Scroll compressor with central hub

Abstract

A compressor may include non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members, a hub plate, and primary and secondary bleed valve assemblies. The non-orbiting scroll includes a first end plate having a primary discharge passage and a secondary discharge passage. The hub plate may be mounted to the non-orbiting scroll and may include a body and a central hub extending axially from the body. The central hub may include a recess and a hub bore. The primary drain valve assembly may include a retainer and a primary valve member. In the closed position, the primary valve member may limit fluid flow between the discharge chamber and the primary discharge passage. The auxiliary drain valve assembly may include an auxiliary valve member that selectively permits and restricts fluid communication between the auxiliary drain passage and the hub bore of the central hub.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 886,047, filed on August 11, 2022. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a scroll compressor having a central hub. Background Art

[0004] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] A climate control system, such as a heat pump system, a refrigeration system, or an air conditioning system, may include a fluid circuit having an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device disposed between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and one or more compressors that circulate a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. It is desirable that the one or more compressors operate efficiently and reliably to ensure that the climate control system in which the one or more compressors are installed can effectively and efficiently provide cooling and / or heating effects as required. Summary of the invention

[0006] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a compressor, which may include a housing assembly, a fixed scroll, a movable scroll, a hub plate, a main discharge valve assembly, and an auxiliary discharge valve assembly. The fixed scroll is disposed in the housing assembly and includes a first end plate and a first spiral scroll. The first end plate includes a main discharge passage and an auxiliary discharge passage positioned radially outward relative to the main discharge passage. The movable scroll is disposed in the housing assembly and includes a second end plate having a second spiral scroll extending from the second end plate and meshingly engaged with the first spiral scroll. The hub plate may be mounted to the fixed scroll and may include a main body and a center hub extending axially from the main body. The center hub may include a recess and a hub opening. The hub opening may be selectively connected to the main discharge passage and the auxiliary discharge passage fluid. The main discharge valve assembly may include a retainer and a main valve member. The retainer may be at least partially disposed in a recess of the hub plate. The retainer may include a retainer opening connected to the hub opening fluid. The main valve member may be slidably engaged with the retainer. When the main valve member is in the closed position, the main valve member can restrict the flow of fluid between the discharge chamber and the main discharge passage. The auxiliary discharge valve assembly may include an auxiliary valve member disposed between the hub plate and the first end plate. The auxiliary valve member is movable relative to the hub plate and the first end plate. When the auxiliary valve member is in the open position, fluid is allowed to flow from the auxiliary discharge passage around the outer periphery of the retainer of the main discharge valve assembly and flow through the hub opening. When the auxiliary valve member is in the closed position, the auxiliary valve member restricts fluid communication between the auxiliary discharge passage and the hub opening of the central hub.

[0008] In certain configurations of the compressor of the above paragraph, the first end plate of the non-orbiting scroll includes an annular rim surrounding an outer periphery of the hub plate and defining a recess in which the hub plate is received.

[0009] In certain configurations, the compressor of any of the above paragraphs can include a floating seal assembly at least partially received in a recess defined by the annular rim.

[0010] In certain configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the floating seal assembly, the annular rim, and the hub plate cooperate to define a biasing chamber that receives the intermediate pressure working fluid from the opening in the first end plate.

[0011] In certain configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the primary valve member is a cup-shaped member that slidably engages an inner hub of the retainer.

[0012] In certain configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the inner hub of the retainer includes a central opening.The retainer opening and the hub opening may be disposed radially outwardly relative to the central opening.

[0013] In certain configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the retainer includes external threads that threadingly engage internal threads formed on the central hub of the hub plate.

[0014] In certain configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the hub opening is disposed radially outwardly relative to the internal threads of the hub plate.

[0015] In certain configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first axial end of the retainer contacts the annular boss.The hub opening may be disposed radially outwardly relative to the annular boss.

[0016] In certain configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the main discharge valve assembly includes a spring disposed between the first end plate and the second axial end of the retainer, and wherein the spring biases the retainer into contact with the annular boss.

[0017] In certain configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the auxiliary valve member is a reed valve including a fixed end and a movable end that is resiliently bendable relative to the fixed end.

[0018] In certain configurations, the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs may include a drive bearing formed of a polymer material and a main bearing formed of aluminum. The drive bearing may engage the cylindrical hub of the orbiting scroll member and may surround the crankpin of the crankshaft. The main bearing may rotatably support the body of the crankshaft.

[0019] In certain configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the area of ​​the hub opening is greater than the sum of the areas of the auxiliary discharge passages.

