drawing a working fluid into compressor 100. After the working fluid is compressed, it exits compressor 100 through a discharge fitting 114. Discharge fitting 114 may be attached to compressor housing 102 within outer shell 104, such as at end cap 106. A discharge valve assembly, not shown, may be disposed within discharge fitting 114 to prevent reverse flow conditions. A sealed electrical terminal 116 is attached to compressor housing 102, such as within outer shell 104.

[0029] The compressor 100 may include FIG. 2 to FIG. Figure 13 , various drive assemblies A to L shown in . Drive assemblies A to L include a scroll assembly 120, which includes a fixed scroll 124 and an orbiting scroll 122 that are operably engaged with a motor assembly 126. The motor assembly 126 includes a motor stator 128 and a rotor 130. The compressor 100 also includes a drive shaft 132 that can be press-fit into the rotor 130. The rotor 130 transmits rotational power to the drive shaft 132. The motor assembly 126 can be a variable speed motor for rotating the drive shaft 132 at any one of a plurality of speeds. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor assembly 126 is disposed within the housing 104. In some other embodiments, the compressor 100 can be an open drive compressor driven by a motor assembly 126 disposed outside the compressor housing 102.

[0030] The drive shaft 132 includes a drive shaft body 134 and an eccentric body 136 that can be offset relative to the drive shaft body 134. The drive shaft body 134 and the eccentric body 136 are both generally cylindrical in shape. The drive shaft body 134 includes a longitudinal axis extending in an axial direction between a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion being axially spaced from the first end portion. In some embodiments, the eccentric body 136 extends from the first end of the drive shaft body 134. In other embodiments, the eccentric body 136 is axially positioned between the first and second ends of the drive shaft body 134.

[0031] The compressor 100 may include at least one of a main bearing 150 and / or a secondary bearing 152 that rotatably supports the drive shaft 132. The main bearing 150 and / or the secondary bearing 152 may be a rolling element bearing having an inner ring, an outer ring spaced radially outward from the inner ring, and a plurality of balls or rollers disposed between the inner and outer rings. The inner ring includes an inner surface, such as a bearing surface, that defines a bearing opening. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the main bearing 150 and / or the secondary bearing 152 may be a journal bearing having a bearing surface that defines a bearing opening. The main bearing 150 and / or the secondary bearing 152 may rotatably support the drive shaft 132. If the main bearing 150 and / or the secondary bearing 152 are rolling element bearings, the drive shaft 132 rotates with the inner ring. Alternatively, if the main bearing 150 and / or the secondary bearing 152 are journal bearings, the drive shaft 132 rotates within the bearing opening relative to the fixed bearing inner surface. The main bearing 150 and / or the secondary bearing 152 may be any suitable bearing type.

[0032] The compressor 100 may include a first scroll side 154 defined on either side of the scroll assembly 120 and a second scroll side 156 axially displaced relative to the first scroll side 154. The first scroll side 154 is generally proximate the end cover 106, and the second scroll side 156 is generally proximate the motor assembly 126. The compressor 100 may also include a first motor side 158 and an opposite second motor side 159 that is axially displaced relative to the first motor side 158.

[0033] Orbiting scroll 122 includes a plate 160 that includes a spiral wrap 162 extending therefrom. Plate 160 defines an orbiting scroll opening 164 that is sized and shaped to receive a drive bearing 166 therein. Orbiting scroll opening 164 may be disposed approximately centrally between plate 160 and spiral wrap 162. Drive bearing 166 may be axially aligned with spiral wrap 162. Eccentric body 136 of drive shaft 132 is drivingly engaged to drive bearing 166. Eccentric body 136 extends into and / or through orbiting scroll opening 164 defined in orbiting scroll 122. Rotational motion of drive shaft 132 is converted into orbiting motion of orbiting scroll 122 by eccentric body 136 and drive bearing 166. Orbiting scroll 124 includes a plate 168 and a spiral wrap 170 that extends axially from plate 168. Non-orbiting scroll 124 defines a non-orbiting scroll opening 172 that is generally aligned with main bearing 150 and / or secondary bearing 152. Non-orbiting scroll 124 may also include a hub extending on a side of plate 168 opposite spiral wrap 170. The hub may at least partially define non-orbiting scroll opening 172. Main bearing 150 or secondary bearing 152 may be disposed within non-orbiting scroll opening 172 of non-orbiting scroll 124 when a bearing is used in a non-orbiting scroll.

