Compressor modulation system equipped with multi-way valve

Abstract

The compressor may include a first scroll, a second scroll, an axial biasing chamber, and a modulation control valve. The second scroll includes an outer port and an inner port. The outer port and the inner port may be opened to a corresponding intermediate pressure compression pocket. The modulation control valve may be in fluid communication with the inner port, the outer port, and the axial biasing chamber. When the modulation control valve is moved to a first position, the compressor is switched to a capacity reduction mode, allowing fluid communication between the inner port and the axial biasing chamber while preventing fluid communication between the outer port and the axial biasing chamber. When the modulation control valve is moved to a second position, the compressor is switched to a maximum capacity mode, allowing fluid communication between the outer port and the axial biasing chamber while preventing fluid communication between the inner port and the axial biasing chamber.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a compressor comprising a capacity modulation system equipped with a multi-directional valve.

[0002] <Cross-reference of related applications>

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 388,923, filed July 29, 2021. The entire disclosure of said application is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] For example, a climate-control system, such as a heat pump system, a refrigeration system, or an air conditioning system, may include a fluid circuit comprising an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, and one or more compressors that circulate a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. To ensure that cooling and / or heating effects are provided effectively and efficiently as needed, efficient and reliable operation of one or more compressors is desirable. Prior art literature

[65535] US Patent Application Publication US-2009-0297380 means of solving the problem

[0006] This section provides a general summary of the contents of the disclosure and is not an exclusive disclosure of the full scope or all features.

[0007] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a compressor that may include a first scroll, a second scroll, an axial biasing chamber, and a modulation control valve (e.g., a multi-way valve). The first scroll comprises a first end plate and a first spiral wrap extending from the first end plate. The second scroll comprises a second end plate and a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate. The first end plate and the second end plate are engaged with each other and form a plurality of compression pockets between them. The compression pockets include a suction pressure compression pocket, a discharge pressure compression pocket at a pressure higher than that of the suction pressure compression pocket, and a plurality of intermediate pressure compression pockets at each pressure between the pressure of the suction pressure compression pocket and the pressure of the discharge pressure compression pocket. The second end plate may include an outer port and an inner port. The outer port is positioned radially outward with respect to the inner port. The outer port may be opened to a first intermediate pressure compression pocket among the intermediate pressure compression pockets, and the inner port may be opened to a second intermediate pressure compression pocket among the intermediate pressure compression pockets. The axial biasing chamber may be axially positioned between the second end plate and a component (e.g., a flow seal, a bulkhead, or an end lid of a shell assembly). The component may partially define the axial biasing chamber. An operating fluid disposed within the axial biasing chamber axially biases the second scroll toward the first scroll. The modulation control valve may be fluidly connected to the inner port, the outer port, and the axial biasing chamber. The modulation control valve is movable between a first position and a second position.By moving the modulation control valve to a first position, the compressor can be switched to a capacity reduction mode and fluid communication between the inner port and the axial biasing chamber can be allowed while preventing fluid communication between the outer port and the axial biasing chamber. By moving the modulation control valve to a second position, the compressor can be switched to a maximum capacity mode and fluid communication between the outer port and the axial biasing chamber can be allowed while preventing fluid communication between the inner port and the axial biasing chamber.

[0008] In a portion of the compressor configuration of the above paragraph, the second end plate includes one or more modulation ports fluidly communicating with one or more of the intermediate pressure compression pockets. When the modulation control valve is moved to the first position, fluid flow through the one or more modulation ports may be allowed. When the modulation control valve is moved to the second position, fluid flow through the one or more modulation ports may be prevented.

[0009] In some configurations, any one of the above paragraphs' compressors may further include a valve ring, said valve ring being movable relative to the second end plate between a first position spaced apart from the second end plate and allowing fluid flow through the one or more modulation ports, and a second position in which the valve ring prevents fluid flow through the one or more modulation ports.

[0010] In a part of the compressor configuration of any of the above paragraphs, the valve ring, together with the component, defines the axial biasing chamber. The valve ring may partially define the modulation control chamber. The modulation control valve may fluidly communicate with the modulation control chamber.

[0011] In a part of the compressor configuration of any of the above paragraphs, moving the modulation control valve to the first position enables fluid communication between the modulation control chamber and the axial biasing chamber through the modulation control valve. Moving the modulation control valve to the second position enables fluid communication between the modulation control chamber and the suction pressure region of the compressor.

[0012] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, the part is a flow seal assembly.

[0013] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, the first scroll is a rotary scroll, and the second scroll is a non-rotating scroll.

[0014] In a part configuration of a compressor of any one of the above paragraphs, the modulation control valve comprises a valve body and a valve member movable between the first position and the second position with respect to the valve body. The valve body may include a first port, a second port, a third port, a fourth port, a fifth port, and a sixth port.

[0015] In a part of the compressor configuration of any of the above paragraphs, the valve body comprises a first cavity and a second cavity that are fluidly separated from each other. The first cavity may be fluidly connected to the first, second, and third ports. The second cavity may be fluidly connected to the fourth, fifth, and sixth ports.

[0016] In a part configuration of a compressor of any one of the above paragraphs, when the valve member is in the first position: the first and second ports are in fluid communication with the first cavity, fluid communication between the third port and the first cavity is prevented, fluid communication between the fourth port and the second cavity is prevented, and the fifth and sixth ports are in fluid communication with the second cavity.

[0017] In a part configuration of a compressor of any one of the above paragraphs, when the valve member is in the second position: the first and third ports are in fluid communication with the first cavity, fluid communication between the second port and the first cavity is prevented, fluid communication between the fifth port and the second cavity is prevented, and the fourth and sixth ports are in fluid communication with the second cavity.

[0018] In a part of the configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of a compressor, the first port is fluidly connected to a modulation control chamber defined by a valve ring that opens the modulation ports of the second end plate when the valve member is in the first position.

[0019] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, the second port may be fluidly connected to the axial biasing chamber.

[0020] In a part of the configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of the compressor, the third port is fluidly connected to the suction pressure region of the compressor.

[0021] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, the fourth port is fluidly connected to the outer port.

[0022] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, the fifth port is fluidly connected to the inner port.

[0023] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, the sixth port is fluidly connected to the axial biasing chamber.

[0024] In a part configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of a compressor, the valve member includes a first plug, a second plug, a third plug, and a fourth plug.

[0025] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, the first, second, third, and fourth plugs can move together between the first position and the second position.

[0026] In a part configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of a compressor, the first plug closes the end of the third port at the first position and opens the end of the third port at the second position.

[0027] In a part configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of a compressor, the second plug opens the end of the second port at the first position and closes the end of the second port at the second position.

[0028] In a part configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of a compressor, the third plug closes the end of the fourth port at the first position and opens the end of the fourth port at the second position.

[0029] In a part configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of a compressor, the fourth plug opens the end of the fifth port at the first position and closes the end of the fifth port at the second position.

