Compressor

Abstract

A compressor includes: a housing defining a discharge chamber and a suction chamber; a first scroll member disposed within the housing and including a first end plate and a first helical wrap extending from the first end plate; a second scroll member disposed within the housing and including a second end plate and a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate and engaged with the first spiral wrap; a floating seal sealingly engaging the second scroll member; a muffler plate defining a discharge chamber and a suction chamber; and a wear ring sealingly engaging the muffling plate and the floating seal such that the wear ring, the muffling plate, and the floating seal fluidly isolate the discharge chamber from the suction chamber. The acoustic panel includes an axially facing surface that contacts the wear ring, a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion of the wear ring being formed from a first material, and a radially intermediate portion of the wear ring being formed from a second material that is different than the first material.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on May 24, 2021 (entered the Chinese national phase on November 24, 2022), with application number 202180037686.X (international application number PCT / US2021 / 033899) and title "Compressor with Compliant Seal". Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 883,323, filed May 26, 2020. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to compressors having compliant seals. Background Technology

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

[0005] Heat pump systems, air conditioning systems, and other working fluid circulation systems may include a fluid loop having an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device disposed between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, and a compressor that circulates a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant or carbon dioxide) between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. Efficient and reliable operation of the compressor is desirable to ensure that the heat pump system equipped with the compressor can effectively and efficiently provide cooling and / or heating effects as needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This section provides a general overview of this disclosure, rather than a full disclosure of the entire scope of this disclosure or all its features.

[0007] This disclosure provides a compressor that may include a housing, a first scroll member, a second scroll member, a floating seal, a silencing plate, and a wear ring / wear-resistant ring. The housing defines a discharge chamber and a suction chamber. The first scroll member is disposed within the housing and includes a first end plate and a first helical scroll extending from the first end plate. The second scroll member is disposed within the housing and includes a second end plate and a second helical scroll extending from the second end plate and engaging with the first helical scroll in an engaging manner. The floating seal may sealably engage the second scroll member. The silencing plate defines the discharge chamber and the suction chamber. The wear ring may sealably engage the silencing plate and the floating seal such that the wear ring, the silencing plate, and the floating seal fluidly isolate the discharge chamber from the suction chamber. The silencing plate may include an axially facing surface that contacts the wear ring. The axially facing surface may include an annular recess formed in the axially facing surface. The wear ring may at least partially cover the annular recess. The annular recess may provide a gap between the silencing plate and the wear ring to allow the wear ring to resiliently deflect relative to the silencing plate during operation of the compressor.

[0008] In some configurations of the compressor described in the above paragraph, the floating seal contacts the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring, which is radially positioned between the innermost radial edge and the outermost radial edge of the annular recess.

[0009] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or two of the paragraphs above, the wear ring extends radially over the entire annular recess such that the axial facing surface contacts the wear ring at a first position located radially inward relative to the annular recess and at a second position located radially outward relative to the annular recess.

[0010] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring are formed of a first material, and the radially middle portion of the wear ring is formed of a second material different from the first material.

[0011] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the second material is more flexible than the first material.

[0012] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the wear ring includes an annular recess defined by a radially intermediate portion of the wear ring.

[0013] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the axial facing surface of the muffler contacts the wear ring at a position set radially outward relative to the annular recess.

[0014] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the radial central portion and the radial inner portion of the wear ring are aligned with the annular recess, such that the radial central portion and the radial inner portion of the wear ring are not supported by the silencer plate.

[0015] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the axial facing surface of the muffler contacts the wear ring at a position relative to the annular recess located radially inward.

[0016] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the radial central portion and the radial outer portion of the wear ring are aligned with the annular recess, such that the radial central portion and the radial outer portion of the wear ring are not supported by the silencer plate.

[0017] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the wear ring includes an annular recess defined by a radially intermediate portion of the wear ring.

[0018] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, an annular recess in the wear ring is formed in a first side of the wear ring opposite to the second side of the wear ring. A floating seal contacts the second side of the wear ring.

[0019] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring is formed of the same material as the radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring.

[0020] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the radially central portion of the wear ring is thinner than the radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring.

