Compressor with compliant seal

Abstract

A compressor can include a housing, a first scroll member and a second scroll member, a floating seal, a sound attenuation plate, and a wear ring. The housing defines a discharge chamber and a suction chamber. The floating seal can sealingly engage the second scroll member. The sound attenuation plate defines the discharge chamber and the suction chamber. The wear ring can sealingly engage the sound attenuation plate and the floating seal such that the wear ring, the sound attenuation plate, and the floating seal fluidly isolate the discharge chamber from the suction chamber. The sound attenuation plate can include an axial facing surface that contacts the wear ring. The axial facing surface can include an annular recess. The wear ring can at least partially cover the annular recess. The annular recess can provide a gap between the sound attenuation plate and the wear ring to allow the wear ring to deflect relative to the sound attenuation plate during operation of the compressor.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 883,323, filed May 26, 2020. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to compressors having compliant seals. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides background information relating to this disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Heat pump systems, air conditioning systems, and other working fluid circulation systems may include a fluid loop having an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device disposed between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, and a compressor that circulates a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant or carbon dioxide) between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. Efficient and reliable operation of the compressor is desirable to ensure that the heat pump system equipped with the compressor can effectively and efficiently provide cooling and / or heating effects as needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This section provides a general overview of this disclosure, rather than a full disclosure of the entire scope or all features of this disclosure.

[0007] This disclosure provides a compressor that may include a housing, a first scroll member, a second scroll member, a floating seal, a silencing plate, and a wear ring / wear-resistant ring. The housing defines a discharge chamber and a suction chamber. The first scroll member is disposed within the housing and includes a first end plate and a first helical scroll extending from the first end plate. The second scroll member is disposed within the housing and includes a second end plate and a second helical scroll extending from the second end plate and engaging with the first helical scroll in an engaging manner. The floating seal may sealably engage the second scroll member. The silencing plate defines the discharge chamber and the suction chamber. The wear ring may sealably engage the silencing plate and the floating seal such that the wear ring, the silencing plate, and the floating seal fluidly isolate the discharge chamber from the suction chamber. The silencing plate may include an axially facing surface that contacts the wear ring. The axially facing surface may include an annular recess formed in the axially facing surface. The wear ring may at least partially cover the annular recess. The annular recess may provide a gap between the silencing plate and the wear ring to allow the wear ring to resiliently deflect relative to the silencing plate during operation of the compressor.

[0008] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the floating seal contacts a radially intermediate portion of the wear ring that is disposed radially between a radially innermost edge of the annular recess and a radially outermost edge of the annular recess.

[0009] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or both of the preceding paragraphs, the wear ring extends radially across the annular recess such that the axially facing surface contacts the wear ring at a first location disposed radially inboard relative to the annular recess and at a second location disposed radially outboard relative to the annular recess.

[0010] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion of the wear ring are formed of a first material, and the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring is formed of a second material different from the first material.

[0011] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the second material is more flexible than the first material.

[0012] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the wear ring includes an annular recess defined by the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring.

[0013] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the axially facing surface of the noise baffle contacts the wear ring at a location disposed radially outboard relative to the annular recess.

[0014] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the radially central portion of the wear ring and the radially inner portion of the wear ring are aligned with the annular recess such that the radially central portion and the radially inner portion of the wear ring are not supported by the noise baffle.

[0015] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the axially facing surface of the noise baffle contacts the wear ring at a location disposed radially inboard relative to the annular recess.

[0016] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the radially central portion of the wear ring and the radially outer portion of the wear ring are aligned with the annular recess such that the radially central portion and the radially outer portion of the wear ring are not supported by the noise baffle.

[0017] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the wear ring includes an annular recess defined by the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring.

[0018] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the annular recess in the wear ring is formed in a first side of the wear ring opposite a second side of the wear ring. The floating seal contacts the second side of the wear ring.

[0019] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring is formed of the same material as the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion of the wear ring.

[0020] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring is thinner than the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion of the wear ring.

[0021] In another form, the present disclosure provides a compressor that can include a housing, a first scroll member, a second scroll member, a floating seal, a noise baffle, and a wear ring. The housing defines a discharge chamber and a suction chamber. The first scroll member is disposed within the housing and includes a first end plate and a first spiral wrap extending from the first end plate. The second scroll member is disposed within the housing and includes a second end plate and a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate and meshingly engaged with the first spiral wrap. The floating seal can sealingly engage the second scroll member. The noise baffle defines the discharge chamber and the suction chamber. The wear ring can sealingly engage the noise baffle and the floating seal such that the wear ring, the noise baffle, and the floating seal fluidly isolate the discharge chamber from the suction chamber. The noise baffle can include an axially facing surface that contacts the wear ring. A radially inner portion and a radially outer portion of the wear ring can be formed of a first material, and a radially intermediate portion of the wear ring can be formed of a second material different from the first material.