[0030] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a compressor that may comprise a shell assembly, a swivel scroll, a non-swivel scroll, an axial biasing chamber, and a modulation control valve. The swivel scroll is disposed within the shell assembly and comprises a first end plate and a first helical wrap extending from the first end plate. The non-swivel scroll is disposed within the shell assembly and comprises a second end plate and a second helical wrap extending from the second end plate. The first helical wrap and the second helical wrap are interlocked with each other and form a plurality of compression pockets between them. The compression pockets include a suction pressure compression pocket, a discharge pressure compression pocket at a pressure higher than that of the suction pressure compression pocket, and a plurality of intermediate pressure compression pockets at respective pressures between the pressure of the suction pressure compression pocket and the pressure of the discharge pressure compression pocket. The second end plate may comprise an outer port, an inner port, and a modulation port. The outer port is disposed radially outward with respect to the inner port. The outer port may be opened to the first intermediate pressure compression pocket among the intermediate pressure compression pockets. The inner port may be opened to the second intermediate pressure compression pocket among the intermediate pressure compression pockets. The axial biasing chamber may be axially positioned between the second end plate and a component (e.g., a flow seal, bulkhead, or end cap of a shell assembly). The component may partially define the axial biasing chamber. The working fluid placed within the axial biasing chamber axially biases the non-swivel scroll toward the swivel scroll. The modulation control valve may be fluidly connected to the inner port, the outer port, and the axial biasing chamber. The modulation control valve is movable between a first position and a second position.Moving the modulation control valve to the first position allows the compressor to be switched to a capacity reduction mode and allows fluid communication between the inner port and the axial biasing chamber while preventing fluid communication between the outer port and the axial biasing chamber. Moving the modulation control valve to the first position allows fluid flow through the modulation port. Moving the modulation control valve to the second position allows the compressor to be switched to a maximum capacity mode and allows fluid communication between the outer port and the axial biasing chamber while preventing fluid communication between the inner port and the axial biasing chamber. Moving the modulation control valve to the second position prevents fluid flow through the modulation port.

[0031] In a portion of the compressor configuration of the above paragraph, the modulation control valve comprises a valve body and a valve member movable relative to the valve body between the first position and the second position. The valve body may include a first port, a second port, a third port, a fourth port, a fifth port, and a sixth port.

[0032] In a part configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of a compressor, the valve body includes a first cavity and a second cavity that are fluidly separated from each other.

[0033] In a part of the configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of a compressor, the first cavity is fluidly connected to the first, second, and third ports.

[0034] In a part of the configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of the compressor, the second cavity is fluidly connected to the fourth, fifth, and sixth ports.

[0035] In a part configuration of a compressor of any one of the above paragraphs, when the valve member is in the first position: the first and second ports are in fluid communication with the first cavity, fluid communication between the third port and the first cavity is prevented, fluid communication between the fourth port and the second cavity is prevented, and the fifth and sixth ports are in fluid communication with the second cavity.

[0036] In a part configuration of a compressor of any one of the above paragraphs, when the valve member is in the second position: the first and third ports are in fluid communication with the first cavity, fluid communication between the second port and the first cavity is prevented, fluid communication between the fifth port and the second cavity is prevented, and the fourth and sixth ports are in fluid communication with the second cavity.

[0037] In a part configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of a compressor, the first port is fluidly connected to a modulation control chamber defined by a valve ring that opens the modulation port of the second end plate when the valve member is in the first position.

[0038] In a part of the configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of the compressor, the second port is fluidly connected to the axial biasing chamber.

[0039] In a part of the configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of the compressor, the third port is fluidly connected to the suction pressure region of the compressor.

[0040] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, the fourth port is fluidly connected to the outer port.

[0041] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, the fifth port is fluidly connected to the inner port.

[0042] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, the sixth port is fluidly connected to the axial biasing chamber.

[0043] In a part configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of a compressor, the valve member includes a first plug, a second plug, a third plug, and a fourth plug.

[0044] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, the first, second, third, and fourth plugs can move together between the first position and the second position.

[0045] In a part configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of a compressor, the first plug closes the end of the third port at the first position and opens the end of the third port at the second position.

[0046] In a part configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of a compressor, the second plug opens the end of the second port at the first position and closes the end of the second port at the second position.

[0047] In a part configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of a compressor, the third plug closes the end of the fourth port at the first position and opens the end of the fourth port at the second position.

[0048] In a part configuration of any one of the above paragraphs of a compressor, the fourth plug opens the end of the fifth port at the first position and closes the end of the fifth port at the second position.

[0049] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, the valve ring closes the modulation port when the valve member is in the second position.

[0050] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, the valve ring, together with the part, defines the axial biasing chamber.

[0051] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, the modulation control valve is in fluid communication with the modulation control chamber.

[0052] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, moving the modulation control valve to the first position enables fluid communication between the modulation control chamber and the axial biasing chamber through the modulation control valve.

[0053] In a part of the compressor configuration of any one of the above paragraphs, moving the modulation control valve to the second position enables fluid communication between the modulation control chamber and the suction pressure region of the compressor.

[0054] Additional areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description in this section and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0055] The drawings described herein are merely for illustrating selected embodiments and are not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a compressor equipped with a capacity modulation assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a bottom view of the non-swivel scroll of the compressor of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a compressor taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the compressor in maximum capacity mode. Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a part of the compressor in maximum capacity mode. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the compressor in capacity reduction mode. Figure 7 is an exploded view of a non-swivel scroll and capacitance modulation assembly. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the modulation control valve of the compressor of Figure 1. Figure 9 is an exploded view of a modulation control valve. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a modulation control valve in the first position. FIG. 11 is another cross-sectional view of a modulation control valve in the first position. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a modulation control valve in the second position. FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the first and second body parts of the valve body of a modulation control valve. And FIG. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the first and second body parts of the valve body of a modulation control valve. The corresponding reference number indicates the corresponding part across multiple drawings. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0056] An exemplary embodiment will now be described more fully with reference to the attached drawings.

[0057] Exemplary embodiments are provided to further faithfully make this disclosure and to fully convey the spirit of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. To provide a complete understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure, a number of specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are presented. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not necessarily required to be adopted, and that exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, none of which should be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, known processes, known device structures, and known technologies are not described in detail.

[0058] The terms used herein are merely for describing specific exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit exemplary embodiments. Singular expressions or expressions where singularity is not specified, as used herein, are intended to include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “comprising,” “having,” and “having” are open-ended and thus specify the presence of the mentioned features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, and do not exclude the presence or addition of at least one other feature, integer, step, operation, element, part, and / or group thereof. Method steps, processes, and operations in this specification are not to be interpreted as necessarily being performed in the specific order discussed or described unless the order of performance is specified. Additionally, additional or alternative steps may be selected.

[0059] Where one element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged," "connected," or "coupled" to another element or layer, it may be directly (immediately) on, engaged with, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or an intermediate element or layer may exist. Conversely, where one element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged," "directly connected," or "directly coupled" to another element or layer, there may be no intermediate element or layer. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" vs. "directly between," "adjacently" vs. "directly adjacently," etc.). As used in this application specification, the term "and / or" includes any combination of one or more of the items listed in relation thereto and all combinations thereof.

