Compressor with sealing components

Abstract

A compressor includes a housing, a muffler, a first scroll member and a second scroll member, a first sealing member and a second sealing member. The housing defines a first pressure region and a second pressure region separated by the muffler. The first scroll member includes a first end plate and a first scroll. The first end plate defines an annular recess and a discharge recess. The discharge recess communicates with the first pressure region. The second scroll member includes a second end plate and a second scroll. The second scroll engages the first scroll to define a compression chamber between the first scroll and the second scroll. The first sealing member is at least partially disposed in a discharge passage and fluidly separates the first pressure region and the second pressure region from each other. The second sealing member is at least partially disposed in the annular recess.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 154,716, filed January 21, 2021. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to compressors having sealing components. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides background information in connection with this disclosure, and this section is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Heat pump systems and other working fluid circulation systems 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. Effective and reliable operation of the compressor is desirable to ensure that the heat pump system with the compressor can provide cooling and / or heating effects effectively and efficiently as needed. Compressors used in heat pump systems with low global warming potential (LGWP) refrigerants must operate at higher temperatures than compressors using conventional refrigerants due to the higher heat of compression of LGWP refrigerants. These higher temperatures necessitate improvements in the design of the seals used in such compressors to maintain the desired compression ratio and efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This section provides a general overview of the disclosure and is not a complete disclosure of the full scope or all features of the disclosure.

[0007] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides a compressor including a housing, a muffler, a first scroll member, a second scroll member, a first sealing member, and a second sealing member. The housing defines a first pressure region and a second pressure region. The muffler separates the first pressure region and the second pressure region. The first scroll member is disposed within the housing and includes a first end plate and a first scroll. The first end plate defines an annular recess and a discharge recess. The discharge recess communicates with the first pressure region. The second scroll member includes a second end plate and a second scroll. The second scroll engages the first scroll in a meshing manner to define a compression chamber between the first scroll and the second scroll. The first sealing member is at least partially disposed in the discharge recess and fluidly separates the first pressure region and the second pressure region from each other. The second sealing member is at least partially disposed in the annular recess. The second sealing member forms a third pressure region fluidly isolated from the first and second pressure regions.

[0008] In some configurations of the compressor described above, the second sealing member includes a first end portion that sealably engages with the inner wall of the annular recess and a second end portion that sealably engages with the outer wall of the annular recess.

[0009] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the second sealing member includes a central portion of a plane. A first end portion extends radially inward and axially downward from the central portion of the plane, and a second end portion extends radially outward and axially downward from the central portion of the plane.

[0010] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the spacer is at least partially disposed within the annular recess and includes a first surface that contacts the second sealing member and a second surface configured to contact the silencing plate.

[0011] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the second sealing member is U-shaped.

[0012] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the first sealing member and the second sealing member are made of flexible material.

[0013] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the first pressure region is the discharge pressure chamber. The second pressure region is the suction pressure chamber, and the third pressure region is the intermediate pressure chamber.

[0014] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the muffler includes a flange that extends at least partially into the discharge recess and partially defines a discharge opening that supplies discharge gas from the discharge recess to a first pressure region.

[0015] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the spacer is at least partially disposed within the annular recess and supported by a second sealing member. The spacer is configured to contact the muffler plate during compressor operation.

[0016] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the second sealing member is spaced apart from the silencer plate.

[0017] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a compressor including a housing, a muffler, a first scroll member, a second scroll member, a first sealing member, and a second sealing member. The housing defines a first pressure region and a second pressure region. The muffler separates the first pressure region and the second pressure region. The first scroll member is disposed within the housing and includes a first end plate and a first scroll. The first end plate defines an annular recess and a discharge recess. The discharge recess communicates with the first pressure region. The second scroll member includes a second end plate and a second scroll. The second scroll engages the first scroll to define a compression chamber between the first scroll and the second scroll. The first sealing member is at least partially disposed in the discharge recess and fluidly separates the first pressure region and the second pressure region from each other. The second sealing member is at least partially disposed in the annular recess and spaced apart from the muffler. The second sealing member forms a third pressure region fluidly isolated from the first and second pressure regions. The muffler includes a flange that extends at least partially into the discharge recess and partially defines a discharge opening that provides discharge gas from the discharge recess to the first pressure region.

