Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
  • F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
  • F04C18/00—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids
  • F04C18/30—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids having the characteristics covered by two or more of groups F04C18/02, F04C18/08, F04C18/22, F04C18/24, F04C18/48, or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members
  • F04C18/34—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids having the characteristics covered by two or more of groups F04C18/02, F04C18/08, F04C18/22, F04C18/24, F04C18/48, or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members having the movement defined in group F04C18/08 or F04C18/22 and relative reciprocation between the co-operating members
  • F04C18/344—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids having the characteristics covered by two or more of groups F04C18/02, F04C18/08, F04C18/22, F04C18/24, F04C18/48, or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members having the movement defined in group F04C18/08 or F04C18/22 and relative reciprocation between the co-operating members with vanes reciprocating with respect to the inner member
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
  • F01C—ROTARY-PISTON OR OSCILLATING-PISTON MACHINES OR ENGINES
  • F01C21/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in groups F01C1/00 - F01C20/00
  • F01C21/08—Rotary pistons
  • F01C21/0809—Construction of vanes or vane holders
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
  • F01C—ROTARY-PISTON OR OSCILLATING-PISTON MACHINES OR ENGINES
  • F01C21/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in groups F01C1/00 - F01C20/00
  • F01C21/10—Outer members for co-operation with rotary pistons; Casings
  • F01C21/104—Stators; Members defining the outer boundaries of the working chamber
  • F01C21/106—Stators; Members defining the outer boundaries of the working chamber with a radial surface, e.g. cam rings
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
  • F01C—ROTARY-PISTON OR OSCILLATING-PISTON MACHINES OR ENGINES
  • F01C21/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in groups F01C1/00 - F01C20/00
  • F01C21/10—Outer members for co-operation with rotary pistons; Casings
  • F01C21/104—Stators; Members defining the outer boundaries of the working chamber
  • F01C21/108—Stators; Members defining the outer boundaries of the working chamber with an axial surface, e.g. side plates
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
  • F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
  • F04C18/00—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids
  • F04C18/30—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids having the characteristics covered by two or more of groups F04C18/02, F04C18/08, F04C18/22, F04C18/24, F04C18/48, or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members
  • F04C18/34—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids having the characteristics covered by two or more of groups F04C18/02, F04C18/08, F04C18/22, F04C18/24, F04C18/48, or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members having the movement defined in group F04C18/08 or F04C18/22 and relative reciprocation between the co-operating members
  • F04C18/344—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids having the characteristics covered by two or more of groups F04C18/02, F04C18/08, F04C18/22, F04C18/24, F04C18/48, or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members having the movement defined in group F04C18/08 or F04C18/22 and relative reciprocation between the co-operating members with vanes reciprocating with respect to the inner member
  • F04C18/3441—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids having the characteristics covered by two or more of groups F04C18/02, F04C18/08, F04C18/22, F04C18/24, F04C18/48, or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members having the movement defined in group F04C18/08 or F04C18/22 and relative reciprocation between the co-operating members with vanes reciprocating with respect to the inner member the inner and outer member being in contact along one line or continuous surface substantially parallel to the axis of rotation
  • F04C18/3442—Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids having the characteristics covered by two or more of groups F04C18/02, F04C18/08, F04C18/22, F04C18/24, F04C18/48, or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members having the movement defined in group F04C18/08 or F04C18/22 and relative reciprocation between the co-operating members with vanes reciprocating with respect to the inner member the inner and outer member being in contact along one line or continuous surface substantially parallel to the axis of rotation the surfaces of the inner and outer member, forming the inlet and outlet opening
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
  • F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
  • F04C2240/00—Components
  • F04C2240/80—Other components
  • F04C2240/802—Liners
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
  • F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
  • F04C27/00—Sealing arrangements in rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids
  • F04C27/001—Radial sealings for working fluid

Definitions

• a rotor assembly for rotary fluidic devices used for compressing, pumping, or moving fluids or gases by creating negative or positive pressure within a fluid system. More particularly, an improved rotor assembly and method for the assembly of the same are provided for use with constrained vane pumps, rotary compressors, and rotary fluid displacement assemblies as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 12/218,151, filed July 11, 2008, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
• vane -type fluid displacement apparatuses have been proposed for use in certain limited applications. These proposed devices have primarily consisted of pumps, compressors, fluid driven motors, and fluid flow meters. The vane -type apparatuses heretofore proposed have generally performed satisfactorily and have gained acceptance for specific liquid applications. Common difficulties encountered with prior art vane-type apparatuses have included: an unsuitability for use with friction-reducing devices, which has traditionally limited their use to moderate power levels; a large fixed-surface to moving- surface contact area, resulting in high friction; an inability to withstand bending forces applied to the crankshaft; a reliance on discrete check valves or the like; and an inability to accommodate simultaneous reciprocating flow from each individual chamber.
• a vane or gate compressor typically includes a cam ring, a rotor rotatably received within the cam ring, a drive shaft on which is secured the rotor, a front side block fixed to a front-side end face of the cam ring, a rear side block fixed to a rear-side end face of the same, a front head secured to a front-side end face of the front side block, a rear head secured to a rear-side end face of the rear side block, a plurality of axial vane slits formed in an outer peripheral surface of the rotor at circumferentially equal intervals, and a plurality of vanes radially slidably fitted in the axial vane slits, respectively.
• the drive shaft for rotating the rotor has opposite ends thereof rotatably supported by radial bearings arranged in the front and rear side blocks, respectively.
• a discharge chamber is defined by an inner wall surface of the front head, the front-side end face of the front side block, and the front-side end face of the cam ring, into which flows a liquid or gas delivered from compression chambers.
• the compressor mechanism can comprise a shaft adapted to be driven by a drive motor and having its upper and lower ends rotatably received by main and auxiliary bearings, respectively. An intermediate portion of the shaft extends through a cylinder that is fixed in position inside the sealed vessel.
• An eccentric portion is mounted on a portion of the shaft positioned within the cylinder for rotation together therewith. Further, a ring-shaped roller is operatively positioned between an inner wall surface of the cylinder and an outer peripheral surface of the crank and will, while the shaft is rotatably driven, undergo a planetary motion.
• the cylinder will have a radial groove defined therein so as to extend in a direction radially thereof, and a slidable radial vane is accommodated within the radial groove for movement within the radial groove in a direction towards and away from the ring shaped roller.
• This slidable radial vane is normally biased by a biasing spring in one direction with a radially inward end thereof held in sliding contact with an outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped roller such that, by dividing the volume of the cylinder into volumetrically variable, suction and compression chambers are defined on leading and trailing sides of the slidable radial vane, with respect to the direction of rotation of the shaft.
• a liquid or gas is sucked into the suction chamber through the intake port and then compressed before it is discharged through a discharge port during the planetary motion of the ring-shaped roller as a result of the eccentric rotation of the crank.
• a quantity of lubricating oil is accommodated within the sealed vessel at a bottom portion thereof.
• the lubricating oil is sucked up by an oil pump mounted on the lower end of the shaft to oil various sliding elements within the compressor mechanism.
• the slidable radial vane creates a detrimental problem when it becomes worn.
• the slidable radial vane is frictionally engaged not only with the ring-shaped roller, but also with side surfaces defining the radial groove in the cylinder.
• the radial inner end of the slidable radial vane is constantly held in frictional engagement with the ring-shaped roller and, also, opposite side surfaces of the slidable radial vane are alternately held in frictional engagement with the corresponding side surfaces defining the radial groove by the effect of a pressure difference between the suction and compression chambers.
• the slidable radial vane is not lubricated by the lubricating oil supplied directly by the oil pump, but is typically lubricated by an oil component, contained in the liquid or gas being compressed, and/or an oil leaking from roller ends.
• the quantity of the oil available from the fluid being compressed and leaking from the roller ends is normally insufficient for lubricating the slidable radial vane and its surrounding parts satisfactorily.
• the slidable radial vane in contact with the fluid being compressed becomes heated and is therefore susceptible to an accelerated frictional wear.
• U.S. Pat. No. 3,821,899 teaches a vane -type meter for use with petroleum or other fluid products. Its structure comprises: a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port; a rotating interior disc; an interior shaft held with respect to the rotating disk in a fixed, eccentric position with respect to the rotating disc; four radially extending, articulated vanes which rotate within the housing about the interior shaft; and four valving structures extending perpendicularly from the outer periphery of one side of the rotating disc.
• Each of the vanes includes an inner vane element consisting of: a substantially flat body; a single closed ring which extends from one end of the body and is rotatably positioned around the interior shaft; and an elongate, open C-shaped groove extending along the opposite end of the body.
• Each articulated vane also includes an outer vane element consisting of: a substantially flat body; an elongate pentil structure is formed along one end of the body and pivotally held in the C- shaped groove formed on the inner member; and a second elongate pentil structure formed along the other end of the body. The second pentil structure is pivotally held in one of the valving structures.
• 3,821,899 causes the disc, valving ports, and articulated vanes to rotate within the meter housing. As they rotate, the vanes form compartments, which change in volume and through which known amounts of liquid, are transferred from the inlet to the outlet of the device. Thus, the rotational speed of the device provides a direct indication of the fluid flow rate.
• U.S. Pat. No. 2,139,856 discloses a pump or fluid-driven engine employing articulated vanes having shaped outer surfaces. The vanes form fluid chambers which continuously change in volume.
• 2,139,856 comprises: a housing; a cylindrical casing held in fixed position within the housing; a crankpin mounted in the casing for eccentric revolving movement; eight articulated, two-part vanes, each having an inner end pivotally connected to the crankpin and an outer end pivotally connected to the casing; eight flow ports provided through a sidewall of the displacement chamber; a flow chamber provided between the casing and the housing; and eight flow ports and associated check valves provided in the casing between the outer ends of the vanes.
• crankpin is held at a fixed eccentric position within the casing and the casing rotates within the housing.
• the compartments formed by the articulated vanes successively draw fluid from inlet ports formed through one of the flat sidewalls of the displacement chamber, and then discharge the fluid through one or more fixed ports in the housing.
• Each of the articulated vanes has either one or two closed rings formed on the inner end thereof. These inner closed rings are rotatably positioned around the crankpin.
• devices such as those proposed by U.S. Pat. No. 2,139,856 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,821,899 have several shortcomings.
