Climate control system

Abstract

A climate control system may include a compressor, outdoor and indoor heat exchangers, fluid lines, and control valves. The compressor may include a scroll cooperating to define a plurality of pockets including an outer pocket, an inner pocket, and an intermediate pocket. A capacity modulation passage is in fluid communication with the intermediate cavity. The heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the compressor. A fluid line extends from the compressor to a location between the heat exchangers and is fluidly connected to the intermediate pocket via a capacity regulation passage. The control valve controls fluid flow through the fluid line. The system is capable of operating in a high capacity mode, an intermediate capacity mode, and a low capacity mode. The control valve allows fluid to flow through the fluid line in a high volume mode and a low volume mode. The control valve prevents fluid from flowing through the fluid line in the intermediate capacity mode.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on December 5, 2024, with application number 202411778065.9 and invention title "Compressor". Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is a continuation-to-file of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 533,121, filed December 7, 2023. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a heat pump system with capacity regulation. Background Technology

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

[0005] Climate control systems, such as heat pump systems, refrigeration systems, or air conditioning systems, 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., refrigerant) between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. Efficient and reliable operation of the one or more compressors is desired to ensure that the climate control system, in which 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 overview of the disclosure, and is not a complete disclosure of the full scope of the disclosure or all features of the disclosure.

[0007] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides a compressor that may include a first scroll member, a second scroll member, and a capacity regulating assembly. The first scroll member may include a first end plate and a first helical scroll extending from the first end plate. The second scroll member may include a second end plate and a second helical scroll extending from the second end plate. The first and second helical scrolls engage with each other to form a plurality of cavities between the first and second helical scrolls. The cavities include radially outer cavities, radially inner cavities, and an intermediate cavity radially disposed between the radially outer and radially inner cavities. The capacity regulating assembly is operable in a first capacity mode and a second capacity mode. The capacity regulating assembly may include a valve ring and a regulating control valve. The valve ring is movable relative to the first scroll member between a first position corresponding to the first capacity mode and a second position corresponding to the second capacity mode. The regulating control valve includes a valve body and a valve member movable relative to the valve body to cause corresponding movement of the valve ring between the first and second positions. The valve body includes a cavity in which the valve member is movably disposed. The valve body includes a passage in fluid communication with the cavity. A first pressure difference between the fluid in one passage and the fluid in another passage causes a corresponding movement of the valve ring in the valve component, moving it from a first position to a second position. A second pressure difference between the fluid in one passage and the fluid in another passage causes a corresponding movement of the valve ring in the valve component, moving it from a second position to a first position.

[0008] In some compressor configurations described above, the valve body passages include: a first passage, a second passage, a third passage, a fourth passage, and a fifth passage.

[0009] In some configurations of the compressor described in any of the paragraphs above, the first passage is in fluid communication with the axially biased chamber. The axially biased chamber may be defined by a floating seal assembly and a valve ring.

[0010] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the second passage is in fluid communication with the regulating chamber defined by the valve ring.

[0011] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the third and fifth passages are in fluid communication with the compressor's suction chamber.

[0012] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, a fourth passage is fluidly connected to a conduit extending out of the compressor.

[0013] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the valve component includes a body and a rod. The rod may extend from the body and may be narrower than the body.

[0014] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the body includes a cutout that communicates with the valve body and the cavity fluid.

[0015] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the cavity is selectively fluidly connected to a first passage and selectively fluidly connected to a third passage.

[0016] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the rod is received in the fourth passage when the cavity is in fluid communication with the first and second passages.

[0017] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, a duct may extend through the housing assembly, in which the first scroll member and the second scroll member are housed.

[0018] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a compressor including a first scroll member, a second scroll member, and a capacity regulating assembly. The first scroll member includes a first end plate and a first helical scroll extending from the first end plate. The second scroll member includes a second end plate and a second helical scroll extending from the second end plate. The first and second helical scrolls mesh with each other and form a plurality of cavities between the first and second helical scrolls. The cavities include radially outer cavities, radially inner cavities, and an intermediate cavity radially disposed between the radially outer and radially inner cavities. The capacity regulating assembly is operable in a first capacity mode and a second capacity mode, wherein the capacity regulating assembly includes a valve ring and a regulating control valve. The valve ring is movable relative to the first scroll member between a first position corresponding to the first capacity mode and a second position corresponding to the second capacity mode. The valve ring cooperates with a floating seal assembly to define an axially biased chamber. Movement of the regulating control valve causes corresponding movement of the valve ring and switches the compressor between the first and second capacity modes. The regulating control valve includes a valve body and a valve member disposed within the valve body and movable relative to the valve body. The valve body includes a first passage, a second passage, a third passage, a fourth passage, and a fifth passage. The first passage is in fluid communication with the axially biased chamber. The second passage is in fluid communication with the regulating chamber defined by the valve ring. The third and fifth passages are in fluid communication with the compressor's suction chamber. The fourth passage is in fluid connection to a conduit extending out of the compressor.

[0019] In some compressor configurations described above, the valve assembly includes a body and a rod. The rod extends from the body and is narrower than the body.

[0020] In some configurations of the compressor in any of the paragraphs above, the main body includes a cutout that is in fluid communication with a second passage and a cavity of the valve body, wherein the valve component is movably disposed within the cavity.

[0021] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the cavity is selectively fluidly connected to a first passage and selectively fluidly connected to a third passage.

[0022] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the rod is received in the fourth passage when the cavity is in fluid communication with the first and second passages.

[0023] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, a duct extends through the housing assembly, and a first scroll member and a second scroll member are housed within the housing assembly.

[0024] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a compressor including a first scroll member, a second scroll member, and a capacity regulating assembly. The first scroll member includes a first end plate and a first helical scroll extending from the first end plate. The second scroll member includes a second end plate and a second helical scroll extending from the second end plate. The first and second helical scrolls mesh with each other and form a plurality of cavities between the first and second helical scrolls. The cavities include a radially outer cavity, a radially inner cavity, and an intermediate cavity radially disposed between the radially outer and radially inner cavities. The capacity regulating assembly is operable in a first capacity mode and a second capacity mode. The capacity regulating assembly may include a valve ring and a regulating control valve. The valve ring is movable relative to the first scroll member between a first position corresponding to the first capacity mode and a second position corresponding to the second capacity mode. The valve ring defines an axially biased chamber and a regulating chamber. A pressure difference between fluid in the axially biased chamber and fluid in the regulating chamber causes movement of the valve ring relative to the first scroll member. The regulating control valve includes a valve member movable to cause a corresponding movement of the valve ring. Fluids from a first source and a second source apply a first force and a second force to the valve member, respectively. The difference between the first force and the second force causes the valve member to move, thereby causing a corresponding movement of the valve ring.

[0025] In some compressor configurations described above, the regulating control valve includes a valve body, and valve components are movably disposed within the valve body. The valve body includes a first passage, a second passage, a third passage, a fourth passage, and a fifth passage.

[0026] In some configurations of the compressor in any of the paragraphs above, the first passage is in fluid communication with the axially biased chamber.

[0027] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the second passage is in fluid communication with the regulating chamber defined by the valve ring.

[0028] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the third and fifth passages are in fluid communication with the compressor's suction chamber.

[0029] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, a fourth passage is fluidly connected to a conduit extending out of the compressor.

[0030] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the valve component comprises a body and a rod. The rod extends from the body and is narrower than the body.

[0031] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the body includes a cutout that communicates with the valve body and the cavity fluid. The valve component is movably disposed within the cavity.

[0032] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the cavity is selectively fluidly connected to a first passage and selectively fluidly connected to a third passage.

[0033] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the rod is received in the fourth passage when the cavity is in fluid communication with the first and second passages.

[0034] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, a duct extends through the housing assembly, and a first scroll member and a second scroll member are housed within the housing assembly.

[0035] Other application areas will become apparent from the descriptions provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in this overview are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, representing selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a compressor with a capacity regulating component based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the compressor's scroll component and capacity regulating assembly, wherein the capacity regulating assembly is in the full capacity position;

[0039] Figure 3 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the scroll component and the capacity adjustment assembly in the capacity reduction position;

[0040] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the scroll mechanism and capacity adjustment assembly;

[0041] Figure 5 It includes Figure 1A schematic diagram of the climate control system of the compressor, wherein the climate control system operates in cooling mode;

[0042] Figure 6 It operates in heating mode. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the climate control system;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the scroll component of a compressor, which has an alternative capacity regulating assembly in the full-capacity position;

[0044] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view of the scroll component and the capacity adjustment assembly in the capacity reduction position;

[0045] Figure 9 It includes Figure 7 and Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the climate control system for the compressor and capacity regulation components, wherein the climate control system operates in cooling mode.

[0046] Figure 10 It operates in heating mode. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the climate control system;

[0047] Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the scroll component of a compressor, which has an alternative capacity regulating assembly in its full-capacity position;

[0048] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A partial cross-sectional view of the scroll component and the capacity adjustment assembly in the capacity reduction position;

[0049] Figure 13 It includes Figure 11 and Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the climate control system for the compressor and capacity regulation components, wherein the climate control system operates in cooling mode.

[0050] Figure 14 It operates in heating mode. Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the climate control system;

[0051] Figure 15 yes Figure 12 and Figure 13 The system's operation diagram;

[0052] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another climate control system operating in heating mode and high-capacity mode;

[0053] Figure 17It operates in heating mode and intermediate capacity mode. Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the system;

[0054] Figure 18 It operates in heating mode and low-capacity mode. Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the system;

[0055] Figure 19 It operates in cooling mode and intermediate capacity mode. Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the system;

[0056] Figure 20 It operates in cooling mode and low-capacity mode. Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the system;

[0057] Figure 21 yes Figures 16 to 20 A cross-sectional view of the compressor in the system;

[0058] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of another climate control system operating in heating mode and high-capacity mode.