[0018] In some configurations of the compressor described in the above paragraphs, the biasing member is located within the discharge recess and biases the first sealing member toward the flange of the silencer plate.

[0019] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, a valve assembly is disposed within a discharge recess and includes a valve plate and a valve member. The valve plate is coupled to the inner wall of the discharge recess. The valve member is movable between a first position and a second position, in which fluid in the compression chamber is prevented from flowing through the valve plate to a first pressure region, and in the second position, fluid in the compression chamber is allowed to flow through the valve plate to the first pressure region.

[0020] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, a biasing member is disposed within the discharge recess between the flange and the valve plate. The biasing member biases the first sealing member toward the flange.

[0021] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, a pressure relief valve is housed within and extends through the outer wall of a first end plate defining an annular recess. The pressure relief valve is in fluid communication with a third pressure zone to control the fluid pressure in the third pressure zone.

[0022] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the first sealing member is sealingly engaged with the outer diameter surface of the flange and the inner wall of the discharge recess.

[0023] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the first sealing member is V-shaped.

[0024] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the first sealing member is sealingly engaged with the inner wall of the discharge recess and the axial end surface of the flange of the silencer plate.

[0025] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the first sealing member is made of a flexible material.

[0026] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the first sealing member includes an end portion that extends at least partially into the discharge opening of the muffler. When the compressor is in the off state, the first sealing member is movable downward to allow discharge gas in the first pressure zone to flow to the second pressure zone.

[0027] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, a spacer is at least partially disposed within an annular recess and supported by a second sealing member. The spacer includes a radially extending groove that allows exhaust gas from the first pressure region to flow to the second pressure region when the compressor is in the off state.

[0028] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, a biasing member is disposed within the discharge recess and biases the first sealing member toward the flange of the muffler. When the compressor is in the off state, the discharge fluid in the first pressure region overcomes the biasing force of the biasing member to allow the discharge gas in the first pressure region to flow to the second pressure region.

[0029] Other application areas will become apparent from the descriptions provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in this overview are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and not for all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a compressor including a sealing assembly, based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows an enlarged view of the compressor in area 2.

[0033] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the compressor's compression mechanism and sealing components;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the compressor in the off state;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of another compression mechanism and sealing assembly;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of another sealing component; and

[0037] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of another sealing component;

[0038] Throughout the various views in the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] The provision of exemplary embodiments makes this disclosure thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous examples of specific details, such as specific components, apparatus, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific details are not required, that exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and that neither the specific details nor the exemplary embodiments should be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0041] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may also include the plural forms unless explicitly indicated otherwise in the context. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as requiring them to be performed in a particular order as discussed or described, unless specifically indicated otherwise. It will also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0042] When an element or layer is referred to as being “located” on, “joined to,” “connected to,” or “attached to” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly located on, directly joined to, connected to, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be an intermediate element or layer. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being “directly located” on, “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly attached to” another element or layer, there may not be an intermediate element or layer. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements (e.g., “located between” versus “directly located between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.) should be interpreted in a similar manner. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0043] While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence unless explicitly indicated by the context. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the following first element, component, region, layer, or segment may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0044] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Spatial relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as being “below” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90° or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, a compressor 10 is provided, which may include an airtight housing assembly 12, a first bearing housing assembly 14, a second bearing housing assembly 16, a motor assembly 18, a compression mechanism 20, a laterally extending partition or muffler 21, and a sealing assembly 22.

[0046] The housing assembly 12 can form a compressor housing and may include a cylindrical housing 26, an end cap 28 at the upper end of the cylindrical housing 26, and a base 30 at the lower end of the cylindrical housing 26. The end cap 28 and the separator 21 can define a discharge chamber 32. The separator 21 can separate the discharge chamber 32 from the suction chamber 33. A discharge fitting (not shown) can be attached to the housing assembly 12 through an opening in the end cap 28. A discharge valve assembly (not shown) can be disposed within the discharge fitting and generally prevents backflow. A suction fitting 39 can be attached to the housing assembly 12 through an opening 45.

[0047] The first bearing housing assembly 14 may be fixed relative to the housing 26 and may include a main bearing housing 40 and a first bearing 42. The main bearing housing 40 may house the first bearing 42 therein and may define an annular flat thrust bearing surface 48 on the axial end surface of the main bearing housing 40.