[0022] In some configurations of the compressor of the above paragraph, the axially facing surface includes an annular recess formed therein.

[0023] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the wear ring at least partially covers the annular recess. The annular recess provides a gap between the noise baffle and the wear ring to allow the wear ring to elastically deflect relative to the noise baffle during operation of the compressor.

[0024] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the radially intermediate portion is radially aligned with the annular recess in the noise baffle.

[0025] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the floating seal contacts the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring.

[0026] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the radially intermediate portion is recessed from the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion of the wear ring.

[0027] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the radially intermediate portion is recessed from the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion of the wear ring in a first side of the wear ring opposite a second side of the wear ring. The floating seal can contact the second side of the wear ring.

[0028] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the radially intermediate portion is recessed from the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion of the wear ring in a second side of the wear ring.

[0029] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the radially inner portion, the radially outer portion, and the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring contact an axially facing surface of the muffling plate.

[0030] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the second material is more flexible than the first material.

[0031] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring is thinner than the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion of the wear ring.

[0032] In another form, the present disclosure provides a compressor that can include a housing, a first scroll member, a second scroll member, a floating seal, a muffling plate, and a wear ring. The housing defines a discharge chamber and a suction chamber. The first scroll member is disposed within the housing and includes a first end plate and a first spiral wrap extending from the first end plate. The second scroll member is disposed within the housing and includes a second end plate and a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate and meshingly engaged with the first spiral wrap. The floating seal sealingly engages the second scroll member. The muffling plate defines the discharge chamber and the suction chamber. The wear ring sealingly engages the muffling plate and the floating seal such that the wear ring, the muffling plate, and the floating seal fluidly isolate the discharge chamber from the suction chamber. The muffling plate can include an axially facing surface that contacts the wear ring. A radially intermediate portion of the wear ring can define an annular recess in the wear ring.

[0033] In some configurations of the compressor of the above paragraph, the floating seal contacts the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring.

[0034] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion of the wear ring are formed of a first material, and the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring is formed of a second material different from the first material.

[0035] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the second material is more flexible than the first material.

[0036] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the annular recess in the wear ring is formed in a first side of the wear ring opposite a second side of the wear ring. The floating seal can contact the second side of the wear ring.

[0037] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, a radially intermediate portion of the wear ring is thinner than a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion of the wear ring.

[0038] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the axially facing surface of the sound board defines a further annular recess at least partially radially aligned with the annular recess in the wear ring.

[0039] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the wear ring extends radially over the entire annular recess in the sound board such that the axially facing surface contacts the wear ring at a first location disposed radially inboard relative to the annular recess and at a second location disposed radially outboard relative to the annular recess.

[0040] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected implementations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a compressor according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sound board, wear ring, and floating seal assembly of the compressor of

[0044] Figure 3 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the sound board, wear ring, and floating seal assembly of

[0045] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of another portion of a sound board, wear ring, and floating seal assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 5is a cross-sectional view of yet another muffler plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly portion according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of yet another muffler plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly portion according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of yet another muffler plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly portion according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of yet another muffler plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly portion according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of yet another muffler plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly portion according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of yet another muffler plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly portion according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of yet another muffler plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly portion according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of yet another muffler plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly portion according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of yet another muffler plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly portion according to the principles of the present disclosure; and

[0055] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of yet another muffler plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly portion according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0056] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Example implementations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] The provision of these example implementations makes the disclosure fully transparent, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example implementations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific details referred to in this description are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, and that the example implementations can be practiced with or without many of the specific details given. In some example implementations, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure.

[0059] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including" and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order in which they are described unless specifically indicated as being order dependent. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps can be employed.

[0060] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in the same way (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0061] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second" and other numerical terms when used herein do not permit a sequential or chronological implication, unless explicitly stated otherwise within the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

[0062] For ease of description, spatial relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, can be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature depicted in the drawings. The spatial relative terms can encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, than depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatial relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0063] Referring to Figure 1 A compressor 26 is provided that can include a seal housing assembly 36, a first bearing housing assembly 38, a second bearing housing assembly 39, a motor assembly 40, a drive shaft 41, a compression mechanism 42, and a floating seal assembly 44. The compressor 26 can compress and circulate a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) throughout a vapor compression system, for example.