[0060] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, parts, regions, layers, and / or sections, it should be understood that these elements, parts, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one element, part, region, layer, or section from another. Accordingly, the first element, first region, first layer, or first section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, second region, second layer, or second section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0061] Spatially relative terms, such as "inside," "outside," "below," "under," "lower," "above," and "top," may be used for convenience of explanation to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include not only the orientation illustrated in the drawings but also other orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, elements described as "below" or "under" other elements or features will be oriented "above" other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" may include both upper and lower orientations. The device may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or in a different orientation), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used in the present invention may be interpreted accordingly.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, a compressor (10) is provided, which may include a hermetic shell 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 modulation assembly (28). The shell assembly (12) may accommodate the bearing housing assemblies (14, 15), the motor assembly (16), the compression mechanism (18), the seal assembly (20), and the capacity modulation assembly (28).

[0063] The shell assembly (12) forms a compressor housing and may include a cylindrical shell (29), an upper end cap (32), a partition (34) extending laterally, and a lower base (36). The end cap (32) and the partition (34) may generally define (form) a discharge chamber (38). The discharge chamber (38) may generally form a discharge muffler for the compressor (10). Although the compressor (10) is illustrated as including a discharge chamber (38), the present disclosure applies equally to a direct discharge configuration. A discharge fitting (39) may be attached to the shell assembly (12) at an opening of the end cap (32). A suction-gas-inlet fitting (not illustrated) may be attached to the shell assembly (12) at another opening. The bulkhead (34) may include a discharge passage (44) that provides communication between the compression mechanism (18) and the discharge chamber (38).

[0064] The first bearing housing assembly (14) may be attached to the shell (29) and may include a main bearing housing (46) and a first bearing (48) disposed therein. The main bearing housing (46) may accommodate the first bearing (48) and may define an annular flat thrust bearing surface (54) on its axial end surface. The second bearing housing assembly (15) may be attached to the shell (29) and may include a lower bearing housing (47) and a second bearing (49) disposed therein.

[0065] The motor assembly (16) may generally include a motor stator (58), a rotor (60), and a driveshaft (62). The motor stator (58) may be press-fitted to a shell (29). The driveshaft (62) may be rotatably driven by the rotor (60) and may be rotatably supported within a bearing (48). The rotor (60) may be press-fitted to the driveshaft (62). The driveshaft (62) may include an eccentric crankpin (64).

[0066] The compression mechanism (18) may include a first scroll (e.g., an orbiting scroll (68)) and a second scroll (e.g., a non-orbiting scroll (70)). The orbiting scroll (68) may include an end plate (72) having a spiral wrap (74) on its upper surface and an annular flat thrust surface (76) on its lower surface. The thrust surface (76) may interface with an annular flat thrust bearing surface (54) on the main bearing housing (46). A cylindrical hub (78) may protrude downward from the thrust surface (76) and may include a drive bushing (80) rotatably disposed therein. 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) can be drivenly engaged with the flat surface of a portion of the inner bore of the drive bushing (80) to provide a radially compliant driving arrangement. The Oldham coupling (82) can be engaged with the slewing and non-slewing scrolls (68, 70) or with the slewing scroll (68) and the main bearing housing (46) to prevent relative rotation between them.

[0067] The non-swivel scroll (70) may include an end plate (84), which defines the discharge passage (92) and has a spiral wrap (86) extending from its first side. The non-swivel scroll (70) may be attached to the bearing housing (46) via fasteners and sleeve guides that allow a limited amount of axial movement of the non-swivel scroll (70) relative to the swivel scroll (68) and the bearing housing (46). The spiral wraps (74, 86) may be engaged with each other to form pockets (94, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 102, 104). The pockets (94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104) change throughout the compressor operation.

[0068] The first pocket (pocket (94) in FIG. 1) may define a suction pocket that communicates with the suction-pressure region (106) of the compressor (10) operating at suction pressure (e.g., a suction chamber that receives suction pressure working fluid from a suction-gas-inlet fitting defined by a receiving shell (29) and a partition (34). The second pocket (pocket (104) in FIG. 1) may define a discharge pocket that communicates with the discharge pressure region (e.g., a discharge chamber (38) that receives discharge pressure working fluid from a compression mechanism (18)) of the compressor (10) operating at discharge pressure through the discharge passage (92). The pockets between the first and second pockets (pockets in FIG. 1 (96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 102)) can form intermediate compression pockets that operate at intermediate pressures between the suction pressure and the discharge pressure.

[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the end plate (84) of the non-rotating scroll (70) may include a raised central boss (108) and an annular groove (110) surrounding the central boss (108). The discharge passage (92) may extend through the central boss (108). As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 7, the end plate (84) also includes a plurality of modulation passages or ports (e.g., one or more first modulation ports (112), one or more second modulation ports (114), one or more third modulation ports (116) and one or more fourth modulation ports (118)), one or more first variable-compression-ratio passages or ports (120), one or more second variable-compression-ratio passages or ports (122), an outer intermediate-cavity-pressure (ICP) passage or port (124) and an inner ICP passage or port (126). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the modulation ports (112, 114, 116, 118) can be fully extended to the first and second sides axially opposite the end plate (84) and optionally fluidly communicate with the corresponding intermediate pressure pockets (e.g., pockets 96, 97, 98, 99). The first and second modulation ports (112, 114) can be positioned radially outward with respect to the third and fourth modulation ports (116, 118). The first and second variable compression ratio ports (120, 122) can be positioned radially inward with respect to the third and fourth modulation ports (116, 118). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first and second variable compression ratio ports (120, 122) may extend through the end plate (84) (e.g., through the first axially facing side of the end plate (84) and through the central boss (108).As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first and second variable compression ratio ports (120, 122) may optionally fluidly communicate with a corresponding intermediate pressure pocket (e.g., a pocket (100, 102) radially positioned between pocket (104) and pockets (96, 97, 98, 99).

[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the outer ICP port (124) may include an axial extension (128) and a radial extension (130), and the inner ICP port (126) may include an axial extension (132) and a radial extension (134). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the axial extensions (128, 132) of the ICP ports (124, 126) extend through the axially opposite first surface of the end plate (84) and extend through only a portion of the axial thickness of the end plate (84). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the axial extensions (128, 132) are optionally fluidly connected to a corresponding intermediate pressure pocket (e.g., any of the pockets (96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 102)). The radial extensions (130, 134) of the ICP ports (124, 126) extend radially from the upper axial end of each axial extension (128, 132) through the radial peripheral surface (136) of the end plate (84) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the hub (138) may be mounted on the axially opposite second face of the end plate (84). The hub (138) may include a pair of legs or a flange portion (140) (Fig. 7) and a cylindrical body portion (142) extending axially from the flange portion (140). The hub (138) may be fixedly attached to the end plate (84) by fasteners (139) (Fig. 7) that pass through the apertures of the flange portion (140) and extend into the holes (141) of the end plate (Fig. 4 and 7). An annular seal (143) (Fig. 4 and 7) is placed in the annular groove (110) of the end plate (84) and is sealedly connected to the end plate (84) and the hub (138). The discharge passage (144) extends axially through the main body (142) and is in fluid communication with the discharge chamber (38) through the discharge passage (44) of the partition (34). The discharge passage (144) is also optionally in fluid communication with the discharge passage (92) of the end plate (84).