[0021] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a compressor that may include a housing, a first scroll member, a second scroll member, a floating seal, a muffler, and a wear ring. The housing defines a discharge chamber and a suction chamber. The first scroll member is disposed within the housing and includes a first end plate and a first helical scroll extending from the first end plate. The second scroll member is disposed within the housing and includes a second end plate and a second helical scroll extending from the second end plate and engaging with the first helical scroll in an engaging manner. The floating seal may sealably engage the second scroll member. The muffler defines the discharge chamber and the suction chamber. The wear ring may sealably engage the muffler and the floating seal such that the wear ring, the muffler, and the floating seal fluidly isolate the discharge chamber from the suction chamber. The muffler may include an axial facing surface that contacts the wear ring. A radially inner portion and a radially outer portion of the wear ring may be formed of a first material, and a radially intermediate portion of the wear ring may be formed of a second material different from the first material.

[0022] In some configurations of the compressor described above, the axial facing surface includes an annular recess formed in the axial facing surface.

[0023] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the wear ring at least partially covers the annular recess. The annular recess provides a gap between the muffler and the wear ring to allow the wear ring to elastically deflect relative to the muffler during compressor operation.

[0024] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the radially central portion is radially aligned with the annular recess in the muffler.

[0025] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the floating seal contacts the radially central portion of the wear ring.

[0026] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the radial middle portion is recessed from the worn radial inner and radial outer portions.

[0027] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, the radially intermediate portion is recessed from the radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring in the first side of the wear ring, opposite to the second side of the wear ring. A floating seal may contact the second side of the wear ring.

[0028] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the radially intermediate portion is recessed from the radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring in the second side of the wear ring.

[0029] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the radially inner portion, radially outer portion, and radially intermediate portion of the wear ring contact the axially facing surface of the silencer plate.

[0030] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the second material is more flexible than the first material.

[0031] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the radially central portion of the wear ring is thinner than the radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring.

[0032] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a compressor that may include a housing, a first scroll member, a second scroll member, a floating seal, a muffler, and a wear ring. The housing defines a discharge chamber and a suction chamber. The first scroll member is disposed within the housing and includes a first end plate and a first helical scroll extending from the first end plate. The second scroll member is disposed within the housing and includes a second end plate and a second helical scroll extending from the second end plate and engaging with the first helical scroll in an engaging manner. The floating seal may sealably engage the second scroll member. The muffler defines the discharge chamber and the suction chamber. The wear ring may sealably engage the muffler and the floating seal such that the wear ring, the muffler, and the floating seal fluidly isolate the discharge chamber from the suction chamber. The muffler may include an axial facing surface that contacts the wear ring. A radially intermediate portion of the wear ring may define an annular recess in the wear ring.

[0033] In some compressor configurations described above, the floating seal contacts the radially central portion of the wear ring.

[0034] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring are formed of a first material, and the radially middle portion of the wear ring is formed of a second material different from the first material.

[0035] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the second material is more flexible than the first material.

[0036] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the preceding paragraphs, an annular recess in the wear ring is formed in a first side of the wear ring opposite to the second side of the wear ring. A floating seal may contact the second side of the wear ring.

[0037] In some configurations of the compressor described in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the radially central portion of the wear ring is thinner than the radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring.

[0038] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the paragraphs above, the axial facing surface of the muffler defines another annular recess, which is at least partially radially aligned with the annular recess in the wear ring.

[0039] In some configurations of the compressor in any one or more of the above paragraphs, the wear ring extends radially over the entire annular recess in the muffler, such that the axial facing surface contacts the wear ring at a first position located radially inward relative to the annular recess and at a second position located radially outward relative to the annular recess.

[0040] Further applicability will become apparent from the description 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

[0041] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and not for all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a compressor based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the compressor's muffler, wear ring, and floating seal assembly;

[0044] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the muffler, wear ring, and floating seal assembly;

[0045] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another sound-absorbing plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly according to the principles of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another sound-absorbing plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another sound-absorbing plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another sound-absorbing plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another sound-absorbing plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0050] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another sound-absorbing plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0051] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another sound-absorbing plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0052] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another sound-absorbing plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0053] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another sound-absorbing plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0054] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another sound-absorbing plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly based on the principles of this disclosure; and

[0055] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of another part of a sound-absorbing plate, wear ring, and floating seal assembly based on the principles of this disclosure.

[0056] Throughout the various views in the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals identify the corresponding components. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] These exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous examples of specific details, such as particular 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, that exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and that no single exemplary embodiment 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 have not been described in detail.