[0064] The housing assembly 36 can form a compressor housing and can include a cylindrical housing 54, an end cover 56 at an upper end of the cylindrical housing 54, a laterally extending muffling plate (or bulkhead) 58, and a base 60 at a lower end of the cylindrical housing 54. The end cover 56 and the muffling plate 58 can define a discharge chamber 62. The muffling plate 58 can separate the discharge chamber 62 from a suction chamber 63. The muffling plate 58 can include a wear ring 64 and a discharge passage 65 through the wear ring 64 to provide communication between the compression mechanism 42 and the discharge chamber 62. The discharge fitting 46 can be attached to the housing assembly 36 at an opening 66 in the end cover 56. A discharge valve assembly 48 can be disposed within the discharge fitting 46 and can substantially prevent reverse flow conditions. The suction inlet fitting 50 can be attached to the housing assembly 36 at an opening 68.

[0065] The first bearing housing assembly 38 can be fixed relative to the outer shell 54 and can include a main bearing housing 70, a first bearing 72, a sleeve guide or bushing 74, and a fastener 76. The main bearing housing 70 can house the first bearing 72 therein and can define an annular planar thrust bearing surface 78 on an axial end surface of the main bearing housing 70. The main bearing housing 70 can include an aperture 80 that receives the fastener assembly 76. The second bearing housing assembly 39 can be fixed relative to the outer shell 54 and can include a lower bearing housing 71 and a second bearing 73.

[0066] The motor assembly 40 can include a motor stator 82 and a rotor 84. The motor stator 82 can be press-fit into the outer shell 54. The rotor 84 can be press-fit on the drive shaft 41 and can transmit rotational power to the drive shaft 41. The drive shaft 41 can be rotatably supported within the first bearing housing assembly 38 and the second bearing housing assembly 39. The drive shaft 41 can include a concentric portion 87 and an eccentric crank pin 88 having a planar surface thereon. The first bearing 72 and the second bearing 73 can support (i.e., contact) the concentric portion 87 of the drive shaft 41 for rotation relative to the outer shell assembly 36.

[0067] The compression mechanism 42 can include a moving scroll 92 and a stationary scroll 94. The moving scroll 92 can include an end plate 96 having a spiral wrap 98 on an upper surface thereof and an annular planar thrust surface 100 on a lower surface. The thrust surface 100 can be engaged with the annular planar thrust bearing surface 78 located on the main bearing housing 70. A cylindrical hub 102 can protrude downward from the thrust surface 100 and can include a drive bushing 104 disposed in the thrust surface 100. The drive bushing 104 can receive the crank pin 88. The planar surface of the crank pin 88 can drivingly engage a planar surface in a portion of an inner bore of the drive bushing 104 to provide a radially compliant drive arrangement. A cross slide coupling 106 can be engaged with the moving scroll 92 and the stationary scroll 94 to prevent relative rotation between the moving scroll 92 and the stationary scroll 94.

[0068] The stationary scroll 94 can include an end plate 108 and a spiral wrap 110 protruding downward from the end plate 108. The spiral wrap 110 can meshingly engage the spiral wrap 98 of the moving scroll 92, thereby creating a series of moving fluid cavities. The fluid cavities defined by the spiral wraps 98, 110 can decrease in volume as the fluid cavities move from a radially outer position (at suction pressure), to a radially intermediate position (at intermediate pressure), to a radially inner position (at discharge pressure) throughout a compression cycle of the compression mechanism 42.

[0069] The end plate 108 can include a discharge passage 112, a discharge recess 114, an intermediate passage 116, and an annular recess 118. The discharge passage 112 communicates with one of the fluid cavities located at a radially inner position and allows the flow of compressed working fluid (at discharge pressure) through the discharge recess 114 and into the discharge chamber 62. The intermediate passage 116 can provide communication between one of the fluid cavities located at a radially intermediate position and the annular recess 118. The annular recess 118 can surround and can be generally concentric with the discharge recess 114. The annular recess 118 can include an inner surface 119 and an outer surface 121.

[0070] The annular recess 118 can at least partially receive the seal assembly 44 and can cooperate with the seal assembly 44 to define an axial bias chamber 120 between the annular recess 118 and the seal assembly 44. The bias chamber 120 receives fluid from the fluid cavity located at the intermediate position through the intermediate passage 116. The pressure difference between the intermediate pressure fluid in the bias chamber 120 and the fluid in the suction chamber 63 exerts a net axial biasing force on the stationary scroll 94, urging the stationary scroll 94 toward the orbiting scroll 92. In this manner, the tips of the spiral wraps 110 of the stationary scroll 94 are urged into sealing engagement with the end plate 96 of the orbiting scroll 92, and the end plate 108 of the stationary scroll 94 is urged into sealing engagement with the tips of the spiral wraps 98 of the orbiting scroll 92.