[0048] Motor assembly 18 may include a motor stator 52, a rotor 54, and a drive shaft 56. The motor stator 52 may be press-fitted into housing 26. The rotor 54 may be press-fitted onto drive shaft 56 and may transmit rotational power to drive shaft 56. Drive shaft 56 may be rotatably supported within a first bearing housing assembly 14 and a second bearing housing assembly 16. Drive shaft 56 may include an eccentric crank pin 58 having a flat portion.

[0049] Compression mechanism 20 may include a moving scroll member 62 and a stationary scroll member 64. The moving scroll member 62 may include an end plate 66 having a helical scroll 68 on its upper surface and an annular flat thrust surface 70 on its lower surface. The thrust surface 70 may engage with an annular flat thrust bearing surface 48 located on the main bearing housing 40. A cylindrical hub 72 may project downwards from the thrust surface 70 and may include a drive bushing 74 and an unloader bushing 77 disposed within the cylindrical hub 72. The unloader bushing 77 may include an inner bore in which a crank pin 58 is drivably disposed. A flat portion of the crank pin may drivably engage a flat surface in a portion of the inner bore to provide a radially compliant drive arrangement. A cross-slider coupling 76 may engage with the moving scroll member 62 and the stationary scroll member 64 to prevent relative rotation between the moving scroll member 62 and the stationary scroll member 64.

[0050] Reference Figures 1 to 4The stationary scroll 64 may include an end plate 78 and a helical scroll 80 projecting downward from the end plate 78. The helical scroll 80 may engage the helical scroll 68 of the moving scroll 62, thereby creating a series of moving fluid cavities. The fluid cavities defined by the helical scrolls 68, 80 may decrease in volume as the fluid cavities move from a radially outer position (at suction pressure) to a radially intermediate position (at intermediate pressure) and finally to a radially inner position (at discharge pressure) throughout the entire compression cycle of the compression mechanism 20.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the end plate 78 may include a discharge passage 82, a discharge recess 84, and an annular recess 88. The discharge passage 82 communicates with a fluid cavity located radially inward within the fluid cavity and allows compressed working fluid (at discharge pressure) to flow through the discharge recess 84 and into the discharge chamber 32. The annular recess 88 may surround the discharge recess 84 and may be substantially coaxial with the discharge recess 84. The annular recess 88 may include an inner surface 89 and an outer surface 90.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the separator 21 may include a protrusion 94, a wedge-shaped portion 96, and a hub 98. The protrusion 94 may extend from the wedge-shaped portion 96 and the hub 98, and may include opposing outer walls 99a, 99b, an arcuate rear wall 100, and a flat upper wall 102. One or more safety devices (e.g., thermally operated valves) may be mounted on the flat upper wall 102 of the protrusion 94, and may facilitate the discharge of fluid from the discharge chamber 32, for example, when the fluid temperature in the discharge chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0053] The wedge-shaped portion 96 may extend from and generally surround the hub 98, and may include a body portion 106 and an end portion 108. The body portion 106 extends downward from the hub 98 at an angle to the end portion 108. The end portion 108 extends downward from the end of the body portion 106. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the hub 98 may include a circumferentially formed flange or lip 110 that extends axially downward into the discharge recess 84 and may at least partially define a discharge passage 111 in the separator 21. In this way, the discharge passage 111 provides fluid communication between the compression mechanism 20 and the discharge chamber 32.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the shut-off device 112 can be disposed within the discharge recess 84 and can include a housing 114 and a valve 118. The housing 114 can rest on the lower surface 120 of the discharge recess 84 and can be engaged with the outer diameter wall 123 of the discharge recess 84. The valve 118 can be disposed between the housing 114 and the discharge passage 82, and can be capable of operating in a first position ( Figure 4 ; closed position) and second position ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The valve 118 moves between two positions: a first position, preventing fluid in the compression chamber from flowing from the discharge passage 82 to the discharge chamber 32; and a second position, allowing fluid in the compression chamber to flow from the discharge passage 82 to the discharge chamber 32. In the first position, the valve 118 abuts against the bottom surface 125 of the discharge recess 84, and in the second position, it abuts against the housing 114. When the valve 118 is in the second position, the compressed working fluid flows around the valve 118, through the opening 127 extending through the housing 114, and into the discharge chamber 32.