[0059] 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 stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or 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 described, unless specifically indicated otherwise. It is also understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0060] 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, joined to, connected to, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. In contrast, 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 present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.) should be interpreted in the same manner. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0061] 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 segment from another region, layer, or segment. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply sequence or order. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0062] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature illustrated in the accompanying drawings and another element (or other) element or feature. Spatial 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 will then be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0063] Reference Figure 1 A compressor 26 is provided, which may include a sealed housing assembly 36, a first bearing housing assembly 38, a second bearing housing assembly 39, a motor assembly 40, a drive shaft 41, a compression mechanism 42, and a floating seal assembly 44. The compressor 26 can compress a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) and circulate the working fluid, for example, throughout a vapor compression system.

[0064] The housing assembly 36 may form a compressor housing and may include a cylindrical housing 54, an end cap 56 at the upper end of the cylindrical housing 54, a laterally extending silencing plate (or partition) 58, and a base 60 at the lower end of the cylindrical housing 54. The end cap 56 and the silencing plate 58 may define a discharge chamber 62. The silencing plate 58 may space the discharge chamber 62 from the intake chamber 63. The silencing plate 58 may include a wear ring 64 and a discharge passage 65 through the wear ring 64 to provide communication between the compression mechanism 42 and the discharge chamber 62. A discharge connector 46 may be attached to the housing assembly 36 at an opening 66 in the end cap 56. A discharge valve assembly 48 may be disposed within the discharge connector 46, and the discharge valve assembly 48 may substantially prevent backflow. An intake inlet connector 50 may be attached to the housing assembly 36 at the opening 68.

[0065] The first bearing housing assembly 38 may be fixed relative to the housing 54 and may include a main bearing housing 70, a first bearing 72, a sleeve guide or bushing 74, and fasteners 76. The main bearing housing 70 may house the first bearing 72 and may define an annular flat thrust bearing surface 78 on the axial end surface of the main bearing housing 70. The main bearing housing 70 may include an aperture 80 for receiving the fastener assembly 76. The second bearing housing assembly 39 may be fixed relative to the housing 54 and may include a lower bearing housing 71 and a second bearing 73.

[0066] Motor assembly 40 may include a motor stator 82 and a rotor 84. The motor stator 82 may be press-fitted into housing 54. The rotor 84 may be press-fitted onto drive shaft 41 and may transmit rotational power to drive shaft 41. Drive shaft 41 may be rotatably supported within a first bearing housing assembly 38 and a second bearing housing assembly 39. Drive shaft 41 may include a concentric portion 87 and an eccentric crank pin 88 having a flat surface thereon. A first bearing 72 and a second bearing 73 may support (i.e., contact) the concentric portion 87 of drive shaft 41 for rotation relative to housing assembly 36.

[0067] Compression mechanism 42 may include a moving scroll 92 and a stationary scroll 94. Moving scroll 92 may include an end plate 96 having a helical scroll 98 on its upper surface and an annular flat thrust surface 100 on its lower surface. Thrust surface 100 may engage an annular flat thrust bearing surface 78 located on the main bearing housing 70. Cylindrical hub 102 may project downward from thrust surface 100 and may include a drive bushing 104 disposed within thrust surface 100. Drive bushing 104 may receive a crank pin 88. The flat surface of crank pin 88 may engage in a driven manner with a flat surface in a portion of the bore of drive bushing 104 to provide a radially compliant drive arrangement. Cross-slider coupling 106 may engage with moving scroll 92 and stationary scroll 94 to prevent relative rotation between moving scroll 92 and stationary scroll 94.

[0068] The stationary scroll 94 may include an end plate 108 and a helical scroll 110 projecting downward from the end plate 108. The helical scroll 110 may engage with the helical scroll 98 of the moving scroll 92 in a meshing manner, thereby creating a series of moving fluid cavities. The fluid cavities defined by the helical scrolls 98, 110 may decrease in volume as the fluid cavities move from a radially outer position (at suction pressure) to a radially intermediate position (at intermediate pressure) and finally to a radially inner position (at discharge pressure) throughout the compression cycle of the compression mechanism 42.

[0069] End plate 108 may include a discharge passage 112, a discharge recess 114, an intermediate passage 116, and an annular recess 118. Discharge passage 112 communicates with a fluid cavity located radially inward and allows compressed working fluid (at discharge pressure) to flow through discharge recess 114 and into discharge chamber 62. Intermediate passage 116 provides communication between a fluid cavity located radially inward and the annular recess 118. Annular recess 118 may surround discharge recess 114 and may be substantially concentric with discharge recess 114. Annular recess 118 may include an inner surface 119 and an outer surface 121.