[0020] In another form, the present disclosure provides a compressor that may include a housing assembly, a fixed scroll, a movable scroll, a hub plate, a main valve member, and an auxiliary discharge valve assembly. The fixed scroll is disposed in the housing assembly and includes a first end plate and a first spiral scroll. The first end plate includes a main discharge passage and an auxiliary discharge passage positioned radially outward relative to the main discharge passage. The movable scroll is disposed in the housing assembly and includes a second end plate having a second spiral scroll extending from the second end plate and meshingly engaged with the first spiral scroll. The hub plate may be mounted to the fixed scroll and may include a body and a center hub extending axially from the body. The center hub may include a recess and a hub opening. The hub opening may be selectively fluidly connected to the main discharge passage and the auxiliary discharge passage. The center hub may include an integrally formed valve retainer. The main valve member may be slidably received in the recess of the hub plate. The hub opening may be disposed radially outward relative to the main valve member. When the main valve member is in a closed position, the main valve member restricts fluid flow between the discharge chamber and the main discharge passage. The auxiliary exhaust valve assembly may include an auxiliary valve member disposed between the hub plate and the first end plate. The auxiliary valve member is movable relative to the hub plate and the first end plate. When the auxiliary valve member is in an open position, fluid is allowed to flow from the auxiliary exhaust passage through the hub opening. When the auxiliary valve member is in a closed position, the auxiliary valve member restricts fluid communication between the auxiliary exhaust passage and the hub opening.

[0021] In certain configurations of the compressor of the above paragraph, the first end plate of the non-orbiting scroll includes an annular rim surrounding an outer periphery of the hub plate and defining a recess in which the hub plate is received.

[0022] In certain configurations, the compressor of any of the above paragraphs includes a floating seal assembly at least partially received in a recess defined by the annular rim.

[0023] In certain configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the floating seal assembly, the annular rim, and the hub plate cooperate to define a biasing chamber that receives the intermediate pressure working fluid from the opening in the first end plate.

[0024] In certain configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the primary valve member is a cartridge member.

[0025] In certain configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the valve retainer includes a central opening.The hub opening may be disposed radially outwardly relative to the central opening.

[0026] In certain configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the auxiliary valve member is a reed valve including a fixed end and a movable end that is resiliently bendable relative to the fixed end.

[0027] In certain configurations, the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs may include a drive bearing formed of a polymer material and a main bearing formed of aluminum. The drive bearing may engage the cylindrical hub of the orbiting scroll and may surround the crankpin of the crankshaft. The main bearing may rotatably support the body of the crankshaft.

[0028] 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 THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a compressor according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a portion of a compressor of , wherein the main discharge valve member and the auxiliary discharge valve member are in a closed position;

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a portion of a compressor of , wherein the main discharge valve member and the auxiliary discharge valve member are in an open position;

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a fixed scroll of a compressor having a hub assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 It is an exploded view of the movable scroll, the fixed scroll and the hub assembly;

[0035] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another compressor according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of a fixed scroll and a hub assembly of a compressor;

[0037] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of yet another compressor according to the principles of the present disclosure; and

[0038] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A stereoscopic view of the fixed scroll and hub assembly of a compressor.

[0039] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Many specific details such as examples of specific components, devices and methods are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, and that example embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and none should be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0042] The terms used herein are only used to describe the purpose of specific example embodiments, and are not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "a kind of" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms. The terms "comprise", "including", "comprising" and "having" are inclusive, and therefore specify the existence of stated features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or described, unless specifically indicated as the order of execution. It should also be understood that additional steps or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0043] When an element or layer is referred to as being "located on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly located on, directly engaged to, directly connected to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly located on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "located between" versus "directly located between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] Although the terms first, second and third etc. can be used in this article to describe each element, component, region, layer and / or section, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence when used in this article. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0045] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "inside", "outside", "below", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another (other) element or feature as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the elements described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented to be "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the example term "below" can cover both the above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 5 , a compressor 10 is provided, which may include a sealed housing assembly 12 , a first bearing seat assembly 14 and a second bearing seat assembly 16 , a motor assembly 18 , a compression mechanism 20 , and a hub assembly 22 .

