Improved coupling between crankshaft and orbiting scroll

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved coupling between a crankshaft and a moving scroll plate. In the invention, a system for use in a scroll compressor is described. The system comprises a crankshaft having a first end portion and a slider block having a recess, wherein the crankshaft defines an axis of rotation, the first end portion of the crankshaft and the recess in the slider block are configured for connecting the slider block to the first end portion. The first end portion of the crankshaft comprises a first flat contact surface portion and the recess of the slider block comprises a second flat contact surface portion, wherein the first and second contact surface portions face each other when the first end portion of the crankshaft is connected to the slider block. The system is characterized in that at least one of the flat contact surface portions comprises a slit below said at least one flat contact surface portion. Furthermore, a corresponding slider block and a corresponding crankshaft are described.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a crankshaft and a slider block for use in a compressor, in particular in a scroll compressor, wherein such a compressor can be used for example in a refrigeration system. BACKGROUND

[0002] A compressor is a device that reduces the volume of a fluid by increasing the pressure of the fluid. In the most common applications, the fluid is a gas.

[0003] Compressors are used for example in refrigeration systems. In a common refrigeration system, a refrigerant is circulated through a refrigeration cycle. In the cycle, the refrigerant undergoes changes in thermodynamic properties in different parts of the refrigeration system and transfers heat from one part of the refrigeration system to another part of the refrigeration system. The refrigerant is a fluid, i.e. a liquid or a vapor or a gas. Examples of refrigerants can be artificial refrigerants, such as fluorocarbons. However, in recent applications, the use of carbon dioxide CO2 as a non-artificial refrigerant becomes more and more important, because it is environmentally friendly.

[0004] In a compressor, a motor drives the compression process. Usually, an electric motor is used. The motor provides a force, which is provided to a device for compression, in which the fluid is compressed. In a scroll compressor, the device for compression is formed by scroll plates. The force provided by the motor is applied to the device for compression by means of a crankshaft.

[0005] In the case of a scroll compressor, the scroll compressor comprises a fixed scroll plate and a moving scroll plate. The force provided by the motor is applied to the moving scroll plate. To achieve this, a portion of the crankshaft is coupled to the motor and another portion, preferably an end portion, is coupled to the moving scroll plate. For example, the moving scroll plate can comprise a recess, in which a slider block is located. The slider block is configured to receive a portion of the crankshaft. For example, the crankshaft can comprise an end portion and the slider block can comprise a recess, wherein the end portion of the crankshaft is at least partially fitted into the recess of the slider block. The end portion of the crankshaft can be a protruding element, such as a pin.

[0006] During operation, the force applied by the motor causes a movement of the crankshaft. The movement can be a rotational movement of the crankshaft around an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation can be a longitudinal axis defined by the crankshaft. For example, in the case of a barrel-shaped crankshaft, the axis of rotation can be the axis of the barrel of the barrel-shaped crankshaft.

[0007] The movement of the crankshaft is transmitted to the orbiting scroll plate, for example, by means of a slider block. The crankshaft is coupled to the slider block in a form-fit manner. In an example, the crankshaft can comprise a first end portion, such as a pin, which is in contact with the slider block in a form-fit manner, for example, by extending at least partially into a recess of the slider block. The first end portion can comprise a first flat contact surface portion and the recess can comprise a corresponding second flat contact surface portion. When the first end portion is coupled to the recess, the first and second flat contact surface portions can engage with each other and form a contact surface. In the sense of the present invention, a flat contact surface portion refers to a surface portion which is flat when viewed in a plane of a cross-section which is oriented perpendicular to an axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft. In a particular example, the first end portion can have a substantially circular cross-section, wherein a portion of the circular cross-section can be flat, thereby forming a cross-section in the form of a "D". In other examples, the cross-section can have other forms, such as a rectangular form.