[0070] The annular recess 118 can at least partially receive the sealing assembly 44 and can cooperate with the sealing assembly 44 to define an axial bias chamber 120 between the annular recess 118 and the sealing assembly 44. The bias chamber 120 receives fluid from a fluid chamber located in an intermediate position via an intermediate channel 116. The pressure difference between the intermediate pressure fluid in the bias chamber 120 and the fluid in the suction chamber 63 applies a net axial bias force to the stationary vortex 94, thereby pushing the stationary vortex 94 toward the moving vortex 92. In this way, the tip of the helical scroll 110 of the stationary vortex 94 is pressed into a sealing engagement with the end plate 96 of the moving vortex 92, and the end plate 108 of the stationary vortex 94 is pressed into a sealing engagement with the tip of the helical scroll 98 of the moving vortex 92.

[0071] Now refer to Figure 2 The floating sealing assembly 44 may include an annular base plate 122, a first annular sealing member 124, and a second annular sealing member 126. The annular base plate 122 may be a generally disc-shaped member having a plurality of axially extending protrusions 130. The first annular sealing member 124 may include a plurality of orifices 134 and a lip portion 136 that sealably engages the wear ring 64. The second annular sealing member 126 may include a plurality of orifices 138, a generally upwardly extending inner portion 140, and a generally outwardly and downwardly extending outer portion 142. The inner portion 140 may sealably engage the inner surface 119 of the annular recess 118, and the outer portion 142 may sealably engage the outer surface 121 of the annular recess 118.

[0072] Each of the plurality of axially extending protrusions 130 of the annular base plate 122 can be received in a corresponding orifice 134 in the first annular sealing member 124 and a corresponding orifice 138 in the second annular sealing member 126. The end 144 of the protrusion 130 can be forged or otherwise deformed to secure the first annular sealing member 124 and the second annular sealing member 126 to the annular base plate 122. In some configurations, additional or alternative means may be employed to secure the first annular sealing member 124 to the annular base plate 122, for example, by threaded fasteners and / or by welding.

[0073] It will be understood that the floating seal assembly 44 may be constructed in a manner different from the floating seal assembly shown in the above description and figures. For example, the floating seal assembly may be similar to or the same as the seal assembly disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0010944, which is jointly owned by the applicant and whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

[0074] The wear ring 64 may be an annular, disc-shaped component surrounding the discharge passage 65 in the muffler 58. The wear ring 64 is axially positioned between the muffler 58 and the sealing assembly 44. The wear ring 64 may sealably engage the muffler 58 and the sealing assembly 44 to seal (or fluid isolate) the discharge chamber 62 relative to the intake chamber 63.

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, the wear ring 64 includes a first axial facing surface 150 and a second axial facing surface 152 opposite to the first axial facing surface 150. The first axial facing surface 150 of the wear ring 64 can sealably contact the annular axial facing surface 154 of the muffler 58. The second axial facing surface 152 of the wear ring 64 can sealably contact the distal tip of the lip portion 136 of the sealing assembly 44.

[0076] An annular recess or protrusion 156 may be formed in the surface 154 of the sound-absorbing plate 58. Figures 1 to 3 In the configuration shown, the wear ring 64 covers the annular recess 156. That is, the inner diameter surface (or radial innermost edge) 158 of the wear ring 64 is radially inner relative to the inner diameter surface (or radial innermost edge) 160 of the recess 156, and the outer diameter surface (or radial outermost edge) 162 of the wear ring 64 is radially outer relative to the outer diameter surface (or radial outermost edge) 164 of the recess 156. In other words, Figures 1 to 3 The wear ring 64 shown is supported by the surface 154 of the silencing plate 58 at a first position 166 adjacent to the inner diameter surface 158 of the wear ring 64 and at a second position 168 adjacent to the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64. The radially central portion 170 of the wear ring 64 can be radially aligned with the recess 156. In other words, the radially central portion 170 of the wear ring 64 can be left unsupported by the silencing plate 58 to allow deflection of the wear ring 64.

[0077] The lip portion 136 of the sealing assembly 44 can contact the second axial facing surface 152 of the wear ring 64 at a position 172 located radially between the inner diameter surface 160 and the outer diameter surface 164 of the recess 156 (e.g., a position radially aligned with the radial central portion 170 of the wear ring 64). The recess 156 allows for a certain degree of compliance of the wear ring 64. That is, during operation of the compressor 26, the fluid pressure within the bias chamber 120 can push the sealing assembly 44 axially against the wear ring 64, and the sealing assembly 44 can resiliently deflect the wear ring 64 into the recess 156.