[0071] Referring now to Figure 2 The floating seal assembly 44 can include an annular base plate 122, a first annular seal member 124, and a second annular seal member 126. The annular base plate 122 can be a generally disc-shaped member having a plurality of axially extending tabs 130. The first annular seal member 124 can include a plurality of apertures 134 and a lip portion 136 that sealingly engages the wear ring 64. The second annular seal member 126 can include a plurality of apertures 138, an inner portion 140 that extends generally upwardly, and an outer portion 142 that extends generally outwardly and downwardly. The inner portion 140 can sealingly engage the inner surface 119 of the annular recess 118, and the outer portion 142 can sealingly engage the outer surface 121 of the annular recess 118.

[0072] Each of the plurality of axially extending protrusions 130 of the annular base plate 122 can be received in a corresponding orifice 134 in the first annular sealing member 124 and a corresponding orifice 138 in the second annular sealing member 126. The end 144 of the protrusion 130 can be forged or otherwise deformed to secure the first annular sealing member 124 and the second annular sealing member 126 to the annular base plate 122. In some configurations, additional or alternative means may be employed to secure the first annular sealing member 124 to the annular base plate 122, for example, by threaded fasteners and / or by welding.

[0073] It will be understood that the floating seal assembly 44 may be constructed in a manner different from the floating seal assembly shown in the above description and figures. For example, the floating seal assembly may be similar to or the same as the seal assembly disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0010944, which is jointly owned by the applicant and whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

[0074] The wear ring 64 may be an annular, disc-shaped component surrounding the discharge passage 65 in the muffler 58. The wear ring 64 is axially positioned between the muffler 58 and the sealing assembly 44. The wear ring 64 may sealably engage the muffler 58 and the sealing assembly 44 to seal (or fluidly isolate) the discharge chamber 62 relative to the intake chamber 63.

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, the wear ring 64 includes a first axial facing surface 150 and a second axial facing surface 152 opposite to the first axial facing surface 150. The first axial facing surface 150 of the wear ring 64 can sealably contact the annular axial facing surface 154 of the muffler 58. The second axial facing surface 152 of the wear ring 64 can sealably contact the distal tip of the lip portion 136 of the sealing assembly 44.

[0076] An annular recess or protrusion 156 may be formed in the surface 154 of the sound-absorbing plate 58. Figures 1 to 3 In the configuration shown, the wear ring 64 covers the annular recess 156. That is, the inner diameter surface (or radial innermost edge) 158 of the wear ring 64 is radially inner relative to the inner diameter surface (or radial innermost edge) 160 of the recess 156, and the outer diameter surface (or radial outermost edge) 162 of the wear ring 64 is radially outer relative to the outer diameter surface (or radial outermost edge) 164 of the recess 156. In other words, Figures 1 to 3The illustrated wear ring 64 is supported by the surface 154 of the muffling plate 58 at a first location 166 adjacent to the inner diameter surface 158 of the wear ring 64 and at a second location 168 adjacent to the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64. A radially central portion 170 of the wear ring 64 can be radially aligned with the recess 156. In other words, the radially central portion 170 of the wear ring 64 can not be supported by the muffling plate 58 to allow deflection of the wear ring 64.

[0077] The lip portion 136 of the seal assembly 44 can contact the second axially facing surface 152 of the wear ring 64 at a location 172 (e.g., a location radially aligned with the radially central portion 170 of the wear ring 64) between the inner diameter surface 160 and the outer diameter surface 164 of the recess 156 in the radial direction. The recess 156 allows for a certain amount of compliance of the wear ring 64. That is, during operation of the compressor 26, the fluid pressure within the biasing chamber 120 can push the seal assembly 44 axially against the wear ring 64, and the seal assembly 44 can elastically deflect the wear ring 64 into the recess 156.

[0078] This compliance or deflection of the wear ring 64 allows for a sufficient seal to be maintained between the lip portion 136 of the seal assembly 44 and the wear ring 64 and between the wear ring 64 and the muffling plate 58. The compliance of the wear ring 64 into the recess 156 is particularly beneficial when the surface 154 of the muffling plate 58, the wear ring 64, and / or the seal assembly 44 become deformed due to the compressor assembly process (e.g., staking, rail forming, welding, etc.) and / or due to the pressures and forces experienced by these components during operation of the compressor 26. The compliance of the wear ring 64 can reduce or prevent leaks between the muffling plate 58 and the wear ring 64 and between the wear ring 64 and the seal assembly 44.

[0079] The depth of the recess 156, the radial extent of the recess 156 (i.e., the radial distance between the inner diameter surface 160 and the outer diameter surface 164 of the recess 156), the radial distance between the diameter surfaces 158, 160, the radial distance between the diameter surfaces 162, 164, the exact location of the contact point between the seal assembly 44 and the wear ring 64 relative to the recess 156, the material of the wear ring 64, and / or the thickness of the wear ring 64 can be determined and selected (e.g., through testing and / or finite element analysis) to achieve a desired amount of deflection of the wear ring 64 for a given application. As an example, in some configurations, the depth of the recess 156 can be approximately 150 microns.