[0034] The spiral wrap 170 can engage and mesh with the spiral wrap 162 of the orbiting scroll 122, thereby creating a series of moving fluid cavities. Throughout the compression cycle, the volume of the fluid cavity defined by the spiral wraps 162, 170 can decrease as the fluid cavity moves from a radially outer position (e.g., a suction cavity at suction pressure) to a radially inner position (e.g., a discharge cavity at a discharge pressure higher than the suction pressure). The plates 160, 168 can include a discharge passage in communication with at least one of the fluid cavities at a radially inner position and allow a compressed working fluid, such as a refrigerant or a mixture of a refrigerant and a lubricant (at or near discharge pressure), to flow through the discharge passage.

[0035] The compressor 100 may also include an upper casing 186. The upper casing 186 may be connected to the compressor casing 102, such as the outer shell 104 and / or at least one of the fixed scroll 124. The compressor 100 may also include a lower bearing support 188 connected to the compressor casing 102, such as the outer shell 104. The upper casing 186, the lower bearing support 188 and / or the fixed scroll 124 may support at least one of the main bearing 150 and / or the secondary bearing 152, as described herein. For example, the upper casing 186 may define an upper opening 190, and the lower bearing support 188 may define a lower opening 192. The main bearing 150 or the secondary bearing 152 may be at least partially disposed within either the upper opening 190 and / or the lower opening 192. The upper opening 190 and / or the lower opening 192 may define a bearing surface. For example, at least one of the upper opening 190 and the lower opening 192 may be a journal bearing. The upper housing 186 may be disposed on the first scroll side 154 - see drive assemblies D, E, G, H, I, K, and L ( Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 ) or second scroll side 156 - see drive assemblies A to C, F and J (Figures 2 to Figure 4 、 Figure 7 and Figure 11 In some embodiments, the upper opening 190 and / or the fixed vortex opening 172 may be omitted. Figure 10 In the embodiment shown in , the compressor 100 may not include the upper opening 190. In another example, Figure 11 In the embodiment shown in , the compressor 100 may not include the non-orbiting scroll opening 172 .

[0036] The compressor 100 may be referred to as a "shaft-through" scroll compressor. In the "shaft-through" scroll compressor 100 described herein, the drive bearing 166 is located in a horizontal plane aligned with the spiral wrap 162 of the orbiting scroll 122. For example, the drive bearing 166 is at least partially axially aligned with the spiral wrap 162. See drive assemblies A through L (Figures 2 through 3). Figure 13 ). A shaft-through scroll compressor may extend at least a portion of the drive shaft 132, such as the drive shaft body 134 and / or the eccentric body 136, through the orbiting scroll 122. In some embodiments, a "shaft-through" scroll compressor 100 may extend at least a portion of the drive shaft 132, such as the drive shaft body 134 and / or the eccentric body 136, into and / or through the fixed scroll opening 172 defined through the fixed scroll 124. See drive assemblies A to I (Figures 2 to Figure 10 ) and K to L( Figure 12 and Figure 13 ). Drive shaft 132 may extend all the way through main bearing 150 and, additionally, all the way through scroll assembly 120 such that at least a portion of drive shaft 132 is disposed on both first scroll side 154 and second scroll side 156 of scroll assembly 120. See drive assemblies B through H ( Figures 3 to 9 ) and drive components K to L ( Figure 12 and Figure 13 In a "shaft-through" scroll compressor 100, the overturning moment of the orbiting scroll 122 is minimized, thereby allowing the scroll clamping force to be reduced, which in turn reduces friction losses between the scroll surfaces. In a "shaft-through" scroll compressor 100, the drive shaft 132 can have a reduced bending moment on the drive shaft 132 compared to some other types of compressors that do not have a "shaft-through" scroll design.

[0037] The compressor 100 also includes an unloader 200 rotationally supported by at least one of the main bearing 150 or the secondary bearing 152. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the unloader 200 may be rotationally supported by the drive bearing 166. The unloader 200 is disposed within the bearing opening and rotates with the inner race if the unloader 200 is rotationally supported by a roller bearing. Alternatively, the unloader 200 rotates relative to the bearing surface if the unloader 200 is rotationally supported by a journal bearing. The drive shaft 132, such as the drive shaft body 134, may include a recess 194, and at least a portion of the unloader 200 may be at least partially disposed within the recess 194. The unloader 200 provides compliance between the drive shaft 132 and at least one of the main bearing 150, the secondary bearing 152, and / or the drive bearing 166. The unloader 200 can provide compliance in directions perpendicular, such as radial and / or tangential, to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 132. In some embodiments, the unloader 200 can be generally in the shape of a cylindrical section having an outer surface 206 that is generally a cylindrical surface and a generally planar side surface 204. Figure 2A In some embodiments, the side surface 204 can be convex. The side surface 204 can engage with a side surface 208 of the drive shaft 132. The side surface 208 of the drive shaft 132 can at least partially define the recess 194. The unloader 200 and the drive shaft 132 are rotationally coupled such that rotation of the drive shaft 132 causes rotation of the unloader 200.