[0078] This compliance or deflection of the wear ring 64 allows for a adequate seal between the lip portion 136 of the sealing assembly 44 and the wear ring 64, and between the wear ring 64 and the muffler 58. The compliance of the wear ring 64 into the recess 156 is particularly beneficial when the surfaces 154 of the muffler 58, the wear ring 64, and / or the sealing assembly 44 become deformed due to compressor assembly processes (e.g., piling, rail forming, welding, etc.) and / or due to the pressures and forces these components experience during operation of the compressor 26. The compliance of the wear ring 64 can reduce or prevent leakage between the muffler 58 and the wear ring 64, and between the wear ring 64 and the sealing assembly 44.

[0079] The depth of recess 156, the radial extent of recess 156 (i.e., the radial distance between the inner diameter surface 160 and the outer diameter surface 164 of recess 156), the radial distance between diameter surfaces 158 and 160, the radial distance between diameter surfaces 162 and 164, the exact location of the contact point between sealing assembly 44 and wear ring 64 relative to recess 156, the material of wear ring 64, and / or the thickness of wear ring 64 can be determined and selected (e.g., through testing and / or finite element analysis) to achieve the desired amount of deflection of wear ring 64 for a given application. As an example, in some configurations, the depth of recess 156 can be approximately 150 micrometers.

[0080] Although Figures 1 to 3 The configuration shown includes a recess 156 formed in the muffler 58 and a generally flat wear ring 64, but in some configurations, the surface 154 of the muffler 58 may be generally flat and the first axial facing surface 150 of the wear ring 64 may include an annular recess to allow deflection of the wear ring 64.

[0081] Now refer to Figure 4 An alternative muffler 258 is provided, which can be incorporated into the compressor 26 in place of muffler 58. Except for the differences described below, the structure and function of muffler 258 may be similar to or the same as those of muffler 58.

[0082] The muffler 258 may include an exhaust channel 265 (similar to exhaust channel 65) and an annular axial facing surface 354, which surrounds the exhaust channel 265 and sealably contacts the first axial facing surface 150 of the wear ring 64. An annular recess 356 may be formed in the surface 354. The inner diameter surface 360 ​​of the recess 356 may be radially disposed between the inner diameter surface 158 and the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64. The recess 356 may extend radially outward from the inner diameter surface 360 ​​of the recess 356 beyond the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64. In this way, Figure 4 The wear ring 64 shown may be supported by the surface 354 of the silencing plate 258 only at a first position 366 adjacent to the inner diameter surface 158 of the wear ring 64 (i.e., the first position 366 is radially spaced from the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64). The radially central portion 170 and the radially outer portion 171 of the wear ring 64 may be radially aligned with the recess 156. In other words, the radially central portion 170 and the radially outer portion 171 of the wear ring 64 may not be supported by the silencing plate 258 to allow deflection of the wear ring 64. The lip portion 136 of the sealing assembly 44 may contact the second axial facing surface 152 of the wear ring 64 at a position radially outward relative to the inner diameter surface 360 ​​of the recess 356.

[0083] Now refer to Figure 5 An alternative muffler 458 is provided, which can be incorporated into the compressor 26 in place of muffler 58. Except for the differences described below, the structure and function of muffler 458 may be similar to or identical to those of muffler 58.

[0084] The muffler 458 may include an exhaust channel 465 (similar to exhaust channel 65) and an annular axial facing surface 554, which surrounds the exhaust channel 465 and sealably contacts the first axial facing surface 150 of the wear ring 64. An annular recess 556 may be formed in the surface 554. The outer diameter surface 564 of the recess 556 may be radially disposed between the inner diameter surface 158 and the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64. The recess 556 may extend radially inward from the outer diameter surface 564 of the recess 556 beyond the inner diameter surface 158 of the wear ring 64. In this way, Figure 5 The wear ring 64 shown may be supported by the surface 554 of the silencing plate 458 only at a position 568 adjacent to the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64 (i.e., position 568 is radially spaced from the inner diameter surface 158 of the wear ring 64). The radially central portion 170 and the radially inner portion 173 of the wear ring 64 may be radially aligned with the recess 556. In other words, the radially central portion 170 and the radially inner portion 173 of the wear ring 64 may not be supported by the silencing plate 458 to allow deflection of the wear ring 64. The lip portion 136 of the sealing assembly 44 may contact the second axial facing surface 152 of the wear ring 64 at a position radially inward relative to the outer diameter surface 564 of the recess 556.

[0085] Now refer to Figure 6 An alternative muffler 658 is provided, which can be incorporated into the compressor 26 in place of muffler 58. Except for any differences described below, the structure and function of muffler 658 may be similar to or the same as those of muffler 58.