[0008] When the crankshaft performs a rotational movement, this movement is transmitted to the slider block. Since the crankshaft performs a rotational movement about the first axis of rotation, the slider block also performs a rotational movement. Preferably, the slider block performs a combined movement of a wobbling movement and a rotational movement, for example, when a center point of the slider block in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation has an offset relative to the axis of rotation when the slider block is assembled to the first end portion of the crankshaft. This can be achieved when the center point of the first end portion of the crankshaft has an offset relative to the axis of rotation or when the slider block has a bore which is offset relative to an axis of symmetry of the slider block, wherein the axis of symmetry of the slider block is parallel to the axis of rotation of the crankshaft in the assembled state.

[0009] The slider block can be located in a recess in the orbiting scroll plate. In said recess, the slider block can freely rotate. This can be achieved by a cylindrical housing surface of the slider block. However, the wobbling movement caused by the offset is transmitted from the slider block to the orbiting scroll plate and causes a wobbling movement of the orbiting scroll plate relative to the fixed scroll plate.

[0010] In a refrigeration system, the refrigerant is compressed to high pressure. The moving parts within the compressor, such as the motor, the crankshaft and the slider block, move and work at high pressure and, thus, can be subject to severe wear. This is a problem, in particular for CO2 refrigeration systems, since the pressure in a CO2 refrigeration system is higher than in a synthetic refrigerant system and, thus, the wear between the crankshaft and the slider block increases and can lead to a compressor failure. The wear increases, in particular, at the contact surface between the crankshaft and the slider block, for example, between the first end portion of the crankshaft and the slider block, in particular, at the contact surface formed between the first end portion of the crankshaft and the slider block.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need in the art to improve the coupling between the crankshaft and the orbiting scroll plate in a compressor. SUMMARY

[0012] The above-mentioned needs are met by a crankshaft and / or slider block configuration according to the present invention. The above-mentioned needs are also met by a system comprising a crankshaft and a slider block according to the present invention.

[0013] The system according to the present invention is configured for use in a scroll compressor and comprises a crankshaft and a slider block.

[0014] The crankshaft defines an axis of rotation and comprises a first end portion. The first end portion can comprise a pin extending from the first end portion and configured for coupling to the slider block. The axis of rotation can be a longitudinal axis defined by a body of the crankshaft.

[0015] The slider block comprises a recess. The person skilled in the art will understand that the recess can also be a bore or a continuous hole. The slider block can have a cylindrical housing surface.

[0016] The crankshaft can be configured for applying a force from a motor of the compressor to the slider block, and thereby to an orbiting scroll plate of the compressor. This is achieved by configuring the first end portion of the crankshaft to be at least partially placed in the recess of the slider block. Thereby, the first end portion and the recess can form a form-fit connection for transmitting the force provided by the motor from the crankshaft to the slider block and the orbiting scroll plate.

[0017] The first end portion of the crankshaft comprises a first planar contact surface portion and the recess of the slider block comprises a second planar contact surface portion. The first and second contact surface portions face each other when the first end portion is at least partially placed in the recess of the slider block. Thereby, the first and second planar contact surface portions form a contact surface. In the sense of the present invention, a planar contact surface portion refers to a surface portion that is planar when viewed in a plane of a cross-section that is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft. In a particular example, the first end portion can have a substantially circular cross-section, wherein a portion of the circular cross-section can be planar, thereby forming a cross-section in the form of a "D". In another example, the first end portion can have more than one planar contact surface portion and can have a cross-section that is for example in the shape of a rectangle. The person skilled in the art will understand that the planar contact surface portion does not need to be completely planar. Instead, the planar contact surface portion can also be slightly curved or have a structure. As used throughout the specification, a surface portion being planar means that the surface portion is capable of engaging with a corresponding contact surface portion of the other component, i.e. the slider block or the crankshaft.

[0018] According to the present application, at least one of the first and the second planar contact surface portion comprises a slit below said at least one planar contact surface portion. The slit reduces the stiffness of the planar contact surface portion. This allows to improve the contact between the first planar contact surface portion and the second planar contact surface portion of the respective other component.

[0019] In some preferred embodiments, at least one of the two planar contact surface portions can be curved in a direction parallel to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft. The curved surface portion formed in this way can be a convex surface portion.

