Compressor with shutdown assembly

Abstract

A compressor may include a first scroll member and a second scroll member and a shutdown assembly. The first scroll member and the second scroll member have a first spiral wrap and a second spiral wrap, respectively. The second scroll includes a discharge passage that receives compressed working fluid from a cavity defined by the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap. The shutdown assembly may include a valve housing and a valve member. The valve housing may include a first orifice that receives the working fluid from the discharge passage. The valve member may include a valve stem and a valve head. The valve stem may be movably received in the second orifice of the valve housing and have a diameter smaller than that of the valve head. The valve member is movable between a closed position, in which the valve head restricts fluid passage through the discharge passage, and an open position, in which the valve head permits fluid passage through the discharge passage.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 394,474, filed on December 22, 2023, which claims the benefit of and priority to Indian Patent Application No. 202221076341, filed on December 28, 2022. The entire disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a compressor having a shutdown assembly. 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 and outdoor heat exchangers, and one or more compressors that circulate a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. Efficient and reliable operation of the one or more compressors is desirable 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 needed. 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] In one form, the present disclosure provides a compressor that may include a first scroll, a second scroll, and a shutoff assembly. The first scroll may be an orbiting scroll. The second scroll may be a fixed scroll. The first scroll and the second scroll, respectively, have a first spiral wrap and a second spiral wrap, meshingly engaged with each other to form a plurality of movable chambers. The second scroll includes a discharge passage that receives compressed working fluid from one of the chambers defined by the first and second spiral wraps. The shutoff assembly may include a valve housing and a valve member. The valve housing may be attached to the second scroll (i.e., the valve housing may be integrally formed with a portion of the second scroll, or the valve housing may be formed separately from the second scroll and mounted to the second scroll). The valve housing may include a first orifice for receiving the working fluid from the discharge passage. The valve member may include a valve stem and a valve head. The valve stem may be movably received in the second orifice of the valve housing and have a diameter smaller than a diameter of the valve head. The valve member is movable between a closed position in which the valve head restricts fluid from passing through the discharge passage and an open position in which the valve head allows fluid to pass through the discharge passage.

[0008] In some configurations of the compressor of the preceding paragraph, the valve head includes a first side that contacts a surface of the second scroll member when the valve member is in a closed position, wherein the valve head includes a second side opposite the first side, and wherein a chamfer is formed on the second side at an outer periphery of the valve head.

[0009] In some configurations of the compressor of any of the foregoing paragraphs, a raised boss is formed on the second side of the valve head, and wherein the raised boss is radially disposed between the valve stem and the chamfer.

[0010] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first side of the valve head includes a protrusion that extends into the discharge passage when the valve member is in the closed position.

[0011] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the valve member includes a groove formed in an outer diameter surface of the valve stem.

[0012] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the groove is an annular groove surrounding a longitudinal axis of the valve stem.

[0013] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the groove is an axially extending groove and extends in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the valve stem.

[0014] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the valve member includes at least one other axially extending groove formed in the outer diameter surface of the valve stem and extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem.

[0015] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the third aperture extends through at least a portion of the valve stem.

[0016] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the third aperture extends through the valve head.

[0017] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a compressor comprising an orbiting scroll, a fixed scroll, and a discharge valve member. The fixed scroll meshingly engages with the orbiting scroll and may include a lower scroll and an upper scroll mounted to the lower scroll. The upper scroll may include a central hub defining a valve housing having a valve guide and a plurality of first orifices disposed about the valve guide. The discharge valve member may include a valve stem and a valve head disposed at an axial end of the valve stem. The valve head is disposed in a recess defined by a side of the upper scroll facing the lower scroll. The valve stem may be movably received in a second orifice formed in the valve guide and have a diameter smaller than that of the valve head. The valve member is movable relative to the upper and lower scrolls between a closed position, in which the valve head blocks a discharge passage in the lower scroll to restrict fluid flow through the discharge passage, and an open position, in which the valve head allows fluid flow through the discharge passage.

[0018] In some configurations of the compressor of the above paragraph, the valve head includes a first side that contacts the surface of the lower scroll member when the valve member is in a closed position, wherein the valve head includes a second side opposite to the first side, and wherein a chamfer is formed on the second side at an outer periphery of the valve head.

[0019] In some configurations of the compressor of any of the foregoing paragraphs, a raised boss is formed on the second side of the valve head, and wherein the raised boss is radially disposed between the valve stem and the chamfer.