[0086] The muffler 658 may include an exhaust channel 665 (similar to exhaust channel 665) and an annular axial facing surface 754, the annular axial facing surface 754 surrounding the exhaust channel 665 and sealingly contacting the first axial facing surface 150 of the wear ring 64. An annular recess 756 may be formed in the surface 754. The recess 756 may have a curved, concave cross-section. The cross-section of the recess 756 may, for example, be generally U-shaped.

[0087] exist Figure 6In the configuration shown, the wear ring 64 covers the annular recess 756. That is, the inner diameter surface 158 of the wear ring 64 is disposed radially inner relative to the innermost radial edge 760 of the recess 756, and the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64 is disposed radially outer relative to the outermost radial edge 764 of the recess 756. In other words, Figure 6 The wear ring 64 shown is supported by the surface 754 of the silencing plate 658 at a first position 766 between the inner diameter surface 158 of the wear ring 64 and the radially innermost edge 760 of the recess 756, and at a second position 768 between the outer diameter surface 162 of the wear ring 64 and the radially outermost edge 764 of the recess 756. The radially central portion 170 of the wear ring 64 can be radially aligned with the recess 756. In other words, the radially central portion 170 of the wear ring 64 can be left unsupported by the silencing plate 658 to allow deflection of the wear ring 64. The lip portion 136 of the sealing assembly 44 can contact the second axial facing surface 152 of the wear ring 64 at a position 172 located radially between the radially innermost edge 760 and the radially outermost edge 764 of the recess 756 (e.g., a position radially aligned with the radially central portion 170 of the wear ring 64).

[0088] Figure 7 Another alternative muffler 858 is depicted, which can be incorporated into the compressor 26 in place of muffler 58. Except for the differences described below, the structure and function of muffler 858 can be similar to or identical to those of mufflers 58 and 658. Muffler 858 includes a recess 956, which can be similar to or identical to recesses 156 and 756, except that the cross-sectional shape of recess 956 is generally V-shaped (i.e., recess 956 is defined by generally flat, angled surfaces 957 and 959). The lip portion 136 of the sealing assembly 44 can be generally aligned with the intersection 961 of surfaces 957 and 959.

[0089] Figure 8 Another alternative muffler 1058 is depicted, which can be incorporated into the compressor 26 in place of muffler 58. Except for the differences described below, the structure and function of muffler 1058 can be similar to or identical to those of mufflers 58, 658, and 858. Muffler 1058 includes a recess 1156, which can be similar to or identical to recesses 156, 756, and 956, except that the cross-sectional shape of recess 1156 is defined by an inner diameter surface 1160 and a generally flat, angled surface 1161. The lip portion 136 of the sealing assembly 44 can be generally aligned radially with the angled surface 1161.

[0090] Now refer to Figure 9An alternative muffler 1258 and an alternative wear ring 1264 are provided, which can be incorporated into the compressor 26 in place of muffler 58 and wear ring 64. The structure and function of muffler 1258 can be similar to or the same as those of muffler 58 (for example, muffler 1258 has a discharge passage 1365 and a recess 1356, which can be similar to or the same as those of discharge passage 65 and recesses 156, 356, 556, 756, 956, 1156).

[0091] The structure and function of the wear ring 1264 may be similar to or the same as those of the wear ring 64, except that the wear ring 1264 is a dual-material wear ring 1264 with a radial intermediate portion 1266 formed of a material different from the radial inner portion 1268 and the radial outer portion 1270 of the wear ring 1264. In some configurations, the radial inner portion 1268 and the radial outer portion 1270 may be formed of a first material (e.g., a first metallic material), and the radial intermediate portion 1266 may be formed of a second material (e.g., a second metallic material, a polymer material, or a composite material). The second material may be a softer and / or more flexible material compared to the first material. The radial intermediate portion 1266 may be partially or completely radially disposed between the inner diameter surface 1360 and the outer diameter surface 1364 (or the innermost edge and the outermost edge) of the recess 1356. The lip portion 136 of the sealing assembly 44 may contact the radial intermediate portion 1266 of the wear ring 1264. The radially intermediate portion 1266, formed of a more flexible material, allows for a greater amount of deflection.

[0092] Figure 10 An alternative wear ring 1464 is depicted, which can replace wear ring 64 and be incorporated into compressor 26. Although Figure 10 The wear ring 1464 shown is combined with the muffler 1258, but the wear ring 1464 can be used in combination with any of the mufflers 58, 258, 458, 658, 858, 1058, and 1258 described above.