[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a variable compression ratio valve (146) (e.g., an annular disc) may be positioned within the discharge passage (144) of the hub (138) and may be movable between a closed position and an open position therein. In the closed position (illustrated in FIG. 4), the variable compression ratio valve (146) contacts the central boss (108) of the end plate (84) to restrict or prevent fluid communication between the variable compression ratio ports (120, 122) and the discharge passage (144, 44). In the open position, the variable compression ratio valve (146) is spaced apart from the central boss (108) to allow fluid communication between the variable compression ratio ports (120, 122) and the discharge passage (144, 44). A spring (148) biases the variable compression ratio valve (146) toward the closed position. When the fluid pressure in the compression pocket communicating with the variable compression ratio port (120, 122) is higher than the fluid pressure in the discharge chamber (38), the variable compression ratio valve (146) is moved to an open position.

[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a discharge valve assembly (150) may also be placed within the discharge passage (144) of the hub (138). The discharge valve assembly (150) may be a one-way valve that allows fluid flow from the discharge passage (92) and / or variable compression ratio ports (120, 122) to the discharge chamber (38) and restricts or prevents fluid flow from the discharge chamber (38) to the compression mechanism (18).

[0074] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7, the capacity modulation assembly (28) may include a sealing plate (152), a valve ring (154), a lift ring (156), and a modulation control valve (158) (multi-way valve). As described in more detail below, the capacity modulation assembly (28) can be operated to switch the compressor (10) between a first capacity mode (e.g., full capacity mode, FIG. 4) and a second capacity mode (e.g., reduced capacity mode, FIG. 6). In full-capacity mode, fluid communication between the modulation ports (112, 114, 116, 118) and the suction pressure area (106) is prevented. In reduced-capacity mode, modulation ports (112, 114, 116, 118) are fluidly connected to the suction pressure region (106) to discharge intermediate pressure working fluid from intermediate compression pockets (e.g., pockets (96, 97, 98, 99)) to the suction pressure region (106).

[0075] The sealing plate (152) may include an annular ring (160) having a pair of flange portions (162), the pair of flange portions (162) extending axially downward and radially outward from the annular ring (160). As shown in FIG. 4, the sealing plate (152) may enclose the cylindrical body portion (142) of the hub (138). That is, the body portion (142) may extend through the central hole of the ring (160) of the sealing plate (152). The flange portion (140) of the hub (138) is located below the annular ring (160) (e.g., between the end plate (84) and the annular ring (160)) and between the flange portions (162) of the sealing plate (152). The sealing plate (152) may be fixedly attached to the valve ring (154) (e.g., by fasteners (164) that extend into the valve ring (154) through the hole (165) of the annular ring (165) (Fig. 7). The sealing plate (152) may be considered as part of the valve ring (154) and / or the sealing plate (152) may be formed integrally with the valve ring (154).

[0076] As described in more detail below, the sealing plate (152) is movable axially with respect to the end plate (84) together with the valve ring (154) between a first position (Fig. 4) and a second position (Fig. 6) (i.e., along the rotational axis of the drive shaft (62) or in a direction parallel to the rotational axis). In the first position (Fig. 4), the flange portion (162) of the sealing plate (152) contacts the end plate (84) and closes the modulation ports (112, 114, 116, 118) to prevent fluid communication between the modulation ports (112, 114, 116) and the suction pressure area (106). At the second position (Fig. 6), the flange portion (162) of the sealing plate (152) is spaced apart from the end plate (84) to open the modulation ports (112, 114, 116, 118) so that fluid can communicate between the modulation ports (112, 114, 116) and the suction pressure area (106).

[0077] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7, the valve ring (154) may be an annular body having a stepped central opening (166), and the hub (138) extends through this stepped central opening. That is, the valve ring (154) surrounds the cylindrical body portion (142) of the hub (138). As illustrated in FIG. 7, the valve ring (154) may include an outer peripheral surface (168) having a plurality of key features (170) (e.g., an overall rectangular block). The key features (170) extend axially radially outward and axially downward from the outer peripheral surface (168). The main feature portions (170) can be slidably received in a keyway (172) formed on the outer circumference of the end plate (84) (e.g., a generally rectangular recess, as shown in FIG. 7). The feature portions (170) and the keyway (172) allow axial movement of the valve ring (154) relative to the non-rotating scroll (70), while restricting or preventing rotation of the valve ring (154) relative to the non-rotating scroll (70).

[0078] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the central opening (166) of the valve ring (154) is defined by a plurality of stepped portions of the valve ring (154) that 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 accommodate the ring (160) of the sealing plate (152). A second annular recess (176) may surround the first annular recess (174) and may be defined by lower annular rim portions (178, 180) on the inner and outer sides of the valve ring (154). The inner lower rim portion (178) separates the first and second annular recesses (174, 176) from each other. The lift ring (156) is partially accommodated in the second annular recess (176). A third annular recess (182) is axially positioned over the first annular recess (174) and accommodates an annular seal (184) that seals the hub (138) and the valve ring (154). A fourth annular recess (186) may be axially positioned over the third annular recess (182) and may be defined by the axial upper edge portion (188) of the valve ring (154). The fourth annular recess (186) may accommodate a part of the fluid seal assembly (20).

[0079] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7, the lift ring (156) may include an annular body (190) and a plurality of posts or protrusions (192) extending axially downward from the body (190). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the annular body (190) may be received within a second annular recess (176) of the valve ring (154). The annular body (190) may include inner and outer annular seals (e.g., O-rings) (194, 196). The inner annular seal (194) may be sealedly connected to the inner diametrical surface of the annular body (190) and the inner lower edge (178) of the valve ring (154). The outer annular seal (196) can be sealedly connected to the outer diameter surface of the annular body (190) and the outer lower edge portion (180) of the valve ring (154). The protrusion (192) can come into contact with the end plate (84) and can axially separate the annular body (190) from the end plate (84). While the lift ring (156) remains stationary relative to the end plate (84), the valve ring (154) and the seal plate (152) move axially relative to the end plate (84) between a first position and a second position (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 6).

[0080] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6, the annular body (190) of the lift ring (156) may form a modulation control chamber (198) in cooperation with the valve ring (154). That is, the modulation control chamber (198) is defined by the valve ring (154) and the opposing surfaces of the annular body (190) facing each other in the axial direction, and is axially positioned between them. The valve ring (154) includes a first control passage (200) extending from the modulation control chamber (198) to a manifold (203) that is fluidly coupled to the modulation control valve (158). The first control passage (200) is fluidly coupled to the modulation control chamber (198) and the modulation control valve (158) (through the manifold (203)).

[0081] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 7, the fluid seal assembly (20) may be an annular member surrounding the hub (138). For example, the fluid seal assembly (20) may include first and second discs (191, 193) fixed to each other and annular lip seals (195, 197) extending from the discs (191, 193). The fluid seal assembly (20) may be sealedly connected to the bulkhead (34), the hub (138), and the valve ring (154). In this way, the fluid seal assembly (20) is fluidly separated from the discharge chamber (38) (fluid communication is not established). In some configurations, the fluid seal assembly (20) may be a one-piece fluid seal.