[0059] Figure 23 It operates in heating mode and intermediate capacity mode. Figure 22 A schematic diagram of the system; and

[0060] Figure 24 It operates in cooling mode and intermediate capacity mode. Figure 22 A schematic diagram of the system.

[0061] Throughout the various views in the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the respective parts. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] The provision of exemplary embodiments makes this disclosure thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatuses, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and none should be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0064] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the said feature, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically indicated as such. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0065] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” or “attached to” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly joined to, directly connected to, or directly attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly attached to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “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.

[0066] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0067] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc., are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and another element (or other) element or feature. Spatially relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “below” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can 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 descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0068] Reference Figure 1 A compressor 10 is provided, which may include a sealed housing assembly 12, a first bearing housing assembly 14, a second bearing housing assembly 15, a motor assembly 16, a compression mechanism 18, a floating seal assembly 20, and a capacity regulating assembly 28. The housing assembly 12 can accommodate the bearing housing assembly 14, the bearing housing assembly 15, the motor assembly 16, the compression mechanism 18, the seal assembly 20, and the capacity regulating assembly 28.

[0069] The housing assembly 12 forms the compressor housing and may include a cylindrical housing 29, an end cap 32 at the upper end of the housing assembly 12, a laterally extending partition 34, and a base 36 at the lower end of the housing assembly 12. The end cap 32 and partition 34 typically define a discharge pressure chamber 38. The discharge pressure chamber 38 typically forms a discharge muffler for the compressor 10. Although the compressor 10 is illustrated to include a discharge pressure chamber 38, this disclosure is equally applicable to direct discharge configurations. A discharge fitting 39 may be attached to the housing assembly 12 through an opening in the end cap 32. An intake gas inlet fitting 40 (in...) Figure 5 (Illustrated schematically) can be attached to housing assembly 12 at another opening. Separator 34, housing 29, and base 36 can define an intake pressure chamber 42 that receives intake pressure working fluid from intake gas inlet fitting 40. Separator 34 and floating seal assembly 20 can separate intake pressure chamber 42 from exhaust pressure chamber 38. Separator 34 may include an exhaust passage 44 through which communication is provided between compression mechanism 18 and exhaust pressure chamber 38.

[0070] The first bearing housing assembly 14 can be fixed to the housing 29 and may include a main bearing housing 46 and a first bearing 48 disposed in the main bearing housing 46. The main bearing housing 46 can accommodate the bearing 48 therein and may define a flat annular thrust bearing surface 54 on its axial end surface. The second bearing housing assembly 15 can be fixed to the housing 29 and may include a lower bearing housing 47 and a second bearing 49 disposed in the lower bearing housing 47.

[0071] Motor assembly 16 typically includes a motor stator 58, a rotor 60, and a drive shaft 62. The motor stator 58 may be press-fitted into housing 29. The drive shaft 62 may be rotatably driven by the rotor 60 and may be rotatably supported within bearing 48. The rotor 60 may be press-fitted onto the drive shaft 62. The drive shaft 62 may include an eccentric crank pin 64.

[0072] The compression mechanism 18 may include a first scroll member (e.g., a moving scroll member 68) and a second scroll member (e.g., a stationary scroll member 70). The moving scroll member 68 may include an end plate 72 having a helical scroll 74 on its upper surface and a flat annular thrust surface 76 on its lower surface. The thrust surface 76 may engage with a flat annular thrust bearing surface 54 on the main support housing 46. A cylindrical hub 78 may protrude downward from the thrust surface 76 and may have a drive bushing 80 rotatably disposed within the cylindrical hub 78. The drive bushing 80 may include an inner bore in which a crank pin 64 is drivably disposed. The flat surface of the crank pin 64 may drivably engage a flat surface in a portion of the inner bore of the drive bushing 80 to provide a radially compliant drive arrangement. The cross-slip ring connector 82 can engage with the moving scroll member 68 and the fixed scroll member 70, or the moving scroll member 68 and the main bearing housing 46, to prevent relative rotation between the moving scroll member 68 and the fixed scroll member 70, or between the moving scroll member 68 and the main bearing housing 46.

[0073] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the stationary scroll 70 may include an end plate 84 defining a discharge passage 92 and having a helical scroll 86 extending from a first side of the end plate 84. The stationary scroll 70 may be attached to the bearing housing 46 via fasteners and sleeve guides, which allow a limited amount of axial movement of the stationary scroll 70 relative to the moving scroll 68 and the bearing housing 46. The helical scrolls 74, 86 may engage with each other and define cavities 94, 96, 97, 98, 104. It should be understood that cavities 94, 96, 97, 98, 104 vary throughout compressor operation.

[0074] First cavity (e.g., Figure 1The second cavity (e.g., cavity 94) may define an intake cavity that communicates with the intake pressure region (e.g., intake pressure chamber 42) of the compressor 10 operating at intake pressure. Figure 1 The recess 104 in the middle can define a discharge recess that communicates with the discharge pressure region of the compressor 10 (e.g., the discharge chamber 38 that receives discharge pressure working fluid from the compression mechanism 18) via the discharge passage 92 and the discharge pressure region of the compressor 10. The recess between the first and second recesses (e.g., Figure 1 The cavities 96, 97, and 98 in the middle can be formed in an intermediate compression cavity that operates at an intermediate pressure between the intake pressure and the discharge pressure.

[0075] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the end plate 84 of the fixed scroll member 70 may include one or more adjustment passages or ports 112 and one or more intermediate cavity pressure (ICP) passages or ports 124. The adjustment port 112 may extend fully through opposing first and second axial facing sides of the end plate 84 and selectively fluidly communicate with a corresponding intermediate pressure cavity (e.g., cavities 96, 97). The ICP port 124 may selectively fluidly communicate with another intermediate pressure cavity (e.g., cavity 98). The adjustment port 112 may be radially outward relative to the ICP port 124.

[0076] The end plate 84 of the fixed scroll member 70 may include a hub 138 extending away from the helical scrolls 74, 86. Discharge passage 144 ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 It extends axially through hub 138 and is in fluid communication with discharge chamber 38 via discharge passage 44 in partition 34. Discharge passage 144 is also in selective fluid communication with discharge passage 92 in end plate 84.

[0077] like Figure 4 The discharge valve assembly 150 shown is shown. Figure 1 It can also be located within the discharge passage 144 of hub 138. The discharge valve assembly 150 can be a one-way valve that allows fluid to flow from discharge passage 92 to discharge chamber 38 and restricts or prevents fluid from flowing back from discharge chamber 38 into compression mechanism 18.

[0078] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the capacity regulating assembly 28 may include a valve ring 154, a lift ring 156, and a regulating control valve 158. As will be described in more detail below, the capacity regulating assembly 28 is operable to cause the compressor 10 to operate in a first capacity mode (e.g., full capacity or high capacity mode). Figure 2 (as shown in the diagram) and a second capacity mode (e.g., reduced capacity or low capacity mode; in Figure 3Switching between (shown in the diagram). In full-capacity mode, fluid communication between the regulating port 112 and the suction pressure chamber 42 is blocked. In reduced-capacity mode, fluid communication between the regulating port 112 and the suction pressure chamber 42 is allowed to discharge intermediate-pressure working fluid from intermediate compression chambers (e.g., chambers 96, 97) to the suction pressure chamber 42.

[0079] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the valve ring 154 may be an annular body having a stepped central opening 166 extending therethrough, and a hub 138 extending through the stepped central opening 166. In other words, the valve ring 154 surrounds the hub 138 of the fixed scroll member 70. Figure 4 As shown, the valve ring 154 may include an outer peripheral surface 168 having a plurality of key features 170 (e.g., generally rectangular blocks) extending radially outward and axially downward from the outer peripheral surface 168. The key features 170 may be slidably received in keyways 172 (e.g., generally rectangular recesses) formed in the outer periphery of the end plate 84. Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram). Key feature 170 and keyway 172 allow axial movement of valve ring 154 relative to fixed scroll member 70, while limiting or preventing rotation of valve ring 154 relative to fixed scroll member 70.

[0080] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the central opening 166 of the valve ring 154 is defined by a plurality of stepped portions in the valve ring 154, which form a plurality of annular recesses. For example, a first annular recess 174 may be formed near the lower axial end of the valve ring 154 and may receive a sealing ring 160. The sealing ring 160 sealably engages the valve ring 154 and the hub 138 of the fixed scroll member 70. The sealing ring 160 may include an annular lip seal 161, which facilitates a sealing engagement between the sealing ring 160, the valve ring 154, and the hub 138. A second annular recess 176 may surround the first annular recess 174 and may be defined by an inner lower annular edge 178 and an outer lower annular edge 180 of the valve ring 154. A lift ring 156 is partially received in the second annular recess 176. A third annular recess 186 may be axially disposed above the first annular recess 174 and the second annular recess 176 and may be defined by an axial upper edge 188 of the valve ring 154. The third annular recess 186 can receive a portion of the floating seal assembly 20.

[0081] As will be described in more detail below, the valve ring 154 is capable of being in a first position relative to the end plate 84 in the axial direction (i.e., along or parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 62). Figure 2 ) and the second position ( Figure 3Move between ( ). In the first position ( Figure 2 The inner edge 178 of the valve ring 154 contacts the end plate 84 and closes the regulating port 112 to prevent fluid communication between the regulating port 112 and the suction pressure chamber 42. In the second position ( Figure 3 The inner edge 178 of the valve ring 154 is spaced apart from the end plate 84 to open the regulating port 112, thereby allowing fluid communication between the regulating port 112 and the suction pressure chamber 42.