[0093] Wear ring 1464 may be similar to or the same as wear ring 1264, except that the radially intermediate portion 1466 of wear ring 1464 may be thinner than the radially inner portion 1468 and the radially outer portion 1470 of wear ring 1464. Similar to the radially intermediate portion 1266 described above, the radially intermediate portion 1466 may be formed of a different (e.g., softer or more flexible) material than the radially inner portion 1468 and the radially outer portion 1470 of wear ring 1464. Although in some configurations, the radially intermediate portion 1466 may be formed of the same material as the radially inner portion 1468 and the radially outer portion 1470 of wear ring 1464. The radially intermediate portion 1466 may be partially or completely radially positioned between the inner diameter surface 1360 and the outer diameter surface 1364 (or the innermost edge and the outermost edge) of recess 1356.

[0094] The lip portion 136 of the sealing assembly 44 can contact the radial intermediate portion 1466 of the wear ring 1464. The thinner radial intermediate portion 1466, formed of a more flexible material, allows for a greater amount of deflection.

[0095] exist Figure 10 In the configuration shown, the first surface 1472 of the radial intermediate portion 1466 is recessed below the first side portions of the radial inner portion 1468 and the radial outer portion 1470, and the second surface 1474 of the radial intermediate portion 1466 is recessed above the second side portions of the radial inner portion 1468 and the radial outer portion 1470. That is, the radial intermediate portion 1466 may define a first recess and a second recess in opposite sides of the wear ring 1464. In some configurations, one side of the radial intermediate portion 1466 may be flush with one side of the radial inner portion 1468 and the radial outer portion 1470.

[0096] Figure 11 An alternative wear ring 1664 is depicted, which can replace wear ring 64 and be incorporated into compressor 26. Although Figure 11 The wear ring 1664 shown is combined with the muffler 1258, but the wear ring 1664 can be used in combination with any of the mufflers 58, 258, 458, 658, 858, 1058, and 1258 described above.

[0097] The structure and function of the wear ring 1664 can be similar to those of the wear ring 64, except that the wear ring 1664 may include a recess 1666 formed in the first surface 1750 of the wear ring 1664. The recess 1666 may be partially or completely radially positioned between the inner diameter surface 1360 and the outer diameter surface 1364 (or the innermost edge and the outermost edge) of the recess 1356 in the muffler 1258. The lip portion 136 of the sealing assembly 44 may contact the second surface 1752 of the wear ring 1664 at a location substantially radially aligned with the recesses 1356 and 1666. Although the recess 1666 is in Figure 11 The recess 1666 is shown as having a curved U-shaped cross-section, but the recess 1666 can have any other cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, in some configurations, the wear ring 1664 can have one or more recesses formed on the second surface 1752.

[0098] Now refer to Figure 12 An additional muffler 1858 is provided, which can be incorporated into the compressor 26 in place of muffler 58. Except for the differences described below, the structure and function of muffler 1858 may be similar to or the same as those of muffler 58. Figure 12 The sound-absorbing plate 1858 is depicted being used in conjunction with the wear ring 1264 described above.

[0099] The muffler 1858 includes an annular axial facing surface 1954 that seals against the wear ring 1264. Unlike surface 154 of the muffler 58, surface 1954 of the muffler 1858 does not include recesses partially or completely covered by the wear ring 1264. Instead, only the softer, more flexible material of the radially intermediate portion 1266 of the wear ring 1264 provides compliance (or the ability to deflect elastically) to maintain a sealing relationship between the wear ring 1264 and the muffler 1858, and between the wear ring 1264 and the sealing assembly 44.

[0100] Figure 13 The use of the muffler 1858 in conjunction with the wear ring 1464 is depicted. In this configuration, the recess defined only by the radially intermediate portion 1466 and the softer, more flexible material of the radially intermediate portion 1466 of the wear ring 1464 provide compliance (or the ability to deflect elastically) to maintain the sealing relationship between the wear ring 1464 and the muffler 1858 and between the wear ring 1464 and the sealing assembly 44.

[0101] Figure 14The silencing plate 1858 is depicted in combination with the wear ring 1664. In this configuration, only the recess 1666 in the wear ring 1664 provides compliance (or the ability to resiliently deflect) to maintain the sealing relationship between the wear ring 1664 and the silencing plate 1858, and between the wear ring 1664 and the sealing assembly 44.