[0082] During normal operation of the compressor (10), the flow seal assembly (20) may be a stationary part. The flow seal assembly (20) is partially received in the fourth annular recess (186) of the valve ring (154) and, in cooperation with the hub (138), the annular seal (184), and the valve ring (154), defines the axial biasing chamber (202) (Figs. 4 to 6). The axial biasing chamber (202) is axially defined between the flow seal assembly (20) and the axial opposing face (207) of the valve ring (154). The valve ring (154) includes a second control passage (201) extending from the axial biasing chamber (202) to the manifold (203). The second control passage (201) is fluidly in communication with the axial biasing chamber (202) and the modulation control valve (158) (through the manifold (203)).

[0083] The axial biasing chamber (202) is optionally fluid-communicated with one of the outer and inner ICP ports (124, 126) (Figs. 2 and 3). That is, the inner ICP port (126) is fluid-communicated with the axial biasing chamber (202) through the first tube (204), manifold (203), modulation control valve (158), and first control passage during the capacity reduction mode (Fig. 6). The outer ICP port (124) is fluid-communicated with the axial biasing chamber (202) through the second tube (208), manifold (203), modulation control valve (158), and first control passage (200) during the maximum capacity mode (Fig. 4). The intermediate pressure working fluid of the axial biasing chamber (202) (supplied by one of the ICP ports (124, 126)) biases the non-swivel scroll (70) axially toward the swivel scroll (68) (along the rotational axis of the drive shaft (62) or in a direction parallel to the rotational axis) to provide a proper axial seal between the scrolls (68, 70) (i.e., sealing between the tips of the spiral wrap (74) of the swivel scroll (68) against the end plate (84) of the non-swivel scroll (70) and sealing between the tips of the spiral wrap (86) of the non-swivel scroll (70) against the end plate (72) of the swivel scroll (68).

[0084] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the radial extension (134) of the inner ICP port (126) may be fluidly coupled to a first fitting (212) fixedly attached to the end plate (84). The first fitting (212) may be fluidly coupled to a first tube (204). The first tube (204) may extend partially along the outer circumference of the end plate (84) and the valve ring (154) and fluidly coupled to a manifold (203) (Figs. 4 to 6). The first tube (204) may be flexible and / or elastic to allow movement of the valve ring (154) relative to the non-swivel scroll (70).

[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the radial extension (130) of the outer ICP port (124) may be fluidly coupled to a second fitting (220) fixedly attached to the end plate (84). The second fitting (220) may be fluidly coupled to a second tube (208). The second tube (208) may extend partially along the outer circumference of the end plate (84) and the valve ring (154) and is fluidly coupled to the manifold (203) (Figs. 4 to 6). The second tube (208) may be flexible and / or elastic to allow movement of the valve ring (154) relative to the non-swivel scroll (70).

[0086] The modulation control valve (158) may be a solenoid-actuated multi-way valve and may fluidly communicate with the suction pressure area (106), the first and second control passages (200, 201), and the ICP ports (124, 126) (through tubes (208, 204)) through the manifold (203). During operation of the compressor (10), the modulation control valve (158) may be operable to switch the compressor (10) between a first mode (e.g., maximum capacity mode) and a second mode (e.g., reduced capacity mode). FIGS. 4 through 6 schematically illustrate the modulation control valve (158). FIGS. 8 through 14 illustrate the modulation control valve (158) in more detail.

[0087] When the compressor (10) is in maximum capacity mode (Fig. 4), the modulation control valve (158) can provide fluid communication between the modulation control chamber (198) and the suction pressure area (106) through the first control passage (200), thereby lowering the fluid pressure in the modulation control chamber (198) to the suction pressure. A relatively high fluid pressure (e.g., intermediate pressure) in the axial biasing chamber (202), at the suction pressure or the fluid pressure in the modulation control chamber (198) nearby, forces the valve ring (154) and the seal plate (152) to be pushed axially downward with respect to the end (i.e., away from the fluid seal assembly (20)), causing the seal plate (152) to come into contact with the end plate (84) as shown in FIG. 4 and closing the modulation ports (112, 114, 116, 118) (i.e., preventing fluid communication between the modulation ports (112, 114, 116, 118) and the suction pressure area (106).

[0088] When the compressor (10) is in a capacity reduction mode (Fig. 6), the modulation control valve (158) can provide fluid communication between the modulation control chamber (198) and the axial biasing chamber (202) through the first and second control passages (200, 201), thereby increasing the fluid pressure in the modulation control chamber (198) to an intermediate pressure equal to or similar to that of the axial biasing chamber (202). With the fluid pressure in the modulation control chamber (198) having the same intermediate pressure as the axial biasing chamber (202), the fluid pressure in the modulation control chamber (198) and the fluid pressure in the modulation ports (112, 114, 116, 118) force the valve ring (154) and the seal plate (152) upwardly and axially with respect to the end (i.e., toward the fluid seal assembly (20)), causing the seal plate (152) to be separated from the end plate (84) as shown in FIG. 6, thereby opening the modulation ports (112, 114, 116, 118) (i.e., allowing fluid to communicate between the modulation ports (112, 114, 116, 118) and the suction pressure region (106).

[0089] Accordingly, the axial biasing chamber (202) receives working fluid from the outer ICP port (124) when the compressor (10) operates in maximum capacity mode and receives working fluid from the inner ICP port (126) when the compressor (10) operates in reduced capacity mode. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the inner ICP port (126) may be opened (i.e., in direct fluid contact) to one of the compression pockets (e.g., intermediate pressure pockets (98, 100)) located radially inward from the compression pocket where the outer ICP port (124) is open (i.e., the compression pocket where the outer ICP port (124) is in direct fluid contact). Thus, for any given set of operating conditions, the compression pocket where the inner ICP port (126) is open may be at a higher pressure than the compression pocket where the outer ICP port (124) is open.

[0090] When the compressor (10) switches between maximum capacity mode and reduced capacity mode, by switching either of the ICP ports (124, 126) to supply working fluid to the axial biasing chamber (202), the capacity modulation assembly (28) of the present disclosure supplies working fluid at a more desirable pressure to the axial biasing chamber (202) in both maximum capacity mode and reduced capacity mode. That is, the pressure of the working fluid supplied by the outer ICP port (124) may be appropriate while the compressor is in maximum capacity mode, but the pressure of the working fluid at the outer ICP port (124) is lower in reduced capacity mode than in maximum capacity mode (because the working fluid is discharged into the suction pressure region (106) through the modulation ports (112, 114, 116, 118) during reduced capacity mode). To compensate for the reduction in fluid pressure, the modulation control valve (158) guides the working fluid from the inner ICP port (126) to the axial biasing chamber (202) during the capacity reduction mode. During operation in the maximum capacity mode, the modulation control valve (158) guides the working fluid from the outer ICP port (124) to the axial biasing chamber (202). In this way, a suitably high-pressure working fluid can be supplied to the axial biasing chamber (202) during the capacity reduction mode to properly bias the non-rotating scroll (70) axially toward the rotating scroll (68), thereby ensuring a proper seal between the tips of the end plates (84, 72) and the spiral wraps (74, 86), respectively.