[0082] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the lifting ring 156 may include an annular body 190 and a plurality of posts or protrusions 192 extending axially downward from the body 190. Figure 4 ).like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the annular body 190 can be received within the second annular recess 176 of the valve ring 154. The annular body 190 may include an inner annular seal 194 and an outer annular seal 196 (e.g., an O-ring). The inner annular seal 194 can sealably engage the inner diameter surface of the annular body 190 and the inner lower edge 178 of the valve ring 154. The outer annular seal 196 can sealably engage the outer diameter surface of the annular body 190 and the outer lower edge 180 of the valve ring 154. The protrusion 192 can contact the end plate 84 and axially separate the annular body 190 from the end plate 84. The lifting ring 156 remains stationary relative to the end plate 84, while the valve ring 154 and the sealing ring 60 are in a first position and a second position relative to the end plate 84 (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 They move axially between each other.

[0083] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the annular body 190 of the lifting ring 156 can cooperate with the valve ring 154 to define a regulating control chamber 198. That is, the regulating control chamber 198 is defined by and axially disposed between the opposing axial surfaces of the annular body 190 and the valve ring 154. The valve ring 154 includes a first control passage 200 and a second control passage 201. The first control passage 200 extends from the third annular recess 186 to the regulating control valve 158. The second control passage 201 extends from the regulating control chamber 198 to the regulating control valve 158 (i.e., the second control passage 201 is in fluid communication with both the regulating control chamber 198 and the regulating control valve 158).

[0084] like Figures 2 to 3As shown, the floating seal assembly 20 may be an annular member surrounding the hub 138. For example, the floating seal assembly 20 may include a first annular disc 191 and a second annular disc 193 fixed to each other, and annular lip seals 195 and 197 extending from the discs 191 and 193. The floating seal assembly 20 may sealably engage with the separator 34, the hub 138, and the valve ring 154. In this way, the floating seal assembly 20 fluidly separates the intake pressure chamber 42 from the discharge pressure chamber 38. In some configurations, the floating seal assembly 20 may be a one-piece floating seal.

[0085] During steady-state operation of the compressor 10, the floating seal assembly 20 can be a stationary component. The floating seal assembly 20 is partially received in the third annular recess 186 of the valve ring 154 and mates with the hub 138 and the valve ring 154 to define an axially biased chamber 202. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The axial bias chamber 202 is axially located between the floating seal assembly 20 and the axial facing surface 207 of the valve ring 154, and is defined by the floating seal assembly 20 and the axial facing surface 207 of the valve ring 154. A first control passage 200 of the valve ring 154 extends from the axial bias chamber 202 to the regulating control valve 158. The first control passage 200 is in fluid communication with both the axial bias chamber 202 and the regulating control valve 158.

[0086] Axial bias chamber 202 is in fluid communication with ICP port 124. Figure 2 and Figure 3 ICP port 124 supplies intermediate pressure working fluid (supplied by, for example, intermediate pressure cavity 98) to axial bias chamber 202, causing the stationary scroll 70 to be biased toward the moving scroll 68 in the axial direction (along or parallel to the axis of rotation of drive shaft 62) to provide a proper axial seal between scrolls 68 and 70 (i.e., a seal between the tips of the helical scroll 74 of the moving scroll 68 abutting the end plate 84 of the stationary scroll 70, and a seal between the tips of the helical scroll 86 of the stationary scroll 70 abutting the end plate 72 of the moving scroll 68).

[0087] The regulating control valve 158 may be an electromagnetically operated multi-way valve and may be in fluid communication with the suction pressure chamber 42, the first control passage 200, the second control passage 201, and the ICP port 124. During operation of the compressor 10, the regulating control valve 158 may be operated to switch the compressor 10 between a first mode (e.g., full-capacity mode) and a second mode (e.g., capacity reduction mode).

[0088] When compressor 10 is in full-capacity mode ( Figure 2When the fluid pressure in the regulating control chamber 198 is at or near the suction pressure, the regulating control valve 158 can provide fluid communication between the regulating control chamber 198 and the suction pressure region 106 via the second control passage 201, thereby reducing the fluid pressure in the regulating control chamber 198 to the suction pressure. When the fluid pressure in the regulating control chamber 198 is at or near the suction pressure, the relatively higher fluid pressure (e.g., intermediate pressure) in the axially biased chamber 202 will force the valve ring 154 axially downward relative to the end plate 84 (i.e., away from the floating seal assembly 20), causing the valve ring 154 to contact the end plate 84 and close the regulating port 112 (i.e., preventing fluid communication between the regulating port 112 and the suction pressure chamber 42), as... Figure 2 As shown in the figure.

[0089] When compressor 10 is in capacity reduction mode ( Figure 3 The regulating control valve 158 can provide fluid communication between the regulating control chamber 198 and the axial bias chamber 202 via the first control passage 200 and the second control passage 201, thereby increasing the fluid pressure in the regulating control chamber 198 to an intermediate pressure that is the same as or similar to that in the axial bias chamber 202. When the fluid pressure in the regulating control chamber 198 is at the same intermediate pressure as that in the axial bias chamber 202, the fluid pressure in the regulating control chamber 198 and the fluid pressure in the regulating port 112 will force the valve ring 154 axially upward relative to the end plate 84 (i.e., toward the floating seal assembly 20), such that the valve ring 154 is spaced apart from the end plate 84 to open the regulating port 112 (i.e., to allow fluid communication between the regulating port 112 and the suction pressure chamber 42), as... Figure 3 As shown in the figure.

[0090] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the regulating control valve 158 may include a valve body 230, a valve member 232, and a biasing member (e.g., a coil spring) 233. The valve member 232 is capable of being in a first position relative to the valve body 230. Figure 2 ) and the second position ( Figure 3 The movement of valve component 232 into the first position, as will be described in more detail below, switches compressor 10 to full-capacity mode. Figure 2 And prevent fluid communication between the regulating port 112 and the suction pressure chamber 42. The movement of the valve component 232 into the second position switches the compressor 10 to a capacity reduction mode. Figure 3 It also allows fluid communication between the regulating port 112 and the suction pressure chamber 42.

[0091] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the valve body 230 may include an internal cavity 234, a first passage 236, a second passage 238, a third passage 240, a fourth passage 242, and a fifth passage 244. The first passage 236, second passage 238, third passage 240, fourth passage 242, and fifth passage 244 are in fluid communication with the internal cavity 234. The valve body 230 can be mounted to the valve ring 154 such that the first passage 236 and second passage 238 of the valve body 230 are aligned and in fluid communication with the first control passage 200 and the second control passage 201, respectively. That is, the first passage 236 can be aligned and in fluid communication with the first control passage 200, and the second passage 238 can be aligned and in fluid communication with the second control passage 201. The third passage 240 and fifth passage 244 of the valve body 230 are in fluid communication with the suction pressure chamber 42. The fourth passage 242 of the valve body 230 is in fluid connection with the conduit 246. As will be described in more detail below, conduit 246 selectively supplies high-pressure working fluid (e.g., discharge pressure working fluid or working fluid at a pressure higher than the suction pressure) to fourth passage 244 to control the movement of valve member 232 within valve body 230. Conduit 246 may extend from valve body 230 and through housing assembly 12 of compressor 10. Conduit 246 (or at least a portion of conduit 246 attached to valve body 230) may be flexible to accommodate movement of valve body 230 with valve ring 154 (i.e., when valve ring 154 moves between a first position and a second position).

[0092] Valve member 232 may include a body 248 and a rod 250. The rod 250 has a smaller width or diameter compared to the body 248. Valve member 232 is disposed within an internal cavity 234 and is capable of being in a first position within the internal cavity 234. Figure 2 ) and the second position ( Figure 3 The valve member 232 can move between the valve body 230 and the valve rod 250. The rod 250 of the valve member 232 can be received in the fourth passage 242 of the valve body 230 in a reciprocating motion. A cutout 252 can be formed in the body 248 of the valve member 232. The cutout 252 is open to the internal cavity 234 (in fluid communication with the internal cavity 234). When the valve member 232 is in the first position ( Figure 2 When the valve member 232 is in the second position, the cut 252 is in fluid communication with the second passage 238 and the third passage 240 of the valve body 230 to allow fluid communication between the regulating control chamber 198 and the suction pressure chamber 42 (via the second control passage 201 in the valve ring 154), while preventing fluid communication between the first control passage 200 and the second control passage 201. Figure 3When the valve body 230 is in operation, the cut 252 is in fluid communication with the first passage 236 and the second passage 238 of the valve body 230, allowing fluid communication between the regulating control chamber 198 and the axially biased chamber 202 (via the first control passage 200 and the second control passage 201 in the valve ring 154), while preventing fluid communication between the second control passage 201 and the suction pressure chamber 42. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first control passage 200 is prevented from fluidly communicating with the intake pressure chamber 42 in both cooling and heating modes.

[0093] The biasing member 233 can be a helical spring and can be disposed within the internal cavity 234 of the valve body 230. The biasing member 233 can be disposed between the protrusion in the valve body 230 and the end of the valve member 232. The biasing member 233 tilts the valve member 232 toward a second position (…). Figure 3 Bias.

[0094] Now refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 A climate control system (e.g., a heat pump system) 310 is provided. The climate control system 310 may include a compressor 10 (i.e., the one mentioned above). Figures 1 to 4 The described components include a compressor 10, an outdoor heat exchanger 312, one or more expansion devices 314, an indoor heat exchanger 318, an accumulator 319, and a multi-way valve (reversing valve) 320. The indoor heat exchanger 318 can be installed indoors (i.e., inside the residence or building 324), and the compressor 10 and the outdoor heat exchanger 312 can be installed outdoors (i.e., outside the residence or building 324). The expansion devices 314 and the valve 320 can be installed outdoors or indoors.