[0055] The sealing assembly 22 may include a first annular sealing member 128, a biasing member 129, a second annular sealing member 130, and an annular spacer 132. During operation of the compressor 10, the first annular sealing member 128 may sealably engage with the inner diameter surface 134 of the discharge recess 84 and the flange 110 of the muffler 21 to prevent fluid discharged from the compression mechanism 20 from flowing into the suction chamber 33. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first annular sealing member 128 may be made of a flexible material and may be positioned between the flange 110 of the sound-absorbing plate 21 and the closing device 112.

[0056] The first annular sealing member 128 may include a first portion 133 and a second portion 135 of a planar surface. The first portion 133 may have an upper surface 136 that sealably engages with the axial end surface 137 of the flange 110. The second portion 135 may extend generally radially outward and axially downward from the first portion 133 and may sealably engage with the inner diameter surface 134 of the discharge recess 84. In this way, the flow of fluid in the discharge chamber 32 and the fluid discharged from the compression mechanism 20 to the suction chamber 33 is restricted.

[0057] A biasing member 129 (e.g., a coil spring) may be positioned between the housing 114 and the flange 110, and may bias the first annular sealing member 128 toward the flange 110. A first end 143 of the biasing member 129 may be coupled to the housing 114, and a second end 145 of the biasing member 129 may be coupled to a first portion 133 of the first annular sealing member 128. In this way, the biasing member 129 may bias the sealing member 128 such that the sealing member 128 is sealingly engaged with the flange 110 of the muffler 21.

[0058] The second annular sealing member 130 may be disposed within the annular recess 88 and may cooperate with the annular recess 88 to define the intermediate pressure chamber 138. The intermediate pressure chamber 138 receives fluid from the fluid cavity in the intermediate position through an intermediate passage (not shown) formed in the end plate 78. The pressure difference between the intermediate pressure fluid in the intermediate pressure chamber 138 and the fluid in the suction chamber 33 applies a net axial biasing force to the stationary scroll member 64, thereby forcing the stationary scroll member 64 toward the moving scroll member 62. In this way, the tip of the helical scroll 80 of the stationary scroll member 64 is forced to seal against the end plate 66 of the moving scroll member 62, and the end plate 78 of the stationary scroll member 64 is forced to seal against the tip of the helical scroll 68 of the moving scroll member 62. A gap may be formed between the stationary scroll member 64 and the silencer plate 21. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 ).

[0059] The second annular sealing member 130 may be spaced apart from the muffler 21 (i.e., not in contact with the muffler 21) and may include a planar portion 139, a first end portion 140, and a second end portion 141. The first end portion 140 may extend generally radially outward and axially downward from the planar portion 139 and may sealably engage with the outer surface 90 of the annular recess 88. The second end portion 141 may extend generally radially inward and axially downward from the planar portion 139 and may sealably engage with the inner surface 89 of the annular recess 88. In this way, fluid in the intermediate pressure chamber 138 is prevented from flowing into the suction chamber 33.

[0060] The spacer 132 may be at least partially disposed within the annular recess 88 and may be supported by the second annular sealing member 130. The spacer 132 includes a first or lower surface 146 and a second or upper surface 148. The first surface 146 contacts the planar portion 139 of the second annular sealing member 130, and the second surface 148 is configured to abut against the lower surface 150 of the hub 98 of the sound-absorbing plate 21. A plurality of radially extending grooves 152 may be formed in and around the second surface 148 of the spacer 132. Figure 3 In this way, when the compressor 10 is in the off state, the first annular sealing member 128 can move downward in the discharge recess 84, which allows the discharge gas in the discharge chamber 32 to flow to the suction chamber 33. Figure 4 (This allows the exhaust gas in the exhaust chamber 32 to flow through the gap 154 ​​between the sealing member 128 and the flange 110, through the groove 152 in the spacer 132, and out into the intake chamber 33).

[0061] Reference Figure 5An additional compression mechanism 220 and a sealing assembly 222 are provided. The compression mechanism 220 and the sealing assembly 222 may be incorporated into the compressor 10 in place of the compression mechanism 20 and the sealing assembly 22, respectively. Except for any exceptions noted below, the structure and function of the compression mechanism 220 and the sealing assembly 222 may be similar to or the same as those of the compression mechanism 20 and the sealing assembly 22 described above.

