Fluid filter for a compressor

Abstract

A fluid filter comprises a body section and a filter membrane section. The body section includes at least one opening formed therein, with the filter membrane section arranged in the at least one opening to filter impurities from a fluid (e.g., a lubricant). The fluid filter is installed in a fluid passage of a scroll compressor, restricting axial movement of the fluid filter.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fluid filter, and more particularly to a fluid filter for a compressor. Technical background

[0002] Known scroll compressors include a housing, and the housing includes a front housing, a shell, and a rear housing. Such known compressors also include a fixed scroll comprising a first scroll element, and an orbiting scroll comprising a second scroll element. The scroll elements mate with each other to form a sealed fluid pocket. Such known compressors further include a drive mechanism that drives the orbiting scroll in an orbiting motion and an anti-rotation mechanism that prevents the orbiting scroll from rotating. The orbiting scroll, the fixed scroll, the drive mechanism, and the anti-rotation mechanism are positioned within the housing. Further, such known compressors also include a suction chamber and a discharge chamber, and the fixed scroll separates the suction chamber from the discharge chamber.The drive mechanism and the anti-rotation mechanism are positioned within the suction chamber.

[0003] In the known compressor, a refrigerant gas is introduced into the suction chamber via an external refrigerant circuit. Furthermore, a fluid suspended in the refrigerant gas lubricates the drive mechanism, the anti-rotation mechanism, and sliding sections located between the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll. Specifically, during operation, the fluid separates from the refrigerant gas and accumulates at a lower portion of the compressor. This accumulated fluid lubricates the drive mechanism, the anti-rotation mechanism, and the sliding sections located between the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll.

[0004] Fluid filters are used to filter out unwanted contaminants from the fluid. For different compressor designs, the fluid filter location may vary, requiring multiple filter designs or design compromises for the fixed scroll and the rear scroll. A conventional scroll compressor is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 8,202,071, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Disclosure of the inventionTechnical problem

[0005] There is a need for a fluid filter that is easy to install and can be used in a variety of compressor designs. Solution to the problem

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an improved fluid filter has surprisingly been discovered that is easy to install and that can be used in a variety of compressor designs.

[0007] In one embodiment, a fluid filter for a compressor comprises: a body portion including at least one retention feature configured to enable the fluid filter to be fixedly coupled within a compressor at a desired position; and a membrane portion at least partially disposed within the body portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the body portion further includes at least one opening formed therein.

[0009] In some embodiments, the at least one retention feature is configured to cooperate with a surface of the compressor to form a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween.

[0010] In some embodiments, the at least one retention feature is configured to be received in a channel portion of a fluid passage of the compressor to impede movement of the fluid filter.

[0011] In some embodiments, the at least one retention feature is at least one radially outwardly extending protuberance.

[0012] In some embodiments, the at least one retention feature is at least one radially outwardly extending ring.

[0013] In some embodiments, the at least one retention feature is an annular array of spaced protuberances.

[0014] In some embodiments, the at least one retention feature is formed continuously around an outer surface of the body portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the at least one retention feature includes an inclined portion to facilitate installation of the fluid filter into the compressor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the body portion includes at least one leg extending outwardly therefrom.

[0017] In another embodiment, a compressor includes: a housing including a fluid passage formed therein; and a fluid filter disposed in the fluid passage, the fluid filter comprising: a body portion including at least one retention feature configured to enable the fluid filter to be fixedly coupled at a desired position in the fluid passage; and a diaphragm portion at least partially disposed in the body portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the at least one retention feature is configured to cooperate with a surface of the fluid passage to form a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween.

[0019] In some embodiments, the at least one retention feature is configured to be received in a channel portion of the fluid passage of the compressor to impede movement of the fluid filter.

[0020] In some embodiments, the at least one retention feature is at least one radially outwardly extending protuberance.

[0021] In some embodiments, the at least one retention feature is an annular array of spaced protuberances.

[0022] In some embodiments, the at least one retention feature is formed continuously around an outer surface of the body portion.