[0095] The climate control system 310 can operate in cooling mode ( Figure 5 ) and heating mode ( Figure 6 The compressor 10 operates under the following conditions: In heating and cooling modes, the compressor 10 can pump working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) through the climate control system 310. The working fluid can be received through the intake gas inlet fitting 40 of the compressor 10 and compressed by the compression mechanism 18. The discharged working fluid is discharged from the compressor 10 through the discharge fitting 39.

[0096] The outdoor heat exchanger 312 may include a coil 326 (or a duct). A fan 328 may force air through the coil 326 to facilitate heat transfer between outdoor ambient air and the working fluid flowing through the coil 326. The indoor heat exchanger 318 may include a coil 330 and a fan 332 may force air through the coil 330 to facilitate heat transfer between indoor air and the working fluid flowing through the coil 330. An expansion device 314 may be, for example, an expansion valve or a capillary tube. In a configuration of the system 310 having two expansion devices 314, one of the expansion devices 314 may be closed in cooling mode (check valve 315 allows the working fluid to bypass the closed expansion device 314 in cooling mode) and open in heating mode, and the other expansion device 314 may be open in cooling mode and closed in heating mode (another check valve 315 allows the working fluid to bypass the closed expansion device 314 in heating mode).

[0097] The multi-way valve 320 can be in the first position corresponding to the cooling mode of system 310 ( Figure 5 ) and the second position corresponding to the heating mode of system 310 ( Figure 6 The multi-way valve 320 moves between a first position and a second position, causing the system 310 to switch between a cooling mode and a heating mode. The multi-way valve 320 may include a movable valve member (e.g., a slidable or rotatable body) capable of moving relative to the valve body between the first and second positions and may be actuated by a solenoid, stepper motor, or other electromechanical actuator. The control module controls the operation of the valve 320 and controls the movement between the first and second positions. The control module may also control the operation of the expansion unit 314, the compressor 10, and the fan 328 of the outdoor heat exchanger 312 and the fan 332 of the indoor heat exchanger 318.

[0098] The valve body of the multi-way valve 320 may include a first port 340, a second port 342, a third port 344, and a fourth port 346. In cooling mode ( Figure 5 In the heating mode, the movable valve member of the multi-way valve 320 is positioned such that the first port 340 and the second port 342 are in fluid communication with each other, and the third port 344 and the fourth port 346 are in fluid communication with each other. In this way, when the system 310 is in cooling mode, the multi-way valve 320 directs the working fluid discharged from the compressor 10 (e.g., via discharge fitting 39) (via the first port 340 and the second port 342) to the outdoor heat exchanger 312, and the multi-way valve 320 directs the working fluid from the indoor heat exchanger 318 (via the third port 344 and the fourth port 346) toward the intake gas inlet fitting 40 of the compressor 10. In heating mode... Figure 6In this configuration, the movable valve member of the multi-way valve 320 is positioned such that the first port 340 and the fourth port 346 are in fluid communication with each other, and the second port 342 and the third port 344 are in fluid communication with each other. In this way, when the system 310 is in heating mode, the multi-way valve 320 directs the working fluid discharged from the compressor 10 (e.g., via the discharge fitting 39) to the indoor heat exchanger 318, and the multi-way valve 320 directs the working fluid from the outdoor heat exchanger 314 toward the intake gas inlet fitting 40 of the compressor 10.

[0099] System 310 includes conduit 246, as described above, which is fluidly connected to the fourth passage 242 of regulating control valve 158 (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown). Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the end 348 of the conduit 246 is fluidly connected to the working fluid line 350 extending from the indoor heat exchanger 318 to the fourth port 346 of the multi-way valve 320.

[0100] When system 310 is in cooling mode ( Figure 5 When the working fluid is in operation, the suction pressure working fluid (or low pressure working fluid) can flow from the indoor heat exchanger 318 through the working fluid line 350 toward the fourth port 346 and the end 348 of the conduit 246. A portion of the suction pressure working fluid in the working fluid line 350 can flow to the fourth port 346 of the multi-way valve 320 (and subsequently via the third port 344 toward the suction gas inlet fitting 40 of the compressor 10), and another portion of the suction pressure working fluid in the working fluid line 350 can flow into the conduit 246 and into the fourth passage 242 of the regulating control valve 158. Figure 3 )middle.

[0101] Therefore, when system 310 is in cooling mode, conduit 246 provides suction pressure (or low pressure) working fluid to the fourth passage 242 of regulating control valve 158, such that the two longitudinal ends of valve member 232 of regulating control valve 158 are exposed to suction pressure (or low pressure) working fluid (note that, as described above, the fifth passage 244 of regulating control valve 158 is exposed to suction pressure working fluid of suction pressure chamber 42 in both heating and cooling modes). Therefore, when the two longitudinal ends of valve member 232 of regulating control valve 158 are exposed to suction pressure (or low pressure) working fluid in cooling mode, the biasing member 233 of regulating control valve 158 forces valve member 232 into a second position (…). Figure 3This allows the axial bias chamber 202 and the regulating control chamber 198 (via the first control passage 200 and the second control passage 201 of the valve ring 154 and the first passage 236 and the second passage 238 of the regulating control valve 158) to be in fluid communication with each other. As described above, the fluid communication between the axial bias chamber 202 and the regulating control chamber 198 allows the valve ring 154 to move upward to a second position (in Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram), this opens the adjustment port 112 in the fixed vortex member 70 to allow the intermediate compression cavities 96, 97 to flow through the adjustment port 112 and the flow path 113 below the lifting ring 156 (i.e., around the protrusion 192), as Figure 3 (As shown) leads to the suction pressure chamber 42, thereby reducing the capacity of the compressor 10 to a capacity reduction mode ( Figure 3 ).

[0102] When system 310 is in heating mode ( Figure 6 When the compressor 10 is in operation, the discharge pressure working fluid (or high-pressure working fluid) can flow from the discharge fitting 39 of the compressor 10 through the first port 340 and the fourth port 346 of the multi-way valve 320 and into the working fluid line 350. A portion of the discharge pressure working fluid in the working fluid line 350 can flow to the indoor heat exchanger 318 (and subsequently flow through the expansion device 314, the outdoor heat exchanger 312 and return to the compressor 10), and another portion of the discharge pressure working fluid in the working fluid line 350 can flow into the conduit 246 and into the fourth passage 242 of the regulating control valve 158. Figure 2 )middle.

[0103] Therefore, when system 310 is in heating mode, conduit 246 provides discharge pressure (or high pressure) working fluid to the fourth passage 242 of regulating control valve 158, such that the first longitudinal end of valve member 232 of regulating control valve 158 (i.e., the end defining rod 250) is exposed to discharge pressure working fluid, while the second longitudinal end of valve member 232 of regulating control valve 158 (i.e., the end located at fifth passage 244) is exposed to suction pressure (or low pressure) working fluid. Thus, the discharge pressure working fluid at the first longitudinal end of valve member 232 overcomes the biasing force of biasing member 233 and pushes valve member 232 into the first position (…). Figure 2 This allows the regulating control chamber 198 to be in fluid communication with the suction pressure chamber 42 (via the second and third passages of the regulating control valve 158). As described above, the fluid communication between the regulating control chamber 198 and the suction pressure chamber 42 allows the intermediate pressure working fluid in the axial bias chamber 202 to push the valve ring 154 downward to a first position (in...). Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram), this closes the regulating port 112 in the fixed scroll member 70 to seal the intermediate compression cavity, thereby enabling the compressor 10 to operate in full-capacity mode ( Figure 2 (The following operations are performed.)

[0104] Therefore, as described above, when system 310 is in cooling mode ( Figure 5 When compressor 10 is in capacity reduction mode, Figure 3 ) operation, and when system 310 is in heating mode ( Figure 6 When compressor 10 is in full-capacity mode, Figure 2 The system operates as described above. Furthermore, the capacity regulating component 28 is actuated solely by the fluid pressure difference. That is, the regulating control valve 158 is not electronically actuated and is therefore simpler and less expensive to manufacture. System 310 may include a control module (not shown) that controls the operation of one or more of the compressor 10, multi-way valve 320, expander 314, and fans 328, 332.

[0105] Now refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 An additional capacity regulating component 428 is provided, which is incorporated into the compressor 10 in place of the aforementioned capacity regulating component 28. Except for any differences shown in the description below and / or the accompanying drawings, the structure and function of the capacity regulating component 428 may be similar to or identical to those of the aforementioned capacity regulating component 28. Similar to capacity regulating component 28, capacity regulating component 428 is operable to cause the compressor 10 to operate in a first capacity mode (e.g., full capacity or high capacity mode; in...). Figure 7 (as shown in the diagram) and a second capacity mode (e.g., reduced capacity or low capacity mode; in Figure 8 Switching between (shown in the diagram). In full-capacity mode, fluid communication between the regulating port 112 and the suction pressure chamber 42 is blocked. In reduced-capacity mode, fluid communication between the regulating port 112 and the suction pressure chamber 42 is allowed to allow intermediate-pressure working fluid to be discharged from intermediate compression chambers (e.g., chambers 96, 97) to the suction pressure chamber 42.

[0106] The capacity regulating assembly 428 may include a valve ring 554 and a lift ring 556. The lift ring 556 may be similar to or identical to the lift ring 156 described above (e.g., including an annular body 190 and a plurality of posts or protrusions 192). Unlike the capacity regulating assembly 28, some embodiments of the capacity regulating assembly 428 may not include a regulating control valve (e.g., similar to regulating control valve 158). In some embodiments, the capacity regulating assembly 428 may include a regulating control accessory 558 (described in more detail below) instead of a regulating control valve 158.