[0038] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the unloader 200 may be generally annular in shape defining an unloader opening. Figure 2C The drive shaft 132 extends at least partially into the unloader opening, and the unloader 200 surrounds the drive shaft 132. The annular unloader 200 may include an outer surface 206 and an inner surface. The inner surface may include a side surface 204 that engages a side surface 208 of the drive shaft 132, such that the annular unloader 200 rotates with rotation of the drive shaft 132. Alternatively, the unloader 200 may be any suitable shape and / or configuration that enables the unloader 200 to rotate with the drive shaft 132 and to move, e.g., flex and slide, relative to the drive shaft 132.

[0039] Figure 2 to Figure 13 The compressor 100 shown in FIG. 1 , including drive assemblies A to L, includes various arrangements of the various components described above. For example, the unloader 200 may be rotatably supported by the main bearing 150. For example, see drive assemblies A to E ( FIG. 2 ). Figure 6 )、G( Figure 8 ) and I to L( Figures 10 to 13 Alternatively and / or additionally, the unloader 200 may be rotatably supported by the secondary bearing 152. See drive assemblies F and H ( Figure 7 and Figure 9 ). The main bearing 150 can be supported by the fixed scroll 124. For example, the main bearing 150 can be disposed within the fixed scroll opening 172 of the fixed scroll 124. For example, see drive assemblies A, B, C, F, and I (Figures 2 to 3). Figure 4 、 Figure 7 and Figure 10 Alternatively and / or additionally, the main bearing 150 is supported by the upper housing 186, for example, the main bearing 150 is disposed in the upper opening 190. See, for example, drive assemblies D, E, G, H, J, K, and L ( Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figures 11 to 13 ).

[0040] The unloader 200 may be rotatably supported by the secondary bearing 152. See drive assemblies F and H ( Figure 7 and Figure 9 For example, the unloader 200 may be rotatably supported by the secondary bearing 152, and the secondary bearing 152 may be supported by the upper housing 186. See the drive assembly F ( Figure 7 In another example, the unloader 200 is rotatably supported by the secondary bearing 152, and the secondary bearing 152 is supported by the fixed scroll 124. See the drive assembly H ( Figure 9 ).

[0041] The compressor 100 includes a coupling 202, such as an Oldham coupling, that engages the fixed scroll 124, at least one of the upper housing 186 and / or the compressor housing 102, and the orbiting scroll 122 to prevent relative rotation therebetween. Figure 13 ), the coupling 202 is engaged between the movable scroll 122 and the fixed scroll 124, thereby preventing relative rotation therebetween.

[0042] The compressor 100 may include at least one of a first counterweight 210 and / or a second counterweight 212. The first counterweight 210 and the second counterweight 212 are connected to the drive shaft 132, such as the drive shaft body 134 and / or the rotor 130, such that rotation of the drive shaft 132 rotates the first counterweight 210 and the second counterweight 212. The axial position of the first counterweight 210 and the second counterweight 212 relative to the scroll assembly 120 may be different for various drive assemblies A to L (FIGS. 2 to 3). Figure 13 ) can be different.

[0043] The compressor 100 may include both a first counterweight 210 and a second counterweight 212. The first counterweight 210 and the second counterweight 212 may be axially positioned on opposite scroll sides 154, 156 of the scroll assembly 120. See drive assemblies B through D ( Figures 3 to 5 ) and F to H( Figures 7 to 9 For example, drive shaft body 134 extends all the way through orbiting scroll opening 164 and non-orbiting scroll opening 172, such that at least a portion of drive shaft 132 is disposed on first scroll side 154 of scroll assembly 120, and at least one of first counterweight 210 or second counterweight 212 is rotationally coupled to the portion of drive shaft 132 disposed on first scroll side 154 of scroll assembly 120. Second counterweight 212 may be rotationally coupled to the portion of drive shaft 132 disposed on second scroll side 156 of scroll assembly 120.