[0020] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the first side of the valve head includes a protrusion that extends into the discharge passage when the valve member is in the closed position.

[0021] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the valve member includes a groove formed in an outer diameter surface of the valve stem.

[0022] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the groove is an annular groove surrounding a longitudinal axis of the valve stem.

[0023] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the groove is an axially extending groove and extends in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the valve stem.

[0024] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the valve member includes at least one other axially extending groove formed in the outer diameter surface of the valve stem and extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem.

[0025] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the third aperture extends through at least a portion of the valve stem.

[0026] In some configurations of the compressor of any one or more of the above paragraphs, the third aperture extends through the valve head.

[0027] 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

[0028] 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.

[0029] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a compressor having a shutoff assembly including a discharge valve member;

[0030] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fixed scroll and the shut-off assembly;

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Exploded view of the fixed scroll and shutoff assembly;

[0032] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a discharge valve member and upper and lower scroll members of a non-orbiting scroll, wherein the discharge valve member is in a closed position;

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 a partial cross-sectional view of a discharge valve member and upper and lower scroll members, wherein the discharge valve member is in an open position;

[0034] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of another discharge valve component and the upper and lower scroll members of the fixed scroll;

[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of a discharge valve component;

[0036] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another discharge valve component and the upper and lower scroll members of the fixed scroll;

[0037] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A perspective view of a discharge valve component;

[0038] Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another discharge valve component and the upper and lower scroll members of the fixed scroll;

[0039] Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another discharge valve component and the upper and lower scroll members of the fixed scroll;

[0040] Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another discharge valve member and the upper and lower scroll members of the fixed scroll; and

[0041] Figure 13 is a perspective view of another discharge valve component.

[0042] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Example embodiments are provided so that this 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 embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be adopted and that the example embodiments can be implemented in many different forms and none of them 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 technologies are not described in detail.

[0045] The terms used herein are only used to describe the purpose of exemplary 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", "containing" and "having" are inclusive and therefore indicate the existence of the features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements and / or parts described, 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 particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically indicated as the order of execution. It should also be understood that additional steps or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0046] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly engaged to, directly connected to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements (e.g., "between" versus "directly 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.

[0047] Although the terms first, second and third etc. can be used in this article to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Unless clearly indicated by the context, 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.

[0048] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "inside," "outside," "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," "upper," etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass 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 accompanying drawings is flipped, elements described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" may encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0049] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , a compressor 10 is provided, which may include a sealed housing assembly 12, a first bearing housing assembly 14 and a second bearing housing assembly 16, a motor assembly 18, a compression mechanism 20, a discharge port or fitting 24, a suction port or fitting 28, and a suction conduit (or suction funnel) 30.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown in , the housing assembly 12 can form a compressor housing and can include a cylindrical housing 32, an end cap 34 located at the upper end of the cylindrical housing 32, a laterally extending partition 36, and a base 38 located at the lower end of the cylindrical housing 32. The housing 32, the base 38, and the partition 36 can cooperate to define a suction pressure chamber 39. The end cap 34 and the partition 36 can define a discharge chamber 40. The partition 36 can separate the discharge chamber 40 from the suction pressure chamber 39. A discharge pressure passage 43 can extend through the partition 36 to provide communication between the compression mechanism 20 and the discharge chamber 40. The suction fitting 28 can be attached to the housing assembly 12 at an opening 46.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the first bearing housing assembly 14 can be disposed within the suction pressure chamber and can be fixed relative to the housing 32. The first bearing housing assembly 14 can include a first main bearing housing 48 and a first bearing 50. The first main bearing housing 48 can house the first bearing 50 therein. The first main bearing housing 48 can be fixedly engaged with the housing 32 and can axially support the compression mechanism 20.