[0107] Except for any differences shown in the description below and / or the accompanying drawings, the structure and function of valve ring 554 may be similar to or identical to those of valve ring 154 described above. Similar to valve ring 154, valve ring 554 may be an annular body having a stepped central opening 566 extending therethrough, and hub 138 extending through the stepped central opening 566. Similar to valve ring 154, the central opening 566 of valve ring 554 is defined by a plurality of stepped portions in valve ring 554 forming a plurality of annular recesses. A first annular recess 574 may be formed near the lower axial end of valve ring 154 and may receive a sealing ring 160. As described above, sealing ring 160 sealably engages valve ring 554 and hub 138 of fixed scroll member 70. A second annular recess 576 may surround the first annular recess 574 and may be defined by an inner lower annular edge 578 and an outer lower annular edge 580 of valve ring 554. Lifting ring 556 is partially received in the second annular recess 576. A third annular recess 586 may be axially disposed above the first annular recess 574 and the second annular recess 576 and may be defined by the axial upper edge 588 of the valve ring 554. The third annular recess 586 may receive a portion of the floating seal assembly 20. As described above, the floating seal assembly 20 mates with the hub 138 and the valve ring 554 to define an axially biased chamber 202.

[0108] The valve ring 554 can be in a first position relative to the end plate 84 in the axial direction (i.e., along or parallel to the rotation axis of the drive shaft 62). Figure 7 ) and the second position ( Figure 8 Move between ( ). In the first position ( Figure 7 The inner edge 578 of the valve ring 554 contacts the end plate 84 and closes the regulating port 112 to prevent fluid communication between the regulating port 112 and the suction pressure chamber 42. In the second position ( Figure 8 The inner edge 578 of valve ring 554 is spaced apart from end plate 84 to open regulating port 112, thereby allowing fluid communication between regulating port 112 and suction pressure chamber 42. As described above, lift ring 556 remains stationary relative to end plate 84, while valve ring 554 and sealing plate 560 are in first and second positions relative to end plate 84 (see...). Figure 7 and Figure 8 They move axially between each other.

[0109] As described above, the annular body of the lift ring 556 can mate with the valve ring 554 to define a regulating control chamber 598. That is, the regulating control chamber 598 is defined by and axially disposed between the opposing axial surfaces of the lift ring 556 and the valve ring 554. The valve ring 554 includes a control passage 600 extending from the regulating control chamber 598 to the regulating control fitting 558 (i.e., the control passage 600 is in fluid communication with both the regulating control chamber 598 and the regulating control fitting 558).

[0110] The regulating control fitting 558 can be mounted to the valve ring 554 and may include a passage 559 that is fluidly connected to the control passage 600. A conduit 561 is fluidly connected to the passage 559 and may extend outward from the regulating control fitting 558. In some embodiments, the conduit 561 may be directly connected to the control passage 600.

[0111] As will be described in more detail below, conduit 561 selectively supplies high-pressure working fluid (e.g., discharge pressure working fluid or working fluid at a pressure higher than the suction pressure) (via control passage 600) to regulating control chamber 598 to control the movement of valve ring 554. Conduit 561 may extend from regulating control fitting 558 (or from valve ring 554) and through housing assembly 12 of compressor 10.

[0112] Now refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 A climate control system (e.g., a heat pump system) 610 is provided. The climate control system 610 may include a compressor 10 (with a capacity regulating component 428), an outdoor heat exchanger 612 (similar or identical to the outdoor heat exchanger 312), one or more expansion devices 614 (similar or identical to the expansion device 314), an indoor heat exchanger 618 (similar or identical to the indoor heat exchanger 318), an accumulator 619, and a multi-way valve (reversing valve) 620 (similar or identical to the multi-way valve 320). The indoor heat exchanger 618 may be located indoors (i.e., inside the residence or building 624), and the compressor 10 and the outdoor heat exchanger may be located outdoors (i.e., outside the residence or building 624). The expansion devices 614 and the valve 620 may be located outdoors or indoors.

[0113] The climate control system 610 can operate in cooling mode ( Figure 9 ) and heating mode ( Figure 10The compressor 10 operates under the following conditions: In heating and cooling modes, the compressor 10 can pump working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) through the climate control system 610. The working fluid can be received through the intake gas inlet fitting 40 of the compressor 10 and compressed by the compression mechanism 18. The discharged working fluid is discharged from the compressor 10 through the discharge fitting 39.

[0114] In a configuration of system 610 having two expansion devices 614, one of the expansion devices 614 can be closed in cooling mode (check valve 615 allows working fluid to bypass the closed expansion device 614 in cooling mode) and open in heating mode, and the other expansion device 614 can be open in cooling mode and closed in heating mode (another check valve 615 allows working fluid to bypass the closed expansion device 614 in heating mode).

[0115] The multi-way valve 620 can be in the first position corresponding to the cooling mode of system 610 ( Figure 9 ) and the second position corresponding to the heating mode of system 610 ( Figure 10 The multi-way valve 620 moves between a first position and a second position, causing the system 610 to switch between cooling and heating modes. The control module controls the operation of the valve 620 and controls the movement between the first and second positions. The control module can also control the operation of the expansion device 614, the compressor 10, and the fans of the outdoor heat exchanger 612 and the indoor heat exchanger 618.

[0116] When system 610 is in cooling mode, multi-way valve 620 directs working fluid discharged from compressor 10 (e.g., via discharge fitting 39) to outdoor heat exchanger 612 and duct 561, and multi-way valve 620 directs working fluid from indoor heat exchanger 618 toward compressor 10's intake gas inlet fitting 40. In heating mode ( Figure 10 Under these conditions, the multi-way valve 620 directs the working fluid discharged from the compressor 10 (e.g., via the discharge fitting 39) to the indoor heat exchanger 618, and the multi-way valve 620 directs the working fluid from the outdoor heat exchanger 614 toward the intake gas inlet fitting 40 of the compressor 10.

[0117] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the end 648 of the conduit 561 is fluidly connected to the working fluid line 650 extending between the outdoor heat exchanger 612 and the port 646 of the multi-way valve 620.

[0118] When system 610 is in cooling mode ( Figure 9When the compressor 10 is in operation, the discharge pressure working fluid (or high-pressure working fluid) can flow from the discharge fitting 39 of the compressor 10 and (e.g., via port 646 of the multi-way valve 620) into the working fluid line 650. A portion of the discharge pressure working fluid in the working fluid line 650 can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 612, and another portion of the discharge pressure working fluid in the working fluid line 650 can flow into the conduit 561, (e.g., via passage 559 of the regulating control fitting 558) through the control passage 600 of the valve ring 554 and into the regulating control chamber 598 (see [link]). Figure 8 Allowing the discharged pressure working fluid to enter the regulating control chamber 598 allows the valve ring 554 to move upward to the second position (in Figure 8 (As shown in the diagram), this opens the adjustment port 112 in the fixed vortex member 70 to allow the intermediate compression cavities 96, 97 (via the adjustment port 112 and the flow path 113 below the lifting ring 556 (i.e., around the protrusion 92 of the lifting ring 556) to flow through the flow path 113, such as... Figure 8 (As shown) leads to the suction pressure chamber 42, thereby reducing the capacity of the compressor 10 to a capacity reduction mode ( Figure 8 ).

[0119] When system 610 is in heating mode ( Figure 10 When the working fluid is at suction pressure (or low pressure), the working fluid can flow from the outdoor heat exchanger 612 to the working fluid line 650. A portion of the working fluid at suction pressure in the working fluid line 650 can flow to port 646 of the multi-way valve 620 (and subsequently (e.g., via accumulator 619 and suction fitting 40) flow back to the compressor 10), and another portion of the working fluid at suction pressure in the working fluid line 650 can flow to conduit 561 (which is in fluid communication with the regulating control chamber 598). When conduit 561 is at suction pressure (or low pressure), the working fluid in the regulating control chamber 598 is also at suction pressure (or low pressure), which allows the intermediate pressure working fluid in the axial bias chamber 202 to push the valve ring 554 downward to a first position (in Figure 7 (As shown in the figure), this closes the regulating port 112 in the fixed scroll member 70 to seal the intermediate compression cavity, thereby allowing the compressor 10 to operate in full-capacity mode ( Figure 7 ).

[0120] Therefore, as described above, when system 610 is in cooling mode ( Figure 9 When compressor 10 is in capacity reduction mode, Figure 8 ) operation, and when system 610 is in heating mode ( Figure 10 When compressor 10 is in full-capacity mode, Figure 7The system operates as described above. Furthermore, the capacity regulating component 428 is actuated solely by the fluid pressure differential and does not require a regulating control valve. System 610 may include a control module (not shown) that controls the operation of one or more of the compressor 10, multi-way valve 620, expander 614, and heat exchanger fan.

[0121] Now refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 An additional capacity regulating component 728 is provided, which is incorporated into the compressor 10 in place of the aforementioned capacity regulating component 28. Except for any differences shown in the description below and / or the accompanying drawings, the structure and function of the capacity regulating component 728 may be similar to or identical to those of the aforementioned capacity regulating component 28. Similar to capacity regulating component 28, capacity regulating component 728 is operable to cause the compressor 10 to operate in a first capacity mode (e.g., full capacity or high capacity mode). Figure 11 (as shown in the diagram) and a second capacity mode (e.g., reduced capacity or low capacity mode; in Figure 12 Switching between (shown in the diagram). In full-capacity mode, fluid communication between the regulating port 112 and the suction pressure chamber 42 is blocked. In reduced-capacity mode, fluid communication between the regulating port 112 and the suction pressure chamber 42 is allowed to allow intermediate-pressure working fluid to be discharged from intermediate compression chambers (e.g., chambers 96, 97) to the suction pressure chamber 42.