[0062] The compression mechanism 220 may include a moving scroll member 262 and a fixed scroll member 264. The moving scroll member 262 may be similar to or the same as the moving scroll member 62 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail again. The fixed scroll member 264 may include an end plate 278 and a helical scroll 280 projecting downward from the end plate 278. The helical scroll 280 may engage meshingly with the helical scroll 268 of the moving scroll member 262, thereby creating a series of moving fluid cavities.

[0063] End plate 278 may include a discharge passage 282, a discharge recess 284, and an annular recess 288. The discharge passage 282 communicates with a fluid chamber located radially inward within the fluid chamber and allows compressed working fluid (at discharge pressure) to flow through the discharge recess 284 and into the discharge chamber. A pressure relief valve 250 may be accommodated within and extend through the outer wall 252 of the end plate 278 defining the annular recess 288. In this way, the pressure relief valve 250 is in fluid communication with both the suction chamber and the intermediate pressure chamber 238 and can control the fluid pressure in the intermediate pressure chamber 238.

[0064] The closing device 212 may be disposed within the discharge recess 284 and may include a housing 214 and a valve 218. The housing 214 may rest on the lower surface 221 of the discharge recess 284 and may engage with the outer diameter wall 223 of the discharge recess 284 (e.g., threadedly). The valve 218 may be disposed between the housing 214 and the discharge passage 282 and may be movable between a first position (i.e., a closed position) and a second position (i.e., an open position), in which the flow of fluid in the compression chamber is prevented from flowing from the discharge passage 282 to the discharge chamber 32, and in the second position, the flow of fluid in the compression chamber is permitted from the discharge passage 282 to the discharge chamber 32. The valve 218 abuts against the bottom surface 225 of the discharge recess 284 in the first position and against the housing 214 in the second position. Figure 5 When valve 218 is in the second position, the compressed working fluid flows around valve 218, flows through opening 227 extending through housing 214 and flows into discharge chamber 32.

[0065] The sealing assembly 222 may include a first annular sealing member 228, a second annular sealing member 230, and an annular spacer 232. The first annular sealing member 228 may be disposed in the discharge recess 284 of the end plate 78 of the fixed scroll member 64, and may be sealingly engaged with the inner diameter surface 234 of the discharge recess 284 and the flange 110 of the silencer plate 21 to prevent fluid discharged from the compression mechanism 220 from flowing into the suction chamber.

[0066] The first annular sealing member 228 may be V-shaped or U-shaped, and may include a first end portion 236 and a second end portion 237. The first end portion 236 may sealably engage with the inner diameter surface 234 of the discharge recess 284. The second end portion 237 may sealably engage with the outer diameter surface 239 of the flange 110 of the sound-absorbing plate 21.

[0067] The second annular sealing member 230 may be similar to or the same as the sealing member 130 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail. The spacer 232 may be similar to or the same as the spacer 132 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0068] Reference Figure 6 Another sealing assembly 322 is provided. Sealing assembly 322 may be incorporated into compressor 10 in place of sealing assemblies 22, 222. Except as otherwise noted below, the structure and function of sealing assembly 222 may be similar to or the same as those of sealing assemblies 22, 222 described above.

[0069] The closing device 312 may be provided within the discharge recess 84. The closing device 312 may be similar to or the same as the closing devices 112 and 212 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0070] The sealing assembly 322 may include a first annular sealing member 328, a biasing member 329, a second annular sealing member 330, and an annular spacer 332. The first annular sealing member 328 may be disposed within the discharge recess 84 of the end plate 78 of the fixed scroll member 64, and may be sealingly engaged with the inner diameter surface 134 of the discharge recess 84 and the flange 110 of the silencer plate 21 to prevent fluid discharged from the compression mechanism 20 from flowing into the suction chamber.

[0071] The first annular sealing member 328 may include a planar portion 333, a first end portion 334, and a second end portion 335. The planar portion 333 may have an upper surface 336 that sealably engages with the axial end surface 137 of the flange 110. The first end portion 334 may extend generally radially outward and axially downward from the planar portion 333 and may sealably engage with the inner diameter surface 134 of the discharge recess 84. The second end portion 335 may extend generally radially inward and axially upward from the planar portion 333 and may be at least partially received in the discharge passage 111 of the muffler 21. The second end portion 335 may also be spaced apart from the flange 110 of the muffler 21. When the compressor 10 is in the off state, discharge fluid in the discharge chamber 32 may flow to the gap 350 between the flange 110 and the second end portion 335 and may overcome the force of the biasing member 329 to push the first annular sealing member 328 downward. In this way, the discharged fluid can flow through the gap (not shown) between the flange 110 and the planar portion 333 of the sealing member 328 and flow out into the suction chamber 33. A biasing member 329 (e.g., a helical spring) can be positioned between the housing 314 of the device 312 and the flange 110, and can bias the first annular sealing member 328 toward the flange 110.