[0080] While the foregoing has described what is considered to be the best mode of the application, it is understood that various modifications can be made therein and that the generic principles and features described can be applied to other applications and designs without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Figures 1 to 3The configuration shown in FIG. 1 includes a recess 156 formed in the muffling plate 58 and a generally flat wear ring 64, but in some configurations the surface 154 of the muffling plate 58 can be generally flat and the first axially facing surface 150 of the wear ring 64 can include an annular recess to allow deflection of the wear ring 64.

[0081] Referring now to Figure 4 , an alternative muffling plate 258 is provided that can be incorporated into the compressor 26 in place of the muffling plate 58. The structure and function of the muffling plate 258 can be similar or identical to that of the muffling plate 58 except for the differences described below.

[0082] The muffling plate 258 can include a discharge passage 265 (similar to the discharge passage 65) and an annular axially facing surface 354 that surrounds the discharge passage 265 and sealingly contacts the first axially facing surface 150 of the wear ring 64. An annular recess 356 can be formed in the surface 354. An inner diameter surface 360 of the recess 356 can be disposed radially between the inner diameter surface 158 and the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64. The recess 356 can extend radially outwardly from the inner diameter surface 360 of the recess 356 beyond the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64. In this manner, Figure 4 The wear ring 64 shown can be supported by the surface 354 of the muffling plate 258 only at a first location 366 adjacent to the inner diameter surface 158 of the wear ring 64 (i.e., the first location 366 is spaced radially from the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64). The radially central portion 170 and the radially outer portion 171 of the wear ring 64 can be radially aligned with the recess 156. In other words, the radially central portion 170 and the radially outer portion 171 of the wear ring 64 can not be supported by the muffling plate 258 to allow deflection of the wear ring 64. The lip portion 136 of the seal assembly 44 can contact the second axially facing surface 152 of the wear ring 64 at a location radially outwardly relative to the inner diameter surface 360 of the recess 356.

[0083] Referring now to Figure 5 , another alternative muffling plate 458 is provided that can be incorporated into the compressor 26 in place of the muffling plate 58. The structure and function of the muffling plate 458 can be similar or identical to that of the muffling plate 58 except for the differences described below.

[0084] The muffler 458 may include an exhaust channel 465 (similar to exhaust channel 65) and an annular axial facing surface 554, which surrounds the exhaust channel 465 and sealably contacts the first axial facing surface 150 of the wear ring 64. An annular recess 556 may be formed in the surface 554. The outer diameter surface 564 of the recess 556 may be radially disposed between the inner diameter surface 158 and the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64. The recess 556 may extend radially inward from the outer diameter surface 564 of the recess 556 beyond the inner diameter surface 158 of the wear ring 64. In this way, Figure 5 The wear ring 64 shown may be supported by the surface 554 of the silencing plate 458 only at a position 568 adjacent to the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64 (i.e., position 568 is radially spaced from the inner diameter surface 158 of the wear ring 64). The radially central portion 170 and the radially inner portion 173 of the wear ring 64 may be radially aligned with the recess 556. In other words, the radially central portion 170 and the radially inner portion 173 of the wear ring 64 may not be supported by the silencing plate 458 to allow deflection of the wear ring 64. The lip portion 136 of the sealing assembly 44 may contact the second axial facing surface 152 of the wear ring 64 at a position radially inward relative to the outer diameter surface 564 of the recess 556.

[0085] Now refer to Figure 6 An alternative muffler 658 is provided, which can be incorporated into the compressor 26 in place of muffler 58. Except for any differences described below, the structure and function of muffler 658 may be similar to or the same as those of muffler 58.

[0086] The muffler 658 may include an exhaust channel 665 (similar to exhaust channel 665) and an annular axial facing surface 754, the annular axial facing surface 754 surrounding the exhaust channel 665 and sealingly contacting the first axial facing surface 150 of the wear ring 64. An annular recess 756 may be formed in the surface 754. The recess 756 may have a curved, concave cross-section. The cross-section of the recess 756 may, for example, be generally U-shaped.