[0122] The capacity regulating assembly 728 may include a valve ring 854, a lift ring 856, and a regulating control valve 858. The valve ring 854 and lift ring 856 may be similar to or identical to the valve ring 154 and lift ring 156 described above. As described above, the floating seal assembly 20 mates with the hub 138 and the valve ring 854 to define an axial bias chamber 202. As described above, the annular body of the lift ring 856 may mate with the valve ring 854 to define a regulating control chamber 898 (similar to or identical to the regulating control chamber 198). That is, the regulating control chamber 898 is defined by and axially disposed between the opposing axial facing surfaces of the lift ring 856 and the valve ring 854. The valve ring 854 includes a first control passage 900 and a second control passage 901. The first control passage 900 extends from the axial bias chamber 202 to the regulating control valve 858 (i.e., the first control passage 900 is in fluid communication with the axial bias chamber 202 and the regulating control valve 858). The second control passage 901 extends from the regulating control chamber 898 to the regulating control valve 858 (i.e., the second control passage 901 is in fluid communication with the regulating control chamber 898 and the regulating control valve 858).

[0123] like Figures 11 to 12As shown, the regulating control valve 858 may include a valve body 930 and a valve member 932. The valve member 932 is capable of being in a first position relative to the valve body 930 ( Figure 11 ) and the second position ( Figure 12 The movement of valve component 932 into the first position switches compressor 10 to full-capacity mode. Figure 11 And prevent fluid communication between the regulating port 112 and the suction pressure chamber 42. The movement of the valve component 932 into the second position switches the compressor 10 to a capacity reduction mode. Figure 12 It also allows fluid communication between the regulating port 112 and the suction pressure chamber 42.

[0124] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the valve body 930 may include an internal cavity 934, a first passage 936, a second passage 938, a third passage 940, a fourth passage 942, and a fifth passage 944. The first passage 936, second passage 938, third passage 940, fourth passage 942, and fifth passage 944 are in fluid communication with the internal cavity 934 of the valve body 930. The valve body 930 can be mounted to a valve ring 854 such that the first passage 936 and second passage 938 of the valve body 930 are aligned and in fluid communication with the first control passage 900 and the second control passage 901, respectively. That is, the first passage 936 can be aligned and in fluid communication with the first control passage 900, and the second passage 938 can be aligned and in fluid communication with the second control passage 901. The third passage 940 and fifth passage 944 of the valve body 930 are in fluid communication with the suction pressure chamber 42. The fourth passage 942 of the valve body 930 is in fluid connection with the first passage 936.

[0125] Valve member 932 may include a body 948 and a rod 950. The rod 950 has a smaller width or diameter compared to the body 948. Valve member 932 is disposed within an internal cavity 934 and is capable of being in a first position within the internal cavity 934. Figure 11 ) and the second position ( Figure 12 The valve member 932 can move between the valve body 932 and the valve rod 950. The rod 950 of the valve member 932 can be received in the fourth passage 942 of the valve body 930 in a reciprocating motion. A cutout 952 can be formed in the body 948 of the valve member 932. The cutout 952 is open to the internal cavity 934 (in fluid communication with the internal cavity 934). When the valve member 932 is in the first position ( Figure 11 When the valve member 932 is in the second position, the cut 952 is in fluid communication with the second passage 938 and the third passage 940 of the valve body 930, allowing fluid communication between the regulating control chamber 898 and the suction pressure chamber 42 (via the second control passage 901 in the valve ring 854), while preventing fluid communication between the first control passage 900 and the second control passage 901. Figure 12 When the valve body 930 is in operation, the cut 952 is in fluid communication with the first passage 936 and the second passage 938 of the valve body 930, allowing fluid communication between the regulating control chamber 898 and the axially biased chamber 202 (via the first control passage 900 and the second control passage 901 in the valve ring 854), while preventing fluid communication between the second control passage 901 and the suction pressure chamber 42. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the first control passage 900 is prevented from fluidly communicating with the intake pressure chamber 42 in both cooling and heating modes.

[0126] Valve component 932 is capable of responding to a relative change in fluid pressure between axially biased chamber 202 and suction chamber 42 in a first position relative to valve body 930. Figure 11 ) and the second position ( Figure 12 The valve member 932 moves between two positions. That is, the force exerted on the axial end 951 of the rod 950 of the valve member 932 by the fluid pressure of the fluid in the axially biased chamber (via the first control passage 900 and the fourth passage 942) tends to move the valve member 932 towards the first position. Figure 11 The force exerted by the fluid pressure of the fluid in the suction chamber 42 on the axial end 949 of the body 948 of the valve member 932 (i.e., the axial end of the body 948 opposite to the end on which the rod 950 is disposed) tends to push the valve member 932 toward the second position. Figure 12 ) push. When the force applied to the axial end 951 is greater than the force applied to the axial end 949, the valve member 932 moves toward the first position ( Figure 11 The valve member 932 moves (or remains in the first position) to switch the compressor 10 to full-capacity mode (or to keep the compressor 10 in full-capacity mode). When the force applied to the axial end 949 is greater than the force applied to the axial end 951, the valve member 932 moves toward the second position ( Figure 12 Move (or remain in the second position) to switch compressor 10 to (or keep compressor 10 in) capacity reduction mode.

[0127] It should be noted that in certain compressor operating states, the fluid in the axial bias chamber 202 is at a higher pressure than the fluid in the suction chamber 42, and the force exerted by the fluid in the axial bias chamber 202 on the axial end 951 of the rod 950 is still smaller than the force exerted by the fluid in the suction chamber 42 on the axial end 949 of the body 948. This is because the rod 950 has a smaller diameter (or width) than the body 948. Therefore, in certain operating states, the force on the axial end 951 (which is equal to the fluid pressure in the axial bias chamber 202 multiplied by the area of ​​the axial end 951) is less than the force on the axial end 949 (which is equal to the fluid pressure in the suction chamber 42 multiplied by the area of ​​the axial end 949). In this operating state, the valve member 932 will move towards the second position ( Figure 12 The compressor 10 is moved (or held) in the second position to switch (or hold) the compressor 10 in a capacity reduction mode. In other operating conditions where the pressure in the axial bias chamber 202 is sufficiently higher than the pressure in the suction chamber 42, the force applied to the axial end 951 will be higher than the force applied to the axial end 949, which will cause the valve member 932 to move (or hold) in the first position. Figure 11 ), to switch compressor 10 to (or keep compressor 10 in) full-capacity mode.

[0128] Figure 15 The case where the compressor 10 has a capacity regulation system 728 is described. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The operation diagram 935 for the climate control system 1010 is shown. Operation diagram 935 includes regions A and B. In region A, the operating state allows the difference between the fluid pressure in the axial bias chamber 202 and the fluid pressure in the suction chamber 42 to be sufficiently small that the force applied to the axial end 951 is less than the force applied to the axial end 949, causing the valve member 932 to orient towards a second position corresponding to the capacity reduction mode. Figure 12 The valve member 932 is moved (or held) in the second position. In some configurations, the regulating control valve 858 may include a spring 933 (e.g., similar to or the same as spring 233) that pushes the valve member 932 toward the second position. In region B, the operating state allows the difference between the fluid pressure in the axial bias chamber 202 and the fluid pressure in the suction chamber 42 to be sufficiently high, such that the force applied to the axial end 951 is greater than the sum of the force applied to the axial end 949 and the force applied by the spring 933, which causes the valve member 932 to move toward the first position corresponding to the full-capacity mode ( Figure 11 Move (or remain in the first position).

[0129] Figure 13 and Figure 14A climate control system 1010 is described, which has a compressor 10 with a capacity regulation system 728. Figure 13 The system 1010 operating in cooling mode is depicted, and Figure 14 System 1010 is depicted operating in heating mode. Except that system 1010 does not need to include conduits 246 and 561, the structure and function of system 1010 can be similar to or the same as those of systems 310 and 610, because the regulating control valve 858 of capacity regulating system 728 is not connected to conduits similar to conduits 246 and 561.

[0130] Similar to systems 310 and 610, system 1010 may include a compressor 10, an outdoor heat exchanger 1012 (similar or identical to outdoor heat exchanger 312), one or more expansion devices 1014 (similar or identical to expansion device 314), one or more check valves 1015 (similar or identical to check valve 315), an indoor heat exchanger 1018 (similar or identical to indoor heat exchanger 318), an accumulator 1019, and a multi-way valve (reversing valve) 1020 (similar or identical to multi-way valve 320). The indoor heat exchanger 1018 may be located indoors (i.e., inside the residence or building 1024), and the compressor 10 and the outdoor heat exchanger may be located outdoors (i.e., outside the residence or building 1024). The expansion devices 1014 and valve 1020 may be located outdoors or indoors. System 1010 may include a control module (not shown) that controls the operation of one or more of the compressor 10, multi-way valve 1020, expansion device 1014 and heat exchanger fan.

[0131] In some configurations, it has ( Figure 11 and Figure 12 The compressor 10 of the capacity regulating system 728 can be combined with (instead of the compressor 10 having the capacity regulating system 428) to Figure 9 and Figure 11 In the system 610 shown, in this configuration, line 561 can be connected to the fifth passage 944 of regulating control valve 858 to provide suction pressure fluid to the fifth passage 944 in cooling mode (to allow valve member 932 to move to a first position in cooling mode). Figure 11 In heating mode, discharge pressure fluid is supplied to the fifth passage 944 to force valve member 932 to move to the second position in heating mode. Figure 12 )).