[0023] In some embodiments, the at least one retention feature includes an inclined portion to facilitate installation of the fluid filter into the compressor.

[0024] In some embodiments, the body portion further includes at least one leg extending outwardly therefrom.

[0025] In some embodiments, the fluid passage includes a cylindrical portion, a frustoconical portion, and a channel portion.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, a compressor includes: a housing comprising a fluid passage having a channel portion; and a fluid filter disposed in the fluid passage, wherein the fluid filter includes at least one retention feature configured to be received in the channel portion of the fluid passage, and wherein a location of the channel portion provides a desired position of the fluid filter to establish a desired backpressure flow in the compressor.

[0027] The disclosure includes a fluid filter shown and described herein and a scroll-type compressor including a fluid filter shown and described herein. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] Further details, features and advantages of configurations of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings: Fig. 1 is an elevated cross-sectional view of a conventional scroll compressor; Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the scroll compressor of Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the scroll compressor located within rectangle A in Fig. 2 is shown; Fig. 4 is an elevated partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a scroll compressor including a fluid filter according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 5 is an elevated partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a scroll compressor including a fluid filter according to another embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 6A is an enlarged elevational view of an embodiment of the fluid filter for the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 scroll compressors shown; Fig. 6B is an enlarged elevated view of the Fig. 6A shown fluid filter; Fig. 7A is an enlarged elevational view of another embodiment of the fluid filter for the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 scroll compressors shown; Fig. 7B is an enlarged perspective view of the Fig. 7A shown fluid filter; Fig. 8A is an enlarged elevational view of another embodiment of the fluid filter for the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 scroll compressors shown; Fig. 8B is an enlarged perspective view of the Fig. 8A shown fluid filter; Fig. 9A is an enlarged elevational view of another embodiment of the fluid filter for the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 scroll compressors shown; Fig. 9B is an enlarged perspective view of the Fig. 9A shown fluid filter; Fig. 10A is an enlarged elevational view of another embodiment of the fluid filter for the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 scroll compressors shown; Fig. 10B is an enlarged perspective view of the Fig. 10A shown fluid filter; Fig. 11 is an elevated partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a scroll compressor including a fluid filter according to another embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 12A is an enlarged elevational view of one embodiment of the fluid filter for the Fig. 11 scroll compressor; and Fig. 12B is an enlarged perspective view of the Fig. 12A shown scroll compressor. Best mode for carrying out the invention

[0029] The following detailed description and the accompanying drawings describe and illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The description and drawings are provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the following disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. With respect to the disclosed methods, the steps presented are exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps is not necessary or critical.

[0030] "A," as used herein, indicates that "at least one" of the element is present, although a plurality of such elements may be present where possible. Spatially relative terms, such as "front," "back," "inside," "outside," "bottom," "top," "horizontal," "vertical," "upper," "lower," "side," "above," "below," "beneath," and the like, may be used herein for convenience of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another or more other elements or features, as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures.

[0031] As used herein, "substantially" is defined as "to a certain extent" or "near" or as otherwise understood by one skilled in the art or as otherwise set forth. Except where clearly indicated otherwise, all numerical quantities in this specification are to be understood as modified by the term "approximately," and all geometric and spatial descriptions are to be understood as modified by the word "substantially," describing the broadest scope of the technology. "Approximately," when applied to numerical values, indicates that the calculation or measurement allows for slight inaccuracies in the value (with approximation to the exact value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; almost).If for any reason the imprecision provided by "approximately" and / or "substantially" is not understood in the technical field with this ordinary meaning, then "approximately" and / or "substantially" as used herein indicate that at least deviations may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

[0032] Where a conflict or ambiguity may arise between a document incorporated by reference and this Detailed Description, this Detailed Description shall control. Although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe different elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited to these terms. These terms may be used solely to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and / or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical values, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by context.Thus, a first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first section discussed herein could also be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second section.