• the devices fail to provide any adequate means for reducing frictional forces generated within the moving articulated vane assemblies.
• the cost and complexity of the devices is significantly increased by the required use of completely separate fluid intake and discharge valve systems and/or port structures.
• the devices provide no means for creating, accessing, and utilizing reciprocating flow regimes between adjacent pairs of articulate vanes.
• the devices disclose no means for selectively configuring the vanes and displacement chambers in order to obtain specific desired flow patterns. Additionally, these designs have large and significant areas of metal-to-metal sliding contact with no means shown for reducing friction between the parts.
• Rotor assemblies used in the rotary compressors discussed above are generally assembled from many parts, and have critical alignment and tolerancing requirements for proper function and performance. These critical alignments and tolerances add to the cost and time involved in constructing such a rotary compressor or fluidic device.
• a rotary compressor that more efficiently compresses a fluid, such as a liquid or gas, for a given energy input and does so with a lighter construction and improved output per cubic inch of overall size.
• a fluid such as a liquid or gas
• the rotary compressor described with respect to various aspects herein does not rely on fixed cycle phases, eccentric shafts that induce friction, problematic compression chamber shapes, and does not tax the current state of the art in material sciences to accomplish its operational goals.
• the device described herein can be used as a compressor for gaseous flow under pressure, or as a vacuum pump, or as a portion of a refrigeration assembly, or as a portion of a fluid power assembly, or as an expander for high pressure gases such as steam, or as a flow meter, or as a portion of an engine assembly that is constructed to operate as an internal combustion engine.
• a compressor for gaseous flow under pressure or as a vacuum pump, or as a portion of a refrigeration assembly, or as a portion of a fluid power assembly, or as an expander for high pressure gases such as steam, or as a flow meter, or as a portion of an engine assembly that is constructed to operate as an internal combustion engine.
• a vacuum pump or as a portion of a refrigeration assembly, or as a portion of a fluid power assembly, or as an expander for high pressure gases such as steam, or as a flow meter, or as a portion of an engine assembly that is constructed to operate as an internal combustion engine.
• an expander for high pressure gases such
• the rotary compressor can be used as the compressor stage of a turbine engine as a means to achieve high pressure ratios within a small package.
• the rotary compressor can be used as the air feed compressor to a fuel cell package to supply high volumes of air at relatively low pressures.
• the rotary compressor can be configured as a supercharger for an internal combustion engine.
• the rotary compressor can be used as a waste heat recovery device when adapted into a bottoming cycle for known thermodynamic operations.
• the rotary compressor can be configured such that the intake fluid is ingested into an expanding space created by the relative motion between one solid element and another solid element.
• both elements form the ends of an expanding space as at least one of the elements moves in translation with respect to multiple inner surfaces disposed
• the intake tract of the rotary compressor can be configured to have low turbulence during intake chamber filling, which reduces turbulence losses and improves volumetric efficiency.
• the opposing elements that are placed within the defined volume and are surrounded by the inner surfaces described above can move relative to each other and a port can be opened such that a liquid or gas can be allowed to enter the defined volume and at some point the port can be closed and the opposing elements moved toward each other in such a way as to reduce the volume contained within the defined space.
• the reduction in volume serves to increase the pressure within the defined space and, at a chosen point, a port (an additional port or the same port) can be allowed to open and the pressurized liquid or gas is allowed to escape the defined volume and put to other chosen uses.
• the rotary compressor's rotational elements can be used to pump oil and/or coolant within the device without the need for auxiliary pumps, which simplifies the overall mechanical design.
• the rotary compressor may not need the use of an eccentric shaft and thusly can have lower frictional losses and provide a more direct conversion of the energy required to rotate the shaft into a compressed gas/liquid.
• a rotor assembly that can be machined as separate parts, and later assembled to form an integral assembly.
• the rotor assembly includes, in some aspects, a shaft, a pair of endplates, an input shaft, and a rotor.
• the rotor assembly can include at least one liner positioned between the rotor and at least one endplate.
• FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of a portion of a rotary compressor, showing a rotor rotating clockwise therein a housing, a first end plate and a second end plate mounted to portions of the rotor, and a distal end portion of a gate that is movable with respect to the rotor.
• FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of the clockwise rotation of the rotor within the housing, showing respective compression and suction chambers being formed as a result of the rotation, and showing the gate moveable with respect to the rotor and about an eccentric cam.
• FIGS. 3 are an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view and an exemplary partial front elevational view showing the relative positioning of the rotor, gate and eccentric cam therein the housing of the rotary compressor of Figure 1.
• FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a rotary compressor, showing, from left to right, a housing shaft seal, a housing front cover, a housing front spacer, a housing main bearing, a first end plate, a rotor front bearing, a rotor, a gate, a pair of front housing seals, a TDC assembly, a housing, a pair of back housing seals, an eccentric cam, an eccentric shaft, a rotor back bearing, a second end plate, a housing back spacer, and a housing back cover.
• FIG. 4B is a partial assembled perspective view of the rotary compressor of FIG. 4A.
• FIG. 5 is a side elevational exploded view of a housing assembly of the rotary compressor of FIG. 4A, showing, from left to right, a housing shaft seal, a housing front cover, a housing main bearing, a housing front spacer, a TDC assembly, a pair of front housing seals, a housing, a plate valve assembly, a pair of back housing seals, an eccentric cam, an eccentric shaft, a housing back spacer, a housing seal retainer, a housing intake seal, and a housing back cover.
• FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a housing front cover of the rotary compressor of FIG. 5.
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a housing back cover of the rotary compressor of FIG. 4A.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary housing front or back spacer of the rotary compressor of FIG. 4A.
• FIG. 9 is a side elevational exploded view of one embodiment of the rotor assembly of the rotary compressor of FIG. 4A, showing, from left to right, a first end plate, a rotor front bearing, a rotor, a rotor back bearing, and a second end plate.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a housing of the rotary compressor of FIG. 4A, showing slots formed therein a portion of the housing front surface, which are configured for operative receipt of seals.
• FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a rotor operatively mounted therein the housing assembly of the rotary compressor, showing the gate movable about the eccentric cam and movable relative to the outer surface of the rotor.
• FIG. 12 is a schematic exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the rotary compressor, showing, from left to right, a housing front cover, a first end plate, a rotor, a gate, a housing, an eccentric cam mounted thereto an eccentric shaft, a second end plate and a housing back cover.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an eccentric shaft.
• FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a gate mounted for rotation relative to an eccentric cam that is mounted thereto an eccentric shaft, showing portion(s) of the eccentric cam in selective contact with portions of respective upper and lower eccentric plates of the gate.
• FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a first end plate.
• FIG. 15B is a partial elevational view of a portion of the edge of the first end plate of FIG. 15 A, showing a raised portion of the edge or profile of the first end plate, which is configured to operatively engage a portion of the TDC assembly.
• FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of the first end plate of FIG. 15 A.
• FIG. 16A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rotor, showing a bore that is configured for operative receipt of at least a portion of a gate.
• FIG. 16B is a side elevational view of the rotor of FIG. 16A.
• FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of the respective geometries of a gate upper eccentric plate and gate lower eccentric plate of a gate of a rotary compressor.
• FIG. 18A is a side elevational exploded view of one embodiment of the gate assembly of the rotary compressor, showing, a gate, a gate upper eccentric plate, a gate lower eccentric plate, at least one gate compression or piston seal, a pair of gate side seals, a gate apex seal, a pair of gate seal actuators, and a gate actuator spring.
• FIG. 18B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a distal portion of the gate, showing the gate actuator spring mounted therebetween the pair of gate seal actuators.
• FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the gate of FIG. 18 A.
• FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a gate seal actuator.
• FIG. 21 A is a perspective view of a housing of the rotary compressor, showing a TDC assembly partially mounted therein the housing.
• FIG. 2 IB is partial perspective and partially transparent view of the TDC assembly mounted therein and forming a portion of the housing.
• FIG. 22A is a perspective, partially transparent exploded view of one embodiment of a TDC assembly.
• FIG. 22B is a perspective, partially transparent view of the TDC assembly of FIG. 22A.
• FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a TDC pull rod of the TDC assembly of FIG. 22A.
• FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a TDC surface seal of the TDC assembly of FIG. 22A.
• FIG. 25A is a perspective view of the second end plate of the rotary compressor.
• FIG. 25B is a side elevational view of the second end plate of FIG. 25 A.
• FIGS. 26 are a plurality of views of one embodiment of a plate valve assembly, including an exploded perspective view of the plate valve assembly.
• FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the plate valve assembly of FIG. 26.
• FIG. 28 is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a rotary
• FIG. 29 is a partial schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a rotary compressor.
• FIG. 30A is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a rotor mounted to a second end plate, and showing multiple exemplary inlet ports in respective portions of the rotor, gate and second end plate.
• FIG. 30B is a rear elevational view of FIG. 30A.
• FIG. 31 is a partial schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a rotary compressor, showing a connecting rod assembly operatively coupled to the eccentric cam to effect the axial movement of the gate relative to the rotor.
• FIG. 32A is a schematic side elevational view of the gate and connecting rod assembly of FIG. 31.
• FIG. 32B is a schematic bottom perspective view of the gate and connecting rod assembly of FIG. 31.
• FIG. 33A is a partial schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a rotary compressor, showing a cam follower assembly operatively bearing on a cam to effect the axial movement of the gate relative to the rotor, and showing an exemplary non-circular interior cavity of the housing.
• FIG. 33B is a schematic partially transparent view of the rotary compressor of FIG. 33A, showing a spring mounted therein the rotor and configured to urge the gate axially with respect to the rotor.
• FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the cam follower assembly of the gate shown in FIG. 33A, operatively bearing on the cam, and showing the spring positioned with respect to a proximal end of the gate.
• FIG. 35A is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary compressor, showing a dual-end gate mounted therein, and movable relative to, a rotor of the rotary compressor.
• FIG. 35B is a cross-sectional view of the rotary compressor of FIG. 35 A, showing inlet ports formed therein the dual-end gate.
• FIG. 36 is a schematic perspective view of the dual-end gate of FIG. 35 A in operative cooperation with an eccentric cam.
• FIG. 37 is a schematic front elevational view of an embodiment of a rotary compressor, showing a double-gate assembly mounted therein, and movable relative to, a rotor of the rotary compressor.