[0052] like Figure 1As shown in FIG, the motor assembly 18 can be disposed within the suction pressure chamber 39 and can include a stator 60 and a rotor 62. The stator 60 can be press-fit into the housing 32. The rotor 62 can be press-fit onto the drive shaft 64 and can transmit rotational power to the drive shaft 64. The drive shaft 64 can be rotatably supported by the first bearing housing assembly 14 and the second bearing housing assembly 16. The drive shaft 64 can include an eccentric crank pin 66 having a crank pin flat portion.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown in , the compression mechanism 20 can be disposed within the suction pressure chamber 39 and can include an orbiting scroll 70 and a fixed scroll 72. The first scroll member or orbiting scroll 70 can include an end plate 74 and a spiral wrap 76 extending from the end plate 74. A cylindrical hub 80 can protrude downwardly from the end plate 74. A drive bushing can be disposed in the hub 80 and can receive the crank pin 66. An Oldham coupling 84 can engage with the orbiting scroll 70 and the fixed scroll 72 to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown in , the second scroll member or fixed scroll 72 may include an end plate 86 and a spiral wrap 88 projecting downwardly 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 chambers. The fluid chambers defined by the spiral wraps 76, 88 may decrease in volume as they move from a radially outer position (at suction pressure) to a radially intermediate position (at intermediate pressure) to a radially inner position (at discharge pressure) throughout the compression cycle of the compression mechanism 20. Figures 1 to 3 As shown in FIG, a suction inlet 89 may be formed in the fixed scroll 72 and may provide a connection between the suction conduit 30 and the radially outermost fluid cavity 93 ( ) formed by the spiral wraps 76, 88. Figure 1 ) between the fluid connections.

[0055] The non-orbiting scroll 72 may include an upper scroll 94 mounted to the end plate 86 (lower scroll). The upper scroll 94 is mounted to an upper surface 96 of the end plate 86. Fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners) may extend through mounting apertures 98 ( Figure 3 ) and into the mounting aperture 100 ( Figure 3 ). Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the upper scroll 94 may include an upper annular recess 102 that may receive a floating seal assembly 104. The upper annular recess 102 may be defined by (and radially disposed between) a central hub 116 of the upper scroll 94 and an outer annular rim 157 of the upper scroll 94.

[0056] The upper scroll 94 may also include a lower recess 106 ( Figure 2 ), a variable compression ratio valve 108 may be provided in the lower recess 106. Each of the variable compression ratio valves 108 may include a valve member (e.g., a reed valve) 110 and a valve seat 112. The valve member 110 is movable relative to the end plate 86 to selectively open and close a variable compression ratio port 114 formed in the end plate 86. The variable compression ratio port 114 is in fluid communication with the intermediate pressure chamber formed by the spiral scrolls 76 and 88. The variable compression ratio valve 108 selectively allows and prevents fluid communication between the intermediate pressure chamber and the discharge chamber 40. The variable compression ratio valve 108 can be opened by interfacing with an orifice 109 ( Figure 3 ) engaging fasteners (eg, pins or threaded fasteners) are mounted to the end plate 86. A seal (eg, an O-ring) 107 may surround the lower recess 106 and may sealingly engage the end plate 86 and the upper scroll 94.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the central hub 116 of the upper scroll 94 can define a valve guide (or valve housing) 118 and one or more orifices 120. The orifices 120 can be in fluid communication with the lower recess 106 and the discharge chamber 40. The valve guide 118 can movably engage a portion of (and guide the movement of) a main discharge valve member (or shut-off device) 122. For example, the valve guide 118 can include an orifice that reciprocally receives a stem 124 of the valve member 122. The head 126 of the valve member 122 can selectively open and close a discharge passage 128 formed in the end plate 86 to selectively allow and prevent fluid communication between the discharge passage 128 and the discharge chamber 40. The discharge passage 128 receives fluid from the discharge pressure chamber formed by the spiral scrolls 76, 88.

[0058] The suction conduit 30 can guide the working fluid at the suction pressure from the suction fitting 28 to the suction inlet 89 of the fixed scroll 72, so that the working fluid can be guided into the radially outermost fluid cavity 93 and then compressed by the compression mechanism 20. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, a portion of the suction conduit 30 can be snapped into engagement with the wall 90 of the fixed scroll member 72 (e.g., the wall defining the lower end of the suction inlet 89), and another portion of the suction conduit 30 can be captured or clamped between the upper scroll member 94 and the end plate 86.

[0059] Now refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5, another upper scroll 194 (only partially shown) and another main discharge valve member 222 are provided. Upper scroll 194 and valve member 222 may be incorporated into compressor 10 in place of upper scroll 94 and valve member 122.

[0060] Except for the differences described below, upper scroll 194 can be similar or identical to upper scroll 94 described above. Similar to upper scroll 94, upper scroll 194 can include an outer annular rim (similar or identical to outer annular rim 157) and a central hub 316 (similar to central hub 116) that cooperate to define an upper annular recess 202 (similar or identical to upper annular recess 102). Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in , central hub 316 of upper scroll 194 may be configured differently than central hub 116 .