[0033] Fig. 1 to 3 show a conventional motor-driven compressor of scroll type 1. It should be noted that Fig. 1 to 3 are provided to provide a general configuration and operation of a scroll-type compressor. It will be appreciated that other configurations may be used for the compressor 1 as desired. A casing 10 includes a cylindrical first casing 11 with a cover-like second casing 12 and a shaft support portion 15. The shaft support portion is provided adjacent to the first casing 11 and the second casing 12. The first casing 11, the second casing 12, and the shaft support portion 15 are joined together by a conventional method, such as fasteners. The first casing 11 may be configured to receive the fixed scroll member 16 therein.

[0034] The first casing 11 may have a cylindrical embossment 14 protruding from the center of the wall 11A of the casing 11. The shaft support portion 15 typically includes an inner cylindrical portion 17 and an outer cylindrical portion 18 connected by a mesh portion 19. The inner cylindrical portion 17 has a central bore 20 for receiving a rotating shaft 24 therethrough. The compressor 1 includes an anti-rotation pin (not shown) for preventing a movable scroll member 22 from rotating on its own axis.

[0035] The shaft support portion 15 and the embossing 14 rotatably support the rotating shaft 24 at the opposite ends 24A, 24B through radial bearings 25 and 26, respectively. The bearing 25 includes an outer ring 27, an inner ring 28, and a plurality of rollers 29 disposed between the rings 27 and 28. The bearing 25 is fitted into the embossing 14, rotatably supporting the end 24A of the rotating shaft 24. On the other hand, the bearing 26 is fitted into the shaft support portion 15. The bearing 26 includes an outer ring 30, an inner ring 35, and a plurality of rollers 36 disposed between the rings 30 and 35. The rotating shaft 24, which is inserted through the shaft hole 19, is fitted into the inner ring 35 of the bearing 26, as shown in FIG. Fig. 1. Thus, the bearing 26 rotatably supports the end 24B of the rotary shaft 24. A sealing member 32 is interposed between the shaft support portion 15 and the rotary shaft 24 and is maintained by a seal ring 33 for sealing the rotary shaft 24.

[0036] The fixed scroll member 16 includes a fixed base wall 16C consisting of a base wall 16A and a cylindrical peripheral wall 16B, and a fixed scroll wall 16D formed inside the peripheral wall 16B and extending axially outward from the base 16A along a central axis of the compressor 1.

[0037] On the other hand, the movable scroll member 22 is provided between the shaft support portion 15 and the fixed scroll member 16 and is supported by a radial bearing 34. The movable scroll member 22 includes a disc-shaped movable base wall 22a and a movable scroll wall 22b extending axially outward from the movable base wall 22a along the center axis of the compressor 1.

[0038] The fixed coil member 16 and the movable coil member 22 are movably engaged with each other by the fixed coil wall 16d and the movable coil wall 22b. The distal ends of the fixed coil wall 16d and the movable coil wall 22b are slidable on the movable base wall 22a and the fixed base wall 16c, respectively.

[0039] Compression chambers 38 are formed between the fixed base wall 16c and the fixed scroll wall 16d of the fixed scroll member 16, and the movable base wall 22a and the movable scroll wall 22b of the movable scroll member 22. A backpressure chamber 39 faces the end 24B of the rotary shaft 24 between the front side of the movable base wall 22a (or the side of the movable base wall 22a opposite the compression chamber 38) and the shaft support portion 15. Further, the shaft support portion 15, the peripheral wall 16b, and the outermost peripheral portion of the movable scroll wall 22b cooperate to define a suction chamber 41 therein.

[0040] In the first housing 11, a suction portion 42 is formed adjacent to the shaft support portion 15. The suction portion 42 communicates with the suction chamber 41 through a suction passage (not shown) formed in the shaft support portion 15. In the suction portion 42, a stator 44 of an electric motor 40 is mounted on the inner peripheral wall of the first housing 11, and a rotor 45 is located inside the stator 44 and fixed to the rotating shaft 24. The rotor 45, the stator 44, and the rotating shaft 24 together constitute the electric motor 40, and the rotor 45 is rotated integrally with the rotating shaft 24 when electric power is supplied to the stator 44 (when the stator 40 is energized).