[0047] The housing assembly 12 may form a compressor housing and may include a cylindrical housing 32, an end cap 34 at an upper end of the cylindrical housing 32, a laterally extending partition 36, and a base 38 at a lower end of the cylindrical housing 32. The end cap 34 and the partition 36 may define a discharge chamber 40. The partition 36 may separate the discharge chamber 40 from the suction chamber 42. A discharge passage 44 may extend through the partition 36 to provide communication between the compression mechanism 20 and the discharge chamber 40. A suction fitting 45 may provide fluid communication between the suction chamber 42 and the low side of the system in which the compressor 10 is installed. The discharge fitting 46 may provide fluid communication between the discharge chamber 40 and the high side of the system in which the compressor 10 is installed.

[0048] The first bearing housing assembly 14 can be fixed relative to the housing 32 and can include a main bearing housing 48 and a main bearing 50. The main bearing housing 48 can axially support the compression mechanism 20 and can accommodate the main bearing 50 therein. The main bearing housing 48 can include a plurality of radially extending arms that engage the housing 32. The main bearing 50 can be formed, for example, of aluminum (or an aluminum alloy) or other suitable materials.

[0049] The motor assembly 18 may include a motor stator 60, a rotor 62, and a drive shaft 64. The motor stator 60 may be press-fit into the housing 32. The rotor 62 may be press-fit onto the drive shaft 64 and may transmit rotational power to the drive shaft 64. The drive shaft 64 may be rotatably supported by the first bearing block assembly 14 and the second bearing block assembly 16. The drive shaft 64 may include an eccentric crank pin 66 having a flat surface thereon. The body 69 of the drive shaft 64 may be rotatably supported by the main bearing 50 and the main bearing block 48.

[0050] The compression mechanism 20 may include an orbiting scroll 70 and a fixed scroll 72. The orbiting scroll 70 may include an end plate 74 and a spiral scroll 76 extending from the end plate. A cylindrical hub 80 may protrude downward from the end plate 74 and may include a drive bushing 82 disposed therein. A drive bearing 81 may also be disposed within the hub 80 and may surround the drive bushing 82 and the crank pin 66 (i.e., the drive bearing 81 may be radially disposed between the hub 80 and the drive bushing 82). The drive bearing 81 may be formed of, for example, a polymeric material or any other suitable material. The drive bushing 82 may include an inner hole in which the crank pin 66 is driven. The crank pin flat portion may be driven to engage a flat surface in a portion of the inner hole to provide a radially compliant drive arrangement. A cross slide coupling 84 may engage with the orbiting scroll 70 and the fixed scroll 72 to prevent relative rotation between the orbiting scroll 70 and the fixed scroll 72.

[0051] The fixed scroll 72 may include an end plate 86 and a spiral wrap 88 protruding downward from the end plate 86. The spiral wrap 88 may meshingly engage the spiral wrap 76 of the orbiting scroll 70, thereby creating a series of moving fluid pockets (e.g., fluid pockets 89, 91, 97). The volume of the fluid pockets 89, 91, 97 defined by the spiral wraps 76, 88 may decrease as the fluid pockets move from a radially outer position (at suction pressure) to a radially intermediate position (at an intermediate pressure between suction pressure and discharge pressure) to a radially inner position (at discharge pressure) throughout the compression cycle of the compression mechanism 20. The fixed scroll 72 may be made of, for example, steel, cast iron, or aluminum, or any other suitable material.

[0052] like Figure 2As shown, the end plate 86 may include a main discharge passage 90, a first discharge recess 92, a second discharge recess 93, one or more first openings (e.g., variable compression ratio openings or auxiliary discharge passages) 94, a second opening (e.g., an axially offset opening) 95, and an annular recess 96. The discharge passage 90 may be in communication with a fluid pocket 97 (e.g., a discharge pressure pocket) at a radially inner position and allow compressed working fluid (at a discharge pressure) to flow through the hub assembly 22 and into the discharge chamber 40. The second discharge recess 93 may be in fluid communication with the discharge passage 90. The first discharge recess 92 may be an annular recess disposed radially outward relative to the second discharge recess 93. The second discharge recess 93 may be disposed between the discharge passage 90 and the first discharge recess 92. The first opening 94 may be disposed radially outward relative to the discharge passage 90 and may selectively allow fluid communication between a fluid pocket 91 (e.g., an intermediate pressure fluid pocket 91) located at a radially intermediate position and the first discharge recess 92. The second opening 95 may be disposed radially outward relative to the discharge passage 90. The second opening 95 can be disposed radially outwardly relative to the first opening 94 and can be rotationally offset from the first opening 94. The second opening 95 can provide communication between one of the fluid pockets 89 located at a radially intermediate position (e.g., at an intermediate pressure that may be lower than the intermediate pressure of the pocket 91) and the annular recess 96. The annular recess 96 can be defined by an annular rim 99 of the end plate 86 of the fixed scroll. The annular recess 96 can surround the first discharge recess 92 and the second discharge recess 93 and can be substantially concentric with the first discharge recess 92 and the second discharge recess 93.