• FIG. 38 is a schematic perspective view of the double-gate assembly of FIG. 37.
• FIG. 39 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the rotary compressor, showing a quad-gate assembly mounted therein, and movable relative to, a rotor of the rotary compressor.
• FIG. 40 is a schematic perspective view of the quad-gate assembly of FIG. 39 in operative cooperation with an eccentric cam.
• FIG. 41 is a graph illustrating the volumetric efficiency of an exemplary rotary compressor run at various rpm with and without an intake valve.
• FIG. 42 is a graph illustrating the dead head pressure of an exemplary rotary compressor run at 1200 rpm.
• FIG. 43A is a perspective exploded view of an exemplary rotor assembly.
• FIG. 43B is an end view of the assembled rotor assembly of FIG. 43 A.
• FIG. 43C is a cross-sectional view of the assembled rotor assembly of FIG. 43 A, taken along line B-B of FIG. 43B.
• FIG. 44A is a perspective exploded view of an exemplary rotor assembly, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 44B is an end view of the assembled rotor assembly of FIG. 44 A.
• FIG. 44C is a cross-sectional view of the assembled rotor assembly of FIG. 44A, taken along line A-A of FIG. 44B.
• FIG. 45A is a perspective exploded view of an exemplary rotor assembly, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 45B is an end view of the assembled rotor assembly of FIG. 45 A.
• FIG. 45C is a cross-sectional view of the assembled rotor assembly of FIG. 45 A, taken along line B-B of FIG. 45B.
• FIG. 45D is an alternate perspective view of an end plate of the rotor assembly of FIG. 45A.
• FIG. 45E is a partial, enlarged, cross-sectional view of the assembled rotor assembly of FIG. 45 A..
• Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value to “about” another particular value. When such range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
• the device described according to various aspects herein can function as a compressor, a pump, a flow meter, an expander, and/or an engine.
• the device is described herein as a rotary compressor, but it is of course contemplated, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, that the device can function in a variety of applications such as described above.
• the working fluid in any particular application can be a liquid, a gas, or can comprise a two-phase flow regime as desired for the selected application of the device.
• a rotary compressor that comprises a housing, a rotor, and a gate.
• An exemplary rotary compressor is illustrated in Figure 1.
• the housing 110 in one aspect, defines an internal cavity having an inner wall surface.
• the housing further has a longitudinal axis that extends transverse to a housing plane that bisects the inner wall surface.
• the rotor 150 in one aspect, has a peripheral surface and can be positioned within the internal cavity of the housing.
• the rotor can be configured to rotate about a rotor axis of rotation.
• the rotor axis of rotation ⁇ Axis B of Figure 3 is eccentric to the housing longitudinal axis (Axis A), such as illustrated in Figure 3.
• the gate 160 in one aspect, has a distal end and is configured to slidably mount therewith the rotor.
• the gate can be movable axially about and between a first position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a first distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor, and a second position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a second distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor.
• the distal end of the gate can be constrained to be spaced proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation.
• At least portions of the peripheral surface of the rotor, portions of the inner wall surface of the housing, and varying portions of the gate proximate the distal end of the gate can define a compression chamber 102 of varying volume as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation. At least portions of the peripheral surface of the rotor, portions of the inner wall surface of the housing, and varying portions of the gate proximate the distal end of the gate can also define a suction chamber 104, such as illustrated in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, as the rotor is rotated (such as in the direction of the arrows), the suction chamber 104 volume behind the gate increases, while the compression chamber 102 volume decreases.
• FIG. 4 A and 4B An exemplary rotary compressor is illustrated in Figures 4 A and 4B.
• the rotary compressor comprises a housing assembly, such as illustrated in Figure 5.
• a housing assembly is provided that comprises the housing 110.
• the housing assembly in one aspect, further comprises a housing front cover 113 and a housing back cover 114.
• the housing assembly can further comprise at least one of a housing shaft seal 115, a housing main bearing 116, a housing front spacer 117, a housing back spacer 118, a housing intake seal retainer 121, and a housing intake seal 120.
• the housing front cover can be substantially plate-like and can have a front surface and an opposed back surface.
• the housing front cover can define a bore that extends through the front cover.
• the bore can be formed in three portions, such that each portion has different dimensions, such as shown in Figure 6.
• At least a portion of the bore, such as the portion formed adjacent the back surface of the housing front cover is configured to receive the housing main bearing.
• the housing main bearing can also define a bore that is configured to receive a proximal portion of an eccentric shaft (such as described in further detail below).
• at least a portion of the bore of the housing front cover such as the portion formed adjacent the front surface of the front cover, can be configured to receive the housing shaft seal.
• FIG. 7 An exemplary housing back cover is illustrated in Figure 7.
• the housing back cover 114 has at least one bore defined therein that is configured or
• the distal end of the eccentric shaft can be configured or cut to have a predetermined cross-sectional shape, such as but not limited to a non-circular cross-sectional shape, for the purpose of locking the eccentric shaft from rotating.
• at least one hole can be defined in the housing back cover (for example, radially around the aforementioned back cover bore as shown in Figure 7) that is configured to provide an intake passageway.
• the intake passageway can be in fluid communication with an inlet port therein the rotor, the gate, the housing, and/or one or both of the first and second end plates.
• a housing intake seal retainer 121 (shown for example in Figure 5) is provided, along with an intake seal 120, to seal the intake passageway.
• the intake passageway can be formed therein the housing at a predetermined position to allow for sufficient fluid passage into the suction chamber of the rotary compressor.
• FIG 8 illustrates an exemplary housing spacer, such as a housing front spacer 117 or a housing back spacer 118.
• the housing front spacer is configured to be positioned between the housing front cover 113 and the front surface of the housing 111.
• the housing back spacer is configured to be positioned between the housing back cover 114 and the back surface of the housing 112. It is contemplated that, in various embodiments, either or both of the housing front and back covers, and/or the housing, can be constructed such that the spacing provided by the front and back spacers is integrated into the front and back covers and/or the housing.
• FIG. 9 An exemplary rotor 150 is illustrated in Figure 9.
• the rotor has a first side surface and an opposed second side surface.
• the rotor in one aspect, can be generally cylindrical in shape; however, other geometries are contemplated, such as can be chosen to alter the volumetric flow of fluid within the rotary compressor.
• the rotary compressor can comprise a pair of end plates 151a, 151b that are mounted to and rotate therewith the respective first and second side surfaces of the rotor.
• the housing 110 in one aspect, has a front surface and an opposed back surface. In one aspect, portions of a first end plate 151a f the pair of end plates sealingly and slidably contact portions of the front surface of the housing, such as illustrated in Figure 11. Similarly, portions of a second end plate 151b of the pair of end plates sealingly and slidably contact portions of the back surface of the housing.
• the rotary compressor further comprises means for providing a substantially fluid-impervious seal between the first end plate 151a and the front surface of the housing 111, and between the second end plate 151b and the back surface of the housing 112.
• at least one slot can be defined in peripheral portions of each of the first and second end plates.
• a plurality of seals can be provided, each seal being configured for complementary mounting therein one slot of the first and second end plates.
• At least one slot 122 can be defined in each of the front surface 111 and back surface 112 of the housing, the at least one slot substantially surrounding the interior cavity of the housing.
• At least one seal can be provided, each seal being configured for complementary mounting therein one slot of the housing.
• one or more slots 122 (such as, but not limited to, two slots as shown in Figure 10) can be formed in each of the front and back surfaces of the housing and can be substantially concentric with the internal cavity of the housing.
• One or more seals 123 can be provided and configured for complementary mounting therein one slot of the housing, such as shown in Figure 5.
• four seals can be provided, each configured for complementary mounting therein a respective slot of the housing.
• a first end plate of the pair of end plates can be mounted to the front surface of the housing, and a second end plate of the plurality of end plates can be mounted to the back surface of the housing.
• the rotary compressor can further comprise means for providing a substantially fluid-impervious seal between the first end plate and a first side surface of the rotor, and between the second end plate and a second side surface of the rotor.
• at least one slot is defined in peripheral portions of each of the respective first and second side surfaces of the rotor.
• At least one seal can be provided, each seal being configured for complementary mounting therein one slot of the rotor.
• the rotary compressor in one aspect, comprises a cam 128, such as shown in Figures 5 and 12.
• the cam can be positioned therein the internal cavity of the housing about a cam axis, and can be configured to selectively engage select portions of the gate to effect the axial movement of the gate about and between the first position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a first distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor, and the second position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a second distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor.
• the rotor can also be configured to act on the select portions of the gate to effect the constrained axial movement of the gate relative to the peripheral surface of the rotor.
• the cam 128, in one aspect, can be positioned along a shaft.
• the cam can be positioned at a position between a proximal end and a distal end of the eccentric shaft 129, such as shown in Figures 5 and 12.
• the eccentric shaft in one aspect, can be substantially cylindrical and has a proximal end and an opposed distal end. In one aspect, a portion of the eccentric shaft proximate the distal end can be removed such that the cross section of the distal end is non-circular.
• the cross-sectional shape of the distal end can be semi-circular, partially circular (i.e., a portion can be removed along a chord of the circle other than the diameter), or other geometric shape.
• the eccentric shaft can have a non-circular cross section along a portion or substantially all of its length.
• the eccentric shaft can be fixed with respect to the housing front and back covers 113, 114, such as described above, or using alternative attachment or integration (i.e. made as a part of the housing end plate, etc.) methods such as are known to those skilled in the art.
• An exemplary cam 128, such as shown in Figure 14 can be substantially cylindrical and can have a predetermined width.
• the cam can have a bore defined therein that is sized and shaped to receive the eccentric shaft.
• the center of the bore can be offset from the center of the cam (i.e., such that the bore is not concentric with the cam).
• the cam can be positioned at a position between the proximal and distal ends of the eccentric shaft (such as shown in Figures 5 and 14). According to one aspect, it is contemplated that the cam can be fixed from rotation with respect to the housing 110 through a chosen attachment method without the use of an eccentric shaft.
• the cam can comprise a bearing such that the frictional forces between the cam and the gate can be reduced, such as through the use of a bushing, roller bearing, needle bearing, or similar low-friction device known to those skilled in the art.