[0091] By supplying working fluid to the axial biasing chamber (202) from the outer ICP port (124) (rather than the inner ICP port (126)) in maximum capacity mode, it is ensured that the pressure of the working fluid within the axial biasing chamber (202) is not too high in maximum capacity mode, which ensures that the scrolls (70, 68) are not over-clamped to each other. Over-clamping the scrolls (70, 68) to each other (i.e., axially biasing the non-swivel scroll (70) toward the swivel scroll (68) with too much force) can introduce an excessively high frictional load between the scrolls (68, 70), which leads to increased wear, increased power consumption, and loss of efficiency. Therefore, the operation of the aforementioned modulation control valve (158) minimizes wear and improves the efficiency of the compressor (10) in maximum capacity mode and reduced capacity mode.

[0092] Now, with reference to FIGS. 8 through 14, a modulation control valve (158) will be described in detail. The modulation control valve (158) may include a valve body (230) and a valve member (232) movable between a first position (Fig. 10 and FIG. 11) and a second position (Fig. 12) with respect to the valve body (230). As described in more detail below, when the valve member (232) is moved to the first position, the compressor (10) is switched to a capacity reduction mode (Fig. 6), and fluid communication between the inner ICP port (126) and the axial biasing chamber (202) is allowed, but fluid communication between the outer ICP port (124) and the axial biasing chamber (202) is blocked. When the valve member (232) is moved to a second position, the compressor (10) is switched to a maximum capacity mode (Fig. 4), and fluid communication between the outer ICP port (124) and the axial biasing chamber (202) is allowed, but fluid communication between the inner ICP port (126) and the axial biasing chamber (202) is blocked.

[0093] The valve body (230) may include a first body portion (234), a second body portion (236), a solenoid housing (238), and an end plate (240). The first body portion (234) includes a first port (242), a second port (244), a third port (246), and a first central cavity (248) that is in fluid communication with the ports (242, 244, 246). The first port (242) may be fluidly coupled to a modulation control chamber (198) (through the port (243) of the manifold (203) and the first control passage (200), as shown in FIG. 5). The second port (244) can be fluidly coupled to the axial biasing chamber (202) (through the port (245) of the manifold (203) and the second control passage (201) as shown in FIG. 5). The third port (246) can be opened to the suction pressure area (106) (as shown in FIG. 5).

[0094] The second body portion (236) of the valve body (230) may include a fourth port (250), a fifth port (252), a sixth port (254), and a second central cavity (256) that is in fluid communication with the ports (250, 252, 254). The fourth port (250) may be fluidly connected to an outer ICP port (124) (through the port (251) of the manifold (203) and the second tube (208) as shown in FIG. 5). The fifth port (252) may be fluidly connected to an inner ICP port (126) (through the port (253) of the manifold (203) and the first tube (204) as shown in FIG. 5). The sixth port (254) can be fluidly coupled to the axial biasing chamber (202) (through the port (255) of the manifold (203) and the second control passage (201) as shown in FIG. 5). The first and second main body parts (233, 236) can be connected to each other.

[0095] The solenoid housing (238) may include a cavity (258) that accommodates a solenoid spool (260) and a solenoid coil (262) wound around the spool (260). The spool (260) includes a pocket (264) and a recess (266) disposed around the pocket (264). The housing (238) may be connected to a first main body (234).

[0096] The end plate (240) may include a hub (268) having a spring pocket (270). The end plate (240) may be connected to the second main body (236). A fastener (e.g., a screw fastener) (272) may be received in the holes of the first main body (234), the second main body (236), the solenoid housing (238), and the end plate (240), and may be connected to the hole of the solenoid housing (238) by a screw connection to secure the first main body (234), the second main body (236), the solenoid housing (238), and the end plate (240) to each other. An O-ring (273) (and / or a gasket or other seal) is provided to seal the connection between the first main body (234), the second main body (236), the solenoid housing (238), and the end plate (240). A gasket (275) may be mounted on the first and second body parts (234, 236) to seal the fluid-communicable connection between the manifold (203) and the first and second body parts (234, 236).

[0097] The valve member (232) may include a first plunger (274), a second plunger (276), and a third plunger (278). The first plunger (274) may include a solenoid piston (280), a first strut (282), and a first plug (284). The piston (280), the first strut (282), and the first plug (284) may be fixed relative to each other (i.e., movable together) when the modulation control valve (158) is in a fully assembled state. The piston (280) is reciprocally received within a pocket (264) of the solenoid spool (260). The piston (280) may include a flange (286). A spring (288) may be axially positioned around the piston (280) and between the flange (286) and the ledge (290) (defining the recess) of the solenoid spool (260). The spring (288) biases the valve member (232) toward a first position (Figs. 10 and 11).

[0098] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the first strut (282) may include a disc portion (292) and a pair of legs (294). The disc portion (292) may be fixedly attached to the solenoid piston (280). The legs (294) extend outward from the disc portion (292) away from the piston (280). The legs (294) are slidably received in the channel (296) (Figs. 11 and 13) of the first cavity (248). The first plug (284) may be positioned between the legs (294) and may extend from the disc portion (292) in a direction away from the solenoid piston (280). The first plug (284) may have a conical portion that can optionally block the third port (246).

[0099] When the valve member (232) is in the first position (Figs. 10 and 11), the first plug (284) can block or close the end (297) of the third port (246), thereby preventing fluid communication between the first cavity (248) and the third port (246) (thereby preventing the first and second ports (242, 244) from fluidly communicating with the third port (246), which prevents the modulation control chamber (198) and the axial biasing chamber (202) from fluidly communicating with the suction pressure region (106). When the valve member (232) is in the second position (Fig. 12), the first plug (284) may be separated from or open the end (297) of the third port (246), thereby allowing fluid communication between the first cavity (248) and the third port (246) (accordingly, the first port (242) is in fluid communication with the third port (246), which allows the modulation control chamber (198) to be in fluid communication with the suction pressure region (106)).

[0100] The second plunger (276) of the valve member (232) may include a disc-shaped body (298) having a second plug (300) and a third plug (302), wherein the second plug (300) and the third plug (302) extend from the body (298) in opposite directions. The second and third plugs (300, 302) may be conical, for example. The second plunger (276) may fluidly separate the first cavity (248) of the valve body (230) from the second cavity (256) of the valve body (230) (preventing fluid communication) (for example, a seal (277) may sealably connect the second plunger (276) and the first body part (234)). When the valve member (232) is in the first position (Figs. 10 and 11), the third plug (302) can block or close the end (303) of the fourth port (250), thereby preventing fluid communication between the second cavity (256) and the fourth port (250) (thereby preventing the fifth and sixth ports (252, 254) from fluidly communicating with the fourth port (250), which prevents the outer ICP port (124) from fluidly communicating with the inner ICP port (126) and the axial biasing chamber (202)). Furthermore, when the valve member (232) is in the first position (Figs. 10 and 11), the second plug (300) is separated from or the end (305) of the second port (244) is opened to allow fluid communication between the second port (244) and the first cavity (248) (thereby allowing fluid communication between the first and second ports (242, 244), which enables the modulation control chamber (198) to fluidly communicate with the axial biasing chamber (202)).

