Scroll Compressor Tip Seal Segmentation for Stable Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tip seal configurations in 3D-type scroll compressors are difficult to process and prone to instability due to complex shapes, leading to potential refrigerant leaks and damage from repetitive contact with stepped walls, especially when holding mechanisms are close to the step parts of the wrap.
Innovation Solution
A tip seal configuration where the step tip seal is provided continuously from the outer peripheral-side wrap to the inner peripheral-side wrap, with the border between the step tip seal and the inner peripheral tip seal always outside the circular path traced by the step part, ensuring stable holding and preventing disengagement or lifting, and using lapped parts for pressure transmission to maintain airtightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a recessed part or joint part is formed to hold the step tip seal, then the step tip seal can be retained in the seal groove, but the tip seal and scroll become difficult to process due to complicated shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The tip seal is divided into multiple segments: an outer peripheral tip seal, a step tip seal, and an inner peripheral tip seal. Each segment is independently formed and then assembled, avoiding the need for complex recessed parts or joint parts in a single-piece construction. This segmentation simplifies the processing of each individual component while ensuring reliable retention through the assembly structure.
2Reliability
If holding means are provided close to the step part of the wrap, then the step tip seal can be held, but the holding becomes unstable due to repetitive load from repetitive contact with stepped wall
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism utilizes the local geometric feature of the seal groove that extends along the leading end surface of the wrap. The step tip seal is held by the groove's configuration at its ends, which provides stable retention without requiring additional holding means near the step part. This local geometric holding distributes the repetitive load along the groove length, preventing instability.
3Reliability
If the inner peripheral tip seal is provided down to the root of the wrap step part, then it can butt against the step tip seal, but the inner peripheral tip seal may lift when the step part comes out of contact with the stepped wall
Solution Approach 1:
The step tip seal acts as an intermediary element between the outer peripheral tip seal and the inner peripheral tip seal. It is pressed by the end plate to maintain contact with both the outer and inner peripheral tip seals, preventing the inner peripheral tip seal from lifting when the step part loses contact with the stepped wall. This intermediary structure distributes the sealing force and maintains stability.
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 configuration allows for stable and long-term holding of the tip seal without complex processing, preventing refrigerant leaks and damage, thereby enhancing the airtightness and reliability of the scroll compressor.
Implementation Method 1
under a back pressure due to a high-pressure refrigerant introduced into the seal groove, the tip seal lifts and comes into close contact with the opposite end plate
Data Source
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AI summary
To stably hold a tip seal without requiring a difficult processing when providing the tip seal also on a step part of a wrap of a 3D-type scroll compressor. In a scroll compressor 1, a tip seal 40, which is interposed between a wrap 21 and an end plate 300 of the mating scroll, is configured of an outer peripheral tip seal 41 provided on the outer peripheral side of a step part 21C, a step tip seal 42 provided on the step part 21C, and an inner peripheral tip seal 43 provided on the inner peripheral side of the step part 21C. The step tip seal 42 is provided continuously on a leading end part T of an outer peripheral-side wrap 21B, a side surface part S of the step part 21C opposite to a stepped wall 30C, and a leading end part T of an inner peripheral-side wrap 21A. A border Bd between the step tip seal 42 and the inner peripheral tip seal 43 always lies on the outside of a circular path R which the step part 21C traces as the scroll orbits.