[0044] In some embodiments, both the first counterweight 210 and the second counterweight 212 can be rotationally coupled to the portion of the drive shaft 132 disposed on the second scroll side 156 of the scroll assembly 120. For example, see drive assemblies A, E, I, J, K, and L ( Figure 2A 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 ). A first counterweight 210 can be rotationally coupled to a portion of the drive shaft 132 disposed on the first scroll side 154 of the scroll assembly 120, and a second counterweight 212 can be disposed on the first motor side 158 of the motor assembly 126. For example, see drive assemblies B, C, D, F, G, and H ( Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 ). The first counterweight 210 can be axially disposed on the first motor side 158 and the second scroll side 156, and the second counterweight 212 can be axially disposed on the second motor side 159. For example, see drive assemblies A, E, I, J, K, and L ( Figure 2A 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 In some embodiments, both the first counterweight 210 and the second counterweight 212 may be disposed on the second scroll side 156 of the scroll assembly 120. For example, see drive assemblies A, E, I, J, K, and L (FIG. 2, Figure 6 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 ).

[0045] The compressor 100 also includes one or more first seals 216, such as intermediate chamber pressure (ICP) seals, which may be disposed between the upper housing 186 and the orbiting scroll 122. Figure 13 ). The compressor 100 may include a first seal 216 and a second seal 218. See drive components K to L ( Figures 12 to 13 ), a first seal 216 and a second seal 218 may be provided between the upper housing 186 and the movable scroll 122. The compressor may have three seals, including a first seal 216, a second seal 218, and a third seal 220. See drive assembly L( Figure 13 The third seal 220 may be provided between the movable scroll 122 and the fixed scroll 124. Figure 13 ).

[0046] The first seal 216 and the second seal 218 can be annular, and the first seal 216 and the second seal 218 can be arranged concentrically. In some embodiments, the first seal 216 can be disposed between the upper housing 186 and the fixed scroll 124, and the second seal 218 is disposed between the movable scroll 122 and the fixed scroll 124. Various combinations of sealing configurations can achieve optimized axial balance, thereby improving compressor efficiency. The compressor 100 can also include a cover 222 that covers at least one of the movable scroll opening 164 or the fixed scroll opening 172. See drive components I and J ( Figure 10 and Figure 11 For example, the drive shaft 132 extends through the orbiting scroll opening 164 and at least partially into the fixed scroll opening 172, and the cover 222 covers the fixed scroll opening 172. See drive assembly J ( Figure 11 In another example, the drive shaft 132 extends through the fixed scroll opening 172 and at least partially into the orbiting scroll opening 164, and the cover 222 covers the orbiting scroll opening 164. Figure 10 ). The upper housing 186 may include a portion covering the upper opening 190. See drive assemblies K and L ( Figure 12 and Figure 13 ).

[0047] An upper housing 186 may be disposed on the first scroll side 154 of the scroll assembly 120, and a lower bearing support 188 may be disposed on the second scroll side 156 of the scroll assembly 120. See drive assemblies D, E, I, K, and L ( Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13). The compressor 100 may include both an upper housing 186 and a lower bearing support 188. See drive assemblies A, B, D, E, I, J, K, and L (Figures 2, Figure 3 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figures 10 to 13 Alternatively, the compressor 100 includes only at least one of the upper housing 186 and / or the lower bearing support 188. See drive assemblies C, F, G, and H ( Figure 4 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 ).

[0048] The secondary bearing 152 can be supported by the lower bearing bracket 188. See, for example, drive assemblies A, B, D, E, I, J, K, and L (Figures 2, Figure 3 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figures 10 to 13 Alternatively and / or additionally, the secondary bearing 152 is supported by the upper housing 186, see, for example, drive assemblies C and F ( Figure 4 and Figure 7 ). The secondary bearing 152 can be supported by the fixed scroll 124, see drive components G and H ( Figure 8 and Figure 9 ).

[0049] Compared to existing systems and methods, embodiments of the systems and methods of the present disclosure achieve excellent results. In particular, a compressor comprising both an unloader and the following shaft-through scroll design has known benefits over other compressors, in which the drive bearing is axially aligned with the spiral wrap of the orbiting scroll. For example, compared to a non-shaft-through scroll design, a shaft-through scroll design can have a reduced bending moment on the drive shaft. In addition, the unloader provides drive shaft compliance to unload the forces on the drive shaft caused by drive shaft deflection and control the vortex side contact force independent of the compressor speed. Therefore, compared to other known compressors, the shaft-through scroll design combined with the unloader has improved vortex side wear behavior and reduced vortex side friction while maintaining a tight side-to-side seal. In addition, the shaft-through scroll compressor minimizes the overturning moment of the orbiting scroll, resulting in improved compressor balance and efficiency because the friction between the thrust surfaces of the scroll members is reduced. In addition, embodiments of the shaft-through scroll compressor have a reduced noise level.