[0061] The central hub 316 can define a valve housing for the valve member 222. In this manner, the central hub 316 and the valve member 22 cooperate to define the shutoff assembly (or discharge valve assembly) 302. The central hub 316 can include a plurality of orifices 320 extending therethrough. The orifices 320 provide fluid communication between the lower recess 206 (similar to or identical to the lower recess 106) of the upper scroll 194 and the discharge chamber 40. The central hub 316 can also include a valve guide 318 defining a guide recess 319. The orifices 320 can be arranged in a circular pattern around the guide recess 319. A central orifice 321 can extend through a central portion of the central hub 316 and can be in fluid communication with the discharge chamber 40 and the guide recess 319. The diameter of the central orifice 321 can be smaller than the diameter of the guide recess 319.

[0062] The valve member 222 may include a stem 224 and a head 226. The stem 224 may have a smaller diameter than the head 226. The head 226 may be provided at an axial end of the stem 224. The stem 224 may be reciprocally received in the guide recess 319 so that the valve member 222 can be moved relative to the upper scroll 194 and the end plate 86 in a closed position ( Figure 4 ) and open position ( Figure 5 ) to move between.

[0063] In the closed position, the head 226 of the valve member 222 can contact the end plate 86 to block fluid flow through the discharge passage 128 (i.e., prevent fluid communication between the discharge passage 128 and the discharge chamber 40). In the open position, the head 226 of the valve member 222 is spaced apart from the end plate 86 to allow fluid flow through the discharge passage 128 and through the orifice 320 (i.e., allow fluid communication between the discharge passage 128 and the discharge chamber 40 via the orifice 320). When the compressor 10 is shut down, the valve member 222 is forced to move from the open position to the closed position. When the compressor 10 is shut down, the working fluid in the discharge chamber 40 can flow into the central orifice 321 and into the guide recess 319 to help force the valve member 222 toward the closed position.

[0064] As described above, the diameter of the head 226 of the valve member 222 can be greater than the diameter of the stem 224 of the valve member 222. In some configurations, the ratio of the diameter of the head 226 to the diameter of the stem 224 can range from 2 to 10.

[0065] The relatively large diameter of the head 226 allows the valve member 222 to cover (block fluid flow through) the discharge passage 128 during shutdown. The relatively small diameter of the stem 224 allows for: (a) a large drilled discharge orifice 320 in the central hub 316, which reduces the pressure drop across the shutdown assembly 302 and increases the gas flow area and flow uniformity (which improves the efficiency of the compressor 10), (b) a reduced mass of the valve member 222 (compared to a single-diameter shutdown device) thereby reducing the occurrence of dynamic operation (which improves the reliability of the shutdown assembly 302 and the compressor 10), and (c) reduced oil sticking of the valve member 222 to the valve guide 318 due to the small contact area along the guide length (which improves shutdown response).

[0066] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG, the head portion 226 of the valve member 222 may include a chamfer 228 facing away from the end plate 86 (i.e., the chamber 228 is located on a top side of the head portion 226 opposite the bottom side of the head portion 226 that contacts the end plate 86 in the closed position). When the valve member 222 is in the open position (i.e., during operation of the compressor 10), the chamfer 228 allows for improved gas flow around the head portion 226, which improves the efficiency of the compressor 10.

[0067] Now refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7Another discharge valve member 422 is provided that can be incorporated into compressor 10 along with upper scroll 194 (instead of valve members 122, 322). Valve member 422 can include some or all of the features of valve member 222 described above (e.g., including a stem 424 and head 426 having some or all of the features of stem 224 and head 226). Stem 424 of valve member 422 can also include a plurality of vertical grooves 430 (i.e., grooves 430 extending in an axial direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of stem 424). Grooves 430 reduce the contact area between stem 424 and valve guide 318, which reduces oil sticking of valve member 422 to valve guide 318 while still maintaining adequate alignment of valve member 422 relative to central hub 316 and end plate 86.

[0068] Now refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 Another discharge valve member 522 is provided that can be incorporated into compressor 10 along with upper scroll 194 (instead of valve members 122, 322, or 422). Valve member 522 can include some or all of the features of valve member 222 described above (e.g., including a stem 524 and head 526 having some or all of the features of stem 224 and head 226). Stem 524 of valve member 522 can also include one or more horizontal grooves 530 (i.e., the grooves are annular grooves and extend in a circumferential direction and surround the longitudinal axis of stem 524). Grooves 530 reduce the contact area between stem 524 and valve guide 318, which reduces oil sticking of valve member 522 to valve guide 318 while still maintaining adequate alignment of valve member 522 relative to central hub 316 and end plate 86.