[0087] exist Figure 6 In the configuration shown, the wear ring 64 covers the annular recess 756. That is, the inner diameter surface 158 of the wear ring 64 is disposed radially inner relative to the innermost radial edge 760 of the recess 756, and the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64 is disposed radially outer relative to the outermost radial edge 764 of the recess 756. In other words, Figure 6The illustrated wear ring 64 is supported by the surface 754 of the sound attenuation plate 658 at a first location 766 between the inner diameter surface 158 of the wear ring 64 and the radially innermost edge 760 of the recess 756 and at a second location 768 between the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64 and the radially outermost edge 764 of the recess 756. The radially central portion 170 of the wear ring 64 can be radially aligned with the recess 756. In other words, the radially central portion 170 of the wear ring 64 can not be supported by the sound attenuation plate 658 to allow for deflection of the wear ring 64. The lip portion 136 of the seal assembly 44 can contact the second axially facing surface 152 of the wear ring 64 at a location 172 (e.g., a location radially aligned with the radially central portion 170 of the wear ring 64) that is radially between the radially innermost edge 760 and the radially outermost edge 764 of the recess 756.

[0088] Figure 7 Yet another alternative sound attenuation plate 858 is depicted that can be incorporated into the compressor 26 in place of the sound attenuation plate 58. The structure and function of the sound attenuation plate 858 can be similar or identical to that of the sound attenuation plates 58, 658, except for the differences described below. The sound attenuation plate 858 includes a recess 956 that can be similar or identical to the recesses 156, 756, except that the cross-sectional shape of the recess 956 is generally V-shaped (i.e., the recess 956 is defined by generally flat, angled surfaces 957, 959). The lip portion 136 of the seal assembly 44 can be generally aligned with the intersection 961 of the surfaces 957, 959.

[0089] Figure 8 Yet another alternative sound attenuation plate 1058 is depicted that can be incorporated into the compressor 26 in place of the sound attenuation plate 58. The structure and function of the sound attenuation plate 1058 can be similar or identical to that of the sound attenuation plates 58, 658, 858, except for the differences described below. The sound attenuation plate 1058 includes a recess 1156 that can be similar or identical to the recesses 156, 756, 956, except that the cross-sectional shape of the recess 1156 is defined by an inner diameter surface 1160 and a generally flat, angled surface 1161. The lip portion 136 of the seal assembly 44 can be generally aligned with the angled surface 1161 in the radial direction.

[0090] Reference is now made to Figure 9, alternative muffling plate 1258 and alternative wear ring 1264 can be incorporated into compressor 26 in place of muffling plate 58 and wear ring 64. Structure and function of muffling plate 1258 can be similar or identical to structure and function of muffling plate 58 (e.g., muffling plate 1258 has a discharge passage 1365 and a recess 1356 that can be similar or identical to discharge passage 65 and recesses 156, 356, 556, 756, 956, 1156).

[0091] Structure and function of wear ring 1264 can be similar or identical to structure and function of wear ring 64, except that wear ring 1264 is a dual-material wear ring 1264 having a radial middle portion 1266 formed of a different material than a radial inner portion 1268 and a radial outer portion 1270 of wear ring 1264. In some configurations, radial inner portion 1268 and radial outer portion 1270 can be formed of a first material (e.g., a first metallic material), and radial middle portion 1266 can be formed of a second material (e.g., a second metallic material, a polymeric material, or a composite material). The second material can be a material that is softer and / or more flexible compared to the first material. Radial middle portion 1266 can be disposed, partially or entirely, radially between an inner diameter surface 1360 and an outer diameter surface 1364 (or innermost edge and outermost edge) of recess 1356. Lip portion 136 of seal assembly 44 can contact radial middle portion 1266 of wear ring 1264. Radial middle portion 1266 formed of a more flexible material allows for a greater amount of deflection.

[0092] Figure 10 Another alternative wear ring 1464 is depicted that can be incorporated into compressor 26 in place of wear ring 64. While Figure 10 Wear ring 1464 is shown in combination with muffling plate 1258, but wear ring 1464 can be used in combination with any of the above-described muffling plates 58, 258, 458, 658, 858, 1058, 1258.

[0093] Wear ring 1464 may be similar to or the same as wear ring 1264, except that the radially intermediate portion 1466 of wear ring 1464 may be thinner than the radially inner portion 1468 and the radially outer portion 1470 of wear ring 1464. Similar to the radially intermediate portion 1266 described above, the radially intermediate portion 1466 may be formed of a different (e.g., softer or more flexible) material than the radially inner portion 1468 and the radially outer portion 1470 of wear ring 1464. Although in some configurations, the radially intermediate portion 1466 may be formed of the same material as the radially inner portion 1468 and the radially outer portion 1470 of wear ring 1464. The radially intermediate portion 1466 may be partially or completely radially positioned between the inner diameter surface 1360 and the outer diameter surface 1364 (or the innermost edge and the outermost edge) of recess 1356.

[0094] The lip portion 136 of the sealing assembly 44 can contact the radial intermediate portion 1466 of the wear ring 1464. The thinner radial intermediate portion 1466, formed of a more flexible material, allows for a greater amount of deflection.