[0072] The second annular sealing member 330 may be similar to or the same as the sealing members 130 and 230 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail. The spacer 332 may be similar to or the same as the spacers 132 and 232 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0073] Reference Figure 7 Another sealing assembly 422 is provided. Sealing assembly 422 may be incorporated into compressor 10 in place of sealing assemblies 22, 222, and 322. Except as otherwise noted below, the structure and function of sealing assembly 422 may be similar to or the same as those of sealing assemblies 22, 222, and 322 described above.

[0074] The shut-off device 412 may be disposed within the discharge recess 84. The shut-off device 412 may include a housing 414, a biasing member 416, and a valve 418. The housing 414 may rest on the lower surface 420 of the discharge recess 84. The biasing member 416 (e.g., a wave spring) may be received in a groove 422 formed in the inner diameter surface 424 of the discharge recess 84, and may bias the housing 414 against the lower surface 420 of the discharge recess 84. In this way, vibration of the housing 414 is prevented during operation of the compressor 10. The valve 418 is movable between a first position (i.e., a closed position) and a second position (i.e., an open position), in which fluid in the compression chamber is prevented from flowing from the discharge passage 82 to the discharge chamber, and in the second position, fluid in the compression chamber is allowed to flow from the discharge passage 82 to the discharge chamber.

[0075] The sealing assembly 422 may include a first annular sealing member 428, a second annular sealing member 430, and an annular spacer 432. The first sealing member 428 may be similar to or the same as the sealing member 130 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail. The second sealing member 430 may be similar to or the same as the sealing members 130, 230, and 330 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail. The spacer 432 may be similar to or the same as the spacers 132, 232, and 332 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0076] The foregoing description of embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in chosen embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. Elements or features of a particular embodiment can also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not considered to depart from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A compressor, comprising: A housing, the housing defining a first pressure region and a second pressure region; A sound-absorbing plate, which separates the first pressure region and the second pressure region; A first vortex component is disposed within the housing and includes a first end plate and a first vortex. The first end plate defines an annular recess and a discharge recess, the discharge recess communicating with the first pressure region. A second vortex member, the second vortex member including a second end plate and a second vortex, the second vortex engaging the first vortex to define a compression chamber between the first vortex and the second vortex; A first sealing member is disposed at least partially in the discharge recess and fluidly separates the first pressure region and the second pressure region from each other; A second sealing member is disposed at least partially in the annular recess, and the second sealing member forms a third pressure region that is fluidly isolated from the first pressure region and the second pressure region; A spacer, the spacer being at least partially disposed within the annular recess, and including a first surface that contacts the second sealing member and a second surface configured to contact the muffler plate, wherein the spacer includes a radially extending groove that allows working fluid to flow between the spacer and the muffler plate when the second surface of the spacer contacts the muffler plate; A closing device is disposed within the discharge recess of the first vortex member; and A biasing member is disposed within the discharge recess, wherein the biasing member is compressed between the closing device and the first sealing member.

2. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The second sealing member includes a first end portion that sealably engages with the inner wall of the annular recess and a second end portion that sealably engages with the outer wall of the annular recess.

3. The compressor according to claim 2, wherein, The second sealing member includes a central portion of a plane, wherein the first end portion extends radially inward and axially downward from the central portion of the plane, and the second end portion extends radially outward and axially downward from the central portion of the plane.

4. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The silencer includes a flange that extends at least partially into the discharge recess and partially defines a discharge opening that supplies exhaust gas from the discharge recess to the first pressure region.

5. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The first sealing member and the second sealing member are made of flexible material.

6. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The first pressure zone is the discharge pressure chamber, the second pressure zone is the intake pressure chamber, and the third pressure zone is the intermediate pressure chamber.

7. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The second sealing member is spaced apart from the sound-absorbing plate.

8. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The shut-off device includes a valve movable within the discharge recess and a housing fixed within the discharge recess, wherein the biasing member contacts the first sealing member and the housing of the shut-off device.

9. A compressor, comprising: A housing, the housing defining a first pressure region and a second pressure region; A sound-absorbing plate, which separates the first pressure region and the second pressure region; A first vortex member is disposed within the housing and includes a first end plate and a first vortex. The first end plate defines an annular recess and a discharge recess, the discharge recess communicating with the first pressure region, wherein the annular recess surrounds the discharge recess. A second vortex member, the second vortex member including a second end plate and a second vortex, the second vortex engaging the first vortex to define a compression chamber between the first vortex and the second vortex; A first sealing member is disposed at least partially in the discharge recess and fluidly separates the first pressure region and the second pressure region from each other; A second sealing member is at least partially disposed in the annular recess and spaced apart from the silencing plate, the second sealing member forming a third pressure region that is fluidly isolated from the first pressure region and the second pressure region; A spacer, the spacer being at least partially disposed within the annular recess, and including a first surface that contacts the second sealing member and a second surface configured to contact the muffler plate, wherein the spacer includes a radially extending groove that allows working fluid to flow between the muffler plate and the spacer when the second surface of the spacer contacts the muffler plate; A closing device is disposed within the discharge recess of the first vortex member; and A biasing member is disposed within the discharge recess, wherein the biasing member is compressed between the closing device and the first sealing member. The silencer includes a flange that extends at least partially into the discharge recess and partially defines a discharge opening that supplies exhaust gas from the discharge recess to the first pressure region. The first sealing member includes a first portion and a second portion, which together define an L-shaped cross-section. The first portion extends radially inward from the second portion and sealably contacts the axial end surface of the flange of the silencing plate. The second portion extends axially downward from the first portion and sealably contacts the inner diameter surface of the discharge recess.

10. The compressor according to claim 9, wherein, The shut-off device includes a housing and a movable valve, wherein the housing includes a plurality of openings, and wherein the valve is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, fluid in the compression chamber is prevented from flowing through the openings of the housing to the first pressure region, and in the second position, fluid in the compression chamber is allowed to flow through the openings of the housing to the first pressure region.

11. The compressor of claim 9, further comprising a pressure relief valve, the pressure relief valve being received within and extending through the outer wall of the first end plate defining the annular recess, the pressure relief valve being in fluid communication with the third pressure region to control the fluid pressure in the third pressure region.

12. The compressor according to claim 9, wherein, The first sealing member is made of a flexible material.

13. The compressor according to claim 10, wherein, The biasing member contacts the first sealing member and the housing of the closing device.

14. A compressor, comprising: A housing, the housing defining a first pressure region and a second pressure region; A sound-absorbing plate, which separates the first pressure region and the second pressure region; A first vortex component is disposed within the housing and includes a first end plate and a first vortex. The first end plate defines an annular recess and a discharge recess, the discharge recess communicating with the first pressure region. A second vortex member, the second vortex member including a second end plate and a second vortex, the second vortex engaging the first vortex to define a compression chamber between the first vortex and the second vortex; A first sealing member is disposed at least partially in the discharge recess and fluidly separates the first pressure region and the second pressure region from each other; A second sealing member is at least partially disposed in the annular recess and spaced apart from the silencing plate, the second sealing member forming a third pressure region that is fluidly isolated from the first pressure region and the second pressure region; as well as A spacer, at least partially disposed within the annular recess and supported by the second sealing member, includes a radially extending groove that, when the compressor is in the off state, allows exhaust gas from the first pressure region to flow to the second pressure region. The silencer includes a flange that extends at least partially into the discharge recess and defines a discharge opening that supplies exhaust gas from the discharge recess to the first pressure region. The first sealing member includes an end portion that extends at least partially into the discharge opening of the muffler, and wherein, when the compressor is off, the first sealing member is movable downward to allow exhaust gas in the first pressure region to flow to the second pressure region.

15. The compressor of claim 14, further comprising a biasing member disposed within the discharge recess and biasing the first sealing member toward the flange of the muffler, wherein, when the compressor is in the off state, the discharge fluid in the first pressure region overcomes the biasing force of the biasing member to allow the discharge gas in the first pressure region to flow to the second pressure region.

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