[0020] The slit causes a reduction of the stiffness of the material in the surface area of the respective planar contact surface portion. Due to the reduced stiffness, the planar contact surface portion can at least partially adjust its shape to the planar contact surface portion of the other component. Preferably, the planar contact surface portion of the other component is slightly curved in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the contact surface portion appears to be planar. For example, the planar contact surface portion of the other component can be planar in a cross section perpendicular to the rotational axis of the crankshaft and can be curved in a direction parallel to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft. This increase reduces the contact stress and wear and improves the durability and lifetime of the coupling between the crankshaft and the orbiting scroll via the slider block.

[0021] In preferred embodiments, the slit is oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft. More preferably, one of the two components has a convex surface portion which is curved along a direction parallel to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft as described before. Having the slit perpendicular to the rotational axis of the crankshaft and having the convex surface portion curved along a direction perpendicular to the direction of the slit improves the adjustment of the planar contact surface portion to the convex surface portion.

[0022] Similarly, in some other preferred embodiments, the slit is oriented parallel to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft. More preferably, the curved surface portion is curved along a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft. Having the slit parallel to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft and having the curved surface portion curved along a direction perpendicular to the direction of the slit improves the adjustment of the planar contact surface portion to the curved surface portion.

[0023] In any of these embodiments, the slider block preferably has a cylindrical housing surface.

[0024] The above needs are also met by a slider block according to the present invention. The slider block according to the present invention is configured for use in a scroll compressor and comprises a body defining an axis of rotation and a recess. The body can be a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body can have a top surface and a bottom surface and a cylindrical outer surface. The recess can be located at the top surface or the bottom surface. The recess can extend at least partially into the body of the slider block. In some embodiments, the recess can be a bore or a continuous hole extending completely from the bottom surface to the top surface.

[0025] According to the present invention, the first end portion comprises a flat contact surface portion and a slit located below the flat contact surface portion. The slit reduces the stiffness of the flat surface. This allows to improve the contact between the flat contact surface portion and the slider block. As previously mentioned, the flat contact surface portion in the sense of the present invention refers to a surface portion which is flat when viewed in a plane of a cross-section oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft. Thereby, the cross-section of the first end portion of the crankshaft can have a "D" shape.

[0026] In some preferred embodiments, the slit is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation defined by the body of the crankshaft. This is particularly beneficial if the first end portion of the crankshaft is placed in the recess of the slider block when the recess comprises a curved surface portion and the curved surface is curved along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments, the slit is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation defined by the body of the crankshaft. This is particularly beneficial if the first end portion of the crankshaft is placed in the recess of the slider block when the recess comprises a curved surface portion and the curved surface is curved along a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0028] In some preferred embodiments, the first end portion comprises a protruding element extending longitudinally from the first end portion of the crankshaft with respect to the axis of rotation and an insert attached to the protruding element, and wherein the slit is formed between the protruding element and the insert. This can improve the manufacturing of the crankshaft, as the insert can be added to a conventional crankshaft. When the insert is attached to the protruding element, at least one of the protruding element and the insert can comprise a recess for forming the slit.

[0029] The above needs are also met by a slider block according to the present invention. The slider block according to the present invention is configured for use in a scroll compressor and comprises a body defining an axis of rotation and a recess. The body can be a cylindrical body. The cylindrical body can have a top surface and a bottom surface and a cylindrical outer surface. The recess can be located at the top surface or the bottom surface. The recess can extend at least partially into the body of the slider block. In some embodiments, the recess can be a bore or a continuous hole extending completely from the bottom surface to the top surface.

[0030] According to the application, the slider block comprises a flat contact surface portion and a slit located below the flat contact surface portion. The flat contact surface portion is an inner surface portion of the recess. The slit reduces the stiffness of the flat surface. This allows improving the contact between the flat contact surface portion of the pin and the slider block. Similarly as described before, in the sense of the application, the flat contact surface portion refers to a surface portion which is flat when observed in a plane of a cross section which is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft, or in the case of a slider block, by the body of the slider block. Thereby, the recess of the slider block can have a "D" shape.

