Axially flexible unloading member for a scroll compressor
By combining the limiting ring and the elastic element, the scroll compressor can achieve axial flexible unloading under extreme operating conditions, which solves the liquid slugging problem, improves reliability and reduces production costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
AI Technical Summary
Scroll compressors are prone to liquid slugging under extreme operating conditions. Existing axial flexible technology is complex to manufacture, costly, and has poor long-term reliability.
It employs mechanical components such as limit rings, upper supports, and elastic elements, and uses the elastic elements to adaptively adjust the vortex spacing to achieve axial flexible unloading and prevent the vortex disk from being broken.
It improves the long-term reliability of scroll compressors under extreme operating conditions, reduces production costs, and simplifies the assembly process.
Smart Images

Figure CN121251577B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of scroll compressor technology, and more particularly to an axial flexible unloading component for a scroll compressor. Background Technology
[0002] As a core component of refrigeration and heating systems, the reliability of scroll compressors significantly impacts the system's lifespan and efficiency. Currently, scroll compressors are prone to liquid slugging under certain extreme operating conditions. This phenomenon occurs because, under extreme conditions, the refrigerant fails to absorb heat or evaporate sufficiently, resulting in refrigerant liquid or wet vapor being drawn into the scroll compression chamber. During scroll rotation, this generates immense pressure, potentially shattering the scroll plate and causing damage to the compressor and the entire system.
[0003] In existing technologies, most structures for axial flexibility in compressors involve setting through channels on the scroll plate, which work together with the differential pressure gas chamber to achieve axial flexibility. However, the production and theoretical calculations of existing structures are relatively complex, and the manufacturing costs are high. The high assembly precision requirements also significantly increase the production costs for enterprises. Furthermore, the sludge and metal debris generated during long-term operation of the compressor may block some narrow and thin gas channels, causing the axial flexibility function to fail. Therefore, the long-term reliability of existing technologies needs to be improved.
[0004] In view of the technical shortcomings of the aforementioned scroll compressor, it is essential to research and invent an axial flexible unloading component for the scroll compressor. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In response to the aforementioned problems of existing scroll compressors being prone to liquid slugging under extreme operating conditions, and the complex processing and theoretical calculations, high costs, and poor long-term reliability of current axial flexible technology, this paper proposes an axial flexible unloading component for scroll compressors. By using the cooperation and limiting of mechanical components and incorporating a simple elastic element, the dynamic and fixed scroll spacing can be adaptively adjusted under extreme conditions to cope with sudden large loads, promptly unloading to prevent the scroll plate from shattering. This improves the long-term reliability of the compressor under extreme conditions, thereby enhancing the system's capacity.
[0006] The technical means employed in this invention are as follows:
[0007] An axial flexible unloading component for a scroll compressor includes a housing, a top cover, a crankshaft, an upper support, a limiting ring, a scroll assembly, an elastic element, a sealing ring, and an upper isolation plate.
[0008] The upper bracket is disposed inside the housing and is coaxial with the housing and has an interference fit.
[0009] The vortex assembly includes a fixed vortex, a moving vortex, and a cross ring; a limiting ring is disposed in the cavity formed by the upper end face of the upper bracket and the lower end face of the fixed vortex; the middle part of the crankshaft is disposed in the bearing hole of the upper bracket; the upper end of the crankshaft is engaged with the moving vortex; and the fixed vortex is disposed on the upper bracket and meshes with the internal tooth structure of the moving vortex.
[0010] The elastic element is disposed in the gap between the upper end of the fixed vortex and the lower end of the upper isolation plate. The elastic element remains in a compressed state after assembly. The upper isolation plate, the shell and the upper cover are kept relatively fixed by welding.
[0011] Furthermore, the upper support includes circumferentially arranged arm structures, with at least four of the arm structures arranged within the circumferential range.
[0012] Furthermore, each of the arm structures is provided with at least one circumferential recess and two first axial recesses.