[0050] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or embodiments thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," "containing," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to the listed elements. The use of terms indicating a particular orientation (e.g., "top," "bottom," "side," etc.) is for convenience of description and does not require any particular orientation of the objects being described.

[0051] As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A compressor comprising: shell; A vortex assembly is disposed in the housing, and includes: a fixed scroll, the fixed scroll comprising a fixed spiral scroll, wherein the fixed scroll comprises a first opening; and an orbiting scroll comprising an orbiting spiral wrap and a second opening, the second opening comprising a drive bearing disposed therein, wherein the drive bearing is axially aligned with the orbiting spiral wrap; and a drive shaft comprising a drive shaft body and an eccentric body, the eccentric body being disposed within the second opening and drivingly engaged with the drive bearing of the orbiting scroll; a main bearing disposed in the first opening of the fixed scroll; and An unloader is rotationally connected to the drive shaft body and is rotationally supported by the main bearing.

2. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein At least a portion of the drive shaft extends through the first opening and the second opening, wherein a first portion of the drive shaft is disposed on a first side of the scroll assembly, and wherein a second portion of the drive shaft is disposed on a second side of the scroll assembly.

3. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein The drive shaft passes through the main bearing.

4. The compressor according to claim 2, wherein The compressor further comprises: a first counterweight connected to the drive shaft; and A second counterweight is connected to the drive shaft, the second counterweight being axially spaced from the first counterweight.

5. The compressor according to claim 4, wherein The first counterweight is disposed on the first side of the scroll assembly, and the second counterweight is disposed on the second side of the scroll assembly. The compressor according to claim 4 , wherein: The first counterweight and the second counterweight are connected to the second portion of the drive shaft on the second side of the scroll assembly.

7. The compressor according to claim 4, wherein The compressor includes a motor drivingly engaged with the drive shaft, wherein the motor includes a first motor side and a second motor side axially displaced relative to the first motor side, wherein the first counterweight is disposed on the first motor side and the second counterweight is disposed on the second motor side.

8. The compressor according to claim 4, wherein The unloader and the main bearing are axially disposed between the first counterweight and the second counterweight.

9. The compressor according to claim 4, wherein The unloader is an annular unloader surrounding the drive shaft.

10. The compressor of claim 1, further comprising a secondary bearing axially displaced relative to the main bearing.

11. A compressor comprising: shell; A vortex assembly is disposed in the housing, and includes: a fixed scroll, the fixed scroll comprising a fixed spiral scroll, wherein the fixed scroll comprises a first opening; and an orbiting scroll comprising an orbiting spiral wrap and a second opening, the second opening comprising a drive bearing disposed therein, wherein the drive bearing is axially aligned with the orbiting spiral wrap; a drive shaft comprising a drive shaft body and an eccentric body, wherein the eccentric body is disposed within the second opening and drivingly engaged with the drive bearing of the orbiting scroll; a main bearing connected to the housing and axially displaced relative to the fixed scroll; and An unloader is rotationally connected to the drive shaft body and is rotationally supported by the main bearing.

12. The compressor according to claim 11, wherein At least a portion of the drive shaft extends through the first opening and the second opening, wherein a first portion of the drive shaft is disposed on a first side of the scroll assembly, and wherein a second portion of the drive shaft is disposed on a second side of the scroll assembly.

13. The compressor according to claim 11, wherein The drive shaft passes through the main bearing.

14. The compressor according to claim 12, wherein The compressor further comprises: a first counterweight connected to the drive shaft; and A second counterweight is connected to the drive shaft, the second counterweight being axially spaced from the first counterweight.

15. The compressor according to claim 14, wherein The first counterweight is disposed on the first side of the scroll assembly, and the second counterweight is disposed on the second side of the scroll assembly.

16. The compressor according to claim 14, wherein The first counterweight and the second counterweight are connected to the second portion of the drive shaft on the second side of the scroll assembly.

17. The compressor according to claim 14, wherein The compressor includes a motor drivingly engaged with the drive shaft, wherein the motor includes a first motor side and a second motor side axially displaced relative to the first motor side, wherein the first counterweight is disposed on the second motor side and the second counterweight is disposed on the second motor side.

18. The compressor according to claim 14, wherein The unloader and the main bearing are axially disposed between the first counterweight and the second counterweight.

19. The compressor according to claim 14, wherein The unloader is an annular unloader surrounding the drive shaft.

20. The compressor of claim 14, further comprising a secondary bearing axially displaced relative to the main bearing.

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