[0041] In the first housing 11, an inlet (not shown) is formed therethrough at a position adjacent to the front end. In certain cases, when the compressor 1 is part of an air conditioning (or HVAC) system (not shown), the suction region 42 communicates via the inlet with an evaporator (not shown) of the HVAC system. The evaporator may further communicate with an expansion valve and a condenser of the HVAC system. A low-pressure and low-temperature refrigerant gas in the HVAC system is guided through the inlet, the suction region 42, and the suction passage into the suction chamber 41.

[0042] A discharge chamber 47 is formed between the fixed base wall 16c and an inner surface of the second housing 12. The fixed base wall 16c has a discharge opening 48 through which the compression chamber 38 is in fluid communication with the discharge chamber 47. The fixed base wall 16c has a discharge valve (not shown) for opening and closing the discharge opening 48 and a seal 49 for regulating an opening degree of the discharge valve.

[0043] As in Fig. 2, in the second casing 12 behind the discharge chamber 47, a fluid separation chamber 51 is formed, extending perpendicular to the center axis of the compressor 1, and a partition wall 52 is formed between the fluid separation chamber 51 and the discharge chamber 47. A discharge port 53 is formed through the partition wall 52, connecting the fluid separation chamber 51 and the discharge chamber 47. A fluid separator (not shown) may be provided in the fluid separation chamber 51 to separate a fluid (e.g., a lubricating fluid, oil, etc.) from the refrigerant gas. Typically, the fluid separator 55 has a cylindrical shape and is fitted into the fluid separation chamber 51. The fluid is separated by the action of centrifugal force when the refrigerant flows from the discharge chamber 47 into the fluid separation chamber 51 through the discharge port 53. The separated fluid falls down to be present in the fluid separation chamber 51 in reverse order.One end of the fluid separation chamber 51 forms an outlet 56 through which the fluid separation chamber 51 communicates with the condenser of the HVAC system.

[0044] The fluid separation chamber 51 communicates with the backpressure chamber 39 through a fluid passage 57, so that a backpressure flow (i.e., the fluid under a discharge pressure) is supplied to the backpressure chamber 39 through the fluid passage 57. A known fluid filter 62 may be fixedly mounted in the fluid passage 57 to remove foreign matter from the fluid.

[0045] The following describes the operation of the above-described motor-driven scroll-type compressor. When the rotating shaft 24 of the motor 40 is driven to rotate by the operation of a vehicle operator, the eccentric pin 32 reverses the axis of the fixed scroll member 16. In this case, the rotation preventing pin is in sliding and rolling contact with the inner surface of the movable scroll member 22, and thus the rotation of the movable scroll member 22 on its own axis is prevented, and the movable scroll member 22 performs an orbital motion around the axis of the rotating shaft 24. Thus, the compression chambers 38 are moved radially inward from the outer peripheral side of the fixed and movable scroll members 16, 22 toward their center by the orbiting motion of the movable scroll member 22, whereby the volume is progressively reduced.Therefore, the refrigerant gas introduced from the evaporator through the inlet, the suction portion 42, and the suction passage into the suction chamber 41 and then into the compression chamber 38 is compressed in the compression chamber 38. The refrigerant gas compressed to a discharge pressure is discharged through the discharge port 48 into the discharge chamber 47 and then flows through the discharge port 53 into the fluid separation chamber 51. After the fluid is separated from the refrigerant gas in the fluid separation chamber 51, the refrigerant gas is discharged from the fluid separator 55 into the condenser. Thus, the air conditioning processing for the vehicle is performed.