[0013] Furthermore, the arm structure and the housing have an interference fit surface, and the circumferential recess on the arm structure is located within the interference fit surface area. The circumferential recess is used to accommodate the housing deformation caused by the riveting deformation of the housing during the assembly process.
[0014] Furthermore, the outer peripheral edge of the fixed vortex is provided with at least eight second axial recesses.
[0015] Furthermore, the outer diameter surface of the limiting ring is interference-fitted with the inner diameter surface of the housing, and the limiting ring contains pin structures corresponding to the number of upper brackets and fixed volutes. The pin structures are engaged with the axial recesses of the upper brackets and fixed volutes, and the limiting ring has at least eight pin structures arranged in the axial direction of its edge.
[0016] Furthermore, the elastic element is in a compressed state after assembly, and the pre-compression force of the elastic element is equal to the sum of the maximum gas force generated when the moving vortex and the fixed vortex mesh and operate, and the gravity of the fixed vortex.
[0017] Furthermore, the elastic element is an annular spring washer, and a sealing ring is provided between the outer ring of the elastic element and the inner ring of the upper isolation plate to separate the upper and lower sides of the upper isolation plate.
[0018] The circumferential recesses on the upper support arm structure can accommodate the deformed portion of the housing. This area enables the axially flexible unloading component to resist overturning moments and bear the weight of the component, maintaining the overall stability of the component's position. The first axial recess on the upper support arm structure has an interference fit with the pin structure on the limiting ring, while the second axial recess on the fixed scroll has a clearance fit with the pin structure of the limiting ring. The limiting ring has an interference fit with the inner circumferential surface of the housing. The fits between these components ensure that the upper support and fixed scroll maintain circumferential stability even when subjected to the torsional moment generated by the compressor's operation. During the meshing and compression of the refrigerant by the moving and stationary scrolls, the pressure between the scrolls causes the stationary scroll to tend to move upwards. However, because the elastic element is under compression under the pre-compression force, the downward pressure of the elastic element keeps the stationary scroll relatively stationary. When the pressure inside the scroll exceeds the sum of the maximum gas force between the scrolls and the weight of the stationary scroll under certain extreme conditions, the stationary scroll moves axially upwards along the limiting ring pin structure, lifting the elastic element and causing it to continue compressing. This process can instantly increase the gap between the scroll teeth, unloading the sudden load inside the scroll at this moment and protecting the scroll tooth structure, thus achieving the axial flexible unloading function. This process ends when the stepped surface at the top of the stationary scroll back plate contacts the isolation plate, forming an axial limit. When the pressure inside the scroll cavity is unloaded and becomes less than the sum of the maximum gas force between the scrolls and the weight of the stationary scroll, i.e., the pre-compression force, the elastic element will return to its original pre-compressed length and press the stationary scroll back to its initial position after assembly. This is the complete axial flexible unloading and reset process.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:
[0020] This invention mainly achieves circumferential limiting and axial mobility through the cooperation between the limiting ring, the upper support, and the axial recess on the fixed scroll. When the compressor is running, the cooperation between the top of the fixed scroll and the elastic element allows the fixed scroll to have both axial flexibility and self-adaptive unloading functions within a certain distance range. When the stepped surface at the top of the fixed scroll contacts the upper isolation plate, it forms an axial limit, so that the distance between the moving and fixed scrolls can unload sudden high pressure without causing a large amount of gas leakage between the teeth.
[0021] This invention enables adaptive flexible floating within a certain axial distance range. When the scroll compressor operates under certain extreme conditions, the flexible floating of the stationary scroll can unload the sudden large load caused by the compression of liquid refrigerant in the scroll compression chamber, significantly improving operational reliability. Simultaneously, this invention optimizes the problem of requiring complex gas channels and differential pressure gas chambers between the moving and stationary scrolls and the upper support to achieve axial flexibility. This invention relies on the cooperation between mechanical components and the adaptive adjustment of elastic elements to achieve axial flexibility, greatly improving reliability. From an assembly and production perspective, the technical solution of this invention improves upon the currently widely used rigid bolt connection between the stationary scroll and the upper support, reducing assembly time on the production line. Furthermore, the overall structure is simple, and the production cost is low, which is beneficial for cost reduction and efficiency improvement in actual production.