[0095] exist Figure 10 In the configuration shown, the first surface 1472 of the radial intermediate portion 1466 is recessed below the first side portions of the radial inner portion 1468 and the radial outer portion 1470, and the second surface 1474 of the radial intermediate portion 1466 is recessed above the second side portions of the radial inner portion 1468 and the radial outer portion 1470. That is, the radial intermediate portion 1466 may define a first recess and a second recess in opposite sides of the wear ring 1464. In some configurations, one side of the radial intermediate portion 1466 may be flush with one side of the radial inner portion 1468 and the radial outer portion 1470.

[0096] Figure 11 An alternative wear ring 1664 is depicted, which can replace wear ring 64 and be incorporated into compressor 26. Although Figure 11 The wear ring 1664 shown is combined with the muffler 1258, but the wear ring 1664 can be used in combination with any of the mufflers 58, 258, 458, 658, 858, 1058, and 1258 described above.

[0097] The structure and function of the wear ring 1664 can be similar to that of the wear ring 64, except that the wear ring 1664 can include a recess 1666 formed in the first surface 1750 of the wear ring 1664. The recess 1666 can be partially or entirely radially disposed between the inner diameter surface 1360 and the outer diameter surface 1364 (or the innermost edge and the outermost edge) of the recess 1356 in the sound attenuation plate 1258. The lip portion 136 of the seal assembly 44 can contact the second surface 1752 of the wear ring 1664 at a location that is in general radial alignment with the recess 1356, 1666. While the recess 1666 is shown in Figure 11 FIG. 17 as having a curved U-shaped cross-section, the recess 1666 can have any other cross-sectional shape. Moreover, in some configurations, the wear ring 1664 can have one or more recesses formed in the second surface 1752.

[0098] Referring now to Figure 12 , another sound attenuation plate 1858 is provided that can be incorporated into the compressor 26 in place of the sound attenuation plate 58. The structure and function of the sound attenuation plate 1858 can be similar or identical to that of the sound attenuation plate 58, except for the differences described below. Figure 12 The sound attenuation plate 1858 is depicted in use in combination with the wear ring 1264 described above.

[0099] The sound attenuation plate 1858 includes an annular axially facing surface 1954 that sealingly contacts the wear ring 1264. Unlike the surface 154 of the sound attenuation plate 58, the surface 1954 of the sound attenuation plate 1858 does not include a recess that is partially or completely covered by the wear ring 1264. Rather, only the softer, more flexible material of the radially intermediate portion 1266 of the wear ring 1264 provides compliance (or the ability to elastically deflect) to maintain a sealing relationship between the wear ring 1264 and the sound attenuation plate 1858 and between the wear ring 1264 and the seal assembly 44.

[0100] Figure 13 The sound attenuation plate 1858 is depicted in use in combination with the wear ring 1464. In this configuration, only the recess defined by the radially intermediate portion 1466 and the softer, more flexible material of the radially intermediate portion 1466 of the wear ring 1464 provides compliance (or the ability to elastically deflect) to maintain a sealing relationship between the wear ring 1464 and the sound attenuation plate 1858 and between the wear ring 1464 and the seal assembly 44.

[0101] Figure 14The use of the sound deadener plate 1858 in combination with the wear ring 1664 is depicted. In this configuration, only the recess 1666 in the wear ring 1664 provides compliance (or the ability to elastically deflect) to maintain a sealing relationship between the wear ring 1664 and the sound deadener plate 1858 as well as between the wear ring 1664 and the seal assembly 44.

[0102] The foregoing description of the implementations has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Various elements or features of a particular implementation are often not limited to that particular implementation, but are interchangeable and can be used in other implementations, even if not specifically shown or described. The different elements or features of a particular implementation can also be used in many different ways. Such variations are not to be considered as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A compressor, comprising: An enclosure defining an exhaust chamber and an intake chamber; A first vortex component, the first vortex component being disposed within the housing and including a first end plate and a first helical vortex extending from the first end plate; The second vortex component is disposed within the housing and includes a second end plate and a second spiral vortex extending from the second end plate and engaging with the first spiral vortex in an engaging manner. A floating seal that sealably engages with the second vortex member; A sound-absorbing panel, the sound-absorbing panel defining the emission chamber and the inhalation chamber; as well as A wear ring, which sealably engages the muffler and the floating seal, such that the wear ring, the muffler, and the floating seal fluidly isolate the discharge chamber from the intake chamber. The muffler includes an axially facing surface that contacts the wear ring, wherein the axially facing surface includes an annular recess formed therein, and wherein the wear ring at least partially covers the annular recess, and the annular recess provides a gap between the muffler and the wear ring to allow the wear ring to resiliently deflect relative to the muffler during operation of the compressor.

2. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The floating seal contacts the radially central portion of the wear ring, which is radially positioned between the innermost radial edge and the outermost radial edge of the annular recess.

3. The compressor according to claim 2, wherein, The wear ring extends radially over the entire annular recess such that the axial facing surface contacts the wear ring at a first position located radially inward relative to the annular recess and at a second position located radially outward relative to the annular recess.

4. The compressor according to claim 3, wherein, The radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring are formed of a first material, and the radially middle portion of the wear ring is formed of a second material that is more flexible than the first material.

5. The compressor according to claim 4, wherein, The wear ring includes an annular recess defined by the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring.

6. The compressor according to claim 2, wherein, The axial facing surface of the silencing plate contacts the wear ring at a position radially outward relative to the annular recess, wherein the radial central portion and the radial inner portion of the wear ring are aligned with the annular recess such that the radial central portion and the radial inner portion of the wear ring are not supported by the silencing plate.

7. The compressor according to claim 2, wherein, The axial facing surface of the silencing plate contacts the wear ring at a position radially inward relative to the annular recess, wherein the radial central portion and the radial outer portion of the wear ring are aligned with the annular recess such that the radial central portion and the radial outer portion of the wear ring are not supported by the silencing plate.

8. The compressor according to claim 2, wherein, The wear ring includes an annular recess defined by the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring.

9. The compressor according to claim 8, wherein, The annular recess in the wear ring is formed in the first side of the wear ring opposite to the second side of the wear ring, and wherein the floating seal contacts the second side of the wear ring.

10. The compressor according to claim 9, wherein, The radially intermediate portion of the wear ring is formed of the same material as the radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring.

11. The compressor according to claim 2, wherein, The radially central portion of the wear ring is thinner than the radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring.

12. A compressor, comprising: An enclosure defining an exhaust chamber and an intake chamber; A first vortex component, the first vortex component being disposed within the housing and including a first end plate and a first helical vortex extending from the first end plate; The second vortex component is disposed within the housing and includes a second end plate and a second spiral vortex extending from the second end plate and engaging with the first spiral vortex in an engaging manner. A floating seal that sealably engages with the second vortex member; A sound-absorbing panel, the sound-absorbing panel defining the emission chamber and the inhalation chamber; as well as A wear ring, which sealably engages the muffler and the floating seal, such that the wear ring, the muffler, and the floating seal fluidly isolate the discharge chamber from the intake chamber. The sound-absorbing plate includes an axial facing surface that contacts the wear ring, wherein the radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring are formed of a first material, and wherein the radially middle portion of the wear ring is formed of a second material different from the first material. The axial facing surface includes an annular recess formed therein, and the wear ring at least partially covers the annular recess, and the annular recess provides a gap between the muffler and the wear ring to allow the wear ring to resiliently deflect relative to the muffler during operation of the compressor.

13. A compressor, comprising: An enclosure defining an exhaust chamber and an intake chamber; A first vortex component, the first vortex component being disposed within the housing and including a first end plate and a first helical vortex extending from the first end plate; The second vortex component is disposed within the housing and includes a second end plate and a second spiral vortex extending from the second end plate and engaging with the first spiral vortex in an engaging manner. A floating seal that sealably engages with the second vortex member; A sound-absorbing panel, the sound-absorbing panel defining the emission chamber and the inhalation chamber; as well as A wear ring, which sealably engages the muffler and the floating seal, such that the wear ring, the muffler, and the floating seal fluidly isolate the discharge chamber from the intake chamber. The sound-absorbing plate includes an axial facing surface that contacts the wear ring, wherein the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring defines an annular recess in the wear ring. The axial facing surface of the silencing plate defines another annular recess, which is at least partially radially aligned with the annular recess in the wear ring.

14. The compressor according to claim 13, wherein, The floating seal contacts the radial middle portion of the wear ring.

15. The compressor according to claim 13, wherein, The radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring are formed of a first material, and the radially middle portion of the wear ring is formed of a second material different from the first material.

16. The compressor according to claim 15, wherein, The second material is more flexible than the first material.

17. The compressor according to claim 13, wherein, The annular recess in the wear ring is formed in the first side of the wear ring opposite to the second side of the wear ring, and wherein the floating seal contacts the second side of the wear ring.

18. The compressor according to claim 13, wherein, The radially central portion of the wear ring is thinner than the radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring.

19. The compressor according to claim 13, wherein, The wear ring extends radially over the entire other annular recess in the silencing plate, such that the axial facing surface contacts the wear ring at a first position located radially inward relative to the other annular recess and at a second position located radially outward relative to the other annular recess.

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