[0046] The fluid separated from the coolant gas drops out of the fluid separator 55 to be stored in the fluid separation chamber 51. The fluid stored in the fluid separation chamber 51 is supplied to the backpressure chamber 39 through the fluid passage 57 along with a small amount of the coolant gas. As the fluid passes through the fluid passage 57, foreign matter contained in the fluid is removed therefrom by the fluid filter 62, thus preventing foreign matter from accumulating in a throttle (not shown) arranged downstream of the fluid filter 62. A pressure in the backpressure chamber 39 is limited to a predetermined pressure by the throttle in the fluid passage 57. The fluid supplied to the backpressure chamber 39 serves to lubricate any friction-generating components, such as the bearing 26, the bearing 34, and the eccentric pin 32, as part of the drive of the movable jet member 22.The pressure in the back pressure chamber 39 serves to counteract the pressure in the compression chamber 38 to drive the movable scroll member 22 toward the fixed scroll member 16, thereby reducing the sliding resistance between the movable base wall 22 and the shaft support portion 15, and ensuring the airtightness of the compression chamber 38.

[0047] Fig. Fig. 4 illustrates a fluid filter 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that a structure of the compressor 1' similar to that of the compressor 1 shown in Fig. 1 to 3 and described herein, includes the same reference numeral with a suffix ('). The fluid filter 100 can be installed in a compressor 1'. It will be appreciated that the fluid filter 100 can be installed in any compressor 1', such as a VI-type scroll compressor (VI = Vapor Injection). It will be appreciated that the VI-type scroll compressor differs from the conventional compressor described above in that it includes a VI valve arrangement between the second housing 2' and the fixed scroll 16'. Accordingly, a length of a fluid passage 145 formed in the compressor 1' is greater than a length of the fluid passage 57 of the non-VI compressor 1. The difference in length must be taken into account when determining a desired position of the fluid filter 100 within the fluid passage 145.

[0048] The fluid filter 100 can be arranged in the fluid filter 145 of the second housing 12' of the compressor 1'. The fluid filter 100 includes a body portion 120 and a filter membrane portion 130. As shown, the body portion 120 is substantially cylindrical in shape, with at least one opening 122 formed therein, although other shapes may be used as desired. As shown, an annular array of longitudinally extending openings 122 is provided, although other configurations of the openings 122 may be provided as desired. As also shown, the body portion 120 is made of plastic, although other materials may be used as desired. If made of plastic, its weight is preferably minimized. In some embodiments, the body portion 120 includes an open first end 140 and a substantially closed second end 142.In other embodiments, the second end 142 may also be substantially open, if desired.

[0049] The first end 140 of the fluid filter 100 includes at least one retention feature, generally 141, formed on an outer surface 138 thereof. In terms of operation, the at least one retention feature 141 cooperates with a wall forming the fluid passageway 145 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween and prevent bypass or leakage past the fluid filter 100, thereby causing the lubricant to flow through the filter membrane portion 130. The filter membrane portion 130 covers and is disposed within the at least one opening 122 of the body portion 120. As shown, the filter membrane portion 130 is made of nylon, although other materials may be used as desired. Similar to the body portion 120, a weight thereof is advantageously minimized by making the filter membrane portion 130 of nylon.The filter membrane portion 130 serves to allow the lubricant to flow through the at least one opening of the body portion 120 while filtering out contaminants carried by the lubricant.

[0050] Different embodiments of the fluid filter 100 are Fig. 6A-10B. The at least one retaining feature 141 may be in the form of a plurality of radially outwardly extending and circumferentially continuous rings ( Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B), an annular arrangement of spaced outwardly extending protrusions or semicircular projections ( Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B), an annular arrangement of spaced outwardly extending tongues ( Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B), an annular arrangement of spaced outwardly extending ribs ( Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B), at least one radially outwardly extending adjusting ring formed continuously around the outer surface 138 ( Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B) or, if desired, in the form of other protuberances. In the embodiment of the Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B, the at least one retention feature 141 may include a first portion 143 and a second portion 144. As best seen in Fig. 10A, the first portion 143 has a substantially constant outer diameter, and the second portion 144 is tapered with an outer diameter that generally decreases from the first portion 143 to the outer surface of the first end 140 of the fluid filter 100. Advantageously, the tapered second portion 144 of the at least one retention feature 141 enables easier installation of the fluid filter 100 while providing a substantially fluid-tight seal between the inner diameter of the fluid passageway 145 and the at least one retention feature 141 of the fluid filter 100.