[0101] When the valve member (232) is in the second position (Fig. 12), the second plug (300) blocks or closes the end (305) of the second port (244) to prevent fluid communication between the second port (244) and the first cavity (248) (thereby preventing the second port (244) from fluidly communicating with the first and third ports (242, 246), which prevents the axial biasing chamber from fluidly communicating with the modulation control chamber (198) and the suction pressure region (106). Furthermore, when the valve member (232) is in the second position (Fig. 12), the third plug (302) is separated from or opens the end (303) of the fourth port (250), thereby allowing fluid communication between the second cavity (256) and the fourth port (250) (thereby allowing the sixth port (254) to fluidly communicate with the fourth port (250), which allows the outer ICP port (124) to fluidly communicate with the axial biasing chamber (202).

[0102] The third plunger (278) of the valve member (232) may include a second strut (306) and a fourth plug (308). As shown in FIG. 9, the second strut (306) may include a disc portion (310) and a pair of legs (312). A spring (314) disposed within the spring pocket (270) may contact the disc portion (310) and bias the valve member (232) to a second position. The legs (312) extend outward from the disc portion (310) away from the spring (314). The legs (312) are slidably received in the channel (315) ( FIG. 11 and FIG. 13) of the second cavity (256). The leg (312) of the second strut (306) and the leg (294) of the first strut (282) can be abutted to the body (298) of the second plunger (276) (i.e., the body (298) is sandwiched between the leg (294) and the leg (312) as shown in FIG. 11). In this way, the first, second, and third plungers (274, 276, 278) all move together with respect to the valve body (230) between the first position and the second position.

[0103] The fourth plug (308) may be positioned between the legs (312) and may extend from the disc portion (310) in a direction away from the spring (314). The fourth plug (308) may have a conical portion that can selectively block the fifth port (252). When the valve member (232) is in the first position (Figs. 10 and 11), the fourth plug (308) is separated from or the end (316) of the fifth port (252) is opened to allow fluid communication between the fifth port (252) and the second cavity (256) (thereby enabling fluid communication between the fifth and sixth ports (252, 254), which enables fluid communication between the inner ICP port (126) and the axial biasing chamber (202)). When the valve member (232) is in the second position (Fig. 12), the fourth plug (308) blocks or closes the end (316) of the fifth port (252) to prevent the fifth port (252) from fluidly communicating with the second cavity (256) (thereby preventing the fifth port (252) from fluidly communicating with the fourth and sixth ports (250, 254), thereby preventing the inner ICP port (126) from fluidly communicating with the axial biasing chamber (202) or the outer ICP port (124).

[0104] The solenoid coil (262) can be actuated to move the valve member (232) to a second position (Fig. 12) (i.e., when power is supplied to the solenoid coil (262), the spring (288) is compressed, causing the spring (314) to move the plungers (274, 276, 278) to the second position, thereby switching the compressor (10) to a maximum capacity mode (Fig. 4), allowing fluid communication between the outer ICP port (124) and the axial biasing chamber (202) while preventing fluid communication between the inner ICP port (126) and the axial biasing chamber (202). That is, when the valve member (232) is in the second position, the modulation control chamber (198) is in the suction pressure area (106) (e.g., through the first control passage (200) (Fig. 5) and the port (243) (Fig. 5) of the manifold (203)), the valve Fluid communication can be established between the first port (242) of the main body (230) and the third port (246) of the valve main body (230). This causes the fluid pressure within the modulation control chamber (198) to drop to the suction pressure, which allows the valve ring (154) and the sealing plate (152) to block the modulation ports (112, 114, 116, 118) (as shown in FIG. 4 and 5).

[0105] When the power to the solenoid coil (262) is cut off, the valve member (232) moves to a first position (Figs. 10 and 11) (i.e., when the power to the solenoid coil (262) is cut off, the spring (288) overcomes the force of the spring (314) and moves the plungers (274, 276, 278) to the first position, switching the compressor (10) to a capacity reduction mode (Fig. 6) and allowing fluid communication between the inner ICP port (126) and the axial biasing chamber (202) while blocking fluid communication between the outer ICP port (124) and the axial biasing chamber (202). That is, when the valve member (232) is in the first position, the modulation control chamber (198) (e.g., through the first control passage (200)) (Fig. 5) the axial biasing chamber (202), the port (243) of the manifold (203) (Fig. 5), the first port (242) of the valve body (230), the second port (244) of the valve body (230), the port (245) of the manifold (203), and the second control passage (201) can be fluidly connected. This causes the fluid pressure in the modulation control chamber (198) to rise to an intermediate pressure equal to that of the axial biasing chamber (202), which causes the valve ring (154) and the sealing plate (152) to move upward to open the modulation ports (112, 114, 116, 118) (Fig. 6).

[0106] Although the modulation control valve (158) was described above as being a solenoid-actuated valve, other types of actuators (e.g., other electromechanical actuators, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, or actuators driven by working fluid) may be used to move the valve member (232) between the first position and the second position.

[0107] The description of the above embodiments is provided for illustrative and illustrative purposes only and is not exhaustive or limiting to the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment and, where applicable, may be interchangeable and used in selected embodiments even if not specifically illustrated or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be construed as departing from the disclosure, and all such variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

