Scroll compressor with refrigerant injection system

Abstract

A scroll compressor including a refrigerant injection system. The refrigerant injection system includes an injection inlet conduit which is disposed at least partially within the suction pressure chamber of the scroll compressor, and includes one end sealingly fitted into an opening in the non-orbiting scroll member which is disposed within the suction pressure chamber. The non-orbiting scroll member includes a pair of transfer passages at least partially formed in a side thereof which faces the discharge pressure chamber, as well as injection ports for injecting refrigerant from the transfer passages into the working pockets defined between the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members. A cover plate, disposed in the discharge chamber of the compressor, is secured to the base plate of the non-orbiting scroll via a gasket and a plurality of fasteners to enclose and seal the transfer passages from the discharge pressure chamber. A discharge valve assembly is secured to the cover plate and is operable to selectively open and close the discharge port of the non-orbiting scroll member.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to scroll compressors and, in particular, to a scroll compressor which includes a refrigerant injection system.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Scroll compressors include a housing having a suction inlet in communication with a suction pressure chamber, and a discharge outlet in communication with a discharge pressure chamber. A motor-compressor unit is disposed within the housing, and a portion of the motor-compressor unit typically separates the suction pressure chamber from the discharge pressure chamber. The motor-compressor unit includes an electric motor for rotating a crankshaft that is rotatably supported by a crankcase which is secured with respect to the compressor housing. The crankshaft includes an eccentric portion which orbitally drives an orbiting scroll member with respect to a non-orbiting or fixed scroll member.[0005]The orbiting scroll member and the non-orbit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a scroll compressor with a refrigerant injection system. The refrigerant injection system includes an invention that improves the sealing of the connections between the compressor housing and the injection inlet conduit, as well as the sealing of the transfer passages from the non-orbiting scroll member to the working pockets defined between the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members. Additionally, the cover plate and gasket provide a robust seal around the transfer passages to seal them from the discharge pressure chamber. The scroll compressor includes a housing with a suction pressure chamber and a discharge pressure chamber, a motor-compressor unit, a first scroll member, a first wrap, and a second scroll member. The refrigerant injection system includes an invention that improves the sealing of the connections between the compressor housing and the injection inlet conduit, as well as the sealing of the transfer passages from the non-orbiting scroll member to the working pockets defined between the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members. This improves the efficiency and performance of the scroll compressor."

Problems solved by technology

These systems require very precise machining of components and are otherwise typically expensive and / or difficult to manufacture.

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