[0051] The fluid passage 145 may be formed by a drilling operation. In certain embodiments, the drilling operation may be performed in phases. However, other machining and forming operations or methods may be used as desired. Adjacent to one end of the fluid passage 145 near the fixed spiral 16', shown in Fig. 4, the fluid passage 145 may be formed by a substantially right circular cylinder portion 150 having a substantially constant diameter. Adjacent to the right circular cylinder portion 150 in a direction away from the fixed scroll 16', a substantially frustoconical portion 160 may be formed. Adjacent to the frustoconical portion 160 in a direction away from the fixed scroll 16', a radially inwardly extending channel portion 170 may be formed. As discussed above, each of these portions 150, 160, 170 may be formed by the drilling or other process or method. For example, the channel portion 170 may be formed with a T-tool similar to that used to form channels for use with retaining rings.

[0052] The channel portion 170 cooperates with the at least one retention feature 141 of the fluid filter 100 to properly position the fluid filter 100, hold the fluid filter 100 in place, and mitigate bypass or leakage of fluid past the fluid filter 100 without passing through the fluid membrane portion 130 thereof.

[0053] To install the fluid filter 100 in the compressor 1', the fluid filter 100 may be inserted into the fluid passage 145, moved past the cylindrical portion 150 and through the frusto-conical portion 160 until the at least one retention feature 141 is received and positioned within the channel portion 170.

[0054] In some embodiments, an inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 150 is substantially equal to or greater than an outer diameter of the at least one retention feature 141 to facilitate insertion of the fluid filter into the fluid passageway 145. The fluid filter 100 can be inserted manually, automatically, or semi-automatically, and by hand or with a tool. An inner diameter of the frustoconical portion 160 gradually decreases from the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 150 to an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the one retention feature 141 of the fluid filter 100. An inner diameter of the channel portion 170 is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the outer diameter of the at least one retention feature 141.An inner diameter of the remaining portion 180 of the fluid passageway 145 adjacent the channel portion 170 in a direction away from the fixed scroll 16' may be substantially equal to or greater than an outer diameter of the body portion 120 of the fluid filter 100, but smaller than the inner diameter of the channel portion 170. Thus, based on the differences in the inner diameters of the portions 160, 180 of the fluid passageway 145 adjacent to either side of the channel portion 170, the at least one retention feature 141 is axially constrained by shoulders 182, 184 formed on either side of the channel portion 170, effectively locking the fluid filter 100 in place when fully installed.It should be noted that adjusting a position of the channel portion 170 in an axial manner in one direction or the other in the fluid passage 145 serves to provide a desired position of the fluid filter 100 relative to an opening position (e.g., the discharge opening 53') and thereby adjust and provide a desired backpressure flow to the backpressure chamber 39' of the compressor 1'.

[0055] The operation of the VI-type compressor 1' is similar to that of compressor 1 described above.

[0056] In the Fig. 5, a non-VI type compressor 1" is shown, with the fluid filter 100 installed therein. It should be noted that a structure of the compressor 1" similar to that of the compressor 1' shown in Fig. 1-4 and described herein includes the same reference numeral with a double symbol (''). The channel portion 220 in the compressor 1'' may be formed adjacent to an end of the fluid passage 245 that abuts the fixed scroll 16''. Accordingly, a shoulder 284 on one side of the channel portion 220 in a direction away from the fixed scroll 16'' cooperates with the fixed scroll 16'' to restrict axial movement of the fluid filter 100, as similarly described for the shoulders 182, 184 of the channel portion 170 of the fluid passage 145 of the compressor 1' above. The remainder of the structure, function, and installation of the fluid filter 100 may be similar to those described above.

[0057] An operation of the non-VI-type compressor 1'' is similar to that described above for the compressors 1, 1'.