[0053] Hub assembly 22 may be mounted to end plate 86 of non-orbiting scroll 72 on a side of end plate 86 opposite spiral wrap 88. Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the hub assembly 22 may include a hub plate 98 , a seal assembly 100 , a main exhaust valve assembly 102 , and one or more auxiliary exhaust valve assemblies (or variable compression ratio valve assemblies) 104 .

[0054] The hub plate 98 may include a body 106, a center hub 110, and a mounting flange 114. The body 106 may partially extend into the first discharge recess 92. The center hub 110 may extend axially from the radially inner portion of the body 106. The mounting flange may extend radially outward from the body 106 and may receive bolts 116, which fix the hub plate 98 to the end plate 86 of the fixed scroll 72. An annular gasket 118 may surround the first discharge recess 92 in the end plate 86, and may be disposed between the body 106 and the end plate 86 and sealingly engage the body 106 and the end plate 86. The hub plate 98 may be made of, for example, steel, cast iron, or aluminum or any other suitable material. The hub plate 98 may be formed of the same material as the fixed scroll 72, or the hub plate 98 may be formed of a material different from the fixed scroll 72.

[0055] The annular rim 99 and the central hub 110 may cooperate with the body 106 to define an annular recess 122 ( Figure 2 ), the annular recess 122 can receive the sealing assembly 100 in an movably manner in the annular recess 122. The sealing assembly 100 can sealingly engage the partition 36 (such as Figure 2 114 ). The annular recess 122 may cooperate with the seal assembly 100 to define an annular bias chamber 124 therebetween. The bias chamber 124 receives fluid from the intermediate fluid pocket 89 via the second opening 95 (e.g., the fluid may flow from the second opening 95 around the outer periphery of the mounting flange 114 and / or through the opening in the hub plate 98). The pressure differential between the intermediate pressure fluid in the bias chamber 124 and the suction pressure fluid in the suction chamber 42 exerts a net axial biasing force on the hub plate 98 and the fixed scroll 72, thereby urging the fixed scroll 72 toward the orbiting scroll 70 while still allowing the fixed scroll 72 to be axially compliant relative to the orbiting scroll 70 and the divider 36. In this manner, the tip of spiral wrap 88 of fixed scroll 72 is forced into sealing engagement with end plate 74 of orbiting scroll 70, and end plate 86 of fixed scroll 72 is forced into sealing engagement with the tip of spiral wrap 76 of orbiting scroll 70. This pressure differential also forces seal assembly 100 into engagement with divider 36.

[0056] The central hub 110 may define a recess 128 and one or more hub openings 129, through which the recess 128 is in fluid communication with the discharge chamber 40. The openings 129 may be disposed axially between the recess 128 and the discharge passage 44 of the divider 36. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, opening 129 may include a plurality of scallops. Recess 128 may at least partially receive main discharge valve assembly 102. Recess 128 may be in fluid communication with first discharge recess 92 in non-orbiting scroll 72 and selectively in fluid communication with first opening 94 in non-orbiting scroll 72.

[0057] The main discharge valve assembly 102 may include a retainer (or valve body) 130 and a main valve member 132 that is movable relative to the retainer 130. In some configurations, the main discharge valve assembly 102 may also include an annular valve seat 131 and a spring 133 (e.g., a wave ring or a coil spring). The valve seat 131 has an inner diameter that may be sized to provide a desired flow area for discharging the working fluid from the compression mechanism 20. In some configurations, the size, shape, and number of the scallops of the opening 129 may be selected to provide a flow area of ​​the opening 129 (around the radial outer periphery of the retainer 130) that is equal to or greater than the sum of the flow areas defined by the diameters of the first openings 94.