[0132] Now refer to Figures 16 to 20Another climate control system 1210 is provided. As will be described in more detail below, system 1210 is capable of operating in heating mode and cooling mode, as well as in a first capacity mode or first capacity stage, a second capacity mode or second capacity stage, and a third capacity mode or third capacity stage. Figure 16 The system 1210 is shown operating in heating mode and high-capacity mode. Figure 17 The system 1210 is shown operating in heating mode and intermediate capacity mode. Figure 18 The system 1210 is shown operating in heating mode and low capacity mode. Figure 19 The system 1210 is shown operating in cooling mode and intermediate capacity mode. Figure 20 The system 1210 is shown operating in cooling mode and low-capacity mode. Although not specifically shown in the figures, in some configurations, the system 1210 is capable of operating in cooling mode and high-capacity mode.

[0133] System 1210 may include compressor 1211, outdoor heat exchanger 1212 (similar or the same as outdoor heat exchanger 312), one or more expansion devices 1214 (similar or the same as expansion device 314), flash tank 1216, indoor heat exchanger 1218 (similar or the same as indoor heat exchanger 318), accumulator 1219, and multi-way valve (reversing valve) 1220 (similar or the same as multi-way valve 320).

[0134] Except that compressor 1211 may not include capacity regulating components 28, 428, 728, but may include capacity regulating passage 1228 (which will be described in more detail below), compressor 1211 may be similar to compressor 10 described above. Figure 21 As shown, the compressor 1211 may include a housing assembly 1250 (similar or the same as housing assembly 12), a first bearing housing assembly 1252 and a second bearing housing assembly 1253 (similar or the same as bearing housing assemblies 14, 15), a motor assembly 1254 (similar or the same as motor assembly 16), a compression mechanism 1256 (including a fixed scroll 1222 and a moving scroll 1224), a floating seal assembly 1258 (similar or the same as floating seal assembly 20), a discharge fitting 1259 (similar or the same as discharge fitting 39), a suction gas inlet fitting 1261 (similar or the same as suction gas inlet fitting 40), and a capacity regulating passage 1228.

[0135] The capacity regulation passage 1228 may include a passage 1264 (formed in the end plate 1236 of the fixed scroll member 1222), a conduit 1262 (connected to the end plate 1236 and in fluid communication with the passage 1264), and a fluid line 1266 connected to the conduit 1262 and the flash tank 1216. Figures 16 to 20 Fluid line 1266 may include control valve 1268 (e.g., solenoid valve or other electromechanical valve). Figures 16 to 20 Passage 1264 is in fluid communication with an intermediate cavity 1297 defined by scroll members 1222, 1224 (e.g., similar to or identical to intermediate recess 97). Flash tank 1216 may include a first opening 1270, a second opening 1272, and a third opening 1274. Control valve 1268 may (via capacity regulating passage 1228) control the flow of steam working fluid between the third opening 1274 of flash tank 1216 and the intermediate cavity 1297 of compressor 1211.

[0136] As mentioned above, Figure 16 The system 1210 is shown operating in heating mode and high-capacity mode. In heating mode, compressed working fluid from the discharge fitting 1259 of compressor 1211 flows through multi-way valve 1220 and to indoor heat exchanger 1218. From indoor heat exchanger 1218, the working fluid flows through a first expansion device in expansion unit 1214 and then (via first opening 1270) into flash tank 1216. In flash tank 1216, the steam working fluid can be separated from the liquid working fluid. The liquid working fluid can exit flash tank 1216 through second opening 1272 and then flow through a second expansion device in expansion unit 1214, through outdoor heat exchanger 1212, and return to suction inlet 1261 of compressor 1211.

[0137] When system 1210 is in high-capacity mode, control valve 1268 can be opened to allow fluid flow between intermediate cavity 1297 and the third opening 1274 of flash tank 1216. In high-capacity mode, expansion device 1214 can be controlled to make the pressure of the steam working fluid in flash tank 1216 higher than the pressure of the working fluid in intermediate cavity 1297, thereby causing the steam working fluid in flash tank 1216 to leave flash tank 1216 through third opening 1274 and flow into line 1266 toward compressor 1211. That is, steam working fluid can flow through line 1266, through control valve 1268, through conduit 1262 and (via passage 1264) into intermediate cavity 1297, thereby increasing the capacity of compressor 1211.

[0138] As mentioned above, Figure 17 The system 1210 is shown operating in heating mode and intermediate capacity mode. In intermediate capacity mode, control valve 1268 can be closed to limit or prevent fluid flow between the third opening 1274 of flash tank 1216 and intermediate cavity 1297.

[0139] As mentioned above, Figure 18The system 1210 is shown operating in heating mode and low-capacity mode. In low-capacity mode, control valve 1268 can be opened to allow fluid flow between the intermediate cavity 1297 and the third opening 1274 of the flash tank 1216. In low-capacity mode, expansion device 1214 can be controlled to lower the pressure of the steam working fluid in the flash tank 1216 than the pressure of the working fluid in the intermediate cavity 1297, thereby causing the working fluid in the intermediate cavity 1297 (via passage 1264 and conduit 1262) to flow out of compressor 1211 and into line 1266 toward flash tank 1216. That is, the steam working fluid can flow through line 1266, through control valve 1268, and into the third opening 1274 of flash tank 1216. This outflow of working fluid from the intermediate cavity 1297 reduces the capacity of compressor 1211.

[0140] As mentioned above, Figure 19 The system 1210 is shown operating in cooling mode and intermediate capacity mode. In cooling mode, compressed working fluid from the discharge fitting 1259 of compressor 1211 flows through multi-way valve 1220 and to outdoor heat exchanger 1212. Working fluid from outdoor heat exchanger 1212 flows through a first expansion device in expansion unit 1214 and then (via second opening 1272) into flash tank 1216. In flash tank 1216, the steam working fluid can be separated from the liquid working fluid. The liquid working fluid can exit flash tank 1216 through first opening 1270 and then flow through a second expansion device in expansion unit 1214, through indoor heat exchanger 1218, and return to suction inlet 1261 of compressor 1211. As described above, when system 1210 operates in intermediate capacity mode, control valve 1268 can be closed to limit or prevent fluid flow between third opening 1274 and intermediate cavity 1297 of flash tank 1216.

[0141] As mentioned above, Figure 20The system 1210 is shown operating in cooling mode and low-capacity mode. As described above, in low-capacity mode, control valve 1268 can be opened to allow fluid flow between the intermediate cavity 1297 and the third opening 1274 of the flash tank 1216. In low-capacity mode, expansion device 1214 can be controlled to lower the pressure of the steam working fluid in the flash tank 1216 than the pressure of the working fluid in the intermediate cavity 1297, thereby causing the working fluid in the intermediate cavity 1297 (via passage 1264 and conduit 1262) to flow out of compressor 1211 and into line 1266 toward flash tank 1216. That is, steam working fluid can flow through line 1266, through control valve 1268, and into the third opening 1274 of flash tank 1216. This outflow of working fluid from intermediate cavity 1297 reduces the capacity of compressor 1211.

[0142] System 1210 may include a control module (not shown) that controls the operation of one or more of the compressor 1211, multi-way valve 1220, expansion device 1214, control valve 1268 and heat exchanger fan.

[0143] Now refer to Figures 22 to 24 Another climate control system 1410 is provided. Except that system 1410 includes a plate heat exchanger 1416 replacing flash tank 1216, the structure and function of system 1410 may be similar to or the same as system 1210. Similar to system 1210, system 1410 also includes a compressor 1411 (similar to or the same as compressor 1211), an outdoor heat exchanger 1412 (similar to or the same as outdoor heat exchanger 1212), a first expansion device 1414 and a second expansion device 1415 (similar to or the same as expansion device 1214), an indoor heat exchanger 1418 (similar to or the same as indoor heat exchanger 1218), a multi-way valve 1420 (similar to or the same as multi-way valve 1220), an accumulator 1419 (similar to or the same as accumulator 1219), and a capacity regulation passage 1428 (similar to or the same as capacity regulation passage 1228).

[0144] Figure 22 The system 1410 is shown operating in heating mode and high-capacity mode. Figure 23 The system 1410 is shown operating in heating mode and intermediate capacity mode. Figure 24 The system 1410 is shown operating in a cooling mode and an intermediate capacity mode. Although not specifically shown in the figures, in some configurations, the system 1410 is capable of operating in a high-capacity mode or a low-capacity mode in a cooling mode, and / or the system 1410 is capable of operating in a low-capacity mode in a heating mode.

[0145] As mentioned above, Figure 22 The system 1410 is shown operating in heating mode and high-capacity mode. In heating mode, compressed working fluid from compressor 1411 (similar or identical to discharge fitting 1259) flows through multi-way valve 1420 and to indoor heat exchanger 1418. A portion of the working fluid flows from indoor heat exchanger 1418 through a first passage in plate heat exchanger 1416 and then through second expansion device 1415, through outdoor heat exchanger 1412, and back to compressor 1411's suction inlet 1461 (similar or identical to suction inlet 1261).

[0146] When system 1410 is in high-capacity mode, the first expansion device 1414 can be opened to allow a portion of the fluid leaving the indoor heat exchanger 1418 to flow through the second passage 1472 of the plate heat exchanger 1416. Heat can be transferred between the fluid in the first passage 1472 and the fluid in the second passage 1470. The fluid leaving the second passage 1472 can flow through the capacity regulating passage 1428 to the conduit 1462 of the compressor 1411 and then to the passage (similar or the same as passage 1264) in the scroll member of the compressor 1411, reaching the intermediate cavity (similar or the same as intermediate cavity 1297), thereby increasing the capacity of the compressor 1411.

[0147] In intermediate capacity mode, the first expansion device 1414 can be closed to restrict or prevent fluid flow through the second passage 1472 and the capacity regulation passage 1428.

[0148] System 1410 may include a control module (not shown) that controls the operation of one or more of the compressor 1411, multi-way valve 1420, expansion device 1414, control valve 1468 and heat exchanger fan.