[0022] In summary, this invention solves the problem of liquid slugging in scroll compressors under certain extreme operating conditions, which leads to scroll disc breakage and affects the reliability of the compressor and system. The technical solution of applying axial flexible unloading components solves the problem of liquid slugging in scroll compressors under certain extreme operating conditions. It also provides stable long-term performance and significantly reduces production costs. Attached Figure Description
[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 2 This is a top view of a vortex in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting ring structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] In the diagram: 100, housing; 101, housing deformation part; 200, top cover; 300, crankshaft; 400, upper bracket; 401, circumferential recess; 402, first axial recess; 500, limiting ring; 501, pin structure; 610, fixed volute; 611, second axial recess; 620, moving volute; 630, cross ring; 700, elastic element; 800, sealing ring; 900, upper isolation plate. Detailed Implementation
[0029] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0031] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.
[0032] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.
[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.
[0034] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.
[0035] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.
[0036] Example:
[0037] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the present invention is an axial flexible unloading component for a scroll compressor, comprising: a housing 100, an upper cover 200, a crankshaft 300, an upper support 400, a limiting ring 500, a scroll assembly, an elastic element 700, a sealing ring 800, an upper isolation plate 900, a fixed scroll 610, a moving scroll 620, and a cross ring 630.
[0038] The upper bracket 400 is interference-fitted with the housing 100 and is coaxial.
[0039] The limiting ring 500 is placed on the outermost ring of the upper end face of the upper bracket 400. The limiting ring 500 is placed in the cavity between the upper end face of the upper bracket 400 and the lower end face of the fixed vortex 610. The middle part of the crankshaft 300 is set in the bearing hole of the upper bracket 400.
[0040] The vortex assembly includes a fixed vortex 610, a moving vortex 620, and a cross ring 630; the fixed vortex 610 is arranged on the upper support 400 and cooperates with the moving vortex 620, and the internal tooth structures of the fixed vortex 610 and the moving vortex 620 mesh with each other.
[0041] The upper end of the crankshaft 300 mates with the end hole of the moving scroll 620.
[0042] The elastic element 700 is disposed in the gap between the upper end of the fixed vortex 610 and the lower end of the upper isolation plate 900. The elastic element 700 remains in a compressed state after assembly. The sealing ring 800 is disposed between the elastic element 700 and the upper isolation plate 900.
[0043] The lower edge of the upper isolation plate 900 is placed on the upper end face of the housing 100, and the upper cover 200 is placed on the upper isolation plate 900. The three are kept relatively fixed by welding.
[0044] The limiting ring 500 includes circumferentially arranged pin structures 501. In this embodiment, eight pin structures 501 are provided on its annular area.
[0045] The upper support 400 has circumferential recesses 401 and first axial recesses 402 on its arm structure. In this embodiment, the upper support 400 includes a total of 4 circumferential recesses 401 and a total of 8 first axial recesses 402, which are evenly distributed on the arm structure. The arm structure of the upper support 400 has an interference fit with the housing 100, and the circumferential recesses 401 on the arm structure are located within the interference fit area. These circumferential recesses 401 are designed to accommodate the housing deformation portion 101 caused by riveting during assembly. The edge of the fixed vortex 610 is provided with two or more second axial recesses 611. The outer diameter surface of the limiting ring 500 is interference-fitted with the inner diameter surface of the housing 100.
[0046] The limiting ring 500 contains pin structures 501 corresponding to the number of upper brackets 400 and fixed volutes 610. The pin structures 501 engage with the axial recesses of the upper brackets 400 and fixed volutes 610. The elastic element 700 is in a compressed state after assembly, and the pre-compression force during assembly can be set to any value. In this embodiment, the pre-compression force of the elastic element 700 is equal to the sum of the maximum gas force generated when the moving volute 620 and the fixed volute 610 mesh and operate, and the weight of the fixed volute 610. The elastic element 700 is a ring spring washer. A sealing ring 800 is installed between the outer periphery of the elastic element and the inner periphery of the upper isolation plate 900 to separate the upper and lower sides of the upper isolation plate 900.