[0031] In some preferred embodiments, the slit is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation defined by the body of the slider block. This is particularly beneficial if the slider block is used in combination with a first end portion of a crankshaft, when the first end portion comprises a curved surface portion and the curved surface is curved along a direction parallel to the axis of the barrel of the slider block.

[0032] In some preferred embodiments, the slit is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation defined by the body of the slider block. This is particularly beneficial if the slider block is used in combination with a first end portion of a crankshaft, when the first end portion comprises a curved surface portion and the curved surface is curved along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the barrel of the slider block.

[0033] The person skilled in the art will understand that any configuration comprising a slit in the first end portion of the crankshaft and a slit in the slider block does not deviate from the current application, but is also included. Thus, further slits are possible. For example, the flat contact surface portion of the first end portion of the crankshaft can comprise a slit, while the flat contact surface portion of the slider block can also comprise a slit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] The following description and drawings detail certain illustrative aspects of the above-described system and method. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various embodiments can be employed and the described embodiments are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. It is specifically intended that the present applications be deemed not limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather that the claims be understood to include all possible embodiments that would be predetermined by the language of the claims. It is specifically intended that the applications be deemed not limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather that the claims be understood to include all such aspects and their equivalents. In particular, although the following drawings only show examples of embodiments of scroll compressors, the present application can be applied to any type of compressor.

[0035] In the drawings, like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout the different figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed on illustrating the principles of the application.

[0036] In the following description, various embodiments of the present application are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a scroll compressor according to the present application is shown.

[0038] Figure 2a 、 Figure 2b Detail views of (a) a first end portion of a crankshaft and a slider block according to the prior art and (b) an engagement of a flat contact surface portion of the first end portion of the crankshaft with a flat contact surface portion of the slider block, the flat contact surface portion of the slider block being curved in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft, are shown.

[0039] Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b Detail views of (a) a first end portion of a crankshaft and a slider block according to the present application and (b) an engagement of a flat contact surface portion of the first end portion of the crankshaft with a flat contact surface portion of the slider block, the flat contact surface portion of the slider block being curved in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft, are shown.

[0040] Figure 4a 、 Figure 4b Detail views of (a) a first end portion of a crankshaft and a slider block according to the present application and (b) an engagement of a flat contact surface portion of the first end portion of the crankshaft with a flat contact surface portion of the slider block, the flat contact surface portion of the slider block being curved in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft, are shown.

[0041] Figures 5a to 5f An embodiment example of a first end portion of a crankshaft according to the present application is shown, wherein the first end portion comprises a flat contact surface portion and a slit, the slit being oriented perpendicular to an axis of rotation defined by a body of the crankshaft.

[0042] Figure 6 An embodiment example of a first end portion of a crankshaft according to the present application is shown, wherein the first end portion comprises a flat contact surface portion and a slit, the slit being oriented parallel to an axis of rotation defined by a body of the crankshaft.

[0043] Figure 7a 、 Figure 7b An embodiment example of a slider block according to the present application is shown, wherein the slider block comprises a flat contact surface portion and a slit, the slit being (a) perpendicular to an axis of rotation defined by a crankshaft and (b) longitudinal to said axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the application can be practiced.

[0045] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations or designs.

[0046] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a scroll compressor according to the present application is shown. The compressor 100 comprises a housing 190 and a suction port 160 for receiving refrigerant. The compressor 100 compresses refrigerant in a compression chamber. Since the compressor 100 is a scroll compressor, the compression chamber is formed by a scroll set comprising a fixed scroll plate 155 and an orbiting scroll plate 150. After compression, the refrigerant will be discharged from a discharge port 170. The moving parts inside the compressor 100 are lubricated by lubricant provided by a lubricant sump 180.

[0047] The compressor 100 comprises a motor 105. The motor 105 is used to drive the compressor by agitating the compression chamber, in particular by causing an orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll plate 150. To achieve this, the compressor comprises a crankshaft 110. A part of the crankshaft 110 is connected to the motor 105.