[0102] The foregoing description of embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Various 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. Various elements or features of a particular embodiment may also vary in many ways. Such variations are not considered to depart from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A compressor, comprising: An enclosure defining an exhaust chamber and an intake chamber; A first vortex component, the first vortex component being disposed within the housing and including a first end plate and a first helical vortex extending from the first end plate; The second vortex component is disposed within the housing and includes a second end plate and a second spiral vortex extending from the second end plate and engaging with the first spiral vortex in an engaging manner. A floating seal that sealably engages with the second vortex member; A sound-absorbing panel, the sound-absorbing panel defining the emission chamber and the inhalation chamber; as well as A wear ring, which sealably engages the muffler and the floating seal, such that the wear ring, the muffler, and the floating seal fluidly isolate the discharge chamber from the intake chamber. The sound-absorbing plate includes an axial facing surface that contacts the wear ring, wherein the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion of the wear ring are formed of a first material, and wherein the radially middle portion of the wear ring is formed of a second material different from the first material.

2. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The second material is more flexible than the first material.

3. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The radially intermediate portion of the wear ring is thinner than the radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring.

4. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The axial facing surface of the silencing plate defines an annular recess, which is at least partially radially aligned with another annular recess formed in the wear ring.

5. The compressor according to claim 4, wherein, The wear ring extends radially over the entire annular recess in the silencing plate, such that the axial facing surface contacts the wear ring at a first position located radially inward relative to the annular recess and at a second position located radially outward relative to the annular recess.

6. The compressor according to claim 5, wherein, The annular recess in the wear ring is formed in the first side of the wear ring opposite to the second side of the wear ring, and wherein the floating seal contacts the second side of the wear ring.

7. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The muffler includes an axially facing surface that contacts the wear ring, wherein the axially facing surface includes an annular recess formed therein, and wherein the wear ring at least partially covers the annular recess, and the annular recess provides a gap between the muffler and the wear ring to allow the wear ring to resiliently deflect relative to the muffler during operation of the compressor.

8. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The radial middle portion has the same thickness as the radial inner portion and the radial outer portion.

9. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein, The floating seal is disposed within a recess in the second vortex and cooperates with the second vortex to define an axial offset chamber.

10. The compressor according to claim 9, wherein, The second vortex is a stationary vortex.

11. A compressor, comprising: An enclosure defining an exhaust chamber and an intake chamber; A first vortex component, the first vortex component being disposed within the housing and including a first end plate and a first helical vortex extending from the first end plate; The second vortex component is disposed within the housing and includes a second end plate and a second spiral vortex extending from the second end plate and engaging with the first spiral vortex in an engaging manner. A floating seal that sealably engages with the second vortex member; A sound-absorbing panel, the sound-absorbing panel defining the emission chamber and the inhalation chamber; as well as A wear ring, which sealably engages the muffler and the floating seal, such that the wear ring, the muffler, and the floating seal fluidly isolate the discharge chamber from the intake chamber. The sound-absorbing plate includes an axial facing surface that contacts the wear ring, wherein the radially intermediate portion of the wear ring defines an annular recess in the wear ring, and The annular recess in the wear ring is formed in the first side of the wear ring opposite to the second side of the wear ring, and the floating seal contacts the second side of the wear ring.

12. The compressor according to claim 11, wherein, The floating seal contacts the radial middle portion of the wear ring.

13. The compressor according to claim 11, wherein, The radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring are formed of a first material, and the radially middle portion of the wear ring is formed of a second material different from the first material.

14. The compressor according to claim 13, wherein, The second material is more flexible than the first material.

15. The compressor according to claim 11, wherein, The radially intermediate portion of the wear ring is thinner than the radially inner and radially outer portions of the wear ring.

16. The compressor according to claim 11, wherein, The axial facing surface of the silencing plate defines another annular recess, which is at least partially radially aligned with the annular recess in the wear ring.

17. The compressor according to claim 16, wherein, The wear ring extends radially over the entire annular recess in the silencing plate, such that the axial facing surface contacts the wear ring at a first position located radially inward relative to the annular recess and at a second position located radially outward relative to the annular recess.

18. The compressor according to claim 11, wherein, The axial facing surface includes an annular recess formed in the axial facing surface, wherein the wear ring at least partially covers the annular recess, and the annular recess provides a gap between the muffler and the wear ring to allow the wear ring to resiliently deflect relative to the muffler during operation of the compressor.

19. The compressor according to claim 11, wherein, The floating seal is disposed within a recess in the second vortex and cooperates with the second vortex to define an axial offset chamber.

20. The compressor according to claim 19, wherein, The second vortex is a stationary vortex.

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