Scroll Compressor Thrust Plate Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thin plate-shaped thrust plates in scroll compressors with thicknesses of 0.5 to 2 mm are prone to movement and contact issues due to excessive thrust loads or abrasion, leading to compressor failures and damage, as they are not securely fixed to the thrust bearing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of elastically-deformable hook-shaped locking claws, weld nuts with bolts, or countersunk screws allows for secure fixation of the thin plate-shaped thrust plate onto the thrust bearing surface, restricting movement and preventing contact-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a thin plate-shaped thrust plate with thickness of 0.5 to 2 mm is used, then the axial dimensions and cost of the scroll compressor are reduced, but the thrust plate cannot be directly screwed onto the thrust bearing and requires additional bending pieces and cutouts for fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust plate is divided into a plate body and multiple locking claws that are separately formed and then integrated. The locking claws are positioned at the outer periphery of the thrust plate and can be elastically deformed to engage with recesses in the thrust bearing, enabling secure fixation of thin plates without additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking claws are designed to be elastically deformable, allowing their shape to change during installation. By applying elastic deformation, the claws can be inserted into the thrust bearing recesses and then return to their original shape to provide locking force, enabling secure fixation of thin thrust plates.
2Device complexity
If the thrust plate is held by sandwiching between the end plate and thrust bearing without direct fixation, then the structure is simpler, but the thrust plate moves under excessive thrust loads or abrasion causing compressor failure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking claws are pre-formed on the thrust plate with the capability to engage with the thrust bearing. During installation, the claws are elastically deformed to fit into recesses in the thrust bearing, creating a secure mechanical connection before the thrust plate is subjected to operational loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking claws have a curved or hook-shaped geometry that allows them to engage with the recesses in the thrust bearing. The curved shape provides mechanical interlocking that prevents the thrust plate from moving under thrust loads or abrasion during operation.
3Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are provided on the thrust plate, then the thrust plate is securely fixed, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust plate is designed with multiple locking claws distributed at the outer periphery, with each claw being a separate formed feature. This segmentation allows the locking function to be distributed across multiple simple elements rather than one complex mechanism, facilitating manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking claws are self-forming features that are integrated into the thrust plate manufacturing process. The claws are elastically deformable and can be installed by simple deformation and engagement with recesses in the thrust bearing, eliminating the need for separate fastening components or complex assembly operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This secure fixation method effectively reduces or prevents compressor failures and damage by restricting the movement of the thrust plate, even under excessive thrust loads or abrasion, ensuring stable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastically-deformable hook-shaped locking claws provided respectively at plural points of the outer periphery of the thrust plate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll including an end plate (11A) fixed to a fixed member, an orbiting scroll engaging with the fixed scroll to form a compression chamber, having an end plate (11A) back surface supported by a thrust bearing (12), and driven to orbit about the fixed scroll, and a thin plate-shaped thrust plate (17) provided on a thrust bearing surface (12A) of the thrust bearing (12) and formed of an abrasion-resistant material, the orbiting scroll sliding on the thrust plate (17) at the end plate (11A) back surface. The thrust plate (17) includes a plurality of elastically-deformable hook-shaped locking claws (18) provided respectively at plural points of the outer periphery of the thrust plate (17), and is fixed in such a manner that hook portions (18A) of the locking claws (18) are locked on a thrust bearing (12) side.