[0048] During operation, the motor 105 causes a rotational motion of the crankshaft 110 about a rotational axis. The rotational motion is transferred from the crankshaft 110 into an orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll plate 150. The crankshaft 110 comprises a first end portion with a pin 115 extending longitudinally from the end portion of the crankshaft 110 relative to the rotational axis. The center of the pin 115 can be offset relative to the rotational axis.

[0049] The pin 115 engages a slider block 130. The slider block 130 has a cylindrical body and comprises a recess in the form of a bore, wherein the center of the bore is offset relative to the rotational axis. The pin 115 extends at least partially into the bore. The slider block 130 rotates about the rotational axis of the crankshaft and due to the offset, the slider block 130 also orbits about the rotational axis at the same time. The slider block 130 is located in a recess of the orbiting scroll plate 150. Said recess comprises a boundary. The boundary forms an approximately cylindrical recess with a slightly larger diameter than the diameter of the cylindrical slider block. Due to the cylindrical body, the slider block 130 can freely rotate within the recess of the orbiting scroll plate 150 without locking with the boundary and thus without transferring any rotational motion to the orbiting scroll plate 150. However, the orbiting motion of the slider block 130 causes a force against the boundary of the recess and thereby causes an orbiting motion of the orbiting scroll plate 150, but without any rotation.

[0050] The pin 115 engaging the slider block 130 comprises a slit 125 reducing the stiffness of a surface portion of the pin 115, wherein the surface portion is in contact with the slider block 130. This will be shown in further more detail below with reference to Figs. 3 and 4.

[0051] Figure 2a and Figure 2b Details of a crankshaft and slider block according to the present invention are shown in (a) an assembled state with a moving scroll plate and (b) an exploded view.

[0052] Figure 2a The pin 115 of the first end portion of the crankshaft 110, the slider block 130 and the moving scroll plate 150 in an assembled state are shown in more detail. The slider block 130 is located in a recess on the back side of the moving scroll plate 150 and the pin 115 of the first end portion of the crankshaft 110 is located in a recess or opening 135 of the slider block 130. When the crankshaft 110 rotates, the pin 115 also rotates and transmits the movement to the slider block 130. As can be observed in the exploded view in Figure 2b Since the slider block 130 generally has a cylindrical outer surface, the slider block 130 can rotate within the recess of the moving scroll plate 150 without transmitting the rotational movement to the moving scroll plate 150. Since the center of the bore of the slider block 130 is offset with respect to the rotation axis of the crankshaft 110 when the slider block 130 and the pin 115 are assembled, the slider block 130 also performs a wobble movement around the rotation axis which is transmitted to the moving scroll plate.

[0053] Figure 3a and Figure 3b is (a) a detail view of a first end portion of a crankshaft and a slider block according to the present invention and (b) a detail view of the engagement of a flat contact surface portion of the first end portion of the crankshaft with a flat contact surface portion of the slider block, the contact surface portion of the slider block being curved in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis defined by the crankshaft.

[0054] In Figure 3a , a crankshaft 210 and a slider block 230 according to the prior art are shown. The crankshaft 210 comprises a first end portion with a pin 215 having a flat contact surface portion 215a. Furthermore, the crankshaft 210 comprises a lubricant supply channel 220 for providing lubricant from a lubricant reservoir to the upper crankshaft portion, the slider block 230 and the moving scroll plate. The lubricant supply channel 220 is an optional element, but it improves the lubricant supply and reduces the wear between the moving elements.

[0055] The slider block 230 comprises a recess in the form of a bore and a flat contact surface portion 230a at an inner portion of the bore, which is curved in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft. As already described before, the surface portion 230a is still flat in the sense that it is flat when viewed in a cross-section along a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft 210. When the pin 215 is at least partially placed within the bore of the slider block 230, the flat contact surface portion 215a of the pin 215 and the surface portion 230a of the slider block 230 engage with each other and form a contact surface. Preferably, the surface 230a can be curved in a convex manner as shown in Figure 3a

[0056] When the crankshaft 210 rotates, the pin 215 is pushed against the surface portion 230a of the slider block 230 as shown in Figure 3b Consequently, the surface 230a is curved for compensating manufacturing defects and forms a mating contact with the flat contact surface portion 215a of the pin 215.