[0069] Now refer to Figure 10 Another discharge valve member 622 is provided that can be incorporated into compressor 10 along with upper scroll 194 (instead of valve members 122, 322, 422, 522). Valve member 622 can include some or all of the features of valve members 222, 422, 522 described above (e.g., including a stem 624 and a head 626 having some or all of the features of stem 224, 424, 524 and head 226, 426, 526). Head 626 of valve member 622 can also include a raised boss (or stepped portion) 630 formed on the top side of head 626 (opposite to the bottom side of head 626 that contacts end plate 86 in the closed position). Raised boss 630 has a diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of head 626 and the innermost diameter of chamfer 628 of head 626. The raised boss 630 may allow for a reduced contact area with the axial end surface 332 of the valve guide 318 , which reduces oil sticking between the valve member 622 and the valve guide 318 .

[0070] The head portion 626 of the valve member 622 may also include a protrusion 632 (e.g., an annular protrusion or a disc-shaped protrusion) formed on a bottom side of the head portion 626 (e.g., the side of the head portion 626 opposite the top side including the raised boss 630). The protrusion 632 may extend from the head portion 626 into the discharge passage 128. The protrusion 632 may facilitate assembly of the shutoff assembly. For example, before the upper scroll 194 is positioned on the end plate 86 and bolted to the end plate 86, the protrusion 632 may serve as a guide to position the valve member 622 on the end plate 86.

[0071] Now refer to Figure 11 , another discharge valve member 722 is provided that can be incorporated into compressor 10 along with upper scroll 194 (instead of valve members 122, 322, 422, 522, 622). Valve member 722 can include some or all of the features of valve members 222, 422, 522, 622 described above (e.g., including a stem 724 and a head 726 having some or all of the features of stems 224, 424, 524, 624 and heads 226, 426, 526, 626). Valve member 722 can also include an orifice 728 that can extend through some or all of the length of stem 724 and / or through some or all of the length of head 726. Orifice 728 reduces the mass of valve member 722, which can improve the efficiency of compressor 10. Furthermore, the reduced thickness of the head 726 also reduces the overall mass of the valve member 722 , which may increase the efficiency of the compressor 10 .

[0072] Now refer to Figure 12 , another discharge valve member 822 is provided that can be incorporated into the compressor 10 along with the upper scroll 194 (instead of valve members 122, 322, 422, 522, 622, 722). Valve member 822 can include some or all of the features of the valve members 222, 422, 522, 622, 722 described above (e.g., including a stem 824 and a head 826 having some or all of the features of the stem 224, 424, 524, 624, 724 and the head 226, 426, 526, 626, 726). Valve member 822 can also include an orifice 828 that can extend through some or all of the length of the stem 824 and / or can extend through some or all of the length of the head 826. Valve member 822 can be formed from multiple pieces that can be welded or otherwise attached to one another. For example, the head 826 and stem 824 may be formed separately from one another and then welded or otherwise attached to one another.

[0073] Now refer to Figure 13 Another discharge valve member 922 is provided that can be incorporated into compressor 10 along with upper scroll 194 (instead of valve members 122, 322, 422, 522, 622, 722, 822). Valve member 922 can include some or all of the features of valve members 222, 422, 522, 622, 722, 822 described above (e.g., including a stem 924 and a head 926 having some or all of the features of stems 224, 424, 524, 624, 724, 824 and heads 226, 426, 526, 626, 726, 826). Head 926 of valve member 922 can include a chamfer 928 facing away from end plate 86 (i.e., a chamber 928 is located on a top side of head 926 opposite a bottom side of head 926 that contacts end plate 86 in the closed position). Figure 13 The large chamfer 928 shown in FIG. 8 contacts the axial end surface 332 of the valve guide 318 , which results in a reduced contact area with the axial end surface 332 , thereby reducing oil sticking.

[0074] The head portion 926 of the valve member 922 may further include a protrusion 932 (e.g., an annular protrusion or a disc-shaped protrusion) formed on a bottom side of the head portion 926 (e.g., a side of the head portion 926 opposite the top side including the chamfer 928). Similar to the protrusion 632 described above, the protrusion 932 may extend from the head portion 926 into the discharge passage 128 and may facilitate assembly.