[0058] In the Fig. 11, the non-Vi compressor 1" may include a fluid filter 100' according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that a structure of the fluid filter 100' similar to that of the fluid filter 100 shown in Fig.1-10 and described herein includes the same reference numeral with a suffix ('). In this embodiment, at least one leg 182 may be provided adjacent the first end 140' of the fluid filter 100'. As shown, an annular array of adjacent and axially extending legs 182 may be provided. However, it will be appreciated that any number of legs 182 may be used as desired. The at least one leg 182 may be employed to fix a desired position of the fluid filter 100' based on a position of the fixed scroll 16". Further, the at least one leg 182 provides axial spacing from the fixed scroll 16" when an end of the at least one leg 182 abuts a surface of the fixed scroll 16". The rest of the structure, function and installation of the fluid filter 100' is similar to that described for the fluid filter 100 above.

[0059] The compressor 1, 1'' with one of the fluid filters 100, 100' having a simplified structure is easy to manufacture, thus minimizing production costs. Press fitting, joining, and other processes used during assembly and installation in the prior art are not required. The novel fluid filters 100, 100' of the present patent application can be used in multiple compressors, eliminating the need for a special design for each compressor, thereby minimizing the overall parts cost. Furthermore, in the compressor 1', 1'', a sufficient amount of fluid is supplied from the fluid separation chamber 51, 51', 51'' to the compressor 1', 1'', and therefore the durability of the compressor 1', 1'' is maximized.

[0060] From the above description, one skilled in the art can readily understand the essential characteristics of this present disclosure and can, without departing from the scope and spirit, make various changes and modifications to the present disclosure to adapt it to different uses and conditions. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 8,202,071

[0004]

Claims

[1] A fluid filter for a compressor having the following features: a body portion including at least one retention feature configured to enable the fluid filter to be fixedly coupled in a compressor at a desired position; and a membrane portion disposed at least partially within the body portion. [2] The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the body portion further comprises at least one opening formed therein. [3] The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the at least one retention feature is configured to cooperate with a surface of the compressor to form a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween. [4] The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the at least one retention feature is configured to be received in a channel portion of a fluid passage of the compressor to impede movement of the fluid filter. [5] The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the at least one retention feature is at least one radially outwardly extending protuberance. [6] The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the at least one retention feature is at least one radially outwardly extending ring. [7] The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the at least one retention feature is an annular array of spaced protuberances. [8] The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the at least one retention feature is continuously formed around an outer surface of the body portion. [9] The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the at least one retention feature comprises an inclined portion to facilitate installation of the fluid filter into the compressor. [10] The fluid filter of claim 1, wherein the body portion includes at least one leg extending outwardly therefrom. [11] A compressor having the following features: a housing including a fluid passage formed therein; and a fluid filter disposed in the fluid passage, the fluid filter comprising: a body portion including at least one retention feature configured to enable the fluid filter to be fixedly coupled at a desired position in the fluid passageway; and a membrane portion disposed at least partially within the body portion. [12] The compressor of claim 11, wherein the at least one retention feature is configured to cooperate with a surface of the fluid passage to form a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween. [13] The compressor of claim 11, wherein the at least one retention feature is configured to be received in a channel portion of the fluid passage of the compressor to impede movement of the fluid filter. [14] The compressor of claim 11, wherein the at least one retaining feature is at least one radially outwardly extending protuberance. [15] The compressor of claim 11, wherein the at least one retention feature is an annular array of spaced protuberances. [16] The compressor of claim 11, wherein the at least one retention feature is continuously formed around an outer surface of the body portion. [17] The compressor of claim 11, wherein the at least one retention feature comprises an inclined portion to facilitate installation of the fluid filter into the compressor. [18] The compressor of claim 11, wherein the body portion further comprises at least one leg extending outwardly therefrom. [19] The compressor according to claim 11, wherein the fluid passage comprises a cylindrical portion, a frusto-conical portion and a channel portion. [20] A compressor having the following characteristics: a housing comprising a fluid passage with a channel portion; and a fluid filter disposed in the fluid passage, wherein the fluid filter includes at least one retention feature configured to be received in the channel portion of the fluid passage, and wherein a location of the channel portion provides a desired position of the fluid filter to establish a desired backpressure flow in the compressor.

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