• the cam can be rotated at a constant or varying speed relative to the rotor's movement to affect the desired positioning of the gate as it rotates about the rotor axis of rotation.
• the cam rotation can be effected through means known to those skilled in the art, such as belts, gears, chain drives, linkages, and other similar means.
• the rotary compressor in various aspects comprises a pair of end plates 151a, 151b that can be mounted to and rotate therewith the respective first and second side surfaces of the rotor.
• a first end plate 151a can comprise a substantially circular plate-like structure with a shaft-like or male protrusion extending outwardly therefrom.
• the protrusion can be substantially cylindrical and can extend outwardly therefrom the first end plate substantially normal or perpendicular with respect to a plane of the first end plate.
• the protrusion and the first end plate can be substantially concentric (i.e., a longitudinal axis of the protrusion passes substantially through the geometric center of the first end plate).
• the protrusion can be fixedly attached to the first end plate.
• the protrusion can have a conventional keyed portion for non-slip transmission of torque.
• the keyed portion can be a splined shaft, a pinned shaft, or the like.
• the protrusion of the first end plate can have a blind bore that extends a predetermined depth from an inner surface of the first end plate into the protrusion, such as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 15C.
• the bore can be configured to receive the proximal end of the eccentric shaft.
• the proximal end of the eccentric shaft can be inserted through a rotor front bearing 152 and inserted into the bore defined in the protrusion of the first end plate to allow the rotor to rotate about the eccentric shaft while the eccentric shaft remains fixed or stationary.
• the eccentric shaft can be supported by a nested anti-friction bearing positioned therein the bore of the protrusion;
• the bearing can be constructed of known bearing elements, such as but not limited to, bushings, roller bearings, journal bearing, taper roller bearings, or the like.
• the nested bearing can be a taper roller bearing, and adjustment means can be provided within the distal end portion of the eccentric shaft to allow for some axial movement of the eccentric shaft and rotor to accommodate for wear or assembly tolerances, such that the rotor can be aligned properly with respect to the housing.
• thrust bearings can be provided to achieve the desired alignment for the rotational elements.
• the second end plate 151b can define a bore that extends therethrough the second end plate, which can be configured for receiving a distal end of the eccentric shaft.
• the distal portion of the eccentric shaft can be inserted therethrough a rotor back bearing 153 and then inserted through the bore in the second end plate to allow the rotor to rotate relative to and about the eccentric shaft.
• first end plate, second end plate, or both the first and second end plates can have a slight protrusion along a portion of its circumference that provides a camlike profile (shown, for example, in Figure 15B).
• cam-like profile of the first and/or second end plate can interact with a cross bar of a TDC assembly to articulate a seal element of the TDC assembly.
• the rotor 150 defines a bore 155 configured for slidable receipt of the gate, such as shown in Figure 16A.
• the rotor in one aspect, defines a centrally positioned chamber configured for rotative receipt of the cam, such as shown in Figure 16A.
• the bore 155 in one aspect, has a bore axis that bisects a center of the chamber.
• the bore can be a blind bore (i.e., it does not extend fully through the rotor), as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 16B.
• the gate can be generally cylindrical and the bore of the rotor can be complementarily cylindrical in shape to receive the gate.
• the gate can have a non-cylindrical shape and the bore of the rotor can be complementarily shaped to receive the gate.
• a gate 160 such as exemplarily shown in Figures 17-19, can define a hollow 161 having at least one bearing surface that is configured for selective contact with portions of the cam 128.
• the at least one bearing surface in one aspect, comprises a pair of opposed bearing surfaces 162a, 162b.
• the bore axis can bisect a center of the chamber of the rotor.
• the pair of opposed bearing surfaces of the gate can be positioned substantially transverse to the bore axis when the gate is slidably received by the bore.
• the pair of opposed bearing surfaces are spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis of the gate and are positioned opposite each other about the cam axis. At least a portion of at least one of the bearing surfaces can be curved.
• the gate can comprise an upper eccentric plate 163a and a lower eccentric plate 163b, such as shown in Figure 18 A.
• the upper and lower eccentric plates 163a, 163b can define the pair of opposed bearing surfaces 162a, 162b, respectively.
• the gate can be machined such that the pair of opposed bearing surfaces are integrally formed with the gate.
• each bearing surface of the pair of bearing surfaces can be at least partially curved.
• the upper bearing surface 162a can have a first radius of curvature (rl) (shown in Figure 17, for example).
• the lower bearing surface 162b can have a second radius of curvature (r2).
• the first radius of curvature (rl) and second radius of curvature (r2) can be selected such that the circles scribed by the first and second radii of curvature are substantially concentric, such as shown in Figure 17.
• the center of these scribed circles can be defined by an apex of the gate.
• the lower and upper eccentric plates (or the machined portions of the gates that are in contact with the cam) can have flat profiles rather than curved or partially curved surfaces.
• the gate (and/or the upper and lower eccentric plates) can be surface treated or plated in areas that are in mechanical contact with the cam or the bore of the rotor to provide sufficient longevity of the components during operation of the rotary compressor.
• the rotary compressor comprises means for minimizing distortion and deflection of the gate at high fluid pressures.
• at least a portion of the bore of the rotor can have a cylindrical cross-sectional shape and at least portions of the gate can have a cylindrical cross-sectional shape that is complementary to the bore of the rotor.
• the cylindrical shape of portions of the gate can provide improved resistance to gate distortion and deflection at high fluid pressures and high rotational speeds due to a superior moment of inertia.
• the gate can have additional support for proper alignment during its axial movement via an internal guide pin affixed to the rotor and extending along the axis of the gate bore provided within the rotor.
• the guide pin can be received within a bore provided within the gate itself running along its longitudinal axis. In this way, the side forces pressing upon the gate can be carried by both the gate bore within the rotor and by the guide pin residing within the bore.
• the rotary compressor comprises at least one sealing element mounted thereon exterior portions of the portions of the gate having the cylindrical cross- sectional shape.
• one or more grooves 171 can be formed proximate the distal end of the gate.
• the one or more grooves can be formed proximate the proximal end of the gate, or both proximate the distal and proximal ends of the gate.
• One or more gate sealing elements 172 can be provided, each configured to be received by a respective groove, such as shown in Figure 18 A.
• the gate sealing element(s) can provide a seal between the gate and the bore of the rotor, as is generally known in conventional piston and cylinder sealing technology.
• the gate sealing elements can act to seal the gate against the bore as the gate is axially moved between the first and second positions. It is also contemplated that, in various aspects in which at least portions of the gate have a non-cylidrical cross sectional shape, appropriate gate sealing elements can be provided at chosen locations along the gate's perimeter to achieve the desired level of sealing.
• the gate is slidably mounted therewith the rotor and is movable axially about and between the first position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a first distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor, and the second position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a second distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor.
• the first distance is greater than the second distance.
• the second distance can be proximal to the peripheral surface of the rotor, in one aspect.
• the distal end of the gate in the second position, can be at or below the peripheral surface of the rotor.
• the distal end of the gate can be constrained to be spaced proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation.
• the distal end of the gate can be constrained to be proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing in a constrained range of between about 0.0001 inches to about 0.2000 inches.
• the distal end of the gate can be constrained to be spaced proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing in a constrained range of between about 0.0003 inches to about 0.1500 inches.
• the distal end of the gate can be constrained to be spaced proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing in a constrained range of between about 0.0005 inches to about 0.1000 inches.
• the distal end of the gate defines a slot.
• the rotary compressor can further comprise a seal assembly comprising at least one planar member movable therein the slot of the gate, and a bias element configured to selectively act on the at least one planar member to maintain the outer edge of the at least one planar member in sliding contact with the inner wall surface of the housing as the rotor rotates.
• the mass of the at least one planar member is less than about 50 percent of the mass of the gate. In another aspect, the mass of the at least one planar member is less than about 10 percent of the mass of the gate. Optionally, the mass of the at least one planar member can be less than about 2 percent of the mass of the gate.
• the mass of the at least one planar member can be between about 1 to about 60 percent of the mass of the gate. It is also contemplated that, optionally, the biasing force for the at least one planar member can be provided at least in part by the pressurized gases of the compression chamber through the provision of passageways fluidically connecting the compression chamber to the underside of the sealing element.
• the distal end of the gate can be generally tapered, such as shown in Figure 17.
• the tapered end portion can be shaped such that two opposing sides of the distal end are tapered inwardly and come together substantially at an apex.
• the two sides connecting the opposing tapered sides of the distal end are substantially parallel to and continuous with the cylindrical portions of the gate.
• the tapered end portion is configured to help create a larger area onto which the expanding pressure is acting as the gate retracts thereinto the rotor. In conventional hydraulic vane motors, for example, as the vane retracts the exposed area is reduced, which reduces the effectiveness of the expander.
• the noted configuration of the tapered end portion of the gate reduces the gradient for total volume reduction as the rotor spins, that is, as the gate retracts downwardly into the bore of the rotor, it is adding a small amount of incremental volume for each degree of rotor rotation, which reduces the rate at which the total volume decreases.
• the exemplified configuration moves some of the volume down into the bore as the crescent shape closes up. Because the "bore volume" increases slower than the reduction in the crescent volume, the result is a net compression event.
• alternative shapes for the distal end portion of the gate can be used.
• different geometric shapes can be used on one or both sides of the tapered end portion of the gate to optimize either a compression or an expansion operation. For example, in one aspect, if the end portion of the gate does not have a taper on the compression side, an increase in the compression ratio would result. Alternatively, by providing a steep taper (i.e., a larger height to width ratio of the tapered portion of the distal end portion of the gate) on the suction side, the volume ingested for each "stroke" is increased.
• the tapered end portion of the gate can be configured to create the highest resultant moment reaction for a given portion of the rotation, such as, for example and not meant to be limiting, creating a substantially "constant volume expansion" stroke by varying the geometry of the gate's profile on its distal end.
• the exemplary tapered end portion of the gate can provide a retracting 'pocket' in the gate on which the pressure can act or through which the suction volume can be increased.
• the tapered configuration allows some volume to grow in the compression chamber as the rotary compressor moves toward the final clearance volume.
• the particular shape of the tapered end portion provides a means for tuning the compression dynamics rather than just rely on the gate/housing geometry alone.
• At least one slot is defined by the distal end of the gate.