[0047] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.
Claims
1. An axially flexible unloading member for a scroll compressor, characterized by, The compressor comprises a shell (100), an upper cover (200), a crankshaft (300), an upper support (400), a limiting ring (500), a scroll assembly, an elastic element (700), a sealing ring (800) and an upper isolation plate (900); The upper support (400) is arranged inside the shell (100) and coaxial with the shell (100) and in interference fit; The scroll assembly comprises a fixed scroll (610), a movable scroll (620) and a cross ring (630); the limiting ring (500) is arranged in a cavity formed between the upper end surface of the upper support (400) and the lower end surface of the fixed scroll (610); the middle part of the crankshaft (300) is arranged in a bearing hole of the upper support (400); the upper end of the crankshaft (300) is matched with the movable scroll (620); and the fixed scroll (610) is arranged on the upper support (400) and is meshed with the internal tooth structure of the movable scroll (620). The elastic element (700) is arranged in a gap between the upper end of the fixed scroll (610) and the lower end of the upper isolation plate (900); the elastic element (700) is an annular spring washer; the sealing ring (800) is arranged between the outer ring of the elastic element (700) and the inner ring of the upper isolation plate (900), so as to separate the upper and lower sides of the upper isolation plate (900); the elastic element (700) is kept in a compressed state after assembly; the pre-compression force of the elastic element (700) is equal to the sum of the maximum gas force generated when the movable scroll (620) and the fixed scroll (610) are meshed and run and the gravity of the fixed scroll (610); the upper isolation plate (900), the shell (100) and the upper cover (200) are kept relatively fixed by welding. During the process of meshing and compressing refrigerant, the internal pressure between the scrolls makes the fixed scroll (610) have a tendency to move upward, but the elastic element (700) is in a compressed state under the action of the pre-compression force, the elastic element (700) presses downward to keep the fixed scroll (610) relatively stationary; when the internal pressure of the scroll is greater than the sum of the maximum gas force between the scrolls and the gravity of the fixed scroll under some extreme working conditions, the fixed scroll (610) moves upward along the axial direction of the limiting ring pin structure, lifts the elastic element (700) and makes it continue to compress, which can instantaneously increase the gap between the scroll teeth and unload the sudden load in the scroll at this moment, so as to protect the scroll tooth structure, until the stepped surface at the top of the back plate of the fixed scroll (610) contacts the upper isolation plate (900) to form axial limiting; when the internal pressure of the scroll cavity is unloaded and is less than the sum of the maximum gas force between the scrolls and the gravity of the fixed scroll, the elastic element (700) will restore to the length at the original pre-compression, and press the fixed scroll (610) to the initial position after assembly.
2. The axially compliant unloading member of a scroll compressor of claim 1, wherein, The upper support (400) comprises arm structures arranged in a circumferential direction, and at least four arm structures are arranged in the circumferential direction.
3. The axially flexible unloading member of a scroll compressor according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each arm structure is provided with at least one circumferential recess (401) and two first axial recesses (402).
4. The axially flexible unloading member of a scroll compressor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The arm structure is in interference joint surface with the shell (100), and a circumferential pit (401) on the arm structure is arranged in the interference joint surface range, and the circumferential pit (401) is used for accommodating the shell deformation part (101) generated by riveting deformation of the shell (100) in the assembly process.
5. The axially compliant unloading member of a scroll compressor of claim 1, wherein, The outer peripheral edge of the fixed scroll (610) is provided with at least eight second axial pits (611).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Fixed scroll axial flexible anti-overturning compressor
CN120626488A
Axial compensation spring structure of fixed scroll floating compressor
CN223424237U