[0075] The shutoff assembly described above and / or shown in any of the accompanying drawings has improved performance over prior art shutoff valves in several parameters, including, for example, improved shutoff response time, reduced backflow leakage, reduced pressure loss across the shutoff assembly, reduced power loss, good stress and fatigue levels, good dynamic response, and good impact velocity / force. Furthermore, the shutoff assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure provides the following advantages: reduced power loss by allowing more airflow and / or more efficient airflow compared to prior art shutoff valves; reduced noise by providing faster and quieter compressor shutdown by limiting backflow into the scroll pack; reduced dynamic response; lower manufacturing costs and fewer parts than prior art shutoff valves; and easier assembly without the need for adhesives.

[0076] The previous description of the embodiments has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. This 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 that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used for the selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment also can 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: a first scroll member having a first spiral wrap; a second scroll member having a second spiral wrap meshingly engaged with the first spiral wrap, wherein the second scroll member includes a discharge passage that receives compressed working fluid from a cavity defined by the first and second spiral wraps; and A shut-off assembly comprising a valve housing and a valve member, wherein the valve housing is attached to the second scroll member and comprises at least one first orifice, the at least one first orifice receiving the working fluid from the discharge passage, wherein the valve member movably engages the valve housing and comprises a valve stem and a valve head, wherein the valve stem is movably received in the second orifice of the valve housing and has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the valve head, wherein the valve member is movable relative to the valve housing and the second scroll member between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the valve head blocks the discharge passage to restrict fluid flow through the discharge passage, and in the open position the valve head allows fluid flow through the discharge passage.

2. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein The valve head portion includes a first side portion that contacts a surface of the second scroll member when the valve member is in the closed position, wherein the valve head portion includes a second side portion opposite the first side portion, and wherein a chamfer is formed on the second side portion at an outer periphery of the valve head portion.

3. The compressor according to claim 2, wherein A raised boss is formed on the second side portion of the valve head portion, and wherein the raised boss is radially disposed between the valve stem and the chamfer.

4. The compressor according to claim 3, wherein The first side of the valve head includes a protrusion that extends into the discharge passage when the valve member is in the closed position.

5. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein The valve member includes a groove formed in an outer diameter surface of the valve stem. The compressor according to claim 5 , wherein: The groove is an annular groove surrounding the longitudinal axis of the valve stem.

7. The compressor according to claim 5, wherein The groove is an axially extending groove and extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem.

8. The compressor according to claim 7, wherein The valve member includes at least one further axially extending groove formed in the outer diameter surface of the valve stem and extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem.

9. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein A third aperture extends through at least a portion of the valve stem.

10. The compressor according to claim 9, wherein The third aperture extends through the valve head.

11. A compressor comprising: Orbiting scroll; a non-orbiting scroll meshingly engaged with the orbiting scroll and comprising a lower scroll and an upper scroll mounted to the lower scroll, wherein the upper scroll includes a central hub defining a valve housing having a valve guide and a plurality of first apertures disposed about the valve guide; and a discharge valve member having a valve stem and a valve head disposed at an axial end of the valve stem, wherein the valve head is disposed in a recess defined by a side of the upper scroll facing the lower scroll, wherein the valve stem is movably received in a second aperture formed in the valve guide and has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the valve head, wherein the valve member is movable relative to the upper and lower scrolls between a closed position in which the valve head blocks a discharge passage in the lower scroll to restrict fluid flow through the discharge passage and an open position in which the valve head allows fluid flow through the discharge passage.

12. The compressor according to claim 11, wherein The valve head portion includes a first side portion contacting a surface of the lower scroll when the valve member is in the closed position, wherein the valve head portion includes a second side portion opposite the first side portion, and wherein a chamfer is formed on the second side portion at an outer periphery of the valve head portion.

13. The compressor according to claim 12, wherein A raised boss is formed on the second side portion of the valve head portion, and wherein the raised boss is radially disposed between the valve stem and the chamfer.

14. The compressor according to claim 13, wherein The first side of the valve head includes a protrusion that extends into the discharge passage when the valve member is in the closed position.

15. The compressor according to claim 11, wherein The valve member includes a groove formed in an outer diameter surface of the valve stem.

16. The compressor according to claim 15, wherein The groove is an annular groove surrounding the longitudinal axis of the valve stem.

17. The compressor according to claim 15, wherein The groove is an axially extending groove and extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem.

18. The compressor according to claim 17, wherein The valve member includes at least one further axially extending groove formed in the outer diameter surface of the valve stem and extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem.

19. The compressor according to claim 11, wherein A third aperture extends through at least a portion of the valve stem.

20. The compressor according to claim 19, wherein The third aperture extends through the valve head.

Images