• the slot 164 defined by the distal end of the gate is a three-sided slot, such as shown in Figure 19.
• a first, or apex-side, of the slot is formed along the apex of the tapered end portion.
• the latter two opposing side edges of the three-sided slot extend downwardly away from the apex along the sides of the gate that are substantially parallel to and continuous with the cylindrical portions of the gate (such as shown in Figure 19).
• the three-sided slot is positioned in a common plane in the tapered end portion of the gate.
• the distal end portion of the gate can further comprise a bore that is defined in and extends through the tapered end portion substantially parallel to the apex slot.
• the defined bore can be formed at the distal (non-apex) ends of the latter two side edges of the slot.
• the slot 164 in one aspect, can be configured to complementarily and operatively receive an apex seal 166 and a pair of side seals 167, such as shown in Figure 18A. It is contemplated that, according to various aspects, the apex seal and side seals can be formed as a unitary seal for the distal end portion of the gate.
• a unitary seal can comprise an elastic, biasable, or other material positioned therein the slot 164 and configured to seal the apex and sides of the distal end portion of the gate against the inner wall surface of the housing and the first and second end plates, respectively.
• a pair of gate seal actuators 168 (illustrated in Figures 18A and 20) and a gate actuator spring 169 can be provided and operatively positioned therein the bore of the distal end portion of the gate, such as shown in Figure 18B.
• the gate actuator spring 169 can be placed into the bore and a respective one of the gate seal actuators 168 can be placed in the bore on either side of the gate actuator spring.
• the side seals 167 can be placed in the two side edges of the slot, and the apex seal 166 can be placed in the apex-side of the slot.
• each of the side and apex seals is generally trapezoidal in shape. Due to the general geometry of the gate seal actuators, the side seals, and the apex seal, sealing of the gate against portions of the housing and/or the rotor can be effectuated.
• the gate actuator spring acts on the gate seal actuators, which can slide longitudinally within the bore in directional parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gate actuator spring.
• the gate seal actuators act against the side seals 167, which in turn act against the apex seal 166.
• the angled-end geometries of the seals allow for applied forces from the spring to press the side seals outward against their respective mating surfaces (in one aspect, against the inner surfaces of the pair of end plates) while also translating this force up to the apex seal, thereby forcing it against the inner wall surface of the housing.
• the lateral force of the spring is transferred to the side seals, creating a seal between the gate and the first and second end plates. Due to the angled interface between the side seals and the apex seal, the lateral force of the spring is translated through the side seal as a lateral and upward force, pressing the apex seal against the inner wall surface of the housing.
• the compression fluid within the compression chamber can be directed through passageways provided in the seals themselves or within the gate such that the pressurized fluid acts upon the underside of chosen seals to provide all or part of the biasing force necessary for fluidic sealing of given chambers.
• the rotary compressor further comprises a seal element extending outwardly from the inner wall surface of the housing proximate the location of minimal running clearance between the inner wall surface of the housing and the peripheral surface of the rotor.
• An edge of the seal element can be configured for selective slidable contact with the peripheral surface of the rotor.
• the rotary compressor can comprise means for withdrawing the seal element within the housing such that the edge of the seal element is at or below the inner wall surface of the housing when the distal end of the gate passes over the seal element as the rotor rotates.
• At least one top dead center (TDC) assembly is provided and comprises the seal element.
• the TDC assembly 130 can be inserted therein and forms a portion of the housing 110, such as shown in Figure 21 A.
• the components of the TDC assembly as described below can be formed integrally with the housing. Therefore, although described below with respect to a separate TDC assembly, it is contemplated that one or more of the TDC assembly components can be integrally formed with the housing and operate in a similar manner as described below.
• An exemplary TDC assembly 130 can comprise a TDC insert 131, a seal element 132 (which, in one aspect, comprises a TDC surface seal 133 and a pair of opposed TDC side seals 134), a TDC cross bar 135, a TDC pull rod 136, TDC button seals 137, and seated spring members 138.
• the TDC insert 131 comprises the main body portion of the TDC assembly and has an inner surface that is substantially continuous with the inner wall surface of the housing when the TDC assembly is inserted therein a cut-out of the housing.
• the inner surface thus has a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the inner wall surface of the housing.
• a groove or TDC seal land is defined in a portion of the inner surface and is configured to complementarily receive the seal element, such as the TDC surface seal and the TDC side seals.
• the groove extends substantially from the front surface of the housing to the back surface of the housing. In a particular aspect, the groove is positioned at an acute angle relative to the front surface of the housing.
• the groove is positioned at an angle that is not perpendicular to the front surface of the housing, such as illustrated in Figure 21 A.
• the apex seal of the gate will not be parallel to the TDC seal element, thereby minimizing or preventing snagging of the apex seal and the seal element during operation of the rotary compressor.
• At least one cavity 140 is defined in the respective front and back surface of the TDC insert 131.
• each cavity extends partially inwardly into the TDC insert (i.e., blind bores).
• Each cavity is configured for operative receipt of a TDC button seal 137.
• additional cavities can be defined in the TDC insert, which extend into the TDC insert from the outer surface of the TDC insert.
• the cavities can extend from the outer surface of the TDC insert to the TDC seal land.
• two of the cavities can be configured to operatively receive the seated spring members 138, such as shown in Figures 22A and 22B.
• a bore can be defined therein the TDC insert and can be configured to operatively receive the pull rod 136.
• a plurality of bores can be defined therein the TDC insert, each bore configured for receiving a respective pull rod.
• a distal end of the pull rod shown for example in Figure 23, can be inserted into and retained by a notch 141 defined in a portion of the TDC surface seal 133 (such as shown in Figure 24). The shaft of the pull rod extends through the bore to beyond the outer surface of the TDC insert.
• the opposing proximal end of the pull rod is configured to pass through a bore defined in a portion of the cross bar 135 (which is positioned substantially perpendicular to the pull rod) and can, for example and without limitation, be held in place with a nut 139.
• the cross bar in one aspect, has a predetermined length that is greater than the width of the TDC insert (i.e., the distance between the front and back surfaces of the TDC insert, or substantially the distance between the front and back surfaces of the housing).
• the cross bar can be operatively engaged by the first and second end plates 151a, 151b in one aspect, to position the seal element of the TDC assembly such that it is at or below the inner wall surface of the housing when the distal end of the gate passes over the seal element as the rotor rotates.
• one or more of the first and second end plates can have a protrusion along their periphery, resulting in a cam-like profile. As the protrusion passes over and contacts one or both ends of the cross bar that extend beyond the front and back surfaces of the housing, the cross bar is moved and thereby draws the seal element to a position at or below the inner wall surface of the housing.
• actuation means can be used to articulate the TDC seal element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and all such articulating means are contemplated by the present disclosure. It is contemplated that such actuation means can include, but are not limited to, pneumatic, hydraulic (such as using an external fluid, control fluid, and/or the working fluid of the rotary compressor, etc.), electronic, electro-mechanical, or other known means of providing mechanical movement.
• portions of the peripheral surface of the rotor, portions of the inner wall surface of the housing, and varying portions of the gate proximate the distal end of the gate define a suction chamber 104 and a compression chamber 102, each of varying volume as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation.
• the rotor 150, gate 160, housing 110, first end plate 151a and/or second end plate 151b, or other component(s) of the rotary compressor can be provided in one or more of the rotor 150, gate 160, housing 110, first end plate 151a and/or second end plate 151b, or other component(s) of the rotary compressor.
• one or more outlet ports can be provided in one or more of the rotor, gate, housing, first and/or second end plates, or other component(s) of the rotary compressor.
• the rotor can comprise at least one rotor inlet port 156 in fluid communication with the suction chamber and/or compression chamber.
• the inlet port can extend from the peripheral surface of the rotor to a side surface of the rotor, such as the second side surface, to form a fluid passageway.
• the second end plate 151b can comprise at least one inlet port.
• the second end plate can comprise a first inlet port 157 and a second inlet port 158.
• the first inlet port 157 in one aspect, is in fluid communication with the rotor inlet port 156 to thereby provide a substantially continuous fluid passageway.
• At least one of the inlet ports formed therein the second end plate can be configured to cooperate with the one or more holes formed therein the housing back cover to provide a substantially continuous fluid intake passageway.
• the housing can have at least one housing inlet port 124 that is in fluid communication with the suction and/or compression chamber, such as illustrated in Figure 29.
• the gate 160 can have at least one gate inlet port 175 in fluid communication with the suction and/or compression chamber.
• the rotary compressor can comprise means for selectively opening and closing the at least one inlet port therein the gate. It is contemplated that, in one aspect, the rotor of the rotary compressor illustrated in Figure 29 can be configured to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in the figure.
• the one or more inlet ports formed therein the rotor, second end plate, and/or gate can be positioned such that when the rotor begins a rotation (i.e., when the gate apex seal passes the TDC position), the inlet ports are positioned proximate the TDC position and can draw fluid into the suction chamber as the rotor continues its rotation.
• the inlet formed therein the housing can be positioned proximate the TDC position.
• the positions of the inlet ports can be selected as desired.
• the rotor, gate, first and/or second end plates, housing, and/or other component(s) of the rotary compressor can have at least one outlet port in fluid communication with the compression chamber.
• the gate can have at least one outlet port in fluid communication with the compression chamber.
• the rotary compressor can further comprise means for selectively opening and closing the at least one outlet port therein the gate.
• a housing outlet port 125 can be formed therein the housing.
• the housing outlet port 125 in one aspect, can be positioned proximate the TDC position, such that as the rotor completes a rotation, substantially all of the fluid in the compression chamber exits the compression chamber via the housing outlet port.
• a valve can be mounted therein the housing outlet port to act as a discharge valve for the rotary compressor.
• the axial movement of the gate within the rotor can be used to open ports provided in the gate as they become aligned with ports provided in the rotor.
• the outlet port is placed in fluid communication with one or more volumetric chambers to allow fluid flow therebetween.
• outlet ports can be provided in the rotor endplates, which are allowed to be placed in fluid communication with selected volumetric chambers as the rotor endplates moves eccentrically with respect to the housing.
• the ports allow fluid communication to be established, which allows for the ingestion or discharge of fluid from one or more of the volumetric chambers.