Claim 1 A compressor comprising a first scroll, a second scroll, an axial biasing chamber, and a modulation control valve, wherein the first scroll comprises a first end plate and a first spiral wrap extending from the first end plate; the second scroll comprises a second end plate and a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate, wherein the first end plate and the second end plate are interlocked with each other and form compression pockets between them, wherein the compression pockets include an intake pressure compression pocket, an exhaust pressure compression pocket having a higher pressure than the intake pressure compression pocket, and intermediate pressure compression pockets at each pressure between the pressure of the intake pressure compression pocket and the pressure of the exhaust pressure compression pocket, and wherein the second end plate comprises an outer port and an inner port, wherein the outer port is positioned radially outward with respect to the inner port, wherein the outer port is open to a first intermediate pressure compression pocket among the intermediate pressure compression pockets, and the inner port is open to a second intermediate pressure compression pocket among the intermediate pressure compression pockets It is open; the axial biasing chamber is axially disposed between the second end plate and the component, the component partially defines the axial biasing chamber, and the working fluid within the axial biasing chamber axially biases the second scroll toward the first scroll; the modulation control valve is fluidly in communication with the inner port, the outer port and the axial biasing chamber;The modulation control valve is movable between a first position and a second position, and when the modulation control valve is moved to the first position, the compressor is switched to a capacity reduction mode to prevent fluid communication between the outer port and the axial biasing chamber while allowing fluid communication between the inner port and the axial biasing chamber, and when the modulation control valve is moved to the second position, the compressor is switched to a maximum capacity mode to prevent fluid communication between the inner port and the axial biasing chamber while allowing fluid communication between the outer port and the axial biasing chamber, and the modulation control valve includes a valve body and a valve member movable between the first position and the second position with respect to the valve body, and the valve body includes a first port, a second port, a third port, a fourth port, a fifth port and a sixth port, a compressor. Claim 2 A compressor according to claim 1, wherein the second end plate comprises one or more modulation ports fluidly communicating with one or more of the intermediate pressure compression pockets, wherein fluid flow through the one or more modulation ports is allowed when the modulation control valve is moved to the first position, and fluid flow through the one or more modulation ports is prevented when the modulation control valve is moved to the second position. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the compressor further comprises a valve ring, wherein the valve ring is movable relative to the second end plate between a first position in which the valve ring is spaced apart from the second end plate and allows fluid flow through the one or more modulation ports, and a second position in which the valve ring prevents fluid flow through the one or more modulation ports. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the valve ring together with the component defines the axial biasing chamber, the valve ring partially defines the modulation control chamber, and the modulation control valve fluidly communicates with the modulation control chamber, a compressor. Claim 5 A compressor according to claim 4, wherein fluid communication between the modulation control chamber and the axial biasing chamber is possible through the modulation control valve when the modulation control valve is moved to the first position, and fluid communication between the modulation control chamber and the suction pressure region of the compressor is possible when the modulation control valve is moved to the second position. Claim 6 In paragraph 1, the above-mentioned part is a compressor, which is a flow seal assembly. Claim 7 A compressor according to claim 1, wherein the first scroll is a rotary scroll and the second scroll is a non-rotating scroll. Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A compressor according to claim 1, wherein the valve body comprises a first cavity and a second cavity that are fluidly separated from each other, the first cavity being fluidly connected to the first port, the second port and the third port, and the second cavity being fluidly connected to the fourth port, the fifth port and the sixth port. Claim 10 In claim 9, when the valve member is in the first position: the first port and the second port are in fluid communication with the first cavity, fluid communication between the third port and the first cavity is prevented, fluid communication between the fourth port and the second cavity is prevented, and the fifth port and the sixth port are in fluid communication with the second cavity, a compressor. Claim 11 In claim 10, when the valve member is in the second position: the first port and the third port are in fluid communication with the first cavity, fluid communication between the second port and the first cavity is prevented, fluid communication between the fifth port and the second cavity is prevented, and the fourth port and the sixth port are in fluid communication with the second cavity, a compressor. Claim 12 In claim 11, the first port is fluidly connected to a modulation control chamber defined by a valve ring that opens the modulation ports of the second end plate when the valve member is in the first position, the second port is fluidly connected to the axial biasing chamber, the third port is fluidly connected to the suction pressure region of the compressor, the fourth port is fluidly connected to the outer port, the fifth port is fluidly connected to the inner port, and the sixth port is fluidly connected to the axial biasing chamber. Claim 13 In claim 12, the valve member comprises a first plug, a second plug, a third plug, and a fourth plug, wherein the first plug, the second plug, the third plug, and the fourth plug move together between the first position and the second position, and the first plug closes the end of the third port at the first position and opens the end of the third port at the second position, the second plug opens the end of the second port at the first position and closes the end of the second port at the second position, the third plug closes the end of the fourth port at the first position and opens the end of the fourth port at the second position, and the fourth plug opens the end of the fifth port at the first position and closes the end of the fifth port at the second position, a compressor. Claim 14 A compressor comprising a shell assembly, a swivel scroll, a non-swivel scroll, an axial biasing chamber, and a modulation control valve, wherein the swivel scroll is disposed within the shell assembly and includes a first end plate and a first spiral wrap extending from the first end plate, and the non-swivel scroll is disposed within the shell assembly and includes a second end plate and a second spiral wrap extending from the second end plate, wherein the first spiral wrap and the second spiral wrap are interlocked with each other and form compression pockets between them, wherein the compression pockets include an intake pressure compression pocket, an exhaust pressure compression pocket having a higher pressure than the intake pressure compression pocket, and intermediate pressure compression pockets having a pressure between the pressure of the intake pressure compression pocket and the pressure of the exhaust pressure compression pocket, and wherein the second end plate includes an outer port, an inner port, and a modulation port, wherein the outer port is disposed radially outward with respect to the inner port, and the outer port is open to a first intermediate pressure compression pocket among the intermediate pressure compression pockets, and the inner port is the The second intermediate pressure compression pocket among the intermediate pressure compression pockets is opened, and the axial biasing chamber is axially positioned between the second end plate and the component, and the component partially defines the axial biasing chamber, and the working fluid within the axial biasing chamber axially biases the non-swivel scroll toward the swivel scroll, and the modulation control valve is fluidly in communication with the inner port, the outer port and the axial biasing chamber, and the modulation control valve is movable between a first position and a second position, and when the modulation control valve is moved to the first position, the compressor is switched to a capacity reduction mode to prevent fluid communication between the outer port and the axial biasing chamber while allowing fluid communication between the inner port and the axial biasing chamber, andWhen the modulation control valve is moved to the first position, fluid flow through the modulation port is allowed, and when the modulation control valve is moved to the second position, the compressor is switched to a maximum capacity mode to prevent fluid communication between the inner port and the axial biasing chamber while allowing fluid communication between the outer port and the axial biasing chamber, and when the modulation control valve is moved to the second position, fluid flow through the modulation port is prevented, and the modulation control valve includes a valve body and a valve member movable relative to the valve body between the first position and the second position, and the valve body includes a first port, a second port, a third port, a fourth port, a fifth port and a sixth port, a compressor. Claim 15 delete Claim 16 A compressor according to claim 14, wherein the valve body comprises a first cavity and a second cavity that are fluidly separated from each other, the first cavity being fluidly connected to the first port, the second port and the third port, and the second cavity being fluidly connected to the fourth port, the fifth port and the sixth port. Claim 17 In paragraph 16, when the valve member is in the first position: the first port and the second port are in fluid communication with the first cavity, fluid communication between the third port and the first cavity is prevented, fluid communication between the fourth port and the second cavity is prevented, and the fifth port and the sixth port are in fluid communication with the second cavity, a compressor. Claim 18 In paragraph 17, when the valve member is in the second position: the first port and the third port are in fluid communication with the first cavity, fluid communication between the second port and the first cavity is prevented, fluid communication between the fifth port and the second cavity is prevented, and the fourth port and the sixth port are in fluid communication with the second cavity, a compressor. Claim 19 In claim 18, the first port is fluidly connected to a modulation control chamber defined by a valve ring that opens the modulation port of the second end plate when the valve member is in the first position, the second port is fluidly connected to the axial biasing chamber, the third port is fluidly connected to the suction pressure region of the compressor, the fourth port is fluidly connected to the outer port, the fifth port is fluidly connected to the inner port, and the sixth port is fluidly connected to the axial biasing chamber. Claim 20 In claim 19, the valve member comprises a first plug, a second plug, a third plug, and a fourth plug, wherein the first plug, the second plug, the third plug, and the fourth plug move together between the first position and the second position, and the first plug closes the end of the third port at the first position and opens the end of the third port at the second position, the second plug opens the end of the second port at the first position and closes the end of the second port at the second position, the third plug closes the end of the fourth port at the first position and opens the end of the fourth port at the second position, and the fourth plug opens the end of the fifth port at the first position and closes the end of the fifth port at the second position, a compressor. Claim 21 A compressor according to claim 20, wherein the valve ring closes the modulation port when the valve member is in the second position, the valve ring defines the axial biasing chamber together with the component, the modulation control valve is in fluid communication with the modulation control chamber, and when the modulation control valve is moved to the first position, fluid communication between the modulation control chamber and the axial biasing chamber is possible through the modulation control valve, and when the modulation control valve is moved to the second position, fluid communication between the modulation control chamber and the suction pressure region of the compressor is possible.

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