[0058] The retainer 130 can be received in the recess 128 of the hub plate 98. The retainer 130 may include an inner hub 134 and one or more retainer openings 135 surrounding the inner hub 134. The valve seat 131 can engage an axial end of the retainer 130 and can be received in the second discharge recess 93. The valve member 132 movably engages the inner hub 134 of the retainer 130 and selectively seats against the valve seat 131. For example, the valve member 132 can be a cup-shaped member that movably receives the inner hub 134. The valve member 132 can be spaced apart from the valve seat 131 during normal operation of the compressor 10 to allow fluid to flow from the compression mechanism 20 to the discharge chamber 40. That is, when the valve member 132 is in the open position (i.e., when the valve member 132 is spaced apart from the valve seat 131; as shown in FIG. 2 ), the valve member 132 is in the open position (i.e., when the valve member 132 is spaced apart from the valve seat 131; as shown in FIG. 2 ). Figure 3 131, through the opening 135, through the opening 129, and through the discharge passage 44 and into the discharge chamber 40. The valve member 132 can move downward to a closed position (wherein the valve member 132 contacts the valve seat 131; as shown) after the compressor 10 is shut down. Figure 2 The second discharge recess 93 may be provided with a spring 133 that is configured to limit or prevent fluid from flowing from the discharge chamber 40 through the discharge passage 90 back into the compression mechanism 20. The spring 133 may be disposed within the second discharge recess 93 and may contact the end plate 86 and the valve seat 131. The spring 133 may bias the valve seat 131 and the retainer 130 upwardly against an annular boss 149 (e.g., an axially facing surface) that defines an axial end of the recess 128.

[0059] The auxiliary discharge valve assembly 104 can be disposed within the first discharge recess 92 and between the hub plate 98 and the fixed scroll 72. Each of the auxiliary discharge valve assemblies 104 can include a retainer (or valve holder) 150 and an auxiliary valve member 152 (e.g., a resiliently flexible reed valve). The retainer 150 can be pinned, bolted, or otherwise attached to the end plate 86. The retainer 150 can be sandwiched between the end plate 86 and the hub plate 98.

[0060] like Figure 5As shown, the valve retainer 150 may include a base portion 154 and an arm portion 156, the arm portion 156 extending at a certain angle to the base portion 154. The base portion 154 may include a pair of pin holes 158. The distal end of the arm portion 156 includes an inclined surface facing the valve member 152. The valve member 152 may be a reed valve member, which is a thin, elastically flexible member that is shaped to correspond to the shape of the valve retainer 150. The valve member 152 may include a fixed end 160 and a movable end 162. The fixed end 160 may include a pair of pin holes 164, which are coaxially aligned with the corresponding pin holes 158 in the valve retainer 150 and the corresponding pair of pin holes in the end plate 86 of the fixed scroll 72. Mounting pins (or other fasteners) 166 may be press-fit (or otherwise received) in pin holes of the retainer 150 , valve member, and end plate 86 to secure the auxiliary drain valve assembly 104 to the end plate 86 .

[0061] The movable end 162 of the valve member 152 is capable of being in a closed position ( Figure 2 ) and the open position ( Figure 3 ) and, in the closed position, the movable end 162 sealingly seats against the end plate 86 to limit or prevent fluid flow through the corresponding first opening 94, and in the open position, the movable end 162 deflects upward away from the end plate 86 and toward the valve retainer 150 to allow fluid to flow through the corresponding opening 94 and upward into the recess 128 in the central hub 110 of the hub plate 98.

[0062] It will be appreciated that the auxiliary exhaust valve assembly 104 may be configured in any other manner to selectively allow and restrict fluid flow through the first opening 94. For example, the auxiliary exhaust valve assembly 104 may include a biasing member (spring) and an annular valve member instead of the valve member 152 and the retainer 150. Other types and / or configurations of valves may be employed to control fluid flow through the first opening 94.

[0063] The seal assembly 100 can be a floating seal assembly. For example, the seal assembly 100 can be formed by one or more annular flexible seals 170, 172 and one or more annular rigid seal plates 174, 176. The seal assembly 100 can be received in the bias chamber 124 between the annular rim 99 and the central hub 110 of the hub plate 98. The seal assembly 100 can sealingly engage the annular rim 99 and the central hub 110. As described above, during operation of the compressor 10, the seal assembly 100 can contact the partition 36 to seal the discharge chamber 40 relative to the suction chamber 42.

[0064] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 5, the operation of the compressor 10 will be described in detail. During normal operation of the compressor 10, low pressure fluid can be received into the compressor 10 via the suction fitting 45 and can be drawn into the compression mechanism 20, where the fluid is compressed in the fluid pockets defined by the spiral scrolls 76, 88, as described above. The fluid can be discharged from the compression mechanism 20 at a relatively high discharge pressure through the discharge passage 90. The discharge pressure fluid flows from the discharge passage 90 through the second discharge recess 93, flows through the main discharge valve assembly 102 (i.e., the discharge pressure fluid forces the valve member 132 upward away from the valve seat 131 to allow the fluid to flow through the opening 135 in the valve retainer 130), flows through the opening 129, and enters the discharge chamber 40, where the fluid then exits the compressor 10 through the discharge fitting 46. When the compressor is shut down, the fluid can flow into the central opening 180 in the retainer 130 to force the valve member 132 back to the closed position (i.e., engaged with the valve seat 131).