• ports can be provided in at least a portion of the housing that are configured to provide the primary inlet or outlet passageways for the working fluid, or the formed housing ports can serve as additional ports to main ports provided in other components as described above.
• the rotary compressor can further comprise a discharge valve mounted thereto the housing that serves to prevent back flow of the compressed fluid in the compression chamber.
• the rotary compressor can comprise an intake valve positioned therein the intake passageway (such as, but not limited to, positioned therein an inlet port of the housing) to reduce or eliminate reversion flow of the intake fluid.
• the discharge valve and/or intake valve can comprise a reed valve, a plate valve, a flapper valve, and the like.
• a plate valve assembly 180 is illustrated, which can be positioned therein an outlet port of the housing to act as a discharge valve, for example.
• a plate valve assembly can comprise a chamber seal 181, a valve plate 182, valve seats 183, sealing elements 184, seal springs 185, and a valve body 186. It is contemplated that, when assembled, the valve plate, valve seats, and valve body define a plurality of channels radially displaced around a common axis.
• a sealing element 184 and respective seal spring 185 is placed within each of the plurality of channels.
• the sealing elements can be substantially spherical.
• five channels are formed in the valve body; thus, five sealing elements are mounted therein the respective formed channels.
• the valve body is shaped such that the seal springs and sealing elements are retained within the channels when the plate valve assembly is assembled, such as shown in Figure 27.
• the seal springs can be omitted and the movement and sealing function of the sealing elements can be controlled by fluid flow therethrough the plate valve assembly.
• the sealing elements can be fitted within their respective channels with close tolerances such that the movement of the sealing elements is substantially restricted, thereby providing a damping mechanism to prevent the sealing elements from unconstrained movement.
• a plate valve assembly, or other like valve can be provided and can be configured to act as a discharge valve for the rotary compressor.
• the rotary compressor can comprise a rotor having a peripheral surface and a rotor axis, and a housing defining an internal cavity having an inner wall surface, and the housing can be configured to rotate about a housing longitudinal axis eccentric to the rotor axis.
• the rotor can be positioned within the internal cavity of the housing.
• a gate such as described herein, can be slidably mounted therewith the rotor and movable axially about and between a first position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a first distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor, and a second position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a second distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor.
• first and second end plates can be provided and can be fixedly attached or mounted thereto the rotor.
• the rotor and the end plates can be held or maintained in a stationary position as the housing rotates about the housing longitudinally axis.
• a rotary compressor can be used for example, as a compressor, pump, expander, or any combination thereof.
• the first stage rotary compressor can have its outlet port or ports positioned selectively in fluid connection with the inlet of a secondary stage rotary compressor.
• the secondary stage can be, without limitation, any one of a number of known compressor devices such as a centrifugal compressor, a scroll compressor, a reciprocating compressor, an axial turbine compressor, or the like.
• the first stage can be comprised of a known compressor or pump, as exemplarily described above, and subsequent stages can be assembled using a rotary compressor as described according to various aspects herein, or combinations thereof.
• Such a multi-stage compressor can be used, for example and without limitation, as a compressor, pump, expander, engine, or any combination thereof.
• a rotary compressor can be assembled to comprise any or all of the components as described above.
• the gate can be assembled by inserting the seal actuator into the bore of the tapered end portion of the gate.
• the apex seal and side seals can be inserted into the respective portions of the three-sided slot at the apex of the gate.
• the one or more gate sealing elements can be positioned within the grooves formed in the portions of the gate having the cylindrical cross-sectional shape.
• gate lower and upper eccentric plates are provided, which define a pair of opposed bearing surfaces when positioned therein the gate.
• the upper eccentric plate and lower eccentric plate can be positioned within the body of the gate. The gate can then be inserted into the bore of the rotor.
• the seal actuator presses against the gate side seals, pressing the gate side seals against the inner surfaces of the first and second end plates.
• the lateral force experienced by the gate side seals is translated to the gate apex seal in a transverse direction, thereby pressing the gate apex seal against the inner wall surface of the housing.
• These pressing forces can serve to ensure proper sealing during operation of the rotary compressor.
• the gate side seals experience pressing forces in the range of between about 0.01 pounds and about 15.0 pounds. In a further aspect, the gate side seals experience preferably about 4.0 pounds of force.
• the gate apex seal experiences a pressing force in the range of between about 2.0 to about 40.0 pounds.
• the gate apex seal and gate side seals can be constructed with alternative spring elements to cause the forces described herein above.
• a TDC assembly is provided and can be mounted therein the housing.
• the TDC insert can be positioned within the housing and the distal end of the TDC pull rod can be inserted into the notch of the TDC surface seal, which can in turn be inserted into the groove or TDC seal land in the TDC insert.
• the TDC side seals can likewise be inserted into the groove, and the button seals can be inserted into respective bores on the front and back surfaces of the TDC insert.
• the TDC cross bar can be inserted into a bore (as shown, for example, in Figure 21, TDC cross-bar relief) that extends from the housing front surface to the housing back surface.
• the seated spring elements and nut can be inserted from the outer surface of the housing and the nut can be fastened to the distal end of the TDC pull rod.
• the one or more seals can be positioned within respective slots defined in the front and/or back surfaces of the housing.
• the TDC assembly can be at least partially integral with the housing; thus, in this aspect, the various TDC assembly components can be assembled directly therein the housing.
• the rotor (with gate positioned therein) can then be positioned within the internal cavity of the housing.
• the general rotor position within the housing i.e., the position of the rotor defined by the position of the rotor axis of rotation relative to the housing longitudinal axis), and relative to the housing, is constant, despite the rotational movement of the rotor within the housing.
• this point can be substantially equal to the top dead center (TDC) position of the rotary compressor.
• TDC seal element or more specifically the TDC surface seal, acts to maintain a seal between the inner wall surface of the housing and the peripheral surface of the rotor.
• the eccentric shaft and cam can be inserted therein the centrally positioned chamber of the rotor and the defined hollow portion of the gate.
• the cam can be positioned along the eccentric shaft such that it is positioned therein the hollow of the gate, proximate the at least one bearing surface defined by the hollow.
• the cam can be positioned therebetween the upper and lower eccentric plates of the gate. It is contemplated, according to various aspects, that the shape of the cam can be chosen such that the gate, which is constrained within the rotor by the rotor bore, has its radial position defined by the contact points between the cam and the mating contact points on the at least one bearing surface of the gate hollow, such as the upper and lower eccentric plates.
• the circumferential path of the gate is defined by the center of rotation of the rotor, and the gate's radial distension is fixed by the geometry of the cam.
• the distal end of the gate is constrained to be spaced proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing, and is constrained from pressing with excessive or erratic force against the inner wall surface of the housing.
• the cam is designed such that the distal end of the gate can be maintained at a spaced distance proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing.
• the distal end of the gate is constrained to be spaced proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing in a constrained range of between about 0.0001 inches to about 0.2000 inches, in a constrained range of between about 0.0003 inches to about 0.1500 inches, or in a constrained range of between about 0.0005 inches to about 0.1000 inches.
• the distal end of the gate is constrained to be spaced proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing in a constrained range of between 0.01% and 15.0% of the diameter of the housing inner surface.
• sealing between the distal end of the gate and the inner wall surface of the housing (and/or the inner surfaces of the first and second end plates) can be accomplished by the spring force of the gate seal actuator acting on the gate side seals and the gate apex seal.
• sealing between the distal end of the gate and the inner wall surface of the housing (and/or the inner surfaces of the first and second end plates) can be accomplished by close running clearances achieved through exact machining and assembly tolerances, thereby creating a non-contact sealing function and thus reducing friction and wear.
• a proximal portion of the eccentric shaft can be inserted through the rotor front bearing into the bore formed in the shaft of the first end plate.
• a distal portion of the eccentric shaft can be inserted through the rotor back bearing, through the second end plate, and inserted into the mating bore in the housing back cover.
• the housing front spacer is positioned between the housing front cover and the front surface of the housing. As shown in Figure 8, the housing front spacer can define a void in which the first end plate can rotate freely.
• the housing back spacer can be positioned between the housing back cover and the back surface of the housing, and can define a void in which the second end plate can rotate freely.
• the housing front and back spacers can be eliminated and the housing front and back covers and/or the housing can be constructed to provide the respective voids when the rotary compressor is assembled.
• the rotary compressor can be joined together or assembled with conventional means, such as, for example and without limitation, mechanical fasteners such as, without limitation, screws, bolts, rivets, clamps, pressed studs with nuts, and the like, or any combination thereof.
• conventional means such as, for example and without limitation, mechanical fasteners such as, without limitation, screws, bolts, rivets, clamps, pressed studs with nuts, and the like, or any combination thereof.
• Complementary fastener holes can be defined, such as illustrated for example in Figures 6-8 and 10, with respect to the housing front cover, housing front spacer, housing, housing back spacer, and housing back cover.
• any number of the elements of the housing assembly can be formed integrally together into a single machine part or casting.
• the first and second end plates can be fixedly attached to the first and second side surfaces of the rotor, respectively, such that they rotate simultaneously with the rotor.
• the first and second end plates can be substantially sealed against the front and back surfaces of the housing by at least one seal positioned therein a respective slot defined in the front and/or back surface of the housing.
• the gate side seals translate axially up and down relative to the inner surfaces of the first and second end plates, rather than sweeping against them if they were fixed relative to the rotation of the rotor. In this manner, sealing performance can be improved and friction can be reduced.
• any number of seals can be used to provide sealing of the gate within the rotor and of the gate against the inner wall surface of the housing, and it is contemplated that various aspects can include more or fewer seals than described herein. It is contemplated that, in some aspects, one or more of the seals can be urged against their mating surfaces through, for example and not meant to be limiting, the use of fluid pressure routed from the compression chamber or elsewhere, or through the use of bias elements, or a combination thereof.
• the first and second end plates can be fixedly attached to the housing.
• the first end plate can be mounted to the front surface of the housing and the second end plate can be mounted to the back surface of the housing.
• Means can be provided for providing a substantially fluid-impervious seal between the first end plate and the first side surface of the rotor and between the second end plate and the second side surface of the rotor.
• the gate side seals will 'sweep' against the inner surfaces of the first and second end plates, rather than moving axially or laterally against them as described herein in accordance with various other aspects.
• seals e.g., gate seals, TDC seals, etc.