[0057] However, curving the surface portion 230a reduces the contact area between the contact surfaces as can be observed in Figure 3b Figure 3b A detail view of the flat contact surface portion 215a and the surface portion 230a of the slider block is shown. This small contact area between the contact surfaces increases the wear between the crankshaft 210 and the slider block 230, thereby reducing the durability and lifetime of the compressor.

[0058] Figure 4a and Figure 4b A detail view of (a) a first end portion of a crankshaft and a slider block according to the present application and (b) the engagement of a flat contact surface portion of the first end portion of the crankshaft with a flat contact surface portion of the slider block, which is curved in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft, is shown.

[0059] In Figure 4a the crankshaft 310 comprises a first end portion with a pin 315 having a flat contact surface portion 315a. Furthermore, the crankshaft comprises a lubricant supply channel 320, which is also optional. According to the present application, the pin 315 comprises a slit 325 below the flat contact surface portion 315a. The slit 325 locally reduces the stiffness of the material, in particular of the material of the crankshaft pin between the flat contact surface portion 315a and the slit 325, as the material can bend into the slit 325 when a pressure acts on the flat contact surface portion 315a.

[0060] ​​Figure 4b A detail view of the contact between the flat contact surface portion 315a and the surface portion 330a of the slider block 330 is shown, the surface portion 330a of the slider block 330 is curved in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis defined by the crankshaft. Under pressure, the flat contact surface portion 315a of the pin 315 is pushed against the surface portion 330a of the slider block 330. The pressure at the contact area and the reduced stiffness of the material between the flat contact surface portion 315a and the slit 325 causes the flat contact surface portion 315a to bend into the slit 325. This increases the contact area between the bent flat contact surface portion 315a and the surface portion 330a of the slider block 330a. The increased contact area reduces wear and increases the durability and lifetime of the compressor.

[0061] Figures 5a to 5f An embodiment example of a first end portion of a crankshaft according to the present invention is shown, wherein the first end portion comprises a slit, the slit is oriented perpendicular to a rotational axis defined by a body of the crankshaft.

[0062] In Figure 5a the embodiment example depicted in , a crankshaft 410 with a first end portion and a pin 415 is shown. The crankshaft 410 comprises an optional lubricant supply channel 420. The pin 415 comprises a flat contact surface portion 415a. A slit 425 is created by cutting a recess into the pin 415 from the top of the crankshaft pin 415. Thereafter, the recess is closed at the top with an insert 430.

[0063] In Figure 5b the embodiment example depicted in , a crankshaft 510 with a pin 515 is shown. The crankshaft 510 comprises an optional lubricant supply channel 520. The pin 515 comprises a flat contact surface portion 515a. A slit 525 is created by forming a recess in the pin at the location of the slit 525 and placing an insert 530 on top of the slit 525. The insert 530 comprises the flat contact surface portion 515a.

[0064] In Figure 5c the embodiment example depicted in , a crankshaft 610 with a first end portion and a pin 615 is shown. The crankshaft 610 comprises an optional lubricant supply channel 620. The pin 615 comprises a flat contact surface portion 615a. A slit 625 is created by placing an insert 630 on a side of the pin 615, wherein the insert comprises a recess on a back side of the insert and a flat contact surface portion 615a on a front side of the insert, the recess forms the slit 625.

[0065] The skilled person will understand that the slit can also be formed by a recess in the pin of the crankshaft in combination with a recess on the backside of an insert placed over the recess of the pin.

[0066] In the embodiment example depicted in Figure 5d In the embodiment example depicted in Figure 5a Compared to the embodiment example depicted in

[0067] Figure 5e The embodiment example depicted in is similar to the embodiment example depicted in Figure 5d However, the bar does not separate the two slits over the entire height of the slit, wherein the height refers to the extension of the slit in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the crankshaft. For example, as Figure 5e depicted in, the bar separates the slit in regions 825a and 825c, but not in region 825b. Such a configuration can be used in case the bar would create too much stiffness, but a slit extending through the entire thickness of the pin would create too much instability.