[0065] Over-compression is the following compressor operating state: in this compressor operating state, the internal compression ratio of the compressor (i.e., the ratio of the pressure of the compression pocket located at the radially innermost position to the pressure of the compression pocket located at the radially outermost position) is higher than the pressure ratio of the system in which the compressor is installed (i.e., the ratio of the pressure at the high side of the system to the pressure at the low side of the system). In the over-compression state, the compression mechanism compresses the fluid to a pressure that is higher than the pressure of the fluid downstream of the discharge fitting of the compressor. Therefore, in the over-compression state, the compressor performs unnecessary work, which reduces the efficiency of the compressor. The compressor 10 of the present disclosure can reduce or prevent over-compression by allowing the fluid to leave the compression mechanism 20 through the first opening 94 and the auxiliary discharge valve assembly 104 before the fluid pocket reaches the discharge passage 90.

[0066] The valve member 152 of the auxiliary discharge valve assembly 104 moves between the open position and the closed position in response to the pressure difference between the fluid in the intermediate fluid pocket 91 located at the radial intermediate position and the fluid in the discharge chamber 40. When the pressure of the fluid in the fluid pocket 91 at the radial intermediate position is greater than the pressure of the fluid in the discharge chamber 40, the relatively high-pressure fluid in the fluid pocket 91 can flow into the first opening 94 and can force the valve member 152 upward toward the open position (i.e., whereby the movable end 162 of the valve member 152 is spaced apart from the end plate 86) to allow the fluid to be discharged from the compression mechanism 20 through the first opening 94 and enter the discharge chamber 40 via the recess 128 and the opening 129 of the hub plate 98 (i.e., the outer portion of the retainer 130 surrounding the main discharge valve assembly 102). In this way, the first opening 94 can be used as an auxiliary discharge passage, which can reduce or prevent excessive compression of the working fluid.

[0067] When the pressure of the fluid in the fluid pocket 91 corresponding to the first opening 94 at the intermediate position drops below the fluid pressure in the discharge chamber 40, the movable end 162 of the valve member 152 can elastically return to the closed position ( Figure 2 ), in the closed position, the valve member 152 is sealingly engaged with the end plate 86 to restrict or prevent fluid flow through the first opening 94.

[0068] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , another compressor 210 is provided. Except for any differences described below and / or shown in the accompanying drawings, the structure and function of the compressor 210 may be similar or identical to the structure and function of the compressor 10 described above. Therefore, similar features may not be described in detail again. Similar to the compressor 10, the compressor 210 may include a housing assembly 212 (similar to or identical to the housing assembly 12), a first bearing seat assembly and a second bearing seat assembly (similar to or identical to the bearing seat assemblies 14, 16), a motor assembly (similar to or identical to the motor assembly 18), a compression mechanism 220 (similar to or identical to the compression mechanism 20) and a hub assembly 222 (similar to the hub assembly 22).

[0069] The hub assembly 222 may include a hub plate 298, a seal assembly 300, a main drain valve assembly 302, and one or more auxiliary drain valve assemblies 304. The structure and function of the seal assembly 300 and the auxiliary drain valve assembly 304 may be substantially the same as the structure and function of the seal assembly 100 and the auxiliary drain valve assembly 104, respectively.

[0070] The structure and function of the hub plate 298 are similar to those of the hub plate 98 described above, except that the main discharge valve assembly 302 can be engaged with the hub plate 298 in a threaded manner. Similar to the hub plate 98, the hub plate 298 can include a body 306, a center hub 310, and a mounting flange 314. The structure and function of the body 306 and the mounting flange 314 can be substantially similar to the structure and function of the body 106 and the mounting flange 114. The center hub 310 includes a recess 328 and one or more scalloped openings 329. The recess 328 may include internal threads 350. As in the main discharge valve 102, the recess 328 and the opening 329 are in fluid communication with the first opening 294 in the fixed scroll 272 when the auxiliary discharge valve assembly 304 is in the open position.