• sealing can be effectively achieved through close assembly tolerances at selected interfaces between components of the rotary compressor.
• an oil-less compressor or vacuum pump can be constructed through the elimination of chosen sealing elements such that the desired performance can be achieved through the exact positioning of the gate relative to the housing, i.e., by positioning the gate such that the distal end of the gate remains at a close select tolerance from the housing. This aspect can achieve long service life through the reduction of friction and wear at the typical seal contact points.
• the gate assembly In operation, as the rotor rotates within the housing, the gate assembly is axially moved about and between the first and second position, as described above.
• the cam-like profile of the first and second end plates cause the TDC cross bar to move outwardly, away from the inner wall surface of the housing, which causes the pull rod to exert a pulling force on the TDC surface seal.
• the TDC surface seal is thereby retracted to a position at or below the inner wall surface of the housing.
• the retraction of the TDC surface seal described above can substantially coincide with the movement of the gate past the TDC position, and allows the gate to pass the TDC position while minimizing or eliminating any contact between the gate apex seal and the TDC surface seal.
• the cam-like protrusions in each of the first and second end plates can be located and profiled to provide a predetermined amount of lift to the TDC surface seal to prevent it from being struck or contacted by any portion of the gate as the gate passes the TDC position.
• additional means can be provided to prevent the TDC surface seal from adversely contacting the gate apex seal.
• the TDC surface seal can be positioned at an angle (described above) with respect to the front and back surfaces of the housing, such that the gate apex seal and the TDC surface seal are not parallel as the gate passes the TDC position (thereby preventing full contact between the two seals).
• the angled positioning of the TDC surface seal can further prevent the gate apex seal from catching or dropping into the groove or seal land formed in the TDC insert configured for receiving the TDC surface seal.
• the TDC surface seal retraction can be caused by the gate apex seal through a pushing force provided by the gate apex seal as it travels past and contacts the TDC surface seal, forcing the TDC surface seal to retract into the groove of the TDC insert.
• the TDC surface seal can be a fixed seal (i.e., it would remain stationary and not be retracted into the groove or seal land of the TDC insert).
• the gate apex seal can be configured with means for translating the gate apex seal inwardly toward the housing longitudinal axis as the gate apex seal passes the "fixed" TDC surface seal.
• the means for translating can comprise a cam surface on the eccentric cam that is configured to control the position of the gate apex seal relative to the distal end of the gate as the rotor rotates within the housing.
• the retracting movement of the TDC surface seal can cause movement in the other components of the TDC assembly.
• the TDC side seals are pushed outwardly, which in turn causes the TDC button seals to be pushed outwardly.
• the TDC side seals can engage the respective first and second end plates along a small contact area, causing wear at that interface.
• the TDC side seals wear, they engage the TDC button seals, which seal the compression chamber above the TDC surface seal.
• the TDC side seals exert pressure onto respective TDC button seals against the inner surfaces of the respective first and second end plates, which restricts the TDC side seals' contact and pressure against the first and second end plates.
• the large combined surface area of the TDC button and side seal interface against the respective end plates reduces the applied pressure, which can effectively reduce wear to a minimal amount.
• TDC button and side seals ensures that the side seals will substantially always be pressing against the internal surface of the button seal for maximizing the desired sealing.
• fluid intake (such as air or other gas intake, liquid intake, etc.) is achieved via the various inlet ports described above.
• inlet port(s) can be formed in the housing back cover that are in sealed fluid communication with an inlet port formed on the second end plate.
• the inlet port of the second end plate can be in fluid communication with an inlet port of the rotor.
• fluid such as air
• fluid in an initial rotation of the rotor, fluid will be drawn into the suction chamber of the rotary compressor, defined behind the gate.
• the gate passes the TDC position, the fluid that was drawn into the suction chamber of the initial rotation becomes fluid in the compression chamber of the subsequent rotation.
• air can be naturally pumped or drawn into the suction chamber by the rotation of the rotor and the low pressure (e.g., vacuum) force created by the movement of the rotor assembly (i.e., as the suction chamber volume behind the gate expands).
• the low pressure e.g., vacuum
• less flow inertia is necessary to fill the working chamber than in known compressors. Rather, air is "laid out” into the suction chamber by the inlet port in the rotor's side surface as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation.
• Each discrete element of the air enters into the suction chamber without having to push additional air out of its way, as is the case with known poppet and flapper valves.
• each discrete element of air is "pulled" into the suction chamber by the pressure gradient created by the rotor's movement.
• fluid flow can be sent through the rotor and out its periphery into the expansion chamber through a port provided proximate to and behind the gate.
• the fluid that is pressing against the gate does not have to transfer its pressure force through all the previously injected fluid, but rather the fresh charge of fluid pressure is always fed proximate to and behind the gate's distal end.
• the air (or other fluid) intake allows the rotor to be cooled by the incoming air charge, which can aid in the longevity and efficiency of a rotary compressor assembled according to various aspects described herein.
• the compression ratio of the rotary compressor can be determined by the selective positioning of the inlet and outlet ports described herein. The full rotation of the rotor within the rotary compressor can provide nearly a full 360 degree intake and compression "stroke.” This can be altered in a fixed manner through the selective location of the inlet and/or outlet ports.
• the stroke of the rotary compressor can also be made changeable, or variable in real time by using a moving port location.
• conventional shutters, sliding ports, sleeves, or similar means to change the location of the ports (inlet ports, outlet ports, or both) with respect to the rotor's position in its rotation can be used to vary the stroke of the rotary compressor.
• the amount of fluid ingested into the suction chamber can be variable using similar means.
• the bottom portion of the gate (i.e., the proximal portion opposite the distal end of the gate) can be used as a control valve, pump, etc. as can be envisioned from observing that the proximal portion of the gate is moved axially within the rotor bore.
• the rotor bore can be a blind bore.
• a closed working volume can be created wherein the up and down axial motion of the gate will expand and contract the volume of this closed working volume. This expansion and contraction can be used, through the incorporation of chosen valves, ports, and similar components of pumps or compressors, to effect a pump or compressor function in the bottom portion of the bore.
• the proximal portion of the gate can be used as a sliding valve or sleeve valve through the use of ports formed therein the rotor bore at selected locations.
• the bottom or proximal portion of the gate can be configured to act as an additional gate, and can comprise a gate seal assembly (i.e., a gate apex seal and gate side seals positioned therein a respective slot at the proximal end of the gate) configured to contact the inner wall surface of the housing.
• a gate seal assembly i.e., a gate apex seal and gate side seals positioned therein a respective slot at the proximal end of the gate
• the rotary compressor can be doubled.
• additional inlet and outlet ports can be provided within the rotor and/or housing to effect the fluid flow into and out of the rotary compressor to maximize pumping efficiency.
• a plurality of gates can be provided to increase the suction, compression, and/or pumping functions of the rotary compressor.
• the radial edges of the respective first and second end plates are configured to pass through an oil bath that is positioned therein the lower portions of the assembled rotary compressor as the rotor rotates. Oil that adheres to the portions of the first and second end plates is brought into the upper portions of the assembled rotary compressor. As the oil is brought into the upper portions, the housing seals are wetted and oil is flung off into the substantially open void between the first and second end plates and the respective housing front and back covers.
• Such an exemplary lubrication system can be used, for example, with an internally lubricated compressor or pump. It is of course contemplated that an oil bath can be omitted and the working fluid being compressed or pumped by the rotary compressor can act as a lubricant. In other aspects, a lubricant can be mixed with the working fluid to provide the necessary lubrication for the rotary compressor, including the various seals and contact surfaces.
• means for cooling the rotary compressor can be provided, such as but not limited to cooling fins placed in selected locations on the exterior of the housing, first and second end plates, and/or other locations, such that ambient air can access the cooling fins and promote heat transfer away from the apparatus into the ambient air.
• specific cooling circuits can be provided that incorporate air-to-air, liquid-to-air, air-to -liquid, or liquid-to -liquid cooling processes to achieve the desired cooling.
• the intake air can be routed through passages provided in the high temperature components of the rotary compressor to augment heat flux out of these areas and into the intake air stream.
• an external fan can be provided to facilitate air flow over the rotary compressor.
• an oil cooling circuit can be utilized to provide the desired level of cooling.
• an oil separator device can be incorporated into the oil cooling circuit in which the outlet air is conditioned such that any airborne oil within the discharge stream is removed, cooled, and recirculated into the device.
• the opposed bearing surfaces of the gate can interact with an eccentric cam to effect the axial movement of the gate within the rotor.
• a connecting rod assembly can be provided to interact with the eccentric cam to effect the axial movement of the gate.
• a connecting rod 191 can be attached to the gate 260 (such as, but not limited to, with a pin 192) proximate the distal end of the gate.
• the connecting rod can extend downwardly into the hollow of the gate.
• the portion of the connecting rod that extends into the hollow defines a hole sized and shaped to receive the cam.
• the axial movement of the gate can be effected by a cam-follower mechanism in the gate 360.
• the cam 328 can have any shape, such as but not limited to the non-circular shape shown in Figure 33 A.
• a cam-follower mechanism comprising a roller 393 can be provided therein the gate, with the roller extending into the hollow of the gate to interact with the cam.
• a spring 394 can be provided to urge the roller against the surface of the cam.
• the housing can define an internal cavity having any cross-sectional shape, such as but not limited to the non- circular shape shown in Figure 33 A.
• the shape of the internal cavity of the housing can be selected to complement the shape of the cam, and vice versa, such that the distal end of the gate can be constrained to be spaced proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation.
• the rotary compressor can comprise gate assemblies comprising one or more gates and/or comprising one or more end portions configured to be spaced proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing.
• the rotary compressor can comprise a dual-end gate 460.
• the bore of the rotor can be configured to extend fully therethrough the rotor to receive the dual-end gate 460 and the dual-end gate can be slidably mounted therewith the rotor 450 and movable axially therein.
• the dual-end gate can have a distal end and an opposed proximal end.
• the dual-end gate can be movable axially therein the rotor bore about and between a first position in which the distal end of the dual-end gate is positioned at a first distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor, and a second position in which the distal end of the dual-end gate is positioned at a second distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor. It is contemplated that, in the first position, the proximal end of the dual-end gate is positioned at substantially the second distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor, and in the second position, the proximal end of the dual-end gate is positioned at substantially the first distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor.