[0068] In the embodiment example depicted in Figure 5f In the embodiment example depicted in Figure 5d Compared to the embodiment example depicted in

[0069] In the embodiment example depicted in Figures 5a to 5f In the embodiment example of, the slits 425, 525, 625, 725, 825, 925 are all oriented perpendicular to the rotation axis of the respective crankshaft.

[0070] Figure 6 An embodiment example of a first end portion of a crankshaft according to the present application is shown, wherein the first end portion comprises a slit, which is oriented parallel to a rotation axis defined by a body of the crankshaft.

[0071] InFigure 6 In the depicted embodiment example, a crankshaft 1010 is shown having a first end portion and a pin 1015. The crankshaft 1010 includes an optional lubricant supply channel 1020. The pin 1015 includes a flat contact surface portion 1015a. A slit 1025 is created by cutting a slit in the pin from the top of the pin.

[0072] In Figure 6 In the depicted embodiment example, the slit 1025 extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the crankshaft 1010.

[0073] Figure 7a And Figure 7b An embodiment example of a slider block according to the present invention is shown, wherein the slider block includes a slit that is (a) perpendicular to an axis of rotation defined by a crankshaft and (b) longitudinal with respect to said axis.

[0074] Figure 7a An embodiment example of a slider block 1130 is shown. The slider block 1130 includes a cylindrical body having a recess in the form of a bore 1135. The bore 1135 extends from the top to the bottom of the cylindrical body. In some examples, the bore need not extend along the entire height of the cylindrical body. The bore 1130 includes a flat contact surface portion 1135a for locking with a corresponding surface of a crankshaft pin when the pin is at least partially placed inside the bore 1135. The slider block 1130 includes a slit 1140 below the flat contact surface portion 1135a. The slit 1140 is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder of the cylindrical body of the slider block 1130.

[0075] Figure 7b An embodiment example of a slider block 1230 is shown. The slider block 1230 includes a cylindrical body having a bore 1235. The bore 1235 extends from the top to the bottom of the cylindrical body. In some examples, the bore need not extend along the entire height of the cylindrical body. The bore 1230 includes a flat contact surface portion 1235a for locking with a corresponding surface of a crankshaft pin when the pin is at least partially placed inside the bore 1235. The slider block 1230 includes a slit 1240 below the flat contact surface portion 1235a. The slit 1240 is oriented parallel to the axis of the cylinder of the cylindrical body of the slider block 1230.

[0076] What has been described above includes examples of one or more implementations. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned implementations, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of various implementations are possible. Accordingly, the described implementations are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for use in a scroll compressor (100), the system comprising: a crankshaft (110) having a first end portion (115), wherein the crankshaft (110) defines an axis of rotation; a slider block (130) having a recess, wherein the first end portion (115) of the crankshaft (110) and the recess in the slider block (130) are configured for connecting the slider block (130) to the first end portion (115); wherein the first end portion (115) of the crankshaft (110) comprises a first contact surface portion and the recess of the slider block (130) comprises a second contact surface portion, wherein the first and second contact surface portions are defined by a portion of a surface that is flat in a plane of a cross-section oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft, and wherein the first and second contact surface portions face each other when the first end portion (115) of the crankshaft (110) is connected to the slider block (130), characterized in that the contact surface portion of the crankshaft (110) comprises a slit (125) below the contact surface portion, wherein the slit (125) is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft; and the contact surface portion of the slider block (130) is curved in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation defined by the crankshaft (110).

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, the curved contact surface portion of the slider block (130) has a convex surface portion.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein, an outer surface of the slider block (130) is a cylindrical shell surface.

4. The system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, the first end portion (115) of the crankshaft (110) comprises a protruding element extending longitudinally from the first end portion (115) of the crankshaft (110) with respect to the axis of rotation and an insert (530, 630) attached to the first end portion, and wherein the slit (125) is formed between the first end portion (115) and the insert (530, 630).

5. The system of claim 4, wherein, at least the protruding element or the insert (530, 630) comprises a recess for forming the slit (125) when the insert (530, 630) is attached to the protruding element.

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