[0071] The main discharge valve assembly 302 may include a retainer (or valve body) 330 and a valve member 332 that is movable relative to the retainer 330. In some configurations, the main discharge valve assembly 302 may also include an annular valve seat 331. The structure and function of the retainer 330, valve member 332, and valve seat 331 may be similar or identical to the structure and function of the retainer 130, valve member 132, and valve seat 131, except that the retainer 330 includes external threads 333 that threadably engage with threads 350 of the hub plate 298. This threaded engagement securely secures the retainer 330 to the hub plate 298 (unlike the retainer 130, which is biased by the spring 133 to abut against the boss 149 to be secured to the hub plate 98).

[0072] The operation of compressor 210 may be similar or identical to the operation of compressor 10 and therefore will not be described again.

[0073] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , another compressor 410 is provided. Except for any differences described below and / or shown in the accompanying drawings, the structure and function of the compressor 410 may be similar or identical to the structure and function of the compressors 10, 210 described above. Therefore, similar features may not be described in detail again. Similar to the compressor 10, the compressor 410 may include a housing assembly 412 (similar to or identical to the housing assembly 12), a first bearing seat assembly and a second bearing seat assembly (similar to or identical to the bearing seat assemblies 14, 16), a motor assembly (similar to or identical to the motor assembly 18), a compression mechanism 420 (similar to or identical to the compression mechanism 20) and a hub assembly 422 (similar to the hub assembly 22). The operation of the compressor 410 may be similar or identical to the operation of the compressor 10.

[0074] The hub assembly 422 may include a hub plate 498, a seal assembly 500, a main drain valve assembly 502, and one or more auxiliary drain valve assemblies 504. The structure and function of the seal assembly 500 and the auxiliary drain valve assembly 504 may be substantially the same as the structure and function of the seal assembly 100 and the auxiliary drain valve assembly 104, respectively.

[0075] Similar to hub plate 98, hub plate 498 may include a body 506, a center hub 510, and a mounting flange 514. The structure and function of body 506 and mounting flange 514 may be substantially similar to the structure and function of body 106 and mounting flange 114. Center hub 510 includes an integrally formed valve retainer (or valve body) 530 and recess 528. Retainer 530 may include a plurality of openings 529 in fluid communication with discharge chamber 440 (similar to or identical to discharge chamber 40). Openings 529 are in fluid communication with first opening 494 in fixed scroll 472 when auxiliary discharge valve assembly 504 is in an open position.

[0076] The main discharge valve assembly 502 may include a retainer 530 and a valve member 532 that is movable relative to the retainer 530. For example, the valve member 532 may be a cylindrical block. The functions of the retainer 530 and the valve member 532 may be similar or identical to the functions of the retainer 130 and the valve member 132. During operation of the compressor 410, the fluid pressure in the discharge passage 490 forces the valve member 532 upward to an open position (i.e., spaced apart from the end plate 486 of the fixed scroll 472) to allow fluid to flow from the discharge passage 490 and flow through the opening 529 and into the discharge chamber 440. The retainer 530 may include a central opening 580 (similar to the central opening 180), through which the fluid from the discharge chamber 440 may flow when the compressor 410 is shut down, to force the valve member 532 downward to contact the end plate 486. In this way, the valve member 532 prevents the working fluid from flowing back from the discharge chamber 440 into the compression mechanism 420.

[0077] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to the particular embodiment, but are interchangeable and can be used for the selected embodiment where applicable, even if not specifically shown or described. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment may also be changed in many ways. Such variations are not considered to depart from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A compressor, comprising: Housing components; a fixed scroll member disposed within the housing assembly and including a first end plate and a first spiral wrap, the first end plate including a primary discharge passage and an auxiliary discharge passage positioned radially outward relative to the primary discharge passage; an orbiting scroll member disposed within the housing assembly and including a second end plate having a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate and meshingly engaged with the first spiral wrap; a hub plate mounted to the non-orbiting scroll and including a body and a center hub extending axially from the body, wherein the center hub includes a recess and a hub opening, and wherein the hub opening is selectively in fluid communication with the primary discharge passage and the auxiliary discharge passage; a main discharge valve assembly comprising a retainer and a main valve member, wherein the retainer is at least partially disposed within the recess of the hub plate, wherein the retainer includes a retainer aperture in fluid communication with the hub aperture, wherein the main valve member is slidably engaged with the retainer, and wherein the main valve member restricts fluid flow between the discharge chamber and the main discharge passage when the main valve member is in a closed position; and An auxiliary discharge valve assembly, the auxiliary discharge valve assembly comprising an auxiliary valve member disposed between the hub plate and the first end plate, wherein the auxiliary valve member is movable relative to the hub plate and the first end plate, wherein when the auxiliary valve member is in an open position, fluid is permitted to flow from the auxiliary discharge passage around the outer periphery of the retainer of the main discharge valve assembly and through the hub opening, and wherein, when the auxiliary valve member is in a closed position, the auxiliary valve member restricts fluid communication between the auxiliary discharge passage and the hub opening of the central hub.

2. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein: The first end plate of the fixed scroll includes an annular rim surrounding an outer periphery of the hub plate and defining a recess in which the hub plate is received.

3. The compressor of claim 2, further comprising a floating seal assembly at least partially received in said recess defined by said annular rim.

4. The compressor according to claim 3, wherein: The floating seal assembly, the annular rim, and the hub plate cooperate to define a bias chamber that receives a medium-pressure working fluid from an opening in the first end plate.

5. The compressor according to claim 4, wherein: The primary valve member is a cup-shaped member that slidably engages an inner hub of the retainer.

6. The compressor according to claim 5, wherein: The inner hub of the retainer includes a central opening, and wherein the retainer opening and the hub opening are disposed radially outwardly relative to the central opening.

7. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein: The retainer includes external threads that threadingly engage internal threads formed on the center hub of the hub plate.

8. The compressor according to claim 7, wherein: The hub opening is arranged radially outward relative to the internal thread of the hub plate.

9. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein: The first axial end of the retainer contacts the annular boss, and the hub opening is disposed radially outward relative to the annular boss.

10. The compressor according to claim 9, wherein: The main discharge valve assembly includes a spring disposed between the first end plate and the second axial end of the retainer, and wherein the spring biases the retainer into contact with the annular boss.

11. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein: The auxiliary valve member is a reed valve including a fixed end and a movable end that is elastically bendable relative to the fixed end.

12. The compressor according to claim 1, further comprising: a drive bearing formed of a polymer material; as well as A main bearing, said main bearing being made of aluminum, wherein the driving bearing is engaged with the cylindrical hub of the movable scroll member and surrounds a crank pin of a crankshaft driving the movable scroll member, and The main bearing rotatably supports the main body of the crankshaft.

13. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein: The area of ​​the hub opening is larger than the sum of the areas of the auxiliary exhaust passages.

14. A compressor, comprising: Housing components; a fixed scroll member disposed within the housing assembly and including a first end plate and a first spiral wrap, the first end plate including a primary discharge passage and an auxiliary discharge passage positioned radially outward relative to the primary discharge passage; an orbiting scroll member disposed within the housing assembly and including a second end plate including a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate and meshingly engaged with the first spiral wrap; a hub plate mounted to the non-orbiting scroll and comprising a body and a center hub extending axially from the body, wherein the center hub comprises a recess and a hub opening, and wherein the hub opening is selectively in fluid communication with the primary and auxiliary discharge passages; and wherein the center hub comprises an integrally formed valve retainer; a main valve member slidably received within the recess of the hub plate, wherein the hub opening is disposed radially outwardly relative to the main valve member, and wherein the main valve member restricts fluid flow between the discharge chamber and the main discharge passage when the main valve member is in a closed position; and An auxiliary discharge valve assembly, the auxiliary discharge valve assembly comprising an auxiliary valve member disposed between the hub plate and the first end plate, wherein the auxiliary valve member is movable relative to the hub plate and the first end plate, wherein when the auxiliary valve member is in an open position, fluid is allowed to flow from the auxiliary discharge passage through the hub opening, and wherein when the auxiliary valve member is in a closed position, the auxiliary valve member restricts fluid communication between the auxiliary discharge passage and the hub opening.

15. The compressor according to claim 14, wherein: The first end plate of the fixed scroll member includes an annular rim surrounding an outer periphery of the hub plate and defining a recess in which the hub plate is received.

16. The compressor of claim 15, further comprising a floating seal assembly at least partially received in said recess defined by said annular rim.

17. The compressor according to claim 16, wherein: The floating seal assembly, the annular rim, and the hub plate cooperate to define a bias chamber that receives a medium-pressure working fluid from an opening in the first end plate.

18. The compressor according to claim 17, wherein: The main valve member is a cylindrical member.

19. The compressor according to claim 18, wherein: The valve retainer includes a central opening, and wherein the hub opening is disposed radially outwardly relative to the central opening.

20. The compressor according to claim 14, wherein The auxiliary valve member is a reed valve including a fixed end and a movable end that is elastically bendable relative to the fixed end.

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