• Each of the distal end and proximal end of the dual-end gate can be constrained to be spaced proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation.
• At least portions of the peripheral surface of the rotor 450, portions of the inner wall surface of the housing 410, and varying portions of the dual-end gate 460 proximate the distal end of the dual-end gate define a first compression chamber of varying volume as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation.
• at least portions of the peripheral surface of the rotor, portions of the inner wall surface of the housing, and varying portions of the dual-end gate proximate the proximal end of the dual-end gate define a second compression chamber of varying volume as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation.
• At least one inlet port 475 can be formed therein the dual-end gate assembly.
• an inlet port is formed therein each of the distal and proximal ends of the dual-end gate.
• the distal end can define at least one inlet port in fluid communication with the first compression chamber.
• the proximal end can define at least one inlet port in fluid communication with the second compression chamber.
• each of the distal end and proximal end can define at least one inlet port in fluid communication with the first compression chamber and second compression chamber, respectively.
• the rotary compressor can further comprise means for selectively opening and closing the at least one inlet port therein the respective distal end and proximal ends of the dual-end gate.
• the inlet port(s) 475 of the dual-end gate can be configured to align with a respective inlet port 457 of an end plate, such as but not limited to a second end plate 451b, of the rotary compressor at a predetermined position in the dual-end gate's axial movement within the bore of the rotor.
• the gate inlet port(s) 475 can provide an intake passageway between the inlet port of the second end plate and a respective one of the first or second compression chambers.
• the intake passageway can be selectively opened and closed based on the alignment or non-alignment, respectively, of the gate inlet port(s) 475 and the end plate inlet port(s) 457.
• the dual-end gate 460 can define a hollow 461 having at least one bearing surface that is configured for selective contact with portions of the cam
• the distal end and an opposing proximal end of the dual-end gate can each define a respective slot 464 for receiving a respective gate apex seal 466.
• the gate apex seal 466 can be a unitary seal configured to provide side and apex sealing of the gate against the first and second end plates and the inner wall surface of the housing, respectively.
• each end portion of the dual-end gate assembly can define at least one groove 471 for receiving a respective gate sealing element 472.
• a TDC assembly can be provided therein the housing, such as described above.
• the housing such as shown in Figures 35A and 35B, can be provided without a TDC assembly.
• the sealing between the housing and the rotor and/or gates can be provided by close manufacturing tolerances or other means.
• a gate having dual end portions can be formed as a unitary dual-end gate assembly.
• a double-gate assembly can be provided that comprises a first gate portion 560a and a second gate portion 560b, each in operative cooperation with the eccentric cam 528.
• Each of the first and second gate portions can comprise a respective distal end portion that can be constrained to be spaced proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation.
• each gate portion 560a, 560b of the double-gate assembly can define a hollow having at least one bearing surface that is configured for selective contact with portions of the cam 528.
• the at least one bearing surface can comprise a pair of opposed bearing surfaces machined in each of the gate portions, and/or provided by an upper and lower eccentric plate such as described above.
• each of the first and second gate portions can comprise a pair of opposed bearing surfaces that are at least partially curved such as described with respect to the gate shown in Figure 17.
• each of the first and second gate portions 560a, 560b can operatively cooperate with the cam 528 to effect the axial movement of the first and second gate portions therein the rotor bore, thereby effectively controlling the position of the distal end of each of the gate portions with respect to the inner wall surface of the housing.
• the rotary compressor can comprise a quad-gate assembly 660, such as illustrated in Figures 39 and 40.
• the quad-gate assembly can comprise two dual-sided gate assemblies, each having opposing end portions and defining a substantially central hollow having at least one bearing surface configured for selective contact with portions of the cam 628.
• the dual-sided gate assemblies can be positioned substantially perpendicularly to each other such that the cam is positioned therein the hollow of each of the dual-sided gate assemblies.
• At least portions of the peripheral surface of the rotor 650, portions of the inner wall surface of the housing 610, and varying portions of the quad-gate assembly 660 proximate each end portion of the dual-sided gate assemblies can define a plurality of suction and/or compression chambers.
• a rotor assembly is provided that can be used with the exemplary rotary compressors described herein.
• a rotor assembly is provided that includes a shaft 753, a first endplate 751a, a second endplate 751b, and a rotor 750 that has an integrated input shaft 752.
• the input shaft 752 and rotor 750 can be machined as a single unit. In so doing, the tolerances and the geometrical integrity of the integral unit is superior to that of a similar component made up of several separate parts and later assembled together.
• the endplates 751a, 751b can be attached to the rotor by conventional fastening means such as, but not limited to, bolts, screws, rivets, or other known fastening means.
• the shaft 753 can be used to extend the input shaft 752, if desired.
• FIG. 44A-C Another exemplary rotor assembly is shown in Figures 44A-C.
• the input shaft 852 is machined with the first endplate 851a to form an integral part.
• the rotor can be formed from two rotor halves 850a, 850b, which are configured to receive a rectangular shaped gate between the two halves.
• the integral unit of the input shaft and the first endplate can then be assembled to rotor halves 850a, 850b and the second end plate 851b, and the shaft 753 can be attached to the input shaft 852 to form the rotor assembly.
• the shaft 753 can be used to deliver rotational movement to the other parts of the rotor assembly.
• greater geometrical integrity can be achieved than if all of the parts were machined separately and then assembled together.
• first and second endplates 951a, 951b can be constructed so that one or more liners 954a, 954b can be sandwiched between the endplates and the rotor.
• a liner material can be a ceramic disc that has selected or desired frictional and/or thermal properties.
• a liner material can be PTFE, chosen for its low friction performance against a gate positioned therein a bore of the rotor.
• the endplate(s) can have a lip defined along the outer circumference of the endplate, thereby creating an inner cylindrical cavity of the endplate into which the liner can be received and seated.
• the rotors 750, 850, and 950, described above can be machined to include a respective bore in which a gate, such as those described herein, can be positioned.
• a gate such as those described herein
• the exemplary rotor assemblies described with regard to Figures 43-45 can be machined and/or assembled in various ways, with the end goal being the construction of a very precise bore in the rotor (for receipt of a gate), concentricity of the rotor and the input shaft, and a perpendicular orientation of the endplates to the rotor axis.
• a prototype rotary compressor was constructed as illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B.
• the internal cavity of the housing had an internal diameter of 129.5 mm.
• Vth is the theoretical volume flow rate (m 3 /s); is the enthalpy at state point 1 (kJ/kg); h 2s is the enthalpy at state point 2 for an isentropic compression process (kJ/kg); and
• W comp is the input power to the compressor (W).
• implementations of this invention comprise a rotor assembly comprising a shaft; a first end plate and a second endplate; and a rotor; and an input shaft, wherein the rotor and the input shaft are machined as an integral unit; and wherein the rotor is positioned between the first and second end plates.
• the first end plate and the input shaft can be machined as an integral unit.
• a first liner can be positioned between the first end plate and the rotor.
• the liner can be a first liner and the rotor assembly can further comprise a second liner positioned between the second end plate and the rotor.
• the liner can comprise a ceramic disk.
• the liner can be formed from PTFE.
• implementations of this invention comprise a rotor assembly comprising a shaft; a first end plate and a second endplate; and a rotor; and an input shaft, wherein the first end plate and the input shaft are machined as an integral unit; and wherein the rotor is positioned between the first and second end plates.
• the rotor and the input shaft can be machined as an integral unit.
• the rotor can be formed from a first rotor half and a second rotor half.
• a first liner can be positioned between the first end plate and the rotor.
• the liner can be a first liner and the rotor assembly can further comprise a second liner positioned between the second end plate and the rotor.
• the liner can comprise a ceramic disk.
• the liner can be formed from PTFE.
• implementations of this invention comprise a rotor assembly comprising a housing defining an internal cavity having an inner wall surface, wherein the housing has a housing longitudinal axis extending transverse to a housing plane that bisects the inner wall surface; a rotor assembly comprising a shaft; a first end plate and a second endplate; a rotor; and an input shaft, wherein the rotor and the input shaft are machined as an integral unit; wherein the rotor is positioned between the first and second end plates and wherein the rotor assembly further comprises a peripheral surface and is positioned within the internal cavity of the housing; and a gate having a distal end, the gate being slidably mounted therewith the rotor and movable axially about and between a first position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a first distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor, and a second position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a second distance from the
• first end plate and the input shaft can be machined as an integral unit.
• a first liner can be positioned between the first end plate and the rotor.
• the liner can be a first liner and the rotor assembly can further comprise a second liner positioned between the second end plate and the rotor.
• the liner can comprise a ceramic disk.
• the liner can be formed from PTFE.
• implementations of this invention comprise a rotor assembly comprising a housing defining an internal cavity having an inner wall surface, wherein the housing has a housing longitudinal axis extending transverse to a housing plane that bisects the inner wall surface; a rotor assembly comprising a shaft; a first end plate and a second endplate; a rotor; and an input shaft, wherein the first end plate and the input shaft are machined as an integral unit; wherein the rotor is positioned between the first and second end plates and wherein the rotor assembly further comprises a peripheral surface and is positioned within the internal cavity of the housing; and a gate having a distal end, the gate being slidably mounted therewith the rotor and movable axially about and between a first position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a first distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor, and a second position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a second distance from the
• the rotor and the input shaft can be machined as an integral unit.
• the rotor can be formed from a first rotor half and a second rotor half.
• a first liner can be positioned between the first end plate and the rotor.
• the liner can be a first liner and the rotor assembly can further comprise a second liner positioned between the second end plate and the rotor.
• the liner can comprise a ceramic disk.
• the liner can be formed from PTFE.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Applications Or Details Of Rotary Compressors (AREA)
• Rotary Pumps (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=49083345

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Families Citing this family (8)

Family Cites Families (6)

• 2013
  • 2013-03-01 CN CN201380020772.5A patent/CN104271960A/zh active Pending
  • 2013-03-01 US US14/382,083 patent/US20150064043A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2013-03-01 EP EP13754234.6A patent/EP2820308A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2013-03-01 IN IN7965DEN2014 patent/IN2014DN07965A/en unknown
  • 2013-03-01 WO PCT/US2013/028671 patent/WO2013131004A1/en active Application Filing

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events