[0149] It should be understood that any of the above systems 310, 610, and 1010 may include fluid injection structures and functions, such as capacity regulation passage 1228, control valve 1268 and flash tank 1216 (or plate heat exchanger 1416), and any of the capacity regulation components 28, 428, and 728 for providing an additional capacity regulation stage for compressor 10.

[0150] In this application, which includes the following definitions, the term "module" or "control module" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The terms "module", "control module", "control circuit", or "control system" may refer to, be part of, or include the following components: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs); digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuits; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuits; combinational logic circuits; field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); processor circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code; memory circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor circuitry; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or, for example, some or all of the above components in a system-on-a-chip.

[0151] A module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuits may include wired or wireless interfaces connected to a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or a combination thereof. The functionality of any given module in this disclosure may be distributed across multiple modules connected via interface circuits. For example, multiple modules may allow for load balancing. In another example, a server (also known as a remote or cloud) module may perform some functions on behalf of a client module.

[0152] The term "code," as used above, can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures, and / or objects. The term "shared processor circuitry" covers a single processor circuitry that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "grouped processor circuitry" covers processor circuitry combined with additional processor circuitry to execute some or all of the code from one or more modules. References to multiple processor circuitry cover multiple processor circuitry on a discrete chip, multiprocessor circuitry on a single chip, multiple cores of a single processor circuitry, multiple threads of a single processor circuitry, or a combination of the above. The term "shared memory circuitry" covers a single memory circuitry that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "grouped memory circuitry" covers memory circuitry combined with additional memory to store some or all of the code from one or more modules.

[0153] The term memory circuit is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. As used herein, the term computer-readable medium does not encompass transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); therefore, the term computer-readable medium can be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory, tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits (such as flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only memory circuits), volatile memory circuits (such as static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (such as analog magnetic tape or digital magnetic tape or hard disk drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0154] In this application, device elements described as having specific attributes or performing specific operations are specifically configured to have those specific attributes and perform those specific operations. Specifically, the description of an element for performing an action means that the element is configured to perform that action. The configuration of the element may include programming the element, such as programming the element by encoding instructions on a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium associated with the element.

[0155] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be implemented, in part or in whole, by a special-purpose computer, which is created by configuring a general-purpose computer to execute one or more specific functions embodied in a computer program. The aforementioned functional blocks, flowchart components, and other elements serve as software specifications, which can be routinely compiled into a computer program by a skilled technician or programmer.

[0156] A computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable medium. A computer program may also include or depend on stored data. A computer program may encompass a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with the hardware of a special-purpose computer, device drivers that interact with specific devices of a special-purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0157] Computer programs may include: i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Markup), (ii) assembly code, (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler, (iv) source code executed by an interpreter, and (v) source code compiled and executed by a just-in-time (JIT) compiler, etc. As an example only, source code may be written using syntax from languages ​​including: C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Java®, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, JavaScript®, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language, fifth revision), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Flash®, Visual Basic®, Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK, and Python®.

[0158] The foregoing description of various embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. Elements or features of a particular embodiment can also be changed in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A climate control system, comprising: a compressor having a first scroll member and a second scroll member cooperating to define a plurality of pockets therebetween, wherein the pockets include a radially outer pocket, a radially inner pocket, and an intermediate pocket disposed radially between the radially outer pocket and the radially inner pocket, wherein the first scroll member includes a capacity modulation passage in fluid communication with the intermediate pocket; an outdoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor; an indoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor; a fluid line extending from the compressor to a location between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, wherein the fluid line is fluidly connected to the intermediate pocket via the capacity modulation passage; and a control valve controlling flow of fluid through the fluid line, wherein the climate control system is operable in a high capacity mode, an intermediate capacity mode, and a low capacity mode, and wherein the control valve permits fluid flow through the fluid line in the high capacity mode and the low capacity mode, and wherein the control valve prevents fluid flow through the fluid line in the intermediate capacity mode.

2. The climate-control system of claim 1, further comprising a flash tank having a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, wherein, the first opening is fluidly connected to the indoor heat exchanger, wherein the second opening is fluidly connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, and wherein the third opening is fluidly connected to the fluid line.

3. The climate control system of claim 2, further comprising: a first expansion valve disposed between the indoor heat exchanger and the first opening and controlling fluid flow therebetween; and a second expansion valve disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the second opening and controlling fluid flow therebetween.

4. The climate control system of claim 3, wherein, in the high capacity mode, the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve control a pressure of vapor working fluid in the flash tank to be higher than a pressure of working fluid in the intermediate pocket, thereby causing vapor working fluid in the flash tank to exit the flash tank through the third opening and flow through the fluid line toward the compressor.

5. The climate control system of claim 4, wherein, in the low capacity mode, the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve control a pressure of vapor working fluid in the flash tank to be lower than a pressure of working fluid in the intermediate pocket, thereby causing working fluid in the intermediate pocket to flow out of the compressor via the capacity modulation passage and flow through the fluid line toward the flash tank.

6. The climate-control system of claim 5, further comprising a reversing valve operable to switch the climate-control system between a heating mode and a cooling mode, and wherein, the climate control system.

7. The climate control system of claim 6, wherein, when the climate control system is operable in the low capacity mode and the intermediate capacity mode while operating in the cooling mode.

8. The climate control system of claim 7, wherein, when the climate control system is operable in the low capacity mode, the intermediate capacity mode, and the high capacity mode while operating in the heating mode.

9. A climate control system, comprising: a compressor defining a suction chamber, a discharge chamber, and an intermediate pocket at a pressure between a pressure of the suction chamber and a pressure of the discharge chamber, wherein the compressor includes a capacity modulation passage in fluid communication with the intermediate pocket; an outdoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor; an indoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor; a fluid line extending from the compressor to a location between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, wherein the fluid line is fluidly connected to the intermediate pocket via the capacity modulation passage; and a control valve controlling flow of fluid through the fluid line, wherein the climate control system is operable in a high capacity mode, an intermediate capacity mode, and a low capacity mode, and wherein the control valve permits fluid flow through the fluid line in the high capacity mode and the low capacity mode, and wherein the control valve prevents fluid flow through the fluid line in the intermediate capacity mode.

10. The climate-control system of claim 9, further comprising a flash tank having a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, wherein, the first opening is fluidly connected to the indoor heat exchanger, wherein the second opening is fluidly connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, and wherein the third opening is fluidly connected to the fluid line.

11. The climate control system of claim 10, further comprising: a first expansion valve disposed between the indoor heat exchanger and the first opening and controlling fluid flow between the indoor heat exchanger and the first opening; and a second expansion valve disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the second opening and controlling fluid flow between the outdoor heat exchanger and the second opening.

12. The climate control system of claim 11, wherein, in the high capacity mode, the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve control a pressure of vapor working fluid in the flash tank to be higher than a pressure of working fluid in the intermediate pocket, thereby causing vapor working fluid in the flash tank to exit the flash tank through the third opening and flow through the fluid line toward the compressor.

13. The climate control system of claim 12, wherein, in the low capacity mode, the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve control a pressure of vapor working fluid in the flash tank to be lower than a pressure of working fluid in the intermediate pocket, thereby causing working fluid in the intermediate pocket to flow out of the compressor via the capacity modulation passage and flow through the fluid line toward the flash tank.

14. The climate-control system of claim 13, further comprising a reversing valve operable to switch the climate-control system between a heating mode and a cooling mode, and wherein, the climate control system.

15. The climate control system of claim 14, wherein, when the climate control system is operable in the low capacity mode and the intermediate capacity mode while operating in the cooling mode.

16. The climate-control system of claim 15, wherein, when the climate control system is operable in the low capacity mode, the intermediate capacity mode, and the high capacity mode while operating in the heating mode.

17. A climate control system, comprising: a compressor having a first scroll member and a second scroll member that cooperate to define a plurality of pockets therebetween, wherein the pockets include a radially outer pocket, a radially inner pocket, and an intermediate pocket disposed radially between the radially outer pocket and the radially inner pocket, wherein the compressor includes a capacity modulation passage in fluid communication with the intermediate pocket; an outdoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor; an indoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor; a fluid line extending from the compressor to a location between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, wherein the fluid line is fluidly connected to the intermediate pocket via the capacity modulation passage; a flash tank having a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, wherein the first opening is fluidly connected to the indoor heat exchanger, wherein the second opening is fluidly connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, and wherein the third opening is fluidly connected to the fluid line; a first expansion valve disposed between and controlling fluid flow between the indoor heat exchanger and the first opening; and a second expansion valve disposed between and controlling fluid flow between the outdoor heat exchanger and the second opening, wherein the climate control system is operable in a high capacity mode, an intermediate capacity mode, and a low capacity mode, wherein in the high capacity mode, the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve control a pressure of vapor working fluid in the flash tank to be higher than a pressure of working fluid in the intermediate pocket, thereby causing vapor working fluid in the flash tank to exit the flash tank through the third opening and flow through the fluid line toward the compressor, wherein in the low capacity mode, the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve control the pressure of vapor working fluid in the flash tank to be lower than the pressure of working fluid in the intermediate pocket, thereby causing working fluid in the intermediate pocket to flow out of the compressor via the capacity modulation passage and flow through the fluid line toward the flash tank, and wherein in the intermediate capacity mode, fluid flow is prevented from passing through the fluid line.

18. The climate-control system of claim 17, further comprising a reversing valve operable to switch the climate-control system between a heating mode and a cooling mode, and wherein, the climate control system.

19. The climate control system of claim 18, wherein, when the climate control system is operable in the low capacity mode, the intermediate capacity mode, and the high capacity mode while operating in the heating mode.

20. The climate-control system of claim 19, wherein, when the climate control system is operable in the low capacity mode and the intermediate capacity mode while operating in the cooling mode.

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